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The theme of 2023's South Asian Heritage Month is ‘Stories to Tell’ so we’re celebrating by sharing the experiences and reflections of some of our fantastic graduates from our Ethnic Future Leaders (EFL) Programme who identify as coming from South Asian backgrounds. Our graduates shared with us the impact of the stories they heard on the EFL programme from their peers on the cohort and also from the inspirational role model conversations and how it has encouraged them to continue to tell their own stories. Hamza Durrani is Area Manager at Revolution Bars Group PLC and took part in the third cohort of the EFL programme, sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
‘’The most important thing I learnt on the EFL Programme is to always be me. I have also learnt that diversity is to be celebrated in organisations and have gained confidence to speak more openly about my cultural belongings, which helped me overcome my imposter syndrome. Listening to the inspiring and accomplished leaders from across the globe speak about their experiences within their workplaces was my favourite part of the Programme. Hearing how they strived to overcome these and share their stories with the group was extremely enlightening.
I have a refreshed sense of career aspirations and a goal in mind – this time with a special focus on feeling more self-confident rather than self-conscious. The biggest learning has been how open the industry is to change within their organisations at the Exec levels. I believe the voices on the front line and the boots on the ground tell a story not very dissimilar however, there is still a long way to go. I would love to contribute to the agenda, through not only lived experience, but also having gained the confidence of hearing similar stories at WiHTL.’’
Following the programme, Hamza was selected to sit on the WiHTL Advisory Board and received a promotion within his organisation which are huge personal achievements for him.
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