Name: Raza Qureshi

Title: Business Owner

Organisation: Residential Property Services

Raza is versatile professional with experience in secretarial, legal, hospitality and real estate industries with possession of strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent customer service abilities. Currently self-employed in real estate, Raza provides innovative transactional solutions and impeccable client services.

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

I hope Raza'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, there are several challenges that one may face. However, one of my most significant challenges is effectively managing and guiding a diverse team of individuals with different personalities, skills, and motivations. This requires me to understand each team member's strengths and weaknesses, providing clear direction, fostering open communication, and creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Additionally, balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, making difficult decisions, and adapting to changing circumstances can also present challenges for leaders. Ultimately, the ability to inspire and motivate others, handle conflicts, and navigate through complex situations is essential in overcoming these challenges and leading a successful team.

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

I realized that it all began with being born as the oldest sibling in a family of five. Growing up in this role instilled in me a natural inclination towards caring for others and developing a giving personality.

As I progressed into my career in the workforce, I had the opportunity to take on managerial positions where I was responsible for managing and training my juniors. This experience truly allowed me to sharpen my leadership skills. I found immense fulfillment in guiding and supporting my team members, helping them grow both professionally and personally.

Through these experiences, I learned the importance of empathy, listening, and understanding the needs of those around me. I believe that leadership is not just about giving orders, but rather about fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and personal growth. The satisfaction I derived from seeing my team members succeed and thrive motivated me to continually develop my leadership abilities.

I also made a conscious effort to seek out learning opportunities, attend workshops, read books on leadership, and seek guidance from mentors. This continuous self-improvement allowed me to expand my knowledge and refine my leadership approach.

Undoubtedly, the combination of being the oldest sibling and my professional experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today. It has taught me the importance of empathy, nurturing relationships, and constantly investing in my own growth. I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to cultivate my leadership skills, and I am excited to continue my journey of growth and development as a leader.

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

6:00 AM: I wake up and head to the gym for my workout. Getting some exercise in early really helps energize my day and promotes my overall well-being.

7:00 AM: I return from the gym and freshen up. It's important for me to take a few moments for myself to relax, meditate, or engage in a mindful activity to set a positive tone for the day ahead.

7:30 AM: I have a healthy breakfast and use this time to catch up on the news or read something of interest to stimulate my mind.

8:00 AM: It's time to begin my commute to work. I try to make the most of this time by listening to educational podcasts, audiobooks, or engaging in language learning exercises.

8:30 AM: Once I settle into my work environment, I start by prioritizing my tasks for the day. I spend some time catching up on emails to stay organized and address any urgent matters.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: During this period, I'm fully focused on my work tasks. I attend meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and work on projects that require my full attention. I make sure to stay focused and productive.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: I take a break for lunch. It's a great opportunity to socialize with my coworkers, relax, and recharge. Sometimes, I even go for a short walk outside to clear my mind and get some fresh air.

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I continue working on my tasks, attending scheduled meetings, and dedicating time to grow my business. I set specific goals and allocate time for brainstorming ideas, researching opportunities, and networking.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: It's time to wrap up my work for the day. I review my accomplishments, tie up any loose ends, and respond to any pending emails or messages. I take a moment to reflect on the day's progress and identify areas for improvement.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: I spend quality time with my friends and family. We engage in activities that we all enjoy, like going for a walk together, playing games, or having dinner together. It's important for me to nurture my personal relationships and create lasting memories.

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

You can't please everyone and you've gotta learn to swim with the sharks.

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?

The Rules of Life by Richard Templar

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

if I were to give one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to never stop learning and growing. Leadership is a journey that requires constant self-improvement and development.

Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Seek out opportunities for learning through reading, attending workshops, seeking mentors, and embracing feedback. Continuously expanding your knowledge and skills will not only make you a more effective leader but also help you stay adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

Additionally, remember to cultivate emotional intelligence. Leadership is not just about making decisions and giving orders; it's about understanding and connecting with people. Develop empathy, active listening skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment will ultimately lead to better outcomes for your team and organization.

Lastly, don't be afraid to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. True growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and being willing to learn from mistakes. Embrace challenges, persevere in the face of adversity, and use setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation.

In summary, my advice to a young leader would be to embrace lifelong learning, nurture emotional intelligence, and have the courage to take risks. By doing so, you'll not only become a better leader but also create a positive impact on the people and organizations you lead.

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

So, I had this burning desire to start my own business, but everyone around me (my friends and family) were skeptical and told me not to do it. But you know what? Instead of giving up, I saw this as a chance to prove myself.

I gathered a team of supportive individuals who believed in my vision. Together, we created an environment where ideas flowed freely and collaboration was key. They listened to each other as a team, guided each other when needed, and empowered each other to make decisions and we keep pushing!