My journey as part of the Women Emerging (WE) expedition has been one of profound self-realization and discovery. While I had encountered the terms Essence, Elements, Expression, and Energy—the 4E’s—before, this expedition allowed me to revisit them through a deeper, more personal lens. I began to understand how these pillars are not just abstract concepts, but a powerful framework shaping the way I lead. Through this experience, I explored, questioned, and ultimately redefined my own leadership style.
I’m Shaheen, an artist and curator with over a decade of experience in Pakistan’s dynamic art and cultural sector. Today, I lead a vibrant and diverse creative team comprising designers, illustrators, animators, producers, and storytellers from a variety of genders, generations, and backgrounds. Leading such a team goes beyond creative direction, it means strategizing with management, coordinating with departments, and aligning stakeholders toward a collective vision. It’s a role that’s as rewarding as it is complex, where every day offers a new challenge and an opportunity to grow.
I believe deeply that your education, cultural context, gender, and life experiences shape your voice as a leader. For me, creativity is the compass that guides my leadership. Being imaginative, empathetic, and able to translate abstract ideas into impactful, tangible results has been key to nurturing innovation, fostering team spirit, and leading with purpose. This expedition gave me the space to bring that creative lens into meaningful conversations with women leaders from a wide range of sectors. What began as familiar terminology—the 4E’s—soon evolved into reflective exercises that helped us examine our inner landscapes. Together, we explored how our unique strengths define the essence of how we lead. For once, we didn’t look outward—we looked inward.
One of the most powerful moments of the expedition was when we were asked to create a leadership mask, a symbolic representation of who we are as leaders. We were free to choose any medium, and I was immediately drawn to this exercise. It combined my two worlds: creativity and introspection. The task was simple in concept but profound in practice: design one side of the mask to reflect the leader you aspire to be, and the other to reveal what holds you back. I chose a digital graphic poster—a medium that fit our virtual exchange and allowed me to layer ideas visually and intuitively. This was more than just an art piece—it became a mirror to my subconscious.
As I started designing, the elements slowly revealed themselves: a beach, symbolising my longing for peace and serenity; a tribal mask rising in the air, representing my community, my team, my tribe; and geometric patterns, embodying the aspirations I carry as a leader. But the most poignant part was the back of the mask—silhouettes pulling the tribal mask downward, reflecting the internal struggles, doubts, and pressures I face. See my mask below:
At first, I wasn’t fully aware of these inner tensions. But as I created, layer by layer, colour by colour, my inner voice grew louder. What had been abstract became visible. What had been subconscious became known.
This exercise was more than creative—it was transformational. It helped me see not just the kind of leader I want to become, but the weight I sometimes carry in trying to get there. It reminded me that leadership is not just about strength—it’s about awareness, vulnerability, and growth.
Of all the exercises in the expedition, this was by far my favourite. It allowed me to connect with myself in a way I hadn’t expected. And in doing so, I began to unmask my leadership—not just for others, but for myself.
About the Author
Shaheen Jaffrani is a Karachi-based artist and curator with nearly a decade of experience in the arts and cultural sector. As Senior Project Manager, Creative and Exhibitions at The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, she uses multidisciplinary mediums to bring historical and cultural narratives to life. Her work spans conceptual art, curation, and design, with a focus on history, social change, and the environment.
