Biography of Rabia Garib: Chief Executive at Coffee TV & Co- Founder of Rasala Publication
Biography of Rabia Garib:
Rabia Garib: A Journey of Passion and Persistence
Rabia Garib’s journey into the world of technology,
education, and trade journalism has been marked by profound dedication and
notable achievements. Recognized for her expertise in technology trade media
dating back to 1998, Rabia was selected as an Eisenhower Fellow to represent
Pakistan in a prestigious international program focusing on technology trade
journalism and new media.
Family Support and Early Influences
Family support has been a cornerstone of Rabia's career
path. Despite coming from a conservative background, Rabia credits her mother
for steadfastly backing her aspirations from a young age. This support was
pivotal when her mother insisted Rabia receive the same educational
opportunities as her brother, setting a precedent that empowered Rabia to
pursue her dreams without hindrance.
From Childhood Dreams to Career Realities
Rabia's passion for information technology was rooted in
childhood interests such as music, sports, and writing. Initially drawn to
music as a career path, she pivoted towards writing due to limited avenues for
pursuing music. These interests continue to play a significant role in her life
and career, influencing her creative approach to technology and media.
Education
Rabia's father initially preferred her to attend an
all-girls school. However, when her brother secured admission to Karachi
American School (KAS), her mother insisted that Rabia should receive the same
educational opportunities. This principle has guided Rabia's decisions and
actions throughout her life, ensuring equal opportunities in education and
beyond.
Rabia Garib: Pioneering Technology and Education in Pakistan
Rabia Garib stands out as a dedicated workaholic and a
prominent figure in Pakistan's technology industry. She is the Chief Executive
of Toffee TV, a platform that facilitates children's learning through stories,
songs, and engaging activities in Urdu. Additionally, Rabia co-founded Rasala
Publications, a company specializing in IT trade publications and events, and
serves as the Editor-in-chief of CIO magazine, a leading technology publication
in Pakistan.
Balancing Technology's Benefits and Drawbacks
In her professional life, Rabia embraces the convenience and
flexibility that technology offers, but she also acknowledges its drawbacks.
Despite the advantages of smartphones and gadgets for work efficiency, she
finds herself tethered to her responsibilities even during unconventional
hours, responding to emails late into the night or early morning.
Embracing Technology's Advancements
While smartphones and gadgets offer convenience and
flexibility, Rabia acknowledges the downside: work follows you everywhere. Even
at unconventional hours like three or five in the morning, Rabia can be found
responding to emails, highlighting her commitment to her work in information
technology. Her deep-rooted passion for IT raises questions about whether this
affinity was nurtured from childhood, where she initially dreamed of pursuing
music, sports, and writing. Although music was her first choice, Rabia turned
to writing due to limited opportunities, and all three passions continue to be
integral to her life.
Biography of Rabia Garib: Chief Executive at Coffee TV & co-founder of Rasala Publication/ Entrepreneur/Investor/Pakistan/Editor-in-chief CIO magazine
Trailblazing Career and Leadership
With over two decades in the technology sector, Rabia
Garib's career spans leadership roles in both multinational corporations and
her own ventures. Her experience includes significant contributions at Siemens
and Ericsson, where she gained invaluable insights into the telecommunications
industry before venturing into entrepreneurship with Rasala Publications.
Transforming the Technology Publishing Landscape
Under Rabia's guidance, Rasala Publications has grown into a
respected entity within Pakistan's technology publishing domain. The company
publishes influential magazines like CIO Pakistan and organizes impactful
conferences and seminars that bring together industry leaders to discuss
cutting-edge innovations and trends in technology.
Advocacy for Technology Education and Entrepreneurship
Beyond her corporate achievements, Rabia Garib is committed
to fostering technology education and entrepreneurship in Pakistan. She mentors
and judges startup competitions, actively encouraging women to pursue careers
in technology. Her advocacy extends to speaking engagements aimed at inspiring
future generations of tech leaders in the country.
The Essence of Success: Persistence and Dedication
Rabia Garib's philosophy centers on strenuous hard work and
persistence as the keys to success. She emphasizes the importance of dedication
and focus in achieving one's goals, urging women not to expect overnight
success but to commit to consistent effort and resilience in their professional
endeavors.
In summary, Rabia Garib's impact in Pakistan's technology
and education sectors is profound. Through her leadership at Toffee TV, Rasala
Publications, and CIO magazine, she continues to shape the industry landscape
while advocating for greater diversity and innovation in technology. Her
relentless dedication and vision make her a role model for aspiring
entrepreneurs and technologists across the country.
Rabia Garib: A Trailblazer in Pakistan's Technology and
Media Landscape
Rabia Garib has carved a significant niche in Pakistan's
technology industry, earning accolades such as being named one of Pakistan’s “Top
100 IT Professionals” by P@SHA in 2018 and recognized among the “Top 50 Women
in Tech in Pakistan” by CIO Pakistan in 2019. She currently serves as the
Editor-in-chief of CIO magazine and is the CEO and co-founder of Rasala
Publications, which focuses on IT trade and technology publications.
Insights on Female Leadership and Work Philosophy
Reflecting on her experience as a female leader, Rabia
acknowledges the challenges and complexities of balancing professional rigor
with personal commitments. She describes herself as an extremist in her work
ethic, prioritizing task completion and efficiency over personal
considerations, a trait she believes is both a strength and a challenge in
leadership roles.
Advice for Aspiring Women Professionals
Rabia Garib’s advice to women entering the workforce in
Pakistan is grounded in her own journey. She encourages aspiring professionals
to dream ambitiously but emphasizes the importance of persistence and long-term
commitment to achieving their goals. Central to her philosophy is the
empowerment of women in the workplace, exemplified by her deliberate efforts to
hire and support female employees in her organization.
Leading Media and Educational Initiatives
In addition to her role at CIO magazine, Rabia is at the
helm of Toffee TV, a pioneering platform that aids children's learning through
engaging content in Urdu. Her leadership spans strategic business management,
content development, training, and design at Rasala Publications, where she
drives innovation and excellence in IT trade publications.
Recognitions and Achievements
Rabia's contributions to the industry have not gone
unnoticed. She has been honored with the LadiesFund Trailblazer Award for her
exemplary achievements and role as a female leader in Pakistan. Her stewardship
extends to heading PC World Pakistan, further solidifying her influence in the
technology consumer magazine sector.
Philosophy of Success
Known for her relentless work ethic and commitment to
excellence, Rabia Garib advocates for persistent effort and unwavering focus as
the keys to success. She encourages women in business not to chase immediate
wealth but to prioritize consistent dedication and continuous improvement in
their professional endeavors. Rabia herself exemplifies this philosophy through
her round-the-clock dedication to making a lasting impact through her work.
Insights on Female Leadership
Rabia Garib offers candid insights into female leadership,
acknowledging the complexities of balancing proficiency in work with staying
connected to reality. She describes herself as an extremist in her dedication
to tasks, prioritizing work efficiency over everything else. This extreme
focus, while a strength in achieving goals, can sometimes disconnect her from
broader realities.
In summary, Rabia Garib's journey is marked by a blend of
familial support, a dedication to IT fueled by childhood passions, and a
perspective on female leadership shaped by personal experience. Her story
underscores the importance of family encouragement in pursuing career
aspirations and the continuous evolution of personal passions into professional
endeavors.
