Life of a CEO | Why you should never shrink yourself to fit in

Yasmin Abrahams, currently the CEO of DirectAxis, shared her inspiring journey from a young age when her mother instilled in her the importance of speaking up and owning her space. Her mother served as her first example of strength and confidence. Abrahams emphasizes that confidence involves embracing the possibility of failure and being open to change, even admitting when one is wrong.

She strives to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable failing, learning from mistakes, and improving. Abrahams' approach to decision-making has evolved over time; she now prefers a more measured strategy, testing ideas, learning from them, and scaling successful approaches. She firmly believes that changing one's mind based on new evidence is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Humility and responsibility have been guiding principles throughout her career, helping her navigate both successes and challenges. Even in her personal life, Abrahams continues to grapple with the balance between work and family, making a conscious effort to unplug and be present. Despite her analytical nature in the workplace, she admits to being sentimental, remembering conversations and the people who have helped her along the way.

One of the most significant lessons Abrahams learned is that leadership doesn't entail having all the answers; rather, it's about creating clarity, empowering talented individuals, and fostering a culture where everyone can excel. She emphasizes that sustainable impact arises from collective effort rather than individual achievement.

Abrahams cautions against being too rigid in one's comfort zone, as it might prevent one from seizing new opportunities. She encourages asking questions, learning quickly, and surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals to continually expand one's horizons.