“This business field requires financial capital, excellent strategy and solid planning… yes, sure! But it is first and foremost based on knowledge.” Jacqueline Zammar
Jacqueline Zammar, Lebanese entrepreneur, General Manager and Founder of Profunds.
ProFunds is a member of the micro finance association in the UK.
She holds a Master’s degree in Financial Economics from the American University of Beirut and she gained a strong experience in the financial field with an important knowledge and history in financial services industry.
The idea of ProFunds came to life after seeing too many people struggle financially when a small loan could make a huge difference in their situation.
Following the steps of Jacquline’s business guru, the great Muhammad Yunus, she was convinced that this should be her career, now she continuously works on expanding the services of ProFunds, to cover various unaddressed needs in the market.
ProFunds idea was a learning process for her. The company is the road that she walks through every day. On this road she even learn more about every client, growing slowly but surely, while making sure that at ProFunds no client will ever become just a number or merely a file.
ProFunds helps people to get into better financial shape, financing their goals and dreams, their vision is to grow through financially fit and resourceful society. When the working class has the financial means to advance in life, our society will thrive and their company will grow with it.
Women are the primary focus of ProFunds. In order to participate in the local efforts of empowering women, ProFunds is currently tapping a poorly serviced market: women who need quick and small loans. Some of these women are micro-entrepreneurs, and some are just aiming at having sustainable growth of enterprise, and eventually, self-sufficiency.
Their core values are:
- Make a difference.
- Accountability is a must.
- Insure the well-being of their employees.
- Team spirit in a healthy working environment.
- Always present quality products-solutions that answer the market need.
- Personal care for the end result.
Let’s get to know Jacqueline on the personal level, she is each word she wrote and I admire her determination. Our country needs woman like her, she is making a huge impact on people’s life, in her close circle and professionally, I would love her to become the Lebanese Minister of Finance.
It is all about numbers as she says out of her love for numbers.
Her company in numbers: 1436 Microloans, 789 Small Businesses and 1326 Happy Clients.
Her confidence and competitiveness encouraged her to become a successful self starter. A passionate woman like her is a role model for all Lebanese Women with her open mind, her sense of creativity, her strong work ethics and communication skills and most of all her Passion for everything she does, her family, her work and her activities even.
How you had the idea of your business?
I was inspired by Muhammad Yunus.
Your role model (any field)
Christine Lagarde.
What are the important turning points in your life?
Every failure was a turning point.
What is your current state of mind?
Very focused. Very determined.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A few years ago, the central bank of Lebanon introduced some new regulations to the sector; that was a huge challenge to me.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My Generosity.
What is your favorite occupation?
Riding my horse.
What do you most value in your friends?
In the old ones their commitment to our friendship; in the new ones, giving me their time and their support.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My brother and sister.
What is your ultimate dislike?
Those who play the victims.
What you wish for all the time?
Justice.
What do you expect from the future?
To be up to my expectations.
What is your favorite daily attire?
My Business attire.
What things in life are still a mystery to you?
Being a Mother.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
I offered my 5-year-old niece her first violin.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Unfortunately, we are going through hard times in Lebanon and I’m going to be honest and say that nothing funny has happened to me recently.
What is your biggest fear?
To start all over again.
What would be your super power?
My positivity.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
A matter of trust for Billy Joel.
What would you name your boat if you had one?
Boats are never on my list because I don’t like the sea. But if ever, I would call it “Going Places”.
What is the best/worst purchase you’ve ever made?
Every purchase that only gave me instant happiness was a bad purchase.
What inspires you?
People inspire me the most.
An advice for your younger self?
Do it again and again and here’s a round of applause.
Define Art?
Emotions and reflections spoken out loud.
You pick freedom or Security?
Security.
What’s your spirit animal?
Horse… because I can make people happy… I’m Wild, but I can be tamed.
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