Name: Shaela Safwan

Title: Founder

Organisation: Managed Tech Solutions

As a trailblazer in the Telecom and IT industry, I bring over two decades of expertise in organizational transformation, strategic project management, and leadership development.

I take pride in being the first woman engineer from Pakistan to be recognized as a finalist for the "Rising Star of the Year 2021" award by the WGRC platform of The Ideas Forum, USA. My journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

The deviation from meritocracy disturbs me the most. A leader needs to balance between tasks and team willingness at one end and true evaluation of the team at the other end. Keeping this balance is a huge responsibility for any leader.

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

I am Shaela Safwan, an engineer, strategist, and lifelong advocate for innovation and inclusion. My leadership journey began with a passion for breaking barriers and creating impact. From the outset of my career, I have sought to redefine boundaries, becoming the first woman Regional Head of Quality Assurance at PTCL, where I led the validation of over 26,000 fiber connections.

This initiative not only enhanced operational efficiency but also raised customer satisfaction by an impressive 45%. Founding Management Excellence Consulting (MEC) was a milestone born of my vision to foster growth and sustainability in businesses and individuals alike. Through MEC, I’ve guided organizations in embracing strategic solutions, building leadership capacity, and nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets.

My work with the Enable Excellence Forum empowers women and young professionals, promoting inclusivity in STEM fields. Recognition as the first Pakistani woman engineer finalist for the Rising Star of the Year Award 2021 by WGRC was a humbling moment, affirming my commitment to excellence. Alongside these accolades, mentoring and teaching as visiting faculty have allowed me to inspire future leaders.

Through my experiences, I have learned that leadership is about building others up and transforming challenges into opportunities. My story continues, shaped by integrity, innovation, and a relentless drive to make a difference.

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

I believe in structuring my day with balance, focus, and intentionality. My mornings start early, as I find this time most productive for reflection and preparation. After waking up, I dedicate 15–20 minutes to mindfulness or light exercise, setting a positive tone for the day. A healthy breakfast follows, ensuring I’m energized for the tasks ahead. I segment my workday into focused blocks.

The first block is for high-priority tasks—those requiring creativity and involvement of my thought process. I usually make a task list, whether it is on my mobile, on my laptop, or on the page of my diary. The task list is segregated for professional and personal tasks. Mid-morning, usually 11 am onwards, is my diving into collaborative efforts like meetings or brainstorming sessions. Afternoons are continuing as per the task list, administrative work, or follow-ups.

I incorporate a mid-afternoon break for a quick walk or a snack to maintain productivity. As the day winds down, I reflect on my progress and prepare for the next day, jotting down priorities. This usually happens at 6 pm. Evenings are for family, relaxation, or personal growth—whether through reading, a hobby, or connecting with loved ones.

Before bed, I unwind with a calming routine, avoiding screens to ensure restful sleep. This structured yet flexible approach helps me stay productive. The challenge every day is to keep myself

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

A recent lesson I’ve learned, or rather been reminded of as a leader ,is the power of vulnerability in fostering trust and collaboration. Leadership often demands decisiveness and strength, but I’ve realized that showing vulnerability—admitting when I don’t have all the answers or when I’ve made a mistake—can be even more impactful. In a recent project, I faced a complex challenge that required expertise beyond my own. Instead of trying to appear infallible, I openly acknowledged the gap in my knowledge and invited my team to brainstorm solutions.

This act of openness not only encouraged them to contribute ideas freely but also strengthened their sense of ownership and responsibility for the project’s success. The result was a breakthrough solution that no single individual could have achieved alone. It reminded me that effective leadership isn’t about always being right; it’s about creating an environment where others feel empowered to bring their best.

Vulnerability, when combined with accountability, fosters trust, authenticity, and innovation—a crucial lesson that I carry forward in my journey as a leader. It reinforced my belief that leadership is not about perfection but about connection and collective growth.

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 profoundly impacted my leadership journey is **"The Power of Positive Thinking" by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale**. This timeless classic taught me the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, especially during challenging times, and how it directly influences my ability to lead effectively.

I first read the book during a particularly stressful phase in my career when I was navigating a high-stakes project with multiple uncertainties. The principles outlined in the book—like visualizing success, focusing on solutions instead of problems, and leveraging faith and inner strength—helped me shift my perspective. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by challenges, I started viewing them as opportunities to grow and learn.

One chapter that resonated deeply with me was about replacing negative thoughts with constructive affirmations. By applying this, I began reframing setbacks as temporary and surmountable, which not only helped me stay calm but also inspired confidence in my team.

The book reinforced the idea that positivity is contagious—my optimism encouraged those around me to persevere and collaborate more effectively. To this day, “The Power of Positive Thinking” serves as a guide for staying resilient, motivating others, and fostering an environment of hope and determination in both personal and professional spaces.

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

If I could give one piece of advice to a young aspiring leader, it would be: **"Lead with empathy and authenticity."**

True leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about understanding and uplifting the people you work with. Empathy allows you to connect with others on a human level, to see their struggles, strengths, and potential. When you take the time to listen, show compassion, and genuinely care, you inspire trust and loyalty—two cornerstones of effective leadership.

At the same time, authenticity is essential. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s leadership style or pretend to have all the answers. Be true to your values, admit your mistakes, and show vulnerability when necessary. People respect leaders who are real, not perfect.

Empathy builds bridges, and authenticity builds trust. Together, they create an environment where collaboration thrives, creativity flourishes, and people feel motivated to work toward a shared vision. Leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about leaving a lasting positive impact on the lives you touch. Start there, and success will follow.

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

One meaningful story from my time as a leader happened during my tenure as **Regional Head of Quality Assurance at PTCL (2017-2021)**. Our team was tasked with validating over 26,000 fiber connections across Lahore, a monumental challenge requiring precision, coordination, and resilience. It wasn’t just a technical task; it was about improving customer satisfaction, which at the time was at a concerning low.

Early on, I noticed that morale among team members was dwindling due to the sheer scale of the project and the pressures of tight deadlines. As their leader, I realized this wasn’t just a logistical issue—it was a human one. I initiated daily debriefs, not only to discuss progress but to give everyone space to voice concerns, share ideas, and feel heard. I also introduced a recognition program to celebrate even small wins, reinforcing the value of each team member’s contributions.

By fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, we not only met the technical goals but exceeded expectations. Customer satisfaction soared by 45%, a remarkable achievement that transformed the project into a case study for operational excellence. This experience reminded me that leadership is about enabling people to succeed by showing empathy, empowering them, and celebrating their efforts.