In an exclusive interview with You!, Tazeen shares her successful journey with our readers…
woman @ work
Tazeen Shahid holds an MBA degree in Banking and Finance from IBA, Karachi, and have spent over two decades in the HR space. Her journey has taken her through diverse industries - banking, chemicals, insurance, and telecom - each contributing to her growth as a professional. She has worked with organisations like Standard Chartered, Bank Alfalah, BASF, and Jubilee Life. Currently she serves as the Chief People Officer at Jazz. In an exclusive interview with You!, Tazeen shares her successful journey with our readers…
You! Tell us about your early days:
Tazeen Shahid: I grew up in a household that deeply valued education and hard work. For my parents, gender was never a limitation - expectations were the same regardless. From an early age, I learned that if you wanted a seat at the table, you had to earn it through commitment, resilience, and a strong work ethic. That mind-set has stayed with me throughout my journey.
You! Not many women are in senior positions in HR. What skills are most important for this field?
TS: The field demands strategic thinking, strong communication, empathy, and the ability to translate business challenges into people solutions. Today, HR leaders are expected to enable growth and drive transformation, not just manage policies - so having a commercial lens is just as critical.
You! What are your current areas of focus?
TS: At Jazz, I’m focused on enabling our shift from a Telco to a digital services company. That means future-proofing our talent, embedding a culture of innovation, up skilling at scale, and delivering a consumer-grade employee experience across the organisation.
You! Being a woman in a senior position, what kinds of challenges do you encounter?
TS: Like any senior role, it comes with complexity and high expectations. There are moments when you have to navigate perceptions or challenge assumptions, but I approach those with authenticity. What matters is staying grounded and focused on delivering impact.
You! What do you like most about your job?
TS: The ability to influence the direction of a company through its people. HR lets you shape culture, unlock potential, and play a central role in driving transformation. No two days are the same - and that keeps it exciting.
You! What are the issues, in your eyes, being faced by Pakistani women today?
TS: Access to opportunities, societal expectations, and the challenge of balancing ambition with traditional roles. But I also see a lot of change - more women breaking barriers, raising their voices, and creating space for others. That momentum needs to continue.
You! What’s the recipe for being successful professionally in any field?
TS: Clarity, curiosity, and consistency. You need to know where you’re headed, keep learning along the way, and stay the course when things get tough. Surrounding yourself with the right mentors and staying open to feedback also makes a big difference.
You! What has been your most career-defining moment that you are proud of?
TS: It’s hard to pinpoint one exact moment. My journey has been shaped by a series of experiences, each bringing its own successes and learnings. Every transition, challenge, and breakthrough has contributed to who I am today. It’s the cumulative growth over the years that I’m most proud of.
You! What’s the greatest risk you’ve taken as a professional?
TS: I believe progress always comes with taking risks. I’ve worked across multiple industries and stepped into unfamiliar territory more than once. Each transition - from banking to chemicals to telecom - pushed me to adapt and grow, and each one shaped me in meaningful ways.
You! Does your organisation promote gender equality?
TS: Absolutely. At Jazz, gender inclusion is woven into how we hire, grow, and lead. Our leadership is committed, our policies are inclusive, and programmes like SheLeads help us build a stronger pipeline of women leaders across the company.
You! Can you shed light on SheLeads Programme?
TS: SheLeads is our flagship women’s leadership programme designed to help high-potential women grow with confidence. It offers mentorship, learning, and visibility - giving them the tools to lead effectively.
You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?
TS: Don’t hold back. Raise your hand, take the seat, and speak up. Your voice matters - don’t wait for permission to lead.
You! Could you name a woman who inspired you the most?
TS: I find inspiration in every woman who breaks stereotypes, wears multiple hats, and keeps showing up with strength and purpose - whether she’s leading a boardroom, managing a classroom, or running a household.
You! What does a typical day look like for you?
TS: Most days are full - meetings, conversations, and decisions that need to be made. I enjoy the people side of my work the most - listening, understanding challenges, and helping find a way forward. And no matter how busy the day gets, I try to wind down by spending time with my family. That’s what really helps me reset.
You! What is your biggest indulgence at home?
TS: Spending unhurried time at home with my kids is my biggest indulgence. I also find a lot of joy in tending to my garden and plants - being around greenery helps me slow down and feel centred. It’s in those quiet, everyday moments that I feel most at peace.
You! What is your most treasured possession?
TS: Probably my time. In a world that’s always rushing, having control over how I spend my time - with people I care about or doing things that recharge me - feels like the most valuable thing I have.
You! What is the biggest relationship lesson you have learnt so far?
TS: Be present. Relationships are built on consistency, not grand gestures. Showing up -even in small ways - matters.
You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?
TS: I don’t strive for perfect balance every day - but I’m intentional about where my time and energy go. Some days work takes the lead, other days family does. Having a strong support system helps, and so does knowing when to pause.
You! Why is it important for an organisation like Jazz to define and live by its leadership principles?
TS: Because consistency in leadership creates clarity and culture. As we grow as a digital-first company, having clearly articulated principles helps us stay aligned, agile, and people-centric -no matter the challenge.
You! What are your future plans?
TS: To keep evolving. I’d love to scale my impact beyond the corporate world someday - perhaps in policy, education, or by giving back to the country in a more direct way.
