Name: Thara Aisha Atta

Title: CEO

Organisation: TrashFormas Nigeria Limited

Location: Nigeria

Embarking on my journey that started in 2014, I ardently pursued sustainable solutions in the area of environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fumigation. A motivation fuelled by my research enthusiasm. By 2019, I advocated for self-recharging light bulb usage within state agencies to reduce energy consumption and heat emissions. In 2022, I wrote research proposals to State and Federal MDAs on waste management and conversion methods using five innovative methods.

I also proposed post-harvest food, loss waste management methods using proper food storage processes and structures. The use of bacteria in the mining sector called Bioleaching in place of chemical leaching and the use of old cargo containers and plastic as sustainable alternative building materials in the housing and construction industries. Continuing my commitment, I spearheaded TrashFormas' Biogas pilot project, securing second place and pre-seed funds in a Channels TV-sponsored show that concluded in December 2023.

My expertise spans environmentally friendly solutions, waste management and conversion methods, aiming to reshape global approaches to climate change. This condensed narrative encapsulates my passion for a greener, more sustainable future.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Building the right team! An idea is only as good as the team that executes it. What motivates people are different and when push comes to shove, a leader is faced with the true motivations of the team He/She builds or built to handle a product or service, depending on what your business offers.

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

I have always found myself drawn to roles where I had to lead or support a leader right from my days in school as a child. I was mostly averse to it but whenever I allowed myself to walk in my purpose, I eventually learned valuable lessons such as "the benefits of truthful interaction and patience in the process of providing knowledge". The leadership pattern I have come to see is mostly one that allows me to teach while I as patiently as possible guide my team on a path we mutually see a vision of the future. Simply, I became a leader by fate.

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

Honestly, a routine was not easy for me as I am still in the phase where our solution can move me anyway at any time. I just stick to a routine that keeps me punctual and accountable. I remind myself that many things need to be done and even not directly by me at least supervised by me. And as such, requires me to show up and see it through. I wake with the goal of achieving a day's challenges as best I can and go to sleep with a mind ready for the possibilities of the day after as a person and as a professional.

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

For the first time, I am learning to confirm experts/professionals can offer what they claim of their expertise before investing time into our interactions. My previous motivations for getting work done were mostly motivated by emotional sentiment. Either from knowing the person on a personal or just human level. Now, however, I go to the crux of a matter as soon as our conversation passes the pleasantries stage so both parties know what is on the table offered and expected. This way I save time pursuing one expert who may or may not be able to deliver what our company needs at the point of our interactions.

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?

How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie. It was just what I needed to boost a trait I already had, which was building strong relationships with people. It helped me understand true leadership is in servitude.

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

Be firm, but show empathy. In the end, all we truly have is our humanity.

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

I came across a man who painted a story to the world about his relationship with his workers but really was quite manipulative and instigating situations around the workspace. Seeing this helped me understand how important it is to hear from those who worked in a place rather than from those who led it.