On 27th June, 2021, WZCC’s Woman’s Empowerment Wing held an interesting webinar titled, ‘The Magic Of Music And Mountains – Broadening The Horizons And Structures Of Leadership’, with key-note speaker – Khursheed N. Khurody. It was attended by over 80 participants, globally. 

Global WE Chairperson, Behroze Daruwalla gave the welcome address along with a few insights into WZCC and the WE Wing, before introducing Khursheed Khurody, who spoke at length on her experiences which shaped and opened her mind to broader horizons. Starting with her international, multi-cultural education and background, in both the sciences and humanities, she moved on to specific dynastic and parental influences on character, values and purpose.  

She elaborated on the stimulating, explorative and demanding role of western classical music, which she took to, passionately, as a child. As a player of 3 instruments at music festivals the world over, Khurody stressed about the power of the humanities, the liberal arts and a life spent with nature as being essential ingredients for inspired leadership. She elaborated on the abstractions of music, such as space, timing, rhythm and silence, and their influence on leaders in the private and public sectors. 

“The paradoxes between music and management are astounding and they never cease to amaze me,” said Khurody, who works, broadly, in human rights, with several organisations, stressing on the need of “giving back.”  She spoke of both the operational and strategic dimensions, of leading organisations and how social institutions need to reach vital goals with very limited resources. “Responsible leadership is about pushing boundaries and parameters… leaders must drive change and transformation and bring a fresh and distinct dimension to their organisations and the people they serve,” she said.

Post her talk, Ferzin Irani – Dubai’s WE representative asked interesting questions on behalf of the participants, which were ably answered by Khursheed. Yasmin Mehdora, WE representative from Houston, gave the vote of thanks and concluded the program.