Beauty with brains, this thought comes to your mind when you meet Murshidah Said!

Murshidah Said is an independent speaker and adviser of grooming, corporate image and personal empowerment and transformation for individuals and corporations. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Sociology in 1993, Murshidah runs successful businesses for more than 10 years expanding throughout Asia that teaches entrepreneurship to teenagers and adults. She has over 5 years of personal grooming and personal image training experience to teenagers, corporate executives and government level executives. She also owns a convention organizing and event management company and has organized over 150 projects spanning the Asia Pacific region (including Hong Kong, Seoul, Beijing, Sydney) since 1993.

Murshidah’s passion is to help people look great and feel great by gaining more self-confidence and attraction through motivation, inspiration and proper advice on inner and outer personal image. She is often invited to speak at conferences and be an emcee at events. Murshidah’s courses address the importance of education for the WHOLE BEING, ie incorporating the interconnection of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Even the skills-based programmes she conducts include the emphasis on the spirit which is hardly addressed in most corporate and management training. She emphasizes on principles-based practices in her courses. Murshidah is a regular speaker at conferences and is currently working on her first book. When working in a multinational exhibition organizing company in 1995, Murshidah was the youngest appointed Conference Manager heading the Asia Pacific Conference Department team in less than a year.

After 13 years in the events and conference organizing industry, Murshidah went on to discover her passion of empowering people and helping them to excel in their life. After overcoming major financial and emotional challenges during business difficulties in 2002-2005, Murshidah started working with individuals as a personal coach to coach and empower them to take personal action to transform themselves and their lives.

In 2005, Murshidah was trained and certified to be a beauty workshop specialist and since then has been conducting grooming, skincare, personal care and makeup programmes to many corporations, institutions, and individuals alike. Some of her clients for personal grooming and makeup include Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Westin Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Marina Mandarin Hotel, Damansara Specialist Hospital, National University Hospital of Singapore, Tawakal Hospital. Between the years 2005-2007, she has also trained teenagers from the Secondary Schools in Singapore on proper grooming and etiquette, how to gain confidence and public speaking skills as well as given talks of having a healthy lifestyle.

Murshidah plays the role of a businesswoman, and much more with such perfection that you are forced to admire her. It’s her passion to create a niche for herself, which keeps her going on forward on the success trail. When asked about the source of her motivation she says that “My Daughter is my source of motivation and I want to give her the best.I want to leave a legacy and empower one person every day in my life”.She further shares “It’s not necessary you are always on the success path only. Your real test comes when there is a down phase in your life and if you pass out that phase successfully then only you are the winner in real term. So never lose hope in life and whatever you do, do it with passion. Success will always follow you!”

An avid traveler and adventurer, she has explored Europe, Middle East, South Africa, USA, Asia Pacific and Australia alone on a backpack as well as with a small group of like-minded friends. Murshidah is resourceful and jovial and participants of her workshops are guaranteed of lively and fun sessions where they learn to expand their social skills and perform beauty and life makeovers. Her love for learning, colors, music, dance, and movies are brought into the workshops that she conducts.

Womenlines hats off to Murshidah for celebrating womanhood in real terms in life!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Garima Pant from India wants to share her views about the effect of TV culture on youngsters with Womenlines readers-

I am full of gratitude to my dear friend (who own this platform) for asking me(read challenging…that’s how I feel with all the rusting that corporate job has done) to write something on womanhood or parenting. That was even more challenging…notwithstanding the fact that she and I had passionately created a journal on precisely this during college. Ironically I don’t get time to consciously think about womanhood and parenting I have yet to experience! Nonetheless, all of my friend’s prompting has shaken my writer self and thoughts started bouncing back and forth until this evening I had a chance glimpse of Star Pariwar awards.

Well, I must tell you that I have never been a TV person and of late, having idiot box to watch with dedication is increasingly becoming a challenge with just one TV between two persons (you know what I mean!). In any case, after watching this award programme, I must say that idiot box is not all that idiotic when it comes to fostering cultural stereotypes which are valued as integral virtues of Indian family set up. No matter what, you can neither deny that cultural stereotypes do play a role in identifying on ethics society one belongs. Now the Star Award category list was interesting with ‘Best beta’, ‘Best beti’ and so on. Even more interesting were the clips were shown for each nomination – as Indian as it could get! Would you still say that TV is spoiling the GenNext kids?? Not me… After catching glimpses of this extravaganza, I immediately recalled and recoiled to my trail of thoughts that had been lingering on since my very recent trip to Uttrakhand.

I had met my cousin there after a couple of years and she has almost completed her Company Secretary course and is contemplating a move to Delhi from Haridwar for an internship in a renowned MNC. She is an avid couch potato…that is another significant shift from the time I was a teen – girls (I am more thinking about them) are so particular and careful about what soaps they like and must watch. Unlike most girls of her age, her wardrobe is full of pretty salwar-kameez dresses, each one with its own story of creation. When I tried to offer to buy her a dress, I was amazed how particular she was about what colour combination, fabric and look she wanted for the very next dress she had to buy (a Mehandi green-maroon mangalgiri cotton with wide brocade). I was reminded of my days when I would have just six pairs of dresses that mom bought to last entire college years. That’s what I mean when I say idiot box isn’t all that idiot! Youngsters know what they want. While discussing her future, while she had ambitious plans for a career, she believed an arranged marriage is better than that of one’s choice…that is also what she imbibed from her favourite soaps on TV! If she could potentially represent her generation to any extent then I can make another interesting revelation. Their flights of fantasies about encountering ‘prince charming’ could be something ever-green and romantic like the scarf getting carried away with a breeze to someone’s arms. Wish I too qualified for one such fancy…So I would rather believe that diverse genre of teleseries ranging from family soaps and reality shows are doing some good (let us look at the glass as half-full) in shaping young minds.

That was on girls. I also feel that now moms have become so much more open, appreciative and ambitious about their daughters. Mothers, I believe have always seen the reflection of their unfulfilled or cherished dreams and desires in their girls but probably never felt they could do anything about it more than getting them the best possible match until recent times. With soaps like ‘Radha ki beti…’ and ‘Utran’ moms don’t seem to be missing the glory that having a son used to bring. Not only do they seem friends with daughter, they are anxious to see their girls bring laurels to them by excelling on the career front. Moms are lending daughters their ear, experience, and faith by having hearty chats and mature discussions – something that was pretty amiss in my time. My aunt (my cousin’s mom) knows for sure how her prospective son-in-law has to be. In lieu, moms are also enjoying more liberated and evolved company for themselves. My relations with my mom were quite formal and we hardly ever indulged in banters, at least not between just two of us. Not that my mom did not have dreams for me or would not have wanted to be different with me but then idiot box had not evolved so much. Nonetheless, my mom too is an avid couch potato and I am assuming the goodness of idiot box will flow unto me no matter a little late.

Garima Pant

Mrunal Arun, a guest contributor at Womenlines has come across such a motivating poem ‘Be a Queen’ in Chicken Soup for Women Soul. Mrunal wants womenfolk to read it and get inspiration.

BE A QUEEN….

It is a world proven phenomenon that great speakers make greater leaders. You too can excel at your work, in your business, in your family/ social life, politics, social work, etc. becoming a Great Speaker. Fortunately, Great Speakers can be groomed. Just look around & listen to communications, advertisements & speeches in the media/events/ seminars, etc. Some observations can be made in the way we communicate our message, affecting the quality & effectiveness of our communications/ speeches/ presentations.

The 5 mistakes to avoid-

1) Speaking with artificial ‘western’ slangs & twangs/strong Asian accents is affecting the quality of & sincerity in their message. If it’s not original, they can’t hold it for too long & comes across as them being UNREAL, even when they have the BEST message.

2) Lack of conviction/professionalism, as words are spoken with just slides & notes, & in the ‘head’.

3) Very bad language usage affects the understanding of what they’re speaking about.

4) The focus is on themselves (speaker), “how ‘good’ they are coming across – (ego-talk), rather than the REAL message benefiting the audience/ listeners. This attitude puts-off the audience/listeners.

5) Speaking/Preaching what they don’t practise/ believe in. This is by far the most common mistake & listeners/audience can see through & will ‘shut-off’ when they do.

Where is the “heart” of what is spoken? Its time, we acknowledge how much many in Singapore/ Asia, lack, in the ability to “SPEAK” professionally. We may have the “substance”, immense values & real knowledge & a good command of MANY languages. But we need to TAKE MASSIVE Actions to STEP-UP & bring it across effectively, in an affluent, professional manner, so that we can stand out from the Global Crowd & Make our Mark.

The Fastest way to the ART OF ORATORY EXCELLENCE

THE 3-STEP STRATEGY

1) Remove artificial slang’s, twangs / strong Asian accents when you speak. LEARN to Speak GOOD English (or any language) – & in the most Natural way, it’s meant to be spoken.

2) Focus on your message with clarity in your heart.
3) Enhance your intrinsic values in speaking.

You can stand out from the global crowd in your career/life & achieve GREATER heights as a GREATER LEADER when you can excel in both intrinsic & extrinsic values of communication.

Check out this Youtube Video Ranked No. 2 for “Professional Speaking” to understand & learn tips on intrinsic values. http://tinyurl.com/lrrc4u

Email to psp@shineworldwide.com for your FREE report on the IPST(In’tl Professional Speaking & Training) Industry. Also, JOIN SHINE ADASTA (ADA Speakers & Trainers Alliance) on Facebook Group http://tinyurl.com/njxl8e

Article by Azeeza Jalaludeen PPTD (Proficient Professional Trainer Developer) & Communication Specialist, effectively multi-lingual in Mandarin, English, Tamil & Malay, with more than 15years experience in Relationship Marketing & People Development. She is the Co-Founder of SHINE Academia De Aedificatio (ADA),. SHINE ADA is a Global Professional Edification Institution with diversified, unique programs for Corporates & Individuals.

http://speakprofessionally.blogspot.com

QUALITY EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL COMMUNIQUE in Singapore
2-DAY Certification Program with SDF Grant.
Register online at http://shineworldwide.com/qepc.html

Creating desirable behaviour in kids is a dream of every parent!

As a parent, we can occupy a powerful role in shaping the tone, texture, mood, and quality of our family system. I came across this set of questions while reading a book, and I want to ask my blog readers to answer these questions as honestly as possible. You never know you will find the answer to find ways of creating desirable behaviour in kids while answering these questions only-

1.What kind of family manager have you been up till now?

2.Do you treat your family as a project and follow day to activities while managing it?

3. Are you able to create a family environment which will bring out best from your child?

4. Do you have the plan in your mind for what successful parenting is?

5. Have you created an environment that generates feelings of safety security, belongings, self-confidence, and strength for the child?

6. Is your family environment enough nurturing which can bring out authentic self of your child?

If we really want a healthy and nurturing family which can provide an atmosphere for successful and productive children we must commit our self to acquiring the insight and skills necessary to live the values, that we know in our heart are so important.

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Kids always look for the connection. They never want to be alone and it will really help them grow in a better way if they are well connected with their family members. These activities which I came across while surfing net and want to share with all those parents who really want to bring a positive difference in their kids life.-

1.Connecting with others-

Decorate a jar with coloured paper. Write “LUCKY US” on the outside. Once a week ask each family member write one positive sentence about another member of the family. Then place the slips in the jar. When you ask your child to write than first discuss with him that what special about him. Then what he likes most in his grandparents, parents.

At the end of the month open the jar and read what each person has written. There will be joy in the whole family. Very exciting activity indeed!

 2.Express yourself nicely-

This activity can be planned as per choice. You can do it daily, weekly as you wish. Make it a ritual for the whole family that at the end of each day everybody has to say something nice about each other. Maybe like “I liked the way you helped your grandmother”. When you speak these words then kids learn how to express their positive feelings for each other.

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Wikipedia describes word business according to etymology that “Business relates to the state of being busy either as an individual or society as a whole, doing commercially viable and profitable work.”How entrepreneurs take the concept that depends upon the skills they have.

Its indeed a good definition of the business keeps you busy 24/7, it just depends on you that how expertly you handle it. If we want to achieve success in our enterprise then we have to follow and build certain elements and skills. I came across few of them while my reading sessions and I have listed, which I want to share with my blog readers-

1.Knowledge of your business-

If we want to do some business then we have to know all in and outs of that business. We can do this through training, experience, education and many other ways. One way is to work in a similar one which you want to start, by the business owner permission only. Maybe fewer chances as to why any businessman will allow anybody learn his trade from him, but you never know. Working in a business environment will help you to observe marketing methods, customer service techniques, and to generally learn how the business is done.

2.Organizational skills-

This is interesting.It really helps in achieving your targets. Plan your goals-daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly too. This will help in having a proper vision for your business. Tackle the most difficult ones and that too when you have the most energy. Make a checklist which you follow up regularly and compliment yourself at the end of the day for how many things you accomplished. You should have your own space where you can carry your work easily and can find what you need in a minute. Be good organizer with your folders, lists, book orders, and other business related things. This habit will help you to achieve success in future.

3.Networking ability-

Networking means communicating and way of exchanging information with other business owners.We can network with other business owners through local chambers of commerce or via local, state and national trade associations. You can even start your own networking group if there is none in your area.

4.Serving customers-

Market research is a must to start any business. It will help you to know that enough customers are there to support your business.Do check that which advertising method best reaches the customers. It can be word of mouth, classified ads, direct mail). Regularly polling your customers about your service can be a good option.Then you come to know about their likes and dislikes about your services.

(contd)

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Parenting involves commitment and to create desirable behaviour in our kids we have to brush up our parenting skills regularly!

I came across this statement about parenting, in a book recently-“You are raising adults. Right now they are under construction, like a new big house being built from the ground up. Once that house gets completed, it is subjected to the force of nature and the wear and tear of life. Will its foundation crack, or its roof leak? The answer depends largely on how you mould and shape your children, their values, their behaviour, and their ability to make decisions.”

Parent himself as a person is only responsible for creating desirable behaviour in their kids. We as an individual have to check ourselves first. What all we want our kids to be, we have to learn to follow first. It’s not a surprise to parent folk, isn’t it?

It’s a saying that what you sow so shall you reap. We are really preparing future families. What matters is our belief. If we believe that our family deserves a certain positive way of lifestyle then only we can take action on it. So, first of all, we have to count our worth. The journey to create a positive family begins from you only so try to clean your inside house first. Improve upon yourself and then with conviction you can discuss with your kids about right habits, attitude, and other things in life.(contd)

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Family activities are very important for the all-round development of kids. As a family, we can plan so many activities where every member is involved and the resulted experience is a fun time for every member of the family. Here are two activities which will definitely be fun and educational for kids as well as for everybody in the family-

1.CHOICES ABOUT TV TIMING-

As a family decides how many hours a day you will watch TV. Chart out a TV Schedule and read aloud with your child and share your opinion with your child that what you like in that show. Pick shows to watch and circle them. Go on a TV Diet for a week. If you are watching TV for hours a day cut back some hours initially and then with every week keep reducing more. Fill the extra time with outdoor activities, family fun. game time, exercise time and finishing house chores together.

2. WHATS MY FAVOURITE-

In a family, every member is an individual. He is having his own choices, favourite activities, food, movie. Sometimes we can take out time for this activity where every member of the family will get a chance to share his favourite things. You can create a list of things which your child can ask other members of the family and later he can share his favourite things. This can be a fantastic activity to know more about each member of the family.

Have a happy family time!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!