Meet Dr. Sabeeta Bidasie-Singh | Operations Director – Houston Minority Supplier Development Council

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Sabeeta Bidasie-Singh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Sabeeta, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Taking risks includes stepping outside of your comfort zone, it is an inherent human trait and plays a key role in the life of a leader. As we get older, our risks are more managed but yet the art of risk taking can be seen as highly contagious.

I have been in leadership for over 20 years and it is clear that when your team sees you initiating risks and stepping outside of comfort zones, it drives innovation. Over my career I have taken many risks, but measured risks based on levels of uncertainty.

People are reluctant to take risks because they are generally afraid to fail, or being seen as vulnerable, being wrong or admitting they have limits. I have never been one to shy away from opportunities that can be life changing.

In the last 20 years I have changed careers by taking on a number of international leadership roles spanning over four continents while raising a young family. A great deal of my success in risk taking and it’s reward is attributable to:

– having a clear goal and vision for myself
– having relevant information to support my decision making
– being able to measure my resources against the costs of my actions
– Reflecting at intervals and taking remedial action
– Doing one thing that scares me every day
– Confidence in my abilities
– Learning to trust my decisions
– Understanding my limits and environmental constraints
– Increasing my emotional intelligence
– Being resilient

My words of advice to anyone reading this is to become a believer that “fortune favors the brave” and just listening to your gut – that inner voice of intuition is what drives your confidence. There is a fantastic book written by Ryan Holiday called “The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph”  that talks directly to how changes in your perception of risks helps temper your passions, letting your primal feelings become objective in order to access the truth and unleash your power.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I feel very privileged because every day I have the chance to make a difference in the life of a Minority Owned Business. I am an immigrant to America and I know the struggle that people of color face, it is a journey I have travelled, but I stand blessed because I get to help these businesses access opportunities, grow and have generational impact.

My journey was far from easy but at every step I was able to find a growth opportunity through my challenges. I have witnessed first hand the obvious gender biases that exist in the world, the under representation of female and especially immigrant talent. I know what it is like to be the only Caribbean woman in the room and the cost of letting your armor down. However, there are also advantages, because I know I am a “walking business case for diversity,” and I do my best to embrace it so that I can lead the way for other minority women.

My favorite Maya Angelou quote is “I come as one, but stand for ten thousand.” I believe that when you have that platform to share your insights and really make an impact, you should not waste that opportunity. I always try hard to share nuggets because I believe I’m here for a reason. I made it this far and there is important work to be done.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I would take them to Corpus Christi, not just for the beach life but for the rich history that is fundamental to understanding Texas. It is tied to the Old Indian Trading Grounds and links to Mexico but was very strategic to the Texas Revolution and the Mexican-American war.

A perfect day in Corpus Christi can be:

– Breakfast at Andy’s Kitchen or the German Bakery
– Catch some early morning fishing at Bob Hall Pier
– Midday exploration of the Blue Ghost warship
– Have a late lunch in town
– Hit the Beach (a must)
– End the day with dinner at Water Street Oyster Bar

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My success to a great deal is related to my support and value system. I have to thank my father – the son of an indentured servant in the Caribbean for teaching me how to be true to myself and believe that anything is possible. He taught me many things, but the value of persistence, resilience and commitment are forces that are constantly at work in my life.

My children taught me unconditional and selfless love, my husband taught me that there is power in the institution of marriage and having someone to share your journey with is important.

My mother is one of the strongest women I know and I learnt strength in the face of adversity from her. My brothers made me realize that the gifts of our childhood memories are some of my most valued treasures. And my team gives me the chance everyday to demonstrate the power of visible leadership.

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