I started off in industrial banking before moving to audit with KPMG, Andersen and EY then switched to real estate development with Nakheel ( the Govt owned developer of the iconic Palm Islands) where I rapidly rose to become Finance Director.
I quit corporate life when I was an Executive Director with an Asset Manager. Then co-founded and led Genesis, the largest CFA prep provider in the Middle East. This was sold to Kaplan Inc, the $ 2 bln training and publishing giant.
The CFA program is quite challenging and I have taught thousands and mentored dozens since 2009, 250 + of whom have got their charter. I am seen as an authority on CFA prep, finance careers and employability and as someone who gives practical, expert yet inspirational advice. This is the theme and objective of my podcast channel (The Real Finance Mentor-www.therealfinancementor.com) where guests regularly deliver insight and inspiration for careers in finance.
I am also a platform speaker, a columnist, a frequent guest on CNBC Arabia and an angel investor.
I am an endurance athlete, specializing in high altitude mountaineering and long-distance/high altitude cycling. He has summitted 12 mountains, including six 5,000 + meter peaks. One of my unique features as a Speaker is my ability to link lessons for career and life to my many adventures. This often has a powerful impact on audiences.
A commerce graduate and a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, passing all exams in first attempts. Cleared all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst ("CFA") program in first attempts. Became a qualified Executive Coach and Mentor after obtaining the Level 7 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring from ILM, the UK body.