03/08/2026
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮
Sometimes, the best friendships begin with a mistake. Sometimes, a simple error can lead to a connection that changes your perspective forever.
That is exactly what happened to me in October last year while travelling to Malaysia for the FOBISIA Leadership Conference.
I chose to fly with Qatar Airways as I had never flown with them before and wanted to tick another airline off my list. What I didn't realise was that I had accidentally taken the wrong seat. Fortunately, no one seemed too concerned.
What was even more surprising was that the lady sitting next to me had also taken the wrong seat. 💺
One look.
One smile.
One human connection. 📶
What followed was a seven-hour flight from Manchester to Doha filled with conversation, laughter, shared ✈️ experiences, and genuine connection.
As we talked, I discovered that she was a highly respected figure in the Middle East, with involvement in numerous architectural projects and organisations, including the incredible sculpture at Hamad International Airport in Doha. She was also a former teacher who had worked at some prestigious schools in the UK.
At some point during the flight, I intended to open my laptop and refine my keynote presentation for the conference. After all, this was my first time presenting at leadership level, and it felt like a huge moment in my professional journey.
But something more valuable happened instead.
I spent those hours learning from another human being. 🗣️
The flight passed in what felt like minutes, and before we knew it, we were parting ways before our connecting flights. Before leaving, I gave her a "Gift of Time" wristband. Then it was time for me to sprint across the airport to make my connection.
The lady's name is 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐚 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐝
Since that chance encounter, we've built a friendship that has continued to grow.
Fast forward nearly a year….. ⏰
I noticed she was still wearing that wristband.
Yesterday, we recorded a podcast together for her platform, "𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙨" discussing the global impact of positive intervention, how lived experience can help shape outcomes for young people, and what's next for the platform in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
it's a reminder that meaningful relationships can emerge when we least expect them.
All because two people sat in the wrong seat.
Thank you for your time, Shahida . I'm grateful that our paths crossed, and I'm sure our journey is only just beginning.