Successful leaders in any sector, be it business, government, or religious institutions, have the traits of being able to inspire and guide teams toward a shared goal. These leaders often have a vision that they want to inspire their team with, which fosters collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. Such leaders often empower their team members to excel. Dr. Isam Vaid, a leader and community mentor in both public health and faith-based communities and has made a lasting impact by nurturing positive atmospheres, creating supportive environments, and sharing success.
Vaid firmly believes that the next generation of mentors will be facing an evolving public health environment, one that will demand leaders who lead with depth, courage, and curiosity. Such leaders will instill a sense of confidence, strengthen open communication, provide a sense of safety, and boost productivity within their teams.
Instilling deep conviction and value in leaders
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In an ever-changing World, Dr. Isam Vaid believes it is more critical than ever for the next generation of leaders to stand up for what they believe in with conviction, even when it means being ahead of their time or going against widespread consensus. Such circumstances will require a high level of professionalism, confidence, and subject matter proficiency from potential future leaders, and yet such endeavors will also entail a high level of personal depth. Mentoring future leaders to speak up with conviction is a key skill that empowers and instills courage in their teams and communities they will steer.
Mentors must devote the time to pass on the nuances of critical thinking alongside depth of understanding to their mentees. Mentors must emphasize to mentees that forming and nurturing deep and meaningful relationships with colleagues and leaders is key, even with those who hold opposing views. Doing this not only fosters self-awareness but ultimately cultivates well-rounded leaders. The role of mentors is immensely crucial in motivating future leaders to reach their full potential.
Raising strong and courageous leaders
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Will our future leaders speak up for the voiceless? Those who are Invisible to the masses? Those who lack resources? In the age of evolving technologies, data mining on every facet of our lives by companies that lack altruistic intentions, and increased surveillance of everyday people, the future will demand even more courage and strength than that required of previous generations. Difficult situations and setbacks should not discourage leaders and should not serve as a deterrent when it comes to standing up for what’s right.
With over two decades of dedication to public health practice and research, Dr. Vaid has been on the front lines, advocating for good health for all. Sometimes, even at professional and personal risk, future leaders will need to be ambitious in their goals to positively impact or even transform what they are focused on or passionate about, be it the public health and healthcare sector, financial sector, engineering sector, public relations sector, or any other sectors for that matter. Perseverance is yet another attribute future leaders will need to hone, that is, staying committed to their goals and aspirations, in the face of challenges, to achieve and make a positive difference.
Making a positive difference can be seen in Dr. Isam Vaid’s dedicated career in public health. This includes tackling public health challenges like preventing, detecting, and treating disease in communities. He is also a leader in faith-based communities and a community builder, where he has left a mark and made a positive difference. Dr. Isam Vaid is a recipient of various honors, including recognition for his contributions to the employment of disabled persons.
Teaching future leaders to explore new ideas
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
Mentors can drive innovation by teaching mentees to explore novel approaches to arrive at a variety of solutions to community challenges. Mentoring for depth means raising leaders who are curious to explore new answers to powerful questions. When future leaders are mentored to develop a positive and flexible mindset, communities and societies benefit from trailblazing perspectives on reshaping the status quo for the better. Mentorship can be a transformative power in shaping an inspiring world for tomorrow.