With every career move, every initiative, and every act of leadership, Sima Saadat brings something rare to the table: a deep-rooted commitment to people over process, purpose over position.

As the upskilling firm General Assembly’s country manager for Singapore and director of international marketing, Sima combines strategic vision with empathy.

“Most of my career moves have been less about the position and the type of work done but more about the people,” she said in an exclusive interview with People Matters Global.

I knew that no matter where I went, if I was surrounded by people who respected my hard work and willingness to learn, I would grow.

This people-first philosophy has been the compass guiding her career. Today, she channels that same ethos into her own leadership.

“As a leader, I aim to create an environment where people feel valued and supported and have the confidence that I’ll always advocate for them even when they are not in the room,” she said.

Versatility in motion

Sima’s journey spans startups, marketing, international expansion, and now, workforce transformation. Through it all, adaptability has been her superpower.

Working in startups taught me how to wear many hats; I’ve had to learn the art of being versatile and develop a broad skill set,” she reflected.

“These experiences pushed me to learn on the fly and adapt to rapid changes, reinforcing the importance of agility and a willingness to learn.”

And when it comes to hiring talent on her team, she sees beyond the resume: “I prioritise those who show the right passion and potential, even if they aren’t the best in a specific skill or check all the boxes on paper,” she said.

Putting inclusion into action

General Assembly’s programmes go far beyond training students. They are, more importantly, about cultivating an openness to transformation among learners.

We believe our students’ journeys don’t end in the classroom,” she said.

This is evident in how Sima views upskilling as a means towards empowerment, particularly among women.

“My role as a leader and marketer is to amplify the stories of women who have entered and transitioned into tech roles – inspiring other women to follow suit,” she said.

For Sima, learning is about building one’s self-belief as much as it is about building new skills.

“When women pivot into tech, we understand it’s not just about learning or gaining new technical skills. It is also about building confidence, helping them navigate imposter syndrome, and providing a supportive community,” she said.

That community is nurtured in the classroom too.

“Our instructors emphasise fostering a collaborative learning environment by encouraging peer-to-peer learning, creating safe spaces for questions, implementing inclusive teaching practices, facilitating group projects that leverage diverse perspectives, and providing personalised feedback that recognises each student’s unique journey,” she said.

Accepting the new realities of work

In Sima’s view, building inclusive workplaces starts with something as simple – and powerful – as trust.

“Workplaces need to have the flexibility to support a diverse range of employees,” she said. “A simple start would be allowing caregivers to work from home as needed and trusting that they would still get their work done.”

Her own journey has been shaped by people who saw her potential – sometimes before she did. “Mentorship and sponsorship are the reasons I am where I am today. I have been fortunate to have managers who believe in me and advocate for me when I wasn’t in the room to advocate for myself,” she said.

One such defining moment still resonates deeply: “Receiving a promotion during my maternity leave,” she said.

With every milestone reached, it’s that blend of grace and grit that defines Sima’s perspective on success – a perspective that many working mothers might struggle to accept because of their unique situations.

“Do not compare yourself to anyone else as hard as that is,” Sima advised.

The truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect balance; you do your best, and your priorities and focus will shift accordingly.

“You just have to try your best and remember you are still the best mom for your kids,” she shared.

“Some weeks, I get quality time with my kids, wrap up my meetings at a reasonable hour and even get a few workouts. But the following week, my kids are sick or there is a fire at work, and all my focus is there.”

Inspiring a more equitable tomorrow

Sima doesn’t just talk about diversity – she builds it into everything she does. “Diversity is at the core of everything we do, and it is a conscious effort that we make,” she shared.

“The tech industry is becoming more diverse; I see change happening. And even if it is slow, highlighting it will inspire others in that position.” For one, more women are embracing the opportunity to learn new skills and explore new career paths.

One powerful sign of success is “the increasing number of women in our cohorts, particularly in fields where females have been underrepresented in the past,” Sima said.

Advancements in tech may move fast, but real change towards equity and empowerment happens at the pace of people – and that’s exactly where Sima chooses to lead.