NUST Business School celebrated the graduation of its students at a convocation ceremony in Islamabad. As the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Ghias Khan, President & CEO of Engro Corp, shared his learnings and leadership journey with the graduating batches.
Here’s what one of the biggest corporate leaders of Pakistan shared as his top 5 learnings during the course of his career:
- “Whichever Higher Power you believe in, pray that it’s on your side”
You can be the smartest person, you could be receiving medals of all kinds, but if He doesn’t bless you with opportunities, it will all go to waste. So, first and foremost, you should have strong faith that He will give you those opportunities.
- “Do not let anyone come between you and your dreams – not even yourself”
“There will be times in your life, where you will be down, you will be depressed, but you must hold onto your dreams. Because when you are going to look at yourself in the mirror, at times you will see this person who is going to create doubt & say that you cannot do this.
You can’t even let that person come between you and your dreams.”
- “Choose your partner wisely”
I have seen people in toxic relationships, and it gets draining on their life and energy. It is the most important decision that you will make. Listen to your parents, but don’t outsource this decision to them. And my advice to the parents will be to listen to their children.
The room filled with applause when Ghias Khan went on to share, “I wouldn’t be the man that I am today if it wasn’t for my wife.”
4. “Wake up early in the morning, wear your best suit, look your best, have a smile on your face, regardless of what kind of problem you are facing, be ready for that one opportunity”
It all comes down to how hard you will work, how disciplined you will be in this life, how structured you will be about your thinking, about your being – whether it’s your physical health or mental health, your spiritual health; it all has to align for you to work hard. There are people who will get multiple opportunities, who will be blessed. And there are those who will get only one. You have to be ready for that one opportunity, and it could present itself anytime.
5. “Endeavour to live a life of integrity”
“One day, many years ago, I decided that I am going to endeavour to not lie, regardless of whatever the consequences are, and that has been the source of my strength. It takes fear out of you. So, try to endeavour to be transparent and be truthful.”
Ghias Khan went on to appreciate the gender balance of the batch, and acknowledged that a lot still needs to be done in diversity, equity & inclusion in Pakistan. Addressing especially the female students, he shared, “There will be times when you will be vetoed and underestimated, and made to feel like you don’t belong in the professional spaces. But never, ever let anyone tell you that you are any less than a man. “
Watch the complete video here:
Former CEO and Co-Founder of Inbox Business Technologies, Ghias grew the company to over 1,900 employees and pivoted from a computer manufacturer to a technology-enabled digital services company, leading to the formation of one of the largest tech firms out of the country. A charismatic personality and one of the youngest CEOs to head a national conglomerate of Pakistan, Ghias has been instrumental in revamping Engro’s strategy, culture, and global outreach and is leading their digital transformation and transition to sustainability.
