We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Saadia Khan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Saadia , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
As an entrepreneur, my resilience stems from a deep-seated passion for my vision and an unwavering belief in its potential. Every setback is a lesson, every failure a stepping stone. I draw strength from my support network of mentors, family, and like-minded peers who inspire and challenge me. The stories of other successful entrepreneurs remind me that adversity is part of the journey. Ultimately, it’s the drive to create meaningful impact and the relentless pursuit of innovation that fuel my resilience, propelling me forward even in the face of the toughest challenges.
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?
I am the founder of Indus Threads – an impact driven revolutionary brand on a mission to empower women rock their bold selves – one affordable accessory at a time. Our any occasion statement accessories are made to elevate your look and make you feel confident. We curate unique, colorful, fun and bold pieces while empowering the artisans and makers from around the world. A portion of each purchase goes to our charity partners working towards women health and education.
I strongly believe in the fact that an accessory is an important touch to one’s final look and increases confidence and self-esteem. They are the secret sauce that adds that extra touch of personality, style, and flair to any ensemble.“
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?
The three qualities that were most impactful in my entrepreneurial journey were adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances has been crucial. In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, things rarely go as planned. Being adaptable allowed me to seize new opportunities and navigate challenges effectively.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding and managing my own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, helped build strong relationships with team members and customers. High EQ facilitated better communication, conflict resolution, and team cohesion.
Strategic Thinking: Having a clear vision and the ability to plan for the long-term, while being able to make data-driven decisions, has been vital. Strategic thinking helped me set priorities, allocate resources wisely, and stay focused on my goals.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace change and uncertainty. Continuously invest in personal development. Read extensively, seek out mentors, and surround yourself with a supportive network. Be proactive in seeking feedback and be willing to iterate on your approach. Remember, the entrepreneurial path is a marathon, not a sprint, and building these skills will provide a strong foundation for sustained success.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I employ several strategies to regain clarity and composure:
Take a Step Back: I temporarily distance myself from the immediate pressures by taking a short break. This could mean going for a walk, meditating, or simply taking deep breaths. It helps clear my mind and reduces stress.
Prioritize and Organize: I make a list of all tasks and responsibilities, then prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes the workload seem less daunting.
Seek Support: I reach out to my support network—friends, family, mentors, or fellow founders. Sharing my concerns and getting their perspectives often provides new insights and emotional relief.
Reflect and Reassess: I take time to reflect on what’s causing the overwhelm and reassess my goals and strategies. Sometimes, it’s about adjusting expectations or finding more efficient ways to work.
Engage in Self-Care: I ensure I’m taking care of my physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities I enjoy.
When feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to manage stress and maintain balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.industhreads.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/industhreads
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadia-khan-81b54251/
Image Credits
Martineau arts
