At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Umme Hani for an exclusive interview with us. Umme is a Soft Skills Trainer, Certified Image Consultant and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Umme:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I completed my internship at Le Meridien Bangalore and Hotel Royal Orchid Bangalore, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management in 2014. Shortly after, I joined Accor India, a renowned French hotel brand, as a Management Trainee in the Culinary department.
During my studies, I discovered my oratory skills, which were recognised by my colleagues and management at Accor’s Ibis-Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. This recognition led to an opportunity in the Learning and Development Department in 2015, marking the beginning of a successful journey where I held leadership roles in multiple five-star hotels, contributed to pre-opening teams and relocated for task force assignments across the country.
My passion for grooming, hygiene and styling prompted me to enhance my skills further, leading me to enrol in an Image Management Program in 2020. However, just three months into the course, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing me to stay home for a year as the hotel industry faced unprecedented challenges.
I seized this time as an opportunity to complete my studies online, launch a YouTube channel for my fraternity, conduct market research and establish myself as an independent corporate trainer. I always prioritised learning.
Therefore, I acquired certifications as an International Outbound Trainer, Game-based Trainer and Facili-trainer. Today, my team and I have successfully collaborated with over 50 companies across more than 15 sectors, solidifying our presence in the industry.
How did you discover your passion?
I have always possessed strong oratory skills, but over time, my self-confidence has gone down, causing those abilities to diminish. It wasn’t until I pursued a degree in Hotel Management that I rediscovered my passion for public speaking, gaining recognition as I hosted various shows and events both in college and at work.
I found immense satisfaction in sharing knowledge with others, especially when I saw how my insights and skills contributed to their success. Ultimately, everything aligned for me as I transformed my passion into a profession, leading to a profound sense of fulfilment.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Life is filled with challenges, and I don’t want to paint an unrealistic picture of my journey. I’ve faced struggles at every stage, but what truly drives me is the realisation that I play a small part in the success of others.
When my knowledge and skills contribute to transforming lives, I recognise that my role extends beyond mere training; I am engaged in a process of transformation and not to forget I have been blessed with a supportive family and friends who are my biggest motivators.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Three most important lessons I have learned in my life are:
1) Taking that first step is difficult, but once you make the decision, the entire world is yours to explore and conquer.
2) In life, giving up is never an option. You may stumble and fall, but the beauty is to rise again and keep moving forward; that’s the essence of living.
3) Be gentle with yourself; mistakes are part of the journey and provide valuable lessons. However, repeating the same mistake without any learning is where the real issue lies
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
a) Self-acceptance and self-belief
b) Your Network is your Net worth. The genuine relationships you build with people help you reach more opportunities.
c) Seize every opportunity that comes your way, as there are millions waiting for the same opportunity you have missed.
d) Stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to discovering your true potential. Embracing risks is always worth it; even if you face setbacks, you can always feel the pride in the fact that you tried.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I have two advice for the youth:
> In addition to your academics, develop new skills. It is the skills that teach you the true meaning of life.
> You are living in an era of social media, so leverage this power to enhance your learning and growth, rather than merely using it as a source of distraction.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
