Meet Failan Saleem, a Senior Manager at PwC’s Academy ME, with a passion for, and a remarkable track record in, teaching and leadership. With a wealth of experience in training, Failan is committed to both professional excellence and personal well-being. Explore his journey, from leading impactful training programmes and contributing to the ImpactHER initiative, to his future plans for enhancing well-being and creating an inclusive culture in organisations.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’ve been with PwC ME for over six years as a Senior Manager at the PwC Academy, where I lead on training programmes and qualifications in HR, Marketing, Procurement and Management. I ensure our training programmes are innovative and of the highest quality, delivering them to students, professionals, and C-suite executives, while collaborating with frontline employees and clients to drive both business and personal development.
I also contribute to our Corporate Sustainability initiatives, including being part of the ImpactHER programme organised by Women’s Choice to support and empower women entrepreneurs. Additionally, I mentor a fantastic team of women and I serve as a well-being mentor both within and outside the firm.
Outside work, I’m a parent of three children and a well-being expert. I’m currently training to become a Les Mills instructor, reflecting my interest for fitness and overall well-being. My greatest passion lies in training and helping people enhance and upskill themselves, both personally and professionally.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far and the moments that led you to your current role at PwC?
My career has blended business management, marketing, training, and education. I started as a medical representative, then moved to tech roles gaining insights into global brands in the technology sector. I also ran my own company for over 10 years, which offered marketing qualifications worldwide.
These experiences have come together in my current role at PwC's Academy, where I merge my passion for training with my expertise in business operations. I train professionals and students, manage business functions, and create impactful learning experiences. This unique combination aligns perfectly with my career goals and personal interests.
How does your work at PwC’s Academy contribute to regional development, and what drives your focus and passion for training?
At PwC’s Academy, my passion lies in helping people grow through lifelong learning, and that’s what drives everything I do. We are committed to building regional development by empowering individuals with the skills they need to succeed, whether they’re at the start of their careers or are experienced professionals.
In my role at PwC Academy, I work closely with and train a range of clients, including government institutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the region, focusing on contemporary people practices, driving change, building high-performance teams, and leading by example. My work involves developing leadership capabilities, nurturing essential soft skills and supporting clients in achieving globally recognised qualifications in personnel development, procurement, and marketing, helping both employees and senior professionals reach their full potential. This is what drives me every day - the opportunity to contribute to regional growth and help others achieve their best.
What motivated you to get involved in programmes like ImpactHER?
The ImpactHER programme is particularly meaningful to me because it empowers women entrepreneurs to create value and thrive. We partnered with Women’s Choice to deliver parts of this programme focusing on business growth, customer retention, and personal branding - key strategies for success. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide these women as they develop and implement effective strategies, build their personal brands, and become influential figures in the marketplace. We provided them with resources to grow their small and medium-sized businesses. Having run my own business, I understand the challenges they face and am passionate about helping them build sustainable enterprises and stand out in competitive markets.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities?
First, focus on identifying what sets you apart and how you can uniquely contribute. Whether it’s offering mentorship, or supporting community projects, find your distinctive approach and excel in it.
Second, while pursuing your passion is essential, building a strong support network is equally vital; one that believes in your vision and can offer guidance in the time of a challenge, and helps you balance personal, family, and professional responsibilities..
Lastly, embrace continuous improvement and innovation. Social entrepreneurship is highly competitive, and staying ahead requires regularly updating your skills and remaining adaptable. Also a supportive family, with flexibility, and gratitude for your unique strengths will help you thrive and create a lasting impact.
Could you share more about your passion for training, particularly in mental health, well-being, and your journey toward becoming a Les Mills trainer? What are your plans for expanding your impact in these areas?
Absolutely! I’m really excited to dive deeper into the areas of well-being and fitness. Over the next few years, I plan to become a certified Les Mills trainer, which will allow me to expand my expertise into a new area of training that I’m passionate about.
At PwC’s Academy, I already teach well-being through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 5 module and serve as a Mental Health First Aid trainer. These roles are particularly important to me because they are all about building a culture of trust and inclusivity. By focusing on mental and emotional health, I aim to contribute to a positive and supportive workplace environment.
My goal is to bring this emphasis on health and well-being to more organisations, helping to enhance their overall culture and impact. For me, it’s about being a trainer for the mind, body, and soul - both personally and professionally. I’m committed to taking training from mind to body, ensuring that every aspect of well-being is addressed.
How do you manage a healthy work-life balance?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, and I’m fortunate to have support from my manager and team at PwC, especially with flexible work arrangements. I prioritise balance by taking intentional breaks, such as disconnecting on Friday late afternoons to focus on gym workouts and stepping away from my phone. Self-discipline is key; I take responsibility for my own self-care.
I also ensure I get adequate sleep and engage in physical activity at least three times a week. Engaging in activities that bring joy, such as having a cheat day or quality ‘me’ time, help me disconnect from work and societal pressures. Additionally, practising gratitude supports a balanced mental state and overall well-being.
