Zain Verjee on Authenticity and Being a Leader

[image error]

Helene recently spoke with CNN International's news anchor Zain Verjee about her career choices, the power of women and her wishes for girls worldwide.

Helene: Who early on saw something in you that might not have seen in yourself?

Zain: Upon reflection, I would say two people--one was my dad, Johnny, who really encouraged me to pursue a broadcast career. I was halfway through a masters’ degree and my parents, especially my dad, said, “You know, why don’t you pursue something here. You’re on the radio--you like talking--people are listening. Maybe this is a career you should be thinking about.” It’s hard for any parent to encourage their child not to finish their degree, but he was very supportive.

The second person was Phil Matthews, who ran the radio station at the time.

Helene: This was when you lived in Nairobi? 

Zain: Yes. It was Capital FM in Nairobi and it had just started. It was Nairobi’s first private radio station -- everything else had been state controlled.

Helene: So Phil saw something in you…

Zain: Yes, he saw my potential. He helped train me and I listened to him. I started off reading the traffic news update, then, I did the love show at night. I was 23 at the time.

                                         
Helene: How did you grow your career in journalism?

Zain: It was a combination of having champions who believed in me, and working really hard-- being there when the right opportunity came up.  I didn’t say no to anything that came my way. I was willing to learn and try everything--to take and actively seek feedback.

Helene: What was the most important piece of feedback you were given?

Zain: I think it was to be myself and not try and replicate what I thought a news anchor or news reporter should be like. To seek my own authentic voice, language, style, experience. And I have to say it took 10 years for me to find that and to be comfortable with my own abilities.

Helene: When I see you on television, I think, “Wow,” she’s authentic.

Zain: Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m really glad you said that because the whole idea is to be more accessible. I prefer now being much more conversational, much more “me”, and really trying to find ways to connect.

Helene: Talk about an obstacle in your life that has taught you some important lessons.

Zain: The main obstacle has been my psoriasis and skin disease.  I’ve learned from that experience that no matter what you perceive a person to be, they have their own struggles. I’ve learned to approach people without as much judgment. The psoriasis has also made me more compassionate.

Helene: Did you feel that people judged you?

Zain: Yes. I could hide my condition better than some but what about the people that can’t and are judged or laughed at?

Helene: So you felt the stigma.

Zain: Yes, I really did. And it affected the way I interact with people now because I always try not to stare, or just to approach them with compassion.

Helene: So the psoriasis made you more sensitive to what other people are going through in their own lives.

Zain: Yes. Even now, I’ll pick up on things more.  I’m very understanding when someone has to go the hospital, or has an issue, or is struggling. I’ve written about this. You don’t really know what that person is made up of or what their experiences are, no matter how fantastic they might look. 

Now I feel liberated by sharing my experience. I feel empowered. I’m happy that I’ve received such fantastic feedback from people who are also going through similar things not just with a skin disease but with any kind of illness. It’s a process and there are solutions. You’re not the only one.

Helene: Why is it important, at this moment in time, for women around the globe to step up and let their voice be heard--try things they have not done before?

Zain: I think people are acknowledging that when you educate and empower women, you educate and empower families, communities and countries. Even in societies where women don’t have as many rights as others, there are still people who speak up and speak out. They have a transformative impact on their immediate societies and then in the long-term, a wider society. Because of technology--it’s becoming easier to try things they’ve not done before. For example, look at the mobile phone and how that’s changed banking and women’s ability to control their finances, or using technology to be able to educate and connect.

Helene: And especially with your lesson, of sharing one of your secrets… If we can face some of our secrets and know that it’s ok to be forthright, then we can use our energy to step up and help other women.

Zain: Exactly. And I would add that I believe strongly in mentoring. Whether it’s just one person you’re helping or a large group of women, I think having role models is very important.

Helene: Absolutely. We need to pay it forward. Lastly, what’s your wish for young girls on the planet?

Zain: My heartfelt wish is for them to have self-esteem and to feel that they’re good enough. That no matter what obstacles there are--there may not be an easy way--but there is always a way to accomplish what you want. At the core of it, is a girl’s belief in trying--and more importantly the sense of having value and self-worth. Self-esteem is at the core of everything that can be grand and everything that is not.