From humble beginnings to leadership: the inspiring journey of Huzaifa Mohsinally

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream; you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, and they wanna tell you you can’t do it. You want something? Go get it. Period.” Huzaifa Mohsinally shared one of his favourite quotes from The Pursuit of Happiness as a valedictory speaker at one of our recent graduation ceremonies. Huzaifa’s journey from a small town near Mumbai to becoming a senior business leader in New Zealand is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity, pursuing dreams, and inspiring others.

Early life and diverse upbringing

Huzaifa’s story begins in Karjat, near Mumbai, where he was born into a family of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. At three, his family relocated to Singapore, where he lived for ten formative years. “I grew up in a multi-cultural environment with friends who were Chinese, Indian, Tamil, Malay, Europeans, and many others,” Huzaifa recalls. This diverse upbringing instilled in him values of inclusivity and fairness. “My parents brought us up to treat everyone fairly and judge them by their actions and nothing else.” 

Significant challenges marked Huzaifa’s childhood, each teaching him invaluable lessons. A domestic accident left a scar on his face, which his mother called his ‘lucky mark’. “In life, certain things will scar us, but it’s what makes us different,” he reflects. He also survived a near-fall from a third-floor balcony and a severe cut that required 12 stitches. “Tough times always pass, and time heals everything,” he learned from these experiences. 

Journey to Aotearoa New Zealand

In 2013, Huzaifa arrived in New Zealand with just two bags and around $2000, driven by a hunger to learn and succeed. His early days were tough, characterised by cold winters and modest living conditions. Determined to find his footing, Huzaifa took on a door-to-door sales job, which proved to be a turning point. “I knocked on doors and showed up to work regardless if it was sunny, rainy, windy, cold, or dark. It taught me a great deal about communication, negotiation, influence, sales, and personal rapport,” he says. This job paid the rent and laid the foundation for his future career.

From navigating visa processes to adapting to various roles across a range of industries, each challenge has instilled in him a deeper sense of perseverance and adaptability. “Life will always have something in store for you; it’s your decision whether you see them as opportunities and learning or challenges and obstacles,” he reflects, highlighting his optimistic outlook.

Educational milestones at Massey University

Huzaifa’s academic journey took him through Waikato Institute of Technology, where he completed a NZ Diploma in Engineering, and the University of Waikato, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering, both with First Class Honours. However, his time at Massey University, pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), proved transformative. “My education experience at Massey has been life-changing. It gave me an edge over other leaders,” he states.

Supported by scholarships and the belief of his mentors, Huzaifa excelled in the EMBA programme. “Thank you to Professor Jens Mueller, the Massey Executive Development team, and the wider Massey University faculty for believing in me and supporting me right through,” he expresses in his graduation speech.

Professional growth and leadership philosophy

With over a decade of combined experience spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare, renewable energy, plastics and food manufacturing industries, Huzaifa has risen to significant leadership roles, including his current role as Export Business Manager at Goodman Fielder New Zealand. His leadership style embodies radical candour and is deeply influenced by his diverse experiences and the lessons learned from mentors and peers. “It’s not about you. It’s about the people you lead,” he emphasises, highlighting the importance of creating environments where team members can thrive.

Huzaifa’s journey was not without setbacks. One of the most significant was working for poor leaders early in his career, which taught him valuable lessons about hiring based on merit and potential. “Diversity that adds value to organisations is important, not diversity for the sake of diversity. As a leader, hire based on merit and attitude, not how people look, speak, dress, the colour of their skin, their accent, or the company they keep,” he advises.

As a senior business leader, Huzaifa’s decision-making process is systematic and data-driven. “Objective data in the form of facts and figures should drive conversation, not feelings and emotions,” he asserts. Balancing immediate business needs with long-term strategic goals involves evaluating risks, rewards, and the opportunity cost of inaction.

Huzaifa’s experiences in international business have revealed surprising insights. “Relationships and loyalty matter more in other parts of the world than profits and metrics here in New Zealand,” he notes. He emphasises the importance of in-market meetings to build and strengthen partnerships and encourages a shift from focusing on limitations to highlighting possibilities.

Vision for the future and mentorship

Throughout his journey, Huzaifa has been shaped by several mentors, including his mother, his first manager, and various leaders he has worked with. “My mother has always taught me to be authentic, honest, have integrity, and help people. My first manager Julian, who is the reason I am where I am today, gave me opportunities that led to more opportunities, teaching me to give chances to people, especially the underdog,” he shares.

Huzaifa maintains his drive and passion through several practices, including having strong anchors, being grateful for what he has, and setting big, audacious goals. “Learn to adopt the concept—you don’t fail, you only learn,” he advises. Giving back to others and helping them achieve their goals also fuels his passion.

Huzaifa is committed to promoting diversity in leadership and helping others achieve their professional goals. Currently, along with his role as Export Business Manager at Goodman Fielder New Zealand, he has recently established a unique consultancy, HM-EXEC. This consultancy aims to assist professionals at all levels (graduates, junior, middle, and senior) in building their brand, telling their story authentically, and excelling in their careers. Huzaifa’s mission is to foster growth based on merit and competence, particularly in leadership roles.

He conveys a powerful message to the students of Massey University based on his own experiences: “Despite numerous hardships, including adapting to a new country and culture, finding my brand, learning to speak with confidence, and facing countless failures and rejections, I have persevered. What’s your excuse? My three cents of advice—NEVER GIVE UP!”