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 Naumeena Suhail. 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 believe in reshaping narratives to align with the evolving digital frontier. Currently, I serve as the CEO of The Design Firm. My professional journey began after completing my matric exams when I worked as a Montessori teacher. Later, I held positions in various organizations in the USA and Pakistan. I started freelancing in 2000 and launched my entrepreneurial career in 2002. Over the past 24 years, I’ve navigated numerous professional and personal challenges, emerging stronger each time. Continuous learning drives me forward.
I’ve expanded my company across multiple domains, including marketing, creative development, digital solutions, and advertising. In 2014, Nazish Yousuf, a communication design graduate from Indus Valley with 18+ years of industry experience, joined as COO.
Academically, I hold a graduate degree in Mathematics, Economics, and Statistics. While pursuing my bachelor’s, I completed a certification in communication design at the Karachi School of Arts. In 1994/95, I seized the opportunity to study computer graphics, a burgeoning field at the time, and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences from the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago, Illinois. During my studies in the USA, I worked in publishing houses and print shops to gain experience and fund my education.
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2. What are your future plans/aspirations? How will it impact the community/society/your team/your project?
- Contribute to an organization or cause to give back to society by sharing my experiences and knowledge.
- Expand my business across multiple verticals and horizontal markets, both locally and globally.
- Stay at the forefront of new technologies and innovations.
- Diversify business lines to broaden our scope and impact.
- Advocate for gender inclusion across various forums, both globally and domestically.
- Support businesses in expanding into multiple markets where my expertise can make a difference.
- Develop and offer smart business solutions to provide greater value to our customers.
- Build and establish teams across different regions worldwide.
- Focus on doubling revenue annually.
3. Please brag about your career accomplishments. What are the things you are proud of?
I am proud of my resilience, stubbornness, adaptability, problem-solving skills, ability to stay grounded while holding my head high, my fighting spirit, and empathy. Above all, I am grateful to Allah for His continuous guidance and support, which have given me the strength to keep moving forward. I am also blessed with two wonderful boys, who are my right and left hands. These blessings have shaped both my career and the person I am today.
4. What has been your best education/career decision, and why?
I have always been a creative person, which led me to join an art school and later pursue higher education in the U.S., following emerging trends. Later in life, I had the opportunity to join an Entrepreneurship course at IBA, which changed the direction of my business and guided me toward a prosperous path. I believe these have been some of the best decisions of my life.
5. What are the best lessons you’ve learned?
- Stay focused and strong.
- Believe in yourself and your abilities.
- Work smart.
- Be ready to adapt and evolve.
- Learn to enjoy your own personal time and appreciate your own company.
- Embrace going with the flow.
6. Which woman inspires you and why?
I believe every woman, regardless of her role as a housewife, professional, entrepreneur, or daughter, is inspiring at every stage of life. If you’re open to learning, they can all be your mentors. Therefore, I’m inspired by all of them, and I can’t narrow it down to just one or two specific women.
7. Do you think Pakistan has changed as a society in terms of accepting career-oriented women? What needs to change to help more women come forward?
Over the past two decades, Pakistani society has evolved in its acceptance of career-oriented women, which has become increasingly necessary due to rising inflation and the need to maintain or improve living standards. Despite these advancements, significant work remains to be done to foster greater acceptance and equality between men and women. One of my primary concerns is the growing gender inequality that often leads to strained relationships and increased divorce rates. Both men and women need to cultivate patience, acceptance, and adaptability to mitigate these negative impacts on families, particularly children and Gen Z.
I believe that Pakistani women should advocate for true gender parity in the professional world. While progress has been made, there’s still a significant gap in mid-level and higher-level positions. Equal pay, regardless of gender, should be based solely on experience and performance.
8. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
One of the biggest challenges women face today is balancing the demands of work, family, and personal life. Juggling multiple responsibilities, including caring for children, parents, and in-laws, while maintaining a career can be overwhelming. This can lead to significant stress and difficulty in finding time for oneself.
Achieving this balance is often impossible without strong family support. I would like to ask families: Are you providing not only emotional support but also practical assistance, such as helping with household chores, to the women in your lives? With the right support, women can overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.
9. What would it be if you could change one thing about the tech industry/business?
Education: I believe that Pakistan’s educational system needs a comprehensive overhaul. To ensure quality teaching, all teachers should possess the necessary qualifications, degrees, and teaching certifications before being allowed to enter the classroom.
Business: I’m interested in opportunities to be involved in groundbreaking programs or innovative products that are unique and have not been previously developed.
Tech Industry: Companies and individuals responsible for damaging Pakistan’s reputation in the tech industry should be blacklisted and face legal consequences.
10. How can WomenInTechPK help you and other women?
- Advocate for women’s inclusion in various forums and initiatives.
- Provide training and mentorship opportunities to encourage women to pursue careers in the IT field.
- Offer counseling services to help women build self-confidence and take on leadership roles.
You can follow Naumeena Suhail using her company profile(s) below, and please do not hesitate to hire her for your next project.
Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedesignfirm/
Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedesignsfirm
Company’s Website: https://thedesignsfirm.com/
