There is a scene in the TV series, Supacell, where the protagonist goes into the future and sets off the butterfly effect to try and change the fate of his betrothed, who is destined to die. This is important because when I met Toseef Din, CEO of MP Shah Hospital, he told me that he also discussed the butterfly effect with his children.
The butterfly effect, if you’re wondering, is associated with the idea that something small, like getting a coffee, can have a bigger effect, like changing careers, or meeting a partner.
Toseef is structured, coloring in lines. You have to be a mother, a wife, a business leader, get a PhD—in other words, have your hands full. His wife balanced him. When he zigs, he zags.
Although he will not be CEO, he will still be a high achiever. It was what his mother instilled in him. It is written in the stars. The path was chosen for him, the butterfly in full effect. What did they say? We usually meet destiny in the path we take.
How did it get here?
I am not a medical doctor, but I do have an honorary PhD. I am studying for another PhD in Business and Management from Strathmore University. This is a personal passion, always asking yourself what’s next? I am hungry for knowledge.
What makes you hungry?
My mother was a housewife who did not get a high education. My father works in the airline industry and is not at home. So it was mostly my mother who led this ambition. He kept telling us to study.
But my wife has pushed me. She has become a pillar, because it is quite difficult for women to learn after marriage-there is a house, children, work and so on.
How has seeing your mother be such a homemaker affected the way you run your home?
Mom is a multitasker and a strong woman. He carried on and never made us feel less than a boy. My father died in 2014 and he always said, “Those who are brave, they live.” We were allowed to pursue what we wanted – the eldest brother was a banker, the younger brother was in finance, and the eldest was in administration and operations. All of us girls are financially independent. My mom taught us to be go-getters, despite her bright (difficult), he is kind.
How to raise a child differently?
There was no structure when my mother ran the house, she just juggled and I didn’t want to raise my children like that. I want time to eat together because food also binds us. We were brought up in an age with minimal technology, now our children need it, we need to be more mature parents and be more friendly with our children and have deep conversations.
What’s the one gift you’d like to leave behind for him?
Thanks. When you see what is going on in the world, you can forget the small blessings that God has given you. Food, shelter, ability, and mobility. Just thank you.
Do you have a family ritual that is close to your heart?
Between Monday and Thursday, after dinner, we have religion classes. I choose something and we discuss. Friday is a general knowledge session, as we recently shared about the butterfly effect. Saturday and Sunday are all about barbecues, movies, or just relaxing. We also celebrate small victories, even if we just passed the midterm exams.
What do you remember most about your childhood?
Hmmm. (long pause) I am a fierce teenager. I won’t listen and just want it done my way. I’m the life of the party, the cheerleader takes everything organized, haha!
Are you still the life of the party now?
I have mellowed down with Eddy’s age. You become calmer because leadership also makes you lonely at the top. I’m not a loud person anymore.
What was your nickname growing up?
What is Aysha’s favorite thing?
They are bubblier and fun. Toseef has become very serious, and I want to bring that humor back into my life.
How do you let your hair down?
I like to walk in Karura Forest or just in the complex and that is my reason. I am totally digitally unplugged. Once a month I meet with my college and university friends.
When do you take a walk?
I have always been a sporty person. Even at school, I was in the karate club. I feel like I have the strength of a person, I don’t think, “Wow, that’s too heavy for me to carry”. I started running actively when I was 22 years old after giving birth to my first child. Every week now I do strength training, and this is also about me maintaining my health, a preventive care model for me. You are what you eat so I am conscious about my diet, and my eldest son also likes to exercise. It is a personal ambition to be in an excellent state of physical fitness.
What do you think about when you walk?
I am a deep thinker about religion, and human purpose. I am also thinking about my PhD paper. Sometimes, I have a business plan for the hospital, and I’ll draft the plan as I walk.
What questions do you keep asking yourself during your walk?
How can we make the world more sustainable?
What special treats do you make just for you?
I love getting a nice hot cup of coffee with a tea scone. If I’m going to run, that’s what I’m going to do. That’s my reward scheme.
Is that your love for cooking?
Oh yes. After Ramadan, all 30 days I cook differently. My wife was quite impressed. I love cooking and for me, it’s therapeutic. I don’t think there is a better reward than when a mother cooks for her children and her husband and they tell you, “Wow, this is delicious.” These are my childhood memories – until now. I remember all the pilau my mother used to cook. I cook safely, however; I haven’t tried many recipes, haha!
What is your show food?
Whole chicken. It’s healthy and not too much.
You’re working, taking care of the house, busy with academics – can one have it all?
Of course it is. You don’t have to deprive yourself; it’s all about focus and priority. If you find something important in your life, you will find time. In my busy schedule, I make time for exercise because it is important to me. What is your vision board? What do you want?
What are you proud of but not proud of?
I am involved in a lot of calligraphy writing which is design writing.
How do you take it?
My love for writing. I’m a big fan of pens. I collect a lot: different colors, shapes, markers, fine print pens, calligraphy pens, and felt pens. There is a connection with them, even if my children touch them, they should beware of my anger.
What is your superpower?
You have quite a strong personality. How is your husband handling it?
My wife is also very strong. But he was calmer than me. We complement each other. He never felt insecure, neither did I, he was a surgeon. He had his strengths and I had mine, and we nurtured each other.
Do you remember the first time you saw him?
I was called to the MC function but in the spirit of full disclosure, when I first met, it was my doctor, haha! Later, I met him at one of the events I emceed. I was actually a radio presenter in an Asian radio station, and they released a music album because they sang and played music, and I was the MC. We fell in love with each other, haha!
I wouldn’t have guessed. What is so terrifying about him?
He is humble, supportive, a listener, a father, and a friend. When I’m stuck at work, he comes to me. He is an amazing person.
What is one aspect of being a wife that you struggle with?
Sometimes I forget that I am a wife. I am the CEO at home, making sure my home helps get things done on time, and measuring KPIs. There are some sensible things, but I think it’s probably good because you don’t have to define yourself with a label.
What did you end up agreeing to?
I am an adult and in a different phase of life so I have to accept it. I’m seasoned, I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I am very confident in who I am now, that I am an established health leader, and that my voice matters.
What season of your life has shaped you the most?
This project. I was head of finance, then COO, then COO, then CEO, then CEO. My work has been highly respected and trusted — not only by the hospital staff but also by the community. This project has been established Toseef.
You say that being a CEO is lonely. Being a female CEO, I imagine more. How to deal with that?
I believe in the power of peer learning—what is the journey like? It’s rewarding and satisfying, and it can be lonely but for the right reasons. Leadership is a privilege but also a burden. You can’t always be friendly to everyone, there is a time for fun and a time for work. Getting mentors and coaches has also been transformational in my journey.
What am I not going to believe in you?
That I am a dancer. Not common, haha! My daughter has picked up a musical bone as well.
What misconceptions do people have about you?
I am a very serious person. But I’m full of humor, I like to joke and have fun.
What’s the soundtrack to your life right now?
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley. My kids created it for me on Mother’s Day. I almost cried, haha!
Do you thank yourself?
Everything, Eddy. For life, food, my eyes, everything. There is much to be thankful for. Be in a position of power where you can help and change people’s lives. It is a job full of blessings because when we nurse patients back to health, they say, “God bless you.”
How does your relationship with God change in the profession that others consider?
My faith is stronger that every soul will taste death and start doing good while you are alive. I believe strongly in lighting candles and not cursing the darkness.
Who knows what I need to know?
My boss. He is a transformational leader and someone I want you to know more about. He’s one in a million, Eddy.