A Session That Changed the Way I See Leadership
You know those moments when you attend a session, expecting just another lecture, but you walk out completely inspired? That was me after attending a webinar hosted by the Institute of Emerging Careers featuring Umair Jaliawala. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a truly effective leader—especially in the fast-moving tech world—this session had all the answers.
One quote that really stuck with me was:
“Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek.
I had heard it before, but this time, it hit differently.
Meet Umair Jaliawala – The Game-Changer
Umair isn’t just a speaker; he’s the kind of person who makes complex things sound simple. His passion for education, leadership, and tech is contagious. He doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it. The way he connected with the audience made the session feel more like an eye-opening conversation rather than a structured webinar.
What I Learned About Leadership
1. Small Habits, Big Impact
Umair talked about Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and how daily habits shape our future. It made me rethink my routine—am I being intentional with my time, or am I just going through the motions?
2. Mastering “Response-Ability”
Ever reacted to a situation and regretted it later? Same. Umair introduced the concept of “response-ability”—the power to pause and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. That was a wake-up call for me.
3. Conquering the To-Do List
I’ve always struggled with time management, so when he mentioned the Eisenhower Matrix, I was all ears. The idea of tackling high-priority tasks first (aka “eating the frog”) is something I’ve started applying—and Trust Me !! it actually works!
4. Empathy is the Secret Ingredient
The best leaders aren’t the ones who dictate; they’re the ones who listen. Umair emphasized that empathy is the key to building trust and fostering collaboration. It made me reflect: Am I truly listening to the people around me?
5. Collaboration Over Competition
I used to think that working solo was the best way to get things done. But Umair flipped that perspective. He showed how collaboration and diverse perspectives lead to bigger, better ideas.
6. Energy Fuels Everything
One thing that really stuck with me was the importance of self-care. We can’t pour from an empty cup. Whether it’s sleep, exercise, or simply taking a break, recharging is crucial for effective leadership.
7. Integrity: The Unshakable Foundation
Leadership isn’t just about skills—it’s about values. Umair stressed how integrity and clarity help leaders make tough decisions with confidence. It made me reflect on my own values and the kind of leader I want to be.
How I’m Applying These Lessons:
After this session, I made a few small but meaningful changes:
- Prioritizing my tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix.
- Being mindful of my reactions and choosing to respond thoughtfully.
- Investing in my well-being to stay energized and focused.
- Making a conscious effort to listen more and communicate better.
Final Thoughts and an important answer to one of the common Question
A participant from the audience raised a concern:
“Sometimes, discussions don’t lead to win-win solutions because one side lacks understanding or cooperation. How do we navigate such situations without unnecessary conflict?”
Umair responded thoughtfully, explaining that understanding and cooperation are key, but not always guaranteed. He emphasized the importance of clarity and patience, suggesting that instead of pushing for agreement, one should ask thoughtful questions that encourage reflection. He highlighted that people often resist because they feel unheard, so active listening can help bridge the gap. If cooperation still seems out of reach, he advised stepping back and revisiting the conversation later, as not every resolution needs to be immediate.
I went into this webinar thinking I’d learn a few leadership tips, but I walked away with a whole new perspective. Leadership isn’t about a title or position—it’s about habits, mindset, and how you treat people.
What about you? Have you ever attended a session or read something that completely shifted your mindset? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
She is a Content Creator at IEC with expertise in content creation and graphic design. She is passionate about storytelling, creativity, and crafting impactful digital content.
