From Childhood Inspiration to Lifelong Passion
Afnan Saqer’s journey towards making an impact started at a young age. With a mother who was both a teacher and a trainer, Afnan found herself immersed in the world of education early on. She assisted in preparing educational materials and activities, a task that she excelled at. Seeing the admiration and respect her mother received from former students was an eye-opener. It was then that Afnan realized she, too, wanted to leave a lasting impact on people’s lives.
One of the most defining moments in her life was meeting renowned trainer Sameera Baba. During a workshop, Sameera recognized Afnan’s natural leadership skills and encouraged her to work on them. That motivation pushed Afnan to refine her abilities, paving the way for her success as a human resources specialist and life skills trainer.
The Transformative Power of Volunteer Work
Afnan believes that life is full of transitions and learning experiences. One such transformative experience for her was stepping into volunteer work. She describes it as a journey that gave her a profound sense of fulfillment.
“Giving is an ongoing happiness, and happiness is a fruitful form of giving,” she says. Through volunteerism, she found a purpose beyond personal success—it became about lifting others and making a difference in the community.
Building a Career Rooted in Passion
After earning a degree in Human Resources, Afnan, like many fresh graduates, faced the challenge of job hunting. Despite completing professional training at a reputable company, she was not offered a permanent role. Her next opportunity came from a small, non-Bahraini firm, where she faced obstacles such as unfamiliar labor laws and cultural differences in the workplace.
Without a mentor to guide her, she took matters into her own hands—conducting research, seeking advice from industry experts, and networking with professionals. However, she soon realized that the company’s rigid policies were not aligned with her values, prompting her to move on.
Instead of waiting for the right opportunity, she took a bold step and started her own business. With the unwavering support of her family, she launched a small shop specializing in printing, custom giveaways, and office supplies. Their encouragement and belief in her dreams played a crucial role in her journey. While managing her business, she continued to grow professionally and eventually joined Ebdaa for Microfinance Company as an HR Coordinator. Over nine years, she worked her way up to become a Senior Training Officer, a role she takes immense pride in.
On Ebdaa, she wants to highlight the great support from her Manager, Mr. Yusuf Qamber, and the inspiring leadership of Dr. Khaled Algazawi, the CEO. She is also grateful to her colleague, Amani Almosajen, for providing her with opportunities to grow and bloom, helping her reach where she is today
Rising as a Leader and Influencer
Afnan’s ambition has always been to create a broader impact, and she has made significant strides in doing so. She was nominated as a board member of the Bahrain Society for Human Capital Management and became the General Manager of the Bahrain chapter of the Women Future Cities initiative. This initiative, led by Laila Al-Hadhrami from Oman, operates in multiple countries and aims to empower women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Her growth in the field of training has been remarkable. In just six months, she trained over 300 participants and conducted four editions of her “Life Leap” workshop, which gained significant recognition within two months. Her workshops focus on motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-improvement, all areas where she excels.
Empowering Women Through Training and Leadership
Afnan’s influence extends beyond corporate training. She is deeply involved in social responsibility initiatives, including the Mulhamoon (Inspirers) volunteer team, which aligns with her mission to drive positive change. Through her work with the Women Future Cities initiative, she provides free workshops for women in Bahrain, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in competitive industries.
One of the key aspects of her training approach is the “Play and Learn” method, which makes learning engaging and effective. By incorporating games and interactive activities, she ensures that participants absorb knowledge in a fun, stress-free environment.
Her impact is evident in the feedback she receives. Employees who attended her workshops reported increased confidence and a willingness to take on new challenges. Some even took bold steps toward career growth based on her guidance.
Lessons That Shaped Her Journey
Reflecting on her journey, Afnan highlights several key lessons she has learned along the way:
- Strength is essential: Life is full of challenges, and resilience is the key to overcoming them.
- Learning never stops: There is always room for growth, regardless of age or experience.
- Surround yourself with the right people: The company you keep significantly influences your success and mindset.
- Purpose is everything: Knowing your goals and aspirations will shape your actions and decisions.
- Self-love is the foundation of success: Understanding and appreciating oneself enhances relationships and professional growth.
- Be patient: You can have anything, but not everything at once. Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s harvest period.
A Call to Action for Future Leaders
Afnan strongly believes in mentorship and knowledge-sharing. She urges senior professionals and managers to create opportunities for young talent, as early guidance can significantly impact their career trajectory.
She also encourages individuals to take control of their own learning. “Never give up. Read in various fields and seize every chance to gain knowledge,” she advises. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-reliance rather than seeking shortcuts through connections.
Expanding Her Influence Globally
Looking ahead, Afnan remains committed to expanding her impact on a global scale. She aims to enhance her training programs, reach a wider audience, and create more initiatives that empower individuals to thrive.
Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-growth, and a strong sense of purpose. From a young girl inspired by her mother’s influence to a recognized trainer and leader, Afnan Saqer is proving that passion and perseverance can shape not just one’s own destiny but also the lives of countless others. Do follow her on Instagram.
