Finding joy in the journey: Daneena Rahman’s bold career moves

PURCHASE SHE LEADS 5 TICKETS HERE

Navigating a career is rarely a smooth, direct journey, and no one understands that better than Daneena Rahman.

As a chartered accountant and corporate director with 26 years under her belt, she’s lived through the ups, downs, and pivotal moments that define a working life.

Her upcoming appearance at the She Leads 5 event, titled "Bold Career Moves – Shift or Stay?" promises to be a candid reflection of her own journey—a journey marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to personal well-being.

Speaking with Sinar Daily, Daneena emphasised something that resonates with so many women in the workforce: the importance of finding joy in what you do.

“For me, it’s that feeling you have when you go to work—whether you are so happy and looking forward to it. I’m not saying that for the whole 26 years I was so happy to go to work."

Her point? It's about tuning into what your body and mind need, especially when the grind starts to wear you down. "You need to know when to take time off," she said.

It’s a reality that every job comes with its own stresses. But Daneena’s philosophy is about managing that stress and knowing when enough is enough.

"Whatever job you are doing, there is definitely stress. The question is how much and to what extent, and you must take care of your mental and physical wellness. That is so important," she said.

For Daneena, a major turning point came when she decided to take a step back to focus on her family. It wasn’t an easy decision, but one she made with full conviction.

"I reached a point where I had enough, and I wanted to do something different. I could have gone for another 12 years, but I decided that this was the time for me to do something different. I’m glad and happy I made that decision—no regrets," she reflected, the relief clear in her voice.

This decision wasn’t just about career satisfaction; it was about resilience. It’s a word that comes up often in Daneena’s story. "Resilience is absolutely critical because it makes you continue to do what you are passionate about,” she said.

Daneena’s resilience was tested in ways she couldn’t have predicted.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced the personal loss of her father and her mother’s battle with breast cancer. With the unwavering support of her husband, she made the decision to step back from work to care for her mother full-time.

“My husband was very supportive and told me to quit my job so that I could take care of and be there for my mom,” she shared. It was a tough season, but one filled with purpose, as she cared for her mother until her passing in January this year.

Balancing career and family has been a constant theme in Daneena’s life. When her husband was seconded to Jakarta for two years, they made the difficult choice for her to stay in Malaysia for work.

"I thank my boss for the flexible job arrangement, and I had the opportunity to travel back and forth for eight years. In a year, I probably traveled like 30 times,” she said.

As Daneena gears up for She Leads 5, she’s excited to share her story in the hopes of inspiring others.

“What you can expect from me in She Leads 5 is lots of personal experiences, and I hope I can inspire women to chase your dreams, be confident, and know that there are people to cheer and support you,” she said.

Set for Oct 29, 2024, from 2pm to 6pm at Karangkraf in Shah Alam, She Leads 5 aims to empower women facing career crossroads. Whether it’s making bold moves or simply taking stock of where you are, Daneena's story promises to offer a heartfelt guide to navigating the inevitable twists and turns of a professional journey.

With her candid wisdom and real-life experiences, attendees can look forward to an inspiring session that highlights the power of resilience, the importance of joy, and the courage it takes to make the right moves when it matters most.