17 minute read
COVER PAGE
Dr. Mariam Shaikh
Founder, CEO MS Education Consultants
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Q. 1. Kindly introduce yourself to our Readers.
I am truly delighted to introduce myself to the readers of Linbiz International. My name is Dr. Mariam Shaikh and I am the Founder, CEO of MS Education Consultants here in Dubai, UAE.
Having served as President of Linbiz Global last year, I feel very fortunate and pleased to have had the opportunity to interact with and support such a dynamic group of forward-thinking minds with boundless talent and drive. It has been a wonderful journey for me with like-minded women entrepreneurs on this group from a diverse mix of nationalities which is very characteristic of our beautiful Dubai integrated culture and lifestyle.
As a long-standing professional in the Education field, my journey in the UAE has been a very exciting one of many milestone achievements spanning over the past 35 years from owning my own Preschool in the 1980s to heading a large K-12 school as their Principal and then as a Senior Leader and Vice President for well-known and reputed International Universities in the United Arab Emirates.
Having actively contributed to the exponential growth of the student population of Universities such as the Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus and Amity University Dubai, I now look forward to a new innovative chapter with my own venture, MS Education Consultants which I started in 2020 and was undoubtedly my silver lining during the pandemic. As I always say “It is never too late to set a New Goal or dream a New Dream”.
My expertise in Higher Education is in the areas of Student Recruitment, Marketing, Strategic Development, International Relations and Student Experience. I am pleased to share that last year, MS Education Consultants was appointed as the official ‘Middle East Strategist’ for the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada; a top ranked comprehensive University, recognized as a Canadian Leader in Student Experience and known for experiential learning and career development. This has been a fantastic milestone for my Company and I look forward to continued success and excellence with this prestigious partnership.
I strongly believe in active participation in Public forums, speaking at Conferences and expanding my network.
Throughout my professional career in Higher Education, I have participated and contributed towards several Conferences and have been a spokesperson for Higher Education on News channels, foreign & local, to share information on the world class Educational facilities and Programs offered at the International Branch University Campuses based here in Dubai and I have also travelled extensively as a Brand Ambassador, individually as well with University Delegations.
I am pleased to have served as President of the Indian Ladies Association for many years consecutively, am an active member of the Canadian Business Council, am appointed as the International Advisor for the Youth Union Council of India, an active member of the UAE-Africa Initiative, President of Education Leadership- Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club, Country Ambassador for the World Women Leadership Congress 2022, member of Indian Women In Dubai network and Youth Empowerment Mentor for the Entrepreneurship Cell of the renowned IIT Mumbai.
I would also like to share that a big part of my journey over the years has been about mentorship and supporting students - our future leaders, and I endeavor to enhance such efforts and extend support to Women Entrepreneurs which became possible via the Linbiz Global platform. I cannot say this enough, that I am truly honored and blessed to be part of this very supportive group of innovative Women Entrepreneurs. I would like to say a special ‘Thank you’ to Ambassador Adeshola Onadipe for her continuous efforts and dedication.
Q. 2. Your Instagram account’s username is Ms. Edu Consultants, what is it about?
The Instagram account for MS Education Consultants is a great platform for us to speak to students and be more accessible to youth and the larger universe of users of Social Media.
It has been an exciting journey leading up to the envisioning, conceptualizing, strategizing and then finally setting up and launching of MS Education Consultants and social media is the certainly the quickest way for us to connect, share our vision, our services, new developments and partnerships.
The vision of MS Education Consultants is to assist students globally to meet their academic and career goals and aspirations. We facilitate the establishment and growth of Educational Institutions and we seek vital
partnerships with innovative learning programs, specialized initiatives in line with Government vision and corporate collaborations to equip students with the new age skills in this era of innovation and constant change where adaptability and learning agility are very much needed.
I am pleased to share our upcoming launches with your readers such as an Internationally Recognised Montessori Diploma for Teachers by a renowned Montessori Head Trainer and Expert, and our Cultural & Academic Exchange Program for students across the globe to experience UAE culture and heritage and the Higher Education options provided by the leading University Campuses from all over the world based here in Dubai International Academic City. We have already seen very successful visits with student groups from USA, Europe and China and look forward to welcoming students from Africa and other parts of the world for the cultural exchange visit!
Q.3 You have made so much impact in the education industry here in UAE. The awards you have been honored with over the years is a testimony to this. You actually became the only UAE Nominee for “Outstanding contribution to the Education industry” by a PIEoneer Awards, you got an award for Global Excellence in Education from HE Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, just to mention these few. How has it been in achieving this much as a woman and as a foreigner in an Arabic country as our beautiful UAE
I am extremely honored for the recognition and I am grateful for the appreciation and encouragement from these esteemed Awards and Nominations. I am proud to represent as a woman leader and eagerly look forward for new and upcoming professionals in the field to feel inspired to achieve greater heights. The PIEoneer Awards nomination was very special to me as I was the only individual from the UAE to be nominated for this prestigious Award and it was a pleasure to join although virtually and attend such a spectacular event to celebrate Education and Professionals & Entrepreneurs in the field from all over the world.
Receiving the award from HE Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, member of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council, , was definitely memorable due to the fact that I started my journey in Ras Al Khaimah with the opening of my very own Nursery School in the 80s. It was an honor to receive this award from HE Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi.
In order to contribute towards making UAE the best Country in the world as a woman. I would say... “You have to do what you are best at, and align your talent and vision with the vision of the country”...Here is how I did it...!!....;
From day one of my arrival in the UAE, I have worked with the vision to make a mark with Education as my prime goal for the region.
I have helped thousands of students seeking education in UAE to achieve their education goals. And after 35 + years in UAE providing education service, I have finally branched out as an Education Consultant offering my expertise and sharing my experiences gained in this beautiful country.
UAE is a place where dreams are made and goals are achieved in every business. This is the vision I saw in this country and this is what I set out to achieve as a Woman, and am proud to say that I have achieved it..!!.
I am confident that the next 50 years will an opportunity for all women to excel and exceed expectations by sharing best practices and their cultural values from all the 200 nationalities that reside here happily.
Dubai has retained its position as the No. 1 city in the Arab world & achieved a global ranking of 5th in the ‘Cultural Interaction’ criterion in the Global Power City Index 2021, in addition, Dubai ranks as one of the best cities for expats worldwide This accomplishment has been made possible by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the efforts of Her Highness
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Dubai was also ranked the highest in the Arab world in the
Economy criterion of the Index; the emirate was placed ahead of many major global cities despite the challenges the world is facing. Dubai continues to be a global model for a vibrant creative economy.
The city is home to some of the world’s most spectacular architecture, a top 10 global financial centre, one of the regions most diversified economies, over 200 private schools and world-class lifestyle and amenities and all within a tax free environment - these factors are helping draw in expats from all over the world,” Dubai’s offer of a global business hub combined with an almost unparalleled lifestyle offering has attracted millions to relocate to Dubai from all corners of the world. This is made easier when the location of Dubai is such that you can access two-thirds of the population within eight hours. I was born in Mumbai India.
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra is called the “city of dreams” or “Mayanagri” I was born into a modern Muslim family and completed my degrees in Mumbai as well.
However, having spent so many years here in an empowered city like Dubai I am confident that had I been in any other part of the world, I could not have attained the success or achieved as I have done.
This quote from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai reflective of the years gone by, on leadership and his vision for the future of Dubai is always noteworthy:
“Over the past 50 years, we started from the desert of our land to the desert of Mars. Our dreams will be even bigger for the next 50 years.” “Our vision is clear, our road is paved and the clock is ticking. There is no time for hesitation or half-baked goals or solutions. Development is an ongoing process and the race for excellence has no finish line.”
“This city taught me the definition of thinking big!! My Dubai…” So proud to have been given the opportunity to live in this impressive, progressive and glamorous city.” The visionary leadership never ceases to amaze….. What is the driving force behind your passion with the interest you have in the education of young people and the interest to see them fulfill their academic and career aspirations?
Advising and mentoring students towards the right choice of University is my passion as I had done the same for own two children who studied in Canada & United states.
I always advise my students that “Success is no accident- it takes hard work, dedication, perseverance, learning, studying and most importantly passion and love of what you do.”
A strong mindset, a deep belief in the ability to reach your goals and professional success, coupled with hard work paves the way to excellence.
Yes, Excellence is the brand I want to have. As a woman, you know that in order to navigate through a male dominated professional world, you need to work harder, be more creative, get better results and show up perfect all the time.
And when you reach a high-level leadership position and become a member of the boards of large corporations, you not only carry the hope for all women, but you represent all the women who could not make it. You know who you are, where you belong and where you come from. You also know how long and challenging the journey was to get there.
This is why, the first step to success is to know what you really want to become. Having a clear vision of your goal and your objectives is necessary to reach fulfillment and success in both your professional and personal life.
Oprah Winfrey is the perfect role model for all women around the world, spreading motivation and inspiration. Oprah shines through her strong conviction: “you don’t get what you wish for, you don’t get what you hope for, you get what you strongly believe in”. Thus, having a clear vision of what you want to reach by articulating your dreams and ambitions sets the tone for what type of success you will be reaching.
In UAE we hear of so many curriculum framework in the different schools around, American, British CBSE just to mention a few, is this a positive approach in helping parents with their different needs and learning interests for their children. UAE as we all know has a growing and diverse population and the availability of different curriculums in Schools is certainly valued and appreciated in order to serve different communities, furthermore, students have the advantage and choice to access different learning methodologies, which is really beneficial to meet their needs.
I believe it is important to note that when choosing a curriculum, the key indicators of curriculum success include the quality of the learning achieved by students, and how effectively students use that learning for their personal, social, physical, cognitive and emotional development.
Is it a good idea that will help the thriving academic industry to develop and be more impact fulfilling or is it negative and should be controlled?
A thriving academic industry is certainly positive as it improves accessibility, especially since the pandemic, we have all witnessed and experienced that the level of accessibility to Education has vastly grown with the introduction of online learning. Learners in any part of the world at any age can now have access to online education, which is life changing.
“35 years and still counting!”. Wow....your stay in UAE, how has the journey been, is the experience worth having at the end if it all?
UAE is my home. I believe all the success I have achieved in my professional career and since being able to start my own venture here has only been possible due to the highly conducive and
supportive environment that UAE offers to its residents. It comes as no surprise that UAE is voted as one the best places in the world to live, work, and settle. The exceptional quality of life with modern accommodation and medical facilities, excellent private schools, and highly developed infrastructure is why UAE is consistently chosen as a country to reside. I look forward to exciting times ahead and all that UAE has to offer to enrich the quality of our lives.
In your own words, from your leadership experiences and exposure, encourage our upcoming Lady professionals, career driven women and female entrepreneurs who are aspiring to step into leadership positions and roles but are still been held back by societal belief systems of a woman shouldn’t, no you can’t etc.
A commonly cited Hewlett-Packard study on internal hiring practices found that men often apply for a job when they meet 60 percent of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100 percent of them. There is an unconscious belief that unless a woman meets the criteria exactly, she won’t be considered. Changing that belief starts with the individual woman. Each one must believe she is capable. Success is found outside of one’s comfort zone, but is often hindered by the fear of the unknown. Every successful entrepreneur and business leader did what they were afraid to do instead of just letting the fear rule in their personal and professional lives, this is applies to everyone, men and women.
In the socio - economic and political world of today, are women doing enough to step up their games, do the talk, to meet up with the global advancement and development across the globe .
Data provides a clear window on the state of women in leadership including both gains and losses. The insights are sobering, but also enlightening. By understanding the reality and making sense of it, we can become more resilient, solve problems and innovate toward greater happiness, fulfillment and achievement.
There is no doubt that women are and can be strong leaders with many already achieving great strides. However, The pipeline for women in leadership has many leaks where women fall out of the progression toward higher-level roles.
I strongly believe that the state of women’s progress in the workplace and in leadership isn’t just a women’s issue. It is an issue for all of us. We need to build communities where we can tap into the very best from each of us.
Maam you look good and smart for a woman of your very busy schedule , how do you unwind, how do you relax?
I enjoy being social, spending time with family, friends and expanding my network of contacts. I have been very fortunate to have met such wonderful individuals through Linbiz Global and I look forward to support the group further.
Your last word to encourage our women in their different life pursuit, be it business, be it in the corporate world?
I would say lead by example while being open, supportive and collaborative with others.
Natural attributes assigned to women can be big differentiators as leadership qualities in the workplace. Women can help others set goals and attain them, emphasize teamwork, and invest time in training, mentoring and personal development. Women are less
likely to have the “lone wolf” or “leader of the pack” mentality, lending themselves naturally to developing and helping others. When women bring this strength to their teams and employees, it has long-lasting benefits. It improves employee retention, creates stronger team players, and develops the next generation of female role models. As each woman in the workplace does her part to work toward gender equality in her workplace, the gap will slowly but surely close over time.
It isn’t a matter of the different strengths that men and women bring to their careers, but instead how we accept the meshing of those strengths to drive companies forward in meeting their goals and setting new ones while achieving individual success. This isn’t about celebrating leaders because they are women; this is about showcasing more women in halls of fame, business case studies, and lists alongside men- and not separately. In addition to having representation, I think it is also important to ensure we are able to look up to a diverse set of representation. So, not just in terms of gender, race and ethnicity, but in terms of personality, industry, and impact.
“Shine your light and make a positive impact on the world; there is nothing so honorable as helping improve the lives of others. Creating a deeper connection with the light that is inside you will eventually make you shine so bright that you will radiate your light to others. Not only will you be able to raise your own vibration, but you will contribute to raising the vibration in the world. Keep shining!!” Women are like molecules floating in the Universe. They give everyone Love, Light and Peace.
Women are energy from Space, they are achievers, visionaries, Women are Family and Life!!
I truly believe Where there is a woman there is MAGIC!! All of us women here have magic inside them and can do incredible things....
As I speak to this powerful and glittering audience of entrepreneurs full of empowered women reading this, I am sure that all of you Believed, had the faith, persevered, and you did all that you needed to do and that’s why you are all here today.....
In my opinion, “The success of every woman should be an inspiration to others, we should raise each other up!!”
Being a woman in our society is not always easy. If you want people to take you seriously and not see you as a cute little girl, you have to act professionally, talk, and look accordingly.
All of us are strong women - persistent and tenacious. We need to treat obstacles as stepping stones along the way to success, learn from setbacks, and never stop until we achieve our goal. And then together we can celebrate our wins and set new bigger goals!
As technology increasingly takes over knowledge-based work, the cognitive skills that are central to today’s education systems will remain important; but behavioral and non-cognitive skills necessary for collaboration, innovation, and problem solving will become essential as well.
