1. How did you end up building a career in AI?
My journey into AI began at Teradata, where I was captivated by the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. Witnessing the impact of analytics on organizations inspired me to pivot from traditional data analysis toward machine learning applications.
Another pivotal moment came in 2017 when we embarked on a deep learning project focused on safe cities. The intricate interplay of neural networks, mirroring the cognitive functions of the human brain, fascinated me. This foundational concept of artificial neural networks, upon which deep learning is built, resonated deeply with my curiosity.
Now, at TenX, my passion for AI has flourished as we pioneer innovative solutions that leverage its capabilities. From computer vision-powered microbial detection to early breast cancer diagnosis, our work aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. AI’s potential to revolutionize industries has become a driving force in my professional journey.
2. What is your leadership style?
I believe in a leadership style that is both collaborative and empowering. By fostering a team-oriented culture, I strive to create an environment where our team feels valued and supported. Hence, I try to avoid micromanagement and trust my team members to take ownership of their work.
By setting clear goals, providing strategic guidance, and offering mentorship, I aim to create a high-performing environment. I encourage open communication and regular feedback to ensure alignment and engagement. While results are important, I prioritize maintaining a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
3. What is disruption for you?
Disruption is a catalyst for progress. It challenges our preconceived notions of norms, such as the shift from traditional cell phones to smartphones. However, it’s important to remember that the transformative power of disruption extends beyond technology and impacts our daily lives, driving positive outcomes and creating a better future. By embracing disruption, we can unlock new possibilities, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of life.
It’s essential to constantly evaluate the status quo, identifying inefficiencies and challenges that need innovative solutions to disrupt the world as we know it—for the better.
4. What inspires you?
Being able to achieve tangible results while maintaining ethical standards is important to me because honesty is the cornerstone of my business approach. I believe in building trust and respect through integrity and find it more important than short-term gains.
As difficult as it is, I am fortunate to have worked with organizations like TenX and Teradata, which focus on ethical business practices and ethical growth. This motivates me to strive for success and excellence in everything I do.
5. How can we increase tech jobs?
In a country of around 220 million people with a predominantly young population, only 25,000 new IT graduates are added annually, and only about 5,000 are considered employable. This highlights the need for action.
To increase tech jobs, we must invest in comprehensive tech training centers catering to individuals with and without undergraduate degrees, emphasizing skills over formal qualifications. By focusing on both quantity and quality, we can bridge the gap between our current supply of IT graduates and the growing demand. Our current IT/Software Services Exports are close to USD 2 billion. Through these mass tech trainings, we can solve two problems simultaneously: increasing employment opportunities for the youth and helping raise IT/Software Services exports to around USD 20 billion in the next three to five years.
Hypothetically speaking, we should target training around 50,000 Python Developers, 100,000 Data Scientists, 70,000 Web Application Developers, and 100,000 Linux Administrators, who could serve global markets through the proven Business Process Outsourcing and Offshoring model. Our neighbors have done this and have reached annual IT/Software Services Exports worth USD 126 billion.
This scale will attract international tech giants to establish development centers in Pakistan. However, to achieve this, there needs to be a mindset shift to promote awareness of tech careers and encourage our youth to pursue tech as a viable path, similar to traditional fields like medicine and engineering.
