A convergence of factors led me to Saudi Arabia: Professional calling, wanderlust, and race fatigue. In my truth, I went to Saudi Arabia to borrow some adventure, enjoy a change of scenery, and secure more meaningful and impactful work. That was also during a period when some sectors in the US economy were still regrouping from the latest financial crisis. In academia, full-time university teaching positions were in short supply in a vacillating and crowded market. I was in a state of ennui with it all and found it daunting to step back into the full-time professor roles I had years prior, and I really did not care to try - for want of something fresh and new.
I surprised myself by accepting the professional contract offer from Saudi Arabia. It was a heavy decision that also intimidated me, for up to then, I was hearing nothing good about Saudi Arabia. The door had opened in answer to my desires and goals; however, I did not in my wildest imagination see myself planted in the Middle East, let alone Saudi Arabia. But as it would turn out, the Saudis needed me, and I needed them. My role would be Professor and Chair of the College of Business Administration (Female Campus) at Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University. It was a young and private University established in 2006 in the Eastern Province city of Khobar. My work would later extend into the business community and burgeoning campaigns to advance Saudi women into the workplace and as business leaders and entrepreneurs.
In my mind, since I had no direct experience with Saudi Arabia, I knew nothing; I trusted my decision and was not going to allow other people's fears and phobias to interfere with my plans, however much they loved and cared about me, and vice versa. During the would-be 5-year journey, it became clear to me that I was 'called' to the Kingdom by a higher hand.
Author Biography:
Dr. Elizabeth D. Taylor spent her entire career advancing the learning development, and betterment of peoples around the world as a university professor and administrator, business owner, visionary educational leader, media producer and author. She is the Founder and President of Wisdom-To-Go, a not-for-profit human potential organization. For 30 years, she was a professor at several universities in the US and abroad teaching a variety of subjects in business management and organizational development. As a University Guest Lecturer, public speaker, seminar leader, executive coach and dialogue specialist, Dr. Taylor worked with corporate leaders and staff on leadership and progressive strategies, organizational effectiveness and transformation, diversity and women's empowerment, conflict management, human resources management, life skills training, complex problem-solving, and vision work.Dr. Taylor was a nationally syndicated radio talk show host for 7 years, discussing topics of the day concerning personal growth and development needs. In her research and quest for ever-expanding cogent knowledge. Dr. Taylor engaged indigenous communities abroad centering on personal growth and indigenous wisdom and spirituality in Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Hawaii, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. She was invited to facilitate 'reconciliation' dialogues in South Africa by the SA Minister of Education at the end of apartheid. Dr. Taylor most recently spent over five years in the Middle East involved with an inter-nation campaign to educate, and uplift Saudi women, where she was a consultant and acted as a liaison between universities and corporations in the Kingdom to establish enrichment and educational programs for women.Dr. Taylor holds a Ph.D. from the Union Institute & University in Organizational Psychology and Leadership, and a Master of Science from University of San Francisco in Human Behavior and Organizational Development. She is a specialist in Jungian depth psychology, metaphysics and mysticism, classical theories of human growth, behavioral sciences, and organizational development. She is an award-winning author with several books under her wings, including, Straight Up! Teens' Guide to Taking Charge of Their Lives, for which Dr. Taylor received the American Library Award. Formula 9: Fortified Conscious Living for Modern Generations was launched in 2017 as a university textbook. From its success among college students, it is now on the scene as a commercial resource for larger audiences. Under the Abaya is a colorful telling of Dr. Taylor's 5-year immersion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
