We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rafiq Mahmud Rahat a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rafiq Mahmud, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Panel Discussion Question Topic: Where do you get your resilience from?
Challenges are the only thing in life that makes a person resilient. Every hurdle I’ve faced has taught me something new and helped shape who I am today. One moment that stands out is when I was juggling multiple roles, managing my teaching career, pursuing my post-graduate studies, and taking care of my family, all at once. There were times when it felt like I was being pulled in every direction, and the weight of it all felt overwhelming. During that period, I was also working on a demanding graduate school project that required specific tools and a lot of effort. Progress was slow, and I often questioned whether I’d be able to finish it. But I kept myself grounded. I reminded myself why I started, what impact it could have, and how far I had already come. Whenever I felt stuck, I didn’t hesitate to ask for help. I tried new approaches, looked at the problem from different angles, and kept moving forward even when it felt like I had hit a wall. Looking back, I’ve realized that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship. It’s about learning how to face it. Staying focused on your goals, learning what’s needed to reach them, and trusting yourself through the process, those are the real building blocks of resilience. That’s where my resilience comes from: the belief that every challenge is a chance to grow, not a reason to stop.
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?
My work as a researcher and educator is driven by a simple goal: using knowledge and creativity to empower others. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring students, helping them discover their strengths and pursue careers that bring them joy and purpose. What excites me most is witnessing the power of education to transform lives and open new doors. One of my proudest moments has been my work with CSB. We used AI and smart technologies to make learning more engaging and effective. These tools guide students step-by-step, allowing them to practice and apply what they’ve learned in real time. Watching how technology speeds up learning and helps students reach their goals faster has been truly rewarding. What sets me apart is my belief in the power of persistence and kindness. I aim to make learning not just informative, but also inspiring. No matter where someone starts, I want to help them realize their potential and believe in what they can achieve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The ability to pivot and find new solutions has been crucial in my journey, especially when faced with limited resources or unexpected challenges. Advice: Embrace change as an opportunity to grow. Start with small and gradually take on projects that push you out of your comfort zone and learn from the experience. Empathy: Understanding the needs and perspectives of others has been key to building meaningful connections and creating impactful learning experiences. Advice: Practice active listening and put yourself in others’ shoes. Empathy is a skill that grows with practice. Strategic Thinking: Breaking down big goals into actionable steps has helped me stay focused and motivated, even when the path ahead seems daunting. Advice: Start with a clear vision, then work backwards to identify the steps needed to achieve it. Celebrate small wins along the way.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause to concentrate on what is within my control. One technique that has proven effective for me is the “3-3-3 Rule”:
• Identify 3 things you can see, hear, and feel to ground yourself in the present moment.
• List 3 tasks that need immediate attention and tackle those first.
• Reflect on 3 things you’re grateful for to shift your mindset and regain perspective.
I prioritize self-care, which can involve going for a walk, writing in my journal, or enjoying moments with my family and friends. Feeling overwhelmed usually indicates that I should take a step back and rejuvenate. By dividing my tasks into manageable portions and focusing on self-care, I’ve managed to approach even the most hectic periods with clear intent and direction.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafiqrahat
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.