Interview with Mohammad Naser Yahya
Mohammad Naser Yahya, a dedicated Afghan national with a Masters in Business Administration, is a beacon of inspiration in the realms of social activism and positive change. His journey, marked by resilience and commitment, spans women’s empowerment, anti-corruption endeavors, advocacy for Afghan refugees, and the prevention of violent extremism. Facing adversity, Naser’s international trajectory has led him to make a name in the Indian job market, serving as a Marketing Manager for a renowned international brand. Beyond his corporate role, he extends his impact as a corporate trainer, sharing his wealth of knowledge. Naser’s indelible mark on communities showcases that true leadership transcends borders and adversity.
Interviewer: Can you share a bit about your early life and what inspired your journey into social activism?
Naser: Growing up in Afghanistan, I witnessed the impact of adversity on communities, inspiring my commitment to social activism from an early age.
Interviewer: How has your academic background in Business Administration complemented your approach to addressing social issues?
Naser: My MBA has provided me with a strategic mindset, allowing me to approach social challenges with a holistic perspective that combines business principles and social responsibility.
Interviewer: You’ve been actively involved in women’s empowerment. What prompted your dedication to this cause, and how do you navigate the challenges associated with it?
Naser: Witnessing the need for change in gender dynamics in Afghanistan fueled my commitment. Navigating challenges involves education and skill-building programs to empower women against cultural barriers.
Interviewer: Tell us about a significant moment that shaped your perspective on the importance of preventing violent extremism.
Naser: Witnessing the transformative impact of education in countering extremist ideologies, especially seeing former extremists embrace a path of reconciliation, highlighted the critical importance of this work.
Interviewer: How do you balance your roles as a Marketing Manager and a corporate trainer, and how do they complement each other?
Naser: Balancing these roles involves effective time management. They complement each other by allowing me to contribute to the business world while nurturing professional growth in others through training programs.
Interviewer: Given your international experiences, how do you integrate cultural diversity into your approach to social activism?
Naser: Cultural diversity enriches solutions. I tailor approaches to resonate with diverse communities, recognizing the unique challenges each culture presents.
Interviewer: As you navigate the Indian job market, what cultural nuances have you found influential in professional interactions?
Naser: Building personal relationships and understanding the importance of hierarchy in Indian business culture have been key aspects influencing my professional interactions.
Interviewer: Can you share a pivotal moment that inspired your commitment to social activism and positive change?
Naser: My passion for social activism ignited during my formative years in Afghanistan, witnessing the impact of adversity on communities.
Interviewer: How has your academic background in Business Administration complemented your pursuits in social activism?
Naser: My MBA has provided me with a strategic mindset, enabling me to approach social issues with a holistic perspective, merging business principles with social responsibility.
Interviewer: Could you elaborate on your initiatives in women’s empowerment and the challenges you’ve encountered?
Naser: Empowering women in Afghanistan involves overcoming deeply rooted cultural barriers, but I’ve been actively involved in education and skill-building programs to bridge the gap.
Interviewer: As a champion against corruption, what strategies have you employed to tackle this pervasive issue?
Naser: Transparency and accountability are crucial. I’ve supported awareness campaigns and advocated for stronger anti-corruption measures to create a more just society.
Interviewer: Your work in peace-building activities is commendable. How do you contribute to preventing violent extremism?
Naser: I focus on education and community engagement to counter extremist ideologies, promoting understanding and tolerance as tools for lasting peace.
Interviewer: Having moved to India due to safety concerns, how has this shift influenced your approach to social activism?
Naser: It reinforced the importance of international collaboration. I leverage my experiences in India to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to Afghan social issues.
Interviewer: In your role as a Marketing Manager, how do you integrate your social activism ethos into your professional responsibilities?
Naser: I advocate for socially responsible business practices, ensuring the brand I represent aligns with values that contribute positively to society.
Interviewer: What prompted your transition from corporate roles to becoming a corporate trainer?
Naser: The desire to share knowledge and empower others led me to become a corporate trainer, fostering growth and development beyond my individual impact.
Interviewer: Could you share an instance where your training efforts had a notable impact on corporate employees?
Naser: I implemented a leadership development program that significantly improved team collaboration and productivity, showcasing the transformative power of education.
Interviewer: How do you balance your roles as a Marketing Manager and a corporate trainer?
Naser: It’s about effective time management and prioritizing tasks. Both roles complement each other, allowing me to contribute to the business while nurturing professional growth in others.
Interviewer: As someone who faced adversity, how do you maintain resilience in challenging situations?
Naser: Resilience is anchored in my belief that positive change is achievable. Focusing on solutions, staying adaptable, and finding inspiration in small victories help me navigate challenges.
Interviewer: Given your experiences, what advice would you offer to aspiring social activists?
Naser: Stay committed, be adaptable, and collaborate. True impact emerges through collective efforts and a relentless pursuit of positive change.
Interviewer: Reflecting on your journey, what legacy do you hope to leave in the communities you’ve served?
Naser: I aspire to leave a legacy of empowerment and inspiration, where individuals feel equipped to overcome challenges and contribute to the betterment of society.
Interviewer: Tell us about a specific project in India that showcased the universal impact of your social initiatives.
Naser: Launching a vocational training program for Afghan refugees in collaboration with Indian NGOs demonstrated the universal applicability of empowering marginalized communities.
Interviewer: Your advocacy for the rights of Afghan refugees is noteworthy. How do you navigate the complexities of refugee issues in your work?
Naser: By fostering dialogue, dispelling stereotypes, and collaborating with stakeholders, I aim to humanize refugee narratives and advocate for their rights on a global scale.
Interviewer: In your role as a Marketing Manager, how do you incorporate sustainability practices into the brand’s strategies?
Naser: Sustainability is integrated into our marketing campaigns, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and corporate responsibility to resonate with conscious consumers.
Interviewer: Tell us about a particular challenge you faced in your marketing career and how you overcame it.
Naser: Launching a product during a market downturn was challenging. I redefined our strategy, emphasizing value, and successfully navigated the downturn by aligning with consumer needs.
Interviewer: As a corporate trainer, how do you ensure your training programs remain relevant and engaging?
Naser: Continuous research and adapting to industry trends are essential. I incorporate interactive elements and real-world examples to keep participants engaged and learning effectively.
Interviewer: You’ve worked for international companies. How do you leverage this global perspective in your training programs?
Naser: I infuse global case studies and examples into training sessions, providing participants with a broader perspective and preparing them for the interconnected nature of today’s business world.
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Interviewer: Amid your diverse roles, how do you manage to stay informed about the evolving landscape of social issues?
Naser: Actively participating in networks, attending conferences, and collaborating with NGOs ensure that I stay informed about the evolving dynamics of social issues both locally and globally.
Interviewer: Given your commitment to preventing violent extremism, how do you balance advocacy with ensuring your own safety?
Naser: Strategic collaboration with security experts and maintaining a low profile help me navigate this delicate balance, ensuring both personal safety and impactful advocacy.
Interviewer: What role do you believe education plays in long-term socio-economic development?
Naser: Education is the cornerstone of development. It empowers individuals, fosters critical thinking, and lays the foundation for sustainable socio-economic growth.
Interviewer: Could you share a memorable moment from your initiatives in preventing violent extremism that reaffirmed the impact of your work?
Naser: Witnessing former extremists embrace a path of education and reconciliation highlighted the transformative potential of our efforts, reaffirming the power of education in countering extremism.
Interviewer: How do you envision the intersection of business and social responsibility evolving in the coming years?
Naser: The future lies in businesses adopting a triple bottom line approach—prioritizing people, planet, and profit. This holistic approach is crucial for sustained success in an increasingly conscious world.
Interviewer: In your corporate training, what soft skills do you emphasize as crucial for professional success?
Naser: Communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are paramount. These skills not only enhance professional success but also contribute to creating positive workplace environments.
Interviewer: Given your impactful journey, what motivates you to continue pursuing positive change?
Naser: The transformative impact I witness in individuals and communities fuels my motivation. Knowing that positive change is possible keeps me dedicated to the journey.
Interviewer: As you navigate the Indian job market, what cultural nuances have you found most influential in professional interactions?
Naser: Building personal relationships and understanding the importance of hierarchy in Indian business culture have been key aspects that have positively influenced my professional interactions.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to individuals facing adversity in their pursuit of positive change?
Naser: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, surround yourself with a supportive network, and stay true to your values. Adversity is a catalyst for resilience and innovation.
Interviewer: Reflecting on your involvement in women’s empowerment, how do you encourage inclusivity and gender equality in your training programs?
Naser: I actively promote gender-inclusive language and address biases in training materials. Creating a supportive environment that fosters equality is essential for meaningful progress.
Interviewer: In your advocacy against corruption, how do you engage with governmental and non-governmental entities to drive systemic change?
Naser: Building alliances with like-minded organizations and engaging in constructive dialogues with government officials are integral to influencing policy changes and fostering a corruption-free environment.
Interviewer: As you balance your corporate and social roles, how do you prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Naser: Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and periodically reassessing priorities help me maintain balance amidst the demands of both my professional and social endeavors.
Interviewer: How has your experience in preventing violent extremism shaped your perspective on the importance of intercultural understanding?
Naser: It underscores the critical need for fostering empathy and understanding across cultures. Building bridges of understanding is a powerful tool in countering extremist ideologies.
Interviewer: Given your international exposure, what cultural adaptation strategies do you find most effective in connecting with diverse audiences?
Naser: Active listening, cultural sensitivity, and adapting communication styles to resonate with diverse audiences are key strategies for effective cross-cultural connections.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your social activism and professional journey?
Naser: I aspire to continue bridging cultural gaps, promoting education, and fostering positive change. My goal is to leave a lasting impact on communities while contributing to a more interconnected and harmonious world.
