ne's proper education often stems not from classrooms but from life's winding paths. So it was for Yasmin Sait, a 61-year-old lifelong Learner, author, counselor, life purpose coach whose interview filled us with warmth, positivity, and the fact that whatever life throws at you, if you continue to believe in yourself and power through, no goal is too hard to achieve. Yasmin's life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability. In our conversation, she graciously shared her inspiring journey, highlighting how life's lessons have shaped her into the person she has grown to be today.

"Back in my family, not a single woman had stepped out to do something that I'm doing today or even today. I find that what I do, not many women get out there and do it," Yasmin reflects on her unconventional path.

Despite being born and raised in Mysore, Yasmin recently moved from Bangalore to her hometown. "My roots are here; my siblings are here," she says, explaining her decision to return,” But I recently decided to relocate because I wanted a change in my life." Yasmin's life journey, she believes, has been her most excellent teacher. "I come from the school of life. I'm a graduate of the school of life," she quips. Her story is a captivating blend of dreams, aspirations, and the courage to enter the unknown.

"I was never ready for life because I was never taught or prepared for life," she reflects. Unlike today's generation, where children are often advised to save for a rainy day, her upbringing was different. "In our days, nobody told us anything. They said, 'You are going to be a princess all your life.'" But life had its own plans. The turning point came when she was about 29 years old. "When a time came that I had to do something, I was not prepared. I had no idea what had to be done," Yasmin recalls. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, she found the strength to seize control and navigate her own path for herself and her kids. She got her first job at 28 in Ambience Engineering Private Limited as a customer care executive who handled over 3000 customers.

"My boss from then, who is still my mentor, is my sounding board. Even today, after 30 years, I return to him and have a very strong relationship with him. I feel like he's been my godfather; he's been my university." Her boss imparted invaluable life lessons, teaching Yasmin that the principles of life can often be applied to business. "The basics that he taught me, that you are a mother and how you handle your children. So that's how a customer should be handled," Yasmin explains. "When a child is crying, you don't beat or pressure the child; you divert the child's attention. So that's how customer service is maintained."

Two years into her corporate career, she got on an entrepreneurial path and started her own supermarket, “Value Mart”, which she ran for 15 years. Despite not having formal training in business terminologies, she managed the entire operation with determination and resilience. As her skills refined amid her supermarket's workings, avenues opened, guiding Yasmin to newer opportunities. "I was approached by Jubilant Retail for a process analyst role,” In her role, "translating business to IT and IT to business," skillful relay of each perspective benefited all. "There was one side of me with my experience and the other side with theoretical experience, both of which were married together, Whether it was margin optimization, investment on returns, or planogram. I enjoyed my role,”. Yasmin recalls. 

"I'm very flexible and love to bloom where I'm planted.  I felt I had done the best I could at the company with its growth,” Post this role, she decided to take a break, although a few months in, Yasmin, who had by now in life always worked or been involved in something, found herself looking for the next thing, and it was during this time that her daughter, Kubbra Sait, asked her to become her talent manager. She also took on the role of talent manager for her son, Danish Sait. Embracing this new role to the fullest, she was soon affectionately called a "momager." The term "momager" perfectly encapsulated Yasmin's multifaceted role – part mom, part manager, and all heart.

After a successful career of 10 years as her kid’s manager, Yasmin took a step back from managing her children and their personal lives so she could see them grow and flourish. Soon she took on a new adventure of putting down her thoughts in a book on a topic she felt strongly about. For so many, the later chapters of life can feel devoid of meaning. But not for Yasmin, who took her inspiration to new heights at 59. “I decided that now is the time to sit in a coffee shop. But then you're so used to being in the rut that you don't want to withdraw," she explains. "I wrote 'Manan' not just for me but for many other women to understand that life has to go on," Yasmin reveals. "Nobody becomes old." 

Her book, "Manan," is more than just a collection of stories; it's a testament to the resilience and potential of women over 50, emphasizing that age should never hinder personal growth and exploration. "I started talking to women, and I realized anybody who's 50 and a little above always said, 'Our time is gone; it's time for our kids and grandkids,'" Yasmin shares. Her book challenges this notion, encouraging women to embrace that their lives can flourish even as they support their children and grandchildren. She believes individuals must pursue their passions and interests even as they age to strike a balance and maintain healthy relationships.

"When you have something going for yourself, your relationships can be healthy, your connections can be healthy," Yasmin explains. Her book encourages women to find their own paths of personal growth and independence.

In Yasmin's own words, "I'm learning. I may make errors and mistakes, but I'm learning." 

Yasmin’s story resonates with what we believe in at GetSetUp – that learning never stops, and age should never be a barrier to growth and exploration. Learning is lifelong, growth springs from lives lifted through sharing authentic experiences, and we are all students of life. Be sure to join us tomorrow as we welcome Yasmin, our Guest Speaker, who will share her incredible life story with us live.