Trust your struggle | Zain Asher | TEDxEuston

TEDx Talks・2 minutes read

Zain Asher's inspirational journey from receptionist to CNN anchor emphasizes the importance of hard work, creating opportunities, giving back, and being prepared for success through perseverance and continuous self-improvement. By trusting her struggle, developing expertise, and seizing opportunities, Zain shows that success is attainable through dedication, motivation, and a willingness to learn from others.

Insights

  • Success is not a linear journey; it requires hard work and creating opportunities rather than just competing for them, as emphasized by Zain Asher's experience transitioning from a receptionist to a CNN International anchor.
  • Giving back is integral to achieving success, with the principle of the more you give, the more you receive being a key lesson Zain Asher learned from successful CEOs and founders, underlining the importance of readiness and continuous preparation for seizing opportunities.

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Recent questions

  • How did Zain Asher achieve her dream job?

    Zain Asher, anchor at CNN International, shared her journey from being a receptionist to achieving her dream job through perseverance and hard work. She faced challenges, including a tragic event in 1988 where her father passed away in a car crash in Nigeria. Despite setbacks, Zain's mother motivated her to get into Oxford by banning her from watching TV until she got accepted. Zain trusted her struggle, created opportunities, and emphasized the importance of giving back for success. By being prepared and continuously developing expertise, Zain landed a job in broadcast journalism after meeting an executive from CNN by chance.

  • What lesson did Zain Asher learn from successful CEOs and founders?

    Zain Asher learned from successful CEOs and founders that giving back is crucial for success. She observed that the more you give, the more you receive. Zain believes in creating opportunities rather than competing for them, emphasizing the importance of being ready for opportunities by developing expertise. Success, according to Zain, comes when opportunity meets preparation, highlighting the value of continuous preparation and readiness for success.

  • How did Zain Asher's mother influence her success?

    Zain Asher's mother played a significant role in influencing her success. She emphasized the importance of relating to people from all walks of life for success. Zain's mother motivated her to get into Oxford by banning her from watching TV until she got accepted, instilling a strong work ethic and determination in Zain. Through her mother's guidance and support, Zain persevered through challenges and ultimately achieved her dream job in broadcast journalism.

  • What is the key to success according to Zain Asher?

    According to Zain Asher, the key to success lies in creating opportunities rather than competing for them. She believes in the importance of giving back and emphasizes that the more you give, the more you receive. Zain also highlights the significance of being prepared for opportunities by continuously developing expertise and being ready when the right opportunity arises. Trusting in one's struggle and perseverance through challenges are essential elements in achieving success, as demonstrated by Zain's own journey.

  • How did Zain Asher prepare for her job in broadcast journalism?

    Zain Asher dedicated years to self-teaching at a New York library on 33rd with Madison, spending weekends studying various financial topics like stocks, bonds, derivatives, and merges and acquisitions. By continuously developing expertise and being well-prepared, Zain became well-known to the librarians. She met an executive from CNN by chance, who offered her a reporter position after a screen test and financial news test. Zain's preparation and readiness for opportunities, inspired by her actor brother who diligently practiced Shakespeare plays from a young age, played a crucial role in her successful career in broadcast journalism.

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Summary

00:00

Zain Asher's Journey to CNN Success

  • Zain Asher, anchor at CNN International, shares her journey from being a receptionist to achieving her dream job.
  • Success is not a linear path; hard work alone is not always enough.
  • Zain's background includes a tragic event in 1988 where her father passed away in a car crash in Nigeria.
  • Zain's mother emphasized the importance of relating to people from all walks of life for success.
  • Zain's mother motivated her to get into Oxford by banning her from watching TV until she got accepted.
  • Trusting her struggle, Zain persevered through challenges to land a job in broadcast journalism.
  • Zain believes in creating opportunities rather than competing for them.
  • Giving back is crucial for success, as seen through the example of a CEO who gives back to receive more.
  • The more you give, the more you receive, a lesson Zain learned from successful CEOs and founders.
  • Success comes when opportunity meets preparation, emphasizing the importance of being ready for opportunities by developing expertise.

12:06

Self-taught finance enthusiast lands CNN job

  • Spent weekends studying various financial topics like stocks, bonds, derivatives, and merges and acquisitions, dedicating years to self-teaching at a New York library on 33rd with Madison, becoming well-known to the librarians.
  • Met an executive from CNN by chance, who offered a reporter position after a screen test and financial news test, highlighting the importance of continuous preparation inspired by the speaker's actor brother who diligently practiced Shakespeare plays from a young age, emphasizing the value of being ready before opportunities arise.
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