Zainab Khatoon Doyenne Ambassador, West Midlands
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a woman in this field, and how did you overcome it?
I believe the biggest challenge is the bias that men do business with men, our field is very male-dominated and when I first started that is how I felt.
Breaking into friendships, over the years I have made some amazing male friends and connections and even if I left the sector, I would remain friends with them.
There is room for women in the sector, we just have to find it.
Can you share your happiest memory from your time in the industry?
One of my recent happiest memories was winning “Professional of the Year” at the News on the Block Awards 2023, very grateful for the support from my industry peers, thank you.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
I don’t, this is still a challenge for me.
What motivates you to get up and go to work every day?
Easy, my daughter!
Who has been the biggest influence in your life or career?
My daughter, everything I do is for her.
What's a personal goal you are currently working towards?
Time management and I am still failing.
Would you rather have the ability to speak all languages fluently or be a master of every musical instrument?
All languages, I love people-watching so would love to understand them too.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
CAKE!
If you could have any fictional character as your best friend, who would you choose and why?
Can I pick two please:
Maui, the shapeshifter and demigod of the wind and sea from Moana the movie (because it's Dwayne Johnson).
Miss Rabbit (from Peppa Pig) because she can do everything and has an endless career list (and a female).
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
Cuddles with my daughter with a cup of tea (and biscuits of course)
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Dwayne Johnson’s house – because I am a big DJ fan.
What recent book has had an impact on you and why?"
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. The book is about mental health, loneliness and trauma.
A key reminder to look after the mental wellbeing of ourselves and the others around us. Mental health has been a big part of my life, and I would highly recommend this read. Don’t judge a book by its cover, we need to move away from judging mental health.
What's your favourite inspirational quote or mantra?
“Hakuna Matata”, can you say it without singing!
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in life?
Kindness can be a big weakness, but don’t change yourself – not everyone’s intentions are as pure as yours, so keep being you!
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