Country: Australia
Organisation Name: Halal Certification Authority Pty Ltd
Started in the Year: 1993
Position: Director
Website: www.Halalauthority.org
Personal Introduction:
From a young age I had a natural desire to assist people. Over the years, I developed a strong sense of passion and responsibility in serving the community not only locally, but nationally and even internationally. From the moment I left school, I never stopped studying. Studying chemistry, Islamic Science, neurological science, business, training and human resources to name a few, with personal interests in human excellence as well as systems development, innovation, people management and compliance. I can say I was not one of those people that knew what I wanted to be. All I knew, is I had a strong desire for entrepreneurialism. I always followed my passion which led me right on to the doorstep of the Halal industry. When I look back every area of study has been advantageous in my business endeavours. No matter how agonising it might feel to not have a definitive career when you leave school sometimes it’s a building block that leads you to greater things.
Professional Introduction:
I entered into the Halal industry in 1993 as a co-proprietor for Halal Certification Authority (HCA) (then Halal Certification Services), the first female to enter into the Halal certification industry as an independent Halal certifier. In 2012, I designed a digital platform after noticing a gap occurring worldwide which increased the integrity of the Halal system. In 2016, I gained the first Gulf foreign body license in the certification issued to a female after the gulf closed its doors for 20 years for export licences and in 2017 became the sole Director of HCA. In 2020 I was nominated for the Australian Telstra Business Awards, one of the most influential females in the Islamic Economy by Cambridge, won Australian Muslim Business of the Year and between 2020 – 2022 won the award for Australia’s Best Food Service Specialist. I have served as an expert in the commissioning of national Halal red meat slaughter training in Australia with the Australian Federal Government and Meat Industry National Training Advisory Council. As well as serving on the Australian Federal Government Halal Consultative Committee and executive committee of the World Halal Council enabling me to deliver talks on Halal both locally and internationally at conferences, schools and universities.
Interview Questions:
What inspired you to start your career in the Halal industry?
The short answer is God’s guidance! A strong desire to succeed in a bigger purpose and trusting in that; in pursuing Halal I felt a responsibility had been given to me by God. I love working with clients. It allows me to give service to the Muslims in this way and give dawah at the same time.
| I ensure that HCA provides positions for women in business in order to develop female leadership. In fact, at present all of our top management are qualified females. |
What were the challenges you had to overcome in the initial stages of starting your career?
I believe that in order for there to be progress for future female leaders, there needs to be representation, and that representation is not easy to attain. I ensure that HCA provides positions for women in business in order to develop female leadership. In fact, at present all of our top management are qualified females. I was reared with no gender boundaries, so this allowed me to believe I am equal and would have equal opportunity to achieve and do anything that I set my mind to. I have always worked in heavily male-dominated industries, so it prepared me well for the Halal certification industry. I worked my way up, discovering I had to be strong-willed, determined, and work twice as hard. I held myself to a higher standard in order to be treated with respect developing a very thick skin, as comments and judgements were made upon me by competitors. Reflecting on earlier days, I was told despite being intelligent and knowledgeable, I would “never make it in Halal.” Given the type of woman I am, I used those comments as an opportunity to shine and I am now operating as the largest processed goods Halal certifier in Australia and one of the largest certifiers in the world with 5 offices worldwide. So, never allow someone else’s view of the world to stop you! Believe in you! Trust in you!
What is the most important thing you feel anyone needs to do to build a successful career in the Islamic Economy?
30 years of service in Halal certification required determination, steadfastness and persistence in the pursuit of excellence. Building a business is one thing, building a successful business is another, let alone an Islamic business. Being ‘God-focused’ and a person that has integrity and ethics is fundamental. Find something that makes your business different from your competitors and align with your strength to which God has given you. Being in an Islamic business allows you to service Muslims which is extremely rewarding, however it comes with great responsibility, and having strength in your intention or purpose is what will keep you strong in challenging times.
What were the most important learning experiences you would like to share?
- Don’t act in haste. Always have patience so you can be guided by wisdom and inspiration.
- Hire accountable people that have great work ethics.
- Where there is a real or perceived loss, it will always be replaced with better.
- So often I see competitors focus on other competitors, when they could be focused on their clients or their own business. I always believe you get what you pay attention to.
- Never stop at a ‘no’ or a rejection. There is always another way or day.
- Don’t take on the thoughts of others. Each person has a different view of the world.
- Focus on your strengths and make them your edge.
- The more reliance on God, the easier life gets
What advice would you give aspiring leaders in the Islamic Economy?
Being Honest and Sincere is important, people can feel it and they are naturally attracted to it. Emotional Intelligence is often overlooked. Always work on yourself just as much as you do on the business. It allows flexibility with generational changes, economic changes and other changes.
