Ziena Jalil doesn’t believe in boxes and is hard to put into one. With a career ranging from diplomat to business leader to Board Director to entrepreneur across New Zealand and Asia, Ziena draws on a rich experience of many worlds to bring equity and opportunity to those with diverse cultures, abilities and experiences.
She works across the public, private and NGO sectors, in governance and strategy, marketing and business development, and communications and stakeholder engagement.
Ziena is a keynote speaker, facilitator, MC and commentator on topics as diverse as economic development, international and vocational education, Asia business, leadership, diversity and inclusion, crisis management, nation branding, and politics.
She is the co-founder of myyodaa, a mobile app that’s like an ‘Airbnb for yoga and meditation’ - connecting students and teachers around the globe, via personalised, live, one-to-one video sessions – wherever they are, whenever they want, and at a price they choose.
As a young(ish) Kiwi Fiji Indian woman, Ziena identifies as much with Asia as she does with the Pacific. She has assumed leadership roles from a remarkably young age, including as New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore and board appointments. She was frequently the first in her demographic to be appointed to these positions.
Ziena has received several international awards for her work promoting New Zealand trade, investment and education in Asia, where she was based for 10 years. She’s helped some of New Zealand’s largest businesses build their reputation and revenue, advised Ministers, and worked at the grassroots supporting the growth of Māori and Pacific young people in professional careers.
A recent finalist in both the global and the board & management categories of the New Zealand Women of Influence awards, Ziena loves problem solving, and connecting people with their purpose.
"Find that sweet spot where your strengths and passion intersect. When you are doing something that you really care about and you're able to leverage your skills and experience, then you don't ever view work as something that just pays the bills. It becomes part of your life's purpose, and your mission, and that's just an amazing space to be."
