International Womxn’s Week ft. Alina Jahani

I’m passionate about product management and entrepreneurship. That’s why I co-founded Hirefast, where I had the opportunity to work with customers from around the world. Solving customer problems became a second nature to me and that’s how I knew I wanted to jump into product management.

Over the past year, the pandemic has had a profound impact on our personal and professional lives. In order to overcome the chaos, agility has become a part of our collective DNA. How has your work been affected?

The pandemic hit hardest when I was still at school and working on the startup part time. At the time, we had planned to go to San Francisco to network with prospective clients. When that tripped was cancelled, we immediately considered what online networking events we can attend to get in touch with prospective buyers.

These events were half the price and we saved on the cost to travel as well. The trick to navigating during times of uncertainty is to keep an open mind and positive attitude. The rest will fall into place.

The uncertainty brought about the pandemic has forced us to be nimble, resourceful and kind. Can you describe a new project, new process, new method or new business you’ve initiated or created to adapt to this new reality?

Back in May 2020, I knew that the mask shortage was a huge problem plaguing hospitals and retirement homes. I joined together with 200 other people who wanted to change this fact and we began making masks at home. I was responsible for cutting the masks, while other teams would stitch them together and deliver the masks.

In addition to becoming more agile, did you discover (or develop) any new entrepreneurial characteristics and / or abilities you perhaps didn’t know you had?

Decision making has never been a skill that came naturally to me, as I felt the constant need to over analyze and think about my decisions. However, with the urgent needs that the pandemic presented, I knew that time was of the essence. This forced me to come out of my comfort zone and to think quickly about new challenges.

The last 12 months have truly tested our ability to react and adapt in challenging and confusing situations. Nevertheless, through these dark times, we’ve witnessed some of the greatest acts of generosity, innovation, bravery, kindness and unity. What is one thing resulting from the pandemic you are grateful for?

The pandemic brought me out of my comfort zone. It taught me that even in times of uncertainty there is a way to navigate, if you are willing to try.

We appreciate the importance of taking a moment to step back, to reflect, and to recalibrate in the wake of the chaos and uncertainty. If you had to give your pre-pandemic self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Get comfortable with the idea of change. It is the only thing in life that is a constant. While it does bring pain and discomfort, it also has the ability to help you grow and flourish.

*This feature was published in honour of the International Womxn’s Week, 2021.