Sika Malaysia’s Azhar Nuftiyeva: How strong mentorship helped me become a better leader

In an industry where transferring technical skills and expertise are crucial to the company’s sustainability and market leadership, Nuftiyeva understands the importance of mentoring the future generation, especially advocating for the growth of young female professionals so that they know their contributions are recognised and appreciated.

“Women bring resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—balancing multiple roles in both their personal and professional lives,” she says. “Their ability to lead with empathy, collaborate effectively, and think innovatively makes them powerful changemakers. Whether in leadership, caregiving, or driving social progress, women continue to break barriers and shape the future.”

Can you share a specific example of a male mentor who had a significant impact on your career? 

I’ve had incredible mentors, both male and female, who have shaped my professional growth throughout my career. One mentor who had a profound impact was Michael Schmidt, now Head of R&D and Sustainability for the Middle East and Head of the Technology Centre at Sika.

Michael became my functional manager in 2013 while I was working in Kazakhstan. He had a clear vision for leadership and teamwork, ensuring that knowledge and opportunities were accessible across all regions. What made Michael stand out was his unwavering trust in my abilities. He believed in developing people—offering leadership training, international exposure, and hands-on learning experiences.

He treated me as an equal, pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, challenging me to grow in unexpected ways and showed me that leadership isn’t just about giving guidance—it’s about creating opportunities for others to succeed.

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Some say that women in STEM don’t just need mentors but also sponsors—leaders who actively advocate for their career progression. What’s your take on this? 

Sponsorship in STEM is crucial in bridging the gender gap—mentors who actively advocate for women’s career advancement, rather than just offering advice, can be game-changers. Male mentors can leverage their networks, influence, and decision-making power to ensure women are considered for leadership roles, high-visibility projects, and career-defining opportunities.

In my own experience, a male mentor helped me secure a leadership role by directly recommending me to decision-makers and vouching for my ability to lead a key project. This kind of sponsorship accelerated my career in ways mentorship alone could not.

How do you think male mentors transition from offering advice to actively creating opportunities for women?

To truly support women in STEM, male mentors can take concrete steps: recommending female colleagues for leadership positions, highlighting their contributions in meetings, introducing them to influential networks, and ensuring diversity in decision-making.

By actively creating opportunities, they help women break through barriers, not just by being seen as capable but by being positioned for success. Sponsorship isn’t just about supporting—it’s about advocating, opening doors, and fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.

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You’ve led teams across different regions and cultures. Have you noticed any differences in how mentorship is approached in various countries, and what best practices can be applied universally?

Having led teams across Malaysia and Central Asia, I have observed distinct mentorship styles. In Malaysia, mentorship is a balance of structured programs and informal relationships, emphasising trust, open dialogue, and collaboration. Mentees feel comfortable discussing challenges and providing feedback.

Mentorship in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is more formal, with mentors expected to provide clear direction and impart wisdom. 

Regardless of cultural differences, regular check-ins, open communication, and hands-on career development are universal best practices. 

What advice would you give to young women entering technical industries on how to seek out mentorship, especially from male colleagues or superiors?

Early in my career, I believed that a mentor had to be my direct manager or someone within my department, but I quickly learned that mentorship isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about alignment. The right mentor is someone who shares your values, understands your ambitions, and is genuinely invested in your growth.

It’s important to feel comfortable seeking guidance without hesitation. A good mentor doesn’t just provide technical knowledge—they challenge you, build your confidence, and help you navigate setbacks. Find someone who encourages open conversations, pushes you outside your comfort zone, and is willing to advocate for you when opportunities arise. The best mentorship relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual learning.

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