This is me.... your questions answered!

So, good evening..... earlier today I posted a LinkedIn article entitled 'Hi, My name is Donna'. For those that are following me will know, I am attempting a personal branding exercise, with frankly very little flare at this point of time.

As the day has gone on I have learnt a lot actually and would like to thank those whom have contributed to my learning in this area. What has surprised me most is the amount of questions I have received on PM. Most very positive observations and with a want to know more. I have attempted to keep up throughout the day, but it's been a little overwhelming and there are some repeatedly asked questions and a few I thought would be interesting to answer publically;  so I thought I would share answers in another article. Feel free to unfollow if you are bored already. I am on a journey and need positive inspiration at this point of learning.

1)     "You seem fearless. What scares you?"

This will be a long reply as a lot scares me. I do have this outward persona of fearless, I know this, but inside I have many fears/insecurities, below are but a few: 

Terrible fear of heights! Not ideal when I work in the real estate business, for the developer whom built the tallest tower in the world. I have tried to overcome, but it seems to be a subconscious fear that I cannot shake. Again with complete honesty, I don’t care too much. I have reached an age/place where I don't bow to peer pressure and manage myself quite well without feeling the need to move up high! I avoid situations as best as possible and should I have to go, I inform those around me and request their support. It's not embarrassing to have a fear and it’s not weak to ask for help!

Am I doing the best for my daughter – I am a self-professed workaholic and I often have to check myself, that I am giving enough time and energy to my daughter Tiffany. She’s 15 and I am very fearful that I am not giving her enough. I am also very aware that I am the only one that can give her a ‘happy mom’ so try to find balance between my own selfish needs and hers.

On this note, I am also aware that I am a bit of a control freak. For example, I control where and when my family and I travel. I work to travel and have an extensive ‘bucket-list’ (oh this is something I should share at some stage), so my family fall in line with my needs once again. I’m fearful that I am making the right choices for all of us, but go with my gut and we explore the world.

Spiders – in fact any creepy-crawly – I respect the ecosystem, but don’t like to share any space with anything ‘crawly’!

And, at this moment in time, I am a little fearful of this whole ‘personal branding exercise’. It really is like entering the unknown.

2) What is my dream job?

This is a little soul searching. I tend to make career decision ‘in the moment’ choosing what feels right at the time. EMAAR was a choice a year back and in the early days it was tough, as expected. I am however very happy with my choice and passionately love the brand, my role and my team. No plans to change, any time soon.

I enjoy sales, marketing and leading a team. I also tremendously enjoy real estate - in its pure development form (architecture and construction), but also advising people on their choices - of what is in most cases their home or a financial investment. Both are equally as important and we are not talking a small amount of money, it's a significant responsibility that I take very much to heart! 

Looking a little more holistically. I watched a TV series many years ago – DVF was searching for a Brand Ambassador and this captivated me. The prospect of being a spokesperson for an incredible brand is very appealing. That said, sales and marketing runs through my veins, so any role would need to be motivated in this way.

 I guess I don’t really have a dream job. I have a need to be happy with my ‘at the time choices’ and give it my all. Right now EMAAR is my choice, I am happy and see no need to make changes. Long may that continue as for once I feel this may be a long-term company for me.

3) A few noticed I had dropped my title from Sales Director to Manager to join EMAAR. How come?

Because title simply doesn’t matter. It’s the role that’s important. I can’t pretend that I didn’t ask for a Directorship, when I was being recruited by EMAAR as I am aware that to the market it looks like I was incapable to hold such a position, hence the drop, but I overcame that inwardly and haven’t looked back, as it simply doesn’t matter. Title is about how you are perceived. I prefer to be recognized by my peers for my efforts, results, energy. Far more important than any title.

4) What type of people am I attracted to?

Interesting question, (that I hope was pure, from the person posing).

I am attracted to people whom are at the ‘top of their game’, whilst holding a core value of humility AND people who try with all that they have.

I like confidence, not arrogance.

I don’t like ‘half assed’ people at all! My grandfather used to say ‘we are not trees, if we don’t like something, we can move’; so I am a strong believer in finding something you are passionate about and shooting for the stars, with full heart and energy.

I respect achievers and I respect those whom immerse themselves in their roles – not matter what role that is.

In summary, energy…….. oceans of positive energy. Those are the people that attract me.

5) Where’s my next vacation?

Well, as mentioned above I have an extensive ‘bucket-list’ mainly of travel destinations (and 5* hotel – for interior design purposes - refer to my previous article to understand this one).

Current and immediate list – Morocco in October (for my birthday treat). Hopefully a long weekend, business permitting.

Japan – for blossom season, next April/May.

I want to do a girls trip to the Tiffany Café in NYC with my daughter and a few girlfriends.

Those are the most immediate plans.

 I’m not a climb Kilimanjaro kind of person. Vacations to me are relaxing, positive energy and exploring. I enjoy natural beauty and culture. Beaches and oceans. Turquoise sea, lush green trees and wildlife. I seriously enjoy seeing animals in their natural habitat, minus the ‘crawly’ kind. AND of course great architecture and design.

I once cycled through Vietnam, which was a team building exercise for a previous employer. Something I would never have booked myself, but the experience will stay with me or life – mainly because of the children – materially very poor, but oh so rich in life!

5) Why did I take so long to join EMAAR?

I have worked the real estate market of Dubai for many years, this is true. But, only last year joined THE developer in town!

Well for many years I was afraid to apply. The Emaar team were stable and seemed fierce. I frankly was afraid, that I wasn’t good enough.

Then one day, I found the confidence to apply, only received the standard – thank you, but we have nothing to suit your profile at this time. So, I left it. Enjoyed the various developers I have worked for along life’s way and didn’t really think about it.

Then, the opportunity came. It took me a few days to accept, fear I guess. But with the wisdom of a couple of senior people I truly respect, I grabbed the opportunity and haven’t looked back.

I often question if I am good enough. A little lack of self-confidence sometimes but karma always somehow captures me and gives me something to solidify my presence.

I am truly proud to work with EMAAR and long may it continue, now I am finally here.

I have an innate respect for our Chairman – Mr Mohamed Alabbar which leads me to the answer of the next question…..

6) If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be?

My first choice would be my Grandma – whom has sadly passed. I would love to know if she is proud of me and to hold her hand again would be the biggest blessing of all. I miss her so much, every day.  

Being ever so slightly more realistic, it would be, without doubt, Mr Mohamed Alabbar. One of the reasons I believe EMAAR is mind-blowingly successful, is due in most part, to the leadership – spearheaded by our Chairman. The goal and vision is clear and has continuity. I have heard Mr Alabbar speak in person a few times since joining EMAAR and I am in awe of his vision, talent but mostly the work ethic and humility. I don’t imagine he’s easy – with high success usually comes high demand, but I would truly love to observe a ‘day in the life of…..’!

7) What do I hope to achieve from this ‘personal branding exercise’?

Well, actually I am blindly entering the unknown to see where it may lead. No goal in mind really. Although of course, my job is to lead a sales team, whom are selling EMAAR Properties. So, more property sales would be good! I am joking in part. I hope this personal branding exercise will lead to an even more positive understanding of the power of social media and it seems I am learning a little about myself too. Writing down my thoughts really does solidify who I am, to me. It's truly very interesting. 

Well, that’s it for now but to mention I have a rather embarrassingly low Instagram following and someone mentioned I should connect all my social media. So, if you feel so inclined you are welcome to follow me DonnaDubai2018. I set this account for my own purposes actually. I use Instagram to view interior design, fashion, travel, my core friends and as a picture diary for my own recollection. So it’s not so inspiring to others I imagine, but I’ll let you be a judge of that.

Off now to tidy my Instagram profile.

Thank you for your energy and support and EID Mubarak to those celebrating.