Facility Performance Consulting recently sat down with Farah Ahmed, our Global Head of People & Talent, to discuss all things work and non-work. Farah is responsible for all People and Talent requirements within the FPC business for all of our global operating regions.

Question 1: Please summarise your professional career journey so far, and how this has helped shape you into the professional that you are today?

I have worked in the people arena for 24 years now and have seen it evolve through time.  I never started out wanting to go into HR.  I did a degree in Politics and Modern History and an MSc in Philosophy and actually wanted to be a journalist.  I also went through the vigorous process at one stage of wanting to join the police as part of the fast track graduate scheme but stopped when I realised that 6-12 months would be spent “on the beat” and I wouldn’t be able to join the traffic police immediately which was what my goal was.  My first job straight after graduating was working in local government in the HR Department. At this stage, I did not think HR was going to be my career but I remember having a conversation with a mentor while I was there who said, ‘there will come the point when this job will no longer feel like a job but a career’.  I didn’t quite understand what she meant but a few months after that discussion, I remember this light bulb moment when she was right somehow I could see myself doing this.  After various projects that I led within the HR Department, I decided, like you do, that it was time to move on as I wanted to get some experience in other organisations.  And so I moved on to work in the HR Department for Bid-up TV (where you bid for a quid) and then EDS, the Cabinet Office as a training consultant, Saatchi, and Saatchi, Elior (as an HR Business Partner), ISS (HR Manager), Johnson Controls (HR Business Partner) CBRE (Senior HR Business Partner). I had my own consultancy business for a bit and partnered with clients on employee initiatives and finally, I found myself at FPC Global.  I have had quite a journey, having completed my Ph.D. recently, written a book, in the process of writing my second book and also mentoring the next generation of HR people.   

Question 2: How do you see the future evolving for the People & Talent professional and industry as a whole?

So much has changed over the last 2 years with the pandemic and everyone reassessing priorities for People and Talent professionals, this has created opportunities but also greater demand for thinking outside of the box initiatives.However, with the after-effects of the global pandemic and all the social, economic, and political issues affecting employers for example the #metoo movement and Black Lives Matter movement where employers had to start looking at how employees in organisations were being treated along with major revamp of all policies, people and talent professionals have never been more busy and even more prone to burn-out.  It is clear that hybrid working is here to stay and with that will come the inevitable look at how people and talent professionals are adding value.  Employees are now more focused on work-life balance, having the opportunity to work from home more, collaboration, and team building where necessary.  The iconic football table, or ping pong table (yes not at FPC but we did indeed have one) is no longer what will keep employees working for organisations, so I see the future for employers and employees is going back to the basics.  What most employees care about first and foremost is whether they are being rewarded fairly for the work they do, whether they are being heralded by their employers, if they are advancing in their careers, whether they are trusted to work flexibly, and whether they will get the support they need in a crisis.  And if an employee is suffering from burnout it’s more likely they need an extra resource than being directed to a yoga class at this stage.  As people and talent professionals, it will be all about ensuring that we have robust development programs in place for current employees to progress within their careers, building up the skillsets of employees to promote from within, clear succession plans in place, ensuring that everyone is being paid for the role and the effort they put in and attracting talent who will be supported and developed.  Simple back to basics.  I see People and Talent professionals really listening to employees to help increase engagement while implementing these initiatives.  It’s also about going back to being that true business partner which I think we have lost a bit since the pandemic.  

Question 3: What is it that you really enjoy about working at FPC?

Sounds cliche and everyone says it but it is the people.  The team is amazing and every day I see, hear, or experience something that makes me just more proud of them.  

Question 4: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you that is non-work related?

Most people who know me know this - but I appeared in a garage video back in 2002 (I think) with my friend Steve.  We were busting some moves.  I also spent an eventful night out with Bryan Michael Cox in London (he is a producer and songwriter) and I once pretended that I worked on TV to get into a club in New Orleans to spend an entire evening with my favourite band, Jagged Edge, at their album launch party.  I even got an invite to join them on a tour in Paris.  They are still probably wondering what channel their interview was on.  

Question 5 - Who inspires you?

I have been so lucky to have worked alongside some jaw-droppingly inspiring people in my career. However, there is one person in my life who leaves me in awe every day. My biggest inspiration is my niece, Aleeza.  She is going places. She works hard, is amazingly talented, and inspires me every day to be the best I can and work toward your goals. Even mini milestones every day bring you closer to your goal. I also am inspired by people like my cousin and my best friend who spend their entire life wanting to make the world a better place by challenging the status quo and giving a voice to those who need it the most. 

‍Question 6 - How do you like to start and end your day?

Boxing in the morning and a cup of tea, in the evening normally a good film (normally a classic like Breakfast at Tiffany’s) with a cup of tea. I love a good cuppa. I always like time to reflect on the day in the evening too and always think about what made me glad, sad, and mad during the day something I picked up from a colleague I used to work with. Really very therapeutic.

Question 7 - What’s the one thing you are learning now or learned recently?

I am learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,  It helps to necessitate mindfulness.

‍Question 8 - What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to and why?

Persistence and Positivity.  I have been challenged a lot in my career but I truly believe that you should never give up. If at first, you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again. Success is about never giving up and being persistent. 

Question 9 - What led you to this career?

I fell into it.  I was going to be a journalist, then I went through a phase of wanting to join the police, specifically the traffic police, and finally realised I had a student loan to pay off and got a job in my local council after graduating.  I was seconded to the HR department and that was it.  I always remember my colleague giving me valuable advice which was one day you will realise, and it happens, that HR becomes a career.  I was asked to head up an HR project, I did and I loved it and I knew I wanted to do this.

Question 10 - What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

My dad always gave the best advice, which was don't leave until tomorrow what can be done today and I live by that philosophy in my personal and professional life.