Someone suggested I should use this space to tell you about my professional achievements. My take on this is that if you want to know about the jobs I’ve done, you’ll ask for my cv! I’m happier using this space to give you a flavour of what’s led me to be here, championing women towards a better future.

It was my turbulent personal journey that paved the way for the development of Hope Inspired, although I didn’t appreciate during those rocky times, the value of the lessons I was learning.

A chaotic, unpredictable childhood, with frequent travel between Pakistan and England and a constantly changing landscape (literally!) left me unsure of myself and the world around me.

I grew up with no sense of my own self-worth and constantly sought external validation, adopting behaviours which, while I was studying for my coaching diploma, I heard being referred to as “people-pleasing, performing and perfecting”. As an adult, my decisions and life choices often came from a place of fear and insecurity and manifested in many different ways in both my personal and professional life – being in relationships where I wasn’t honoured, allowing myself to be bullied at work, not calling out racism, ignoring my body’s need for rest and respite, limiting my vision about what was possible.

How my journey unfolded, is a story for another day.

What’s important for now is to recognise that my personal challenges served as catalysts for learning and growth. A journey which started from a place of self-doubt and insecurity led eventually to a life of acceptance and self-compassion. There were many hurdles and curve balls along the way, my faith keeping me grounded as I navigated choppy waters.

Today I’m happy to admit that I’m a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser! I’ve started doing the inner work necessary to heal past traumas and whilst I recognise more needs to be done, I’m content with the progress I’ve made. I’m much better at switching off the critical self-talk and treating myself with the same compassion I extend to others. And I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and started showing up, so I can do the work that lights me up – inspiring women towards a better future.

Of course I don’t have it all figured out and I’m acutely aware of my idiosyncrasies and foibles. Some days I’m overwhelmed by self-doubt. I forget the strides I’ve made and fixate instead on what I didn’t do. Some days I’m harsh and critical of myself and others. I obsess about having said the wrong thing or having said no when I was clearly expected to say yes! And of course, some days, I seek perfection.

I hope that by showing up as my authentic self, I’m encouraging you to do the same. As we journey together, let’s share our stories - our pain, fears, dreams, hopes. Let’s create a space together where we can heal and embrace the future with courage and confidence.

Warm wishes

Khairun