Getting personal with Fazeela Abdul Rashid

In her first year as a partner at Revolution Growth, Fazeela Abdul Rashid has learned quite a bit, but there is one lesson that stands out to her: “It’s all about the people.”

Rashid joined the firm in January 2022 after serving as managing director, consumer and Americas, at Temasek International. She spent over a decade at the firm, and was instrumental in launching its direct investment strategy in US healthcare companies, its European practice, and its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Originally from Singapore, Rashid graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a minor in economics from Cornell University.

She sits on the advisory council of Cornell’s Robert F Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and on the board of the UN Women Metro New York chapter.

She also sits on the boards of plant-based protein producer Meati Foods (its $150 million Series C led by Revolution) and real estate project management platform Curbio (in which Revolution led its $65 million Series B).

What’s the most unusual thing in your home?

My husband likes African face masks, so we have a wall full of them. They all look very cool but it’s definitely not a normal thing I would have in my home.

Favorite food or dish?

I grew up in Singapore and there’s a dish called Rojak. In Malay that means a mixture of everything, but it’s really a fruit salad with a bunch of sweet, tangy, spicy flavors. It’s really an amalgamation of cultures in a bowl in the form of a savory salad. It’s really good.

Dream job as a kid?

A lawyer.

Favorite activity outside of work?

Really any fitness activity. I enjoy swimming. I started competitively but now it’s just for fun. I also train some people in a non-contact kickboxing class.

Favorite travel destination?

Turkey! I’ve been there three times, and I actually got married there.

Last book you read? Would you recommend it?

I’ve been trying to read more for fun, and I’m drawn to historical novels. I just finished The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel. It tells the history of the Shanghainese Jews as part of a larger fictional story.

What do you think about most every day?

How to have more impact in the world, both personally and professionally.

If you could pass one law, what would it be?

Pay parity.

Biggest regret?

Not taking more risks earlier on in my life professionally. Life has worked out fine, but if I could do it over, I’d believe in myself more, not need a big name or something to validate me.

Most important thing on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?

Believe it or not, I do not know how to ride a bike! That’s definitely on my very short-term bucket list.