Interview with iSTYLE training expert Saba Riaz

iSTYLE recently conducted training featuring a dynamic blend of learning activities. The team explored the latest industry trends and learned about soft skills needed to succeed at their role. To find out more about the strength and quality of the experience, we interviewed the leader of the session, iSTYLE Training Specialist, MENA Region, Saba Riaz.

Q: What’s the key secret behind iSTYLE’s exceptional customer service that keeps customers coming back?

Saba: At iSTYLE, we believe that exceptional customer service starts with our team. Every interaction our customers have with us is influenced by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of our employees. We focus on continuously developing our team by equipping them with the right tools, skills, and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. This enables them to consistently deliver seamless and impactful customer experiences, making iSTYLE a trusted name in the industry.

Q: How do you work to keep team development moving along, building skills and expertise?

Saba: Our approach to team development is proactive and dynamic. We recently hosted a comprehensive training session that integrated the latest industry trends with a focus on essential soft skills. Our team explored both new insights and timeless skills necessary for success, ensuring they stay adaptable and well-prepared for any challenges ahead. We believe this continuous learning approach is key to unlocking our team’s full potential.

Q: With so much retail experience now within iSTYLE, I guess this is a good opportunity to leverage that knowledge in the training. Is that the case?

Saba: Exactly, yes. For this session, we focused on leveraging our internal expertise. We brought in leaders from within the iSTYLE organization to share their deep knowledge with the team. For instance, Mykhaylo, our Retail Manager, offered a detailed understanding of our business structure and the vital role each team plays in driving our success. This internal expertise provides our employees with a clearer, more relatable view of the company’s vision, aligning their individual goals with the broader organizational objectives.

Q: Staff training can be quite challenging – what did you do to make things more enjoyable?

Saba: We recognize that learning is most effective when it’s engaging and enjoyable. To make the training sessions more interactive, we incorporated dynamic group activities, discussions, and team-based learning. Celebrating the achievements every year of our Training Program Top Performers was a key highlight of the session, and it brought an inspiring sense of recognition to the hard work and commitment our team members have shown. It not only made the training experience enjoyable but also fostered a deeper sense of pride and camaraderie within the team.

Q: Broadly speaking, across the Midis Group, enthusing and inspiring our teams is very important to keeping great teams together – can you tell us what you think are the successes across iSTYLE with the people you employ?

Saba: At iSTYLE, we know that our people are the heart of everything we do. Our success lies in creating a culture of continuous learning, recognition, and growth. By providing opportunities for development, celebrating achievements, and encouraging internal collaboration, we inspire our teams to bring their best selves to work every day. The Midis Group’s HR approach, focused on talent nurturing and career development, ensures that iSTYLE attracts, retains, and motivates the best talent in the industry. This culture of empowerment drives not only personal growth but also collective success, making us stronger as a team and as a brand.

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