Daddy’s Little Dynamos – Uzma Irfan

UZMA IRFAN, Director, Corporate Communications, Prestige Group And Founder, Sublime Galleria

Biggest influence
My father (Irfan Razack). I admire him for the passion, dedication and foresight in making The Prestige Group a national entity today.
And, despite his hectic schedules, he has always made time for family.

Toughest job
To stay ahead of the game, think out-of-the-box and keep evolving as a person.

On being a woman leader
Real estate is still predominantly a male-dominated industry. Fortunately, I’ve been privileged to garner respect from my colleagues and seniors and hope to encourage other women to enter this sector too.

On dealing with seniors who worked with dad
I respect our senior management for their talent, knowledge and experience and look up to them for advice. They in turn, give me guidance and strong counsel.

Corporate challenges
Getting people to listen to you not because it is your company but because they understand your vision, truly respect your leadership and want to be a part of the Prestige journey.

Pet passions
Travel. I take a month off work annually to visit a new place, experiment with the cuisines there and try to learn everything I can about the place and its culture.

Fashion is
The ability to dress suitably for every occasion while retaining your individuality.

Favourite childhood memory
When I was 15, I attempted Thai cooking and made some dishes for my family. My father was so impressed with the taste that he then invited 30 friends over for dinner and asked me to make the same dishes for them.

Favourite brands
Emporio Armani and Louis Vuitton.

Most expensive jewel
A yellow diamond from AS Motiwala, Mumbai. It was an impulsive buy.

Little-known detail
I enjoy biking and go for long rides on the Hayabusa over the weekends.

Free time
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, especially my husband, Zaid and daughter, Alayna. I am also a voracious reader of fiction and non-fiction.

Impulsive buys
A pair of Jimmy Choos I saw on my way to hosting Art Bengaluru 2014 in The Collection, UB City.