From Sales to Leading a Tech Company: 4 Leadership Lessons from a Muslim Woman

I didn’t necessarily envision myself as a leader.?

I started my career when I was just a teenager. Keen to gain some real-world skills and jump start my working life, I took my first steps into the professional world by taking a job at a publishing company, Pearson. Fast forward a couple of years, and I had moved upwards into my first management role at a global food company.?

After nearly two decades, I found myself in unfamiliar territory as I pivoted my career to the tech industry. Just last year in 2021, I joined Bitsmedia, publisher of the Muslim Pro app, to help serve the daily needs of more than 120 millions Muslims around the world.

As Bitsmedia’s first female Managing Director, I had to contend with several misconceptions about my abilities and identity. Also as a Muslim woman, I have been questioned about whether I am capable of leading teams and steering the business in the direction of growth. I know I am not alone in this — successful women are often questioned about their abilities, but I am determined to not let that deter me.

Being a leader is a dream women should absolutely pursue. The exhilarating climb upwards has not been without its challenges, and I have learned several valuable lessons along the way, which I am happy to share:

Know your worth

I may have started my career young and ventured into a senior role in a tech company after a long time in a different field, but what got me here was knowing my strengths and how to apply them.?

During my four years at Pearson, I learned several valuable lessons about sales and business development - the most important of which was how to be an effective salesperson. The role also taught me very early on different ways to communicate, navigate tricky social situations, and work with multiple parties with ease.

Once I shifted to Danone and was managing and growing several key global accounts, the stakes were raised. I learned how to be an effective team player and ensure that everyone’s voices and contributions were valued.

First impressions matter

First impressions are important, especially for those in a leadership position — knowing how to carry yourself goes a long way.

When interacting with others, make sure you appear confident and self-assured. Be polite yet firm, when conversing with others. You can never go wrong with good posture and a warm smile. How you come across in written communication also matters: always take a couple of minutes to gather your thoughts before drafting a note or email. Be succinct and direct when needed: sometimes, less is better.?

Be curious and humble

As a leader, I strive to know how I can better serve my people and customers - and since shifting into tech to drive growth at Bitsmedia and Muslim Pro, I’m constantly questioning what our Muslim users needs are.?

For the longest time, Muslim Pro has been a utility app; a service that offers tools to facilitate and empower Muslims with their religious needs. But people were in need of something that encompassed all aspects of their life and also brought them closer to their faith. The question I often ask myself is: how can we as a business better represent Muslims as everyday people?

As someone who had the fortune of receiving solid advice and guidance from those who knew more than me, it’s important that I pay it forward to those who put their trust in us.?

Having said that, I am mindful of not imposing my views on anyone. After all, we want to inspire, engage, and enrich the lives of the ummah. We are a diverse community, with a rich cultural background and a history of scientific contributions. I always remind my team (and myself) that we must never lose sight of the bigger picture: serving the needs of Muslims across the globe.

As a leader I keep an open mind. There’s a lot we don’t know — and it always helps to ask questions, and be receptive to the (constructive) views of others.?

Build solid connections and be a good listener

One of my strengths lies in connecting with people, and that skill has never been more relevant. While not all leadership positions involve extensive people management, it is an important skill to have, and work on.?

My responsibility (among many other things) is to uplift the people around me, regardless of their professional rank or standing.?

Good leaders also need to be active listeners. During my years in FMCG, I learned that the key to delivering better products and services is to truly listen to what customers are saying. Most of the time, people listen because they feel compelled to refute what the other person is saying. However, this approach won’t be successful, especially if you’re dealing with customers.?

When it comes to customer service, active listening involves focusing entirely on what they have to say about your product or service. Of course, you should rely on common sense to filter out the negative feedback, and use constructive criticism to your advantage.?

Ladies, there is a leader in each and every one of us: it takes the right combination of determination, courage, and support to nurture our skills.