I was recently invited to speak at an event called 'Books That Inspire' kindly hosted by Channel 4 and masterminded by Sajna Rahman Account Manager and Deputy Chair BIFM Rising FMs Committee.
In this interview, Sajna shares what sparked the idea for the event and what inspires her.
Please tell me a bit about you
I started my career in Facilities Management (FM) as a receptionist working for Coca-Cola. 17 years later I am now an account manager for Sodexo, which is one of the biggest market leaders in FM and the 18th largest employers in the world.
I am also Acting Chair for a committee Rising FMs, British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) I am passionate about learning and development and always strive to promote FM as a career of choice.
At home I am a wife, mother to my 19yr old son eldest sister to 4 siblings and daughter to amazing parents.
What was the idea behind the event?
The idea was to show people that there are tools out there that they can use to rise in their careers. The Authors Vanessa Vallely (Heels of Steel) and Jenny Garrett (Rocking Your Role) both have success stories to share. Both books have practical guidance and encouraging advice and their career journeys are different but equally remarkable.
Why did you entitle the event 'Books That Inspire'?
I attended an event before Christmas titled 'Books that Change Lives' I was so inspired that I sought to share this with my industry network. I recognise that many people read business books and thought this will be an excellent CPD event on personal development. The titling of this event was simple I was inspired so I named it 'books that inspire'
What do you think delegates took from the event?
I received so much positive feedback from the delegates on the night and after the event. It was almost majestic, people were inspired and I believe it encouraged people to really assess their career development and I hope they take action!
What inspires you?
My husband, my son, my family and the people around me inspire me. Of course books inspire me, Rocking Your Role and Heels of Steel, enthused me a great deal especially getting to know both authors had provided me an immense confidence that I didn't know existed inside me.
How can people find out more about you and your future events?
All Rising FMs event can be found in the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) website www.bifm.org
Are you inspired by books, just like Sajna? Feel free to share the books that have changed your life below.
Jenny Garrett, APCTC Award Winning Womens Coach of the Year 2014, founder of Reflexion Associates, a leadership and coaching consultancy and author or Rocking Your Role - the how to guide to success for female breadwinners. Find out more about her at rockingyourrole.com