Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistan Profession Journeys podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Mohammad Usman Mirza, a remarkable professional who has made significant strides in the global tech industry. From his roots in Pakistan, being educated at LUMS, to seizing international opportunities in Singapore and Ireland, Usman has worked on high-impact projects at Meta and Google. He shares his deeply-rooted connections to Pakistan, emphasizes the country's allure and resiliency, and discusses his transitions, challenges, and the keys to breaking into big tech. Usman also sheds light on his passion for mentoring and uplifting professionals, providing actionable advice for those aiming to carve their own paths in the global landscape. Tune in to explore both the personal and professional aspects of Usman's journey!

00:00 ‌Intro
00:52 Personal Ties to Pakistan
02:09 Describing Pakistan to the World
03:59 Motivation to Study Abroad
06:15 Challenges and Adjustments Abroad
08:37 Career Growth and Opportunities
11:23 Breaking into Big Tech
14:29 What is a Senior Strategist?
18:42 The Importance of Networking
19:41 Career Coaching and Mentorship Services
22:58 Essential Skills for Working Abroad
25:03 Mindset and Preparation for Success
27:58 Common Mistakes in Job Applications
32:00 Advice to My Younger Self
37:26 AI Benefits
38:12 Defining Success in Life and Career
42:05 Conclusion

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Shaikh Muhammad Farooq, a seasoned strategic finance leader with over 17 years of experience across Pakistan, the Middle East, and Canada. Farooq shares his professional journey, from his humble beginnings in Karachi to his significant roles in Saudi Arabia and eventual transition to a senior financial position in Canada. He discusses the importance of staying adaptable, continuous learning, and the critical role of credentials like CPA in advancing one’s career. Farooq also offers valuable insights into the intricacies of leadership differences across regions, the value of networking, and the importance of storytelling in finance. Join us as we explore his transition through various industries, his advice for aspiring finance professionals, and key lessons learned.

00:00 Guest Introduction: Shaikh Muhammad Farooq
01:13 Early Career and Education in Karachi
02:12 Navigating Post-Secondary Education
02:51 Entering the Professional World
03:22 Experience in Saudi Arabia
04:08 Transition to Canada
04:59 Advice for Job Seekers
06:22 Importance of Networking
07:08 Adapting to Canadian Work Culture
07:25 Pursuing CPA Certification
08:08 Leadership Differences: Middle East vs. Canada
10:28 Maintaining Interest in Finance
11:53 Role of a Financial Controller
13:01 Storytelling in Finance
15:08 Advice for New Immigrants
17:12 Key Skills and Habits for Success
19:04 Advice for Recent Graduates
21:27 Defining Success

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, Kashif Zubair, the CEO of AMCOB and a PI certified partner at the Predictive Index, shares his remarkable journey. From his early years in Pakistan to his transition to the US, Kashif discusses the challenges, successes, and life lessons that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of learning from both the best and worst examples, the significance of having a strong faith, and how to leverage professional networking for success. We delve into Kashif's professional timeline, highlighting his roles at EY, PWC, and his leadership in empowering the Muslim community. This episode is a compelling exploration of resilience, faith, and strategic career planning. Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Kashif's story.

00:00 Intro
02:31 Early Life in Pakistan
03:44 Academic Journey at IBA Karachi
05:56 Professional Beginnings at EY
08:04 Mentorship and Learning
10:53 Transition to the US
12:13 Post-9/11 Reflections on Islam
14:16 Career Growth at PwC
16:55 Mapping Career At A Young Age
18:41 Founding AMCOB
19:25 Career Planning and Entrepreneurship
21:36 The Importance of Execution Over Strategy
22:14 Becoming a Predictive Index Certified Partner
22:45 Insights from Working with Fortune 500 Companies
23:10 The Impact of George Floyd's Murder
23:49 Discovering Systemic Inequality
27:14 Encouraging Muslim Entrepreneurship
28:27 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
31:25 Building a Strong Relationship with Allah
33:32 Groups To Join
38:10 Defining Success in Life and Business

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Adeel Saya, a seasoned global leader with 15 years of experience spanning across Google, eBay, and PWC. Adeel shares insights from his upbringing in Karachi, his educational journey at LUMS and Warwick, and his impressive career transitions. He also discusses the importance of networking, skills needed to succeed in large companies, and how he balances work with mentoring roles. Tune in to discover Adeel's personal definition of success and valuable advice for young professionals aiming to break into the tech and consulting industries.

00:00 Clip
00:57 Guest Introduction: Adeel Saya
01:27 Early Life in Pakistan
02:45 Education at LUMS
03:59 Moving Abroad for Higher Studies
05:19 Settling in the UK
06:53 Building a Support System
08:27 Professional Journey: PWC, eBay, and Google
11:05 Career Planning and Opportunities
14:18 Networking: The Key to Success
16:53 Mentoring at Stanford Seed
18:49 Advice to Younger Self
20:50 Staying Updated with Technology
25:38 Defining Success: A Personal Perspective

Join us on this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we sit down with Mehak Zaidi. Mehak shares her inspiring journey from studying accounting and finance at LUMS in Pakistan to achieving her Master's in Finance from McMaster University in Canada. With prior work experience at RBC and S&P Global Ratings, Mehak now serves as the Associate Director at Fitch Ratings. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the lessons she learned in transitioning from Pakistan to the West. She offers valuable insights into networking, job hunting, and staying motivated through challenging times. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in professional growth, especially those considering a move from Asian countries to the West. Tune in biweekly every Sunday at 5:00 PM on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple iTunes.

00:00 Intro
01:28 Early Life and Education in Pakistan
02:04 Life at LUMS
03:15 Memorable Experiences at LUMS
05:19 Key Connections and Mentorship in Pakistan
06:41 Support from Family and Overcoming Challenges
07:56 Importance of Financial Literacy for Women
10:08 Journey to Canada for Higher Education
11:35 Securing the First Job in Canada
12:54 Experience at RBC
14:13 Transition to S&P Global Ratings
15:58 Reaching Out To Network
17:23 S&P Role
19:06 Role and Responsibilities at S&P
22:16 Joining Fitch Ratings
24:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life
26:54 Key Habits Developed
28:32 Accelerate Your Career
31:06 Advice for Newcomers to the West
33:28 Defining Success
35:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys podcast, we feature Raza Toor, an accredited professional accountant from Canada, Pakistan, and the UK, and a successful realtor in the Greater Toronto Area. Raza shares his experiences of moving from Pakistan to Canada, the challenges he faced, his journey towards becoming an entrepreneur, and valuable advice for aspiring professionals. Tune in to gain insights on adaptability, unlearning and relearning, overcoming fears, and achieving a balanced professional and personal life.

00:00 ‌Intro
01:16 Guest Introduction: Raza Toor
02:00 Raza's Early Life and Education in Pakistan
02:32 Professional Journey in Pakistan
03:18 Teaching Experience in Pakistan
03:39 Choosing Chartered Accountancy
04:49 Decision to Move to Canada
05:29 Challenges of Moving to Canada
08:43 Starting a Firm in Canada
10:10 Overcoming Fear and Mistakes
10:59 Importance of Referrals in Accounting Firm and Real Estate
12:40 Overcoming Fear Of Failure
14:54 Key Advice To Starting Your Own Firm
18:13 Experience in the Real Estate Industry
19:06 Overcoming Losing Client Leads Or Deals
20:55 Balancing Multiple Roles
22:25 Chairman Role at ICAP
24:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
26:59 Advice To Accelerate Career
28:59 Defining Success

Welcome to the East Meets West Professionals Journeys podcast! This episode is essential for students aiming to secure a summer job. Learn why these roles are pivotal beyond just earning a paycheck, shaping your resume, mindset, and network. We delve into six key strategies: starting early, leveraging alumni connections, reflecting and improving, considering smaller firms, utilizing professors as resources, and staying adaptable. Whether you're aiming for consulting, finance, tech, healthcare, or the non-profit sector, this roadmap offers valuable insights to help you thrive. Tune in for practical advice and tools to boost your academic and professional journey.

00:00 Intro
00:36 Strategy #1: Start. Build. Lead. 
02:01 Strategy #2: Connecting With Alumni
03:31 Strategy #3: Reflect. Practice. Improve
04:32 Strategy #4: Think Smaller Too
05:12 Strategy #5: Professors = Allies
05:54 Strategy #6: Adjust When Needed
06:28 Conclusion

In this episode of East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Maham Khalid. With a double major in psychology and sociology and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Punjab, Maham shares her experiences from Pakistan to her transition to a successful HR manager and project manager career in Canada. Founder of Revo Hub, Maham discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting her own venture, addressing cultural barriers, integration, and the significance of resilience and perseverance. Tune in to learn about career mapping, personal branding, and the intersection of human resources and technology.

00:00 Intro
01:42 Early Life and Education in Pakistan
02:41 Transition to Life in Canada
04:29 Challenges Faced as an Immigrant in Canada
06:45 Career Path in HR
09:49 Founding Revo Hub
14:41 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Life
16:44 Maintain Positive Attitude
18:30 Director at YWCA
20:43 Time Management Strategies
23:01 Setting and Achieving Goals
25:13 Advice for Newcomers to Canada
27:36 Breaking Into HR sector
30:44 Defining Success

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Muhammad Zeeshan Sheikh, Director of Finance at Northland Power. Muhammad shares his extensive journey from studying in Lahore to working in Dubai and finally settling in Canada. He discusses the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and networking in his career progression, as well as how he transitioned from computer science to accounting and finance. Tune in to hear his insights on making bold career moves, the value of continuous learning, and his advice for aspiring finance professionals.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:14 Early Life and Education in Pakistan
02:07 Memories in Pakistan
03:08 Career Shift: From Computer Science to Accounting
05:39 Breaking into the Industry in the Gulf + Canada
08:07 Moving to Canada: Challenges and Opportunities
08:50 Specializing in External Reporting
12:40 Role at Northland Power
15:41 Balancing Work, Education, and Family
17:14 Advice for Newcomers to Canada
18:34 Key Habits To Success
19:29 Defining Success and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Shahzeb Afroze, a BBA graduate from the Schulich School of Business who's worked at Deloitte and Plotly as a full stack developer. Shahzeb shares insights from his life in Pakistan, his academic journey, and his professional experiences in Canada. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to a new country, the importance of networking, and his unorthodox career path from business to tech. Tune in to hear his valuable advice for young professionals navigating the job market and striving for success.

00:00 Intro
00:19 Guest Introduction: Shahzeb Afroze
00:33 Experience in Pakistan
01:38 Transition to Canada
02:36 University Life and Challenges
04:08 Experience at Schulich
06:40 Shift From BBA to CS
09:51 Finding Internships
12:23 Landing a Job at Deloitte
14:17 Consulting at Deloitte: Diverse Projects and Learning
15:39 Transition to Plotly: Job Search and Interviews
16:31 Life at Plotly: Company Culture and Role
17:24 Choosing Full Stack Development
18:20 Explaining the Full Stack Role
20:19 Advice to My Younger Self
23:14 Navigating the Current Job Market
26:34 Defining Success: Financial Freedom and Personal Fulfillment