The first thing you notice about Fatima Zaman is how she moves through her life with deliberate calm, even when everything around her is a flurry of activity. In her London home, the kitchen smells of spices and fresh bread, laughter echoing off the walls. “My favourite thing to do with my family is cooking together,” she says. “There’s something about all of us in the kitchen chopping, stirring and chatting. It’s messy, noisy, and chaotic at times, but that’s what makes it so much fun and so memorable.”
Family is not just part of her life; it is the lens through which she views the world. Each December, the Zamans travel to Saudi Arabia, a ritual that has become as much about reflection and renewal as a celebration. “This trip has become a very special part of our family life, giving us the chance to reflect, recharge and strengthen our bond while sharing memorable experiences in a place that holds deep significance for us,” she explains. The family’s sense of purpose extends far beyond tradition. “Another tradition we hold dear is our commitment to giving back. As a family, we sponsor schools in Pakistan for underprivileged children. Visiting these schools has become an important part of our lives; it allows us to connect directly with the students, see the impact of education and remind ourselves of the importance of compassion, community and gratitude.”
Fatima’s life is defined by a rare combination of ambition, empathy, and discipline. She balances her roles as entrepreneur, councillor, wife and mother with a deliberate mindfulness that is both enviable and instructive. “Balancing my roles is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. For me, it comes down to being intentional with my time and staying rooted in my purpose.” She shares her guiding principle without hesitation: “If you want to do something, you find a way; if you don’t, you find an excuse.”
This philosophy shapes everything she does from boardrooms to community halls. Fatima knows that balance is not about perfection. “I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about creating harmony. My family grounds me, my work challenges me, and my role as a councillor allows me to give back to the community; each one strengthens the other. And above all, I remind myself that the example I set for my children of resilience, service, and determination is one of the most important legacies I can leave.”
Lessons from family life resonate deeply with her. “The most important lessons I’ve learned from family life are the values of resilience, compassion, and balance. My family has taught me that no matter how busy life gets, it’s love, support and shared experiences that truly anchor us.” She observes the quiet power of values over words, of showing care, responsibility, and integrity in everyday actions. “Ultimately, family life has shown me that success is not just what you achieve for yourself, but the difference you make for others, starting with those closest to you.”
Weeks in Fatima’s life are orchestrated with precision and flexibility. “Managing a typical week with work, family and community responsibilities requires clear priorities and a lot of flexibility. I’ve learned to accept that it’s not always possible to do everything, and sometimes things have to give—and that’s okay. What matters is focusing on the things that truly align with my values and commitments.” Her strong support network, especially her mother, allows her to meet these demands with calm and grace.
Moments of joy and pride anchor her even amid responsibility. She reflects on her family’s military lineage, her late maternal grandfather a Colonel, her late father a Major, and the immense pride she felt seeing her son don the RAF cadet uniform. “Seeing them embrace these responsibilities with dedication, respect, and compassion truly fills me with pride,” she says, already anticipating her daughter following in his footsteps.
Marriage, for Fatima, is a partnership built on listening, respect, and shared vision. “The best advice I could give to newlyweds is to build a strong foundation of understanding and mutual respect. Communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about truly hearing your partner and validating their feelings. Being caring and thoughtful toward one another, even in small daily gestures, goes a long way.” Her relationship with her husband reflects these principles. “Even when we disagree, we approach it respectfully and thoughtfully, keeping our shared vision for our family and future at the centre of every conversation. For me, our marriage isn’t just about love; it’s about a partnership that grows stronger with each challenge and milestone, a friendship that continues to deepen, and a shared purpose that keeps us aligned and committed to building a life and family together.”
What makes the Zaman family unique? I asked. Fatima explains it is the way they live intentionally. “We support each other unconditionally, celebrate milestones together, and prioritise giving back to others. Whether it’s cooking together, celebrating birthdays, or contributing to our community, we make every moment meaningful. For us, family is about support, love, laughter and living our values together.”
Through her work, public service, and family life, Fatima Zaman demonstrates that a purposeful life is not an abstraction—it is performed daily, with care, attention and intention. From kitchens and community halls to boardrooms and council meetings, she models a life of resilience, generosity and balance. In every gesture, every decision, every ritual she cherishes, Fatima reminds us that living fully is as much about grounding ourselves in values as it is about embracing ambition.
