woman @ work
Saira Gabol is a senior HR professional with over 15 years of experience in Pakistan, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, and has worked with business leaders across diverse cultures and backgrounds to deliver results for their teams. Saira has experience in leading the HR function in the microfinance industry for an international MFB. She has also been a part of the HR team for large commercial banks, including HBL and HSBC.
Saira previously worked at a regional level for one of the world’s largest multinationals, with offices in 80 territories. Saira’s global perspective is complemented by her academic achievements, holding a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development with distinction from the University of Manchester, UK. As the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Khushhali Microfinance Bank, Saira is leading efforts to drive innovation in human capital management, with a focus on developing a resilient and inclusive workplace that aligns with the bank’s mission of promoting financial inclusion.
You! Tell us about your early days?
Saira Gabol: I started my career from an internship in HR and decided that this is the department I want to be a part of for the rest of my life.
You! Not many women are on senior positions in HR. What skills are most important for this field?
SG: I believe every journey starts with self-belief, as Stephen Covey says in his famous book on the 7 habits, “Private victory precedes public victory”. However, over the journey, key skills include leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and sound technician expertise.
You! What are your current areas of focus?
SG: As CHRO of Khushhali Microfinance Bank, in addition to aligning HR agenda with strategic business objectives, my first area of focus and personal passion is diversity, including building a strong pipeline of women leaders by providing them customised leadership development training and relevant opportunities. I believe it is equally important not to lose sight of the importance of human interaction and engagement; therefore, I ensure that we conduct a pulse check by meeting our ‘internal customers’ at town halls and other events, ensuring that we achieve the right balance between technology-driven processes and personal connections.
You! Being a woman on a senior position, what kind of challenges do you encounter?
SG: I believe facing unconscious bias is the greatest challenge, as these exist without a conscious acknowledgement in our minds by having a fixed idea of gender roles and jobs a woman can perform versus a man, especially when faced with senior-level roles. I believe the conscious effort to deal with persistent gender prejudices, especially without having any women mentors and role models, is very important.
You! What do you like most about your job?
SG: I really enjoy the people-oriented nature of my role and being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives.
You! What’s the recipe of being successful professionally in any field?
SG: Strong integrity and work ethic.
You! What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
SG: My most career-defining moment has been witnessing a complete mind-set shift as a result of consistent efforts to enable a group of people to see the other side of the picture. As a coach, I have been able to assist people to achieve a paradigm shift from a fixed mind-set to ‘let’s explore a solution together’.
You! What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional?
SG: The greatest risk I have taken is to leave a large commercial bank to join a much smaller foreign microfinance bank for a more challenging role.
You! Does your bank promote gender equality?
SG: Khushhali Microfinance Bank has long been a trailblazer in championing diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where talent thrives - regardless of gender. Many of our female colleagues began their journey in entry-level roles and have since risen to senior leadership positions, a testament to the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering women. From equal growth opportunities to a respectful, supportive work environment, our bank has enabled countless women to build long, fulfilling careers.
You! Can you tell us a bit about your Khushhali Khatoon Programme?
SG: Under Khushhali Khatoon Programme, we have launched exclusive benefits and leadership development programmes for women working in the bank, including day-care and transport allowance, displaying a strong commitment towards promoting diversity at all levels. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to support women at every stage of their professional journey.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
SG: Don’t be harsh on yourself and don’t set unrealistic standards. We are all growing, changing, improving on various skills every day. Allow yourself time for that journey and change to take place, and have faith that you will get there. Women are often highly critical of themselves, questioning their self-worth and adopting unrealistic physical, social and other standards thrown at them; therefore, I advise them to step back and evaluate themselves before accepting them.
You! What does a typical day look like for you?
SG: Run, run and run. I start my day around 6:30 am with 15 minutes of meditation followed by making a quick list of to do in my head before I reach work. I prioritise the morning hours for strategic and important items. My evenings are dedicated to my health and family time ensuring I am available for my children at home followed by dinner and early bed time.
You! What is your biggest indulgence at home?
SG: A warm cup of tea.
You! What is your most treasured possession?
SG: My garden swing!
You! What is the biggest relationship lesson you have learnt so far?
SG: Free will in every relationship and the choice to choose your path is most important. Even children need to be given a choice to choose right from wrong, so they practice making big decisions in life later.
You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?
SG: I ensure that I am 100 per cent present wherever I am. When I am home, my full focus is on my kids. They also plan their day around my timings, so we achieve a work-life balance together.
You! What are your future plans?
SG: I would like to leave a legacy and be an inspiration to other women and girls who are fighting on a professional/personal front in life so they can say if ‘She can do it so can I’.
