One Month Check-In with Shakeel Ahmad
Kelly Global Consultants has a new leader in Shakeel Ahmad. Ahmad has been with our team for about a month, so we think it’s time for a check-in. First, let’s get to know our new entrepreneur. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Shakeel dreamt of joining the Air Force or working in law enforcement. While in college studying criminal justice, Shakeel was introduced to the world of I.T., and he was hooked. Shakeel is just twenty-seven years old, and he’s destined to become one of those ‘thirty under thirty’ businessmen.
Do you think you’ll be in the business industry for the long haul?
“Yes definitely. After working with the team for about a month now, I like how everyone supports each other during the workweek. The amount of communication this team maintains is off the roof. I’m big on communication in the workplace, and I feel like this is the key to success for any business.”
What is your greatest skill?
“My people skills are strong. I find it easy to connect with almost anyone, and empathy comes naturally to me.”
Are you more team-oriented or more independently motivated?
“I’m more team-oriented. I like to work together to accomplish goals. Working in pairs creates an opportunity for growth, as team members with different strengths can benefit from the expertise of others.”
How has your career grown since starting at the company?
“This position gave me the opportunity to learn more about managing a work team, which is a goal of mine. I would like to be recognized as an individual who has really added value to the team and the company.”
What is your leadership style?
“I would describe my leadership style as direct and leading by example. I enjoy delegating tasks and taking the lead on projects, but I also like to stay involved and inspire my team by showing that I’m working hands-on to help them, too.”
How do you respond to criticism?
“I try to always work on handling criticism better. I think I’ve improved a lot over the years. In my last job, my supervisor walked by my cubicle and was very critical of how messy it was in a very public way. She expressed concern that I was disorganized, but I learned to accept that criticism as constructive and respond respectfully.”
What drew you to your company in the first place?
“I wanted to be on a team that made the most of my abilities and potential. At Kelly Global Consultants, I know there will always be opportunities to increase my value and to grow in ways that benefit both the company and myself.”
Are you a planner? What are your short-term and long-term goals?
“My short-term goal is to become the best I can be at my role so that I can take on higher-level responsibilities when needed and prepare myself for future advancement opportunities. In the long-term, I want to take on leadership responsibilities such as being a team leader. I believe my short-term goals will help me get there.”
What business advice would you give to people hoping to start a career?
“Put your goals in writing and continue to define and refine them over time. Describe, in writing how you intend to accomplish them and hold yourself accountable.”
Would you recommend this career style to young leaders?
“Yes! Regardless of work experience or education, this career makes the most of your abilities. There is so much potential; there will always be opportunities for growth.”
How do you measure your own performance and success?
“To me, success is setting a goal, planning the steps required to achieve it, and effectively implementing that plan. Once I think I have achieved that goal, I’ve succeeded.”
What important lesson did a close relative/friend/mentor teach you?
“One of my close relatives once told me, ‘It is an uncertain world, and no one can predict the future. The hope is that at the end of the day, you will have contributed to the success of your team and grow personally as well as professionally.’”
Just one month with the Kelly Global Consultants team, and we think Shakeel Ahmad is doing pretty well. We are impressed by his drive, determination, and continuous growth. We can’t wait to see what this leader will achieve next and look forward to learning from him both personally and professionally. Keep up the good work, Shakeel!
