At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Afrida Zaman for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. She is a Leader, Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, Image Consultant, Influencer and Change Enabler. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Afrida:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My career spans 23 years an image consultant, finesse coach in the aviation, hospitality, real estate industry. Having worked for Jetairways Ltd, ITC Hotels and real estate company, I have gained a wealth of experience in grooming and presenting oneself professionally.
During my time in this role, I was responsible for overseeing the grooming department for all the hotels, and people under my purview. This involved auditing and developing guidelines for how employees should present themselves in front of guests.
Through my work, I developed a deep understanding of the importance of presenting oneself professionally in each of these industries.
I understood that the way an employee presents themselves can greatly impact a guest’s perception of the company and have worked tirelessly to ensure that all employees are presenting themselves in the best possible light.”
In my role, I had to balance the needs of the company with the individual needs of each employee. I worked closely with each employee to ensure that they understood the guidelines and were able to present themselves in a way that felt authentic and comfortable to them.
Now that I have started my own consultancy, I use this experience to help other businesses and individuals in any customer facing industry. I have worked with hotels, restaurants, academy, beauty pageants, real estate, and other businesses to develop customised guidelines for grooming and presentation that align with their brand and values. I help businesses train their employees on how to present themselves professionally, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the professional world.
Through my consultancy, I make a positive impact on the industry, helping individuals & businesses present themselves in the best possible light and providing guests with an exceptional experience.”
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for helping young professionals develop these soft skills likely stems from my own experiences in the industry. I understood first-hand how important it is to have strong communication skills and a strong sense of self-awareness in order to succeed in a competitive and fast-paced environment.
Now I am looking to give back to young professionals, I use my years of experience to help guide them on their own personal and professional journeys. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions to help individuals develop their communication skills, public speaking abilities, self-awareness and building confidence.”
In addition, I offer group workshops and seminars to help young professionals learn how to present themselves effectively in the professional world. I provide them with tools and strategies to navigate common challenges such as job interviews, networking events, and workplace conflicts.
Through my coaching and workshops, I make a real difference in the lives of young professionals, helping them to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. My passion for personal development and my years of experience in the industry makes me uniquely qualified to offer guidance and support to those just starting out on their own journeys.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
My passion for giving back to young professionals and helping them develop their communication skills, public speaking abilities, and self-awareness likely stems from my own personal journey and experiences.
Through my 25 years of experience in the aviation, hospitality, and real estate industries, I have undoubtedly faced numerous challenges, setbacks. These experiences have likely taught me the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively in order to overcome obstacles and succeed.
Now, I seek to help young professionals who fear and feel stuck in their personal and professional lives, I draw on my own experiences to offer guidance and support. I help these individuals identify their strengths and areas for growth, and work with them to develop effective communication skills and strategies for navigating challenging situations.
However, I also face some challenges as I embark on this new venture. One potential challenge is working with individuals who may not be receptive to feedback or resistant to change. It may also be difficult to balance the needs of different individuals and tailor your approach to their unique strengths and challenges.
Despite these potential challenges, my driving force for giving back to young professionals is likely my own desire to make a positive impact and help others succeed. I have experienced the benefits of personal and professional development first-hand, and I want to share these benefits with others who may be struggling.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My family is clearly a major source of motivation for me in my daily life. My husband’s understanding and support for my journey, and my daughter’s inspiring start in her own career, likely serve as daily reminders of the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on others.
In addition to my family, I also find motivation in the positive feedback and progress you see in the young professionals I work with. Seeing them grow and develop their skills, overcome their fears, and achieve their goals is a powerful source of motivation and fulfilment for me.”
I also draw motivation from my own personal experiences and the challenges that I have overcome throughout my career. Remembering the lessons I have learned and the skills I have developed can serve as a reminder of the importance of personal and professional development and the impact it can have on one’s life and career.
Finally, the impact I can make on the lives of young professionals who fear and feel stuck in their personal and professional lives is a significant source of motivation. Knowing that I have the ability to help others overcome their fears and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling and gives me a sense of purpose and meaning in my work.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
There are many strategies that have helped me grow as a person and develop the skills and expertise I have gained throughout my career. However, some key strategies that may have contributed to my personal growth and success include:
Continuous Learning – To stay relevant and effective in my field, it is important to continually seek out new knowledge and skills. I kept upgrading my skills with doing my MBA, getting certified as a trainer from The Emily Post Institute, USA
Self-reflection – Taking the time to reflect on my experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and goals helped me gain self-awareness and identify areas for improvement. Regular self-reflection also helped me stay focused and motivated as I work towards my personal and professional goals.
Taking Risks – Overcoming the fear and taking calculated risks can be key to achieving success in any field. By stepping outside of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges, I gained valuable experience and build confidence in my abilities.
Seeking Feedback – Feedback from colleagues, mentors, and clients can provide valuable insights into strengths and areas for improvement. By seeking out feedback and being open to constructive criticism, I continuously improved my skills and effectiveness as a professional.
Persistence – Achieving success in any field requires persistence and a willingness to persevere through challenges and setbacks. By maintaining a positive attitude and staying committed to my goals, I believe I can overcome obstacles and achieve the success I desire.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Here are some key points that I may believe are important for young professionals to keep in mind as they strive for success:
> Continuous learning: Success often requires a commitment to ongoing learning and self-improvement. By staying up-to-date with industry trends and seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth, you can remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.
> Strong communication skills: Communication skills are essential in virtually any career. By developing the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively, you can build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers and achieve your professional goals.
> Self-awareness: Developing a deep understanding of your own strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals is key to achieving success. By becoming more self-aware, you can identify areas for improvement and capitalize on your unique strengths and talents.
> Adaptability: In today’s rapidly changing job market, the ability to adapt and pivot quickly is essential. By being open to new ideas and approaches and remaining flexible in the face of challenges, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
> Persistence: Finally, persistence is often the key to achieving success. By setting clear goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and remaining committed to your vision, you can overcome setbacks and achieve the success you desire.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Here are some tips that might help the readers:
– Set clear goals: Success begins with a clear sense of direction. Identify your goals and work toward them with focus and determination.
– Seek out opportunities for learning and growth: The most successful professionals are lifelong learners. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills through education, training, and other professional development programs.
– Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and when you do experience setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow.
– Develop strong communication skills: Communication skills are essential in virtually any career. Practice active listening, and work to develop clear, concise, and persuasive communication skills.
– Build strong relationships: Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers is key to success. Be a good listener, and focus on building connections based on mutual respect and trust.
– Stay focused on your core values: Staying true to your core values can help you stay motivated and focused as you pursue your professional goals.
Remember that success is a journey, and it requires commitment, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
My journey in aviation, hospitality, and real estate has provided me with a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be invaluable to young professionals seeking to develop their skills in communication, public speaking, self-awareness, and professional presentation.
What makes my journey truly unique and exciting is the passion and dedication that I bring to my work, as well as my commitment to giving back to others. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in leadership, communication, and personal development, and have used these skills to help others succeed in their own careers.
My ability to inspire and motivate others is a testament to my own personal growth and the impact I have had on the lives of those around me. Perhaps most exciting is the fact that your journey is far from over.
As I continue to explore new opportunities and challenges, I am constantly learning and growing, and my experiences and insights will continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for those who seek my guidance.”
The satisfaction I derived from my journey comes not only from the success I have achieved but also from the impact I have had on others. Seeing others grow and succeed as a result of my guidance is a reward in itself, and it is this sense of purpose that drives me forward and keeps you motivated.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
