As a business owner, an entrepreneur understands operations and the day to day challenges faced by organizations better than anybody else. As companies focus on their core operations and executives remain focused on managing several roles, major business problems go unnoticed. The possibilities of resolving these opportunities are slim as there is no time to assess them objectively. This is where business consulting partnerships come into existence as Organizations can seek the assistance of an external insight to explore these untapped opportunities. Business Consultants are those who can correctly assess operations without falling into the turmoil and tunnel vision that comes with hands-on management. Headed by Founder and CEO, Mahrukh Ahmad, ZSR Consulting came into existence with the core desire to understand business problems, explore untapped opportunities and deliver viable value-added solutions.

Having been raised in a family that valued education above all else, Mahrukh Ahmad, the Founder and CEO of ZSR Consulting had the great privilege to have excellent mentors both in school and in her professional life, who helped to mold her into the person she is today. Mahrukh moved away from home at the tender age of 16 to pursue a degree in Singapore on a merit-based scholarship. There was no looking back from there since the root of self-reliance and survival was planted very early in her childhood. Her parents' encouragement to constantly strive for achievement helped Mahrukh acquire the ability to always give everything her best shot. Later on, Mahrukh completed her studies in the United States, getting both a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Economics and an MBA in Management Information Systems.

In an exclusive interaction with the Women Entrepreneur magazine, Mahrukh spoke about her successful entrepreneurial journey so far.

Give Us A Brief Overview Of ZSR Consulting.

With years of worldwide experience executing strategic projects across a broad variety of sectors, ZSR Consulting is ideally positioned to provide consulting services no matter how complex the situation at hand. ZSR Consulting employs innovative thinking to develop solutions that will impact our customers' futures. We specialize in managing large scale enterprise-wide initiatives and department specific ones spanning all areas of business; strategy, marketing, operations, technology, analytics, finance and human resources. Our management strategies are designed with a focus on collaboration across all levels of the organization to deliver long-lasting change. Regardless of the project, customers can rely on us to be their partners at every step along the way.

What Are Some Key Business Lessons That You Learned Through Your Prior Experience That Is Still A Part Of Your Approach To Leadership?

I have worked in the pharmaceutical, hospitality, retail, and wholesale distribution sectors for the better part of two decades. As a young professional, I had the opportunity to observe and learn from some exceptional leaders who were the epitome of servant leadership. To me, the core of leadership is putting people first, and my leadership style is structured on this principle. In my opinion, when you mentor, train, and shape the careers of individuals you meet along the way, you are practicing selfless leadership, and it pays off in the lives you change for the better.

What Are Some Of The Most Pressing Challenges That You Face As The Founder & CEO And How Do You Successfully Tackle Them?

Titles are not part of my leadership philosophy. I think each person has a unique set of talents that can be utilized to their full potential if they are given equal opportunity. The entire ZSR Consulting leadership team shares the same philosophy of empowering our team and wearing numerous hats. For me, the focus is to maintain long-term relationships with our clients by consistently adding value to their bottom line through the implementation of strategic projects.

"ZSR consulting is ideally positioned to provide consulting services no matter how complex the situation at hand"

When it comes to consulting - patience, perseverance, and collaboration are the keys to success. In today's fast-paced business world, clients want a higher level of quality and accountability, as well as a faster turnaround on deliverables. Henceforth, we must stay ahead of our clients to guarantee that we can provide solutions for the long-term. A lot of time and effort is needed to keep up to date as business norms continue to change. Moreover, because of the pandemic, organziations have been forced to re-evaluate how they conduct business and ZSR Consulting is assisting these businesses in implementing and leading this transition. Partner, Analyse, Optimize, and Transform—this is how we approach every customer interaction.

As A Business Leader What Are Some Key Leadership Philosophies And Strategies That You Leverage To Ensure Business Success?

Successful leaders are those who are concerned with their employees' well-being. They focus on fostering an environment in which teams are motivated to excel because they feel accountable and invested in the organization's mission. Additionally, I feel that a leader must be adaptable and able to learn from his or her mistakes. Above all, success requires open communication, transparency, and accountability.

What Has Been The Driving Force Behind Your Success As A Business Leader?

During the last year, ZSR Consulting has witnessed significant growth, and we are well on our way to expanding existing client connections and establishing new ones. I've always been someone who sets higher standards for myself every time I achieve a new milestone. The drive to accomplish more was something I inherited from my father in my childhood. Hard work, perseverence and the passion to consistently learn and evolve has been my recipe for success as a leader.

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring Within Your Respective Field Of Work And The Tech Landscape?

Research and networking are essential to remaining on top of industry trends. In addition, I participate in a number of online discussion groups focused on industry and technological standards. I am also a member of the Dubai Business Women’s Council which is an excellent organization to interact and learn from fellow entrepreneurs. All these forums are very useful in terms of enhancing industry knowledge and staying abreast with the ever-evolving industry trends.

Drawing From Your Experience As A Successful Business Leader, What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women And Girls Who Also Aspire To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

There is always a place at the table available for you; all you have to do is go and take it. Be confident in your abilities and speak out for what you believe in. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, nothing is impossible. It is essential to surround oneself with wiser individuals and soak up their wisdom like a sponge. Do not lose sight of the fact that empathy is a powerful tool for winning over people's hearts and gaining their support. I have the priviledge of wearing a multi-faceted crown everyday; a woman, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a professional and an ENTREPRENEUR! It comes with the weight of the world with it but we as women should own it and try and give every day our best shot! Attitude is half the battle and keeping a stance on life full of positivity and gratitude is what has helped me tremendously on this journey.

Mahrukh Ahmad,  Founder & CEO,  ZSR Consulting

Mahrukh Ahmad is an experienced executive with more than 22 years of experience in a variety of multinational businesses in the United States and the Middle East. Because of her track record of collaborating with businesses to bring about value added change, Mahrukh has earned a reputation as a great leader. Mahrukh is also a founder member of the Female Fusion Network, a group of over 12000 women entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors. She is also a member of the Dubai Business Women’s Council (DBWC).