Hira Ali

Introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us who you are and what you are currently focused on.

I am an associate certified career coach & mentor, author and leadership trainer. I am also an accredited member of the Association for Neuro Linguistic Programming. I'm a registered coach and mentor at various organizations in London such as NHS & Mentor2mentees, American Corporate Partners & Cherie Blair Foundation. I am a passionate advocate of inclusion and diversity. My current focus is addressing the challenge of gender equality and women empowerment across the globe. I am on a mission to connect and link women across borders to collectively address internal and external challenges holding them back as highlighted in my book survey. My next project is around surviving the odds as an employee belonging to a minority group.

Tell us about your favorite Ellevate Network memory or success story. Why are you a member?

I became a member 3 years ago and have been a loyal member since. Ellevate kickstarted my blogging and writing career.

How would you define your professional mission?

To support and empower women and minorities to be fearless at work and in life and become effective and influential leaders.

What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?

Empathy, Listening skills, Communication Skills, Sense of Humour, Self-belief.

What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments?

Becoming a published author with some great reviews from global influencers and making it to London local news and Europe breaking news because of it.

What are some career challenges on your radar?

Being an Asian Muslim woman, I sometimes end up being the only woman in the room.

What project have you worked on that you’re most proud of? Why?

I launched my book, Her Way To The Top, in February. The book has received some amazing reviews from global influencers like Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Cherie Blair, Valerie Young, Dr. Lois P Frankle, Chiara Condi, Dr. Yvonne Thompson, Carole Stone, Dr. Shola, Ziauddin Yousafzai (Malala’s dad) and many more, and has made it to the newspapers such as Ham and High and Europe Breaking News! I even received a letter from The Mayor for my book. 

I launched an online women’s leadership program called Career Excel with my partner Jennifer Willey. The program that aims to empower women to be fearless at work and in life has also been receiving great reviews. I was published in a plethora of local and international media outlets and won an award for highly commended #womeninmedia by wintrade, as well as Lift Effects top 100 women award. I am also a finalist for Entrepreneur of The Year. 

I along with my team launched IWEE International Women Empowerment Events in Maldives. IWEE aims to bring together/link western and eastern women and empower Asian women through conferences and localized training interventions covering topics like leadership, money mindset, sexual harassment and domestic abuse, social media and conscious parenting.

We’d love to hear more about your career path. What led you to where you are today?

I have lived in three countries and have launched my business from scratch in two of them. From Karachi to Dubai and Dubai to London, my career journey spans 14 years.

What advice would you offer future leading ladies wishing to break into your industry?

Step-up and show up. Don't be afraid to ask and don't shy away from self advocacy.

What is one piece of advice you’d offer working moms?

I would like to quote the following from my book, Her Way To The Top:

As a working mum who has had to miss many moments with her own son, I am well aware of the maternal sting that pierces the heart. There is also that irrational fear that your child might be closer to his care giver than he is to you, or that the care giver may know your child better than even you do. Guilt and exhaustion overwhelms you all the time. You are always in a quandary about the choices you make. You sometimes cry too. You are tired. But you are not a bad mum. You may be working out of necessity to provide for your children, or you may be working out of passion, but in doing so you are setting a great example for your children to follow their dreams.