Desma Rovina D’Souza: From Overcoming Challenges to Leading HR Innovation at S&K HR Consulting

Desma Rovina D’Souza’s journey from a young student in Montreal, Canada to a Managing Partner at S&K HR Consulting is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her story reflects not only her personal growth but also her significant impact on the HR industry, particularly for small businesses in the UAE and beyond.

A Transformative Early Experience

Desma’s early life was marked by a profound challenge that shaped her career trajectory. At the age of 17, she moved to Montreal, Canada, alone, immersing herself in a foreign environment where she was unfamiliar with the language and a new way of life. This experience, initially overwhelming, became a crucible for developing essential life skills. Serving coffee at Tim Hortons while maintaining top grades in university, Desma learned critical life lessons in money management, time management, discipline and customer service. This period of her life, marked by both exhaustion and growth, instilled in her a deep confidence and resilience that has carried her through her career.

Finding Her Path

Desma’s professional path took shape through a combination of academic passion and practical experience. After completing a degree in Psychology and a second degree in HR at York University, Toronto, she found her calling in Organizational Behavior, a subject that most students avoided. Inspired by a professor who emphasized applying theory to practice, Desma Rovina D’Souza’s enthusiasm for the field was ignited.

Her first role with Etihad Airways, a new airline in Abu Dhabi allowed her to exceed her job description, taking on extra assignments and working long hours. This experience confirmed her aptitude for embracing new challenges and continuously striving for excellence. This foundational principle of going above and beyond has guided her through a successful 15-year career in the corporate world.

Achievements and Milestones

Desma’s career is marked by two significant achievements, among many. The first was overcoming a severe car crash at the age of 17, which led to a prolonged hospitalization and a rigorous 6-month recovery process where she had to learn to stand, sit and walk, again. Despite the physical and emotional challenges, she emerged resilient, achieving top ranks in her academic pursuits and continuing to excel.

The second notable achievement was her decision to leave the corporate world and embark on an entrepreneurial journey. Taking a year-long sabbatical without a clear plan, Desma demonstrated immense courage. This leap of faith led her to co-found S&K HR Consulting with her sister, Elrona Silba D’Souza in 2020. Since then, the HR Consultancy has flourished, serving over 105 clients across 41 industries, both locally and internationally. This success highlights her ability to turn uncertainty into opportunity and create significant value through her business.

Navigating Early Career Challenges

Desma began her career in recruitment for cabin crew at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. As a young professional working with seasoned experts, she faced challenges in being taken seriously and was often subject to gender biases. Despite these obstacles, she viewed them as opportunities for personal growth rather than setbacks. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping her career and has contributed to her current success.

Current Endeavours at S&K HR Consulting

At present, Desma Rovina D’Souza is focused on her role at S&K HR Consulting, where she and her sister work to empower small business owners in the UAE and support global businesses moving to the UAE. Their mission is to help these businesses leverage their most valuable asset—their people. Desma Rovina D’Souza’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her commitment to shaping the HR landscape and creating impactful solutions for her clients.

Inspiration and Motivation

Desma draws inspiration from various sources, whether its seemingly insignificant interactions with exceptional customer service encounters and insights from leaders and podcasts. She believes that inspiration is ubiquitous and that remaining open to learning from diverse experiences enriches her perspective and fuels her drive.

Her approach to staying motivated during challenges is rooted in spirituality and self-reflection. Desma Rovina D’Souza embraces all experiences, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This mindset enables her to remain focused on the journey of becoming rather than being deterred by setbacks.

Lessons Learned and Evolving Success

One of the most important lessons Desma Rovina D’Souza has learned is to find joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination. This philosophy guides her approach to work, encouraging a forward-focused mindset and continuous improvement.

Initially, Desma Rovina D’Souza’s definition of success was tied to traditional markers such as job titles and income. However, her perspective has evolved to emphasize daily fulfillment and the impact she can make in the lives of others. For her, success now means waking up excited and in good health, eager to contribute value and make a positive difference.

Advice and Legacy

Desma Rovina D’Souza would advise her younger self to follow her instincts and not be too hard on herself. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passions and not letting others’ limitations define one’s potential.

Looking ahead, Desma Rovina D’Souza hopes to be remembered as someone who challenged the status quo and pursued excellence relentlessly. Her legacy, she envisions, will be marked by her courage to question norms and her commitment to living a life of impact and integrity.

Desma Rovina D’Souza’s career narrative is a powerful example of how resilience, passion, and a willingness to embrace challenges can lead to profound success. From her early struggles in Montreal to leading S&K HR Consulting, her journey reflects a dedication to personal and professional growth. Desma Rovina D’Souza continues to inspire through her work and personal philosophy, leaving a lasting impression on the HR industry and beyond.

Follow her journey here .