TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Dr. Malini Saba is a self-made businesswoman, philanthropist, psychologist, single mother, fitness fanatic, author, passionate cook, human and social rights activist, global advocate for women and girls and Founder & Chairman, of Anannke Foundation. Indeed, her accomplishments are many. …For this gutsy lady has faced many challenges and despite the odds, has triumphed over all the setbacks that have come her way. Following her accomplishments in the corporate world, the Founder & Former Chairman of “Saba Group” is now focusing on her philanthropic activities and issues close to her heart under the aegis of the Anannke Foundation. Indeed, Dr. Malini Saba is truly TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’.
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about your life-changing journey that has moulded you to be what you are today?
Yes, each decade of my life was marked by a number of important milestones that altered my perspective on business, the world, and the people around me, as well as my comprehension that life is a continuous process of enlightenment and development. There are just a handful of experiences that have genuinely improved my personality.
First, when I was just starting out and desperately trying to believe in myself and establish a business that nobody could understand,
Second, find inner strength. As a woman in a challenging work environment, knowing how to navigate and moderate these obstacles is crucial.
Thirdly, I would say my emotional growth as a woman through the decades of understanding myself, my visions, my strength, and my inner strength as a result of the challenges I’ve faced in my business world and in my personal world, which has ultimately led me to the realisation that my strength lies within me and that I am capable of moving mountains if I truly believe in myself. Because I cannot receive assistance from outside sources.
Fourth, my most recent challenge is when you believe you’ve encountered every scumbag and liar, you’ll be astounded to find more people attempting to bring you down and lying to make themselves look better. It reinforced my belief that the exterior never changes. The reaction is crucial. To lead with your vision, you must have the resilience, strength, and self-awareness necessary to overcome the obstacles you will face.
Could you list three of your major achievements?
The first one is actually in my youth, when I established my business against all obstacles. The second is obviously the greatest thing in my life. My daughter. Thirdly, I would say achieving what I have today, which is serenity and tranquility amidst the bustle of my business, and making it into the global organisation I envisioned. And best of all, as my foundation, which is now almost 20 years old and has had a significant impact on millions of young children and people by feeding them and providing them with educational and health benefits and housing, I believe these to be my greatest accomplishments.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
I believe that one of the most significant setbacks I’ve recently encountered was interacting with people who portrayed themselves in a completely false light. In the end, I was required to handle the situation diplomatically and ensure that I continued to carry out the company’s goal despite the complications that the engagement presented. But it has strengthened me within and connected me to my higher self, if I may use that term. I believe that on every trip, regardless of who or what you are, we all try to become better people.
And the challenges we experience in life can either prevent us from getting there or lead us there. And in my situation, I truly did take the time to dig within and achieve this, so that I could comprehend the things around me and make my world a better place for me.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
– I would say that the first of the three qualities that I consistently uphold is that I respect everyone as much as I expect to be respected.
- Two: I am straightforward about my work practices and shortcomings. Regardless of whether people think I’m stupid for doing so, that is extremely significant to my inner self.
- Three: I believe in my inner strength. Nothing can pull me down, as I am strong. You may be able to break me financially, but my will will never be broken. I would say that the three avatars, Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, symbolize all women. I would also add Kali to this statement. These four avatars reflect the woman’s inner self, and for her to be complete, she must discover all four within herself.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
I hate to admit that no one has ever been the breeze beneath my wings. I’ve had to pull myself up by my own bootstraps for years and years since many people didn’t believe I should be in this industry or that I could be successful. So, I’ve never had someone behind me until the last ten years or so. A very great friend who stood by me through thick and thin. He had never monetarily assisted me but had always been an emotional rock and someone I could trust with my life. And I would give him credit for being present at all times.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
Oh, God. There are numerous quotes that define me, but my favourite and most famous is from Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.”
