We recently had the opportunity to interview Aayat Khan, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Lighthouse Middle East Trading FZE. As a Retail and Supply Chain expert with extensive expertise in business development and international brand operations, Aayat Khan has been closely associated with the launching and handling of some top brands globally.
As the COO of Lighthouse, Aayat is responsible for strategic planning, security management operations, presenting business plans and forecasts, and many more. In this interview, the COO speaks about his professional journey, adapting to the changes, offering unique services, and the impact of technology on his industry.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Could you describe your career journey and the pivotal experiences that shaped your path to becoming a leader in your industry?”
Aayat Khan shared, “I have an MBA in International Business and all-around hands-on experience in launching, upholding, and promoting Sacoor Brothers, Landmark Group, and Al-Hokair Group brands across MENA, CIS, and Africa. With extensive technical and interpersonal skills, I have gathered a proven track in a leadership role with a record of delivering growth.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
Challenging phases are an inevitable part of every business. To learn how Aayat Khan overcomes the same, we asked, “As your company has grown and faced various challenges, how has your original vision evolved to meet these changes?”
Aayat Khan shared, “Undoubtedly, building a business includes challenges. With immense experience in handling international brand operations and business development, I relish working in challenging environments. I mitigated all the existing business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance along with focusing on successful turnaround of loss-making businesses. I am currently dedicated to promoting the company culture and enhancing brand awareness to increase client bases and profitability and adapt to the latest changes.”
Filling Market Gaps
We were curious to learn how Aayat Khan filled the market gaps that sparked his interest in his current position. So, we asked, “Was there a specific moment when you identified an unmet need in the market that inspired you to start your venture? How did you turn that idea into reality?”
Aayat Khan shared, “Being skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand, I am a dedicated Retail professional with a proven track record of utilizing consistent and organized practices. I focused on bridging the gap between the organization and customer relations, by meeting customer service standards and expectations consistently by effectively communicating and actively listening.”
Setting Lighthouse Apart
To ensure a strong brand presence in the market, it is crucial to offer unique services and experiences. We asked, “With so many players in your field, how does your service offering distinguish itself? Could you share the inspiration behind one of your key services?”
Aayat Khan responds, “I have extensive expertise in handling international brand operations and business development alongside technical and Interpersonal Skills. In my role as Lighthouse’s Chief Operations Officer, I am committed to building brand awareness and the corporate culture to attract more customers and boost revenue, providing us with a unique position in the market. What inspired me to build these services was the collaborative leadership style and commitment to collaborating with colleagues to foster an engaged and empowering work culture.”
Integrating The Core Ethics
We further asked, “Sustainability and social responsibility are critical in the current business world. How have you integrated these principles into the fabric of your company, and why do you think it’s essential for your sector?”
“Apart from supporting business growth through strategic planning and process development, I also established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors, and strategic partners.” Aayat Khan replied.
Impact Of Technology
With the fast-paced digital development, every industry is undergoing major changes. We asked, “How is technology playing a role in helping your company move forward?”
Aayat Khan shared, “It is true that technology plays a major part in how businesses operate these days. Technological advancements are undoubtedly helping us in strategic planning and process development. Also, it has boosted our divisional marketing, forecasts, advertising, and new product development.”
Letting The Business Flourish
We ended the interview by asking, “As we look into the future, faced with both opportunities and uncertainties, how are you positioning your company to not just survive but flourish?”
Aayat Khan concluded, “At Lighthouse, I am currently focusing on sourcing stocks globally for 10 outlets of 10,000 Sqm in North Africa. Also, I have streamlined company processes and procedures while enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening their relationship with the brand. Also, we are modernizing procedures and organization, while maintaining P&L and shouldering corporate fiscal responsibility.”
Follow Aayat Khan on LinkedIn.
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