Catching up with... Rania Abdalla

When were you at Kingston and what did you study?

I graduated from Kingston Business School in 2000 with a masters degree in human resource management.

Why did you choose Kingston?

I'm glad I chose Kingston University as it has more than 30 years of experience running human resources programmes. Another reason for having Kingston University as my first choice was the convenience of evening classes as it allowed me to attend classes after work. I used to work in PepsiCo UK in their Richmond office as an HR Change Manager back then.

What do you remember about your time at Kingston? In three words.

Inspiring. Perseverance. Dream.

Have you been back to Kingston since graduating? If so what for?

Yes, just visiting and recalling nice memories.

What did you expect to do after graduating? Are you still doing that now?

Continuing my career in HR with PepsiCo, then opening my own business. Yes, that's what I did!

Are you still in touch with anyone from your Kingston days?

Yes, with friends and I am still also in touch with my lecturer, Dr Stephen Gourlay, who has always been very supportive.

What's your greatest achievement?

Being able to have my master's degree while working in PepsiCo UK. Also being the Global Executive Board Member for IRC Global Search Partners www.aspire-hr.com.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

Dream big.

What last made you laugh?

Spending time with my best friends and watching 'Modern Family'.

What's your ideal weekend?

Spending time with my family and friends.

You are to live out your final days on a desert island...

a. Who would you take with you and why? (one person only)

It's very difficult for me to take one person only. It's a tough question!

b. What book would you take and why?

Mindfulness. Practising mindfulness improves both your physical and mental state. 

Tell us something no one would guess about you.

I love my freedom and I get easily bored. Having fun at work is what keeps me going. I make sure I learn something new every day and I am always hungry to learn and develop myself… I learn from my kids, husband, friends, colleagues and I learn from my failures. Being passionate about what I am doing is my fuel and I am addicted to it.

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