Y&I desk

As a certified trainer and motivational speaker, G Sumdany Don is recognised as a versatile authority on the science of motivation and leadership. From completing the “Facilitation and Training Skills” with certified Master-trainer Sarah Krasker at the Master Trainer Institute(France) and training under global facilitator and brand-marketing mentor Trini Amador from BHC Consulting (USA) to working for Philip Morris International (PMI), he has had an illustrious career over the years. Throughout his career, he has worked in the field of marketing and sales and human resource and as well as in advertising. Currently he is the chief inspirational officer at Don Sumdany Facilitation and Consultancy. Y&I recently caught up with him for an interview.

How did you find yourself as a career counsellor?

When I was a student at ULAB, the founder of ULAB, Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed, conducted a workshop called the “Career Vision” which was a life changing event for me. That workshop inspired me to look beyond myself and taught me that human beings have immeasurable power to accomplish anything they dream of with their efforts and dedication. Once I graduated from ULAB, I went to Dr. Anis and conveyed my wish to continue the workshop that he had started. Being one of the most adored students of Dr. Anis, he appreciated my intention and granted my wish. That’s how it all started.
In 2011, I was invited by East West University (EWU) and gradually my career counselling continued to spread in other renowned universities such as Dhaka University, Jahanginagar University, North South University, and AIUB etc. Later on my students who joined other institutions and corporate houses invited me to provide counselling. The country manager of PMI, in the meantime, took notice of my passion for teaching and training and made me one of the regional trainers for PMI. He sent me to various international workshops on training which equipped me with 2 international certifications and the knowledge base to become a professional trainer.
In the meantime, I started training and counselling in other public platforms. Finally in 2014, I quit PMI to launch Don Sumdany Facilitation & Consultancy.

Why do you think career counselling is important?

In a country like Bangladesh, the number of fresh graduates is three times in comparison to what the market demands. The competition is fierce, but still corporate bosses are complaining that they do not find the “right fit” candidates for different roles. Students are studying in the different universities ultimately to build up their careers, and get great jobs. But the basic requirements to land in a good job - CV writing, interview skills, basic grooming and so on - are not taught to them. As a result, students with a lot of talent and capabilities, do not get the right kind of jobs. This is where I come in. Teaching them the basic necessities to help them get their dream jobs.

I ask my participants, “Where do they see yourself in the next 10 years or maybe 20?” We need to have clarity on this first, and based on this, we need to do everything that needs to be done in order to reach that goal. That goal would dictate what subjects to study, what should be our major or minor, what sort of connections, network, extra-curricula activities or part-time jobs we should be having. And if we do all these with ridiculous work habits, with passion, with the intensity to succeed – I don’t see any reason why we would not! However, I am a big believer of extra-curricular activities and I strongly believe that ECAs teach us more about life then what our textbooks will ever do.

Say something about Don Sumdany Facilitation and Consultancy.

Don Sumdany Facilitation and Consultancy is a Dhaka based training and consultancy firm. In the core of this venture is training. We have multiple NGO clients, and corporate clients, few of them are: Grameenphone, Chevron, Perfetti, Holcim, Envoy Group and so on. I have also worked with the United Nations, Democracy International, JAAGO Foundation, and Shishu Polli. Besides training we also provide consultancy. Right now, we provide brand marketing consultancy to ULAB and Omicon Group on a regular basis.

From your observation, what do you think about the young generation of Bangladesh? How they are moving towards their career?

I believe Bangladeshis out there has immense potential to do amazing things but we limit our potential within our own confinement. We put ourselves in a box and become comfortable within it and never want to get out of it. We can do amazing things in life, but we lack inspiration and we are easily de-motivated due to our external reality of employment, market conditions, nepotisms or traffic jam! That is why I am on a mission to inspire people to take lead in their lives and help them to rise above their own boundaries. I think things are changing fast, and the role of trainers and life-coaches like us are very important in helping this generation move ahead in their lives.

Besides career consultancy you are also busy with acting. Please tell us something about it.

I was very fortunate to be cast in the film “PipraBidda” by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The film really taught me a lot of things on how the media works,  the hardships of the actors and the crew behind the camera - which one can never understand when you watch on the screen or on the television screen. I have done few other television commercials including Banglalink, Pran Ghee, Fresh Ata, Radhuni Shorishar Tel and so on. I plan to act in some good drama or serials if I ever get the opportunity.

If you are to give top five advices to the youth - what would that be?

1. Positive Attitude: See human beings are like radio stations. We emit a frequency. As a result, we attract the same kind of people around us. Musicians, geeks,  sportsters , – all somehow hangout with their own types. Now, when you emit positive thoughts and show positivity in your body language – you attract other positive people and positive events will start happening in your life.

2. Never giving up: We all fail. All of us. It is only natural. But the difference between winners and losers is this – winners never give up. I mean you might try 20 times and then finally give up, but you never know if the thing hits the success button on your 21st attempt. Please, never, never and NEVER give up.

3. Playing with your strengths: If you are great at problem-solving, if people come to you for your advice when they face a crisis in their lives – that means this is your strength area. Now, doesn’t that make more sense to choose a career where your natural expertise or talent is the number one requirement for that particular job?

4. Continuously sharpening your saw: All our skills need to be either developed, or sharpened, or made relevant with the changing times and age. You might be an expert on something, but sooner or later it will fade or you would be attacked by competition. The only way to be a winner at all times, is by continuous focus on learning and developing yourself – on a daily basis!

5. Being Grateful: If you are reading this write-up, it might be you are already within the top 10% of the entire population of this country in terms of education or even socio-economic class. You are blessed and privileged already. Please focus on the positives of life, on what God has already given to you. Just be happy, positive, and grateful - and we all will shine.