In our previous interview with Asma Jan Muhammad, a Dubai-based Pakistani author, finance expert, passionate writer, trainer, and inspirer, we talked about her latest title and her journey as an author, which intrigued us to learn more about her. Hence, we decided to speak with her again about her career journey. Recently, Asma was honored with the “Outstanding Leadership Award” by the CXO 2.0 Conference Dubai | USA – Shaping the Future of Business Leadership, underscoring her exceptional contributions to the finance sector.
Throughout her journey, Asma Jan Muhammad has been committed to continuous learning and is excelling in literature and finance. In this insightful interview, Asma shares her career journey, challenges, and opportunities in both fields, navigating the top trends and her plans to thrive in the financial landscape.
Beginnings First
We started the interview by asking, “Can you share a pivotal moment in your finance career that significantly influenced your professional trajectory?”
Asma shared, “In my life and professional journey, I have always dedicated myself to learning and staying up-to-date with industry developments and new technological skills in the dynamic field of finance while consistently offering high-quality work that exceeds expectations.
With a proactive problem-solving approach, I take the initiative and recognize and solve issues. I focus on cost optimization, process improvement, and cash flow management. Ethics and integrity are the pillars of my career, as I believe in honest, transparent, and fair business practices. By actively seeking collaboration, diverse perspectives, and advantageous relationships, I enhance my professional experiences and create an inclusive workplace that promotes equality and diversity.”
She added, “Throughout my career, I have predominantly engaged in roles within Corporate Finance that necessitated the establishment of financial planning and management from the ground up. These positions involved overcoming unique challenges, particularly in persuading business stakeholders about the criticality of implementing robust checks and controls. The objective has consistently been to safeguard the health and viability of the business by laying a solid foundation for effective governance and risk management.
A couple of such pivotal moments in my finance career significantly influenced my professional trajectory when I successfully led major restructuring initiatives and delivered S.L.A.s to clients. These experiences showcased my ability to navigate complex financial challenges and my leadership skills in managing large teams. It propelled me into more strategic roles within the organization, shaping my career toward focusing on economic strategy, planning, and governance.
Moreover, the finance industry has long been characterized by male dominance, presenting its own set of challenges. Overcoming these barriers, I encountered and persevered through the struggle to shatter these glass ceilings within the traditionally male-dominated financial landscape. By the grace of Providence, I hold a reputable position among U.A.E.’s Top 10 Women C.F.O.s and several other recognitions in my list.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenging phases are an inevitable and critical part of any professional journey. We were curious how Asma Jan Muhammad projected her goals in response to such challenges. We asked, “How have your initial visions and goals in the finance industry evolved in response to unexpected challenges or opportunities?”
She responds, “Early on, I aspired to excel in traditional financial practices, envisioning a path of strategic financial management. However, reality introduced me to challenges such as working late hours to meet stringent deadlines, strategizing through the complexities inherent in bureaucratic environments, aligning expectations across the organization to secure necessary finance operations, embracing emerging technologies, and adapting to regulatory and economic changes.
My experience and exposure have helped me develop a strategic approach that combines resilience and adaptability, which has become a cornerstone of my professional evolution, allowing me to thrive amidst the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the finance industry.
In facing these challenges, I found myself not only managing financial intricacies but also explaining complex financial concepts to non-finance departments, which expanded my role beyond numerical proficiency.”
Acing The Top Trends
To maintain a strong presence in the industry, it is paramount to have a keen eye on the dynamic trends and adopt the right ones. We asked, “What strategies do you employ to stay updated with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies in the finance sector?”
Asma shared, “Regular scenario planning and risk assessments enable me to proactively adjust strategies in response to changes, ensuring adaptability while maintaining the long-term vision.
To stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, I engage in Continuous Professional Development (C.P.D.). This involves attending mandatory C.P.D. courses laid out by the two professional institutes of which I am a member, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (I.C.A.P.) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales (I.C.A.E.W.), industry conferences, participating in webinars, and subscribing to reputable financial publications like Financial Times, H.B.R. and McKinsey Reviews. Networking with peers and participating in industry forums also provide valuable insights into evolving trends and potential opportunities.”
Recognizing Excellence: Asma’s Leadership Award and Conference Insights
Asma was honored with the “Outstanding Leadership Award” by the CXO 2.0 Conference Dubai | USA – Shaping the Future of Business Leadership, held between Feb 20-22, 2024, at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City, UAE. Achievers were chosen and adjudged on five parameters, namely a) Leader’s Reputation b) Achievements & Accolades c) Professional Experience d) Creative Thinking d) Decisive Leadership.
The CXO 2.0 Conference is an electrifying convergence of international business luminaries—from CEOs to advisors and senior leaders—all working together to drive advancements in their respective industries. Asma also participated in the conference as a panelist, contributing her experiences and perspectives, in two panel discussions titled “The Art of Calculated Risks” and “The Significance of Succession Planning” amidst uncertain times.
“Navigating risks isn’t solely a science or an art; rather, it’s a behavioral skill cultivated through accumulated experiences and time. Succession planning, on the other hand, serves as a strategic risk management approach aimed at mitigating the potential consequences of leadership vacancies or transitions within an organization,” Asma added.
Nurturing The Top Talents
We were intrigued to learn about the approaches adopted by Asma Jan Muhammad in fostering the best talents in her team. So, we asked, “What strategies have you implemented to attract, nurture, and grow top talent within your finance teams?”
“I firmly believe in fostering a culture of collective idea cultivation and talent development within my finance teams. I emphasize creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment where each team member’s strengths are identified and the right resources are strategically planned and deployed to ensure accurate and timely deliverables.
The cornerstone of this approach involves hiring the right candidate, implementing mentorship programs, providing continuous training opportunities, and establishing clear career progression paths to facilitate talent development. Additionally, I recognize the pivotal role of team counseling, acknowledging and rewarding achievements as a crucial strategy for retaining top-performing team members.” Asma replied.
Asma’s Journey In Both Fields
We further asked, “Shifting gears briefly, as an author, how do you find that your financial background informs or complements your creative writing process?”
She continued, “Navigating the dual realms of the financial industry and literature has surprisingly revealed a convergence of skills pivotal for success in both domains. Analytical thinking, indispensable for dissecting financial data, also proves invaluable in peeling back the layers of a compelling narrative. Effective communication, crucial for conveying intricate economic ideas, is equally vital in literature for expressing nuanced emotions and complex storylines.
A strategic vision, foundational in crafting financial strategies, is mirrored in the development of engaging plots. Shared virtues like attention to detail, adaptability, and creative problem-solving elevate performance in both arenas. Ethical considerations are pivotal in maintaining trust in financial transactions and upholding integrity in storytelling.
Lastly, a dedication to continuous learning ensures ongoing relevance and growth in the ever-evolving financial landscape and the diverse world of literature. My experiences in finance often inspire character development, injecting authenticity into my creative works.”
Glimpse Into Asma’s Role
“Considering the competitive landscape in finance, can you describe the types of financial services or solutions your role primarily involves?”
Asma replied, “In my role, I primarily focus on financial strategy, risk management, and investment planning. This includes developing and implementing economic models, optimizing capital structures, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
Additionally, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive financial innovation and automation, lean processes and improvements, and enhance overall business performance.”
Plans We Asked Asma Jan Muhammad
We were curious to learn about the plans Asma has for her career and how she prepares for herself. So, we asked, “Looking ahead, how do you prepare yourself professionally to navigate and thrive amidst uncertainties in the ever-evolving business and financial landscape?”
She replied, “I prioritize continuous learning to navigate uncertainties in the ever-evolving business and financial landscape. Building a diverse skill set and fostering a mindset of adaptability position me to thrive amidst uncertainties. Recently completing my M.B.A. from Swiss Business School has significantly enhanced my strategic acumen and analytical capabilities.
This academic achievement aligns seamlessly with my dedication to continuous learning, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary business challenges and solutions. Building a diverse skill set and fostering a mindset of adaptability, complemented by the insights gained from my M.B.A., uniquely position me to weather uncertainties and thrive amid the dynamic and complex currents of the financial realm.”
Balancing Both The Profession
We ended the interview by asking Asma Jan Muhammad, “As someone with a dual identity as a finance professional and an author, how do you balance these two aspects of your life, and do you find any synergies between the two?”
She replied, “Balancing my dual identity as a finance professional and an author involves effective time management and prioritization. I find synergies between the two by drawing on my financial expertise to enrich my creative works. Moreover, the discipline instilled in me through finance positively influences my writing process, contributing to a structured and strategic approach.
Since my early school days, a deep passion for English writing has consistently threaded through my life.
Academic achievements and a subsequent career in finance sharpened my analytical skills and offered ample opportunities for extensive reading, writing, and exploring diverse perspectives. The onset of the pandemic provided a unique chance to formally channel this passion, leading me to document multicultural experiences in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.”
“This effort resulted in the completion of “Reflections,” a collection of motivational articles published last year with Partridge Publishing Singapore. I recently published “S.H.O.R.E. – The Ultimate Descent” through Amazon Publishing Pros. This compelling narrative centers around a courageous woman challenging power dynamics and patriarchal mindsets to champion organizational transparency and fairness.
The book is available worldwide on Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes and Noble. It has trended as a Best Seller on Kindle in categories of Political History, Mystery, Thriller and suspense Literary Fiction, and Women’s Literary Fiction. It was showcased at the recent world’s most significant literary fair, Sharjah International Book Fair 2023, and secured a five-star review on Goodreads and Amazon.” Asma concluded.
Book Link: Amazon for worldwide delivery: https://a.co/d/dNjYgkv
Visit https://www.asmajanmuhammad.com for more information about her, or follow her on LinkedIn.
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