The University of Westminster recently held two What it Takes sessions, exploring topics on how to lead with confidence and creating meaningful change and how to build a business with purpose.
The first event titled What it Takes to Lead with Confidence took place on 23 October. Law LLB Honours alumna Monwara Ali shared insights on leading with courage and confidence in times of uncertainty, inspiring and empowering others through inclusive leadership and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth. During the session she drew from her own leadership journey as the CEO of the Waltham Forest Community Hub, a grassroots charity dedicated to empowering marginalised communities.
Monwara’s impact extends beyond the UK through her role as Director of Stow Inspire CIC and Founder of Ma Learning Institute, which is transforming lives in poverty-stricken areas of Bangladesh. Together with her Co-founder she has helped convert 11 shelters into safe, permanent homes for single mothers and children living in extreme poverty. In December 2023, she launched a sewing class in the village of Hazi Nager to teach young women life skills for financial independence. A year later, with no external funding she donated land to create a Learning Institute for Women, an ambition set to change women’s lives.
About this talk one student said: “One of the most inspiring speakers I've listened to. Honest, open, sharing and clear. Thank you. I made a lot of notes, which I will use to reflect upon, and lots of thought-provoking points that I can use to direct an upcoming assessment on leadership.”
The second event, What it Takes to Build a Business with Purpose, was held on 20 November. Students and alumni got to hear from award-winning entrepreneur, founder and face of Exotic Skn® Zahra Karim, who shared her thoughts on how self-care can become a guiding force for clarity, creativity and growth. She also highlighted the lessons from her journey of building a brand rooted in meaning and impact as well as practical ways to build a career or business that feels balanced, authentic and deeply fulfilling.
Exotic Skn® is a London-born self-care house that brings luxury and balance to everyday life. Since launching in 2025, Zahra Karim has grown it into a brand known for its quality, impact and beauty. After winning first place in the Accelerator category of the University of Westminster Big Idea Competition, she continues to inspire others to build their dreams with calm clarity and deep-rooted purpose.
Both talks were followed by Q&A sessions where students had the chance to have their questions answered by the alumni speakers. Students attending earned points for The Westminster Award and first-and-second-year students who attended can count this towards their work-based learning hours.
About the second event, one graduate said: “I was interested in the way the speaker simplified her drive to invite the audience to look for their inner powers to trigger their capability in the business world and grow.”
The series directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the What it Takes series at the University.
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