A Conversation With Farah Shouhani

Q: What do you do at BrightView?
A: I’m currently a Purchasing Agent. I procure all materials other than plants and irrigation.

Q: How long have your worked for the company?
A: I’ve been with BrightView for almost six months now.

Q: What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A: The position and duties are similar to the experience I gained in my previous job, however learning the landscape industry has been and still is a challenge. Understanding the different materials that we use and what to expect for standard pricing is crucial to my ability to successfully buy out a project.

Q: You have recently moved to the U.S. from Jordan. What have you been most surprised about living in the United States? Have you enjoyed your transition into this country?
A: Yes I have and it has been exciting. New experiences carry so many surprises. I used to think the term “cultural shock” was overrated, but I was wrong. I mean, I was aware that it would be a different community with a different culture/language/etc., but I wasn’t aware of how I’d fit into it, and I’m still figuring this out one situation at a time.

One of the things that does fascinate me is the opportunity anyone who is a hard worker and looking for advancement in their career can find. This is likely influenced by the space for career development that I’m experiencing here at BrightView.

As much as all of this is a challenge, it’s making me discover more of the things that I’m capable of, some of which I never thought I would be. It has its ups and downs, of course, but watching myself evolve through this experience is honestly the most enjoyable part.

Q: Your fellow team members have shared how inspiring your story is, including starting a new job in a new industry. What advice do you have for other women about taking risks?
A: To begin with, I hope I set a good example to all those referring to my story as inspiring.

My advice would be to focus! Focus on your goal, focus on yourself and avoid any distractions that have the slightest ability of slowing you down. Do not overthink it. It doesn’t mean taking risks blindly but think only of the necessities; push aside any additional thoughts that don’t have anything to do with the results and outcome you are working toward achieving.

I believe that as long as you do what you do wholeheartedly with hard work and an honest approach, the outcome will be the best it could be.

Above all, have faith. It’s what keeps everyone going.

Q: How do you make decisions?
A: Since I’m not a snap decision maker, I prefer to take a moderate amount of time to think it through, mainly to look at the decision I’m planning on taking and its probable outcome from every perspective possible. As well as make sure it’s fair to the parties that are being affected by this decision, including myself.

Q: What was the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A: One of the many pieces of advice that I’ve received, but has helped me grow the most is “Don’t claim that you don’t know how to do something if you have yet to try”. If you think about it, it’s another way of saying that you shouldn’t under estimate yourself. I have literally been using this advice in every aspect of my life and it has helped me learn a lot that I could’ve missed. We are all capable of so much more than we know of. Saying “I don’t know” is limiting our own belief in our capabilities and not trying is breaking the bridge to growth and knowledge.

Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning (related to BV)?
A: I have an unshakeable desire to prove myself in every situation. Each day at BrightView is another opportunity to learn, evolve, overcome challenges, and succeed.

Q: What advice would you give a younger version of you?
A: I would encourage the younger version to believe more in herself, to have stronger confidence in her abilities. I’d remind myself to not doubt the decisions I make, knowing that if I wholeheartedly work toward the path I choose, my efforts will be rewarded with even more exciting opportunities in the future.

Q: What is your superpower?
A: My superpower would be Loyalty/Dedication. To clarify, I have a strong sense of responsibility towards the organization that I’m part of, knowing its benefit will be mine. I’m 100% dedicated to be a factor of growth and success to anything I’m involved in.

Q: What do you look forward to in your future with BrightView? Personally?
A: That’s a tough question for a person with limitless ambitions. I’ll narrow it down and say that I look forward to taking advantage of the space to learn, grow, and expand my career. From what I’ve seen, BrightView offers opportunities for anyone willing to take the initiative.

Personally, I’m looking forward to more life experiences and an advancement in my education. There’s so much to learn about life that I’m curious about. I know I have so much more to accomplish and every day that list seems to become longer! I have to say though, another side of me is seeking stability. I’m pretty sure finding the balance between both of these goals will be my challenge.

Q: Now that you’re here, in hindsight would your decision be easier or more difficult?
A: Career wise, it definitely would have removed all doubt. I didn’t know what opportunities existed or whether my skills and education would transfer to a new country. I didn’t know that a company like BrightView would provide such inspiring support for growth and advancement. I honestly feel blessed to have landed in this organization. I didn’t fully realize what a great opportunity I had accepted until I integrated into my role and learned more about the team and BrightView as a whole.

Aside from that, if I had known about the hard time I’d have fitting in and holding on to my true self with all those changes around me, it would’ve probably made me consider backing down. To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t know, I would’ve missed the great opportunity that I found here.

Q: What did you underestimate in the process of changing countries and industries at the same time?
I underestimated “change” itself. I didn’t know that I will be feeling it in the tiniest details. At the time, what seemed like it would be the hardest was knowing that I would miss my lifestyle, family, friends, and streets that I had come to know as home. Although technology allows us to connect everyday no matter the physical distance that lies between us, it’s still as hard as I thought it would be if not more.

In hindsight, what has proved to be most challenging is that everything I knew changed. My entire community, from the people at the local store to my coworkers and peers, it’s all completely different. Everything I knew has changed in a very short period of time. I know that with time, my sense of stability will increase and my strength to persevere will only prepare me for the challenges that lie ahead if I keep my strength, focus, and faith in the process.

Observing my strength throughout this rollercoaster makes me really proud of myself. Regardless of the outcome of this experience, it will forever be a major part of my growth.

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