TIME

Twelve months is a long time.

A simple statement, admittedly. But, let’s reflect upon it for just a moment longer. In fact, ladies and gentlemen, for a short while, I’d like you to consider just yourselves and your own circumstances.

Where were you this time last year? You might have been sitting around a table with friends and business colleagues, enjoying the ABCC Annual Awards Dinner of 2018. Or perhaps, you were relaxing in the comfort of your living room; glass of wine in one hand and remote control in the other.

If this was a fleeting question, then by default, many of us wouldn’t give it much thought. The day-to-day meandering through life, the hustle, the scurry, the “first world distractions” (that we all know too well) keep us from realising how much we, as human beings, change.

A few more grey hairs, that little bit of extra weight… maybe we’ve become less patient and more assertive over the months.

Small things. Little changes. That happen gradually through the course of time; without us even noticing.

When I look back at the last twelve months, I can tell you that my personal journey has been anything but a “straight line”. Of course, I had expected hurdles and barricades, but as we all know, life has a wicked way of throwing titanic curveballs at us, when we least expect them.

And then, the realisation kicks in. That regardless of our stature and “impressive titles”, there are certain things in life that we simply cannot control. What we can control, however; is how we choose to move on. Because that beautifully courageous act of “persevering” is our choice. It is our experiences that shape us; and yes, life does change us (sometimes, ever so slightly); but this can also be for the better.

Whilst it can feel like a blink of an eye, twelve months is a long time, ladies and gentleman. And before you know it, you could be standing at a lectern, delivering another speech; but most probably as a slightly different person to whom you were one year ago.

Stronger, wiser, more resilient, maybe. That’s what life and business teaches us; and we, as custodians of the community, carry on.

The fact is, if you are sitting here this evening then you have most likely overcome challenges of your own. So, with respect to the upcoming awards and nominations, I would like to begin by congratulating each and every one of you for making it this far in your personal journeys. (Round of applause).

My message to you all this evening, is to remain relentless in your efforts. Let your struggles and accomplishments serve as an example – an inspiration – to our next generation of leaders.

What’s remarkable, is that you could be sitting within close proximity of a future leader right now. This alone speaks of the great diversity in this very room; a room that I see as a cross-section of what represents today’s Birmingham. A city that is quite different to the surroundings that I and some of my peers may have grown up in, decades ago.

Over the inevitable passing of time, the city of Birmingham has transformed into a place that fosters innovation and forward-thinking. With this, have come trials and tribulations; however, thanks to the hard work and commitment of various platforms and organisations, the region is now facilitating more and more business opportunities. One of these organisations being, the long-standing Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

Something that I hope I’ve consistently reiterated since becoming President of the ABCC, is how immensely this network has supported me. Although a successful business platform, what’s important to remember is that the ABCC (and GBCC) is made-up of an incredible team of people, who have dedicated themselves to the success of business owners (of all sizes and backgrounds) and the collective betterment of our region.

It is the collective effort ladies and gentleman, that makes the real difference here. So, even though it is just myself standing here this evening amongst a pantheon of professions, I’d like to remind you that I am simply representing a network that has helped thousands of business owners reach their full potential; and without a shadow of a doubt, a network that has helped me during my most challenging times.

We often differentiate “business” from our personal lives; and in many cases, rightly so. But to some extent, “life is business, and business is life”; and surviving either without a solid support network can prove to be very difficult.

Coincidentally, I was asked that all-too familiar question not so long ago; “Qasim, what advice would you give to your younger self now?” and this was one of the first things that crossed my mind.

In retrospect, I’d advise my younger self; fresh out of University; baby-faced and optimistic, to surround myself with friends and peers, whom I can rely on.

They say that we should learn from other people’s mistakes; however, some lessons are best learned when you’re stuck knee-deep in the trenches yourself. And it’s during that moment when you’ll look to your inner circle, whether they be friends, colleagues, or business mentors, to pull you back to safety and wipe the dirt off your back. A support network, ladies and gentleman – profits, retention, and accolades aside, this is the true meaning of business success. And at the ABCC, this is exactly what we guarantee for all our members, both old and new.

This fascinating concept of “time” (which as you’ll have realised, I keep drawing upon) has indeed taught me a great deal. As I look across this full room, catching glimpses of hopeful eyes, full of vigour and ambition, I cannot help but wonder what I wish “I knew then”. I ask myself, how would I advise today’s younger generation, based on my own experiences?

Well…

I would advise you to work hard and do what you love.

I would advise you to never budge on your principles. Because you will be cajoled, enticed, and tested.

I would advise you to give, without expecting anything in return.

I would advise you that you are in this world (and in certain positions) for only “a period” of time; and it’s your responsibility to ensure that that time, counts.

I would advise you to listen to your parents.

I would advise you to be brave.

I would advise you to be brave enough to follow your dreams.

I would advise you that no matter how testing life (and business) may get; with time, everything will pass. Because that’s… the beauty of time.

And the passing of time is the only thing that we can guarantee.

Ladies and gentleman, we have seen it for ourselves; through our own personal experiences, or through politics and the media. Things (if ever) rarely go exactly to plan. Three years since the UK’s EU referendum and the country is still in turmoil about our plans for Brexit. We are now just five days away from the next General Election, something that many of us wouldn’t have predicted a year ago !

Similarly, in our business lives, things “creep up” on us when we least expect them, and the best we can do is tackle these challenges head-on. It has been eighteen months since the ABCC launched its Diversity and Inclusion Pledge; and as expected, the pledge has been adopted with great success. However, there is still, a lot of work to be done !

As the existing leaders of our community, it is our responsibility to pass the baton onto our successors and set the standards high. Gone are the days of us shying away from real issues; now is the time to finally address those elephants in the room.

Needless to say, I am exceptionally proud that our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge has brought positive attention towards the Women, BAME, LGBT and Disability community. But what I’d like to encourage more focus towards next, is the shocking (yet unashamedly obvious) ethnic pay gap. The fact that Asian professionals (particularly female Asian professionals) are still not on par with their non-Asian counterparts, in corporate organisations. This, even in today’s “modern” times, is still a widespread issue within the sector and as I’m sure you’ll agree, needs our urgent attention.

You see, for years we’re conditioned to believe that “time” is against us. That “time is money”, time waits for no-one; and that time is the most difficult thing to acquire.

But if we changed our perspectives slightly and realised that time, is in fact, on our side. That it is a gift, a blessing; and we can make of it, what we will – then we, ladies and gentleman, will have the power to make a difference. To actually inspire positive change; to facilitate things like ethical business relationships, equality in pay, and community service. The platforms and opportunities stand before us. In retrospect, we are all extremely fortunate.

And so, there isn’t a better time for me to share why I, personally, have been incredibly fortunate over the last twelve months. Because had it not been for the kind and generous people who I’m going to mention now, I’m not sure if I’d have the courage or the capability to be presenting this speech to you this evening.

From the bottom of my heart:

The Chamber Events Team for always over delivering and working so hard in the background to bring spectacular events like this evening

Paul Falkner, CEO – Thank you for your loyalty friendship and checking up on me. You are the standard when it comes to modern leadership, compassionate, kind, empathetic, an infectious smile and bloody good looking !

Anjum Khan – You have been my rock, thank you so much for just sorting things out and taking care of stuff over the past year. You are, the glue that keeps this organisation together and the engine room that drives us forward.

Dr Nasir Awan – I said a few months ago, I’d be thanking you in personal. But I feel now is a good time as any to say thank you for making that call for us in back in February.

Our Chairman Saqib Bhatti – Thank you and good luck with your future endeavours.

Our Vice Presidents Haseena and Lakhbir, thank you for being by my side,  our committee, who work tirelessly behind the scenes promoting and consistently flying the flag of the ABCC – My message to you, is that we still have much work to do and many things to achieve – so lets get to work and go again !

To all our sponsors, thank you for your continued support of the ABCC, without you our organisation would not be what it is today.

My dear friend mentor and confidant, Doug Wright who couldn’t be here this evening, but I know he’ll check in to see how I’ve done this evening, please be kind about me !

To my family and friends, thank you for your kind words of support, the phone calls, the messages, just those little things that have made our journey a little easier over the past 12 months.

In particular our amazing friend Amy, who’s here this evening, thank you for all those trips to the hospital, being by our side when many others were either too busy or too far away, we’ve drawn strength from your amazing positivity. If the world had more Amy’s it would be a much happier and  kind place.

To my friend business partner, and Grammar Police woman…Neely, who has been my guiding light of the end of a very dark tunnel – keep shining

 To my plus 1 this evening, our truly amazing, kind considerate and patient daughter, Myah. We are so proud of you and your brother. You have shown resilience and triumphed with your GCSE results in the face of adversity. I cant put into words, how much we love you, you’re growing up to be one hell of a woman. My job, now, as you father is to make sure I continue to embarrass you at every single opportunity, you get me blud (fist pump in the air)….just wait for the dancing at the after party…that’s when I take up a several notches.

I consider it an honour and a privilege to have spoken amongst such an inspirational group of people today. Please remember that each and every one of you is gifted and experienced in your own unique ways; and that “experience” – whether it be personal or professional – does not always come with time.

In fact, ladies and gentleman, before leaving you to enjoy the rest of this evening and the spectacular celebrations, I’d like to remind you that whilst time is a blessing; real experiences (the ones that create and mould us) are acquired through challenges. Through opportunities and the ability to step outside our comfort zones, or what is considered to be the “ordinary”. Time, ultimately, is something that simply runs in the background.

So, please do embrace those challenges with open arms over the passing of time; and support each other on your journeys.

I look forward to celebrating all your achievements tonight (and every day after) and raising a glass to your well-earned success! (Thank you)