Mo, NCHA Board Member and Head of Asset Management and Development at Broxtowe Borough Council

If you’re familiar with Bollywood movies of old you’ll know that there was always the premise of how people of different cultures and religions could come together to face adversity, and ultimately win.

It’s a shame such teachings have fallen away over the years and we see isolationism and separatism as the norm. I recall seeing a fan favourite film on BBC2 40 years ago and was astonished it had found such an international platform.

I’m of Pakistani origin, but I have only been to my country of origin the once. My family originate in the lowlands near Lahore where there are fields of corn and cotton as far as the eyes can see.

Nearby is the Gurdwara of Guru Nanak, which is most loved and cherished by the local Pakistani people. Indeed, my parents still send money to the local village to ensure water taps are flowing to enable those of the Sikh faith to have access to fresh water when they make their pilgrimage to this very holy site.

Early school years

I was very blessed to have had amazing teachers in my early years at school. They led me on the path I’ve taken for years. I remember one teacher saying we’ve ‘come to school as boys and will leave as men’. Not very politically correct by today’s standards but inspiring to hear.

I recall having to stand up whenever a teacher came into the classroom and still remember the beads of sweat on my forehead if, woe betide, it was the headmaster! I also fondly recall the local vicar from the church taking Friday assembly and reading the Lord’s Prayer in our hymn book.

Sometimes I look back with melancholy on those days where morals and values were easily instilled. I suppose it’s one of the reasons that I find myself moving into mentoring and leadership.

Has my path been easy? Not really. But it isn’t meant to be. I learned a valuable lesson 10 years ago when my wife fell seriously ill. There are a great deal of things that you simply cannot control and cannot influence.

Sometimes you have to do the hardest thing of all and simply let go and let fate decide. In the meantime, take a moment every day to just enjoy being.

Reflection during Covid

I think the Covid pandemic and the resulting lockdowns enabled many people to reflect on themselves. I certainly did and I realised I needed to have a more balanced work and life.

At the time I was working in London on a daily commute which didn’t afford me any time at all for myself. That ended last April and I’ve been working in Nottingham since, ensuring I take some time out during the day for the most important person in my life: me.

Surprisingly that’s made me more productive and re-energised as I look to new opportunities. I recently gained accreditation as a fellow with the Institute of Leadership and will embark on the District Councils Network programme later this year which I hear will be run in London.

I think another commute beckons. As I look forward I take some time to reflect on the paths I’ve taken and realise that like all, I too have a purpose: to learn, to grow, to help all that need support and to enable others to do the same if not better in an environment that is welcoming to all.