The six stages of professional life: My story

As we delve into this week's podcast topic, inspired by HAMMAD SIDDIQUI , on the '6 Stages of Career Development,' I bring forth insights and reflections that resonate deeply with my own professional journey. This exploration is not just a narrative drawn from the broader themes of the book I am currently writing but has been tailored to align with our podcast's theme.

In sharing these insights, I consciously steer away from delving into personal life details, a realm I find challenging to share openly. However, the essence of what follows encapsulates the myriad struggles, failures, and successes that have marked my path. It's a journey for which I hold profound gratitude, filled with learning experiences that have shaped my career and personal growth. Each stage discussed is a reflection of the phases I've navigated, offering a glimpse into the journey that has brought me to where I am today, ever evolving and continually learning

Exploration and Education (Ages 18-25)

?At this stage in my life, fresh out of high school and stepping into adulthood, I found myself at the crossroads of curiosity and ambition. Between the ages of 18 and 25, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and education. Initially, I started out as an electronic engineer, driven by a dream to work for IBM. But two years into my studies, I realized that my interest in electronics was more about the allure of IBM than a passion for the subject itself. It was a pivotal moment when I decided to change my direction and dive into the world of finance. This shift was not just about changing my major; it was about aligning my career path with my true interests and aspirations.

?This period was filled with questions about who I wanted to be and how I could get there. I pursued higher education, soaking up knowledge in finance, alongside the fundamentals of business management. This time was not just about attending lectures and cramming for exams; it was about internships that offered a glimpse into the professional world, part-time jobs that taught me the value of hard work, and volunteering opportunities that broadened my perspective.

Every book read, every class attended, and every new experience was a step towards understanding where my passion lay and how I could turn it into a career. It was a time of building a strong foundation, not just academically but also in terms of character and work ethic.

Reflecting on this phase, I realized the importance of being open to change. Changing my direction from electronic engineering to finance was a decision that set me on a continuous path forward. It taught me a valuable lesson: it's perfectly fine to change direction, as long as you follow a continuous path afterward. Too many changes could have led to indecision and stagnation, but making a thoughtful pivot helped me find my true calling. As I navigated through this exploratory phase, the lessons learned and the skills acquired set the stage for the professional journey ahead.

?

Early Professional Experience (Ages 25-35)

?As I navigated through my mid-twenties into my early thirties, I was keenly aware of the path unfolding before me in the finance sector. This decade, from 25 to 35, was not just about accumulating years; it was about accumulating experiences that would define my professional identity. I wasn't just looking for a job; I was on a quest for challenges that would stretch my capabilities and force me to grow. I actively sought out assignments that were daunting, seeing them as opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and truly test my mettle.

?This stage of my career was characterized by a mix of hands-on learning and formal education. Notably, it was during this time that I achieved a significant milestone in my professional development: I qualified as a Chartered Accountant. This accomplishment came at the age of thirty-two, which by conventional standards, was admittedly late. Many of my peers had reached this milestone in their mid to late twenties, but my journey was different.

My earlier shift from electronic engineering to finance meant that I was playing catch-up in some respects. However, achieving this qualification at thirty-two was a testament to my dedication and persistence. It wasn't just a professional credential; it was a personal victory that underscored my commitment to my new path.

?The process of qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, while working through challenging assignments, was incredibly demanding. It required balancing intense study with professional responsibilities, a juggling act that taught me the true meaning of dedication and hard work. These experiences were instrumental in developing my problem-solving skills, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the financial industry.

?This period laid the groundwork for my career in finance. By embracing challenging projects and furthering my education, I didn't just expand my skill set—I sculpted my character and professional ethos. This deliberate push out of my comfort zone and the late but proud achievement of becoming a Chartered Accountant were crucial steps in my journey.

They taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of lifelong learning, and the power of embracing opportunities that initially seem daunting. Looking back, these years were foundational, not only in building my career but in shaping who I am as a professional.

?

Skill Expansion and Specialization (Ages 35-45)

Entering my mid-thirties and cruising towards my forties, I was filled with a sense of purpose and direction. It was a time in my life when I wasn't just building upon my experiences; I was aiming to shape them towards a very specific goal. I had set my sights on becoming a CFO by the age of 40, a target that symbolized not just a professional achievement but the culmination of my journey in finance thus far. This ambition propelled me forward, guiding my decisions and efforts.

?My passion for travel and exploration found a beautiful synergy with my career aspirations. Fortunate enough to secure assignments across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, each destination was not just a pin on the map but a chapter in my professional development. These international assignments enriched my understanding of global finance, diversity in workplace cultures, and the complexities of operating in different regulatory environments. They were invaluable in shaping my approach to finance and leadership.

?However, despite my focused efforts and the richness of my experiences, I didn't hit my target of becoming a CFO by 40. It took me until I was 42 to finally achieve that milestone, stepping into the role of CFO for an international company. This deviation from my plan was, in many ways, a tough pill to swallow. Yet, it was also one of the most profound learning experiences of my career. It taught me that goal setting is crucial for direction and motivation, but the path to achieving those goals is seldom straight. Failures, or rather, delays in achieving my objectives, were not setbacks but integral parts of my growth. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining focus on my overarching goals, even when the timeline shifted.

?During these years, as I specialized and took on increasingly complex challenges, the lesson was clear: remain steadfast in pursuit of your goals, but flexible in the journey to achieve them. My experience taught me that setbacks are not the end but rather pivotal moments for learning and recalibration. This stage of my life was not just about professional growth but personal evolution as well, learning to balance ambition with patience and persistence.

?

Leadership and Management (Ages 45-55)

?In 2014, marking a pivotal transition in both my personal and professional life, I moved to Toronto, Canada, at the age of 50. This relocation wasn't just a change of scenery; it was a strategic leap towards new challenges and growth opportunities. Within days of landing in Toronto, I embarked on a journey that would significantly shape the next phase of my career—I began an Executive MBA at the Richard Ivey Business School of the University of Western Ontario. This decision to dive into advanced studies so soon after relocating was driven by my unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and my desire to deepen my strategic business acumen.

?The MBA program was an invigorating experience, challenging me with rigorous academic work and vibrant debates on business management's intricacies, from strategic planning to tactical issues. It was here, in the classrooms and discussions with peers, that I further honed my ability to think critically and lead strategically. This period of academic enrichment not only equipped me with new insights into leadership but also provided a valuable network of professionals and a platform for exchanging diverse perspectives on global business challenges.

?Following the completion of my MBA, and with fresh insights and renewed vigour, I took a bold step into entrepreneurship. In 2017, three years after my arrival in Toronto and armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience, I co-founded a fintech start up with a friend. This venture was a stark contrast to the structured environment of the MBA program, thrusting me into the multifaceted challenges of building a business from the ground up. As the CFO, I navigated our company through the complexities of the fintech sector, embodying roles that spanned from financial strategist to, at times, the janitor, showcasing the reality of start up life where titles mean little, and the work is all-encompassing.

This phase of my career was significantly defined by my ability to apply strategic thinking and leadership skills in real-world scenarios, from the academic challenges of the MBA to the unpredictable waters of fintech entrepreneurship.

Moreover, it was a time when I embraced mentorship, guiding emerging leaders in the finance sector and celebrating as two of my hires ascended to become financial directors. These experiences underscored the value of investing in people and the lasting impact of sharing knowledge and guidance.

Reflecting on this transformative period in Toronto, the early decision to pursue an MBA immediately upon my arrival was a catalyst for what was to come. It laid the groundwork for my entrepreneurial venture and deepened my commitment to strategic leadership and mentorship. This stage of my career, filled with significant achievements, learning opportunities, and challenges, highlighted the importance of strategic influence, high-level decision-making, and the power of education in shaping a successful professional journey.

?

Legacy and Mentorship (Ages 55 and Beyond)

As I stepped into this enriching phase of my life and career beyond the age of 55, my focus shifted profoundly towards leaving a meaningful legacy and fostering the growth of others. This period has been characterized by a deep commitment to mentorship, particularly guiding C-suite executives, and an unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and contribution.

One of my aspirations, which I am actively pursuing, is writing a book. This project is a reflection of my journey, insights, and the lessons learned over decades of diverse professional experiences. While I am passionate about this endeavour, I have not set a strict deadline for its completion. This approach allows me the freedom to ensure that every word I pen down truly encapsulates the essence of my experiences and the wisdom I wish to share.

?In addition to nurturing future leaders and penning down my thoughts for my book, I have also dedicated a significant portion of my time to volunteering, particularly helping new immigrants in Canada. This effort is close to my heart, as I aim to ease their transition and help them navigate the complexities of establishing professional lives in a new country. The satisfaction derived from making a tangible difference in the lives of others is immeasurable.

Qualifying as a Financial Advisor has opened new avenues for me to impact personal and corporate financial planning. This role complements my extensive experience in finance and consulting, allowing me to offer more holistic advice to individuals and businesses alike. Consulting remains a passion of mine, offering the joy of guiding companies through growth challenges and strategic decisions. It's through these interactions that I continue to learn and grow, staying true to my identity as a lifelong learner.

?My journey now is as much about imparting wisdom and knowledge as it is about personal fulfilment. The mentorship of C-suite executives, supporting new immigrants, my pursuit of writing a book, and continued consulting work are all facets of my desire to contribute to the development of others while also pursuing my personal goals. Each of these endeavours is a testament to the legacy I aim to build—one of knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support for the next generation of leaders and professionals.

This stage of my career is not defined by the pursuit of further personal accolades but by the richness of giving back and the joy of seeing others succeed. My book, once completed, will be a culmination of this journey, offering insights and inspiration to those who seek to navigate their own paths in the complex world of business and beyond.

?

"Life is a journey, not a destination."