In this latest series of articles, we publish interviews of women working as professionals or students in the technology sector. The objective is to highlight their work and contribution to the industry and the community.
In these interviews, you will find women working in technology to solve real-world problems, break stereotypes, and create the next big impact on the tech industry. This series of interviews shows that even with the lowest rate of women participation in the labor market in Pakistan, there are still many smart women who are creating and using technology to work wonders.
Today, we are featuring Khadija Usman. Read on to learn more about her work and get inspired.
1.Tell us a little about yourself, your background, your education, and your work.
I am Khadija Usman, an NLP Master Practitioner on ICF PCC pathway coach passionate about democratizing coaching and making it accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Although I initially wanted to pursue law and was accepted into University College London (UCL), life took me on a different path. Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to entrepreneurship and coaching. I founded GRIT Coaches, a platform that provides bespoke coaching Programs and ICF-accredited training to help individuals and organizations unleash their full potential. My mission is to foster self-development and growth, and GRIT Coaches now serves a vibrant community of coaches from over ten countries across the MENA region.
2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?
My future aspiration is to expand GRIT Coaches to the Asia Pacific Region, continuing to offer high-quality, affordable coaching education. I am also focused on getting our Coaching Excellence Program accredited as an ICF Level 1 course. These goals are driven by the desire to provide coaches, HR leaders, and educationalists with the tools and skills they need to make lasting impacts in their organizations. By doing so, I aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, helping individuals develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership skills, ultimately benefiting communities and organizations.
3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of?
I’m particularly proud of being one of the first few women in Pakistan to achieve an ICF Level 2 Certification. Additionally, GRIT Coaches has emerged as a fast-growing platform in the MENA region, attracting a diverse and talented community of coaches from various countries. Another highlight has been the success of our Coaching Excellence Program, which offers 37 CCE units and is on its way to becoming an ICF Level 1 accredited course. Through GRIT, we’ve reached many underserved markets, making professional coaching more accessible and affordable.
4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?
One of the best career decisions I made was staying true to my mission of bringing coaching and high-quality coach training to people, even when others doubted its potential as a successful business. I trusted my instincts and remained focused on my purpose. Today, I’m proud to say that GRIT Coaches is the first ICF-accredited organization in Pakistan offering 37 CCE units. This journey has not only fueled my personal and professional growth but also empowered countless individuals to break through their limiting beliefs and achieve their goals. By making this decision, I opened up an entirely new pathway to connect with people on a deeper level, build a thriving company, and create a lasting positive impact in the world of coaching.
5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lessons I’ve learned are to trust the process, embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth, and never shy away from authentic, transparent communication. Whether it’s with clients, teams, or partners, building trust and authenticity is key to long-term success. I’ve also learned that comparison is the thief of joy and that each person’s journey is unique.
6. Which woman inspires you and why?
Women generally inspire me. God has made us so resilient, which is why He chose us to be mothers. The fact that we care for newborns while vulnerable and in pain tells me, on an intuitive level, that we might be the stronger of the two genders. Some women I particularly look up to are my own mentor, Ruth Kudzi, and Master Trainer, Marina Shearer. What these women have in common is authenticity, kindness, and resilience—qualities I believe have been key to their success.
7. Do you think Pakistan has changed as a society in terms of accepting career-oriented women?
There has been some progress in Pakistan regarding the acceptance of career-oriented women, particularly in urban centers. More women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers in previously male-dominated industries, like the Tech industry. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of equity. A male employee at a similar position still gets paid more than a female employee, though the nature of work and the effort they put in might be identical or more on the woman’s part. Societal norms still hinder women’s full participation in the workforce.
8.What needs to change to help more women come forward?
To help more women come forward, we need to create supportive structures and networks that provide mentorship, career development, and equal opportunities. Companies must prioritize flexible working environments, leadership development programs for women, and policies that promote work-life balance. Education systems need to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership from an early age.
9. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?*
The biggest challenge for the generation of women behind me will likely be balancing societal expectations with their professional aspirations. While there is more awareness around gender equality, ingrained cultural attitudes still pose significant barriers. Navigating the demands of career growth while addressing persistent gender biases will be a key challenge, especially in male-dominated industries.
10. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?
If I could change one thing about the tech and business industry, it would be to shift the focus toward recognizing and supporting talent and commitment much earlier in the entrepreneurial journey. Too often, startups only receive funding and support when they have already demonstrated significant growth or reached certain milestones. However, as an entrepreneur myself, I know that the emotional and financial challenges in the initial years are what truly shape an entrepreneur’s resilience and long-term success. These early stages, which often determine whether a business survives or not, are vastly under-supported. By providing more resources and mentorship during these critical early phases, we could create a more nurturing ecosystem for new ideas and help entrepreneurs navigate the highs and lows of their journey.
11. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
WomenInTechPK is already doing a great job by creating more networking and learning opportunities. While they have an online presence, expanding their offline presence with monthly meet-ups across the nation would be beneficial. They also have great potential to open international gateways and help women in tech receive funding or grants, and I hope they can assist with that as well.
You can follow Khadija Usman using her profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.
Company’s Website: https://certifications.gritcoaches.com/
Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grit-coaches/
Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritcoaches
Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowingwithGrit/
