Summary: In this remarkable interview with Fatema Barot, you will learn that being brave is not necessarily about revolutionary quantum leaps, but about making small courageous moves - one move the time. Fatema has graced us already with her presence as a Special Guest on the 2-episodes program “5 key ingredients to make a captivating presentation” (Part 1 and Part 2), where she shared her expert knowledge regarding creating presentations that are unique and memorable. However, in the meantime, we have discovered that Fatema has an amazing personal story to share, and we have decided to feature her journey on our bi-weekly LIVE SHOW. Before you listen to the recording, please read her story (as posted on the Inspire Young India Instagram) - and trust us, this was only a little teaser for what we’ve heard while talking with Fatema :) “I was a topper at school and Doctor, Engineer, CA were thought to be the natural choices. But I loved drawing. In a very conservative town, I was fortunate to have a family that encouraged me to be ambitious and explore my talents irrespectively. I applied for Interior Design but my art teacher suggested Commercial Art. And so I joined JJ Institute of Applied Art. In my third year, at the age of 20, I got engaged. I didn't know if I was ready for a life changing decision like that, but social conditioning kept me from questioning it. I won a Silver medal in my final year, after which I worked at a mainstream Advertising agency in Mumbai for 2 months. My academic side pointed me towards the Masters Program at Industrial Design Centre IIT. While at IDC, I broke my relationship. It came with a massive guilt. I just knew I needed time to understand myself. After IDC, I didn't want to join the mainstream advertising again. When an Information Design company in Goa offered me a position at a salary comparable to Mumbai, I decided to take up the job. I worked there for 4 years and that is where I met my husband. I got married in Goa and with that my own cultural community expelled me. At work I was handling both design and business towards the end of my stint and that took a toll. I burnt out and quit to give myself a break. That quickly followed with me working with another Design startup in Goa for 1.5 years. Meanwhile my husband decided to study and pursue a Masters in design abroad. I decided to move with him. I applied to LEGO in Denmark and got a call. I had never flown abroad. My first ever international flight was for the interview with LEGO. Before I got back home, I got the job. Looking back, I couldn't have planned this. I believe in being open, taking the opportunity and being surprised at the end of it. I've been in Denmark for four years now. In 2017, I lost my mom. S
