Currently the youngest EVP of a bank in the Asian region, Mr. Noman Azhar is one of those incredibly brilliant people whom we all hear stories about; the 31 years old has all but conquered the world of mobile financing in Pakistan.Consuldents recently had the privilege of talking to Mr. Azhar, and in doing so, made some fascinating discoveries about Mr. Azhar’s life, which are not as well-documented as his professional success.

So let’s take a look at how Mr. Azhar reached the top.

Below is an edited version of the conversation Consuldents had with Mr. Azhar.

Counsuldents: Can you please get us acquainted with your origin story?

Mr. Azhar: I was forced to start from the scratch. I was someone whom you may consider to be born with a silver spoon in his mouth. However, some unforeseen circumstances forced me to start earning money for my family, whilst I was still enrolled in Bachelor’s degree program at Arid Agriculture University. I used to go to my university in the morning, and work a night shift at a call center. This took up about 19 hours of my day. However, whilst some people break under pressure, I decided to use it to build myself up.

During that time, I got an opportunity to intern at Ufone, and I took it, deeming it to be somewhat of golden opportunity; that turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I was hired by Ufone through the internship, and in a short time, I became the head of financial service and M-governance during their golden period- back when their T.V. advertisements were amazing, and starred famous actors and comedians.

I owe my success to my boss at Ufone, Mr. Taimoor. He helped shape me into the man I am today, and I consider him to be more than a mentor; he is, perhaps, like a brother to me now. At the time, he wasn’t a particularly popular figure because of his strict adherence to a no-failure policy, and that affected me too at times. I remember feeling like crying several times when he got mad at me for getting something wrong.But, I feel that without him, I wouldn’t have been what I am today. However, I would attribute most- if not all- of my professional success to my parents. Undeniably, without their undying support, I would not have been able to get anywhere; they helped keep me going through all the hard times, that I faced, and sacrificed just as much, if not more. Therefore, I am, and will always be, eternally grateful to them.

Consuldents: Why did you choose your current area of work?

Mr. Azhar: I didn’t. This is exactly why I stress immensely on good career counselling. I never had any idea as to what I wanted to do. Back in my secondary schooling, we used to select our majors on the basis of which classes our friends were taking. I highly, highly recommend every student out there to get as good a career counsellor as possible, because just because it worked for me, doesn’t mean it will work for everyone else as well. Thus, career counselling is vital for a successful career.

Consuldents: Can you please shed some light on your journey to the top?

Mr. Azhar: Well, once my boss decided to leave Ufone, I figured it was time for me to move on as well. I was already being offered multiple jobs while I was still working at Ufone, so once I decided to quit, I joined VRG International, as its ‘Head of Financial Services’ for its Pakistan division. Two years into VRG, I received an offer from Meezan Bank to join them as the head of their branchless banking. I readily accepted the offer, but life in Karachi was difficult for someone who has spent his entire life in the Twin Cities. Therefore, I left Meezan in just a couple of months, and without much delay, got offered my current job. Because of the policy of the bank, I wasn’t hired directly to the position of an EVP, but was promoted to it in a period of three months.

Consuldents: What is currently keeping you busy?

 Mr. Azhar: Currently, I am working on establishing mobile and branchless banking for JS Bank. I have been able to set up the infrastructure, and downsize the workforce, at the same time. This has made the operation much more efficient, and less capital-intensive.

Also, I have started another business venture in Safa Gold Mall. It’s a food place known as Daal and Chawal.

Consuldents: How would you describe your work ethic?

 Mr. Azhar: I have a really serious work ethic. I have worked all my life for the betterment of the firm, and was never swayed by monetary gains. I have always tried to remain as resourceful to those around me as possible. I remember working for Ufone so tirelessly that there were times when I didn’t use to come home for days on end; I couldn’t attend some of the social events which were very important to me, just because I always put my work first. I remember there was a time when I stayed in the office for three days consecutively. Again, I only work for the firm, and do it on my own terms, but make sure that the firm only has something to gain out of it, regardless of how hard I have to work.

Consuldents: Would like to give the students some piece of advice?

 Mr. Azhar: I would love to help the students, because I know what it feels like to be in their shoes. My first advice would be that they must always work hard, and must always try to give their best, and exhibit leadership abilities, even if they aren’t the best out there. An example of this is the fact that the graduates whom I hire now are much more skillful than I was, when I was their age. Thus, by hiring them, I am able to use their skillset, whilst they are able to gain a lot from something that they don’t have- my experience in the industry.

Also, I would like to point out that they should always try to work with the intention of helping people. I have always followed that approach, and it has always worked out for me, and the company, in terms of monetary capital generation.

Lastly, I would like to say that you should never be let down because people don’t believe in you. In my case, at first, whilst I was still new to the whole thing, and trying really hard to make it, I was receiving a lot of social backfire from two different sources: my family, who was unhappy that I was unavailable for most events because I was too busy working, and secondly, my colleagues, who used to judge, and criticize me for very little things, such as my dressing sense etc. However, a couple of years later, those colleagues were working under me, and the family that was always unhappy with me for not being able to attend events, is now prouder than ever. Thus, I would always advise the students to always chase their dreams regardless of how hard you have to work for it, for you don’t achieve great things without having to make a few sacrifices along the way.