The word driven may be properly described to only a few, and Tanvir Ahmed, Director of Sheltech, Platinum Suites, Green Textile Ltd among many others, deserves every letter if not more. T-Junction takes a closer look at his life and ventures, as he sublimely excelled in industry after industry.
As the youngest “Commercially Important Person” in Bangladesh, tell us how you yourself entered the corporate world in the first place.
I completed my Bachelors in Business Management and Masters in Business Development and Finance from UK. I had intentions to stay back, I had even gotten an offer from a reputed overseas bank for a managerial position but had a change of heart at the last minute as I was requested by my family to join the family business and help in managing the business affairs.
From hotel management, to the apparel industry, to real estate to financial securities, you've seen it and did it all. Was it difficult to adapt and manage?
I feel there is still a lot more to do in terms of expanding the business. Some of the businesses were already established beforehand. For example, the real estate segment, more commonly known as Sheltech Pvt. Ltd. is a renowned brand and has been out there for 27 years now. My job was to look into the business and enhance the sales and culture and to take over the supply chain.
Platinum Boutique Hotels however was my brainchild. I had the blessings of the management when I started it, I wanted to materialize a concept that was new to Bangladesh. Looking at the hospitality industry then, I felt Bangladesh needed its own brand of Boutique Hotels and that was the beginning of Platinum Boutique Hotels.
It was a similar scenario for financial securities segment, the apparel industry and all the other businesses that started under my initiation; I had come up with the idea and approached the management with it. Once they approved I went on to starting it up in pursuit of taking the business to new heights.
I would say managing the business isn’t that difficult provided one enjoys what he or she is doing, one needs to stay involved with the initial set up, streamline the process and understand the product. It’s all about getting the right professionals in the right place to run the business. From then on it’s all about coming up with strategies and managing the people and monitoring the process.
Was it difficult to shape yourself up to become the leader you are today? What personal development stances did you take to make yourself better for your role?
I feel I still have a long way to go to consider myself as a leader; I would rather call myself a facilitator between the management and the various stakeholders of the company. I believe that one of the most important roles for any manager for managing a venture is understanding the process and it’s people.
Since I joined the business, I have spent a lot of time on the ground with the people trying my level best to work with them and understand them; there was no shortcut for me, whatever I know today, I know it from my experience. I believe that to understand the business and its operation, it is vital to know the people involved in running it since they are the ones who run the show.
Not many people possess the drive and sincerity to maintain the consistency in their work life. What motivates you for to move forward every day? What is your core and fundamental goal for yourself?
Nothing succeeds like success. I think watching my ventures succeed is what drives me to move forward every day. For me, achieving success in business is not all about making profit; it’s also about how I give back to the community - empowering the youth, creating employment opportunities, contributing to the national economy and making a difference. I also believe in creating a sustainable environment for my staff and associates and I feel a sense of pride in saying that we are one of the very few conglomerates who have the least amount of employee turnover.
How did personal life come into play for motivation and support?
I have a wonderful supportive family who has taught me how to maintain harmony between work and family. Although the scenario is not quite so right now, since the ventures are still growing and for that I am having to spend a lot of time out of family traveling back and forth within my various work places.
However, my parents and wife both support the fact that this is the prime time for me to grow and develop the ventures and reap the fruits of success at a later stage.
What major difficulties did you face on your path to success?
Every venture has its own challenges and difficulties. To mention a few would include, setting up a local brand of Boutique Hotels and competing with the international chains that currently dominate the hospitality industry in Bangladesh.
Setting up my RMG factory was another challenging task. I had decided to set it up in a remote location to avoid labor unrest which proved to be quite difficult in terms of construction, mobilization and finding skilled workers.
Other challenges include obtaining licenses and getting clearance from various local bodies and agencies which I consider a part of starting up any new venture.
A very interesting sector for our readers: What tools do you use most and recommend for work and personal purposes and keep your diverse world organised?
I wouldn’t call myself the most tech savvy person. I use an android based Smartphone and a laptop to get about my daily activities like most people do these days.
But mostly I find myself being fond of the old fashioned pen and paper, I always carry a notepad where I jot down whenever I can think of anything and list down my daily activities that I need to follow up and then tick them off once they are done.
The pressure from work often creeps up to create intense stress. What is your way to cool off and relax after work?
After work, I come home to my wife, spend some time with her. I have 4 dogs, 3 pugs and a Labrador, I like playing with them when I am home.
Sometimes I call some friends over, watch a movie or maybe go out for a long drive.
Rapidfire:
Interests (music, sports, tech)
I have always been a fan of good music and my taste is quite eclectic. These days I am an avid listener of Islamic Nasheeds.
Hobbies
I enjoy reading and I sometimes tend to meditate as well, I find it to be a good means of calming my nerves.
Favourite food and food joints
I love the food that is served at my hotels. When I’m traveling, I like trying out different fine dining restaurants and cuisines.
Favourite vacation spots
I would say London and Maldives.
A quote from you on what you advise and recommend others hoping to enter a similar commercial role as yours.
I actually have two quotes that I strongly tend to believe in:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”
-Colin Powell
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."
-Steve Jobs