Aqsa Zaidi
Research Analyst
I came to Halifax in August 2017, from India as an international student, to complete my Master of Business Administration at the Sobey School of Business, St. Mary’s University. Thanks, to my alma mater, Halifax Partnership, and the Graduate to Opportunity Program, I now work as a Research Analyst at Narrative Research, Atlantic Canada's prominent market research and intelligence firm.
We all exist on the same planet, but we live in our own little worlds that are unique in the challenges and the intersectional experience they pose to an individual. My story, though not an exceptional one, is about challenging that little world of mine, a world that demanded extraordinary courage and with great resilience, to have a chance at an ordinary but dignified life.
Essentially, my story is not about becoming this or that, but just about becoming. It's about becoming someone who owns her intelligence, who is learning to use her voice and someone who makes decisions and takes full responsibility for them. It is about years of negotiations and efforts of a girl child to develop an agency and cultivate her female intellect in a society where intellectual development is feared and resisted, especially for women. It is the story of a woman (like so many others) who travelled to the other end of the world to enhance that chance at becoming, to hold her life in her hands, and to be the master of that life.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
I am proud of the kind of work I get to do as a market researcher. It gives me immense satisfaction to see that I have played a role in getting voices heard, in guiding informed decisions, and eventually in making an impact. Now, that is something to be proud of, in my opinion.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
I envision Atlantic Canada as the innovation and technology hub of Canada. With the growing tech ecosystems in Atlantic Canada and the boost in population growth and diversity with immigration, the future looks very promising. Our biggest opportunity lies in increasing our efforts to retain youth in Atlantic Canada and setting them up for success.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
I grew up with a fixed mindset and changing that to a growth mindset was the best thing I did for myself. I am still a work in progress and thus, I think the greatest stage of growth for me is yet to come. However, I feel closer to it every time I get out of my comfort zone and take action. There is something uniquely unsettling yet rewarding about such experiences. I have seen a shift in that I am taking out time to do things that I thought I could not do. I have learnt to rely more on natural feedback loops, and feel more confident in my abilities.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
There is no one favourite book, only favourite books. If you are looking to step up your game, I would recommend reading "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr. I got introduced to the ideas of Malcolm Gladwell, Simon Sinek, and Seth Godin because of my interest in marketing and I love their work. "Akimbo" is a great podcast by Seth Godin that I listen to often. I also have a keen interest in feminine writings and psychoanalysis. My current favourite female authors are Elena Ferrante and Amelie Nothomb, and I like reading books by psychoanalysts such as Darian leader and Jaqueline Rose. I have also been in love with Franz Kafka and Albert Camus since I was introduced to their writings.
What’s your deepest learning from this past year? How did/will you apply it?
It is not always easy to tell someone that you don't know something or be vulnerable, but it is worth taking the risk. My deepest learning from this past year is that we develop better long-term and interdependent relationships when we allow ourselves to ask for help and receive kindness. It also invigorates the willingness to carry forward this kindness and share it with others.
What would you have done differently?
I would believe in myself and experiment more. Most of my early 20s, I feared failure and had crushing self-doubt. Everyone in my circle believed in my abilities and talents, but I did not. Over time I have understood that if one puts their head into something, everything can be figured out. From there, it gets easier. You learn, then you apply, maneuver, and propel. I wish I had discovered this sooner.
What are the principles you live by?
I live by three principles :
1. Integrity comes above everything else
2. Work with honesty and diligence, but allow yourself to make mistakes
3. Take calculated risks and stand up for yourself
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Market Researcher, Mental Health Advocate, Growth-oriented, Life-long learner