The Power of Resilience, Learning and Community - By Ahmar Abbas

As a Board Member,?I have the privilege of addressing the graduating cohorts of Institute of Emerging Careers a few times as year. Following is an abbreviated version of a recent speech.

Good day, everyone. Today, I want to share with you a few ideas that I believe can shape your journey in life and your career. These ideas are centered around resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of community.

But before we dive into that, I want to congratulate you for being here today. Taking this initiative, joining this program, and investing in yourself—this is the first step towards taking control of your life and your career. So, a big round of applause for yourselves!

Let me start by sharing a little bit about my journey. I, like many of you, began my education in Pakistan, moving from city to city before pursuing studies abroad. Along the way, I faced many challenges—both in academics and in life. However, every challenge brought with it an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to refine who I am today.

One of the most important lessons I learned during my journey is resilience. Resilience is the ability to get back up when life knocks you down. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about how you react when you face it. I remember when the 2008 recession hit—it wiped out business opportunities I had worked hard to build. But we didn’t give up. We took stock of our situation, adjusted our strategy, and kept moving forward. This same mindset helped me through the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience is the key to weathering storms—whether personal or professional.

As you begin or continue your journey, remember that failure is not the end. It's part of the process. It's an opportunity to reassess, regroup, and bounce back stronger. When you fail, don't give up. Reflect on what went wrong, learn from it, and keep moving forward. In fact, people who simply refuse to quit often surpass those who are more talented or more privileged because resilience beats raw talent every time.

Another vital component of success is continuous learning. In today’s world, technology is evolving faster than ever before. What you know today may not be relevant five years from now. This is why I’ve always emphasized staying curious and keeping an open mind. Even after completing my formal education, I’ve never stopped learning—whether it’s through international business, product development, or data analytics programs. Your education doesn’t stop when you graduate; it’s a lifelong commitment to growth.

So I encourage you to approach every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Whether you’re starting a new job, learning a new technology, or even encountering a difficult situation in your personal life—take every experience as a lesson. The most successful people are those who continue to sharpen their skills, adapt, and grow.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of community and relationships. Throughout my career, I didn’t get every job by applying through formal channels. In fact, many opportunities came through the network of relationships I had built over the years. The people you meet today, the impressions you leave, and the help you offer—these relationships will shape your future in ways you cannot yet predict.

When you're part of a cohort, like the one you're in now, you’re building your first network. The people sitting next to you might one day recommend you for a position, or you might be the one helping them. The key is to leave a positive impression. Be dependable. Be helpful. Be the person people know they can count on. In return, opportunities will follow you.

As you move forward in your life, remember to give back to the community as well. Involvement doesn’t just make the world a better place—it makes you a better person. Whether it's teaching, mentoring, or advocating for positive change, your contribution will not only lift others but also expand your own experience and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the journey ahead may not always be easy. You will face challenges, but your resilience will see you through. You will encounter change, but your commitment to learning will ensure you adapt and thrive. You will build relationships that shape your career and your life—nurture them, value them, and give back.

You have already taken the first step by being here today. Now, it’s up to you to keep moving forward—never giving up, never stopping, and always striving for more.

Thank you, and I wish you all success on your journey.