From the comfort of her home in Dragør to the imposing glass building of one of the world’s largest consulting firms, Nidha Rizwan’s journey is one of determination, passion, and cultural pride. Born in a Pakistani family and raised in Denmark, Nidha always knew she wanted to make a difference—not just for herself, but for the community she came from. From a young age, she was taught that hard work was the key to success, and that whatever she chose to pursue, she had to give it her all. Now, as a senior manager at Deloitte, Nidha reflects on her journey as a woman of color in a competitive, fast-paced industry.
Nidha Rizwan made up her mind early on during law school at the University of Copenhagen; she did not want to “do it all” —she wanted to excel. It was during her studies that she discovered a passion for tax law, a field she decided to master. Her journey began as a student assistant at a small consulting firm, where she quickly realized the importance of deep expertise and specialising. Upon graduating with a master's degree in law, she knew that consulting, with its dynamic environment, would be the ideal space for her to apply her skills and make an impact. She sought to build a stronger foundation in tax advisory, which led her to Deloitte. Six years later, she is a senior manager in the Tax and Legal department, advising global clients on international personal taxation, social security and global mobility matters.
Paving the way
When Nidha first stepped into the world of consulting, she was focused on proving her abilities and excelling in her role. Initially, she did not give much thought to the challenges that might come with being a woman of colour in a predominantly white, and male-dominated industry. However, as her career progressed, Nidha began to realize that her identity was more than just a background detail—it was significant in ways she had not anticipated.
She recalls walking into meetings and often being the only person of colour in the room. At first, this did not seem like a hurdle. But as she began to advance in her career, the lack of representation became more noticeable. It was not just about being the only woman of colour—it was about the responsibility that came with that position. For Nidha, it became clear that her presence at the table meant more than just personal success; it represented progress and possibility for others who shared her background.
Nidha acknowledges the duality of her position as both an asset and a challenge. Being a minority in consulting has come with moments where she has had to push harder to be seen and heard, but it also fuels her desire to excel. Today, the responsibility to be an example, especially for other women and professionals from minority backgrounds, is an important part of her journey. She does not just want to succeed for herself—she wants to pave the way for others.
“I have come to understand that my presence in these spaces is not just about what I achieve, it is about what my achievements mean for others like me who may not see themselves reflected in these roles.”
Overcoming challenges and defining success
Given her background, Nidha knew she would face obstacles related to societal expectations, unconscious biases, and competition. But she was determined to rise above them, holding on to her belief that every challenge was an opportunity to grow. Climbing the ranks at Deloitte was far from easy. Imposter syndrome crept in at times, but Nidha views these moments of uncertainty as part of the journey. “It is supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it,” she says. “I think those doubts are healthy to some extent. They keep you humble and push you to work harder and being consistent.”
Through it all, Nidha has never lost sight of her “why.” For her, success is a mindset—one shaped by her family, her faith, and her relentless ambition. “Success is not just about personal accomplishments,” she explains. “It’s about the people who helped me get here—my family, my relationships. It’s about making them proud and bringing them on the journey.”
All the things that make me different, are the things that make me, me.
For Nidha, success is not merely a matter of luck or circumstances – it is a mindset. She believes that this outlook is a key determinant in her path to success. Nidha also makes it very clear that she would not have been where she is today without her support system, her family.
“If I experience success, my first thought is: “Yes! This will make them proud”, and I believe this thought takes me very far. For me, it is very important to be something for someone and knowing that I am not only doing it for selfish reasons.”
In particular, she highlights her mother as her greatest role model and inspiration. “My mother was -and still is- always there for me and my older brother. Her strength and devotion continue to inspire me,” Nidha reflects. “Everything I do is, in part, to make my mother and brother proud.” And having her mother as such a strong role model herself has also inspired her to strive to become a role model for others.
Beyond her family, Nidha’s faith plays a critical role in her success. It grounds her and gives her a sense of purpose. For Nidha, her religion is not just a belief system but a source of strength that helps her navigate life’s ups and downs. It reminds her to stay true to her values and look at the bigger picture.
“When things get tough, I remind myself of the wise words once spoken, ‘With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.’ My faith drives me to always strive for the best, but it also ensures I remain grounded in who I am.”
Nidha’s success is a testament to embracing what makes her different. She firmly believes that her identity as a woman of colour, her heritage, and her faith are assets that enhance her both personally and professionally: “I view all the things that make me ‘different’ as a gift that I have been blessed with. My family and my faith, makes me remember the bigger picture. It ensures that I remain in touch with who I am as a human, which ultimately makes me become an even better version of myself to those around me.”
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