Serendipity matters - Dr. Rahanna Juman, Wetlands Ecologist

In this our third episode Dr. Rahanna Juman, Wetlands Ecologist discusses her  twenty four year journey at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA). 

Along her journey from Intern, to Research Officer to Deputy Director and now Director (Acting) she shares how her strengths;perseverance and hard work helped her.

Her biggest challenge came as she moved up within the organisation and now managed persons who were her former peers. She shares the importance of doing what is right and being fair to people.

Through it all her faith in God, family support, the ability to pay attention to cues from people, and to leverage opportunities contributed to her success.

She encourages young people to be true to themselves, be happy, be content, help people and whilst making money is important a focus on making a difference is more important.

Transcript

Rahanna Juman/Serendipity Matters

Wed, 3/17 12:40PM • 29:12

SPEAKERS

Beverly Foster-Hinds, Rahanna Juman

Beverly Foster-Hinds  00:05

Welcome to the tune into yourself podcast. This is your host Beverly Foster-Hinds. This programme is for persons who want to make decisions, which are in alignment with their true selves, and which can take them to the next level. In Episode Three, our guest is Dr. Rahanna Juman, a Marine Scientist, specializing in wetlands ecology. Hear how she tunes into herself, as she moved from Intern to Research Officer, to Acting Director. Our guest today is Dr. Rahanna Juman, and I wouldn't give too much of an introduction because you would learn much about Dr. Juman when you hear her story. So Rahanna, welcome.

Rahanna Juman  00:57

Thank you. Thank you.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  01:00

When you were growing up, what was your dream job?

Rahanna Juman  01:06

Growing up like every other child in my time, you wanted to be a doctor, a medical doctor. However, my father was the only person working in my family, and he was self-employed, and we couldn't afford that. I did what I could afford at the time, because back then you didn't have GATE and all these assistance programmes. You had to pay your tuition.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  01:29

Right. Okay. And what is your current job? 

Rahanna Juman  01:40

My current job is Acting Director at the Institute of Marine Affairs, which is a government funded research institution. But my profession is a Marine Scientist, who specializes in doing research on coastal ecosystems, particularly wetlands, mangroves, and so forth.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  02:00

Tell us a little bit about your career journey; where you would have started; and you can give us some key highlights to you reaching to the position that you are at now.

Rahanna Juman  02:15

When I was at UWI, as I said, I couldn't afford at the time, to do med. So I did the next best thing, which was the natural sciences, because natural sciences was always easier. The science was always easier. When I had completed my BSC, I had an Upper Second Bachelor in Zoology and Botany - a pretty good degree - I used to work in my father’s shop... I had a shift. Every evening I would go work in the shop, and I used to do my studies in the shop. There was an old gentleman that used to come to the shop to purchase items, and he would always chat with me about school and so forth. After I completed my degree, he asked me what I was going to do. So I said, well, I'm looking for a job. He knew somebody at the Institute, and they were interested in someone to do a master's in mangrove restoration. So I actually entered the Institute on a four-month contract as a research assistant to the wetlands ecologist, with the intention of registering to do this mangrove restoration project, which was going to be funded by Trinmar. At that time, the wetlands ecologist at UWI, Professor Bacon, was also on the institute's Board of Governors. It was easy because he was looking for this student and I was available. So that's how I started my career with a four-month contract with the Institute of Marine Affairs. I went in there and I worked with the then, wetlands ecologist. But he got a scholarship and was leaving. And then we got a new director at the Institute. He had asked if the wetlands ecologist was leaving, who's going to continue? And I said, well, I am on a short-term contract. At that point, they offered me a fellowship to do my MPhil Research. So IMA basically paid for my research and gave me a stipend, and I did work for the IMA - research work. When I almost completed my MPhil, I went for an upgrade to a PhD, so they gave me another fellowship to cover my PhD research. When I was completed, I was offered a position at the institute as a research officer. I laughed and I tell everybody that I've had every position at IMA from intern to technician, to junior research officer, research officer, Senior Research officer, Principal research officer, Deputy Director. Now I'm Acting Director.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  05:01

Wow. So how long have you been at the IMA?

Rahanna Juman  05:04

Actually, September 2 was 24 years.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  05:08

24 years...

Rahanna Juman  05:10

I literally grew up at the Institute and the IMA was my first job. I never worked prior to that.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  05:17

And that journey that you've just described, was all of the different possible positions in the IMA; from technician to research officer, to principal research officer, Deputy Director, now your acting director, right? Do any key things stand out on that journey? A major lesson you would have learned 24 years at an institute, going from point A to point Z?

Rahanna Juman  05:53

There were many challenges throughout, you know, with management and your supervisors and that sort of stuff. You just had to find ways to overcome. My focus has always been... my passion is research. I love what I do. I just did my work. People knew that I was competent, and I did my work. That helped me. So even when things were tough, I focused on that. One of the biggest challenges, I will say, is that when you transition from being just a worker, research officer, and then you go into management... many times you're not always prepared for that. Because these are the folks that were your colleagues that you would interact with. And then all of a sudden, you became the manager, and you had to manage them. That was a very challenging time for me. It brought on a lot of stress. And with the stress, of course, you had the medical issues. I had to go through a period, actually about at least five, six years, where I was very ill. I had to learn to manage stress. At the end of the day, you do what you know to be right. You follow your heart, and you always try to do what is right. You lose a lot of friends along the way. I tell people that being at the top of the Institute as Acting Director is a very, very lonely position. You have very few friends now because you expect people to do their work.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  07:34

Right. And how do you cope with the loneliness in that position, having come up through the ranks and knowing people for so many years?

Rahanna Juman  07:53

The thing about it is when you come up through the ranks, there's a sense of familiarity amongst staff, so they know you from the time you came in, and when you transitioned. They don't treat you with the same level of respect that they would treat someone who's now coming in at a higher position. So I've had those challenges. I pray a lot. God is my guide. That's the first thing I do every morning; and I focus on what is important. In the past, I used to be very concerned about what people think - who likes me, who don't like me, and so on. But now that doesn't bother me anymore because I try to always do what I know to be right and fair. Sometimes even when you go down in life, certain times in your career, certain things you don't expect. But then I went through a very challenging period where I got a supervisor who made my life very difficult. You wouldn't understand why, but you had to go through that journey. And I guess that, in a sense, makes you stronger. I know people say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and people say it's a cliche. But it's so true, because it does make you a lot stronger. When I mean stronger, I mean not physically stronger, but spiritually stronger, emotionally strong.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  09:23

That is something, and it's true. When you grow up in an organization, you know there's the famous proverb that talks about how you're not really respected in your own land. So, sometimes you would have people going to a different land because in your own home country or land, you're not respected. What would you say are a couple of major strengths that have helped you on your journey so far?

Rahanna Juman  09:55

I think I've been consistent and persistent. I know how to persevere. There were times when things were very tough and I thought about giving up. But I kept going at it, and continue doing what I know to be right. And hard work. Work hard and focus on what is important. That got me through. I think it’s that ability to really persevere and not give up. And also, I think my faith has a lot to do with it, and that, of course, is linked to the way I was brought up in my family. I have faith, and I have a lot of family support. I have a very stable family, and a lot of family support. So that really helps you through as well. 

Beverly Foster-Hinds  10:36

Okay... alright...

Rahanna Juman  10:39

One thing I wanted to add with regards to what we were talking about: what I've noticed at the Institute, it's easier when you're a guy, I think it's tougher when you're a woman.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  10:55

Okay... explain that a little bit more.

Rahanna Juman  11:03

I've come through the organization, you're familiar with me, you know my competence, you know my work... and you don't have the level of respect you should have for me. But if somebody comes in especially if it’s a male; you don't know anything about them, they haven't proven themselves, but the way you treat them is quite different than how you would treat a woman and I've seen it at the Institute.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  11:27

Right... how would you have dealt with that; with that difference in treatment because you're a woman?

Rahanna Juman  11:39

Well, even when I was going through my difficult time with my supervisor, it took a lot of faith. A lot of prayers, a lot of guidance... you suck up a lot, you take a lot, but you know that it's for a purpose and that you're getting stronger. You learn from the experience. Sometimes people expose themselves, so you just know how to treat with them.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  12:06

Right.

Rahanna Juman  12:07

And one of the things that I try to do based on my experience, and I've also noticed that I get a lot of difficulties, actually from females like myself, is that I tried not to do to others, what people do to me. So if I didn't like when somebody treated me bad, then I need to not do that to somebody else. I like to build and give encouragement to female researchers. Because of that I have tried my best to be different, and not treat people the way that I was treated. I try very much to mentor female researchers and give them the encouragement so that they can grow and develop into better researchers. 

Beverly Foster-Hinds  12:49

Okay, great. There's an age-old thing about - whether it's true or not - as you mentioned a little while ago that women don't really help each other in moving forward. How have these female researchers responded to your mentorship?

Rahanna Juman  13:20

There are people that respect me and ask questions, look for guidance and so forth. And, of course, you would always have the couple who would oppose you. I've had it both ways. But as I said, my intention is always to build people up. Always work towards building and developing, first.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  13:45

That is so important, because to me, that's a major job of anyone in leadership; to be looking to build up and to get the best out of their team.

Rahanna Juman  13:55

Sometimes you have to know where you can make an impact. There are some people that like wasting a lot of energy. So you focus on the ones you know that are willing to learn, grow and develop, and you give them the support that they need.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  14:14

Now, in that journey, you mentioned it's been 24 years at the IMA. It's the first and only job that you've had. When you look ahead a little bit, where do you see yourself? You know, there's a lot of talk internationally and regionally about the whole climate change and stuff like that, you know, where do you see yourself?

Rahanna Juman  14:54

Well, I'll be honest with you: one of the reasons why I'm still here is because of my dad. I have a strong family connection, and I want to be here to take care of my dad. But at this stage in my life, I look at where I want to go, and I don't mind at this point being the Director for the Institute, because I think I'm in the best position to lead the organization at this point. And I've always said that I wanted to leave the IMA better than when I met it. So I don't mind for at least another three years, working at the Institute. But one of the things I'm interested in is international development. Back in 2015, I would have actually graduated with an LLB - a law degree. And I'm considering doing a postgraduate degree in international development, because I want to help people; I want to make a difference. You know, it's not about making a living or getting a paycheck, it's about making a difference. How can I be impactful? If I can help people make a difference in terms of their sustainable development and utilizing their environment to generate revenue in a sustainable manner, I would want to provide that service.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  16:10

Now, during your journey, you would have had to make several important decisions, right? How would you say you tune in to yourself? Some people say they use their head, some people say they use their heart, some people say they use their gut and that's their instinct. Some people say to us all three. How do you tune into yourself, when you have important decisions to make?

Rahanna Juman  16:38

I can tell you, a couple years ago, because of the situation I was in with my supervisor, and how difficult my life was at that point, I was considering leaving the institute and maybe looking for a job internationally. And I remember, I went to a meeting in France, in Paris, and I was in the hotel room basically praying, asking God for guidance. Should I do this? Should I leave? And, you know, I felt as though I got the answer. So sometimes, if you use your head, you overanalyze things. Then you just have to listen to your heart, because that's where God speaks to you and provides you with the guidance. I do that. I pray that I am confident I'm making the right decision.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  17:32

Okay. Great. And, you know, that is how you would usually proceed; and that has worked for you? 

Rahanna Juman  17:43

Yes.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  17:43

Basically, using your heart.

Rahanna Juman  17:45

Every day I pray for guidance. And I listen to Him. He has a way he speaks to you. Whether it's through your heart... through people. Sometimes he sends people to guide you. So you look out for those kinds of things: the signs and the signals.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  18:04

Now, I have two questions. What advice would you give a young person today who might be unsure? Because there was a bit of serendipity, I would say, because you started off working in the shop, then somebody who was a customer was coming to the shop and... you know. What advice would you give a young person today as they're trying to find a path? There’s no path; now they're talking about your ”circle”. Because, you know, it's so much going on. What advice would you give them?

Rahanna Juman  18:51

I think you have to really listen to your heart and look at what makes you happy. In terms of your career path, I hear a lot of folks talking about making a lot of money. You may make the money, but that might not be what makes you happy. I think it's about not just making a living, but making a difference. You need to ask yourself, what do you want people to remember you by, after you have gone? What legacy are you leaving behind? What impact do you want to have? And again, it's also about being happy and contented. Life didn't turn out exactly how I planned. I mean, I thought I would have gotten married and have a bunch of children and so forth. Right? That didn't happen. But I'm happy because I have my family; I take care of my niece. I have a child. She's just not mine, but that doesn't stop me from taking care of other people's children. So it's fine in that comfort; that place where you feel comfortable; you feel as though you can make a difference and make an impact, and at the same time make a living. The focus shouldn't just be about the money.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  20:17

This is kind of a popular question these days: What advice would you give your younger self? Looking back at your career path, as you said, back in the day everybody wanted be a doctor, because that's what you would have seen. But you ended up being successful and well known, both locally, and I would even dare to say, internationally in your field as a specialist and as a wetland ecologist. What advice would you give a younger self?

Rahanna Juman  20:58

I think I was very blessed, I have to say. Throughout my life God put people to guide me. Every time I needed to move to the other stage, there was somebody there to help me get to that other stage. So you know, you just have to look out for those people who are put there to provide you with guidance and to lead you. Just be conscious. Be conscious of the people around you. Be very careful who you choose as your friends. Always look for people who can take you to the next level. If you're the brightest person in your group, then you need to find a new group. It's important to have those kinds of things, those persons who can guide you, and teach you as you go along. Enjoy life. Sometimes we get so caught up with all the material stuff, and the car payment and this payment and that payment, and we're just working ourselves to death. And we're not enjoying our life, we're not enjoying our family, we're not enjoying our environment. Just appreciating the things that God has given us, is important. We need to take that time to appreciate those things, and to appreciate God as well and be grateful. It's very important that you do that.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  22:27

I think being grateful is something that is underrated. And it is something that makes a tremendous difference in your life. If you can be genuinely grateful and genuinely appreciative of all that you have been blessed with. 

Rahanna Juman  22:52

When you look at your parents... our parents they provided for us. They didn't have the opportunities that we have today. So, we have to be grateful for the fact that they allowed us to have these opportunities so that we can have a better life, and we can make a difference. Then we have to look at now. I tell my niece, the more that is given to you means the more that is expected of you. What you have now, you have to then take it and create two-fold the number of opportunities for somebody out there. Try to help and make a difference, because it's a way of showing your appreciation

Beverly Foster-Hinds  23:32

It's important to pay it forward. And that is something that can't be over taught, I think, that you need to really emphasize. And even that spirit of volunteerism is very important. Because, you know, if somebody comes in your path, and you can help them... help them!

Rahanna Juman  23:59

Yeah. Because they came onto your path for that purpose. God sent them there for you to help them, right? I don't believe in coincidences. I think everything is as planned, and people come into your life. There are people who will help you and there are people who you would help. Sometimes, just from watching young folks, and even from my own developments, we're so into the "image" of what people consider successful. Many times, we get so caught up with that image that we lose ourselves.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  24:30

Yeah, I always remember Stephen Covey spoke about - and you've hinted at just now - when he spoke about what you would like to be remembered for when you're no longer here. In his Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he spoke about beginning with the end in mind. When you begin with the end in mind, it sort of helps you to not end up in a situation where, as he says, climb the ladder of success and it's on the wrong wall. Because where you are, high up at the top, is so out of tune with what is in your heart, your soul and even your head. You're just up there because "they" have said that's where you're supposed to be. But that is not bringing you any joy; it does not bring you any happiness. You know, you really have to dig deep.

Rahanna Juman  25:31

Yeah, and you have to be true to yourself. Be you and don't be afraid to be you. If you're different, nothing is wrong with being different. Growing up, my brother thought I was mad. But that's fine! Because I would go try to save an animal or do something strange, but I'm fine with being mad!

Beverly Foster-Hinds  25:54

Yeah. See, anytime you try to do anything a little bit different, or you step out from what is the norm, or what they say is the norm, it makes people feel a bit uncomfortable, I guess. But at the end of the day, you have to do what you need to do. You have to be true to you. Do you have any additional things that you think you would like to share?

Rahanna Juman  26:27

I will tell people that I was the first in my entire family to go to university. Coming from a culture where when you reach a certain age, you just get married and you're supposed to be a wife. I was lucky that I had a progressive family: a father and a mother who pushed me. He took me to UWI when we went to register; we didn't even know what we were doing, but we did it. And with that, everybody that came after me - cousin, sister, brother, everybody - went on to have a university degree. So I would say that I was a trendsetter in that regard. Again, you're blessed. You've got opportunities. Even the young folks nowadays, they have opportunities available to them that we didn't have when we were growing up. Use it, and use it wisely. Use it so that you can better yourself and other people as well. Be grateful and be thankful and be happy! And contented, and comfortable with who God made you to be.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  27:30

I will say that you don't have to be anything else. You are enough as you are to attain what you need to attain in this life.

Rahanna Juman  27:41

Yeah, and don't let people pigeonhole you into what they think you ought to be. I mean, you could be in a position. I still love to cook. Come home every evening and cook for my family and take care of my family. You know, I laugh... I'm my father's maid, but that's fine! I'm comfortable doing that. So you don't have to, because sometimes people think we ought to behave a particular way, or we ought to dress a particular way and we have to hang out with a particular crowd. Oh, that's not important. Just be yourself.

Beverly Foster-Hinds  28:14

Be yourself. Well, thank you. Thank you so much Rahanna, for this very informative interview.  Thank you for listening to this episode of tune into yourself. Our guest, Dr. Rahanna Juman, highlighted the importance of listening to your heart, being persistent and paying it forward on your life journey. See you next week for your weekly tune up tips.