Home Interview Professional Icon: Shabiha Dil Afroz

Professional Icon: Shabiha Dil Afroz

Professional Icon Shabiha

Shabiha Dil Afroz
Head of HR & Admin
Transcom Foods Limited

She is a dynamic leader in the field of Human Resources and Administration. As the Head of HR & Admin at Transcom Foods Limited, she brings a wealth of expertise in talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement. With a proven track record of driving strategic HR initiatives, she is committed to fostering a thriving work environment and supporting Transcom Foods Limited in achieving its business objectives. Her dedication to nurturing talent and enhancing operational efficiency makes her an invaluable asset to the company.

Let’s learn about her journey.

The InCAP: Ms. Shabiha Dil Afroz, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!

Ms. Shabiha Dil Afroz: Firstly, thank you! I have completed my graduation in Business Administration, dual major in HRM & Marketing from Northern University Bangladesh & pursued a master’s in HRM from Dhaka University. Moreover, I completed my LLB from Dhanmondi Law College, Post Graduate Diploma in HRM from Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) and HRMC from IBA, University of Dhaka. I was actively involved in many social activities and professional clubs during my university years. Besides those activities & studies, I did a job at Banglalink call center as a part-timer.

After my graduation, I did my internship with Unilever Bangladesh Limited and after that, I joined Mohona Television Limited and transitioned through different roles at Multimode Group (Microsoft Bangladesh Limited, Johnson & Johnson Bangladesh, CG Wai Wai Noodles Bangladesh), Jubilant FoodWorks Bangladesh Limited (Domino’s Pizza Bangladesh) and at present I have been working with Transcom Foods Limited ( KFC Bangladesh & Pizza Hut Bangladesh) a concern of Transcom Group as a Head of HR & Admin position.

What is your most significant achievement as of now? To what extent does your motivation help you to thrive in your career?

It’s truly commendable to talk about my achievements in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equality within my workforce throughout my entire career journey. Creating an environment that values and embraces people from various backgrounds, abilities, and genders is not only ethically important but also contributes to a more innovative and productive work atmosphere.

My accomplishment in working with foreign expats, third-gender individuals, and people with disabilities while ensuring equality and equity is a testament to your commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. By actively supporting women empowerment within my organization, I have taken significant steps toward breaking down barriers and promoting gender equality.

My dedication to these principles not only benefits the individuals directly involved but also contributes to a positive organizational culture and potentially sets an example for other companies to follow.

Success is what motivates me to do a good job. Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going. I feel that aligning the company’s vision and values with my own is one way to achieve that. When I know that my efforts are following the correct path, it encourages me to push more. Hence, for me, success is important both at a personal as well as at an organizational level. Motivation is seeing the organization grow which ultimately leads to personal achievement and success. There might be instances of failure or stagnation but it does not demotivate me anyhow. On the other hand, I feel re-invigorated to perform even more. The taste of success after failure is what keeps the fire going within me no matter what the circumstance.

Can you please describe your experience in developing and implementing HR strategies that align with an organization’s overall business goals and objectives?

I have been actively involved in framing & implementing HR policies since 2013. My experience in developing and implementing HR strategies that align with business goals has been marked by a combination of strategic alignment, data-driven decision-making, effective communication, and a commitment to adaptability. I firmly believe that HR’s role is pivotal in driving organizational success, and I’m excited to bring my expertise to contribute to your company’s growth.

Could you share an example of a challenging HR issue you’ve resolved in the past, and how you approached it?

In my capacity as an HR leader, I encountered a situation where the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts were falling short, leading to unequal career advancement. I initiated an in-depth assessment of our talent management processes and identified unconscious biases in performance evaluations. Implementing mandatory bias-awareness training for managers, we also introduced a mentorship program to provide equitable career guidance. Moreover, comprehensive safety protocols were established to ensure a secure workplace for all. Resultantly, over six months, the representation of underrepresented groups in leadership positions increased by 15%, fostering a more inclusive and secure work environment.

How do you foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and what steps would you take to ensure diversity and inclusion within Transcom Foods Limited?

Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture within my organization which requires a combination of intentional strategies and ongoing efforts. It can be possible through Leadership commitment and diverse Leadership, Diversity Training, and Inclusive hiring practices which must be fair & unbiased. Equal opportunity for career growth and development for all employees. Establish ERGs that focus on various aspects of diversity, such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and abilities. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for positive change. By Developing and enforcing inclusive policies that protect against discrimination, harassment, and bias. This includes having a clear reporting process for any incidents that violate these policies. Also, through flexible work arrangements, and open communication, recognize & celebrate differences.

Remember that creating an inclusive workplace culture requires a collective effort from every level of the organization. It’s about valuing and respecting each individual’s unique experiences and perspectives and working together to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

What was your first job in life? How much was your first salary? What did you do with the first paycheck?

Well, I was started my career as an HR executive in a television channel and my first drawn salary was 10K. When I got my first pay cheque, I still remember that day I was on cloud nine, and I was so happy that I spent my most of the amount in shopping and the rest for the underprivileged kids.  

Ms. Shabiha Dil Afroz, please say something to the readers!

So today, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace the power of reading. Make it a habit, make it a joy. Let it empower you, inspire you, and change you. Because the truth is, the more we read, the more we grow, and the more we understand. Make sure you are not counting the days, make the days count!

Quick Chat With Shabiha Dil Afroz

The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
“Joyeeta Award”
for women’s empowerment by creating equal opportunities in the job market.

The greatest philosopher in your view:
Aristotle.

Your Icon:
My Mom & Dad.

Name the most influential books you have read:
“365 Days with Self-Discipline”, Author: Martin Meadows.

Your greatest fear:
One day I awake in the morning & I couldn’t see the beautiful world!

Best piece of advice you’ve received:
“Don’t run behind success. Always run behind your work and work will lead you to success”

You in only three words:
Astute, Amiable, Intellectual

The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Shabiha! It’s a glittering conversation with you!

Ms. Shabiha Dil Afroz: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.

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