Shazia Hammad: A Journey of Leadership and Resilience
As the world celebrates the power, resilience, and brilliance of women this International Women’s Day, Shazia Hammad stands as an inspiring testament to what it means to break barriers and lead with impact. Her journey is a story of unwavering determination, strategic excellence, and a deep passion for driving meaningful change.
In a world where women continue to shatter glass ceilings, Shazia has carved her own path, proving that leadership knows no boundaries. From navigating corporate challenges to spearheading transformative initiatives, she has consistently redefined success on her own terms.
In this exclusive Women’s Day feature, we take a closer look at Shazia’s remarkable journey, her early influences, the milestones that shaped her career, and the legacy she continues to build. Her story is not just one of professional achievement but a powerful reminder of what women can accomplish when they lead with purpose and resilience.
Pioneering Fintech Leadership
What inspired you to pursue a career in fintech, and how did you navigate leadership in a male-dominated industry?
After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, I was eager to get my career started, and I ended up in banking. Initially, it wasn’t where I had planned to be, but as I progressed, I became really passionate about how technology could play a role in shaping the future of banks. I was inspired by how technology could transform the way banking works, from improving efficiency to enhancing customer experiences. This realization motivated me to pursue a career in fintech, where I could contribute to this transformation and be part of something that’s truly shaping the future of finance.
As for leadership in a male-dominated industry, I’ve always believed in leading with passion and purpose. My focus has always been on delivering value and making a positive impact on the teams I lead, rather than getting caught up in any challenges related to gender. I firmly believe that respect is earned through the value you bring, and that’s what has guided my leadership journey. It’s about showing up, contributing, and staying true to what you believe in gender doesn’t define your ability to lead.
Navigating Challenges in Tech
What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I've faced as a woman in tech is the fact that there are fewer women in the industry, which can make networking, finding mentors, and receiving guidance more difficult. In order to grow, it’s important to have role models you can relate to, and in the beginning, I found it challenging to find that female perspective. To overcome this, I built a strong network of male mentors who were incredibly helpful, but I still had to navigate some things on my own, especially the challenges unique to women in tech.
Another challenge was balancing the dedication required to grow in tech with the many responsibilities women often juggle, like family. For example, I took a career break of almost five years when my kids were born. Given how fast the tech field evolves, I initially worried about falling behind. But I accepted that challenge, knowing it would come, and I was prepared for it. With great support from my family, I was able to overcome it and continue to move forward, taking small steps toward progress. And I’m proud of how I’ve managed to balance everything and ultimately succeed I believe.
Championing Women in the Workplace
What actions do you take to empower and support more women in your company?
Before answering this, it's important to acknowledge the challenges women face when they step out of their homes and into the workplace. Women often come to work carrying multiple responsibilities and battling various external pressures. As a leader, I make it a priority to be empathetic, listen, and offer support when they are facing any challenges. However, I also emphasize the importance of doing justice to their work. It’s essential for women to remain committed to delivering their best performance and not let external pressures affect their contributions. One key aspect is encouraging them to break the stigma that women are more emotional or impulsive in their decision-making, or that they can’t perform at the same level as men. At Xpert Digital, we actively work to provide the support and environment necessary for women to thrive. This approach has contributed to an impressive retention rate for women in our company. Currently, women make up 30% of our workforce, which is quite rare in the tech industry in the region. This speaks to our commitment to empowering and supporting women as they progress in their careers
Key Leadership Lessons
What key leadership lessons have you learned that aspiring women professionals should know?
As women in leadership roles, we often feel the pressure to 'have it all' managing responsibilities across multiple fronts and trying to give our best in every area. However, one important lesson I've learned is that we can't always have it all, and it's essential not to fall into the trap of guilt when we have to compromise in certain areas. This guilt can sometimes push us to make decisions that ultimately lead to compromising our careers, but it’s important to recognize that we need more women in leadership roles to bring diverse perspectives to the table.
It’s crucial for aspiring women professionals to understand that it’s okay to set boundaries, prioritize, and make tough choices. Leadership is not about doing everything perfectly, but about making the right impact and creating space for others, especially women, to succeed and contribute their unique perspectives
A Women’s Day Message
What’s your message to women striving for success in the leadership role this Women’s Day?
As women, we are naturally born leaders. However, many women face imposter syndrome, which can make it difficult to keep pushing forward and striving for success. Unfortunately, this often leads some women to quit or step back, which is why we see fewer women in leadership roles. It’s not that women lack capability, it's that sometimes they give up before they reach their full potential.
My message to women striving for success in leadership roles this Women’s Day is to recognize your own strength and capabilities. Embrace constructive criticism, use it to grow, and never let setbacks make you give up. If more women stay the course, I truly believe we’ll see a shift, and in the near future, we will see more women in leadership positions, driving change and making an impact.
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Shazia Hammad’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that women are shaping the future across industries, breaking barriers, and redefining leadership. Her story is not just about success, it’s about resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief that women can create meaningful change when given the platform to thrive.
Shazia’s dedication and achievements stand as an inspiration to aspiring women leaders, proving that with vision and determination, anything is possible. As we honor the contributions of women worldwide, her journey echoes a larger message—empowered women empower the world.
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