Meet Jarin Rafa

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jarin Rafa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jarin below.

Jarin, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Growing up as the first child in a business-oriented family, I had the privilege of observing my parents navigate the intricate challenges of entrepreneurship for over 35 years. Their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles taught me a crucial lesson: no challenge is insurmountable if approached with patience and perseverance. Witnessing their unwavering determination instilled in me the belief that success is built upon continuous effort and grit.
My journey toward confidence has been shaped by many experiences where, despite initial failures, I refused to give up. When I stumbled, I learned to reassess, re-strategize, and try again with greater determination. The process of adapting my plans and refining my approach not only sharpened my problem-solving skills but also deepened my belief in my abilities. One principle I’ve always adhered to is never to rely on others to solve challenges I’m capable of facing myself. This mindset has been pivotal in building my self-confidence and independence.
I also hold a firm belief in self-respect. I’ve always been committed to creating my path, fueled by hard work and integrity. I don’t believe in shortcuts or taking what isn’t rightfully mine. My parents ingrained in me the importance of earning what you desire and respecting the process of growth. This principle has been a cornerstone in my personal and professional development.
In my school years, activities like chess, athletics, and handball further reinforced my resilience and self-assurance. These experiences taught me discipline, strategic thinking, and the value of perseverance, all of which continue to guide me today.
Moreover, my passion for storytelling and poetry has been an outlet for creative expression. Writing for magazines and receiving recognition for my work bolstered my self-esteem, while performing in cultural events—especially during Bengali New Year—enhanced my public speaking skills and deepened my pride in my heritage. These diverse experiences not only shaped my confidence but also grounded my sense of identity, both as an individual and as part of a rich cultural legacy.
In essence, my confidence has been built on a foundation of resilience, self-reliance, and a strong belief in earning success through hard work and integrity.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

After completing my education, I began my professional journey at Banglalink, a major telecommunication company in Bangladesh. As a sales and marketing consultant, I gained invaluable communication skills and built a strong foundation in customer relations, which significantly boosted my self-confidence. While my early career didn’t follow a straight path, I embraced the diversity of roles I encountered, each offering opportunities for growth and learning.
One of the pivotal experiences in my career was my internship at Grameen Telecom Trust, an international venture founded by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This opportunity exposed me to a global network of professionals from countries such as Canada, the USA, Singapore, and Thailand, among others. These interactions expanded my worldview, enhanced my communication skills, and helped me build a robust international network, all of which shaped my approach to leadership and management.
Driven by a desire to blend my technical knowledge with the communication expertise I had developed, I transitioned into more managerial roles. My work as a network engineer at Grameen Communication and training in software engineering through the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA), provided me with a well-rounded foundation. These experiences honed my leadership abilities, enabling me to efficiently manage teams and lead complex projects.
Currently, I serve as the Head of Operations and Product at Coding Shikhbe Bangladesh (CSB), an organization dedicated to connecting top Bangladeshi students with remote employment opportunities at SMEs in Western countries like the United States. This role is particularly rewarding, as I witness how technology can unlock new pathways for talented individuals, empowering them to access global markets and opportunities.
Additionally, I am a co-founder of Variant Technologies, a custom and enterprise software consultancy firm. Through Variant, my aim is to drive innovation in software development and operational efficiency, offering cutting-edge solutions that cater to diverse business needs. What excites me most about my work is seeing how technology can transform lives—whether it’s by creating job opportunities, streamlining business operations, or simply making life easier for people.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about several upcoming initiatives, including the launch of new digital products and expansion into new markets. My goal is to continue fostering innovation, not just in software development, but in how we connect talent with opportunities on a global scale. Technology has limitless potential, and being part of that transformative journey is both thrilling and deeply fulfilling.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities and skills have had the most significant impact on shaping both my career and personal growth:
Resilience
Growing up as the eldest child in a business-driven family, I had the unique opportunity to witness my parents navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Their determination and ability to overcome adversity ingrained in me the value of resilience. I learned that setbacks are not roadblocks, but stepping stones. This resilience has helped me weather many challenges in my career. My advice to those starting out: Embrace every obstacle as a learning opportunity. The ability to persist in the face of difficulty is essential for long-term success.
Adaptability
The ever-changing landscape of technology and business requires a strong sense of adaptability. Early in my career, I had to pivot between different roles, industries, and even skill sets—from sales and marketing to engineering and management. Each transition, while challenging, provided invaluable lessons. In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is a crucial skill for thriving amidst uncertainty. My advice: Stay open to change, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and embrace new technologies and ideas. Adaptability is the key to long-term growth and success.
Communication and Leadership
Throughout my career, from sales and marketing at Banglalink to leading at Coding Shikhbe Bangladesh (CSB) and Variant Technologies the ability to articulate complex ideas to anyone has been central to my success. Effective communication isn’t just about speaking or presenting—it’s about listening, understanding, and building meaningful connections. As I progressed into leadership roles, I discovered that leadership is not just about directing others, but about fostering collaboration and inspiring those around you. My advice: Develop strong communication skills early on, and focus on leading with empathy and clarity. Great leaders listen as much as they speak, and they create environments where teams can thrive.
For those just beginning their journey, my guidance would be to invest in a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. In particular, focus on resilience, adaptability, and clear communication. These are the tools that will help you navigate the complexities of any career path. Embrace challenges, seek out opportunities for growth, and remember that the most significant progress often comes from the most unexpected places.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

In my experience, true success comes from striking a balance between maximizing your strengths and improving areas where you may not be as strong. Early in my career, I quickly realized that while technical expertise was important, strong communication and leadership skills were equally essential to unlocking my full potential. This realization led me to actively pursue roles where I could merge these strengths, such as my current position as Head of Operations and Product at Coding Shikhbe Bangladesh (CSB) and as co-founder of Variant Technologies.
While I firmly believe in leveraging your core strengths, I’ve found that focusing only on what you’re naturally good at can limit your growth. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that personal and professional development often comes from improving in areas where you’re less comfortable. For example, I began my career with a strong foundation in communication and leadership, but I realized that in order to excel in the technical sector, I needed to deepen my technical skills. By investing time in training and education—through programs with BASIS and the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA)—I was able to expand my capabilities. This not only allowed me to take on more significant leadership roles but also helped me manage complex projects, like organizing one of the first international hackathons in Bangladesh in 2024.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to play to your strengths while not neglecting areas where you can improve. A well-rounded skill set makes you more adaptable in today’s rapidly evolving world. This is especially important for women balancing career and family. It’s crucial to recognize where you can lead with confidence and where you need to grow. Both are integral to building a successful, sustainable career.
Ultimately, my journey has taught me that focusing solely on one area of expertise can be limiting. Continuous growth in diverse areas—not just in your comfort zone—opens doors to new opportunities and allows for long-term success. So, embrace your strengths, but also challenge yourself to improve where you are less confident. That’s the key to reaching your fullest potential.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarinrafa