Unilever Future Leaders Programme empowers youth to tackle performance pressure

A panel discussion was organised at SZABIST in collaboration with the Express Media Group

The Unilever Future Leaders Programme (UFLP), in collaboration with the Express Media Group, organised a panel discussion at the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) in Karachi on Tuesday.

The event aimed to equip young individuals with practical strategies to manage performance pressure, build self-confidence, and create a promising future. This discussion marked the fifth installment of the series under the theme, 'How to Cope with Performance Pressure.' 

Speakers shared their diverse experiences to guide participants on tackling workplace challenges and encouraged them to drive positive changes in both economic and social domains. The programme also focused on promoting self-reliance and inspiring action toward sustainable development.  

The session was hosted by Adil Hussain, General Manager of Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, who emphasised the importance of learning tools to manage stress in today’s fast-paced world. Addressing the audience, he advised, “Choose a profession you’re passionate about to handle work pressures effectively. Self-awareness and honesty in one’s work are essential for maximising potential. Regular self-assessment fosters mental peace.”  

Content creators Amtul Baweja and Fahad Tariq of Patangeer shared their perspective on handling stress while working in the social media domain. “Never let pressure consume you. As independent creators, we don’t have bosses, which reduces stress. While our field constantly evolves with new challenges, we stay resilient by keeping our work unique and purposeful,” they remarked.  

Highlighting the importance of self-care, they added, “We don’t force ourselves to create content daily. Taking breaks and resting is crucial. We strive to produce quality content rather than quantity. Keeping personal and professional lives separate helps maintain focus and eliminates unnecessary stress.”  

Unilever’s Director of Transformation and Customer Development, Azka Waqar, advised the youth to build a strong support system and openly discuss issues. “Avoid bottling up concerns. Talk about problems instead of internalizing them, whether at home or the workplace. Additionally, physical exercise is vital for mental peace and energy.”  

Hafsa Shamsi, Managing Director of Roche Pharma, underscored the significance of self-acceptance. “Accepting ourselves truthfully fosters physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. While life is busy, prioritizing oneself and finding time for personal growth is essential,” she stated.  

Participants expressed gratitude for the programme, acknowledging its role in addressing critical issues faced by the youth. They highlighted how the session taught them to stay focused on their goals and handle challenges with determination. Students were also guided on balancing personal and professional life effectively.  

Unilever representatives pledged to continue supporting the youth through similar programs, aiming to empower them to drive socio-economic transformation. The session raised awareness about current challenges and offered practical solutions to build a sustainable and positive future.  

The panel concluded with a resounding message: passion, perseverance, and self-care are essential for a successful and balanced life.