'Without passion, you will eventually give up'

Talking work-life balance with Lara Tabet, TV presenter, luxury lifestyle brand ambassador, and official spokesperson for Arab Fashion Council

How do you typically start your workday?
I am an early riser. I'm usually up around 5am, never later than 6am. My workday commences at 7am by reviewing emails and preparing my list of actions for the day. I usually plan my meetings well in advance, so I review the plan for the day as well as the days ahead. Then, I review my list of things to do, which I update several times a day.

What is your favourite thing about your job?
As a TV presenter, I love the aspect of interviewing people from different sectors of industry, celebrities, government officials and even royalty from different nations. Being a luxury brand ambassador involves dealing with top luxury brands and is both very stimulating and challenging. I also do business development for a company in the hospitality sector that owns award-winning restaurants - a different activity but, at heart, a people's business as well. Lastly, I am also involved with different charities which is satisfying in a very different way. I enjoy the variety tremendously.

In your workday, what is the one thing you cannot do without?
Starting the day with my coconut latte at the Ritz Carlton DIFC. I cannot start my days without it.

Most challenging project to date.
The launch of Michael Bruggler watches was the most fun, challenging and exciting. Michael Bruggler is a designer of a brand of Swiss bespoke watches where you can completely personalise the watch to your taste. The watch takes six weeks to deliver and you can have your own one-of-a-kind timepiece that no one else has in the world. It was an exciting journey to see the Michael Bruggler brand get into Harrods in London, Burj al Arab, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall.

What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
The same advice I would give myself today: never give up. Success is a journey and it is all about hard work, commitment and perseverance. You need to live and breathe what you do, so do not do anything you have no passion for. Without passion, you will eventually give up. Set your targets high and have specific goals. Then start to close them out one by one.

Who's your role model as the perfect professional, and why?
Jennifer Lopez. We come from the same generation. I grew up watching her evolve and become the woman that she is today. She is extremely hard-working and, despite the obstacles she went through in her life, she never stopped. She is a global brand icon who is highly respected and loved by people all around the world because she believes in what she stands for. She is a great artist, performer, mother, businesswoman, entrepreneur, film producer, and she has a personality that is beautiful in every way. She always comes across as humble, kind and grounded, irrespective of her success - and you tend to see that especially in those people who have worked hard to achieve their success.

Your favourite indulgence when you need a break from work.
Having lived in Montreux, Switzerland for three years, I grew up on Swiss chocolates, so whenever my energy level drops, I reach out for my Toblerone chocolate bar. It hits the spot and energises me to continue my day.

Do you have fixed working hours?
I am in the office from 8am to 6pm. I organise my meetings back-to-back in order to achieve as much as I can during the day.

What is your greatest dream?
I have a few dreams in the pipeline. Professionally, I am working on launching my own fragrance, haute couture fashion line and eyewear brand in the next few years. But that is a major commitment and I am only going to trigger it once I know I can see it through all the way.

Any advice for youngsters just getting into the professional arena?
Whatever it is you put your mind to, give it 200 per cent and make sure that it is backed by passion. It is all about hard work and perseverance.
- Staff Reporter