Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Ask a student and they might say "enrolled in a prestigious college, university, or higher education institute”. But if you go ahead and ask working professionals, you will be surprised to find out how many of them dream of being their own bosses and running their own businesses.
It serves as the perfect explanation for "entrepreneurship" being one of the most desirable business roles out there. According to Dr. Mohammed Choudhary Shafiq, a Pakistani-born British entrepreneur, being an entrepreneur brings a unique set of rewards that is desirable in almost any professional environment for all individuals.
For some, entrepreneurship translates to being their own boss, setting their own working hours, and running a business using their own techniques and methods. For others, it could seem like a way to channel their creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking to solve problems around them. Regardless of the many reasons why individuals wish to become entrepreneurs, one thing is clear – they need expert guidance to do so.
Dr. Shafiq Choudhary, an exemplary entrepreneurial figure in the UK pharmaceutical and real estate markets, has established himself as an influential business figure. He worked as the CEO of Tetris Pharma and became the European Managing Director at the same firm before resigning from his prestigious position on the 26th of October, 2023.
He was also the co-owner of Intrapharm Laboratories in 2009. In the following years, he worked through the holding company, Abbey Pharma, to acquire Peckforton Pharmaceuticals in 2014.
Before his ventures as founder, co-owner, and director at prestigious firms, he had an extensive professional career working in different professional capacities at numerous pharmaceutical companies. These included Wyeth, Pfizer, Janssen-Cilag (JJ), and Marion Merrell Dow.
However, what fortified his position as an influential entrepreneur was his contribution to developing, creating, and maintaining commercial infrastructure across the UK and different parts of Europe. Over 34 professional years, Dr. Choudhary gathered knowledge, experience, and ideas that he wishes to share with aspiring entrepreneurs of today.
Think Before Starting On a Business Idea
One of the most underrated advice to young entrepreneurs is to think thoroughly before embarking on a seemingly 'creative' business idea. To the young mind, any creative idea can seem like a good investment, especially if they have the support and acknowledgment of peers, friends, and other associates.
But since starting a business could mean investing personal savings, taking loans, or setting out personal assets as collaterals, it involves a huge risk. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your idea. It only implies that you have to do more extensive research and document a plan before embarking on your venture.
Start Gathering Experience
Dr. Choudhary led a diverse entrepreneurial life where he worked across multiple industries. In his opinion, the initial phase of being an entrepreneur where you work on startup ideas, gather funds, write up plans, and build a team, is quite challenging.
According to him, the best way to find new working techniques and develop entrepreneurial skills is to take a plunge as a working professional in your choice of industry. Working in different professional capacities can develop countless skills while providing invaluable knowledge about how different types of businesses work.
