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1. We all know Zaheerah Bham Ismail as
an amazing talk show host, so tell us more
about the person you are off screen?
Jazakallah for your very kind words- you
humble me. I can only be as good as the
people I interview and every guest has been
remarkable, so they made my job very easy for
me. Off screen- this is where you find "me". I
love being with my family and friends. Despite
knowing many people, I have a very close
circle of friends that mean the world to me.
My family, immediate and extended, form the
basis of who I am. I am truly blessed to have
strong; supportive personalities around me
that have really helped me grow and thrive. We
are seldom at the malls- I just don't enjoy that.
So while my kids still don't have a yearning for
it, I'm making the most of their time with us
in our home. If we are not at an event, you'll
find me at home with my family. We love our
space and we love sharing it with others, so we
are often entertaining. I love reading and
writing. As much as technology has
progressed, I'm still a pen and diary kind of
person... much to my husband’s dismay.
Coffee/ Tea, a good toasted cheese and
tomato, Liquorice (has to be the original kind)
and some great banter and we’re good to go.
We often chat to friends until the early hours
of the morning about everything from
politics, religion, parenting, and current events
to just having a good laugh at my lame jokes.
It’s those 2am jokes that only a few select lot
of us will appreciate!
2. Would you consider yourself as an
influencer?
No I don't. I'm just trying to do the best I
can and hoping that I set a good enough
example for my daughters
3. What inspires you or better yet, who
inspires you and why?
Every single person I come across...from the
woman who has started her own home industry
business to make ends meet, to the young
student voicing the rights of so many voiceless,
to the uncle who at 78 decided to pen his first
novel. I don't believe any meeting is
coincidental. Every single thing is according to
plan. So I take the most out of every meeting
and I use that to help me grow. Not every
meeting is a positive one, but even in the
negativity there is a lesson for us. So whether
good or bad- Alhamdulillah ala Kulli Hal! I'm
truly inspired by the women in my mums’
generation- these are women of strength. We
can learn so much from them.
Every person who is true to themselves inspires
me. These people truly understand that what’s
meant for them won’t miss them, so they are
not afraid to share in any way possible of
themselves.
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