Meet Sahar Khadjenoury

We recently connected with Sahar Khadjenoury and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sahar, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I grew up primarily with my grandparents on the Navajo Nation. Life at their home was simple – no running water, no electricity, just the Southwestern desert and a wealth of traditional Navajo knowledge passed down through generations in an all Navajo speaking environment. While my parents achieved their educational and entrepreneurial goals in the city, I lived with my grandparents on the Navajo reservation. Even before I started school, I was already apprenticed to my grandmother, a master weaver of Navajo rugs. From her, I learned the spirit of creativity. This creativity fueled my first challenge: creating a Public Service Announcement to raise awareness about the environmental dangers of oil and uranium extraction in Southeast Utah. This project sparked my career in TV and film media, leading me into journalism, producing, and advocacy. Work ethic became paramount. I understood that I had a purpose greater than myself. I couldn’t afford to stop because I was tired, frustrated, or faced a dead end. Perseverance became essential. These experiences – the wisdom of my ancestors, the guidance of my grandmother, and the challenges I overcame – have forged the foundation of my work ethic: a commitment to excellence, a dedication to overcoming obstacles, and a belief in the power of individual action to create a better future.

My work ethic isn’t something I inherited whole cloth. It’s woven of experiences, beliefs, and the unwavering influence of those who came before me. At its core lies the Navajo philosophy of hard work, where labor transcends mere toil. It’s about achieving Hózhó, a state of balance, harmony, and beauty in all aspects of life. This philosophy, deeply ingrained in my being, reminds me that work is a sacred duty, a way to honor the deities, or holy people who contribute to the well-being of my community. This philosophy fosters a sense of grit, encouraging perseverance even when faced with obstacles. The Kinaaldá, the Navajo puberty ceremony, is a profound rite of passage. More than just a four-day ritual, it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery. This transformative experience emphasizes hard work, perseverance, and the importance of community. As the girl transitions into womanhood, she learns to embrace new roles and responsibilities, guided by the support of her family and the entire community.  This ceremony has deeply shaped my own worldview. The Kinaaldá’s emphasis on personal growth, community support, and the importance of honoring tradition continues to guide my actions and inform my commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Then there’s the profound influence of my grandmother, a master Navajo rug weaver. Spending countless hours by her side, I learned the rhythm of her work, the long walks searching for the plants needed for dye,  the science of dyeing, the perseverance of spinning, and the quiet satisfaction of weaving intricate patterns. She taught me that true mastery comes from embracing challenges, not fearing them, and finding joy in the process of creation. This experience instilled in me the grit to push through setbacks and find creative solutions.

My father, an immigrant who arrived in the United States during the Iranian Revolution at the age of 16, embodies the spirit of grit and determination. He taught me the importance of compassion, action, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable world. His “do-it-yourself” spirit and unwavering optimism continue to inspire me to embrace new challenges and strive for excellence.

My personal journey, growing up on the Navajo Nation and witnessing the environmental impact of resource extraction, ignited a deep sense of purpose. This purpose fuels my work ethic, driving me to persevere through challenges and remain steadfast in my commitment to creating positive change. These influences converge to form the foundation of my work ethic: a commitment to excellence, a dedication to overcoming obstacles, and a belief in the power of individual action to create a better future.

These experiences, the wisdom of my ancestors, the guidance of my grandmother, and the resilience of my father, have woven together the rug of my work ethic. It’s a blend of Indigenous wisdom and modern resilience, of artistic expression, and an unwavering commitment to a better future. This blend fuels my grit, driving me to overcome obstacles and strive towards my goals with unwavering determination.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m driven by a deep passion for storytelling and its power to effect positive change. My focus lies in creating impactful documentaries and short films that shed light on critical social and environmental issues and amplify Indigenous voices and celebrate Indigenous excellence.

As a producer for First Nations Experience TV | FNX TV, I’m constantly creating content for the station, covering Indigenous events, fashion, and film. This experience has honed my skills in storytelling, collaboration, and bringing compelling narratives to life. With the recent launch of the FNX TV app, I’m excited to reach a wider audience and connect with more people who share my passion and dedication to community.

Furthermore, my involvement with Utah Indigenous Fashion Week, both as a committee member and a fashion designer, has deepened my understanding of the power of creativity and cultural expression as we come upon our 3rd year. This platform provides a vital space for Indigenous artists to showcase their talents and share their stories with the world, shining a spotlight on Indigenous excellence in the fashion industry.

What truly excites me is the ability of film to transcend information and connect with audiences on an emotional level. By sharing authentic stories and showcasing the resilience and strength of individuals and communities, we can ignite meaningful conversations and inspire collective action.

One such project I’m deeply passionate about is “Navajo Solar Sunrise.” This documentary follows the inspiring journey of a community-led effort to bring renewable energy to the Navajo Nation. This project is deeply personal to me, as it allows me to use my filmmaking skills to tell a story that is both powerful and impactful. The film explores the challenges faced by many Navajo families living in energy inequities, including limited access to electricity, high energy costs, and the reliance on outdated or inefficient energy sources. It highlights the efforts of local Navajo individuals and organizations who are working tirelessly to address these challenges by installing solar panels in homes, businesses, and community centers. “Navajo Solar Sunrise” delves into the profound environmental and social benefits of this transition. By embracing renewable energy, the Navajo Nation can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and increase energy independence. I’m currently in the post-production phase and am incredibly excited to share this film with the world soon.

I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for creating a more just and equitable world. I’m committed to using my skills to amplify marginalized voices, raise awareness about critical issues, and inspire others to become agents of change.

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 as a filmmaker, three qualities stand out as paramount: resilience, storytelling prowess, and cultural integrity.

1. Resilience: The filmmaking world is inherently unpredictable. Funding challenges, unforeseen obstacles, and the very nature of the creative process itself often present setbacks. Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, collaborators, and friends who can offer encouragement during difficult times. Practice mindfulness techniques to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.

2. Storytelling Prowess: At the heart of any successful film lies a compelling narrative. Whether through visuals, sound, or written word, the ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences is paramount. Immerse yourself in diverse storytelling forms – read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, attend live performances. Practice storytelling in different formats – write short stories, create personal narratives, or experiment with different forms of visual storytelling. Seek feedback from others and actively seek opportunities to refine your storytelling skills.

3.Cultural Integrity: Working in the television industry, particularly when focusing on Indigenous communities, demands a deep understanding of and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives. Cultural integrity involves acknowledging one’s own biases, actively listening to the voices of others, and building respectful and equitable relationships with the communities you are representing. Engage in ongoing learning about Indigenous cultures and histories. Seek out mentorship and guidance from Indigenous leaders and community members. Prioritize respectful and ethical filmmaking practices, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the communities you are portraying are accurately and authentically represented.

I believe that cultivating these qualities: resilience, strong storytelling skills, and cultural integrity, has been instrumental in my journey as a multimedia producer. By continuously nurturing these qualities, I strive to create work that is not only impactful but also meaningful and respectful of the diverse communities I am privileged to document.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to allow me the freedom to explore my interests and make my own choices. They were busy building their careers and, rather than micromanaging my every move, they encouraged me to develop my interests, personality and pursue my own passions.

As a child, I cycled through a seemingly endless list of career aspirations. I wanted to be a physician, an attorney, even an art gallery curator. But it wasn’t until I saw Christiane Amanpour and Connie Chung on CNN that a true passion ignited within me. Their powerful presence and insightful reporting captivated me, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in television journalism. While my parents were away and I lived with my Navajo grandparents, my mother ensured that I would have a window to the world through the glossy pages of a monthly National Geographic subscription to explore. That gift would priceless as I have made it a goal to explore this incredible planet.

This period of exploration, while sometimes confusing, was ultimately invaluable. It taught me the importance of self-discovery and the value of pursuing my own passions, regardless of societal expectations.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,