womanwork
Tazeen brings in over 17 years of experience from top notch MNCs such as Cupola Group, Abudawood and Telenor Microfinance Bank (previously known as Tameer Microfinance Bank) as the Group Executive Director, Human Resources. She possesses excellent exposure to organisational development & change management. Tazeen has hands-on experience of major organisational transformations and acquisitions. She is a certified coach for ‘Playing well as a team’ and ‘Planning and priority setting’ courses. Tazeen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Hamdard University. These days, Tazeen is attached with Shan Foods. Her current areas of focus include organisational development, employer branding and cultural transformation. In a candid interview with You! Tazeen talks about her work and shares some of her experiences with our readers...
You! Not many women are on senior positions in HR. What skills are most important for this field?
Tazeen Adnan: I believe that the most important traits for this field include open communication, empathy and a robust understanding of business strategy. In this field, it is absolutely vital to align all decisions, big or small, with the overall business objectives.
You! Being a woman at a senior position, what kinds of challenges do you encounter?
TA: Women in senior positions or in any position really, have faced and still continue to face hardships globally in their work life. However, thankfully in my position I have earned a lot of respect through my work and my voice is heard. I, along with my team, strive on a daily basis to ensure we provide an inclusive work space for everyone who works in our company.
You! What do you like most about your job?
TA: The challenge of managing both, local and international HR, the transformation journey, being a change leader and preparing change agents for the organisation.
You! What are some of the perks of being an employee of a known company?
TA: Association with the company, brand equity and to be considered as an industry opinion leader.
You! What may be the downside of being in this field?
TA: If you are good with people, then you will have a lot of fun. I knew what I was getting myself into when I joined the field, and because it has always been my passion to lead and interact with people – I enjoy doing what I do. The downsides of this field, or any field for that matter, come when you do not like what you do.
You! What are the main issues, in your eyes, being faced by Pakistani women today?
TA: The main issue that is and always has been faced by women in our society is people’s unacceptance for independent women. We still have a long way to go for women to feel accepted and standing on their own two feet. It can happen only when we have men and women working together on an equal footing.
You! What’s the secret of being successful in any field?
TA: In my opinion, there are three critical recipes of being successful in any field today: aspiration, commitment and hard work. Collectively, not individually, these traits can help turbo boost your professional journey - across any field, organisation or geographical location.
You! What are the positive points of being economically independent?
TA: For women in general, it is very important to become financially independent - not just for personal reasons, but for the country and society as a whole. Financial independence brings with it a set of collective changes, and the effects and benefits are far reaching. From a more personal perspective, self-sufficiency empowers a woman to become more confident in her own self. It helps her believe and realise that her dreams and aspirations are achievable, and are in her control. This leads to a chain-reaction, a series of positive effects, in almost all facets of a person’s life.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
TA: Aspire to be independent and keep your feet on the ground - there is no challenge out there not worthy of seizing.
You! What does a typical day look like for you?
TA: It has become a part of my routine to wake up early every day, with my official day starting with me dropping my son to school and heading to the office. Punctuality is a trait I hold significant value to and I try to abide by my own rules by being on time, if not early, to work every day. During the work day, I usually go through a series of meetings with my colleagues and stakeholders of the company, and deliver my tasks before heading home to my family.
You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?
TA: It’s always a challenge to manage work and family life together, perhaps for everyone - but the key is in finding a sustainable balance. I try to manage my time more effectively every day, to ensure I am always available to my family while delivering my best at work.
You! Your philosophy of life:
TA: Personally - I think one should do what they want to do with all their heart & soul, always giving the best shot possible! That is the only thing in our control, our effort, and we should make the most of it.
You! How do you unwind?
TA: I try to spend as much time with my family as I possibly can, I find that that helps me unwind the most. Outside of family time, I love to read - where I try to pick up a new book every chance I get.
You! Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years?
TA: One of my long-standing wishes is to study more and hopefully get my Ph.D. within the next 5 years, but I will continue to pursue my aspirations.
You! Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
TA: This is a motto I personally live by and would like to share with the readers today: dream big, and have the courage to follow your dreams.