Tell us about yourself. How did you get there?
I am a tech geek-turned-marketer who worked her way up the corporate ladder to become the Head of Digital at a North American company through sheer grit and determination. I began my entrepreneurial journey at 36 years of age, which demonstrates that it is never too late to follow your passion and that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
What is the future of E-Commerce that you see in Pakistan?
COVID-19 was the driving force behind the e-commerce boom. The digital transformation resulting from the shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping is here to stay. The ability to launch an online store with minimal investment and few geographical limitations has democratized the retail industry. This will continue to lead to rapid growth in small-to-medium enterprises, home businesses, and micro-entrepreneurs, resulting in strong economic gains.
How do you see the industry-academia gap?
Companies are unable to find the right resources, whereas fresh graduates struggle to find jobs, indicating a serious underlying problem—the disconnect between industry and academia. Specifically, from a tech perspective, the curriculum needs to be updated from middle school through graduate and post-graduate levels to align with emerging technologies. Additionally, industry stakeholders need to be involved in the curriculum development process. Furthermore, industry experts as guest lecturers and real-life projects should be introduced from the beginning to ensure that students develop the right skills.
