Name: Bashir Ahmad Samim

Title: Former Head of RTA News Channel

Organisation: Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA)

With over a decade of impactful experience in the media industry, my journey with the National Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) has been dedicated to delivering meaningful stories to a diverse audience.

A significant highlight in my professional trajectory was the opportunity to contribute to global media coverage during my time in China. Notably, I played a pivotal role in reporting on major world events, including the G20 session in 2016, and various other significant happenings.

This experience not only deepened my understanding of international affairs but also played a crucial role in fostering media collaboration between China and South Asian nations. Throughout my career, I've diligently honed my skills in journalism, storytelling, and cross-cultural communication.

This commitment has led to my establishment as an expert in the field, equipped to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving media landscape. As I continue to contribute to the global dialogue, my dedication to delivering compelling narratives remains unwavering. I am driven by the belief that impactful storytelling transcends borders, creating connections and fostering understanding in our interconnected world.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Bashir's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader in the media industry, one of the most challenging aspects has been navigating the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the field. Adapting to new technologies, audience preferences, and industry trends while maintaining stability has proven to be a delicate balance.

Additionally, leading diverse teams, especially in cross-cultural collaborations like those with the National Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA), presents unique challenges. Effective communication within and outside the team, ensuring that our stories resonate with a diverse audience, has been an ongoing challenge. Overcoming language and cultural barriers while preserving the integrity of our narratives requires a strategic and thoughtful approach.

In essence, the most challenging aspect of leadership in my experience has been finding the right equilibrium between embracing change and preserving core values, all within a dynamic and multicultural environment.

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

I became a leader through a journey that involved dedicated efforts and continuous learning. Starting my career as a news reporter at the National Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA), I actively sought opportunities for growth. I participated in various short-term online and face-to-face journalism training courses in different countries, honing my skills and staying abreast of industry best practices.

My commitment to professional development extended to pursuing higher education up to the master's level, providing me with a solid academic foundation. Through rigorous examinations and continuous learning, I not only expanded my knowledge but also demonstrated my dedication to excellence in the field.

Over time, I progressively took on more responsibilities, evolving into a host for political shows. This leadership role has brought its share of challenges, particularly in navigating the fast-paced changes and developments in the media industry. From keeping up with new technologies to understanding audience preferences and industry trends, the journey has required adaptability and resilience.

Leading diverse teams, especially in collaborations with RTA, presented unique challenges that I met with a strategic and thoughtful approach. Ensuring our stories connect with different audiences and overcoming language and cultural differences has been an ongoing focus.

In essence, my leadership journey has been marked by a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. Balancing adaptation to changes while staying true to our values has been the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy in this dynamic and multicultural environment.

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

My typical workday is structured around the demands of the dynamic media industry. I usually start my day early, waking up with a focus on staying informed about current events. Given my background as a news reporter and host for political shows, it's crucial to begin the day well-informed.

Mornings are often dedicated to planning and strategizing for the day ahead. This involves coordinating with team members, reviewing schedules, and ensuring that our stories align with current trends and audience interests. As a leader in the media field, staying adaptable to new technologies and industry changes is a priority, so I allocate time for staying updated on these aspects.

Throughout the day, there's a balance between hands-on involvement in projects, such as collaborating with diverse teams and overseeing content creation, and addressing strategic aspects of media collaboration. Communication, both within the team and externally, is a constant focus, given the importance of effective storytelling and navigating cross-cultural challenges.

Evenings may involve post-production activities, team meetings, and reflection on the day's accomplishments and challenges. It's crucial to ensure that our narratives resonate with diverse audiences while preserving their integrity. As I wind down, I make an effort to stay connected with industry updates, and perhaps engage in some personal activities to recharge.

Achieving a balance between embracing change and upholding core values is central to my leadership approach. Ultimately, my workdays are a dynamic mix of staying informed, leading teams, and fostering effective communication in the ever-evolving world of media.

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

A recent leadership lesson has underscored the transformative power of interdisciplinary knowledge. My journey, blending leadership and planning experience at the Administrative Reforms and Civil Services Commission of Afghanistan with a Master's degree in International Relations, has brought to light the profound impact of a diverse educational background.

This lesson has illuminated the significance of cultivating a broad understanding of various subjects, coupled with practical leadership experience, as a cornerstone for effective leadership. The integration of insights gained from different disciplines has proven instrumental in my role, particularly in navigating the intricacies of the media industry. My ability to articulate complex global issues to our viewers in a manner that resonates with their understanding has been significantly enriched by this interdisciplinary approach.

It has become evident that the synergy between my academic knowledge and practical leadership acumen serves as a catalyst for success in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment. In essence, this recent leadership lesson emphasizes that a holistic understanding of diverse subjects contributes to the adaptability and effectiveness required in leadership roles. The continuous pursuit of interdisciplinary knowledge remains a guiding principle in my professional journey.

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?

One book that really influenced how I lead is the Persian version of Patrick Lencioni's "Leadership Motivation." The book talks about two kinds of leadership motivations. The first one is about wanting rewards for yourself, and the second one is about wanting to help others.

The story in the book made it interesting, and the clear idea of these two types of leadership motivations made me think about how I lead. It helped me realize the importance of focusing on helping others rather than just looking out for myself. This book changed how I make decisions and made me more aware of being a leader who serves others. In short, "Leadership Motivation" made me think about my leadership style and encouraged me to be a leader who cares about and helps others.

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

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to prioritize responsible leadership. In my experience, gained over a decade in the media industry and further enriched by a Master's degree in International Relations, I've learned the significance of focusing on serving others rather than solely seeking personal rewards.

Being a responsible leader, genuinely caring about the well-being of others and striving to contribute positively, not only fosters a healthy work environment but also contributes to long-term success and fulfillment in leadership roles.

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

One meaningful story that comes to mind from my time as a leader involves a pivotal moment during a breaking news event while working with the National Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA). Faced with the challenge of coordinating coverage and making crucial decisions, I realized the profound impact and responsibility of leadership during such critical times.

As we navigated through the complexities of the event, I witnessed the resilience and dedication of the team. Our collective efforts not only delivered quick and reliable information but also demonstrated the strength of effective collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

This experience reinforced the importance of sound decision-making, adaptability, and fostering a cohesive team dynamic. It highlighted the significant role a leader plays in guiding their team through challenging situations, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining a commitment to ethical journalism. This story serves as a constant reminder of the power of effective leadership in navigating the uncertainties of the media industry.