Dr. Malini Saba stands out as an accomplished entrepreneur, passionate philanthropist, and a staunch advocate for the rights of women and children globally. Her illustrious career spans over 30 years, during which she has significantly influenced diverse fields such as agriculture, fintech, real estate, and healthcare. Dr. Saba is the pioneering force behind Saba Group, where her strategic investments in key industrial sectors have championed sustainable business methodologies.
Her commitment extends beyond commerce into heartfelt philanthropic endeavors, primarily through the Saba Family Foundation established in 2002. The foundation’s mission is to level the playing field for women and children by addressing critical issues like education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, forging strategic alliances across continents to magnify their impact.
Dr. Saba has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her societal contributions, including the Kalpana Chawla Award for Outstanding Woman of the Year and the Ambassador of Peace. As a respected author and a sought-after speaker, Dr. Saba persistently works towards shaping international policies and nurturing a new cadre of women leaders, aiming to create a more just and equitable world.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with meditation to clear my mind, followed by a review of my daily agenda. I prioritize tasks that align with our foundation’s goals and my business objectives. Meetings, whether virtual or in-person, are spaced strategically to allow for deep work sessions in between. I make my day productive by staying disciplined and keeping a focus on outcomes rather than just activities.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in collaborative brainstorming and leveraging the expertise of diverse teams. Once an idea is formed, I focus on creating a viable action plan, setting clear milestones, and gathering the necessary resources. Persistence and adaptability are key in bringing any idea to fruition.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rise of technology in educational empowerment excites me tremendously. Utilizing tech solutions to provide scalable and accessible education to underserved communities can dramatically shift the global educational landscape, particularly for women and girls.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily meditation is crucial for me. It helps me maintain clarity and focus, which are essential for making informed decisions quickly and effectively throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to worry less about fitting into predefined paths and to embrace the unique journeys that life offers. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that true entrepreneurial success doesn’t come from fierce competition, but from profound collaboration and ethical leadership. This philosophy often contrasts with the cutthroat nature of business as perceived by many.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Constantly invest in self-education. The world is ever-changing, and staying informed and adaptable through continuous learning is something I practice and recommend.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step back and engage in physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk or a yoga session. This not only helps clear my mind but also reenergizes my body and refocuses my thoughts.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong networks has been invaluable. Connecting with other professionals, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other’s goals have opened doors and provided insights that have been crucial for growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant failure was an early investment that did not pan out as expected, resulting in substantial financial loss. I overcame this by refocusing on core strengths and learning the importance of thorough due diligence. The experience taught me resilience and the necessity of risk assessment.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects retired professionals with startups for mentorship and advice. This could leverage valuable experience while giving retirees a sense of purpose and engagement.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Asana is a project management tool that helps me keep track of both my professional and philanthropic projects. It enables me and my teams to stay aligned, manage tasks efficiently, and meet our deadlines.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg has been influential. It reinforces the importance of women in leadership and the need for gender equality in the workplace, which are both closely aligned with my mission.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed watching “The Crown” because it offers a glimpse into the complexities of leadership and the personal sacrifices involved. It’s a fascinating exploration of duty, power, and the personal dynamics within a historical context.
Key learnings
- Maintaining mental clarity
- Professional growth through self-education
- Collaboration over competition