From Code Blogging to CEO: The Story of a Female Tech Entrepreneur Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia's Tech Landscape
An Exclusive Interview With Shaima AlGhamdi, Founder and CEO of Flawless.
Shaima AlGhamdi is a Riyadh native and founder of Flawless.
She’s the definition of an entrepreneur. She’s an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur.
She built MVPs.
She started with a blog.
She started a company.
She built partnerships.
All while still working full-time.
She led tech training programs in Riyadh.
She joined Riyadh Techstars’ Accelerator 2nd cohort.
She’s been accepted to Google's “Woman In Tech” Program.
Plain and simple: She’s a hustler.
If I told you that 33% of the tech workforce in Saudi Arabia are women, would you believe me? That's a higher rate of women in tech than in the EU and Silicon Valley. Yes, you read that right.
The misconceptions about Saudi Arabia are decades old, and in the past seven years, the country has been unrecognizable to many.
This fact might turn heads, especially in a region that's quickly changing its views on women in tech.
During LEAP24, I got to sit down and talk with Shaima.
Her journey from coding to CEO, her challenges, her wins, and her vision for the future offer a fresh lens on what it means to be a woman in tech in Saudi Arabia today.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation.
From Computer Science Graduate to Tech Entrepreneur
It all started with a simple blog—something to call her own.
Shaima saw a gap—a space where students, just like she was, needed guidance to bridge their knowledge with the real world.
Her initial blog posts shared her personal journey, the challenges she faced transitioning from a computer science graduate to finding her place in the tech industry, and the lessons learned along the way.
But what began as a personal project quickly resonated with others, growing into a community seeking direction and inspiration. This response highlighted a gap in the market—a lack of accessible, relatable, and practical career coaching for tech aspirants.
"I started an online blog, and after a few months, it started booming. People started asking me questions,” said AlGhamdi.
Recognizing this, Shaima transitioned her blog into Flawless.
Today, Flawless offers tailored career roadmaps, one-on-one consultation sessions, and a supportive community. Each feature of Flawless reflects Shaima's understanding that the journey into tech is as much about personal growth and self-discovery as it is about acquiring technical skills.
"I saw this is not only me; it represents millions of students," AlGhamdi said, highlighting the widespread need for such a resource.
Through Flawless, Shaima not only offers a career coaching platform for many but also stands as an inspiration, demonstrating what's possible when determination meets opportunity in Saudi Arabia's evolving tech landscape.
They Were Surprised to See a Saudi Woman in Tech
The role of women in Saudi Arabia's tech industry is changing, and it's changing fast.
Today, women are leading the charge and reshaping the industry landscape. AlGhamdi stands out as a prime example. She's not only succeeding but also showing what women can achieve in tech.
"I was in women tech makers with Google and met many women worldwide. They were surprised to see a Saudi woman in tech, questioning if cultural restrictions hindered my work. I explained that these were outdated views. The country and its culture are evolving, and women are now integral in various sectors."
AlGhamdi’s efforts mirror a wider push for more female involvement in tech. The government and educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia that back women in STEM are making a difference. They're opening doors, offering resources, and supporting leadership roles for women. Shaima's Flawless is a testament to this support. It's proof that women can carve their space in tech.
"In the past few years, I have been working with governmental entities in training and coaching, specifically in the tech field."
According to Shaima, the transformation goes beyond just participation. Women are not only joining the tech field; they're shaping its future.
They're innovating, leading, and proving that the tech industry in Saudi Arabia is richer and more dynamic with their contributions.
On Partnering With U.S.-Based Silicon Valley Funded Company, Audo
“Partnering with Audo makes a lot of sense. They built an amazing platform that will revolutionize the way individuals explore career paths and unlock their full potential. This has been the Flawless mindset from day one, and we’re happy to make this happen."
Audo builds the tools you need to make the right move for your career. It allows you to gain relevant skills, optimize your resume, prep for interviews, and get noticed by hiring managers.
Many aspiring tech professionals might feel overwhelmed when starting their careers. There’s uncertainty, competition, and the fast-paced nature of the industry.
As far as AlGhamdi is concerned, this shouldn't be a barrier. Starting a career in tech should be an empowering journey. That’s where Flawless + Audo comes in.
It starts off with getting to know you. Really know you.
Through personalized assessments, Audo determines your strengths and how they match up with the current tech landscape. These assessments are designed to pinpoint not just where you can start but where you can shine.
Then, there are one-on-one consultation sessions. The goal is to deep dive into individual goals, obstacles, and opportunities. Shaima and her team understand that every student’s journey is unique, and they tailor their guidance to reflect that.
Why does this personalized approach matter more now than ever? The tech scene never stands still, so skills in demand today might change tomorrow.
"It's going to be an online platform for all students in the MENA region."
With Flawless, stepping into the tech and career guidance industry doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It's about clear steps, personal advice, and getting ready for the future, no matter how fast things change.
This is what Shaima is all about: making tech straightforward and accessible for everyone.
After talking with Shaima AlGhamdi, it's clear that Saudi Arabia's tech scene is changing, and women like Shaima are leading the charge. From starting a simple blog to creating Flawless, Shaima's journey is a blueprint for innovation and determination in a landscape ripe for change.
Her story challenges old views and highlights the exciting developments in Saudi Arabia's tech landscape, propelled by initiatives like Vision 2030. Shaima's path reflects the increasing support for innovators in the Kingdom, particularly women.
Thank you, Shaima, for sharing your story!