Ayesha Hoda’s path is anything but ordinary. A driven professional who has embraced change and growth, she credits her late maternal grandfather, a seasoned journalist in Pakistan, for sparking her lifelong passion for writing. “My late maternal grandfather introduced me to the world of books, and I was fortunate to have access to fantastic libraries, both at home and at school,” she recalls.
Her love for storytelling began early, as she started narrating stories to her family at the age of six. Encouraged by their support, Ayesha submitted her first story to a children’s magazine, which was accepted. At just eight years old, seeing her name in print marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to writing.
A Dynamic Career Built on Passion and Adaptability
Ayesha’s career in marketing and communications spans over 18 years, and she has worked with an array of clients and companies. From top banks to e-commerce startups, FMCG companies, educational nonprofits, and small healthcare setups, her work has been as diverse as the industries she’s served. “I hate monotony, and much like the modern communications landscape, my career has been agile, interconnected, and constantly evolving,” she says.
As the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at CapiZona, a venture studio linked to a single-family office, Ayesha finds herself immersed in a professional environment that celebrates versatility. “My role allows me to engage with a wide variety of projects—nurturing tech-based startups, supporting literary and educational initiatives, and managing corporate communications. Each day presents a unique strategic challenge,” she explains.
Key Milestones That Defined Her Journey
Ayesha has encountered numerous personal milestones that have shaped her journey. Completing A Levels in one year with straight As and making the difficult decision to drop out of art school are just the beginning. Her pursuit of higher education didn’t stop there. Despite working full-time, she completed her MBA as a gold medalist, proving her dedication to academic excellence. “I wanted to take on more, and I managed to juggle side hustles while making a name for myself,” she shares.
However, perhaps one of her most poignant milestones was completing the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s (CIM) Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing during a profoundly challenging time—after the loss of her mother. This personal achievement demonstrated her resilience and determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
Ayesha Hoda: From Writing Stories to Shaping Brands
Ayesha’s journey into the media and communications world was inevitable. “Given my love for writing and consuming different forms of content, I was quite certain I wanted to be in or associated with the media industry,” she reflects. At 20, after a two-year stint in communication design, she began looking for a job in graphic design but found herself instead in a PR agency. She soon rose through the ranks, working with national and multinational clients. This experience showed her how her storytelling skills could be used to help brands and companies articulate their unique stories.
Though initially an introvert, Ayesha overcame her fears of constant communication in the PR world by embracing the process of connecting with new people and hearing their stories. “It was intimidating and exhausting at first, but the turning point came when I was assigned to interview prominent professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs,” she says. Today, she remains selective about her interactions but has come to appreciate the power of storytelling in forging deeper connections.
Adapting to Change: A Focus on AI and Big Data
Ayesha is always looking toward the future, currently working on multiple projects, including a digital B2B marketplace. She is also upskilling in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to stay ahead of industry trends. “AI and Big Data are not just trends, but fundamental shifts that are revolutionizing marketing and business strategies,” she explains. By leveraging these tools, Ayesha aims to deliver smarter, more effective marketing solutions that cater to the needs of modern businesses.
Mentorship and Personal Growth
One of Ayesha’s most valuable professional relationships has been with Dr. Adil Alzarooni, an Emirati business leader and educator. “His mentorship has instilled confidence in me to execute incredibly diverse projects,” she shares. Working with Dr. Alzarooni has allowed her to expand her skill set significantly and take on new challenges in her professional life.
On the personal side, Ayesha is focused on self-growth. “I’m trying to be more spiritual and embrace the practice of surrender,” she says. She regularly engages with content on mental health, manifestation, and spirituality. Activities like meditation and transformative wellness experiences keep her grounded and motivated. “I’ve learned that these practices have a profound impact on my motivation levels,” she notes.
The Importance of Mental Energy and Workplace Integrity
Ayesha has also learned valuable lessons in recognizing and responding to professional situations that don’t align with her values. “I encountered two consecutive professional situations that were misaligned with my values and growth,” she explains. These experiences taught her how important it is to protect her mental energy and professional integrity. “Sometimes, the most important professional decision you can make is disengaging from environments that systematically undermine your potential and well-being,” she emphasizes.
Finding Balance and Staying Inspired
In recent years, Ayesha has made a conscious effort to disconnect from her devices. “Stepping away from screens has emerged as a critical practice for maintaining creative and strategic clarity,” she reveals. Spending time outdoors, exploring new hobbies, and simply taking a break from the digital world has led to new sources of inspiration, helping her develop innovative strategies for her work.
Defining Success: A Holistic Approach
For Ayesha, success is not just about professional accomplishments. “Success is about securing fundamental human needs while pursuing a fulfilling career, nurturing relationships, exploring personal passions, and contributing positively to the community,” she reflects. Her approach to success is holistic, emphasizing the importance of balance in all areas of life.
Ayesha encourages others to be mindful of how they spend their time and to seek mentorship. “Find a good mentor, or at least try to connect with experienced professionals through industry events and digital platforms,” she advises. Her own journey has been shaped by her drive, resilience, and the guidance of those who have helped her along the way.
Looking Toward the Future
Ayesha is focused on creating projects and businesses with a social impact, drawing inspiration from her past volunteer experiences. “I volunteered for Acumen, an impact investment fund, and read Jacqueline Novogratz’s book ‘The Blue Sweater.’ It showed how small actions can lead to significant changes,” she says. Moving forward, Ayesha is committed to helping build initiatives whether big or small—that can make a positive difference in the world.
Ayesha Hoda’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions. Through perseverance and an unyielding drive to make a difference, she continues to inspire others while paving the way for future success. Do follow her on Instagram.
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