Manager Mailbag: Answering Questions about Leading in the Middle | 2026 Cosmic Conference

In this Manager Mailbag session, Marilyn Zakhour and Tala Odeh explored the lived experience of middle managers leading through uncertainty.Drawing on anonymized questions from managers across the GCC, the conversation focused on the tensions leaders are holding every day.Balancing performance with people. Providing direction without full visibility. Knowing when to take control and when to empower. Navigating influence in systems where decisions sit elsewhere.Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, this session unpacked how to navigate these tensions with more awareness, range, and intention.It’s a practical, honest look at what it means to lead in the middle when the path forward is not always clear.