Anusha David spotlights the hottest styles and statements in and around Sri Lanka – from political leaders to celebrity CEOs, masters of the game to fashion icons and stars of the silver screen and stage. Here are society’s leaders talking about the determination, vision, smarts, competence and professionalism. Today, she speaks to Shazia Syed. 

Creating history on November 1, 2013, Shazia Syed took over the reins of Unilever Sri Lanka as the first ever female Chairperson. Shazia started off her illustrious career as a management trainee at Unilever. In her 24 years with the organisation, she has worked across most Unilever categories and was seconded to Vietnam in December 2000 for three years where she worked as a Business Unit Leader in Personal Care. In 2004, she returned to Pakistan as Vice President for Home and Personal Care and later Refreshments. She was appointed to the Board of Directors, Pakistan in April 2008 whilst serving as Director of Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited.

What most people don’t know is that this talented, gifted woman, hails from a tiny, conservative village in Pakistan where even electricity was not available. “I was always a rebel, always asking why, always thinking and behaving out of the box!”. Describing herself as a simple person, where simplicity has governed her every action throughout life, Shazia most certainly is a role model to emulate. Shazia is married with two children, and enjoys challenging herself on the golf course, while a few luxurious hours at the salon are definitely not to be missed!

“All business is local. Even for multinationals”; would you agree with this?

I think what multinationals bring to the table is that they bring the flavour of international brands and make them relevant to the local palate; that’s how we look at it. We look at the wide spaces based on local consumer insight, so it's not a forced fit; however what we bring is international standards and global brands and from that portfolio we try and make it fit with local insights and so far we have been very successful and that’s our brand positioning.

How does a Multinational like Unilever handle the world record amount of public holidays (more than 30 per year) in Sri Lanka? And on top of it what about the auspicious times that are to be taken into account?

Recently I was at the reopening of a refurbished store. Normally if it was in Pakistan, I would have taken it that the opening time though stipulated, would have occurred at least one hour later, however due to the auspicious times having to be observed, the opening took place on the dot without any delays. To me auspicious times are actually a blessing! As for holidays, our approach at Unilever is very different and unorthodox. It is about output and as Unilever progresses, we are actually freeing ourselves from the four walls that is Unilever as it were. Unilever can be anywhere, it is a set of brands and how we communicate and connect with the consumer. It is what we call the agile working concept. It is the output of people that we judge, they can work from anywhere. We are even giving people the option to work from home if they need to. If for instance you take 2 hours each day to travel to work, and if you feel on certain occasions you could put that time to use more productively by working from home, Unilever gives you that flexibility to do so, and actually for us at Unilever that system has really worked. Different people respond differently and we give people the option to decide what suits them best. Even the concept of job sharing is something that Unilever espouses. It’s the output that matters, not where you work from.

How do you find the work environment and work ethics in Sri Lanka as opposed to other countries you have been posted to?

I’ve worked in Pakistan, in Vietnam and now in Sri Lanka and I think every country has its own set of circumstances peculiar to it. People here are very proud of their country, they are very honest, very true to what they do, one area that I push my people is that I encourage them to think out of the box. Always look for two solutions to any particular problem, not one. I feel out of the box thinking is something that needs to be encouraged if people are to grow and develop. It's all about encouraging people to look at things from a different perspective.

You joined Unilever as a management trainee in 1989 and you have been with the company ever since – could you tell us some of the highlights of your career?

It’s been a 25 year journey so there are a lot of highlights, however I remember when I was posted to Vietnam, I didn’t even know where Vietnam was. Also I was expecting my first child at that stage! When I told my husband that I had been posted to Vietnam, he said “Oh no I’m not going!”. Anyway I went to Vietnam on holiday and when I got there, everyone reached out to me, and my husband too got an opportunity to work in Vietnam with HSBC, and we suddenly found ourselves in a very attractive situation. I started working in Vietnam with a young baby which was challenging in itself; my son was in a pram next to me in the office – that in itself was a challenge. Moving into Sales where no woman had ever worked before, I joined as a Management Trainee so I have done the rounds of almost all the categories. Unilever is like home to me and of course coming here to Sri Lanka was very much a high point – heading Unilever as a Pakistani woman was very much a challenge.

What is the most rewarding part of being Chairman of a multinational?

Well we are always mentored when we walk into an organization. We develop a personal plan for ourselves and when we get to General Management, it's not just about delivering results, but its about the legacy that you leave behind. Its not about day to day work, it's about doing something which remains with the company even when you leave, that’s the most fulfilling part, whether it's about creating a gender balanced workplace – me being a woman, and lending it that woman's touch which is unique, or taking the company on a new growth trajectory which will take the company to another place, it is these options that make it so rewarding, that you leave a little bit of you when you go!

What is the hardest part of being Chairman of a multinational?

Well you come from being a hands on person, deeply involved in everything, whereas in this role, the magic of it is that you work through people. You don’t have your opinion reflected in every decision, you have to step back and let others take decisions. If you want people to feel ownership, you have to let them take decisions. You give them a direction, you inspire them but you have to let them have the ideas, it's only then that they will feel motivated to work, so to me this stepping back is what is most difficult. You have to distance yourself and let others make the moves. You have to let your people make mistakes, that’s part and parcel of being a good leader. It comes with experience, it comes with somebody sharing their experiences with you. That is the power of Unilever, you are never left in the deep end.

Who are three people in history you admire most and why?

Mother Teresa, Razia Sultana and Jinnah. All three for the dreams they brought to life. All three for their resilience and unique leadership.

How does your family inspire you?

I think my husband and I have always looked at our careers together. It's not been mine or yours, but ours. We look at our careers jointly, as an investment for our kids. At this point in time what is right for us as a family, what seems the better investment? We support each other to do the right thing for each other. For us. Your whole family needs to be involved in decision making. The fact that I have always involved my family in every aspect has been a source of energy and strength for me.

What’s the happiest or proudest moment in your life?

Well it's got to do with my children and also the fact that I came from a small village where we didn’t even have electricity. We lived in a small mud hut. My father was in the army. Army people had very modest incomes; it was a very different life. My father really stretched himself to educate us. My father left the army to move to a big city so we could continue our education. So I’m very proud of the fact that I was able to live up to my parents' ambitions for me, and likewise seeing my children grow up and giving them all the opportunities that life has to offer.

What’s the best compliment you ever received?

That I’m humble. I think coming from humble beginnings helps. You are always in touch with your roots and you can connect with people.

What advice did your parents give you that you best remember?

Stick to the basic rules. The basic rules are never outdated. No matter where we are, the basic rules of being a good human being, of being a good mother, a good wife, they are never outdated, the old formulas always hold good no matter what role we happen to be playing. The basic precepts always hold good. Always be accessible. Think simple. That’s what I learnt from my parents' simple life.

What is your goal as a parent?

I want to make sure that my kids are not caught in a rut. Today’s academic pressures are huge and kids find it extremely hard to cope with the pressures set upon them. Life is precious and you need to enjoy yourself. Creativity needs to be encouraged, out of the box thinking needs to be sought, learning must go on but each child has to find his or her creative path and that’s where sometimes I conflict with schools. I don’t want my child to be constantly struggling whether it's with his studies or at sports. Today even sports has become so competitive and such a struggle, it's not fun anymore. If I send my child for swimming they will try and turn him into an athlete, whereas I just want him to splash around and have fun. I want my kids to be creative and innovative.

How do you like to relax?

I just love going to the salon! A couple of hours in a good salon with a good cup of coffee in my hand – I go to Crown and I just love going there. Also sports. I love golf. Going out of Colombo, driving around, eating out – that’s how I like to relax.

What are your hobbies and special interests?

A special interest is definitely travelling. I also enjoy golf and cycling.

Which single book has greatly influenced you, and why?

The Diary of Anne Frank. The innocence of a 13 year old captured in her diary which depicts the horrific era of World War II. It's a heart breaking book. I cry every time I read it.

Interviewed by Anusha David