Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring CEOs
Humzah's significant career lesson is that "impact takes time," requiring long-term commitment and celebrating "small wins" daily; these small, private victories accumulate into large-scale, public achievements, ultimately demonstrating the value of perseverance in the nonprofit sector.
Executive/Leadership, Nonprofit, Long-Term Commitment, Impact, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Humzah Farrukh
CEO
Farrukh Foundation
UCLA
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Business Strategy
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Long-term commitment and celebrating small wins are crucial for achieving significant impact.
2. Leadership in the nonprofit sector involves public scrutiny; focus on private victories to maintain progress.
3. Accumulation of small wins eventually leads to substantial achievements and positive change.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
What I've learned is that impact takes time. There are no quick fixes in helping children globally, nor in the education system. True change requires a long-term commitment and the ability to celebrate small wins every single day.
The last part is especially important. If you're able to change the life of one person significantly, even in the short term, that is a big milestone. That is a big win, even though it seems small in the present. The accumulation of all those small wins contributes to something very big.
The second lesson, and my advice for students, is that leadership in the nonprofit industry is a very public role. Many individuals will question what you do. Articles and organizations may scrutinize your past and present efforts.
One thing that's very important is to take care of your private victories. This means that every single day, you're working on something that concretely moves the organization forward.
Eventually, all those small wins, the private victories, cash in for one big public victory. This could be building a large water well project or opening a new school. Being surrounded by children and a grateful community at the opening ceremony is a powerful moment.
It's then that you realize the impact that took so long, so many meetings, hurdles, and problems, has paid off. The accumulation of celebrating small wins every day truly snowballs into a larger impact.