In conversation with Md. Adil Hossain Noble about his illustrious corporate career while being one of the most recognisable faces in Bangladesh’s media industry.
Over the years, you have built an illustrious career in the corporate sector, while still being one of the most well-known faces in the media industry. How do you juggle these two lifestyles?
A strategy that has served me well throughout my life has been my ability to say no, no matter how enticing an offer is. While I have been offered many good projects in my modelling career, I had to say no to many of them as taking them would have meant compromising my corporate career. I have been very careful in picking modelling or media projects because I didn’t want my public persona to interfere with my growth as a corporate leader. My eagerness to learn new things has helped me come this far in my journey, both in the media industry and in the corporate sector.
As someone who has a footfall in virtually every aspect of the media industry, what have been some changes you have observed in the industry over the years?
The biggest change in the media industry is that any individual that wants to express themselves now has the ability to do so very easily, as the technology is at their fingertips. Smartphones and the internet have made this possible. For instance, today, anyone who believes that they have a talent for singing but isn’t getting the chance to showcase their talents through traditional methods such as competitions on television can get a chance to do so through YouTube. In recent years, we have gotten many talented singers this way, for instance, Animesh, who was just featured on a Coke Studio Bangla song, stated his singing career on YouTube. On the other hand, there are also ongoing debates about what is the ‘proper’ way to express oneself, and whether this way of expression is acceptable socially. These groups of people want to stop others from expressing themselves. Thus, there are advantages and disadvantages to people being able to express themselves through the internet so easily.
“I don’t really have much work-related advice to offer young professionals. The work culture has changed a lot, and everyone’s individual style and approach to work is different. However, the advice I can give is, ‘be yourself’ in every aspect of your life.”
Can you share some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying fit in the midst of such a busy schedule?
These days, many people are living very unhealthy lifestyles. Young people in their mid to late 30s are facing severe health issues. They are eating unhealthy foods at irregular times, not sleeping enough, and are overall stressed out. The body is a machine and needs to be fueled at regular times. If you don’t give your body what it needs, you will have a myriad of health problems. One must meals that do not have too much oil or sugar in them. In addition, everyone needs to exercise, not to get muscles or six-packs, but to stay fit. Being overweight leads to a whole range of physical issues, but staying healthy requires just a little effort – you just need to eat proper meals and exercise. Making a few adjustments to your diet will help you lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, for snacks, instead of two shingaras, eat two bananas, which is much better for you, and instead of fizzy sugary drinks, drink coconut water. Eating well and exercising regularly are some things that I try to follow in my daily life.
Chief Enterprise Business Officer
Robi Axiata Limited
Photographs: Farabi Tamal