Hello! I’m Iqbal Yousuf Shaikh. A Dynamic and accomplished professional with over 34 years of extensive experience encompassing education, professional and vocational training, software development & implementation and business management. Demonstrated expertise in leading educational institutions and software companies, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. Adept at managing largescale projects, establishing robust support structures, and expanding franchise networks. Recognized for exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, and the ability to deliver high-quality results under challenging conditions. Awarded numerous local and international accolades for contributions to the IT education sector and successful implementation of cutting-edge software solutions.
Role and Responsibilities:
As a CEO Aptech Pakistan, I hold a pivotal role, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities to ensure the institution’s success and growth. Here are some key responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and communicate the university’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
- Lead the implementation of strategic plans and policies to achieve these goals.
- Academic Oversight:
- Ensure the quality and integrity of training programs and other curricular initiatives.
- Foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation.
- Design & Development of curriculum to include latest technology and versions.
- Design & Development of specialized training programs for Pakistan’s IT sector.
- Financial & Administrative Oversight:
- Oversee the company’s financial health, including budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.
- Ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of centres’ facilities and infrastructure.
- Oversee the implementation of technology and innovation to enhance the university’s operations.
- Oversee the administrative functions, including human resources, facilities, and operations.
- Ensure effective governance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Industry Alliance & Public Relations:
- Act as the primary representative of the institution to external stakeholders, including government bodies, industry partners, and the public.
- Build and maintain relationships with other educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations.
- Advocate for the institution’s interests at local, national, and international levels.
- Serve as Aptech Ambassador to build public image of the institution.
- Franchise Support System
Overseeing Franchise Support system that includes:
- Training and Development
- Operational Support
- Marketing and Promotion
- Financial Guidance
- Compliance and Quality Control
- Supply Chain Management
- Technology and Innovation
- Communication and Relationship Management
- Strategic Planning and Growth
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute the firm’s vision, mission, and business strategy to provide top-tier study abroad counseling services.
- Identify new market opportunities and trends in international education to ensure the firm remains competitive and innovative. Partnerships & University Liaison:
- Establish and maintain relationships with international universities, educational institutions, and embassies.
- Develop partnerships with institutions to create pathways for students, such as special admission deals, scholarships, or priority processing.
- Act as a liaison between the students and universities to facilitate smooth communication and application processes.
- Team Management & Training:
- Recruit, train, and manage a team of consultants and advisors to deliver highquality counseling services.
- Ensure that the team is updated with the latest industry knowledge and counseling techniques through continuous professional development.
- Oversee daily operations, set performance targets, and monitor employee productivity and service quality.
- Student Success Tracking & Problem-Solving & Crisis Management:
- Track the progress of students post-admission and maintain contact to ensure they are succeeding in their studies abroad.
- Build a network of alumni and use their experiences to promote your services and provide testimonials for prospective students.
- Address any issues or roadblocks that students encounter during the application process, such as visa rejections, delays in university responses, or financial challenges.
- Provide solutions and alternatives to students when they face difficulties in admission or settling in abroad.
- Project Leadership and Management:
Overview of extensive responsibilities and achievements as Head of Services at NDC, emphasizing leadership, technical expertise, and ability to manage complex projects successfully. - Implementation Oversight: Spearheaded the implementation of Temenos T24 Core Banking Solution for Meezan Bank Limited and NIB Bank, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Requirement Gathering: Conducted detailed requirement analysis sessions with clients to capture and document specific customization needs for T24.
- Project Planning: Developed and maintained comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, to ensure successful project execution.
- Team Management: Led a diverse team of 80 technical and business consultants, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring effective communication and coordination.
- Progress Monitoring: Regularly reviewed project progress, identified potential risks, and implemented mitigation strategies to keep the project on track.
- Islamic Banking Customization: Directed the extensive customization of T24 to cater to Islamic banking requirements at Meezan Bank, including unique processes for credits, interest calculation, and profit distribution.
- Quality Assurance: Established and enforced quality assurance protocols to ensure that all customizations met the highest standards and client specifications.
- Technical Leadership: Provided technical guidance and support to the development team, ensuring that all customizations were technically sound and aligned with client needs.
- Conflict Resolution: Played a pivotal role in resolving technical and business conflicts between the bank’s implementation team and NDC’s team, ensuring smooth project progression.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating clear and effective communication to align project objectives and expectations.
- Training and User Acceptance:
- Training Rollout: Orchestrated the nationwide rollout of handholding training sessions for over 140 branches, ensuring that all users were proficient in the new T24 system.
- Training Coordination: Managed a team of trainers to deliver in-person training sessions, providing comprehensive support and addressing user queries.
- User Acceptance: Monitored user feedback and acceptance, making necessary adjustments to training programs to enhance user confidence and satisfaction.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Design of electrification system of government buildings.
- Estimation, contract preparation and tendering process.
- Execution of work on site and quality assurance.
- Teaching Undergraduate Courses:
- Delivered comprehensive lectures in Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems, ensuring that students grasped fundamental and advanced concepts. o Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that catered to diverse learning styles, incorporating multimedia tools and practical examples to enhance understanding. o Conducted regular assessments, including quizzes, assignments, and exams, to monitor student progress and provide constructive feedback.
- Conducted both theoretical lectures and practical laboratory sessions, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
- Designed and executed laboratory experiments, providing hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software.
- Ensured a safe and conducive learning environment in the laboratory, adhering to all safety protocols and guidelines.
- Research & Development Associate:
- Collaborated with senior professors on cutting-edge research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems.
- Assisted in the preparation of research proposals, grant applications, and scholarly articles for publication in reputable journals. o Supervised undergraduate research projects, guiding students through the research process and ensuring adherence to academic standards.
- Examination Factotum:
- Developed and set semester-end examination papers, ensuring they accurately assessed students’ knowledge and skills. o Evaluated exam papers, assignments, and projects, providing detailed feedback to help students improve their performance.
- Maintained accurate records of student grades and performance, ensuring transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.
- Supported the departmental chair in organizing and managing examination-related activities.
- Assisted in setting up class schedules, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and faculty for smooth conduct of classes. o Coordinated with faculty members to address any issues related to examinations, schedules, and resource allocation.
- Administrative Support:
- Played a key role in the administrative functions of the department, contributing to the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
- Participated in departmental meetings, providing insights and suggestions for improving academic and administrative processes. o Engaged in continuous professional development, attending workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.