Switching Careers, Caring for others and yourself with Aisyiah Mohd from Sleek

• [0:37] Welcoming our guest, Aisyiah
• [0:57] About Aisyiah’s family 
• [1:25] Aisyiah’s role at Sleek
• [2:05] What led to Aisyiah joining the tech industry?
• [5:24] The moment Aisyiah knew she wanted to work again
• [6:45] Aisyiah on leaving the workforce
• [9:46] Aisyiah coming back to work, in Sleek
• [14:06] How does Aisyiah build a supportive environment for parents in Slack?
• [17:20] How does being a leader in the workplace helped in being a parent, and vice versa?
• [20:43] How would Aisyiah describe her parenting journey?
• [23:57] Aisyiah’s advice for Parents in Tech

 

TRANSCRIPTION

Qin En 00:00

Hi, I am Qin En and this is the Parents in Tech podcast. This month, we have a special collaboration series with Sleek, a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK. I speak to four parents in Sleek to find out how they create work-life integration and balance their career ambitions with family aspirations. 

In this episode, I speak with Aisiyah, head of fever and culture at Sleek. Aisiyah is a proud mum of two teenage kids who keep her young at heart, age 19 and 15. Hey, Ayesha. Welcome to the Parents in Tech show. Super excited to have you on here today. And to begin with, could you tell us a bit more about your family?

Aisiyah 00:57

Hi, Qin En. It's a pleasure to meet you. I was really looking forward to this chat. My name is Aisiyah. I'm happily married for 24 years and I've been blessed with two kids, a boy and a girl. They are teenagers now. My boy is 19, his name is Erphan, and my girl is 15 and her name is Dania. So I spend a lot of time with my kids. I think they keep me young at heart. We talk about all the teenage stuff, fun stuff. I'm really happy about that.

Qin En 01:23

That's incredible. Okay, we're going to go into your family in a short bit, but first, could you tell us or also introduce yourself on the work side of things.

Aisiyah 01:31

Of course, very happy to. So I am the head of People in Culture at Sleek and I'm one of the fortunate ones because I have been with Sleek right from the start when we were about ten months old. So I joined Sleek in 2019 and have seen the company grow from 13 people when I joined to 300 people today. So I'm a proud Sleeker. I enjoy my work, I work with a great team of people. And yes, so it's a little bit about my journey at Sleek.

Qin En 01:58

And I understand that you also came from a non-tech background or rather perhaps your previous experiences were not in tech, right? So what led to you joining the tech industry and in particular at that point, early stage, fledgling startup?

Aisiyah 02:13

Okay, that's a very good question. And I guess make yourself comfortable, Qin En, because I'm going to tell you a story. And the beauty of this story is that I get to lift the story every other day because sometimes when I'm interviewing candidates, they ask me a similar question and this is what I share with them. So prior to joining Sleek, I was actually a stay home mom for six years. And before that, I was actually in more established companies like I was working in ACRA, the accounting and regulatory board. 

And so my past companies, the companies that I've worked for have always been the bigger ones like in the MNCs and the very structured ones, right? So where everything is in place, there are processes and all I need to do is just go to work, enjoy the benefits, do my job and come back home, right? And they are quite established, and so they have all the family-friendly benefits as well. So as I was just starting my career in ACRA, that's when I actually got married and I had my kids. So I had both my kids when I was in ACRA and it was really, really a fun environment. And when I wanted to leave, I was actually told that I'm making one of the biggest mistakes in my life because some say that having a job in the Civil Service is like having an iron rice bowl, right? "Are you sure you're going to do that? Are you sure?" I was pretty sure because having worked ten years there, I really wanted to change and my family was there. And this time I thought, "Okay, it's going to be about me. What do I want to do in my life?" I was in my early 30s then. 

So I had to switch in ACRA. So from doing customer-facing roles, I went into an internal HR role. And I enjoyed it, right? But it was more transactional. And I want to know what is HR really going to be like for me? So then, I left under the special graduate scheme. So I got a little bit of payout for working ten years for the company. And with that money, I actually went to further my studies. I took a diploma in HR Management. And then so, the next couple of years, I was just doing my studies and then I went to work on with an MNC, which is a very not really a HR role but it was still a little bit of more administrative, right? Supervisory position, managing the frontline team. And then I was not so fortunate with getting a good helper, a reliable helper, I would say.

 And Michael was then very young, so I had to make the decision, a very, very hard decision because it's one of the best place that I worked for. My manager was great, my teammates were great, and I had to make a difficult situation, and that affected me quite a bit, actually. So the 6 years that I was staying home, the first year, I was the monster. And like little things the kids said, I didn't know how to react and how to get through it, right? And then things naturally grew. And then what I did was I was just enjoying my journey as a stay home mom six years. So what happened was in 2018, right? On March 6, I remember this very deep. 

It was my friend's birthday, so I met her for breakfast. And then she said, "Oh, I'm going to interview at this company with two Frenchmen as the founders." So I said, "Oh, that's interesting." And then she said, "Oh, I'm going to work in this team. I'm interviewing for this role." And I told her you've got all aboard, I'm sure you're going to get the role. And then I told her, "You know what? Hey, my boy is going to take his four levels the next year, and my girl is going to do her PSN the next year and they were coming home quite late. And all I did was talk to the fridge, talk to the people. I mean, not literally, but at home, I was really, really bored just waiting for them after getting all my stuff done for the day. And I told her, "I think, maybe I'm really ready to go out to work." But I don't want a job that gives me too much of responsibility. I just want to go home to work at eight, come back home at five and then just spend the time with my family. So if you come across any administrative position, or receptionist or even opening door for fines, just let me know. And funny enough, two weeks later, she contacted me and said, "Aisiyah, are you for real when you say that?" I said yes, of course. And then she said, "Oh, Julian, the CEO just asked me if I knew anyone who would want to take on this administrative role. It's just like opening up mails, scanning them, opening the door for clients, answering calls." I said, "Yeah, we'll just give it a try. Why not?" And so I went to the interview. I sent my CV to Julian on a Saturday, we met on Monday and I was on my work desk on Wednesday.

Qin En 06:33

Wow, that is an incredible story. Okay, there's a lot to unpack, Aisiyah. So I want to unpack two critical decision points. I know it's a while ago, but first, tell me a bit more about that decision to leave the workforce. I'm sure that was a challenging one, right? Because you're used to certain things you want to do in your career, you're used to a certain lifestyle, but the decision to step down and be there for your children. Talk to me a bit more about what went through your mind at that stage.

Aisiyah 07:03

Okay. I think, first of all, it was just boredom. I'm someone who likes change, right? Even at home, my husband sometimes doesn't know if he entered the right home because I like to change my furniture, move my furniture. So lucky, I live in a HDB flat. It was a big bungalow then. I don't know what to say but I really like change. I like to see things in a different way and all that. So when I worked in ACRA, like 30 years and at 30, I had my goal. So now you know my age. Yeah, it was ten years. And then I just saw some of my friends doing different things and excelling in their lives, their studies and all. So just to share a little bit more with you, I got married at a very young age at 21. And I didn't really get much to really work on myself and upgrade at that time because I come from a traditional Indian family. And all these days, "Okay, you've done enough of studies. Do this, do that, get married, go find a job." You know, the very typical mindset.

But I was a little bit different and my number one fan and supporter is my husband. So he told me, "Look, you know what? You're great at what you're doing already. I think you've done too much. You've really reached, I think, at your optimum level for what you're doing right now. I think it's time you really take a step back and think what you really want to do." And since my boss said, "Okay, why don't you try HR instead of resigning from the company?" And when I try HR. I said, "Okay, why not?" I study a little bit more what HR is about and all that. And I think that wanting to be a different person and wanting to learn something new was the thing that actually made me really want to make this bold move to really step out and make a career change. And I think it was quite difficult because I had a lot of people who are very close to me and who were not supporting me in that decision.

You know, like I shared with you, working in a stable sector, having a stable job, and you had friends in the private sector who are changing jobs every two or three years, for me, it's like when I joined a company, it must be forever. So that's how I am. And so that was something really, really hard that I had to work on. But I had my husband with me supporting me all the way and said, "No, it's okay. Take your time. Even if you can't find a good company or something that you like, you can really stay home and do what you like and I'm going to support you." So if not for his support, I think I will not be where I am today. Yeah.

Qin En 09:35

That's awesome. And I think, really, that the partnership is truly exemplified in that relationship. Now, we talked a bit about your temporary exit for the workforce, now let's talk about the entry. Having not worked for a couple of years, and then within a week, coming back in. Was that something that you were worried? What was some of the worries and anxieties you had of coming back to work after you've been sort of out of it, so to speak, for a while?

Aisiyah 10:01

Okay. So I must say that... So I'm going to quote you this thing, this incident that happened during the interview with Julian. So when I was speaking to him, I still wanted to be there for my family, especially my kids, right? Because I spent six long years with them and they have always had me during lunch, during dinner and weekends and all. So of course, I spoke to them before making this decision. And so I asked Julian if the working hours was nine to six. So the first question was can I have a flexible working time from eight to five because I drop may go off at seven-ish, so is it okay if I start at eight and then I'll run home and five to my family? And instantly, he said yes, sure. So that, I was quite surprised because to me, I mean, like now, where everything's trending or we want to be the employer of choice and allow flexibility and all that. But Sleek, right from the start when I joined, already offered such flexibilities. So I was happy that instantly he said, "Yes, sure. As long as you are here, you're happy." And then number two was funny. I told him that I have children, I can't start immediately because he wanted me to start right away. And I said, "My wardrobe is full of home clothes because I just wear very simple clothes. Run to school, carry the kids here and there." And I said I didn't have proper working clothes so can I have some time to do some shopping and change my wardrobe before I come? And then he said, "No, Aisiyah, this is the setup. So just come in whatever you're comfortable with." So can you imagine the kind of things I was going through in my mind, my wardrobe and my kids and stuff. And not really what is awaiting me, because I joined the company as an admin executive, right? So I didn't feel that there was so much of responsibilities for me. So that didn't really give me much fear. So I was just very confident. 

And Qin En, I must say that the six years that I was staying at home, I wasn't really having like a high life. What I was doing, actually, is really trying to shop on by store. I love listening to podcasts, YouTube videos, self improvement. I always wanted to improve and be better than who I was the day before. So I think that made me quite readily available. But the struggle only came in about five months later when there was an opportunity for a promotion to be a HR manager. So something that I was really passionate about, because I studied HR diploma and I really wanted to pursue a career in that. And then Julian gave me the opportunity. I was really over the moon. But of course, then the fear started. First of all, I had to speak to my kids, I had to speak to my husband like, "Should I really go ahead and accept this?" Because being a manager means more responsibilities. The working hours may differ and start up as we were growing. Right? I could already see that with such a brilliant product and the services that we're doing for all the entrepreneurs, we would be very successful one day. And if I'm going to grow with this company, is this where I really want to be? And the hustle and the grind and all that? Is it something that I really want to sign up for? And I had their support. My kids were like, "Yes, mom. Don't worry, go ahead. We'll do our own laundry, we will do our stuff. But of course, not everything. We still need you by our side," and stuff like that. And my husband was very supportive as well. He said, "Go ahead. I will be with you along the way." So without my family support, again, and even Julian and my colleagues in the management team, they gave me so much support. And again, sometimes we talk about the successful people, but I think there's a huge team behind them, supporting them and cheering them on and I think we have to give credit to them.

Qin En 17:01

Yeah. Wow, that's really incredible. The commitment and the dedication to speak with each one, one on one, to really understand them regardless of whether they're parent or not and make them feel comfortable, made them feel heard. I think that in itself is quite remarkable.

Aisiyah 17:16

That's right.

Qin En 17:18

Aisiyah, I'm also curious how has being a leader at the workplace helped you to become a better parent and vice versa?

Aisiyah 17:28

I think I was more of a leader at home first, then at the workplace. For me, a leader, it's not just about leading, setting a good example, I mean, leading by example is something that has always been important for me right from the start. Because that's how I learned. I observed my dad, my mom, my grandma, my granddad and whatever they told me like, be like this, be like that. No, I never listen to any of it. I just see what my mom do, my dad do and I just learned. So I think when I became a parent, I told myself that, "Okay, if I'm going to be a mom and if I want my kids to behave in such a way, I have to live by example." Of course, I think emotional intelligence is really, really important. So being empathetic and also I started to foster that first at home, and then... yeah, so you try to foster that culture with your kids and have that again, that open communication with them. And it's not only about, I'm a parent, I am the king, you have to listen to me. No, it always has to be a two-way thing. So they are given whatever they need to be themselves and also to open up and share their thoughts and their feelings with me as well. And I don't just dictate like, "Okay, go and do this."

I always tell them whenever I ask you to do something or if you're supposed to do something, always ask yourself why. Like why are you doing this and why do you need to do this? And I think with that, you can become like a leader at home. And for me, it's always been a collaborative one. I'm not really the parent at home. Again, not like the typical traditional Indian parents that I have, but I'm more trying to be a friend. But of course, having said that, with respect and all that is, of course, a must. And then in the workplace, first of all, I think I learned a game by observing. I see how my leaders are performing, how they're speaking, how they are working and who I am today. I think at the workplace is also a lot on them because like I shared with you, I was more of an accidental leader. I joined as an admin and then I became a manager, right? So I didn't know what was expected of me. I had to observe, I had to learn and I had to make a lot of mistakes. I had to learn along the way. But I think asking a lot and reading a lot about the type of leader you want to be. Do you want to have different types of leadership, serving leadership and also learning along the way and observing your leaders. And I think that's how I think I was able to be like.

Qin En 20:17

That's incredible.

Aisiyah 20:17

Sorry if I didn't answer your question.

Qin En 20:19

Yeah, no, no, no. I think I did. And I think one of the things that stands out is really that collaborative nature. And this brings me a very interesting point, right, which is children now are in their teenage years. And I think you have the benefit of seeing them grow through quite a few phases in their growth. So here's perhaps a trick question or slightly more complex question, which is, if I had to ask you to chart the different chapters of growth along your parenthood journey, how would you describe it? And perhaps on each of the chapters, what was the biggest challenge you had to face and you had to overcome?

Aisiyah 20:56

Well, to be completely honest with you, I think the most difficult phase for me was when they were in primary school, from P1 to P6. Because both of my kids, they love to learn, but they don't go to school, especially my girl. She has a love for learning but she doesn't like going to school.

Qin En 21:17

Okay.

Aisiyah 21:17

So in days, she would just tell me, "No, I don't want to go to school today, I've got this subject. I just want to stay home with you and spend some time."

Qin En 21:25

Interesting.

Aisiyah 21:25

I'm not a kind of tiger mom. So some days I'm like, "Okay, this is your choice. We all have choices in life. So today you wake up and if you decide that you don't want to go to school, fine, but then you know what's going to happen, right? If you don't go to school, the teacher's going to call me and then I need to explain, and what am I going to explain to the teacher," and that sort of thing. So I think that was my struggle a lot in their primary years. But I'm quite a blessed person. I did not have that much of a struggle. During their early years, I had my mom, who just lives five minutes away from me. And so when I was working at that time, I could just leave my kids there and then she would take care of them and then I'll run home and all that. So I didn't really have much challenges then. Maybe, I think now I'm actually more relaxed. Me and my husband, we are back to like honeymoon years, you know, just like as a couple because the kids are big. We don't want to really go out without that much. But, I think now, one of the challenges that I'm facing is, of course, for them to really share a little bit more with me. I only get this little hours with them. Like with my boy, it's only like our nighttime chats on the couch. But he's watching his soccer match and all that. And that's when I tried to ask him, "Okay, so how was school? How was your friend? Where did you go? What did you do?

Qin En 22:46

Yeah, we all do that.

Aisiyah 22:50

Right? But it's the time to talk but it did disappoint him, I get and how I'm going to balance that. So that is one of my challenges now. But fortunately, for my girl, we have a very close relationship. She's actually my shadow. Wherever I go, she follows me. We have our bills paid out once a month. So again, I'm sorry, I had to disappoint you, but I really didn't have that much of a difficult phase for me except the primary school. Yes. When it's just about spending so much time in school, when they are learning and yeah, that phase.

Qin En 23:27

That's incredible. And thank you for sharing that inspiring story. I think there's something that definitely not wanting to go to school is something that, I think, quite a few other parents listening to the podcast can relate to. But I think the way you handle it, of explaining it and not just saying just because I'm your parent, you should listen to me. I think that really, is the nurturing approach that stands out to me. This has been a really, really fascinating conversation, Aisiyah. I think there's so much wisdom that you have. So to sort of wrap up our time today, what is one advice you have for Parents in Tech?

Aisiyah 24:01

I think I would say, but it's not because it's something trending now, but I would say selfcare. Because I think as a parent, we worry for our kids. we want the best for our kids. We work really hard for our kids so that they can have the best time. I mean, that's what I do, at least. It's always about the kids. And I think when I'm going through that journey, I stop to take a step back and look at myself like, "What do I need? Do I need to take care of myself?" So I am guilty of that, that I neglected myself at some point in time, especially during maybe the past two years in Sleek when we were going so quickly. The pandemic hit and all. And again, like many others, I had a meltdown as well. But again, I was very fortunate to have the right people with me to remind me, "Hey, Aisiyah, you know what? Stop. Look at yourself. Take care of yourself. Take a break if you need to." From my managers, to my family and all. The one advice is always to take care of yourself first and make sure that you have the best of health and the best of well-being and moods so that you can give and you can really perform at your best and optimum level.

Qin En  25:15

Absolutely. To care for yourself first. And I think that's good advice, right? For parents who need to hear this, so often, we want to be the best at our work, to be the best for our families, but you first have to take care of yourself so that you can care for others.

Aisiyah 25:30

Exactly. At first, I thought it was being selfish when you are taking care of yourself first because you just want your kids to be well and your husband, your parents and all. And then when you fall, you actually become like a burden, right? So then I realized that, "No, it should be the other way around. You have to care for yourself first. Only then, we can all be happy.

Qin En 25: 55

Absolutely. It's such a joy talking to you today, Aisiyah. Thank you so much for opening up and being so candid about it. Should some of our audience want to connect with you, how can they best do so?

Aisiyah 26:06

The best.. so they can connect me at my LinkedIn.

Qin En 26:08

Sure.

Aisiyah 26:09

I'm happy to connect with everyone.

Qin En 26:11

All right. We'll include your LinkedIn profile in the show notes. Well, thank you so much once again and we'll see you around.

Aisiyah 26:17

Sure. Thank you so much, Qin En. I really appreciate that.

Qin En 26:25

Thanks for listening to the Parents at Tech Podcast with me, your host, Qin En. We hope you were inspired on how to raise kids and build companies. To catch up on earlier episodes or stay updated with upcoming ones, head over to www.parents.FM to join our community of Parents in Tech. There, you can also drop me a question, idea, feedback or suggestion. Once again, the website is www.parents.FM. That's all for this episode, folks. See you next time.