Sara Minelli

About Sara

How did you end up at Bain? 

I learned about Bain after a stint in investment banking. I joined because I wanted to have a more immediate impact and a much closer relationship with clients. I started in the Milan office as a consultant, and naturally started working in the financial sector where I worked on topics including digital transformation, human capital and change management. A few years later, I was lucky enough to be able to move to our Dubai office where I work in the Public Sector practice. Focusing on projects in education, human capital, and early childhood inspire and drive me every day. 

How did you know that Bain was the right company for you? 

I felt I was doing the right thing during the application process because every person I met was someone I thought I’d genuinely enjoy spending time with.  

Over the past nine years, this feeling was confirmed as I found Bainies have an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for our clients, deeply care about people, are extremely fun to be around, and most importantly, align with my values. I wake every morning being excited about the day ahead and look forward to spending time with my colleagues and clients.    

How do you make an impact at Bain? 

Impact is one of my main drivers, and I really wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have the opportunity to affect change with our clients and communities we operate in. I get excited about different types of projects, industries, and impact I could drive. In my work within the public sector, the impact on the broader community feels immediate and profound. For example, when I work on education strategies or early childhood initiatives, the sense of responsibility and privilege I feel is huge. This keeps me accountable and gives me energy every day.

What fuels your passion for DEI? 

People who know me, know I have a passion for DEI. It became very personal when I realized what a huge opportunity and privilege I have. I’m proud to work with a company such as Bain that is committed to setting new standards of excellence at a time where women are advocating for equity – and the world is listening.

Once I started exploring themes like unconscious bias, what makes people feel included, and some of the structural opportunities and challenges that exist in the workplace, I wanted to get involved. The DEI agenda has gained momentum in the Middle East, and the region is rich with multiculturalism. I’ve been fortunate to play an active role within our office and alongside our clients, championing meaningful change initiatives.    

How would you describe the Bain Middle East community?  

I couldn’t think of a more welcoming place for expats than our Middle East offices. You have a buddy assigned to you, coffee chats, cultural induction, and the warmest welcome from everyone. We have over 55 nationalities represented in the Dubai office, so it feels natural to become part of the group. It’s amazing how everyone switches between languages, how you’re able to learn new traditions and cultural habits across nationalities, but how at the same time, Dubai becomes a home where it’s easy to make real friends in a very short amount of time. 

Did you have ties to region before joining Bain Dubai? What made you choose to move? 

I decided to move to the Dubai office in 2021 due to wanting to gain energy and have new experiences after a draining Covid-19 period in Italy. I’d never been to Dubai before, but as I was considering my move, I wanted an English-speaking country that wasn’t far away from Italy and welcomed expats. Dubai was the natural choice.

I did my due diligence by speaking to my colleagues who embarked on similar journeys, and got excited about my opportunities for growth, the winds of change that were sweeping the region, and yes, the opportunity to live in a flat with sea views! I couldn’t have made a better choice.

Sara's Career Story

Championing social impact and DEI across the Middle East