NAME: Marilena Hadgianni
AGE: 41
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @marie_elena_hgp/ @yayamiddleeast
JOB TITLE: Co-founder & CMO Yaya Middle East / Director of Marketing, Chalhoub Group
MOVED TO THE UAE IN: January 2011
Marilena Hadgianni is a British-Greek marketing professional based in Dubai, with over 18 years of experience in the luxury, beauty, and fashion industries, having worked at Chopard, Sephora, Ounass, and the Chalhoub Group. She has successfully launched major brands in the Middle East, including SKIMS and Huda Beauty.
In December 2023, she co-founded Yaya Middle East, the #1 app for finding nannies in the UAE and the country’s all-in-one family care app. Yaya connects families with trusted services across childcare, wellness, education, and lifestyle—from nannies and sleep consultants to child psychologists, party planners, and swim coaches. A mother of two, Marilena is passionate about family, branding, and personal development. She also serves as a certified coach and enjoys helping others achieve their full potential.
Marilena is deeply committed to women's empowerment in the workplace. As a member of the International Women's Board of the Directors CMO committee, she advocates for leadership opportunities and mentorship for women in the marketing and business sectors. Through her work, she strives to create spaces where women can thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to their industries. Outside of her professional life, Marilena is passionate about food and fitness, embracing a healthy lifestyle that helps her stay balanced and energized. In her free time, Marilena enjoys spending time outdoors. She loves going to the beach, taking bike rides, and going for walks.
Let's learn about a day in the life and career of Marilena:
7AM: The day starts with a rush—there’s no other way to describe it. My 5 and 3-year-old children are up and about, and within 20 minutes, they’re fed, dressed, and out the door. It feels like the first victory of the day—sometimes, I'm not even sure how we managed to make it out on time! It impresses me how fast we move when we’re on the clock. The morning is the perfect mix of chaos and routine, and I can’t help but feel proud that we seem to have got it down to an art.
7.45AM: After the school and nursery drop-offs, I head straight to F45 for my morning workout. Fitness has always been my outlet, especially since becoming a mom. I’ve been going to F45 since early 2018, and it’s become an essential part of my day. The quick, intense 45-minute session helps me clear my mind and recharge. I really feel the difference in my energy levels after a good workout, and it sets the tone for the rest of my day. A quick shower and change, and I’m ready to take on whatever will come my way today.
9AM: From here, the whirlwind begins. Back-to-back—strategy calls, branding briefs, and a bit of problem-solving when things inevitably don’t go as planned. Every day is a new challenge, but that’s what keeps it exciting. Every day brings something unexpected, and I love having the flexibility to adapt, make quick decisions, and watch everything come together. It keeps me on my toes and makes every day feel new.
1PM: On days when I work from home, I make it a point to pick up my kids from school. I’ve realized how important it is to stay connected with their teachers and to really understand how they’re progressing, both academically and socially. These little check-ins mean a lot to me and I cherish the next 20 minutes wholeheartedly - hearing about their day, even if just a few silly anecdotes. On the way home, we’ll sing songs at the top of our lungs—anything from greatest hits to The Lion King. It's one of the few moments in the day where everything slows down, and it’s just pure joy. Sometimes, if I’m lucky and the schedule allows, I’ll squeeze in a quick lunch at home with them, and we’ll talk about everything and nothing before jumping back into meetings and calls. They energize me in ways I didn’t expect, and it makes the second half of my workday so much more manageable.
5.30PM: As the day winds down, I start wrapping up the remaining meetings and calls. If I've had any outside meetings earlier in the day, I make sure to do a little check-in at the office to ensure everthing is on track. This is the time I use to prepare for the following day, responding to emails, organizing thoughts, and making sure I’m ready to hit the ground running in the morning. Then, it's time to head home and catch those last precious moments with the kids before they go to bed.
7PM: Dinner time with the kids is a non-negotiable and if the weather’s nice, we will walk our dog in the compound or hop on our bikes after dinner. These simple moments are my favorite—they’re when I really get to hear about the little things that made their day special, like a new friend at school or a fun game they played. We laugh and talk about everything and nothing, and I just soak it all in. Afterward, it’s time for baths, bedtime stories, and lots of cuddles before they drift off to sleep. There’s something incredibly calming about the house after they’re tucked in, and I often find myself reflecting on how lucky I am to be their mom and how this is the most fulfilling job I will ever have.
8.30PM: After the kids are in bed, my husband and I sit down for some quality time together. With a cup of tea (and maybe a little chocolate), we talk about our day, share updates on Yaya, and brainstorm ideas for new projects. This is often when we get the most creative. We’ll brainstorm new services, explore features we want to bring to life, and bounce ideas off each other. It’s a special time where we’re not just partners in life, but also in business. There’s something uniquely exciting about working together and making things happen.
10.30PM: As my Apple Watch tells me it’s almost time for bed, I feel a sense of fulfillment. Another busy day is done, and while I’m tired, I’m also excited about what’s to come tomorrow. Every day is a mix of hard work, family moments, and unexpected joys—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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