Having experienced racism and poverty in the area where he grew up, Dr Shaid Mahmood, our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), knows first-hand the positive impact higher education can have on people’s lives.
A first generation graduate with a love of science, Shaid studied Chemistry at Lancaster University. Following a stint with ICI he went on to gain a PhD in Polymer Chemistry at Sheffield University. After a number of years in the chemical and manufacturing industry, travelling the world and progressing through the ranks, Dr Mahmood decided to change careers. Wanting to make a difference to people’s lives, he spent the next 15 years working in various public sector roles, more recently as Chief Officer for Communities and then Chief Officer for Transformation and Change at Leeds City Council.
In this short film Shaid tells us more about his background, career and why he was attracted to Durham University and this new role. He also tells us what he has been busy doing over the last few months since he started in February.
He said:
I’ve been busy meeting and listening to colleagues. Everybody has been really generous with their time and I have learnt a lot. There’s a lot of really good EDI work going on across the University and we need to find a way of surfacing that. I think sometimes the complexity of EDI work can put people off. So one of our key tasks is simplifying things, de-mystifying it and helping people to make sense of it. When it comes to EDI, most people just want to do the right thing and want help to do it.
The County
In the film Shaid gives us a brief glimpse into his initial impressions of the University, the city and the county, as well as his thoughts on our City of Culture bid. Thanks to many recommendations he has a huge list of things to see and do locally and is looking forward to exploring them. “Before I joined the University everyone in my circle of friends and colleagues were constantly telling me what a beautiful city and county it is,” said Shaid. He also has a love of mining heritage.
Interests
Outside of work, and to look after his wellbeing, Shaid has a love of sport and follows cycling, running and swimming. He also enjoys watching film noir, volunteering, and spending time with his three children.
Dialogue was keen to learn more about Dr Mahmood and asked him some questions about himself:
What is the best bit of advice you have been given?
“I have two – seek to understand before you seek to be understood yourself. I spend a lot of time listening to people and testing ideas. As you can make assumptions about individuals and organisations, and the motivations that people have.
“Have an elevator pitch ready – if you’re in a lift with the Chief Executive and travelling to the 10th floor of a building together, what are you going to say? Be ready to pitch your idea. I was given this fantastic advice and did exactly that. I came up with a concept about leadership which was adopted not just by the organisation but by the partners and stakeholders that we worked with.”
What is your proudest moment?
“Personally, seeing my three children achieve in their key moments of transition and for them to define success for themselves and to feel great about themselves.
“Professionally – I’ve a number of career highs and been given a number of accolades and awards on my journey. But the one that stands out the most is the work where I’ve been able to help people who are in real need and receiving a simple thank you. That's what makes me feel like I’ve actually made a difference.”
What is your favourite book?
“‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ - you can include your own personal journey in it, how you grew up and no matter how bad the world feels to you, there’s always someone in a worse position.”
What is your favourite film?
“‘Gladiator’. I love history and it speaks volumes about values, morals and honour. And bad people get their just deserts.”
Dialogue suggests there is a theme to his last two choices. Shaid said: “I have seen a lot of injustice in my life, it’s about tackling injustice and being brave and calling it out for what it is.”
What is your favourite music?
“I enjoy most music. I particularly love Motown and songs of the 1980s, although I do have eclectic taste, a lot of that is to do with being a DJ to pay my way through university.”
What is your favourite cake?
“Coffee and walnut or banana loaf. This summer I’m going to start learning how to bake.”
Dialogue asked him if we were looking at another Durham University future Bake Off star. Shaid firmly and quickly replied laughingly “No!”