The secret to success is enjoying what you do – Hon Akbar

Press Release Posted On: March 10, 2020

The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Honourable Rosy Akbar has urged women to prioritize their goals in life and formulate strategies to achieve them.

Hon Akbar made these comments while speaking at the Successful Leaders in Conversation Series organised by the Fiji National University (FNU) at Nasinu Campus today. This event also marked the International Women’s Day with reflections on female leadership.

During the interactive two-hour session, the Minister shared her personal and professional experiences and challenges that gradually moulded her into the leader she has become today.

Hon Akbar stressed that the path to leadership was not easy, however, it was achievable through perseverance and the ability to enjoy what one does.

“I think that’s the secret to success. Enjoy who you are, no matter what position you are in, what socioeconomic status you would generally belong to or what struggles you go through,” said the Minister.

“Be true and genuine to yourself and understand what you aspire to achieve. It [being a leader] takes away so much out of you and it even takes a toll on your health, family and private space and this is where having balance is really important.”

“Without balance, the leadership journey becomes extremely painful and difficult. This is where you need to have those priorities so you are able to balance your private and work life.”

Hon Akbar said it was important for people to remain focused on achieving set goals.

“This will be your individual choice and you need to identify what your strengths are. With these identified, you then need to consider what opportunities are there for you to capitalize on in order to fulfil your long term goals.”

Hon Akbar urged participants to create opportunities for themselves and never give up when faced with challenges.

Learning from past experiences and stepping into the future with renewed energy, new visions and goals, according to the Minister, is an important lesson for everyone.

“We don’t give up. This is the most important as many times we think it is the end of the world. This is not going to take you anywhere as the real essence of living life is getting up stronger by learning from the experiences that you go through in life.”

“My life is shaped by the experiences that I have gone through. I don’t regret any experience that I have had.”

“There are certain things beyond your control but when you keep control of things that are within your means – you can control a lot of things in your life. Step back, analyse the situation and move forward.”

“When you let the past haunt you, you are not going to step into the future with a positive mindset,” Hon Akbar added.

More than 100 people including students, staff and guests attended the Successful Leaders in Conversation Series at Nasinu Campus.

The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Honourable Rosy Akbar with staff of FNU at Nasinu Campus

The Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Honourable Rosy Akbar with staff of FNU at Nasinu Campus