Tauseef Khan’s journey from leaving behind a comfortable job in the UK to being an entrepreneur in the UAE is truly inspiring. In this interview, the CEO, Founder, and HR Consultant of Liquid AI Consulting delve deep into his career transitions, the outset of his business, challenges, and triumphs in this journey.
As a firm in today’s dynamic market, Liquid AI Consulting offers client-centric consultancy services with AI-driven analytics to offer tangible data-backed solutions to businesses. Tauseef Khan’s insight on the market dynamics, offering non-conventional consultancy services, methods of addressing risks, and embracing the changes tactfully, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Non-Conventional Methods
We started the interview by asking, “Can you share key milestones and turning points in your journey as an industry leader or entrepreneur?”
Tauseef Khan shared, “My journey has been filled with significant milestones and pivotal moments. One of the most transformative experiences was the decision to leave a comfortable job in the UK. With an urge to explore new horizons, I embarked on a journey to the UAE, a market entirely unfamiliar to me. Here, I honed my skills, adapted to diverse working environments, and learned the art of navigating complexities, which proved instrumental in shaping my approach to business.
Another major milestone was recognizing an unmet need in the market during my time in the UAE and later in London. During my journey, I had the privilege of working on a variety of projects for clients from different industries, which helped me understand that there was a gap waiting to be filled—a need for tailored, non-traditional consultancy services that could drive transformative change. This realization fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring me to establish my consultancy. It was a calculated risk, but I firmly believed in the non-conventional methods we could bring to the table.”
A Unique Pathway
We wanted to learn how Tauseef started, so we asked, “What inspired you to start your own company or venture in this industry?”
“The inspiration to start my own company stemmed from the diverse experiences I gained while working in the UAE and London. These experiences opened my eyes to the immense potential for innovative, client-centric consultancy services and helped me realize that I wanted the freedom to do things my way, unconstrained by traditional approaches.
Also, my drive to take risks played a significant role as I’ve always believed in stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. Entrepreneurship presented the perfect opportunity to bring together my expertise, and innovative thinking to create a consultancy that could truly change the game.” replied Tauseef Khan.
Fostering Innovation
Innovative approaches can help a business to go a long way. We asked, “How do you foster innovation within your company? Can you provide an example of a successful innovation initiative?”
Tauseef Khan replied, “Innovation is at the heart of our company culture. We’re constantly exploring new ways to stay at the forefront of our industry. One notable example is our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology. In the world of business consultancy, where data-driven insights are paramount, we’ve implemented AI-driven analytics, which allows us to sift through vast amounts of data, providing our clients with actionable insights that were previously unimaginable.
For instance, we worked with a client in the retail sector facing stagnating sales. By using advanced analytics, we were able to identify precise customer preferences and shopping patterns. Armed with this data, the client revamped its marketing strategies, resulting in a significant increase in sales and customer satisfaction. This initiative not only showcased the power of innovation but also highlighted our dedication to providing tangible, data-backed solutions to our clients.”
Attracting The Right Talent
Having the right talent in the team is paramount for achieving business success. So we asked, “How do you attract and retain top talent in your organization?”
Tauseef Khan replied, “Attracting and retaining top talent is a strategic imperative for us. We’ve adopted a unique approach tailored to our consulting model. Rather than maintaining a permanent staff, we’ve built an extensive network of exceptional consultants. This network includes freelancers, industry experts, and former colleagues. Many of us have collaborated on projects in the past, fostering mutual trust and respect.
This approach allows us to handpick the best-suited talent for each project. We believe in the power of specialization. When a client engages in our services, they’re getting access to a team of experts specifically chosen for their project’s unique needs. It’s a model that not only attracts top talent but also retains it, as experts appreciate the flexibility and autonomy it offers.”
Important Duo
“How important has mentorship and networking been in your professional journey?”
Tauseef Khan shared, “Mentorship and networking have played pivotal roles in my professional journey. As an entrepreneur, seeking guidance from experienced mentors is invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors with deep industry knowledge who’ve provided critical insights and perspective. These mentors have been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
Networking, too, has been a cornerstone of my learning journey. In today’s dynamic business landscape, it’s crucial to stay connected with diverse professionals. I’ve actively engaged in networking through interactions with clients, running a podcast, and participating in industry events.”
Addressing Risks
We further asked, “How do you assess and mitigate risks in your business?”
Tauseef Khan continued, “Risk assessment and mitigation are paramount in our business. To effectively address risks, properly understanding them is essential. We begin by conducting comprehensive risk assessments, categorizing potential risks into various types—financial, operational, strategic, and so on. This allows us to gain clarity on potential vulnerabilities.
Next, we develop contingency plans for each identified risk. These plans are thoroughly considered and tailored to address the specific nature of the risk. I believe in a proactive approach, continuously monitoring market trends and industry developments to stay ahead of emerging risks. Trusting our instincts, maintaining vigilance, and reacting swiftly when necessary are also key aspects of our risk mitigation strategy.”
Adapting To The Latest Trends
We were curious to know how Tauseef adapts his business to emerging trends. So we asked, “How do you adapt your business strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities and industry shifts?”
“Adaptability is central to our business strategy. One way we capitalize on emerging opportunities is through regular market analysis. We closely monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies. As the business consultancy landscape evolved, we embraced automation and AI-driven solutions to deliver more efficient and insightful services to our clients. Besides, we also foster a culture of adaptability within our organization. Our employees, especially those with expertise in technology and analytics, are encouraged to explore and implement the latest tools and techniques. I’ve learned that staying agile and adaptable is key to seizing emerging opportunities and remaining competitive.” replied Tauseef Khan.
Embracing Changes And Taking Risks
Aspiring entrepreneurs starting in a similar field will find it helpful to hear from an expert like Tauseef. So we asked, “What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs in this industry? What key lessons have you learned along the way?”
Tauseef Khan shared, “My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: trust your instincts, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to explore new ideas. Overthinking can be paralyzing so it’s important to take that first step, act on your ideas with confidence and grab the opportunities that lie beyond your comfort zone.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned certain valuable lessons. Today, I emphasize the need to embrace change, take strategic risks, and avoid procrastination. The world moves fast, and entrepreneurs need to keep pace.”
The Future Plans, we asked Tauseef Khan
Our last question was, “What are your long-term goals for your company? How do you plan to remain competitive in the evolving business landscape?”
- “I have ambitious long-term goals. We’re currently expanding our reach, with clients, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- We have successfully conducted operations in several U.S. states, various regions across Europe, with the UK as our base of operations. Currently, we are actively expanding our reach to tap into broader markets. Our primary vision is to go global, targeting markets in South America and India, where we see tremendous potential.
To remain competitive in this constantly evolving business landscape, I focus on several key principles. Firstly, I stay open-minded and adaptable along with being committed to honest and transparent client relationships, ensuring that I take on projects that align with our expertise. I firmly believe that saying “no” to the wrong projects is just as important as saying “yes” to the right ones. It’s this unwavering commitment to excellence and adaptability that keeps us competitive in the ever-changing business world.” concluded Tauseef.
Connect with Tauseef Khan on LinkedIn.