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ABOUT SAMIRA
Samira Hayat is a senior researcher at Lakeside Labs GmbH in Klagenfurt, focusing on communications and coordination in drone networks. She holds a PhD from the University of Klagenfurt, Austria, and is passionate about the ethical use of technology, particularly drones, for social good. Samira provides consulting in innovative drone use-cases and mentors in various technology-focused programs. Her advocacy for responsible technology use has made her a sought-after speaker at international conferences.
I AM DRIVEN BY CURIOSITY AND THE POTENTIAL TO INNOVATE WITHIN MY FIELD.
Samira Hayat
SAMIRA IN A NUTSHELL
Senior Project Researcher/ Project coordinator
Lakeside Labs/ Tech for Palestine
area of expertise
Research & Development Acceleration / Incubation / Innovation Pakistan 🇵🇰
companies Samira has worked for
SAMIRA AS A LEADER
My definition of success is having tried one's best to achieve goals. Sometimes even after our best effort what we set out to achieve doesn’t happen. I don’t see that as a failure. There is always immense learning in going through the experience of doing one’s best, and in situations where a specific goal is not achieved, the success is the learning through experience. I consider myself very successful. Staying passionate towards what I work for is how I check if I am successful. For example, my personal goal through life has been to work for humanity, highlight ethics and push social justice. In many cases I have not achieved what I set out to do, but staying true to my personal goal and working towards it come what may, and not being demotivated are my criteria for success. I have found purpose and passion to be the driving force for success. If one has a clear purpose behind what one works towards, believes in that purpose and strives with passion, one will be successful.
Leadership is not the ego fuel of the leader, it’s a service the leader provides.
Great Leaders are open-minded and lead with empathy..
The future of leadership is openness to distruption..
When I think of a leader, I think of growth.
OVERCOMING BIASES IN GENDER, RACE, AND APPEARANCE HAS BEEN MY GREATEST CAREER CHALLENGE.
Samira Hayat
SAMIRA ON BALANCING PASSION AND PURPOSE IN CAREER
Samira's career is driven by her dual passions for technology and social justice, which were inspired by her childhood fascination with sci-fi series and a desire to correct injustices. She believes that the key to success is having a clear purpose and staying passionate about it. This philosophy has guided her through various roles and challenges, from her PhD research on multi-drone networks for search and rescue missions to her advocacy for the ethical use of technology. By aligning her work with her core values and continuously striving for personal and professional growth, Samira exemplifies how passion and purpose can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
SAMIRA ON OVERCOMING GENDER AND RACE BIAS IN A MALE-DOMINATED FIELD
Samira has faced significant challenges related to gender, race, and appearance biases throughout her career. Working in the male-dominated field of drone technology, she has had to learn to stay true to herself, respect her femininity, and focus on the opinions of a trusted few rather than the prejudices of many. By maintaining her integrity and perseverance, she has not only succeeded but also paved the way for other women in her field. Samira’s story demonstrates the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the ability to navigate and overcome societal biases.
NO ONE CAN BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME; I OWN MY MISTAKES AND LEARN FROM THEM.
Samira on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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