Reema Ayub – Where Psychology Meets Corporate

Childhood can be a strange, complex mix of joys and challenges, and for me, it was no different. My friends used to call me “filmstar Reema,” which, rather than feeling flattering, became a source of shame and hurt. Growing up, I was taught that people in the television industry weren’t considered “good,” and this perception stuck with me. As a result, I sought refuge in books and the company of teachers, isolating myself from my peers. One defining moment came during my matriculation farewell party. When my mother asked, “Why aren’t you crying?” I confidently responded, “I’m happy because I won’t have to come here anymore.” What I really meant was, “I’m happy to leave behind my loneliness.” This powerful belief fueled my hope for a new beginning, and it came true on my first day of college. In the library, a girl asked, “What’s your name?” I replied, “Reema.” The giggles around me reminded me of my past, and without hesitation, I added, “But you can call me Minna—that’s what I like to...

Problems often begin when we start perceiving them as problems. Without that perspective, many challenges remain neutral or manageable. At my workplace, a relatable example unfolded when we shifted to a new office. One of my colleagues struggled immensely with using shared facilities like the washroom and kitchen. Her unease, fueled by being one of only two women in a predominantly male environment, grew into significant distress. While I adapted by treating the space like my new home—utilizing all the facilities without overthinking—her resistance escalated her anxiety. Over time, this discomfort morphed into feelings of isolation, maladjustment, sadness, and mood swings. Eventually, she developed adjustment disorder and resigned due to a persistent "feeling of loneliness" at the workplace. This scenario highlights a fundamental truth: nothing is inherently challenging, difficult, or impossible until we allow our mindset to make it so. Often, it’s not external circumstances ...

During an interview today, I was asked to briefly introduce myself. I simply said, "I am a good human being." The interviewer responded, "Only?" I replied, "Yes, because to be truly human is to understand and empathize with others. For example, as a person of faith, I can deeply relate to the beliefs and feelings of people from different religious backgrounds." Healing is not just about the passage of time. It’s about the ability to let go. Imagine wiping away the dirt, the clutter, the emotional weight, just like cleaning a surface. It's about embracing yourself with love and compassion, as if you're meeting yourself for the very first time. You are beautiful, worthy, and deserving of love. You have the right to love others, regardless of whether that love is returned. It’s also not always necessary to express your love outwardly. Some people may be lost in their own world, struggling with self-centeredness or emotional challenges. Let them be. Al...

In the realm of human connections, a profound incident unfolded, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence and the importance of respecting diverse perspectives. Meet Miss B, a kind-hearted individual who embodies the concept of non-romantic love – a genuine care for another person without any romantic or sexual undertones. With good intentions, Miss B expressed her feelings to Mr. A, who was unfamiliar with this concept. Unfortunately, Mr. A's reaction was marked by verbal abuse, defamation, and harsh judgment, even criticizing Miss B's appearance. This unexpected response triggered a panic attack in Miss B, underscoring the need for emotional intelligence and empathy in our interactions. The Science of Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in ourselves and others, and to use this awareness to guide thought and behavior. This vital skill enables us to navigate complex social situations, build stronger re...