“Where we come from should never define our ceiling.”
From her roots in Seychelles to her executive role in the Middle East, Rachel Madeleine’s journey is a powerful testament to purpose, perseverance, and pride in where you come from.
Today, as HR Director for Volkswagen Group Middle East and a newly recognised MENA (Middle East North Africa) Top 100 HR Leaders awardee, Rachel stands among the region’s most influential voices in human capital transformation—leading not just with strategy, but with heart. In this exclusive interview with Cosmocreole, she shares her inspiring journey, leadership philosophy, and the values that continue to guide her path.
Born and raised in Mont Buxton, Seychelles, Rachel Madeleine’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unshakeable belief in the power of values. Growing up in a large, close-knit household of 10 biological and 15 adopted siblings, Rachel learnt early the meaning of community, responsibility, and compassion. Raised by disciplined Christian parents who believed deeply in education, integrity, and hard work, these principles have remained the compass guiding her leadership journey today.
Those foundations have carried Rachel far beyond the small island nation she proudly calls home. The award as one of the MENA Top 100 HR Leaders is a milestone that reflects not only professional excellence but also a deeply human approach to leadership.
“I felt deeply honoured and humbled,” Rachel says of the award. “Coming from Seychelles, a small island nation of just under 100,000 people, this recognition is not just my achievement; it is a proud moment for my country.” For her, the accolade is a reminder that authenticity, humility, and heart-led leadership do not go unnoticed. “Where we come from should never define our ceiling,” she adds. “Our capabilities, determination, and integrity allow us to shine.”
A Journey Fueled by Opportunity and Courage
Rachel’s educational path began at La Rosière School and the School of Business Studies and Accounting in Seychelles, before taking her to the United Kingdom, where she completed AAT and ACCA Level studies (Accounting professional qualifications), followed later by her CIPD qualification (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the leading professional body for Human Resources). With a strong foundation in finance and a growing interest in people and organisational development, her career naturally evolved at the intersection of numbers and human potential.
Her move to the Middle East came through a defining opportunity. While working in Seychelles, Rachel was offered the chance to relocate to Dubai to help set up the accounting department for Pizza Express. “I remain forever grateful to Mr Radia,” she reflects. “He was a humble leader who saw potential in me and opened doors that changed the course of my life.”
Dubai would become her home for 23 years, shaping both her professional growth and personal journey. After a short career break following the birth of her daughter, Rachel joined Bateaux Dubai and, later, the Volkswagen Group Middle East, where her transition fully into human resources leadership took shape.
When the company expanded into Qatar, Rachel moved to Doha to lead HR operations for both the Qatar and Dubai offices as HR Director and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Today, Qatar is home, though her connection to Dubai—and to Seychelles—remains deeply rooted.
Redefining HR with a People-First Philosophy
With experience across finance and HR, Rachel brings a unique lens to leadership—one that balances structure with empathy. She has witnessed firsthand how HR in the region has evolved. “HR has transformed from a transactional function into a strategic, people-centric discipline,” she explains. “Today, we are expected to understand the business, anticipate future needs, drive innovation, and shape culture.”
At Volkswagen Group Middle East, her leadership philosophy is anchored in one guiding principle: people first. “Our employees are the most valuable asset of our organisation,” she says. Her approach centres on recognition, empowerment, belonging, clarity, and mutual respect. “HR should be the backbone that supports the business and its people with equal strength.”
As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation—from electrification to digitalisation and new mobility trends—Rachel sees HR as a co-pilot in navigating change. “We are no longer supporting from the sidelines,” she says. “We are co-steering the transformation by upskilling talent, creating agility, and fostering a culture of growth and innovation.”
Leadership, Womanhood, and Staying True
Like many women in leadership, Rachel’s path has not been without obstacles. Yet she views challenges as part of the journey rather than deterrents. “There will be speed bumps, detours, and roadblocks,” she says. “But I held onto the values my mother instilled in me—if your conscience is clear and you stand for what is right, never give up.”
Her words are both poetic and powerful: “When people throw stones at you, build a castle.” Self-belief, resilience, and staying true to her values have been her constant anchors.
Working in highly multicultural environments has further shaped her leadership style. For Rachel, inclusion goes beyond representation. “It’s about perspective, creativity, and collective strength,” she explains. Respect, tolerance, and open-mindedness are not optional—they are essential to building workplaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
A Message to Women from Small Islands
Rachel’s message to young women—especially those from small island nations like Seychelles—is deeply personal. “Do not let the size of your home country make you doubt your potential,” she says. “If I could do it, raised on a small hill in Mont Buxton, so can you.”
Her advice is simple yet profound: believe in yourself, stay curious, remain authentic, embrace challenges, and never hesitate to ask for help. “The world is far bigger than any boundary you grew up within,” she reminds us.
Grounded by Family, Guided by Purpose
Despite her demanding executive role, Rachel remains grounded through gratitude, self-awareness, and intentional pauses. She draws strength from her family and from her role as a wife and a proud mother to one daughter—her greatest source of joy and purpose.
Looking ahead, Rachel remains focused on meaningful impact. She hopes to continue building inclusive workplaces, developing future leaders, and inspiring others to dream boldly. Above all, she wants her journey to stand as proof that greatness knows no geographic limits.
From Mont Buxton to the Middle East, Rachel Madeleine is not only shaping the future of HR—she is redefining what leadership looks like when it is led with heart.
