Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan: Unlocking The Full Potential Of Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Mentorship

The foundation of my journey was built on resilience, self-determination, and a strong thirst for growth. Born in Selangor, Malaysia, I spent my formative years at a boarding school in Negeri Sembilan, where I learned the values of independence and discipline. My educational path took me to the United States, where I earned degrees in accounting and business administration, broadening my horizons and strengthening my resolve. Without the guidance of a mentor, I turned inward for strength, forging a path fueled by ambition and purpose. Today, I channel those experiences to inspire others, advocating balance and empowering individuals to achieve holistic success.

Tell us about your two-decade-long career, spanning various roles and industries. What have been some of the crucial junctures throughout this journey?

Throughout my two-decade career, I have traversed diverse roles and industries, driven by a strong belief in self-motivation and purposeful action. As a woman, breaking into male-dominated spaces was often met with societal challenges and cultural expectations. The turning points in my journey came when I chose to take control by embracing opportunities, building meaningful ventures, and charting my course. These decisions allowed me to grow beyond traditional confines, blending professional ambition with personal authenticity. Each challenge became a stepping stone, reinforcing my commitment to inspire others, especially women, to rise above limitations and create their unique pathways to success.

Through Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan’s guidance, entrepreneurs learn that lasting success is achieved through balance and resilience

What led you to establish ADLA Group? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

The establishment of ADLA Group stemmed from a vision to create a platform that empowers individuals, particularly women, to build sustainable and balanced lives. By combining entrepreneurial insights with soft skill development, we designed programs focusing on business strategies, time management, and personal growth. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by working-class women, ADLA Group bridges the gap between professional ambitions and domestic responsibilities. Our mission is not just to impart knowledge but to inspire transformative change, foster flexibility, and enable individuals to thrive amidst life’s complexities while contributing meaningfully to their communities.

Throw some light on your other entrepreneurial ventures. How do you balance time between your three ventures?

Balancing multiple ventures is a blend of meticulous planning, steadfast commitment, and adaptability. During the time I managed three businesses, I leaned heavily on creating robust systems and empowering my team. My strength lies in setting clear policies and procedures, ensuring the businesses can run seamlessly even without my constant presence.

Today, I focus on ventures that are content-driven and deeply personal, requiring hands-on involvement. I meticulously plan a year, charting out programs, aligning objectives, and ensuring my team is equipped to execute flawlessly. This proactive approach minimizes abrupt decisions and ensures smooth operations.

Equally vital is prioritizing personal growth and family time. I’ve learned to block time for meaningful pursuits, whether spiritual growth or quality moments with loved ones. Balancing entrepreneurship with personal fulfillment isn’t just a challenge. It’s an art, one that requires clarity, intention, and the courage to align with your values.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

One of my most impactful milestones is the creation of the Women Mentoring Network, which has successfully built a community of empowered women, fostering collaboration and support. This initiative has become a beacon for personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of balance in achieving fulfillment in life and career.

Through my NGO, Persatuan Semarak Cinta Kasih - Spread Love, I’ve significantly advanced the welfare of women and children in Malaysia, working to create a ripple effect of positive change by empowering women to nurture future leaders. Another key accomplishment is the Mentorship Development Program (MDP), which has laid a solid foundation for mentoring relationships. By connecting aspiring mentees with accomplished leaders, the program empowers women to take charge of their careers confidently.

My appointment as Malaysia's Country Chair for G100 – Mentoring and Motivation further underscores my dedication to uplifting women globally, and driving significant economic, social, and cultural transformation.

Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan, Founder & CEO, ADLA Group

Dr Hasnorliza Abu Hassan, Founder & CEO of ADLA Group, is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and mentor. With over 20 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, she empowers aspiring leaders through initiatives like ADLA Business School, fostering innovation, work-life balance, and sustainable growth. Her mission inspires the next generation of change-makers.