Tajila Mullahkhel was born in Afghanistan and spent her early years in Pakistan. As a teen, she moved to the United States. Starting over in a new country wasn’t easy, but she found comfort in learning. School became her way forward.
She studied hard and later earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah. While there, she worked as a research assistant in biomimetics—studying how nature can inspire new designs in science and tech. She also taught Pashto language courses, helping others connect with Afghan culture.
Tajila later joined Fresenius Medical Care, where she worked in sustaining engineering and project management. She helped solve technical problems in healthcare, making systems better and more reliable.
Now self-employed, Tajila balances work and family life. She’s a proud mom who finds joy in running, baking with her kids, and staying active. Her love for fitness keeps her grounded. She believes in giving back but prefers to do so quietly, without attention.
Her life is a blend of science, service, and strength. She values her roots, embraces new ideas, and leads with quiet confidence. Whether she’s solving a problem, teaching a language, or tying her shoes for a morning jog, Tajila does it with heart.
She shows us that a life built on both grit and grace can be rich and meaningful. Tajila’s story is one of growing through change, staying true to who you are, and always moving forward.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I usually wake up around 5:30 AM. I like to start with a short jog or a long walk—something to get my mind clear and my body moving. That time outside, especially before the rest of the house wakes up, is when I mentally map out the day. After that, I get breakfast ready for my kids, see them off, and then settle into work. Because I’m self-employed, I divide my day between technical tasks like reviewing engineering specs or project documentation and more fluid work like researching or client calls. I try to focus on one big task in the morning and another in the afternoon. I don’t overload my schedule. I’ve learned that three well-done things are better than a dozen rushed ones.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, it usually starts with a question—something I’m curious about. In my biomimetics research, I remember being fascinated by how water rolled off lotus leaves and wondered how we could apply that in real-world materials. I spent weeks reading, sketching, and testing. Whether it’s a material concept, a system design, or a new way to organize my workflow, I bring ideas to life by breaking them down and exploring them in small, testable steps.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Right now, I’m really interested in how low-tech innovations are gaining more respect—especially in sustainability and healthcare. There’s a lot of talk about high-tech AI and automation, but I’m excited about things like passive cooling systems, water purification using plant-based membranes, and accessible medical tech that doesn’t rely on infrastructure. It reminds me that innovation doesn’t always have to be expensive or flashy to be effective.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Running. Or walking, when I’m tired. Moving helps me process things. It gives me a chance to mentally rehearse tough conversations, think through problems, or just breathe. I also keep a very simple journal—just a small notebook where I write down three things I want to accomplish each day. Nothing fancy, but it keeps me focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient with your voice. As a teenager moving from Pakistan to the U.S., I felt like I had to learn everything fast and prove myself all the time. I’d tell my younger self that it’s okay to grow at your own pace. Your roots matter, your story matters, and your quiet strength is enough.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think giving should be private. In a world where everything is shared online—donations, causes, acts of kindness—I believe the most meaningful giving is silent. When you give without needing credit, you’re doing it from the right place.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Learn something new outside your field. I’m a chemical engineer, but I’ve taught language, studied art, read books on sociology, and taken up baking with my kids. It makes your thinking more flexible and your problem-solving more human.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I usually stop what I’m doing and go outside. Even five minutes walking barefoot in the yard helps. I’ll also sometimes bake something—usually with my kids. Measuring ingredients, mixing by hand—it calms me down. It turns chaos into something sweet and tangible.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening more than talking. At Fresenius, I sat in a lot of cross-functional meetings—engineers, marketing, compliance, all with different views. I made a habit of being the person who absorbed everything before reacting. That helped me build trust and spot gaps that others missed.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I once joined a project where I took on too much too soon. I didn’t ask for help, thinking I had to prove I was capable. The result was burnout, and a few missed deadlines. I had to regroup, ask for support, and accept that leadership isn’t doing everything—it’s knowing when to lean on others. That was humbling but necessary.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An app that pairs refugee families with local mentors based on shared skills or industries. Like a match for engineers, bakers, teachers—people who can guide each other through cultural and professional systems. I would’ve loved something like that when I moved to the States.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Trello a lot. I create boards for different projects—some for engineering tasks, some for home. I like being able to see what’s in progress, what’s done, and what’s coming next. It keeps me from feeling like everything’s floating in my head.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It mixes science with storytelling and cultural wisdom. As a woman in STEM with roots in a different culture, it resonated deeply. It reminds me that knowledge comes in many forms.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Call the Midwife. It’s about community, care, and resilience. The characters are strong women balancing science, service, and family—something I relate to deeply.
Key learnings
- Productive habits
- Cross-disciplinary learning
- Failure can be a lesson in humility