'If something is forced, it's not meant to last'

Top Stories

If something is forced, its not meant to last

Lisseth Villalobos Azab, Managing director of Create Consultancy, has some pretty quirky life lessons

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 26 Jan 2017, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 3 Feb 2017, 11:33 AM

How do you typically start your workday? 
With a cup of coffee! I can't talk to people without having my coffee first! I then grab my phone and start looking through emails, since having an international business means you receive emails throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning.  
Describe your work in a sentence.
My work is my life - it is a constant and I like it that way.  
What is your #1 personal principle/success mantra at work? 
I believe things in work and life fall into place with little effort. If something is forced, it's usually not meant to last. Be your most authentic self and let things work out organically. I know I sound like a hippie (and I might be), but that's how I feel. 
Is there a catchphrase you like to use to inspire people around you? 
Every once in a while, I tell my team to "boss up!". It means act like a boss, make decisions, stand by those decisions and reap the reward of your efforts. 
In your workday, what is the one thing you cannot do without?
I don't like to go anywhere without my little notebook and a special uniball pen which is usually in a unique colour like purple or hot pink. It makes me happy and if I'm having a bad meeting, I just whip out the pen and notebook and write my real thoughts on paper. It can save the person I'm meeting from my sarcastic remarks! 
Your most challenging project to date?
The Simply Stylist Dubai Conference. While I believe that it was necessary, and extremely successful, it was challenging to organise a fashion and beauty conference that had over 25 speakers and six panels with international and local fashion and beauty experts - all within a time frame of a month. But we did and it was all worth it. 
One scent that you absolutely cannot get enough of? 
I really like petrichor - the smell of rain when it hits the Earth. I know that it's basically the smell of mud but I like it. Again, that's the hippie in me. 
Who would you consider your role model as the perfect professional?
At the risk of sounding cheesy, I have to say my husband, Rayan F Azab. He is inspiring, young, ambitious and loves everything he does. He puts his all into everything and manages to balance all his different roles on top of being a supportive husband and hands-on father.  
Your favourite indulgence when you need a break from work?
I love good food and will drive all over Dubai to make my taste buds happy.
What is the last thing you usually do before you go to sleep?
I check on my two girls. and my emails.  
What is your greatest dream, professionally?
It changes as I meet my goals. Right now, I want to create a bridge between the East and the West. No matter where you're from, things like fashion and music unite people and make them enjoy and appreciate differences. I would like to link the East and the West together in a natural way. 
- As told to staff reporter
 


More news from