In a recent interview with Africa Talks Business, Mishkah Wahab, a dynamic and accomplished young businesswoman, shared insights into her journey as the founder of Digi Bar. Displaying remarkable resilience and a strong-willed spirit, Mishkah has set her sights on substantial achievements within her industry. Armed with a degree in psychology, this qualified and determined entrepreneur took a bold leap by venturing into her own business, and ever since that pivotal decision, she has been unwavering in her commitment to making a significant impact at Digi Bar.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you started Digi Bar?
Hello! I’m Mishkah Wahab, a 27-year-old Indian female born in Durban, South Africa, and currently based in Cape Town, the Mother City. I’ve been passionately running my business, The Digi Bar, for approximately two years. My interests span spirituality, fitness, animals, food, dance, and the pursuit of life’s balance. In addition to my entrepreneurial endeavours, I share my world with Shah, my cherished fur baby.
From a young age, I harboured an innate vision of independence and entrepreneurship, inspired by the strong women in my lineage and the encouragement of my parents. Even as a child, I engaged in entrepreneurial ventures like crafting handmade bracelets and selling them in my estate. After relocating from Pretoria to Cape Town for studies in Clinical Psychology at the University of the Western Cape, I experienced a pivotal moment during a Master’s interview. Realizing that clinical psychology wasn’t my desired path, I made the bold decision to enter the job market. This led me to roles in an international recruitment agency and as a Business Development Manager for a corporate boutique law firm.
However, I felt a growing misalignment with my passion—addressing South Africa’s unemployment challenges. Describing myself as a woman on a mission, I took a leap of faith. Responding to the influx of clients seeking assistance with recruitment and CV writing, I founded The Digi Bar. What started as a side hustle has evolved into a thriving professional CV writing and recruitment agency. At The Digi Bar, we cater to a diverse clientele, from graduates to CEOs of blue-chip companies. Our services extend to recruitment and headhunting projects for Big 5, international law firms, in-house legal departments, NPOs, and even international clients like a Private US Family Office in New York.
Incorporating my background in psychology into my role, I facilitate the futures and relocations of candidates, aiding them in achieving their career aspirations. This challenging yet rewarding journey fuels my purpose and motivates me to make a positive impact globally in terms of career transformation.
What advantages do you think human touch brings to CV writing that AI might lack?
- I believe that human touch brings several advantages to CV writing that AI might lack:
- Understanding Individuality: Human writers can comprehend the unique nuances of an individual’s career journey, achievements, and aspirations. This understanding enables us to tailor CVs to showcase not just skills and experiences but the personality and individuality of each candidate.
- Contextual Interpretation: Human writers can interpret and incorporate the contextual elements of an individual’s career, such as industry-specific language, cultural nuances, and personal achievements. This contextual understanding ensures that the CV resonates effectively with target employers.
- Emphasis on Soft Skills: While AI can analyze hard skills and keywords, human touch excels in emphasizing soft skills. Human CV writers can capture qualities like leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced representation of a candidate’s capabilities.
- Adaptability to Career Changes: Human writers can better navigate and articulate career changes, gaps, or unconventional career paths. Understanding the narrative behind these aspects allows for a more convincing presentation to potential employers.
- Tailoring to Industry Insights: Human writers stay attuned to industry trends, preferences, and specific expectations. This awareness allows for the inclusion of industry-relevant keywords and the presentation of information in a manner that aligns with current industry practices.
- Empathy and Personal Connection: CV writing involves more than just listing achievements; it’s about telling a compelling story. Human writers can infuse empathy into the narrative, connecting with the reader on a personal level and making the CV more engaging.
While AI can play a valuable role in data analysis and optimization, the human touch remains indispensable in crafting CVs that not only pass through automated screening systems but also resonate with hiring managers on a deeper, more personal level. This blend of technology and human expertise ensures a well-rounded and impactful CV writing service at The Digi Bar.
Can you talk to us more about the recruitment side of Digi Bar?
In leading The Digi Bar, I take immense pride in our comprehensive recruitment services designed to connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking employers. Our approach encompasses a thorough understanding of our clients’ hiring needs, delving into skill requirements, cultural alignment, and long-term objectives. We specialize in job placement services across diverse industries, ranging from entry-level positions to executive roles.
One of our key strengths lies in targeted headhunting, a strategic effort to identify and approach professionals for pivotal positions. This service is particularly beneficial for clients seeking candidates with specialized skills or experience. Our collaborative ventures extend to Big 5 firms, international law entities, and in-house legal departments. The Digi Bar has a global network that enables us to source and place candidates for international clients, fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce.
Niche recruitment is at the heart of our expertise. We excel in understanding the intricacies of specific industries, tailoring our recruitment strategies accordingly. For instance, our success in legal recruitment is rooted in a deep understanding of the legal landscape, connecting firms with exceptional legal professionals.
Our recruitment process is characterized by a client-centric approach, where we build lasting relationships and tailor our strategies to the unique requirements of each client. We are committed to streamlining the hiring process, saving clients valuable time and effort while ensuring they secure the best talent for their teams.
At The Digi Bar, we offer comprehensive support to candidates throughout the recruitment journey. From CV optimization to interview preparation and career advice, our goal is to present clients with candidates who are not only well-qualified but also well-prepared and aligned with the job requirements. Our recruitment services are designed to bridge the gap between employers and candidates, facilitating successful and mutually beneficial connections in the dynamic and competitive job market!
What are some of the challenges you face in your industry?
In the realm of professional CV writing and recruitment, we encounter several challenges that demand a strategic approach for effective resolution. Firstly, the ever-evolving job markets and industry landscapes necessitate a constant commitment to learning and adaptability. Staying abreast of emerging trends, evolving recruitment methodologies, and shifts in employer expectations is an ongoing challenge that requires proactive engagement.
A significant hurdle is found in striking the right balance between automation and the human touch in CV writing. While technology streamlines processes, preserving the personalized and nuanced approach that human writers bring to crafting compelling narratives is paramount. Maintaining this equilibrium ensures that CVs resonate authentically with both our clients and prospective employers.
The competitive nature of the recruitment sector poses its own set of challenges. Standing out in a saturated market, especially with the presence of established players, demands innovative approaches, distinctive services, and a profound understanding of the needs of both clients and candidates.
Effectively navigating the complexities of international recruitment represents another challenge. Dealing with diverse regulations, cultural nuances, and the intricacies of various job markets requires a comprehensive understanding and a high degree of adaptability.
Lastly, the influence of global events, economic shifts, and technological advancements poses ongoing challenges. Anticipating and responding to these external factors is essential for staying ahead in the industry.
These challenges are viewed not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and improvement. Embracing change, leveraging technology judiciously, and maintaining a keen awareness of industry dynamics are critical strategies to overcome these challenges in the dynamic realm of professional CV writing and recruitment.
In terms of Partnerships, who is Digi Bar looking to partner with right now?
We are actively seeking strategic partnerships with entities that align with our mission and complement our services. Our current focus is on forming collaborations with educational institutions, career development organizations, and industry associations. By partnering with universities, colleges, and vocational training centres, we aim to enhance our reach to potential clients, including students and graduates, offering them valuable insights and support in their career development journey.
Additionally, we are exploring partnerships with organizations specializing in professional development, mentorship programs, and skill-building initiatives. Such collaborations will enable us to provide comprehensive services that go beyond CV writing, including career counselling, interview preparation, and ongoing support for professional growth. Industry associations play a vital role in connecting us with the broader professional landscape. Collaborating with these entities allows us to stay informed about industry trends, gain access to a diverse talent pool, and contribute to the collective efforts of elevating career standards.
Moreover, we are open to partnerships with companies in related fields, such as recruitment agencies and HR consulting firms. These collaborations can foster mutual growth by combining our expertise in CV writing with their recruitment capabilities, providing clients with end-to-end career solutions.
In essence, our aim is to form partnerships that amplify the impact of our services, extend our outreach, and contribute to the overall advancement of career development in collaboration with like-minded organizations.
What are your future plans for the business, what can we look forward to?
The Digi Bar is committed to continuous innovation and growth, and our future plans include the development and launch of a cutting-edge CV formatting software. This software is strategically designed to revolutionize the recruitment process for agencies, eliminating manual and administrative-intensive tasks. By leveraging technology, we aim to empower recruitment agencies to streamline their operations, allowing them to focus more on making successful placements and maximizing profitability.
Our CV formatting software will bring efficiency to the recruitment workflow, automating tasks such as candidate CV formatting and standardization. This not only saves valuable time but also ensures a consistent and professional presentation of candidates to clients. The software will be user-friendly, offering intuitive features that enhance collaboration between recruiters, candidates, and clients. By introducing this CV formatting software, The Digi Bar aims to be at the forefront of technological innovation in the recruitment industry. We believe that empowering recruitment agencies with advanced tools will not only elevate their efficiency but also contribute to the overall advancement of the recruitment sector.
As part of our global expansion strategy, The Digi Bar aspires to become the number one leading career transformation agency worldwide. We envision establishing a global footprint, extending our services to individuals and businesses across diverse industries and geographical locations. By combining our expertise in CV writing, recruitment, and the innovative CV formatting software, we aim to set new standards in career transformation on a global basis. Clients can anticipate a comprehensive and unparalleled approach to advancing their careers and achieving transformative success.
What does success mean to you?
Success, for me personally, extends far beyond the conventional metrics of financial accomplishments. While financial stability is undoubtedly important, the true essence of success lies in the positive impact made on the lives of individuals and the broader community. Witnessing the transformative journeys of people, knowing that I’ve played a role in their success stories, is profoundly gratifying. In my personal definition, success is also intertwined with continuous growth and innovation. It involves pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve—whether through pioneering new approaches, embracing innovation, or adapting to change. Staying at the forefront of industry trends and technology ensures that I provide value to others and maintain a leadership position in my pursuits.
On a more intimate level, personal success encompasses finding equilibrium between professional endeavours and personal well-being. Discovering joy in the journey, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, and being surrounded by a supportive network contribute significantly to my overall sense of success. My personal concept of success goes beyond conventional measures. It is about creating positive change, fostering innovation, and leaving a legacy of empowerment and transformation. It is a holistic and dynamic notion that evolves as I continue to grow and make meaningful contributions to the lives of others.
Find Digi Bar here – https://www.digibar.co.za/
Leave a Reply