~ Have a clear vision. Be willing to adapt and innovate. Success is yours. ~
About
Farah El-Sbahi is an accomplished property expert with over 18 years of experience. A qualified barrister, her key to earning her client’s trust and winning in life and business is to be open, honest, and realistic about the actionable steps. Born in London to Syrian parents, Farah considers herself fortunate to call the UK and Syria her home.
Entrepreneur ~ What’s your definition?
“The entrepreneur has vision and is innovative; they strive to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of their industry and the world. If you do not innovate, you will get left behind. Adaptation is key.”
Characteristics of an Entrepreneur – Your top 3
Clear vision ~ A vision alone is insufficient; having clarity of what that vision is about is even more critical. A mother of two beautiful girls, Farah manages her home and work (Ladybird Living, Estate Agents) with equal commitment. She understands the autopilot ‘run’ mode in the day-to-day running of a business and encourages all to take a step back and reflect on the bigger picture. “This helps you reach your business goals and ensure you remain on track,” she says.
Adaptability ~ Farah emphasises the importance of adapting to external factors to keep the business growth momentum. She says, “When Covid hit, we streamlined our processes, cut down on unnecessary expenditure, and focused on the elements in the property industry that were lucrative despite the pandemic. We were also some of the few estate agencies who continued to do viewings during this time, whether virtual or with safe distancing in place.”
Ambition and Drive ~ It goes hand in hand, says Farah. “This motivates you to work during the hardest times. No boss is telling you what to do and by when – only you can give yourself that motivation.”
Entrepreneurship style – keep it loud and keep it real
Farah often articulates her future vision to others and herself. This supports her in connecting with the image she’s crafted, and by sharing it – she stays accountable to herself.
Challenge yourself and keep growing
Farah fills her cup with inspiring reads, music and podcasts. Her favourite podcasts are by Joe Rogan, Naval Ravikant and Russel Brand. She finds their content inspiring and thought-provoking – two things that guide Farah to reassess her strategies, adapt and innovate to external stimuli, and set herself up for success at each stage. For example, Farah continuously pushes for Ladybird Living to explore new ways to connect and support clients to buy, let and sell. With the ever-changing technological landscape, she believes it is important to remain aware of recent advances that can propel the business forward. Reminding herself of her why, Farah took the challenges in her stride, drawing strength from people and passages that inspire her.
What’s the best advice you have received?
“Why not me?” ~ one of the best pieces of advice she treasures from her dad.
How do you pick yourself up from a not-so-great day?
“I have an internal dialogue where I advise or encourage myself as though I am speaking with a sister or friend – as though my anxiety or worries are a “3rd person” to whom I need to restore confidence.”
What would you say to someone reading this?
“Success is not a straight line. See your failures as lessons which are bringing you closer to success. Learn from them.”
How would you describe your journey as a quote?
“If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
~Entrepreneur Your Life: Lead on your terms is an empowering account of women around the globe who carved their paths. Driven by passion and perseverance, these women created possibilities for themselves despite the odds. Resourceful and resilient, they represent remarkable strength of character and show us how to be the entrepreneurs of our life. ~
Category: Entrepreneur Your Life