#LifeLessons - The Biggest Life Learnings Of Celin Jacob

NAME: Celin Jacob

JOB TITLE: Chief Operating Officer, Aster Hospital Al Qusais & Muhaisnah

When Celin Jacobs first moved to Dubai in 2019, she was a nurse leader with dreams of making an impact. Five years later, she sits at the helm of two major hospitals in the Aster network as Chief Operating Officer.  A nurse by training, a strategist by instinct, and a leader by example, Celin carries her journey like a storybook that blends resilience, growth, and purpose. Her role spans across strategic planning, operational excellence, financial oversight, patient experience initiatives, and ensuring quality compliance across their hospitals. Celin leads multidisciplinary teams, support doctors and nurses in creating smooth care journeys for patients, and push initiatives that strengthen their reputation as one of the most trusted healthcare systems in the region.

Beneath the intensity of my COO role, Celin is also a mother to a 9-year-old daughter, Cheryl, whose school stories keep her grounded and smiling after long days. Balancing motherhood, leadership, and personal wellbeing is a conscious discipline, and her daily routine is what keeps it all in rhythm.

Today Celin shares with us her biggest life learnings so far:

#LIFELESSON – 1- Leadership starts at home

For me , the discipline of motherhood: early mornings, routines, consistency—shapes how I show up at work. “If I can start my day balancing school uniforms and schedules, the boardroom doesn’t scare me.” Lesson: how you handle the small, unseen responsibilities gives you strength for the bigger ones

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Fires will always come, prepare your mindset, not just your calendar

In healthcare, no day goes as planned. “I don’t plan my hours to the last minute. I plan my mindset-to stay calm, think fast, and make decisions under pressure.” Lesson: resilience is a skill, not a schedule.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - Fitness is not a luxury—it’s fuel

My non-negotiable gym sessions are more than about strength: they sharpen my clarity and patience. Lesson: taking care of your body is not indulgence; it’s what makes you capable of taking care of others.

#LIFELESSON – 4 - Success is teamwork, not solo wins

From Operation teams to doctors, I believe hospitals thrive only when everyone moves in rhythm. Lesson: no matter your title, collaboration is the only way to create real impact.

#LIFELESSON – 5 - Never forget the human side

Amid numbers and deadlines, I treasures patient stories, staff morale, and my daughter’s school gossip. Lesson: the heart of leadership is not metrics, it’s people.