Munira Zahabi

• When did you decide to follow the path you are on now?

I had the entrepreneurial spirit coursing through my veins. My husband was a watch repairer by trade, running a prime location store where he tirelessly worked on watches. Bringing my daughters to the shop, I tried to contribute, but my lack of business acumen left me feeling helpless.

However, I couldn’t ignore the creative spark within me. We had a collection of discarded, broken jewelry pieces. I couldn’t resist the urge to play with these remnants, crafting my own unique creations. At first, my husband dismissed it as a futile endeavor, insisting I go home. But destiny had other plans.

One day, a young woman visited our store, seeking earrings for her upcoming party. She fell in love with my creations and was more than willing to pay for the earrings. She went a step further, requesting matching purses, bangles, and more. Every Monday, she’d bring her dress, and by Friday afternoon, I’d have exclusive pieces ready for her event. This was the moment I realized that I had the spirit of an entrepreneur flowing in my veins.

• What happened that guided you on this path?

Life was anything but a bed of roses for me. I confronted my fair share of challenges. When the opportunity to come to America knocked, I seized it without hesitation. At the time, I was working as a teacher, and my love for reading and knowledge had already left a lasting impact on my friends and colleagues in Tanzania. I had an innate ability to influence the lives of others, and I was determined to continue that journey in the United States.

Upon arriving in America, I took on various jobs to make ends meet. It wasn’t until I began sharing my life story with my colleagues that they encouraged me to write a book and inspire other women. However, it took nearly a decade and I lost my job to realize the importance of having a mentor in my pursuit of influencing others. This realization began my journey towards becoming an influencer and entrepreneur.

• Why did you make the decision to change course?

During that time, it seemed like everywhere I turned, I witnessed women enduring abuse. I couldn’t help but notice the abundant opportunities for success in this country, and I was determined to guide and empower them toward a better future.

To embark on the path I envisioned, I knew I needed a mentor who could guide me toward realizing my dreams.

• Who inspired you during those years?

My first major influencer was Oprah. I watched her show every chance I got, drawing inspiration from her wisdom and grace. Later, I had the incredible opportunity to see Lisa Nichols during a taping of the Steve Harvey Show, and her presence mesmerized me. I began following her journey, seeking out more mentors who could shape and guide me.

The greatest influences on my life, though, were John C. Maxwell and Paul Martinelli. They instilled a profound passion for personal development within me. Their mentorship injected a powerful drive into my life, and I became truly infected with the desire to grow and influence others.

• How has being a practitioner in this field influenced you further?

Indeed, my journey as a practitioner in personal development, leadership, and communication skills has had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. It’s not just a career; it’s become an integral part of who I am. This path has instilled in me the belief that continual self-improvement is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s full potential. It has given me the tools to navigate challenges with resilience and grace.

Moreover, these skills have allowed me to find and nurture my authentic voice, enhancing my ability to connect with others on a deeper level. I’ve learned the value of effective communication, not just in conveying information but also in building meaningful relationships. Through my work, I’ve had the privilege of helping people discover their own strengths and potential.

The most rewarding aspect of being in this field is witnessing the transformative power of personal development and leadership in the lives of others. I’ve seen individuals overcome adversity, unlock hidden talents, and achieve their goals. Their success stories serve as a constant source of motivation, reminding me of the positive impact I can have on those I work with.

In summary, being a practitioner in personal development, leadership, and communication skills is more than just a job; it’s a calling. It has enriched my life, providing me with a sense of purpose and a deeper connection with people. Through this journey, I’ve not only empowered others but also discovered the boundless potential within myself to inspire and uplift those around me.

• How has this affected your personal, business, and spiritual life journey?

The impact of my work in personal development, leadership, and communication skills extends to every facet of my life. On a personal level, it has allowed me to grow and evolve continuously. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of myself, my strengths, and areas for improvement. This self-awareness has translated into stronger personal relationships, improved emotional well-being, and a greater sense of purpose.

In my business life, the skills I’ve honed have been invaluable. They’ve enabled me to lead with clarity and confidence, fostering a more productive and harmonious work environment. Effective communication has been a cornerstone of my professional success, allowing me to connect with colleagues, clients, and partners on a meaningful level. It has positively impacted my career and opened doors to opportunities I might not have otherwise encountered.

Spiritually, this journey has reinforced the importance of growth and self-discovery. It has taught me to approach life with an open heart and mind, seeking not only success but also fulfillment and a deeper connection with the world around me. The principles of personal development and leadership have become a guidepost in my spiritual journey, reminding me to live a life aligned with my values and aspirations.

In essence, my work in personal development, leadership, and communication skills has had a transformative influence on my personal, business, and spiritual life journey. It has enhanced my self-awareness, professional success, and spiritual fulfillment, shaping me into a more well-rounded and purpose-driven individual.

• How did your years of achievements [discipline, persistence, patience], help you navigate your years during your studies/training/changes/experiences?

My years of achievements, built upon a foundation of discipline, persistence, and patience, have been invaluable in navigating my journey through studies, training, and the various changes and experiences life has presented. These qualities have been my guiding principles, allowing me to overcome challenges and reach my goals.

Discipline has been instrumental in maintaining a focused and consistent approach to my studies and training. It has helped me stay on track, even when faced with distractions or difficulties, and ensured that I continued to make progress.

Persistence has been my driving force, particularly during the more challenging periods of my journey. It’s what kept me going when faced with setbacks or moments of self-doubt. Through persistence, I learned to see failures as opportunities for growth and to keep pushing forward.

Patience, on the other hand, has been my anchor during times of uncertainty and change. It’s taught me to embrace the process, knowing that personal and professional development takes time. Patience has allowed me to weather transitions and experiences with a calm and collected demeanor, often leading to more favorable outcomes.

My years of achievements built upon discipline, persistence, and patience have been the cornerstones of my ability to navigate the complexities of my studies, training, and the various experiences that life has thrown my way. They’ve provided me with the resilience, determination, and steadiness required to overcome challenges and ultimately reach my goals.