SHE CAN FATIMA PATEL

She stands at the helm of RF Media & Publishing Ltd, holding the titles of CEO and Co-Founder. Her visionary outlook has propelled the company to the forefront of the media landscape. Serving as the driving force behind the UK's premier weekly British Asian newspaper, Asian Standard, where she also assumes the role of Managing Editor, she has left an indelible mark on the narrative of Asian media in the digital age. Additionally, her influence extends to the innovative online platforms Asian Sunday and Style. Her remarkable contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious Asian Women of Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship in the UK in 2022. Furthermore, she garnered global acclaim in 2023, receiving the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award for Leadership in International Print Media. With an exceptional track record of success, she continues to inspire and lead with unwavering dedication and foresight; Fatima Patel.

Share with us a summary of your professional journey?

I proudly identify myself as the visionary force steering the trajectory of RF Media and Publishing, a vibrant publishing house at the forefront of influential regional newspapers such as Asian Standard and the innovative online news platform, Asian Sunday & Style. As the exclusive female proprietor in the UK, my entrepreneurial spirit, shared with my mother, has propelled my media empire to become a shining beacon within the realm of Asian media titles, initially in the north of England and now extending its influence to London. My dedication goes beyond media, as I have initiated impactful ventures like the Bradford Curry Awards and the Inspirational Women Foundation CIC. These endeavours underscore my unwavering commitment to empowering women and championing gender equality. My journey is a testament to overcoming challenges, displaying resilience, and embodying the essence of a woman with a clear vision. In recognition of my contributions, I have been honoured with prestigious accolades, including the Asian Women of Achievement Award 2022, for Entrepreneurship, and the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Awards 2023 for International Print Media. My story has been featured prominently in the British television and press, underscoring the significance of my achievements. Through these milestones, I strive to inspire others, particularly women, to embrace challenges, persist in the face of adversity, and pursue their visions with unwavering determination. My narrative is a living proof of the transformative power of resilience and vision.

Share with us a summary of your personal journey?

Hailing from Bradford, UK, I am one of four siblings raised in a household deeply rooted in Indian heritage. Growing up, I actively contributed to my family's corner shop and took on the responsibility of newspaper deliveries. Despite starting as an average student, my trajectory shifted when I transitioned from a career in IT to pursue journalism, complemented by a diploma in nutrition. My journey is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, instilled family values, and a diverse skill set.

From humble beginnings assisting in the family business to navigating the complexities of education and career shifts, my story encapsulates the essence of adaptability and determination. Through embracing change and honing a varied skill set, I have forged a unique path that exemplifies the importance of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of one's passions.

What inspired you to explore a career in media and communications?

My venture into the realm of media was serendipitous, unfolding as a natural progression in my life. Growing up and working in my parents' newsagents, I found an intrinsic attraction to news. This initial interest propelled me into voluntary work, where I discovered a profound passion for journalism. Marrying this newfound enthusiasm with a strong business acumen, I took the bold step of establishing the first free Asian Sunday newspaper in the UK. Building on this success, I further expanded my footprint by launching the inaugural free Asian newspaper for London. The journey from a small, family newsagents to pioneering free Asian newspapers underscores the seamless fusion of my passion for journalism and entrepreneurial spirit. It's a testament to the unexpected twists that life can take, leading to the creation of impactful ventures that contribute to the diverse media landscape.

Was it easy to raise financing in the UK as a British Asian Entrepreneur?

Despite my fortune with savings and family backing, securing financial support from banks for female entrepreneurs in risk-averse sectors like media proves to be a persistent challenge.

Share with us details of Awards you have won during your illustrious career?

• Asian Media Best Publication 2022 Award;
• Asian Woman of Achievement – Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2022;
• The Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Awards 2023 for Leadership in Print Media;
• I have also won several local community awards between 2016 and 2023;
• Special Honour by Bradford Council in 2021;

How did you move forward when everyone kept telling you that your suggestions or ideas won't work?

The foundation of my journey rested significantly on self-belief and confidence, pivotal elements that propelled me forward. In navigating the intricate path of my aspirations, I placed unwavering trust in my vision, recognizing it as the guiding force that fuelled my pursuits. Embracing the ethos of hard work, I became intimately acquainted with the tenets of diligence and dedication, allowing these virtues to fortify my endeavours. Perhaps even more crucial was the cultivation of fearlessness in the face of risks. I confronted challenges head-on, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning.

This amalgamation of self-belief, confidence, hard work, and fearlessness formed the bedrock of my journey, shaping not only my personal development but also contributing significantly to the achievements and milestones that adorn my professional path.

How do you differentiate yourself from others?

Engaging in a perpetual competition with myself has become a cornerstone of my professional philosophy. The driving force behind my endeavours lies in a continuous quest to surpass my own achievements, each project serving as a stepping stone toward self-evolution. This approach not only instils a sense of personal challenge but also fosters a commitment to continual improvement. Rather than succumbing to the temptation of external benchmarks, I consciously steer clear of comparisons with others. My focus remains steadfastly on the journey of self-improvement, acknowledging that true progress stems from an internal dialogue and a dedication to refining my skills, knowledge, and capabilities. By embracing this mindset, I cultivate an environment that nurtures innovation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, ultimately sculpting the trajectory of my professional growth.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

After a decade-long hiatus caused by a debilitating accident that left me hospitalized, I triumphantly relaunched my London newspaper title. This publication has now achieved official recognition as the largest British Asian newspaper in the United Kingdom. The journey from adversity to accomplishment underscores not only my resilience but also the tenacity of the team and the unwavering support of our readership. The successful revival of the newspaper stands as a testament to overcoming challenges, reclaiming lost ground, and emerging stronger, ultimately solidifying its position as a significant player in the media landscape.

Have you been harassed or discriminated against?

Navigating through the landscape of my career, I have confronted the formidable challenge of misogyny. In my formative years, the journey was marred by discrimination while presenting business ideas, marked by unwarranted delays and inappropriate comments. Meetings with businessmen were often characterized by prolonged waits, culminating in dismissive remarks like, “why pursue this when I can treat you to dinner instead?” Remarkably, these very individuals now seek my counsel and support for their ventures. Over the years, I've had to consistently demonstrate my skills, earning respect through persistence. This hard-earned respect has not only empowered me but has also provided a platform to educate and influence positive behavioural changes within the industry I am a part of.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Dedicating myself to imparting the nuances of my craft to the upcoming generation, I am fervently committed to guiding and nurturing them on their journey toward becoming the finest versions of themselves. This involves not only sharing the technical aspects of the craft but also instilling values, fostering creativity, and encouraging personal growth.

My mission is to serve as a mentor, providing insights, advice, and a supportive environment that facilitates their professional and personal development. Through this mentorship, I aspire to contribute to the cultivation of a new generation of individuals who are not only skilled in their craft but also empowered and self-assured in their pursuit of excellence.

What would you like to achieve next?

Establishing robust pathways for women of colour to access and thrive in the realms of journalism and leadership is a paramount objective. It involves the creation of comprehensive frameworks that extend beyond mere entry opportunities, encompassing mentorship programs and financial support. These avenues are designed not only to open doors but also to cultivate an environment where women of colour can flourish in their chosen fields. The mentorship initiatives aim to connect experienced professionals with aspiring talents, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, insights, and guidance. Concurrently, financial support becomes a critical pillar, alleviating potential barriers that may impede progress and ensuring that aspiring women of colour have the resources necessary to navigate and excel in their professional pursuits. This multifaceted approach is geared towards empowering a diverse cohort of women, fostering inclusivity, and dismantling systemic barriers, thereby enriching the landscape of journalism and leadership with a tapestry of perspectives and talents.