We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fihmiya Hamdan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Fihmiya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

At a previous job, I was asked why I dedicated so much time to building relationships with my members—whether they were users, customers, or colleagues—and what tangible benefits I expected to achieve from that effort. To those asking, this investment in relationships didn’t seem like a priority or hold value in their eyes. Hearing this perspective, I couldn’t help but disagree.

That moment became a pivotal reminder of the core value I hold in my work: always leading with a people-centered approach. I firmly believe that for any community to truly thrive, its people must remain at the heart and center of every effort. It’s never about the “I”—it’s about the “we.” Together, as a collective, we learn, grow, and achieve success that wouldn’t be possible individually.

This experience taught me that staying true to my values, even when others may not immediately recognize their worth, can lead to greater long-term impact. It reinforced that nurturing genuine relationships and focusing on shared growth is not just beneficial but essential for sustainable success in any professional endeavor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Community Manager with a passion for creating positive and lasting change at the intersection of Health and Wellness, Education, and Technology. My journey into this field was fueled by a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives, particularly by creating environments where empathy, understanding, and inclusion are at the forefront. I collaborate closely with human care providers to help them adopt trauma-informed and human-centered approaches in their decision-making. This work enables me to design safe, supportive spaces where people feel valued, heard, and empowered.

The services I provide are focused on community building, customer experience, and social impact initiatives. I guide organizations and individuals in implementing strategies that prioritize the well-being of their members, clients, or audiences. By introducing frameworks rooted in empathy and trauma-informed care, I help professionals create sustainable communities that encourage trust, collaboration, and growth.

What sets me apart is my innate ability to connect with people on a deeper level. Building authentic relationships is at the heart of everything I do. I have a natural talent for bringing people together, nurturing meaningful interactions, and encouraging mutual understanding. This people-centric approach is what defines my work and makes the communities I build both impactful and enduring.

What I’m most proud of is the tangible difference I’ve been able to make in the lives of those I’ve worked with. Whether it’s the trust I’ve built, the guidance I’ve provided, or the thriving communities I’ve nurtured, the results of my efforts speak to my commitment to creating positive social impact.

For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that my work is driven by compassion and a deep belief in the power of relationships to drive meaningful change. I’m here to help others thrive by building spaces and systems that promote inclusivity, empathy, and shared growth. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy that benefits individuals and communities alike, ensuring that the work I do contributes to the greater good.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I wouldn’t change my profession. Are there aspects I might tweak or approach differently? Of course. But I believe life has a way of guiding us through unexpected turns and challenges, shaping us into who we’re meant to be. Not everything goes according to plan, and that’s okay. It’s in navigating those curveballs that we discover resilience and clarity about our true purpose.

Every role I’ve taken on, every project I’ve completed, and every skill I’ve gained has brought me to where I am today. Changing even one thing could alter the journey that has led to the person I’ve become—and for that reason, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Life isn’t perfect, and it never will be. But in embracing the imperfections and challenges, we learn more about ourselves and gain a clearer sense of the path we want to follow. I’ve come to appreciate that the twists and turns are just as valuable as the successes. They teach us, shape us, and remind us of our strength.

So, no—I wouldn’t choose differently. I’d continue walking this path, with all its ups and downs, because it’s made me who I am today.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn—and one that remains a work in progress—is that I don’t need to be perfect to be valuable, worthy, loved, or appreciated. Simply being myself is enough.

Growing up and even throughout my early professional life, I was surrounded by the idea that perfection was the ultimate goal. It was seen as a badge of honor, something to constantly strive for, even when the goal had already been achieved. This mindset drove me to push harder and harder, often to the point of exhaustion. For years, I became almost robotic, prioritizing external expectations over my own well-being.

Eventually, I realized this way of living wasn’t sustainable. The constant pursuit of perfection took a significant toll on my mental health and happiness. Looking back, I’ve come to understand that no job, achievement, or relationship is worth sacrificing my well-being.

Unlearning the need for perfection has been liberating, but it’s an ongoing journey. It’s a daily practice to remind myself that I am enough just as I am—and that embracing imperfection is a vital part of living a fulfilling, authentic life.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fihmiyahamdan/
• Other: https://www.notion.so/fihmiyahamdan/Community-Management-Social-Impact-Portfolio-b234357e7a344f9fbecab8e20d94492e