Best Advice I Got

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: Faiza Seth, CEO, Casa Forma

The best advice I ever got was, “Do something that utilises your innate talents, as well as something you enjoy.” I got this piece of wisdom from many of my professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

During my early 20s I gravitated towards jobs that would help me strengthen my weaknesses. I dabbled in investment banking, however, I felt that working as a banker was like fitting a round peg in a square hole. I never fit well in the investment banking, or sales/ trading culture. Moreover, I felt that I wasn’t interested in banking and really was not utilising my talents by staying in finance. During my two years at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford, I was exposed to a diverse range of industries, and people. This exposure helped me gain self-awareness.

One of the most important things I learnt was to not embrace the typical MBA mindset. I realised that I had a much more creative streak that needed to be stimulated as well in order to keep me fulfilled in the career of my choice. I wanted to have a career that I enjoy, am passionate about, and most importantly, one that focuses on my inherent strengths.

This shift of focus on my strengths — creativity, style and a relentless drive to succeed — resulted in the birth of Casa Forma.

Expanding Casa Forma has been one of the most rewarding and fun experiences of my life. As its CEO, I get to use my business skills. However, since my work consists of property development and interior design, I also get to indulge my artistic side.