Pati Experience- abu dhabi ZU campus

03 June 2007
Today I heard one of the most inspirational catchphrase that I will never forget, “Creativity is like I butterfly, catch it and it will die. Let it go and it flies.” This motto has inspired me to be myself in the business world. At young we are taught be our society that showing no emotions, be stern and all business in order to b e successful. The most significant lesson I will take with me from this trip is that is not true, success comes from authentic and passionate work dedication. Madam Salwa who is a mother, business owner, and a member of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council among other things, shared this motto with us today. She went after her dreams, overcame obstacles and made changes for women in the UAE. While working and creating her goals she was not only looking for success in a monetary value she wanted to fulfill her souls desires. I am truly thankful for her authentic advice and guidance. I am also thankful for her dedication to advancing women in the UAE. She made it evidently clear that being patient, hard working are key aspects for women to succeed. She teaches by examples and the government and leaders of her country have noticed it. By being a part of the executive board for the Businesswomen Council she has been striving for 5 years to improve and create more opportunities for new generations to enter the business world. The last bit of advice she left us with something I have definitely learned at Simmons, and that is to network. Networking has helped to achieve success and also build a support group that she can rely on for experienced and valid advice. In conclusion I am glad to have met Madam Salwa because I now leave UAE with a totally new and more aware point of view of the UAE women.
We were also fortunate enough to hear the Author of Rags to Riches speak. He, father of four educated and success women, is a great supporter of women in the business world. As he stood, at the podium making joke about his height, he introduced himself as a average man working for a living who is proud of his country and culture. We learned a lot about him in 45minutes, including facts about his family, dreams, success and country. His humble beginnings has enabled him to be grateful, focused and a contributor to his country. For example his four daughters have each had his support to enter business sectors of their choice, to study where they would like and dedicate their time to causes that they are interested in. he has been both a economic and emotional supporter for his children (7 all together). When he spoke about writing “Rag to Riches” his face lid up and told us how the success of the book surpassed all of his monetary success. To him allowing nationals and international people learn about the past was more valuable than all of the money he has made. From him I learned to follow your heart and learn to give back to your culture, people and community.

Thanks and see you all soon Pati !!