Arti Halai is a broadcaster, entrepreneur, public speaker, and author. She has more than fifteen years experience working in the media industry as a Television presenter, producer and reporter. She is Co-founder of the Fleet Street Group.
As a consultant, she specialises in media training and presentation skills working with clients both in the UK and abroad. A public speaker, Arti’s first book ‘Positivity’ was published by the HotHive in 2009.
Arti is also FL National Awards & Summit – The Grand Final 2019 host, so we caught up with her to find out more.
Who is a person that you considered as a role model early in your life? How and why does this person impact your life?
My role models were my mum and dad. I grew up in a traditional Indian family and my dad went out to work and my mum ran the household – together they brought up five girls. My dad was very hardworking and I got my work ethic from him. My mum encouraged my sisters and me to always support each other. I’m sure I got my networking and relationship building skills from her.
What are you most proud of?
Having carved three careers – in the media, business and as a mummy! All of these have been challenging and immensely rewarding and have enabled me to develop my skillset, meet amazing people and make a difference for clients, staff and in society. I’m also proud of writing and getting my book, ‘Positivity’ published in one year.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
At the start of my career, I got a staff job at the BBC. I was working in radio and keen to work in television but the multi-media concept didn’t exist back in 1993! So, I left the BBC and joined a small city cable TV channel, which was just starting up in Birmingham. It was a big risk at the time, but the right move for me and as they say the rest is history.
What advice would you give a new employee going into a leadership position for the first time?
Keep an open mind and learn from others who are more experienced than yourself. Have confidence in your ability and make sure your voice is heard – if you have a great idea share it and if you don’t agree with something then take the time to explain why. Leadership is all about getting the best out of other people so make sure you continue to build your team and offer them the recognition they deserve.
What are the most important traits of successful leaders today?
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Also, being authentic and building strong relationships.
What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess?
Being true to themselves and understanding why they do what they do.
If you were to introduce me to one person, who would it be…?
It would be the one person who you would most benefit from meeting and that would depend on what you need at any given moment in time.
Your favourite quote?
“If opportunity doesn’t knock on your door, build a door” by Milton Berle
What was the last business or personal development book you read (or are reading at the moment)?
I enjoy biographies of successful people. There is so much we can learn from other people’s experiences and stories. I have just finished Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming.’ It is an excellent read with some great lessons that we can all relate to or even adopt.
Which woman in history inspires you?
Women who got to the top of politics like Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir – policies aside, their sheer determination to step up and get to the top job in the country is admirable. To do it in their time was extraordinary.
What is your “superpower”?
The ability to connect with people quickly.
What’s your mindset anthem – the song that is always guaranteed to pump you up?
Happy by Pharrell Williams
This is a very exciting time of the year here at FL as we celebrate the UK’s most phenomenal female leaders and male agents of change! Find out who made the FL National Awards & Summit shortlist this year and join us for the biggest, brightest and most diverse celebration your region has ever seen. BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
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