EP14: From Pakistani Immigrant to Canada’s Deputy Mayor: Maleeha Shahid’s Leadership Journey
Hey everyone, Umer here!
Sometimes the path we choose is clear. Other times, it unfolds one decision at a time.
When I asked Maleeha Shahid what path she chose, she laughed and said she had chosen many. From immigrating to Canada to building a career in real estate, stepping into public service, writing a book, and becoming a community voice, her journey is a reminder that growth rarely follows a straight line.
What stood out to me the most was how grounded she stayed through it all. Her story is not just about success or titles. It is about values, resilience, and learning to trust yourself even when things feel uncertain.
Here’s what I learned.
Take responsibility for your own happiness
One of the biggest lessons Maleeha shared was about ownership. Early in her life, she believed happiness depended on someone else creating it for her. Over time, she realized that mindset only leads to disappointment. As she put it, “My happiness is very much dependent on me.” The moment you stop outsourcing happiness and start taking responsibility for it, your life changes. Your mindset, your choices, and your outlook start becoming your own.
Start with purpose, even if it is small
Maleeha explained that purpose is not always a grand mission. Sometimes it is simply deciding how you want to show up for the day. She shared how even something simple like starting the day with intention can shift everything. She mentioned the idea that “just making your bed first thing in the morning” can set the tone for the entire day. Purpose is built through small actions that move you forward.
You are often your own biggest obstacle
When Maleeha first ran for public office, the hardest part was not the campaign itself. It was putting herself out there. Knocking on thousands of doors and introducing herself to strangers forced her to confront her own fears. She admitted that “we can be our own obstacles.” The lesson here is simple but powerful. Growth often begins when we challenge the limitations we place on ourselves.
Do not let fear of judgment stop you
Maleeha was honest about how difficult it can be to ignore criticism. She delayed launching her podcast and even held onto her book for weeks because she worried about what people might say. Eventually she realized something important. “The more you start living with the objectives or with the goals that you want to, the better it will be for us.” People will have opinions, but those opinions should not dictate the life you build.
Stay anchored in your values
Throughout the conversation, one thing became clear. Her path changed many times, but her values never did. Kindness, compassion, and helping others remained constant. As she said, “My path is clear to me that I will always be on the path of kindness.” When your values are clear, decisions become easier. You may not know exactly where you are going, but you know how you want to get there.
Define success for yourself
When I asked Maleeha what success meant to her, her answer was surprisingly simple. “If you’re able to sleep and have a good sleep and your conscience is clear, that’s success.” Not titles, not money, not recognition. A clear conscience and a peaceful mind. That definition reframes everything.
This conversation with Maleeha reminded me that the path we choose does not need to be perfect or linear. What matters is that we stay aligned with who we are, continue learning, and keep moving forward with purpose and compassion.
If this resonated, the full episode goes much deeper into leadership, mindset, communication, and staying open to growth.
Watch the full conversation on The Path We Choose.
Watch Full Episode
Thanks for tuning in. I hope this episode encourages you to live authentically and embrace your own path with resilience.
Best,
Umer Farooque
Host, The Path We Choose
