1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

To learn from my members

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was a participant in a leadership training and one of my facilitators saw my potential and mentored me and also encouraged me to apply as a facilitator of that said training. I become one of those who improved the design of that training and help other participants become better leaders

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake up 4 in the morning. Do my morning prayers, take a bath, breakfast and work. I start working 30 minutes early to familiarize with my schedule and the tasks I need to accomplish. I also allot time for self improvement. At the end of the day, I reflect on what went well and what I can improve the next day. I also connect with my family, my fiancé and play with my pets. I pray before going to sleep

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

That a leader can come from anyone. I am amazed that even others have a lower position than yours, they have potential to be leader. As a leader, it is important that you support and coach them to achieve this potential

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Leading with Values by Shotts and Malhotra. This book allows me to apply two of my most favorite concepts - ethics and leadership. Knowing my values as well as understanding ethical frameworks help me in my leadership decision making.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

The best way to help yourself is to help others.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

There was a leader that asked for my help on a project. This leader is not under my supervision yet he believes that I can help him improve his project. I accepted his invitation to meet me at my office and we discussed about his idea. After a couple of hours of coaching, we were able to finalize his project idea. After a couple of weeks, their project was one of those awarded with good funding as well as recognized to be instituted in the organization. The leader is very grateful to the help I gave him that he never forget this story even if it’s been a while since it happened and we are now working separate career journeys.

I realized that even if it is just a simple time, he appreciated the full attention I gave him and the sincerity of my questions to help him improve his project idea. More often, our members need our ears and heart more than our eyes and tongue.