Previous Occupation: Director - Ortho Relief Hospital & Research Centre (2008-11), Applications Engineer - M.A Ford Mfg Co. (2006-08)
Present Occupation: Consultant (Health & Public Service) - Accenture Management Consulting
Sector: Healthcare
Work Experience: 6 years
Interests – Professional/Personal: Professional - The healthcare and auto industries / Personal - Sports, Music, Movies, 

Can you tell us a little about your family background/history?
I come from a family that true to its Sindhi roots has been entrenched in family businesses ever since both sets of my grandparents migrated from Pakistan during Partition. My father is an orthopaedic surgeon who migrated to the UK for 9 years and  which is where I was born and raised. Predictably he wanted to be his own boss and so we moved to India when I was 8 when my father set up the hospital I would later work for. My mother handles certain administration functions of the hospital, and my sister is an architect currently doing her Masters at the AA School of Architecture in London. And lastly, my wife, whom I met at ISB, is also a strategy consultant!

Briefly describe your personal and professional achievements (including recent awards\special projects)
While in school I played for the Maharashtra state DSO Under-16 cricket championship in 1997-98. In 1998-99 I was selected as a student ambassador to the US for Rotary's Youth Exchange program to the US in 1998-99 where I spent a year in highschool staying with American families. That year I lettered in varsity tennis and was a member of the All Academic team for the Mississippi Athletic Conference (USA) in 1999. While in college at Iowa State University I served as member of the student council for the Towers Residence Association. 
Once I started working, after a year at MA Ford I was appointed liaison to our alliance with Forbes & Co. in India and headed the technology transfer process.At Accenture I helped identify $42 million in incremental revenue for a large healthcare provider. I also authored a strategy document for the Ministry of Textiles to help them promote particular technical textile industry segments, which I had the honour of presenting to the Joint Secretary.

Tell us about your profile pre ISB,  and recap your professional life after ISB including your career progresion
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University in 2005 and spent the next 2+ years working as an Applications Engineer in the US as well as India for the M.A. Ford Mfg. Co. Product design and problem solving were the main skills acquired, along with significant exposure to lean manufacturing concepts. I was later appointed liaison for our joint operation with Forbes & Co. here in India and helped in the technology transfer process. Post MA Ford, for the two years bookending ISB I was working with our family owned hospital overlooking operations and devising a growth strategy. In August 2011 I decided to explore the world of management consulting and joined Accenture's Health & Public Service practice, which is where I am currently working as a consultant.

Describe your fondest memory at ISB
Two things stand out - firstly, I remember never having any free time; it was work & play 24/7. Secondly, and more importantly, I happened to meet my wife at ISB. Hence ISB will always be special for us. 

In your personal life, how have you changed post-ISB? Do you see yourself doing something differently because you went to ISB? What has left a lasting impression?
ISB has definitely made me more aware of the various angles of looking at a problem or a business situation. ISB has given me a holistic "management" perspective, which I guess was the whole point to begin with! 
On an abstract and intangible level it was inspiring to learn about peoples' success stories - from business leaders to colleagues. And I'm sure I will continue to be inspired as more ISBians invariably leave their mark on this world. 

How do you think ISB has contributed to your career growth?
I think the primary goal of an MBA is to familiarize people with various business concepts - conjoint analysis, LTVC, etc. Its not rocket science, but it helps give structure to any thought process. And structured thinking is in my opinion the most important facet of career growth. It helped me compartmentalize tasks and their solutions when I was working for my hospital, and it helps me do the same for clients at Accenture.

If you have to sum up ISB in one word: Gateway

What was the main highlight of your programme at the ISB?
Being surrounded by an extremely smart and diverse set of colleagues. And seeing dynamism and a passion for teaching from professors in India, which most would agree was hitherto rare!

Word of advice for the current class?
Do not hold back. Jump into all aspects of the ISB experience with gusto - academics, extra-curriculars, and the social events. And communicate, with your quaddies, with your group mates, with your professors....no question is too stupid, no business idea too whacky!

What was your favourite course/class at ISB and why?
Investing in PE - It was very hands on and got me familiar with concepts that were alien to me when I came to ISB; they don't teach you valuations and preferred stock in Mechanical Engineering!

Was there anyone during your time at ISB who acted as a mentor for you? Tell us a little about this relationship and why it was valuable.
A section mate and now one of my closest friends - Zorawar Singh - was my sounding board throughout ISB and was someone I could always count on for pragmatic feedback, both positive and negative.

What are the areas that you can contribute in to ISB?
I would be glad to be involved in information sessions and interviews.

What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
Consulting enables you to cater to different clients, learn and display new skills; which keeps things interesting. At the same time its fascinating to see how one can bring structure to a company as big as Accenture (from an employer's perspective). 

What is the next new thing in the industry or vertical you are working in? Any trends that you can see?
An explosion of primary healthcare penetration, and more importantly the proliferation of low cost healthcare business models in India.

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