We recently connected with Fihmiya Hamdan and have shared our conversation below.

Fihmiya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I left a 15+ year career in teaching. This was a very hard decision for me to make because my identity was tied to it and it was all I ever knew, at least at that time. I went out into the unknown with no game plan set and no idea what I’d do next in my career. For many reading this, you might think this was a rash decision, but I needed to get out because my mental health suffered greatly. I was working more hours than I needed, was completely burned out, relationships suffered, and I was no longer happy with the girl I saw in the mirror. I knew I had to do something and get out of that toxic space, so leaving was the option. And to say that I wasn’t scared, I was. I questioned everything I did, who I was, and if I made the right choice to leave.

The demands of that job were extremely high and nothing was ever good enough for those I worked for and with. I was expected to take on tasks that were unrealistic and was never supported or appreciated for the work I did. It became like I was living in a ‘cage’ with nowhere to go and no one to turn to. When I tried to reach out for help, it was brushed off and said that a good night’s rest would be the fix to it all. No one knew how truly unhappy I was and I would count down the hours until I got home. I would always think, “Who does that and waits for it to be Friday?’ I didn’t want to live like that anymore. I wanted to be happy with the work I did. I wanted to smile and laugh again. And to be that, I had to rediscover who I was and leave.

It took me the last 5 years of those 15 to finally leave. Sadly, it was after my brother-in-law and aunt died from cancer that I finally woke up and realized that life is way too short to be in a space that didn’t bring me any joy or peace of mind. At that moment, a wave of calmness came over and I could finally breathe because I knew it was right for me.

Looking back, I have no regrets and know it was the best decision for me. My mental health and well-being are much better because of it. Because of this experience, I use my story to build and create better and healthier community spaces for people. I use a trauma-informed approach that I’ve been trained in to ensure that those who come into a community space feel seen, heard, and valued within their journeys, both personally and professionally. One we build together—to belong, be supported, and be at peace.

Fihmiya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a traveler, a baker, an avid book reader, and one who enjoys fun adventures (zip lining over alligators and crocodiles). I know, wild! I love trying things, at least once. ;)
For those who don’t know me, my journey has been far from linear, a rollercoaster ride of many ups and downs, twists and turns, and wouldn’t change it for anything. It got me to where I am now. My backstory started in the world of teaching. My teaching career is what allowed me to branch up in the many directions I went in. I wanted to use my skill sets and talents to explore what I could do and what challenges I could take on. I went into a mortgage (real estate), became a Business Coach for Adult-based learners in Italy, and virtually taught while doing several projects for several CEOs/Founders. Through those projects, is where I landed in Community Management. For those wondering what the heck is Community Management, I wondered the same thing and realized it was an actual job. :)

Because I was building immersive experiences for learners throughout my educational career, I was able to articulate how my skills and experiences would align with that of community building. Because I sit at the intersection of Education, health & wellness, and Technology, I have a natural ability to connect members (users, customers, consumers), and provide the customer experience and support they need to build and nurture relationships within company spaces using your product. So, think of me as the bridge of relationship builder between you and your product. I am the one who gets in the trenches with your people and supports them.

Currently, I am a Community Manager & Social Impact Advisor for a mental health space, “Integrate Trauma-Informed Network’ for a group of human care providers who get to practice human-centered communication & trauma-informed decision-making skills with aligned professionals. I help facilitate these interactions and provide opportunities for them to not only connect and feel supported by their peers, but also to collaborate, and so on.

I am grateful that I get to use my experiences and the lessons learned to help build these community spaces for people who want to be in a space with their peers where they can collaborate, learn with and from each other, and have somewhere to do just that. Being able to create these inclusive spaces where folks can feel valued and respected is a blessing.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

There is so much to say here. What’s helped me is understanding and being mindful that each person I come across has something unique and special to share. We all have a story to share that’s our own and no one can ever take that from us. People want to talk to people and don’t want to be looked at like a number. They want someone to see them and hold that space for them to share their voice and be heard. Because I once lost that, I know what it feels like not to be heard or acknowledged and the emotional tide it can create, I know what. not to do when I entered into those environments. Instead, I know what to do and understand the needs and wants of those I collaborate with. I take the time to listen, to understand, to not build that space for me, but all of you. My motto is to build with people, not for them!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy is building trust. You have to put in the time and effort to show that you are genuinely invested in helping them. No relationship is built overnight. Trust needs to be earned. When people feel they can and know they can count on you because you have listened to understand, they’re more than likely to return and refer others to you.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fihmiyahamdan/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAwmVCEo9bX6lyXZG55nD7A
• Other: Community Management & Social Impact Portfoliohttps://www.notion.so/fihmiyahamdan/Community-Management-Social-Impact-Portfolio-b234357e7a344f9fbecab8e20d94492e