Dream Big And Continue To Hold Onto That Dream, Says Zia Mody

Zia Mody, Founder & Managing Partner, AZB & Partners is an inspiration to the lives of women entrepreneurs in India. Her journey of getting into and making a mark in the world of law when there were very few women lawyers to now running a successful law firm is a testament to what is possible.  

“The journey is pretty much the same for most of us. We all start out with passion and want to make ourselves and our family proud. However, what sustains us is self-respect and the kick that we get in doing what we do,” says Mody. She was speaking at the Women Entrepreneurs Summit & Awards (WESA) 2021 organised by BW Disrupt. The two-day virtual event recognises and celebrates exceptional women entrepreneurs whose innovative approach have created positive changes in the business and social ecosystem in India.

Among the major challenges that all entrepreneurs face in their journey is the lack of time – a lot of things need to be in very little time. Mody says, “All of us realise is the fact that the main enemy in life is time. I think we very often get the balance wrong – it is important to be the master of your time and your diary.” 

Further, Mody shared her advice on better time management. “I have been viciously outsourcing the thing that I don’t need to do. I insist on my day being as efficient as possible.” Mody recommends one to question what you can do to slice away (a work that you don’t need to do yourself) spending a little more money, assuming one can, should do it. She stated, “Only I will fix my diary. Nobody else can fill my diary.”

Speaking on the challenges that women entrepreneurs face, Mody said, “I think the problem with us, as women, is that it becomes hard sometimes to manage everything together. And, what you give up is your work.” She added, “I think at those times, we should pause. Do not take decisions when you are in stress. Take a few days off. Do not give up at the worst times when you are going through trauma. Reach out to the infrastructure (e.g., family) which supports you.”

Given the amount of challenges, it is understandable to find oneself at troubled times even though one may have started very strong. “I urge all of you to dream big and continue to hold onto that dream,” says Mody. She also advises on being practical. “It is true you have to make compromises here and there. The minute you lose the passion for what you do – you won’t sustain,” Mody said. 

Speaking about the participants and winners at WESA, Mody stated, “What really interested me is the amount of innovation and ideation that the entrepreneurs have carried out. All of them were excited, committed and wanted to succeed. Proud of what they have done.”