In this captivating podcast episode, Fauzia Malik, CEO of an innovative water company and manufacturer of paving blocks, as well as the proprietor of a fitness line—dives into the complexities of leadership, legacy, and the challenges tied to inheriting a family business. An adept problem solver, Fauzia's journey reflects her determination, innovation, and resilience in the face of gender biases.
When she took over the role from her father in 2003, her father's unwavering belief in Fauzia's capabilities was evident, even in a business environment that initially had few women leaders. Reflecting on this transition, Fauzia sheds light on sustaining her father's strategic acumen, honed through hours of mentorship and strategic planning for problems of varying scales. Fauzia underscores that authentic leadership often operates behind the scenes, driven by the art of problem-solving.
Fauzia's leadership philosophy pivots around her conviction that leaders, like entrepreneurs, are society's catalysts for change. This belief fuels her passion for nurturing the next generation's leadership potential. In her mentorship endeavors, Fauzia guides young girls toward recognizing their intrinsic strengths and passions, aiming to unveil their authentic selves rather than conforming to societal expectations.
An inflection point in Fauzia's leadership journey arose when she assumed the presidency of the Tanzanian chapter, an accomplishment acknowledged by her peers. This experience enriched her self-awareness and business acumen, casting her into challenging situations that tested her resilience.
Fueled by family values, followed by employees, Fauzia's commitment to mentorship and staying attuned to business trends has been instrumental in her success. A pivotal juncture involved restructuring the business, which required her to recalibrate strategies, navigate financial challenges, and garner her father's support for change. This episode underscored the essence of resilience.
Fauzia's narrative also highlights the gender biases women leaders often face, a universal challenge. She ardently advocates disregarding external judgments and embracing one's authentic identity. As a Muslim woman in Africa, Fauzia assumes her unique identity, drawing inspiration from the tenacity of her diligent grandmother, who woke at 4 am daily to tend to her business diligently.
Fauzia draws inspiration from Oprah Winfrey's profound quote, "What I say is what I do and what I believe," and Nike's enduring motto, "Just Do It." Through her experiences, she champions the "doing" leadership concept—a style that Africa needs more of. She envisions leaders with both action and vision, fostering a brighter future for the continent. As Africa works to unleash its full potential, Fauzia embodies the spirit of transformational leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape and inspiring future generations.
Fauzia is the Managing Director of Tembo Tiles Ltd, the CEO of Super Miles Ltd (Cool Blue), Global Member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and its Tanzania Chapter President between 2017 and 2018. She is a visionary who inspires everyone to achieve her company’s goals and endures to live her company’s values as an inspiration for her employees to reflect the same in their operations. Fauzia focuses on developing efficient programs and mobilizing and implementing robust operational processes. She is also a Member of the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania and the Founder and Director of Baby Tembo Ltd.
