Sheeba Hasnain | Senior PMO & Digital Transformation Specialist | Sharjah Document Department | Dubai
(June 14, 2023) Sheeba Hasnain’s career has spanned over 20 years and she has never once felt bored with her job, beginning each day at 5 am. She has led large teams of technical professionals in end-to-end management of complex IT and Digital Transformation projects, from the initial consultation to post-implementation support. Her profile is diverse – Sheeba has worked as a Senior Digital Transformation Leader, Head of IT operations, Channel Account Manager and System Analyst / Programmer. Currently with the Sharjah Document Department, she is a Senior PMO and Digital Transformation Specialist. Sheeba is the author of Thankfulness The Art: A Book That Lights Up Your Life and holds a Golden Visa (Outstanding Student Category).
Sheeba is highly skilled in developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. She has a proven track record of successfully managing budgets, resources, vendor relationships, and projects. In 2009, she made a transition from programming to the role of Channel Account Manager, where she effectively handled key-reseller accounts and executed projects to meet targets. “My role as a digital transformation expert is to provide insights, consulting and guidance and evaluate the latest solutions in the market to improve the digital capabilities of brands,” Sheeba tells Global Indian. She helps brands with expert advice, developing digital strategies and through recommending tools and technologies.
Sheeba Hasnain
‘Do what you love…’
How did she develop such a strong skillset? “I transformed my hobbies into my passion,” she says, simply. “I loved Computer Science, Mathematics and business. I also loved reading and writing. I was always surrounded by books, which translated into my profession and my livelihood.” That’s why she feels content at the end of a hectic day’s work, because she’s simply doing what she loves. “It’s not necessary for your creativity to always be accepted by the world but it can be your go-to place at a personal level,” she says.
Humble beginnings.
Born and raised in Allahabad district, UP, education was a core part of the family’s life. Her mother is a retired school teacher her father is a retired GoI officer. “Although I am from a modest background, my parents were greatly inclined towards giving their kids the best education and upbringing,” says Sheeba. Living in a conservative community, there was always societal pressure on her parents with regard to how Sheeba was raised, which could have hampered her growth and career prospects. Her parents never gave into it, Sheeba says, adding that they always tried to provide her with conditions to flourish.
Even as a child, she loved reading as well as writing her own stories and poems, which won her awards. “My short poems would often appear in Hindustan Times’ columns for kids and it meant a lot then,” Sheeba recalls. She was also inclined towards mathematics. However, her turning point came in 1994, when she was introduced to computers in school.
Following her calling
“It was a life-changing moment,” she says. She decided to do a Master’s in Computer Applications. “This was in 2000 and there were no universities near me that offered the course, so I went to Chennai,” says Sheeba. She went on to begin her career with Allahabad University as a Computer Programmer in the Psychology Department. “I learnt about human psychology and began co-relating human capabilities with AI and Data Analysis techniques while developing cognitive science experiments,” she explains.
Sheeba Hasnain
A serendipitous journey – to Dubai
Sheeba had dreamed of a PhD in Computer Science, but that was put on hold when she got married and moved to Dubai. “In UAE, we decided to work together to overcome financial issues,” says Sheeba. “At that time, my passion was to get a doctorate but since that wasn’t working out, my husband suggested I find work as a programmer.”
Living by her motto
Although her dreams had been stalled, Sheeba is a firm believer in holding on to hope. “Trying and never losing hope is a vital part of my personality,” says Sheeba. She had many disheartening moments and was even told to go in for a menial job, despite her academic distinctions. She didn’t let this hold her back. “Eventually, with rigorous efforts, I stepped into the corporate world as a programmer. I am grateful to StorIT Distribution FZCO for believing in me and giving me a platform,” she adds.
She was also told to quit working and take care of her kids full-time, which was seen as her primary duty. “Initially, even finding a reliable daycare centre for my baby was hard. I drove 180 km each day from Jebel Ali to Sharjah to pick up my son.” With nobody to turn to, she simply did what was asked of her.
One-woman army
Although her gender meant many restrictions in such a conservative society, Sheeba “feels thankful and blessed as a woman. I believe women are born empowered and self-awareness is the key to empowerment,” Sheeba proclaims. “Although it’s difficult to cope at times, we have done it and are proving that we are no less in any way.”
Strong will-power, ambition and passion have helped her along the way. That, and financial dependence, which Sheeba maintains is “crucial for women in today’s world, if they want to have control over their own lives and make decisions independently.
Still going strong
Sheeba has become an integral part of the UAE’s corporate fabric, having managed multinational portfolios and for being part of the UAE government’s digital transformation journey. She has also just completed her second MBA (Leadership and Strategy Management) with a distinction.
Additionally, Sheeba was granted a Golden Visa in the Outstanding Student Category, by the Ministry of Education, UAE. She has also won several awards, including CX Transformer of the Year 2023, Technology Business Leader of the Year 2023, Women in IT and Business 2022, Visionary Women in AI 2022, Executive Business Women 2022, Outstanding Student Award in MBA 2021, The CISO Award 2021 and The CIO Award 2021.
Paying it forward
Sheeba is actively involved in philanthropic work, focussing on child literacy and women empowerment for a sustainable future. She calls herself a proud Global Indian, and takes great pride in the rich culture, traditions, festivities, knowledge and resilience of her home country, India.
Great article 👏 . Thanks for featuring me.