“Do not underestimate your thoughts, because your energy, determination, success and even health, are directly related to your positive thoughts.”
Dedication
This biography is devoted with deepest affection and gratitude to the extraordinary women who shaped my very soul, my beloved grandmother Mrs. Mariyam Umar Sayed. To my grandmother, whose unwavering spirit and boldness opened doors for me that tradition tried to keep closed. Her courage, wisdom, and belief in fairness became the foundation upon which my entire life stands. She stood as my shield against the world’s limitations, teaching me by quiet example that strength lies not in force, but in the gentle, steadfast pursuit of what is right. The memory of her guidance lights my path in every uncertain moment and fills me with hope even on difficult days.
To Mr. Aslam Hasan Beary, my husband, my guardian, my best friend, whose kind patience and steadfast respect granted me room to grow, pursue my dreams, and support my family without fear. Thank you for honoring my priorities, sharing in my joys and burdens, and being a true partner in every sense. Your trust and encouragement have been a silent strength, allowing me to become the woman and leader I am today. You have shaped me, strengthened me, supported my growth, and instilled in me the belief that nothing is impossible when met with courage and conviction. No matter what challenges life has thrown my way, you helped me face them and blossom. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being the most important part of mine.
To My Parents, Mrs. Nargis Salim Sayed and Mr. Salim Sayed — To my mother, the heart and comfort of our home, who gave selflessly of her time and her devotion so that I might one day fulfill my own; who bore countless sacrifices, choosing to support in the toughest seasons and always believing in my potentials even when circumstances were at their hardest. Your warmth and patience have been my safest refuge, and your resilience and kindness, my endless inspiration. To my father, whose journey through both triumph and hardship taught me empathy and humility; though life’s burdens at times weighed heavily, your steadfast efforts gave us what mattered most — a sense of belonging, dignity, and the unshakable understanding that family is a sacred responsibility.
To the second parents who embraced me into their family with love and grace (my in-laws) — Mrs. Zohra Hasan Beary & Mr. Hasan Moideen Beary (late): Thank you for always supporting my decisions and encouraging me to pursue my goals. Your trust in me has given me confidence, and your kindness has made me feel valued and respected. I am truly grateful for your understanding nature, humility, and the warmth you have brought into my life. Your unwavering support has been a blessing and a constant source of strength, and I deeply cherish the role you have played in my journey.
To my two pillars of strength, my younger brothers, Mr. Mushir Sayed and Mr. Danish Sayed — who motivated me to become stronger, more compassionate, and more determined. Every challenge I embraced was for you; every achievement, a promise kept. You were my first source of purpose, my earliest pride, and remain among my greatest reasons to keep moving forward.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Fight back and prove them wrong.”
PHASE 1: Childhood Shaped by Strength
Dr. Mubashra Sayed’s life began on August 20, 1984 within the folds of a small but loving family whose roots run deep in tradition and quiet strength. She was the eldest child, with two younger brothers who would come to look up to her not only as a sibling but also as a mother, role model and protector. Her mother was the housewife who brought comfort and stability to every corner, while her father, employed at The Times of India, maintained a sense of the time-honored values handed down through generations.
Going further back, Mubashra’s family history was strongly shaped by the tenacity and discipline of both sets of grandparents, hailing from Goa and then shifting to Bombay for work purposes, spending their working years with Indian Railways. This legacy of public service blended grit with gentleness, and their stories filled Dr. Mubashra’s early years with a sense of shared purpose and belonging.
But among all family members, it was Mubashra’s grandmother who became her greatest inspiration and guiding star. Unlike many women of previous generations, her grandmother possessed a quiet but unmistakable power. She was the type of woman who was self-reliant, clear-eyed, and unwavering in her certainty that women could and should shape their own paths. Mubashra adored her, witnessing how she managed the hardships of life with dignity and independence. Her grandmother’s way of solving problems, supporting others, and refusing to bend to pressures that suppressed opportunity left a lifelong impression. She became Mubashra’s living example of what it meant to be a woman with purpose—loving, brave, thoughtful, someone who could stand up for her family and never lose her sense of hope.
As Mubashra entered school, some of the family traditions became obstacles for her. She insisted on studying in a Municipality Urdu medium school, believing English was unnecessary for Muslim girls. For her, this decision set her apart and brought a sense of injustice, yet she tried to accept it quietly. Still, her dreams were bigger, and so were those of the women who believed in her.
“Don’t underestimate the power of your voice—even if you’re the only one using it.”
PHASE 2: Building Foundations
The professional journey in Mumbai began in April 2000 when she accepted the role of Client Servicing Executive with a group active in consultancy and learning services known for work across Key Profiles and Turning Point Learning Centre Industry in the city of Mumbai. The office introduced her to client meetings that demanded clear communication, schedules that required punctual delivery, and coordination across departments that were still learning to speak the same language. She handled briefs, organized timelines, documented outcomes, and learned to translate expectations into actions that could be measured. She nurtured relationships that were based on responsiveness and clarity, which steadily improved repeat engagements.
During this period, she developed an approach that balanced client needs with operational realities. She learned to collect context before committing to scope and to break complex requests into successive milestones. Her written communication gained precision. Her spoken updates turned crisp and focused. She prepared agendas ahead of every review and closed each discussion with agreed next steps. The result was a reputation for reliability that brought her into rooms where higher-level planning took place. The experience gave her a panoramic view of how consultancy assignments succeed when the right mix of preparation, alignment, and follow-through is present.
Her hard work and commitment, balanced with attending college in the mornings, working a job during the day, and studying at night, ultimately yielded remarkable results. This dedication opened up a significant opportunity where she excelled, and in January 2004 she moved into the position of Analytics Executive at the Apeejay Group of Companies in Mumbai. The organization, with interests spanning shipping, hotels, tea gardens, schools, and finance, welcomed her as its first undergraduate to join it. The shift introduced an employee.
“Empowering women is not a favour. It is a necessity for progress.”
PHASE 3: Rising on a New Horizon
In the struggle of life, little did she know that something beautiful was about to unfold. Life outside the home was deeply rooted in traditions. Yet, in an unexpected twist of fate, everything began to change when she attended a wedding, something she rarely did. There, she met Aslam, a friend of her father’s cousin. Drawn to her quiet strength and thoughtful nature, Aslam expressed to his family his wish to marry her. Mubashra, however, was hesitant. Practical and focused, she was determined to ensure her brothers’ education and feared that marriage might disrupt the fragile balance she had built at home.
Instead of withdrawing, she chose honesty. She shared her hopes, fears, and responsibilities openly with Aslam — that her family needed her, her siblings’ futures came first, and she intended to complete her further education before anything else. What made this moment truly remarkable was Aslam’s response. He listened with empathy, respected her priorities, and never pressured her into marriage. Instead, he gave her the independence and space she needed during one of the most crucial phases of her life.
Drawn to her quiet strength and thoughtful nature, Aslam saw in her not just grace but a deep sense of purpose. Impressed by her dedication and composed demeanor, he expressed to his family his wish to marry her. Mubashra, however, was cautious. Practical and focused, she was determined to ensure her brothers’ education and feared that marriage might disrupt the fragile balance she had built at home.
Rather than stepping back or allowing uncertainty to cloud her decision, she chose to be transparent. She shared her hopes, fears, and responsibilities openly with Aslam — that her family needed her, her siblings’ futures came first, and she intended to complete her education before anything else. What made this moment truly remarkable was Aslam’s response. He listened with empathy, respected her priorities, and never pressured her into marriage. Instead, he gave her the independence and space she needed during one of the most crucial phases of her life.
Note of Thanks
Writing the biography of Mubashra has been an inspiring and deeply meaningful experience. It is a rare privilege to tell the story of a life that blends quiet strength, determination, and kindness with such clarity and purpose. I am sincerely grateful to her for trusting me to capture her journey, from her early years shaped by family and tradition to her emergence as a respected leader in the international human resources field.
This story would feel incomplete without honoring the family who played a vital role behind the scenes. From the loving care of her mother and the steadfast guidance of her grandmother, whose strength and independence set the foundation for Mubashra’s own path, to the support and understanding of her husband, Aslam, every person contributed to the woman she has become. Their steady presence and belief in her potential allowed her to overcome obstacles and pursue her goals with confidence.
I also wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many mentors, colleagues, and friends who influenced Mubashra’s development. Their encouragement, belief, and partnership opened doors and provided support during crucial moments in her professional life. Their faith in her character and capabilities helped shape her into a strategic leader known for compassion, integrity, and innovation.
Special thanks must be given to those organizations and opportunities that allowed Mubashra to grow her skills internationally, earn vital certifications, and take on challenging roles that brought positive change to multiple companies. These pivotal steps in Dubai and beyond helped her build the expertise and vision that continue to guide her work.
I am grateful too for the individuals who shared their reflections and insights about Mubashra’s character, contributions, and impact. Their voices add richness and authenticity that illuminate how widely respected and trusted she is, not just for her achievements but for the generosity and fairness she brings to every role.
Lastly, to you, the reader, may this biography remind you that strength comes in many forms. Mubashra’s story shows us that with courage, support, and a commitment to others, we can rise beyond circumstance and build a life that empowers not only ourselves but those around us. May her journey encourage you to believe in your potential, embrace your roots, and pursue your dreams with integrity and kindness.
Thanks
Dr. Mubashra Sayed