Meet #LeadingLady Farah Nasser: News Anchor, Global TV

As a group of women working towards common goals for STYLE Canada‘s brand and business, we understand the value of peer support in the workplace. So, after our last Supper Club at Soho House, we decided to bring like-minded women in business together and feature them in an ongoing series: #LeadingLadies. Learn more about #LeadingLady Farah Nasser below. 

Farah Nasser – News Anchor, Global TV

SC: What is your greatest achievement over the past decade?

FN: It’s cliché but so true: being a mom. It has been the most challenging but rewarding endeavor of my life. Motherhood truly is like no other love, so deep sometimes it hurts. I’m very proud of the thoughtful, kind and caring little people my kids are becoming. I’m equally thankful for the life and relationship my husband and I have created over the past decade filled with mutual respect and trust.

SC: What social issue are you most passionate about?

FN: Even before the racial reckoning many individuals and organizations are currently undergoing, inequality has been at the heart of the many of the biggest challenges we face as a society. Education, the justice system, health care (as we’ve see with COVID-19), sport; the layers and depth are systemic. That has been a driver in my work and news coverage for the past five years. If we can’t identify and address what is happening we can’t fix it. Opening minds and offering perspective that individuals normally don’t hear is what I’m most passionate about.

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SC: Who has been a strong influence in your life?

FN: My parents, hands down. While they epitomize the immigrant spirit of coming to Canada with nothing and making endless sacrifices for their children, they were not typical immigrant parents. While we were enrolled in math and swimming, my dad also put us in circus and drama camp. Though they could barely afford it, our parents made sure we learned winter sports like skiing and skating so we never missed out. My dad also taught us about the world through the news, waking us up every morning with newspaper clippings. Our parents taught us about why perspective matters, to be curious, ask questions, and be humble. My brother and I both ended up as journalists, go figure.

SC: What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

FN: Speak up. Your experience and perspective matter and you have something to contribute. Not everyone will agree with your or like you and that’s okay. Let your work and passion speak for itself. Don’t hold on to your goals too tight because they will change and evolve. Also, life will challenge you, frighten you and leave you completely devastated at least a couple of times. These moments might seem endless but difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations. You’ll see.

SC: What is your 2020 resolution?

FN: I think it’s fair to say COVID-19 has changed all of us in one way or another. For me, the big lesson is our energy is finite. I’m working to shed anything that feels like an obligation. I’m learning to say ‘no’ to protect my energy for the important things in my life and projects I’m passionate about. Every year, my husband, kids and I go on a three week trip which I use as a social media detox. Going forward, I’m going to try to social media detox on weekends and put barriers up shielding those precious days off from work commitments to be completely focused on family. I turn 40 this month and time is going by too quickly. My resolution is to enjoy it more.