Brokenness to Awesomeness with DEWDROP : Shaheena
Early Life and First Marriage
As a young girl, I read my books aloud due to learning difficulties, which made people say that I am a hard worker. Their words of appreciation made me grow up with confidence. I was the best all-around student in Feydhoo School. However, my fantasy to become a Scientist got shattered when Southern Secondary School management decided I should study Business instead of Science stream because of 58 marks in English. At the same time, I scored 99, 96 and 93 in Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, respectively, in the entrance test.
I lost track of my studies, and by the time I finished secondary education, I was an average student. I moved to Male’ to join CHSE, but I was not destined for that opportunity too. Because of a D in English, my application got rejected. My family tried to get me a chance because I had passed (2A, 3B, 1C) in the balance six subjects. But my application was rejected by the CHSE principal, with a “when I rejected with a “NO” once, there is no way I say a yes.”
I lost track of everything, and when I woke up to reality, I was suffering from mental/physical/sexual abuse and struggling in life. I had two kids holding my hand, and I was blackmailed daily “if you put a step outside to move, you will never see the kids.” I lived in that painful relationship for ten years.
The book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey” saved me, teaching me a great lesson “You are 100% responsible for your life”. It was a paradigm shift for me, and I decided to work for a safer harbour. Initially, I kept thinking about only problems, but the book “How to stop worrying and start living” by Dale Carnegie taught me how to focus on solutions and to accept the worst-case scenario.
By the time I reached my parents’ home, I was unable to sit or lie down because of two broken vertebrae (after a physical attack from my kid’s father), and I was told that there would be no financial assistance for the kids. I hit rock bottom. I never can forget the number of times I had to say to my five-year-old son, “Mummy, don’t have money to buy a sweet for you”, and the mental challenges it created for my son. He cried until he was thirteen years old whenever I bought anything (even something worth Rf50) for him.
As necessity is the mother of invention, I had to stand up and survive through that storm for my kids.
Inshaallah, I swam across together with my sons. Today I am proud of those challenges I went through, as I take that experience as the steppingstone for a greater personality.
The struggle to grow and excel
I came across the books “Success Principles” by Jack Canfield and “Maximum Achievement” by Brian Tracy in 2010. With the help of the two books, I wrote my life purpose, vision and mission, and accompanying goals back in 2010.
To achieve my goals, I wanted to study. But my second husband became my hardest rock. He is the best person anyone could find, but his demand was I shouldn’t study till my younger son finishes his O’ level (which was to happen in Oct/Nov 2020.)
I felt this barrier to excel in my path, as a tight rope put around my neck as my ex-husband forced me to stay at home (resigning me from my job at the Ministry of Finance) after the birth of my first son in 2002. Although I worked in my ex-husband’s company from 2000 to 2009, money was not deposited into my account as salary, and when I had to live without him, I had nothing in my name.)
Due to my experience with my first marriage, I decided to study anyway and kept on paving ways I could learn at home. I started with ACCA, self-studies. However, because of my husband’s heart-wrenching remarks, I couldn’t do it. In 2017, I got a chance to do an MBA, and I studied against his consent. I explained to him about my need to study and asked for his assistance. He was helpful, but once every 15 days, the emotional pain was heavy when he dropped the bomb. At any cost, I finished my MBA in 2018. After the MBA, I realized that I am hanging my life’s ladder to the wrong wall. After several exercises to determine a tone for my life, I decided that what adds value to my life is when I help other people.
I went for professional certification in coaching in 2019. I got “Certified Professional Coach” from Team Coach International, Malaysia and “Certified Executive Coach”, “Certified Team Coach” from Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centred Coaching.
I wanted to study because I felt that “education is the only tool that someone couldn’t take away from me”, and it’s a must for a visionary transformation agent.
Furthermore, working full time, managing a business at home, doing a part-time job, and studying was very challenging when I had two kids with me. To overcome this challenge, I requested my kids to support me through this journey, explained the importance of my studies to our lives, and helped me by being exemplary kids, performing well in their studies and maintaining exemplary behaviour. Alhamdhulillah!
Career and Entrepreneurship
I started my career in 1998 as a cashier at the Bank of Maldives and from 2001 to 2002 worked as a Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. Also, from 2000 to 2009, I worked as an Accountant at Sunny Maldives Pvt Ltd. In 2010, I worked at 3S Pvt Ltd as an Accountant.
From 2010 onwards, I am working as an Entrepreneur, testing the depth of different waters.
In 2010, I started a Tuition Center (“A” Star Zone) as an English, Commerce, Economics and Accounts Teacher and UCMAS Instructor. I started “A” Star Zone, primarily to earn while being with my kids. Furthermore, I had a broader purpose of contributing to society. Through the platform, we were able to help more than 450 students within three years. We had English classes with a Sri Lankan Teacher, Sandra Kelaart and conducted UCMAS classes too.
In 2012, I started a printing establishment, “Alpha Print”, and managed the place until 2017 December. We were able to cater for the printing needs of all the islands of Addu City plus Fuvahmulah and some customers from G. Dh Atoll. The investment was made with huge support from my second husband’s family.
From 2014 to 2017, I worked full-time at Hithadhoo Port Limited as Finance Manager and part-time at 3S Pvt Ltd as a Financial Consultant.
In 2018, I moved back to Male and worked at Maldives Ports Limited, Ondhigo Pvt Ltd and Centrunion PLC. Currently, I am working as Manager, Human Resources at Villa College.
Coach and Trainer
In 2011, I did a Life Skills trainer course held by the Ministry of Youth, but the trainer never sent the certificates. When I approached to take life skills sessions in Feydhoo School, I got rejected because I didn’t have that certificate. Since that day, I have worked hard to get the required licenses. To bring a significant impact in the community, I believe first I should possess the skills and the knowledge and today, proudly, I am certified in all the fields.
Currently, I am a Certified Professional Coach, Certified Executive Coach, Certified Team Coach and Professional Trainer.
Since, the registration of A Star Zone in 2010, and Career Vitamin Society in 2011, I am contributing to the community and economy of the country. I was able to impact the educational career and well-being of 450 students from Addu City from 2011 to 2017 through English Enrichment programs, UCMAS Classes, Art Class, Life Skills Program, and Football Pool. I was able to build the character of several young children from the Feydhoo Community.
Also, through my Printing establishment, “Alpha Print” in Feydhoo, I served many people from Addu and Fuvahmulah.
My Speaking engagements in schools and other public forums have reached more than 500 people. Additionally, I contributed through the “Unleash the Potential within Me” program to students to build their confidence and fight against bullies. Moreover, with the “Women Starters” program, I am building women to become economically empowered while staying at home.
I have recently developed a seven-step transformation process and delivered it to the public as “Brokenness to Awesomeness with DEWDROP” (Acronym for Define, Energize, Write, Draw, Repeat, Optimize, Prayers.)
My mission is “to be the catalyst that inspires people to develop the discipline to discover their hidden genius and guide them for transformation”. She coaches people to empower, create possibilities, solutions, and action steps to transform and win more in life. She advocates for gratitude and a growth mindset.
In 2021, I was awarded “Asia’s best life coach and leadership trainer” by Asia Awards.
Now Shaheena wears many hats. She is the Sole Proprietor of Dewdrop Shaheena, CEO of Meticulous Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Founding President of Career Vitamin Society, HR Manager of Villa College and Vice President of MAHRP
Womenshine wishes Shaheena all the best in her endeavours and keep empower women in different fields.
– TeamWS
