Zeena Bazian’s career path is a testament to dedication, adaptability, and the power of hard work. From managing late-night retail shifts and university classes, to becoming the first-ever Sustainability CEO at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, her journey is filled with determination and purpose. She has embraced each challenge and turned it into a stepping stone, inspiring others to do the same. Here’s a closer look at her inspiring story.
The Early Days: Balancing Work and Study
Zeena’s professional journey started at a young age. At just 15, she began working during the summers, quickly realizing that hard work and balancing multiple responsibilities would shape her future. When she moved to the USA for her bachelor’s degree, she faced the unique challenge of balancing late-night shifts with academic responsibilities. Working at various jobs while pursuing a degree in international relations was no easy task, but it taught her essential skills that would serve her well in the years to come.
The experience of juggling multiple responsibilities helped Zeena hone her time management skills. It also exposed her to diverse work cultures and environments, making her comfortable in situations where people spoke different languages and came from varied backgrounds. These formative years were crucial in shaping her confidence and work ethic, setting the stage for her career ahead.
Zeena Bazian: A Journey with No Defining Moment
Unlike many people who have one pivotal moment that sparks their career, Zeena’s path has been more gradual. She didn’t have one singular event that led her to where she is today, but rather a series of experiences that aligned with her passion for purposeful work. These experiences shaped her academic background in international relations, passion for creating a community and interest in PR and sustainability.
Currently, Zeena works in PR at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, one of the world’s largest organizers of exhibitions and events. Before her move into PR, she worked in HR and luxury beauty, managing over 700 employees—a role that feels worlds apart from her current position. Despite the contrast in industries, her work in both HR and PR shares a common thread: a drive to work on projects that matter. For Zeena, it’s all about making a meaningful impact through her work.
Achieving Leadership in Sustainability
Zeena’s role as Sustainability CEO at Messe Frankfurt Middle East is a landmark achievement in her career. She finds great fulfillment in championing eco-friendly practices and contributing to a sustainable future for the company. Sustainability has always been a passion of hers, and stepping into a leadership role allows her to bring about real change. Her goal is to create a long-lasting impact that not only benefits the environment but also leaves a legacy of positive change within the company.
This position is particularly meaningful to her because it allows her to align her professional journey with her personal values. Leading sustainability initiatives is a significant step in her vision for a better, more responsible future, and Zeena is excited to see how her efforts will evolve.
Overcoming Challenges and Pushing Limits
Zeena’s career didn’t come without its challenges. Moving back to Dubai in 2021, she had to start fresh, testing different career paths and accepting the challenges that came with them. She pushed herself out of her comfort zone—just as she did during her first internship, HR role, and current position in PR too. Starting over wasn’t easy, but it fueled her drive to prove herself, not to anyone else, but to herself.
Each new challenge was an opportunity for growth. Whether it was handling PR multiple exhibitions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, or leading the sustainability team, Zeena continually proved that with hard work and a willingness to learn, there is no limit to what one can achieve.
Her advice to others facing similar career hurdles is to embrace challenges, trust in their abilities, and view setbacks as temporary obstacles that will eventually pass. She firmly believes that every challenge offers a lesson, and these lessons are key to personal and professional growth.
The Importance of Support and Mentorship
Throughout her career, Zeena has been fortunate to have mentors who supported her growth and encouraged her to take risks. One key figure in her journey has been her HR Director, who has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. His mindset of “Why not?” and “Go for it!” helped Zeena break down any self-imposed barriers and embrace new opportunities with confidence.
The importance of having a supportive environment cannot be overstated. Zeena appreciates feedback from her colleagues and team members, believing that constructive criticism helps her stay grounded and aligned with her career goals. She values the collaboration and brainstorming sessions that fuel innovation, particularly within her sustainability role and team.
Lessons Learned and Continuing Growth
Zeena’s career has been a continuous learning experience, one that has provided invaluable lessons along the way. One key lesson she’s learned is the importance of being fully present in the room. By actively listening and engaging, she’s been able to understand diverse perspectives and enhance her decision-making. This helps her stay on top of challenges and find solutions before they arise, if any.
Confidence is another trait that Zeena emphasizes. She’s learned to trust in her abilities and not let intimidation take over. This mindset has allowed her to take on new opportunities without hesitation and grow through every experience, both positive and negative.
When things don’t go according to plan, Zeena reminds herself that setbacks are part of the process. She stays focused on the positive outcomes and knows that each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it’s through a cup of coffee with office friends or listening to her favorite music during deep focus sessions, Zeena strives for a positive and productive outlook in the office.
Defining Success: From Task Completion to Continuous Improvement
When Zeena first started her career, she defined success as simply completing tasks and moving on to the next. However, as she gained more experience, her perspective shifted. Today, success means elevating the quality of her work and finding more efficient ways to achieve results. Instead of just completing tasks, she strives to make them better—whether it’s improving a process or finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
She also recognizes that success isn’t always about having experience. For example, her involvement in sustainability came despite having no prior experience in the field. However, her passion for making an impact and her commitment to learning made her the perfect candidate for the role.
Advice to Her Younger Self
If Zeena could go back and give advice to her younger self, she would tell her to take it easy. The drive to be the best is admirable, but it also led her to set unrealistic expectations at times. She would remind herself to be patient and to enjoy the present, knowing that her hard work would eventually pay off. Over time, she has learned that success comes with patience, and a willingness to embrace the journey.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
Zeena’s vision for the future is centered around making a lasting impact. As the first Sustainability CEO at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, she knows that the responsibility on her shoulders is immense. However, she’s eager to lead the charge with her supportive team in developing green practices that contribute to a more sustainable world.
Her goal is not just to make a difference today but to ensure that her efforts continue to create positive change long into the future. Zeena’s work is about leaving a legacy and a footprint that will be felt for generations to come.
Conclusion: A Career Built on Purpose and Passion
Zeena Bazian’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of pursuing one’s passions. From her hardworking beginnings to becoming a leader in sustainability, her journey proves that success isn’t just about reaching the destination, but about learning and growing along the way. For anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their career, Zeena’s journey offers invaluable insights: embrace challenges, stay confident, and always strive for purpose in everything you do. Do follow her on Instagram.
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