The Short Cut:
A quick fire chat about working life with Samina Kiyani
At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences. From breakthrough career moments, to best ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them.
The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today we’re speaking to Samina Kiyani, Broadcast Journalist and TV Producer.
Tell us about your breakthrough career moment
Losing my job in fashion through redundancy when I was in my early twenties. This created an opening in my life in which a role in media was presented to me. I took the opportunity and ran with it and created a successful career as a TV Producer and Broadcast Journalist.
I now run a media training business delivering tailored services for professionals and businesses to improve their communication skills, prepare for media interviews, and gain a better understanding of the media industry to use it to their advantage.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
Achieving your goals requires 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.
Have you ever felt held back as a women? How do you respond?
Being a child of first generation immigrants, I’ve had a few hoops and hurdles to jump over the years. However, I’m resilient and keep focused on what I want to achieve even in the face of challenges.
How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?
I exercise frequently and get out into nature as I find it relaxing.
The woman who empowers me is…
My mum. She is incredibly strong, nurturing and always lifts me up when I need it.
I feel empowered when…
Taking on new challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone.
The world would be a better place when…
Women get to contribute to all decision-making processes.
The woman who everyone should know about it…
Bushra Nasir CBE. She became the first Muslim Headteacher of a secondary school in the UK and transformed the academic achievements of students. She has smashed stereotypes of what a woman of British Pakistani Muslim heritage – who wears traditional clothes – can achieve in life.
Even in retirement she is force to be reckoned with: she is a CEO, sits on various boards and has co-authored the very aptly titled book Breaking Stereotypes! She is truly inspirational.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?
I’m a lover of the arts so visit galleries, museums, the cinema and theatre.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere the mountains meet a crystal clear blue sea. Cagliari, Sardinia immediately comes to mind.
