Episode 1: ACCA Fireside Chat with Ayla Majid FCCA

Thank you so much. I'm really happy to be here. So, my association with ACCA: I am a qualified ACCA member, presently a member of the Global Council, and for this year I am one of the board members of the newly set up board of ACCA. That's about Ayla as a professional.

I feel I'm truly a global citizen with a Pakistani passport. I grew up in Rawalpindi, where I was born. I went to an all-girls school, Presentation Convent. Then I studied for four years in a federal government college. Presentation was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I still love my school. The friends I made, my teachers, the nuns... I'm still in touch with friends from presentation, though many are in different parts of the world. All of that has shaped me. I often say we are all products of our own experiences. In terms of getting to know people, making friends, learning, spending time with teachers, being at times not so responsible... My teachers would say I'm very intelligent but not very responsible. I used to be completely...

I mean it wasn't in studies. I was getting good grades, but I wouldn't kill myself studying. I had so many diverse interests: I wanted to play sports, listen to music, spend time with friends. So academics got some of my time. Growing up in Rawalpindi, I had the best childhood. I am one of four siblings, with two sisters. My mother was very protective, but we had more freedom back then. I used to cycle to my friends' houses at age 12 or 13. People were respectful, and it was a safe environment. I started driving at 12. There were concerts and fun fairs. It was a very decent environment.

After that, I studied pre-engineering because I wanted to be an architect, but I changed my mind. I then considered medicine, took pre-med exams, but decided against it. I studied math, stats, and physics for my bachelor's, but my grades suffered because I wasn't focused. I applied for MBA at LUMS and was honest about my grades, saying they didn't reflect my potential. I got in. My mother encouraged me to apply. I lived on my own and worked hard. I chose finance because it was challenging. Nothing was planned; I followed my interests.

My first job was at Fauji Foundation, a large conglomerate. I worked on restructuring projects and dealt with lawyers and accountants. I realized there was a gap in my understanding, so I decided to study accounting. My mother recommended ACCA. I applied and started taking exams while working. I also studied law at the University of London. I completed my MBA in 2000, became an ACCA member in 2006, and finished my law degree in 2008. I never took time off; I studied on my own. Hard work pays off.

It was an exceptional experience. I feel very lucky and honored to represent my country and my fraternity. I was nominated as a Young Global Leader in 2015. Through that network, I've had amazing opportunities to meet remarkable people. The single biggest takeaway from Davos is the importance of building trust and being authentic. No matter where people come from, connecting in a human and authentic way is crucial.