7 Questions on Leadership with Najma Malik
Name: Najma Malik
Title: Founder & CEO
Organisation: NJ Media Group
Najma Malik: Visionary CEO & Leading Digital & Brand Marketing Expert
Najma Malik, Founder of NJ Media Group in Canada, is a trailblazing visionary in media marketing. A Computer Engineer by education and a digital media specialist, she's at the forefront of modern business. Her diverse conglomerate, including NJ Marketing, NJ Softlab, NJ Promotion, NJ Edit, NJetore, and NJ EBuzz, reflects her dynamic approach.
With a mission to innovate local media marketing, Najma's relentless drive has fostered a diversified business concept. Her focus on possibilities and win-win models has garnered accolades. She's an Ambassador for Page Pakistan, International Rep for Youth Parliament of Pakistan, and Goodwill Ambassador for Wonder Women Association. Her journey has earned her a coveted spot among Canada's marketing elite.
Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!
I hope Najma's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Jonno White
1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?
Manage Team
2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?
To become a leader in the IT and marketing field, one typically follows a path that involves education, gaining experience, and developing leadership skills.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
As the founder and CEO of a group of companies, my workdays can be quite busy and demanding. Effective time management and a structured routine are crucial for maintaining productivity and managing various aspects of my business.
4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?
A recent leadership lesson that many have been reminded of is the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders have had to quickly pivot their strategies, embrace remote work, and make difficult decisions to ensure the survival and success of their organizations.
This experience has highlighted the need for leaders to be agile, empathetic, and able to navigate uncertainty. It serves as a reminder that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and support their teams through adversity is a crucial aspect of effective leadership.
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 has had a profound impact on leadership for many individuals is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. In this book, Sinek explores the concept of leadership from a perspective of trust, collaboration, and putting the well-being of team members first. He argues that leaders who prioritize the needs of their team and create a supportive and inclusive environment can inspire greater loyalty, innovation, and overall success.
While I can't share a personal story about how this book impacted my leadership, it has been praised for its insights into building strong and compassionate leadership, which can be valuable for anyone in a leadership role.
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 this:
"Never stop learning and growing. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and gain diverse experiences. Leadership is a journey of continuous improvement, and the more you learn and adapt, the more effective and impactful you'll become."
Leaders who remain open to learning, feedback, and personal growth are better equipped to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and lead with innovation and resilience. Remember that leadership is not a destination but an ongoing process of development and evolution.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?
Sarah decided to lead by example and adopted a transparent and empathetic leadership style. She started by openly acknowledging the company's issues and communicated a clear vision for the future. She also encouraged feedback and collaboration among her team members.
Sarah worked tirelessly to rebuild trust and morale within the organization. She invested in employee development, provided opportunities for innovation, and fostered a culture of continuous learning. She listened to her team's ideas and empowered them to make decisions.
Over time, the company began to turn around. Employee engagement and satisfaction improved, and the product started gaining traction in the market. Sarah's leadership style of humility, transparency, and support played a significant role in the company's success.
This story illustrates the power of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of transparency, empathy, collaboration, and a focus on people to overcome challenges and drive positive change within an organization.