HI, I’M IMTINAN AHMAD
Entrepreneur, Executive Business Coach & Consultant.
“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES
BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP.”
" I have been there "
I remember often lying in bed, tears streaming down
my face, sobbing into my pillow.
Oftentimes I only laid there, feeling helpless and sinking deeper into the abyss. My insecurities, low self-esteem, and mood swings became overwhelming with time, and I asked God why this was happening to me.
So, one fine day I decided to put a stop
to this misery and committed to picking myself up!
" You Can't Do it "
My journey started at the age of 14, when all doors were closed and I had nothing to begin with. I remember my uncle telling me, “No, Imtinan, you cannot do it. Go out and find yourself some work, stop studying and burdening your family because your father cannot support you anymore.”
That was it for me. I took his words and stepped out to change my life around.
I began selling crisps at Naz Cinema Rawalpindi, during intermissions. Back in the day, the cinemas were not as cool as today’s multiplexes. I would go inside cinema hall in the dark, chant my vendor slogans to sell the popcorns and crisps. But during this struggling period, I felt the hand of God right on my shoulder and this idea went super solo amazing, then I thought to myself, “Making money is not tough when you are dedicated.”
Later, I invested my savings from crisps business & turned my focus towards selling plastic bottles to the pharma companies for medicinal purposes.
I got enrolled in Intermediate, and often shook and told myself, “Imtinan, let’s make it work.” Well, I listened to myself carefully, and made a formula for my success.
“Study, Work, and Positive Thinking.”
SMILE MORE. LIVE TO THE FULLEST.
" My Educational Journey "
While working exceptionally hard, I was also working smart.
I topped the board in Intermediate, and was awarded with Quaid-e-Azam scholarship.
I wasn’t surprised at myself because this was bound to happen. I had a plan concocted for myself and I was certain I will achieve
my goals, with faith and determination, a man can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
After that, I joined Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, & got enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA Honors).
I was pumped up, devoted and ready to hustle. I listened to my inner beast, and he was telling me, I haven’t come this far, only to come this far.
I was the first in batch to start a business and earn from it. My teachers were amazed at this productivity and told me, “There is nothing stopping you, Imtinan.”
Years later, I still live by these words today.
Soon after MBA, I started my career in advertising industry and served some of the leading ad agencies in the country. Sales & marketing has always gushed in my blood. I developed record business for my employers within the initial three months of my first job.
Proving the Odds Wrong:
I decided to go abroad for higher studies, and before leaving my father told me “I am the “Underdog” proving the odds wrong and taking a win from every battle I anticipate in.” This boosted my confidence because my father’s words are still worthy of being written on the Statue of Liberty.
I went to the UK where I was on my own. But, I had myself, so that was all I ever needed. Surviving in the UK, managing studies and paying for tuition fee, along with the living expenses was quite challenging. I did whatever best I could. I did 2 to 3 different jobs on rotation, at a time. I still remember the day I missed wishing birthday to my sister, when I later called she said: “Tumhe hamari yaad bhi hai?”.
" My Entrepreneurial Hat "
I got myself admitted in the University of Manchester, one of the top business schools in the world at that time (currently 8th in the World)
With an MBA degree in Marketing, and now an MSc. Degree in
Marketing from Manchester Business School, I knew I had some more studying to do to serve the marketing quest kindling in me. I joined Chartered Institute of Marketing in the
UK, and with hard work, resilience and passion, I was
pronounced the youngest Chartered Marketer from Pakistan.
I had everything going well for me. I was a scholar of straight “A” student, and I had all these big companies, lined up waiting to poach and hire me as soon as I finished university.
It was now time to migrate to graduate jobs. I served at McCann, Bain & Earst, Horizon Finance, and
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, some of the leading names, soon after my
graduation.
I was then managing the portfolio of insulation companies at GMCC,
Most insulation companies in the UK were struggling with marketing at that time. I took this opportunity and supported a few, shared my plans with them on how they can market their services better. These companies were in complete awe of my plans .
" My Projects "
It was December 2007, when my true entrepreneurship kicked in. Looking at my bank balance, I only had £17 on me, enough to last a meal.
In an amazing turn of events and with my unbowed hard work, within 9 months, my
insulation company turnover crossed £1 million with 84 employees
and three offices.
Additionally, I got recruited as a Marketing Consultant by few prime organisations; World Bank, Unicef, and Plan International.
I launched my very first management consulting firm, i.e., DSI Consulting, which today, is a leading management consulting firm, research &
training outfit. At DSI, we serve leading organisations, UN institutions, and various governments across the globe.
In 2013, I consulted leading gurus, marketers, and entrepreneurs in the
field of digital marketing and spent a decent 5 years practically
doing it. I am quite proficient in the field now, but learning never stops.
Later I launched another company i.e., Mad Refinery Digital, a full -service Digital Media Agency, and technology outfit. At Mad R, we help businesses rapidly scale up their revenue by gaining clients via Digital Media, also design and develop innovate technologies that assist individuals and organisations alike.
I am also heading the board at Skill Gains (PVT) Limited, an organisation that spreads knowledge to the digital divide. As of now, I am much dedicated and focused on my personal project; AskImtinan.com
I launched AskImtinan.com to make knowledge and guidance more accessible to the people. My sole purpose is to ensure people stay happy & content with their lives, and build a life and business they deserve.
- • I provide learning opportunities and courses to youth on subjects that the society doesn’t highlight
- • I provide mentorships to start-ups & entrepreneurs.
- • I provide 1-on-1 coaching to people regarding business, and the life they desire.
- • I conduct executive coaching sessions for CEOs, and heads on corporate concerns.
- • I execute motivational sessions at various orphanages and chalk out their life goals.
My Awards
What a day to have seen my achievement right on the front page of most newspapers!
For me, the proud moment was getting featured by the University of Manchester on it’s website as a star alumni.
I was selected by Crain’s USA for it’s 40 Under 40 Award. The same award was previously presented to Barrack Obama in 1991 and Oprah Winfrey in 1989.
So, being the only Pakistani recipient of Crain’s 40 Under 40 Award, means a great deal to me.
The appreciation and recognition didn’t stop there. I humbly accepted ‘The Asian Business Tiger Award’, and ‘The Most Aspiring Individual Award’ by the local media.
To me, this is the “Eye of the Tiger.”
I am a staunch believer of retiring early and making my time in business worthwhile!
