Sumaiya Asghar

I’d say my success comes from a mix of curiosity, persistence, and purpose. I’m first-generation and the first woman in my family to go into tech, so there’s always been this quiet drive in me to figure things out, even when I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I fell in love with design early on, and I’ve stayed committed to learning, growing, and showing up...even when things felt unfamiliar.

A big part of it is also wanting to be the person I needed when I was starting out. That’s what pushes me to keep going, to do meaningful work, and to eventually mentor others who are trying to find their place in this space.

The best career advice I’ve received and truly learned over time is not to let one thing define your entire life. Early on, I put all my energy into my job, thinking that was the only path to success. But I realized that focusing on just one thing actually made me feel less fulfilled, not more.

I’m naturally curious and drawn to explore every idea that excites me, and I’ve learned that this is a strength, not a distraction. Real success, for me, has come from balancing my career with the other things that give me purpose, whether that’s creative work, personal passions, or building something of my own.

You don’t have to limit yourself to one path to be taken seriously. You can be ambitious in your career and still make space for the things that make you feel alive. That balance is what makes you better, more grounded, and more fulfilled in everything you do.

I would say always reach for the stars. It might sound cliché, but it’s true. If someone else has done it, there’s no reason you can’t, too.

It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially now, when it seems like everyone is achieving things faster or earlier. You start to compare timelines, circumstances, and think you’re already behind. But those thoughts don’t move you forward, they only hold you back.

Everyone’s path looks different. The only thing that really matters is whether you keep going after what you want. Don’t let doubt or comparison convince you that something isn’t possible for you. If it matters to you, it’s worth pursuing.

The market in my field has been really tough, and one of the biggest challenges right now is dealing with the fear around AI. With all the layoffs and constant talk about automation, it’s easy for people to believe that these roles won’t exist much longer.

But I’ve started to see it differently. The more that narrative comes up, the more it pushes you to get stronger in what you do. It forces you to think more deeply, defend your decisions, and show the value behind your work in a way that goes beyond what AI can produce.

The real challenge isn’t AI replacing you, it’s figuring out how to use it without relying on it. It can make you more efficient, but it shouldn’t replace your thinking. What we bring as designers is perspective, intention, and human understanding, and that’s not something a tool can fully replicate.

I also think it’s important not to let fear stop you from pursuing something you genuinely love. You can’t start your career assuming you’ll fail or be replaced. You have to start with confidence and trust in your ability to grow and stand out. That belief in yourself matters more than anything else.

I think my biggest value is honesty. It’s something I’ve always prioritized in my personal life, and I’ve realized it matters just as much in my career. Being honest about what’s working for you and what isn’t can completely change your path.

I really live by the idea that closed mouths don’t get fed. Speaking up has opened so many doors for me, whether in small, everyday moments or bigger career moves. When I felt like I had outgrown my role, I had a direct conversation with my director and advocated for myself. That honesty led to real growth, and I wouldn’t have gotten there if I stayed quiet.

I also value honesty from others just as much. I actively seek out feedback because I know I can’t see everything on my own. Hearing different perspectives helps me grow faster and stay open-minded. To me, honesty isn’t just about speaking up, it’s about creating space to grow, improve, and go after what you truly want.