Starting Over, Standing Strong: Fariha Majeed’s Journey Through Tech, Motherhood, and Change

Back when we were students at SZABIST, none of us could have predicted just how far our paths would stretch. Fariha was always driven, sharp, and thoughtful in the way she moved through the world. Now, hearing her story unfold across countries, careers, motherhood, and moments of massive reinvention, I see someone who has carved out her space in tech with intention, resilience, and quiet brilliance.

What does it take to keep evolving, again and again, across chapters of life? Fariha doesn’t just have the answer, she lives it. This is more than a story about data or governance. It’s about growth, grit, and what it means to stay grounded while building a life and a legacy on your own terms.

In this interview, Fariha opens up about her global journey from Pakistan to Malaysia to Canada, the shift from technical data roles to leadership in governance and AI, and the delicate balancing act of being a working mom in tech. She shares honest lessons on failure, resilience, and the power of starting over — and reminds us that even in an ever-changing industry, the most important thing is to keep showing up with purpose.

From Pakistan to Canada: The Journey

We go way back—but for those meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your journey from SZABIST University in Karachi, Pakistan to where you are now in Canada?

If you had asked me back at SZABIST 15 years ago whether I’d ever leave Pakistan, my answer would have been a firm never. But as my career grew, I realized the reality: the tech industry in Pakistan offered very limited opportunities for growth and exposure to cutting-edge work.

In 2018, I moved to Malaysia, and that was an eye-opener. I saw firsthand how much global opportunity Pakistani talent often misses out on. I even had an offer in Singapore, but due to family circumstances I returned to Pakistan. That return, however, changed my mindset completely. I knew that if I moved again, it had to be to a place where I could truly build a life, not live with the constant uncertainty of a work permit.

That’s when Canada came into the picture. I started my immigration process as soon as I got back, and though COVID stretched the journey to almost three years, I believe it all worked out for a reason. That period back in Pakistan gave me clarity and resilience — and ultimately, brought me here to Canada, where I’ve been able to build both a career and a home.

What was your relocation journey like—not just the move itself, but adjusting to a new professional culture and job market?

My relocation to Canada was more than just a move — it felt like starting over. On the cultural side, I was struck by how welcoming people were and how much emphasis there was on collaboration and diversity. That openness made it easier to find my place, but I also had to adjust to a very different rhythm of work. Back in Pakistan, long hours and constant availability were normal; here, I had to unlearn that and embrace a culture where productivity is measured by outcomes, not time spent. It took me a while to feel comfortable closing my laptop at 5 p.m. without guilt.

Another big adjustment for me was learning to work remotely. I had always been used to in-person collaboration, so suddenly having to build relationships over 1:1 calls, run team meetings online, and deliver results without that face-to-face connection was difficult at first. It felt unnatural in the beginning, but over time I adapted, and now those practices are second nature.

Professionally, the transition was tougher. The Canadian tech market is incredibly competitive, with so many highly skilled professionals — especially from South Asia — who bring deep technical expertise. At first, that was intimidating. But over time, I realized the way to stand out wasn’t by trying to out-code or out-tool anyone, but by bringing a different perspective: connecting technology to business value. That’s something I gained in Pakistan, where I had exposure to how technology decisions directly influenced business outcomes.

So while the move challenged me — from building a network from scratch, to adjusting to remote work, to proving myself in a new environment — it also pushed me to grow faster, adapt smarter, and carve out a niche for myself in data governance here in Canada.

Evolving in Tech & Data

You've evolved from data engineering to architecture to governance, and now you're exploring AI governance. What inspired each shift? Did they feel intentional or more like doors opening along the way?

In tech, you can’t afford to stand still. If you stay locked into one role for too long, you risk becoming irrelevant. That doesn’t mean constantly changing careers — but it does mean continuously learning, unlearning, and adapting to new trends.

I began as a data engineer and spent about five years in that role before moving into data architecture. That shift was intentional: I wanted to broaden my view from building pipelines to designing the bigger picture. But as cloud computing and machine learning started transforming the industry, I realized I needed to skill up again to stay relevant.

That’s when an unexpected door opened into data governance. I had very little exposure to the field at the time, but I took it on as a challenge. Leading governance initiatives for three years gave me a whole new perspective — data wasn’t just a technical asset, it was something that required trust, quality, and accountability. That experience proved invaluable when I moved to Canada and continued in governance leadership.

Now, with AI reshaping the landscape, I see another wave of change. AI governance is becoming critical, and I’m leaning into it early. For me, each step has been a mix of intention and opportunity: being proactive about staying relevant, but also being open enough to walk through doors that weren’t originally part of my plan.

You’ve worked across Pakistan, Malaysia, and now North America. How have those diverse experiences shaped your perspective or leadership style?

When I look back, each country I’ve worked in has added a different layer to the way I lead today.

In Pakistan, I was lucky to work under mentors who believed in discipline and integrity. They showed me that leadership starts with how you carry yourself — staying true to your work, delivering consistently, and earning trust through effort. That became my foundation.

Malaysia was a completely different experience. I stepped into a senior role where the bar was very high — you had to know your craft inside out to stay relevant. I was surrounded by incredibly sharp technical experts, and that environment pushed me to be hands-on, detail-oriented, and always a step ahead. It was tough, sometimes even brutal, but it built my resilience and my belief that a leader has to set high standards by first holding themselves accountable.

Then I came to North America, and that shifted my perspective again. Here, leadership is less about proving yourself and more about empowering others. It’s about collaboration, inclusivity, and creating space for diverse voices. I had to learn to balance my drive for rigor with empathy, to focus not just on the work, but on the people behind it.

So today, my leadership style is really a blend of those three worlds — the discipline from Pakistan, the technical rigor from Malaysia, and the collaborative, people-first approach I’ve embraced in North America.

You’ve always been someone who reinvents herself. How do you stay relevant in the data industry without burning out, especially with how fast everything changes?

Staying relevant in the data industry is easier said than done — it takes constant learning, and that can feel overwhelming at times. For me, the key has been curiosity. I like tapping into new areas so the work stays interesting. Once I feel I’ve mastered a craft, I naturally start looking for the next challenge, and that excitement keeps me motivated.

I’ve also learned to be selective. You can’t chase every new tool or trend, or you’ll burn out. Instead, I focus on what’s going to make the biggest impact — for my career, for the business, and for the future of the field. That way, I’m not spreading myself thin, I’m investing where it really counts.

And of course, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit — part of the motivation is also money! Growth opportunities, recognition, financial rewards — they all matter. But more than anything, what keeps me going is adaptability. In this industry, the moment you stop evolving, you risk becoming irrelevant. For me, reinvention isn’t pressure — it’s how I stay curious, sharp, and energized.

What’s one part of your work in data governance that more people should pay attention to, especially now with AI becoming so central to everything?

When I first stepped into data governance, I’ll be honest — I thought it was mostly about policies, rules, and checklists. Over time, though, I realized the real impact comes from making sure governance actually connects to business outcomes. If people don’t see the value, it just becomes bureaucracy.

That’s why Gartner’s research really resonates with me. They’ve predicted that by 2027, 60% of organizations will fail to realize the value of their AI investments because of weak or incohesive governance. And I’ve seen glimpses of that myself. I’ve worked on projects where the technology was strong, the models were smart, but because the underlying data wasn’t well-governed — no clear ownership, inconsistent quality — the insights couldn’t be trusted. The project didn’t deliver what the business expected.

For me, that was a turning point. Governance isn’t just about controlling data; it’s about building trust so data can be used confidently — and now, with AI, that’s more important than ever. If the foundation isn’t solid, the AI on top of it can’t be trusted either. That’s the piece I wish more people paid attention to.

Motherhood & Balance

Let’s talk motherhood—what was it like navigating a tech career with a baby at home? What helped you keep going on the hard days?

When I moved to Canada, I was pregnant, and I honestly didn’t think having a baby would slow me down. I’ve always been very career-oriented, so my plan was to take six months off and then get right back to work. Partly because money was tight — starting life in a new country isn’t easy — and partly because I didn’t want to step away from my field for too long.

I was lucky my mom convinced me to take a remote role instead of a higher-paying hybrid job. That decision made all the difference, because it meant I could be home with my daughter while still building my career. In the beginning, my husband was also home, so we tag-teamed between meetings and baby duty. But once he started working, it was just me — constantly reshaping my day around a baby whose schedule changed every few months. Some days it was sleepless nights, other days it was chasing a crawling, then walking, then running toddler.

The hard days were really hard. There were times I felt like I was failing at both motherhood and my career. What kept me going was the emotional and physical support from my husband, who kept cheering me on no matter what, and long phone calls back home to my family, who guided me on how to survive those baby stages. And honestly, a lot of prayers too — they gave me strength on the days I felt like I had none left.

Eventually, daycare came into the picture, and while sending my daughter away felt terrifying at first, it gave us some balance back. Looking at it now, the journey was exhausting and messy, but also deeply rewarding. It taught me resilience, patience, and the power of leaning on the people who believe in you. It wasn’t easy, but it made me stronger — as a mom and as a professional.

What advice would you give to working moms or women in tech trying to grow their careers while raising a family?

My advice would be simple: don’t give up. That applies not just to moms, but to any woman trying to grow her career while raising a family. It’s not easy — juggling work, home, and family can be exhausting and overwhelming. But at the end of the day, you get to choose what works for you and what matters most.

There were days I chose work over family, and days I chose family over work. And that’s okay. Discipline helps — managing your time, setting boundaries — but the truth is, it will never be perfect. If the house is messy because you didn’t have time, let it be. You’ll get to it eventually, but maybe not today. Focus on the things that really need you in that moment. Choose your battles wisely.

And please, take help. Don’t hesitate to ask for it, don’t hesitate to lean on it, even if it just means finding a shoulder to cry on when you need one. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Most importantly, don’t feel guilty about building a career. And don’t just do it for the money. Do it because you love it — because when you love your work, it becomes your sanctuary, not a burden. That passion is what will keep you going on the hardest days.

Reflections, Rituals & the Road Ahead

Between work, motherhood, and staying current in tech—how do you take care of you? Any self-care rituals or habits that help you stay grounded or recharged?

To be honest, after becoming a mother, I completely lost track of taking care of myself. It’s true what they say — moms often put themselves in the back seat without realizing that if we’re not okay, the family can’t really be okay either. For that first year, it was all about survival, and I didn’t notice how much I had let myself go.

It hit me after a year that I needed to reclaim small pieces of myself. So I started bringing back little habits I loved before motherhood — getting a manicure once a month, joining a gym just to have ‘me time,’ grabbing a coffee with a friend. It’s never quite the same as before, but it reminded me that self-care isn’t indulgence — it’s fuel.

I also learned that self-care isn’t only about skincare or eating right. It’s about mental and emotional space too. Something I’ve picked up in Canada, and as a mom, is the value of downtime — putting my daughter to sleep early so I can enjoy quiet time with my husband, waking up early to sip a cup of tea in peace, or just enjoying a clean house and a long shower. These simple rituals don’t sound like much, but they’re what recharge me and keep me grounded.

You’ve built credibility and recognition in your space—but what’s something you're still learning or unlearning about yourself today?

I think we’re always evolving. In the last few years alone, I’ve gone through so many big changes — moving countries, getting married, becoming a mother, and trying to build a life in a place where the cost of living is high. Each stage forced me to unlearn parts of myself and adapt to new realities.

What I’ve really been learning is patience — accepting that not everything will go my way, and that sometimes you just have to wait for the right time or the right resources. I’ve also had to learn to let go, which doesn’t come naturally to me. I used to want everything to be perfect and under control, but life doesn’t always work that way.

Through all of this, the biggest realization has been resilience. I didn’t know I had this much strength in me until I was put in situations where I had no choice but to find it. And I’m still learning every day — about myself, about balance, and about trusting that even when things feel uncertain, I can adapt and keep moving forward.

What do you see as the future of tech—especially in data and governance? Any trends women in tech should be watching or preparing for?

I really believe AI isn’t just the future — it’s the present. Every role in tech is evolving in some way because of AI, whether you’re in engineering, governance, design, or even leadership. I’ve seen it firsthand in my own work: the conversations we used to have purely about data governance are now shifting into AI governance, because the risks and opportunities are so much bigger.

For women in tech, I think the key trend to watch is how AI is reshaping your space specifically. No matter what your role is, AI will touch it. The faster you lean into that change — by learning, experimenting, and adapting — the more impact you can make.

My advice would be: don’t wait until AI feels unavoidable. Step into it now, in your own field, on your own terms. Because the future won’t just belong to the people who understand the tools, but to the people who understand how to apply them responsibly and creatively.

What’s next for you—personally or professionally—that you’re most excited about?

On the personal side, I’m really excited about creating more impact for women in tech. For me, that starts small — with personal branding, reaching out, and sharing my story — but the bigger goal is to help others in any way I can. I know how much difference guidance and encouragement can make, and I want to be that voice for someone else who’s trying to find their place in this industry.

Professionally, my focus is on growing into a leadership role where I can be both a decision-maker and a mentor. I want to become the kind of leader people can look up to — someone who not only drives results but also invests in others, creating opportunities the way mentors once created them for me.

So what’s next for me is really about balance — building my own path forward while making sure I’m also pulling others up along the way. That’s what excites me most.

The Tech She Secures Signature

Tell us about the ‘BADdest’ challenge you’ve taken on in your career—the boldest, most authentic, and driven moment you’re most proud of—and how it shaped you.

The boldest challenge I’ve taken on was stepping into data governance. Coming from a strong tech background, I was used to building things where you could see tangible results — code, pipelines, solutions. Governance is nothing like that. It’s not a project with a start and finish, it’s a cultural shift. Success only comes if the entire organization works with you, and at the time I didn’t realize I was stepping into the role of a change agent.

In the beginning, I failed — and I failed hard. Not because I didn’t understand the concepts, but because I couldn’t yet manage the people side of change or convince others to buy into it. That failure taught me the true essence of governance: it’s not about building solutions, it’s about building trust, aligning people, and creating something sustainable. That experience reshaped how I lead today.

Another challenge I regard as the biggest adventure was moving countries while pregnant. Starting life in Canada, navigating motherhood, and rebuilding my career from scratch was daunting. There were so many moments where it felt impossible, but I pushed through — and today, not only have I built a career here, but I’ve also earned a recent promotion. That journey taught me that when there is a will, there is definitely a way.

Together, these two moments shaped me into who I am today: someone unafraid of reinvention, resilient in the face of change, and driven to keep carving out space where it feels hardest.

Closing Reflections

It’s been such a joy to reconnect with Fariha through this interview. Her story is full of lessons and light—for women in tech, for working moms, and for anyone navigating change with hope and grit. She’s built her career with care, courage, and quiet determination, showing us what it means to lead with both strength and heart.

I’m so proud to share her voice on Tech She Secures, and I’ll be cheering her on every step of the way as she continues to rise, inspire, and create space for others along the journey.

Maliha

Disclaimer: The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.