Syed Azam Afzal

East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys

Business EN ↓ 51 episodes

§  The goal of this podcast is to provide stories and experiences of Pakistani professionals in their respective industries and to allow listeners to be more informed of their field of interest.  §  A common connection being Pakistani roots allows for relatable stories for individuals who are looking to grow in their profession or simply want to learn more about a particular field.  §  There will be no industry left untouched from start-ups, traditional careers paths or newer outlets such as podcasts, YouTube or side hustles. Join me as we explore the various careers that Pakistani professiona...

Author

Syed Azam Afzal

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jan 11, 2026

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Episodes

S4 EP 1 | Senior Strategist @ Google | Ft. Mohammad Usman Mirza 11.01.2026

Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistan Profession Journeys podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Mohammad Usman Mirza, a remarkable professional who has made significant strides in the global tech industry. From his roots in Pakistan, being educated at LUMS, to seizing international opportunities in Singapore and Ireland, Usman has worked on high-impact projects at Meta and Google. He shares...

S3 EP 16 | Senior Controller At Stage Vision | Ft. Shaikh Muhammad Farooq 11.08.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Shaikh Muhammad Farooq, a seasoned strategic finance leader with over 17 years of experience across Pakistan, the Middle East, and Canada. Farooq shares his professional journey, from his humble beginnings in Karachi to his significant roles in Saudi Arabia and eventual transition to a senior financial...

S3 EP 15 | CEO At AMCOB | Ft. Kashif Zubair 28.07.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, Kashif Zubair, the CEO of AMCOB and a PI certified partner at the Predictive Index, shares his remarkable journey. From his early years in Pakistan to his transition to the US, Kashif discusses the challenges, successes, and life lessons that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of learning from both the bes...

S3 EP 14 | Program Manager Google Shopping | Ft. Adeel Saya 12.07.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Adeel Saya, a seasoned global leader with 15 years of experience spanning across Google, eBay, and PWC. Adeel shares insights from his upbringing in Karachi, his educational journey at LUMS and Warwick, and his impressive career transitions. He also discusses the importance of networking, skills needed...

S3 EP 13 | Associate Director at Finch Ratings | Ft. Mehak Zaidi, MFin 29.06.2025

Join us on this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we sit down with Mehak Zaidi. Mehak shares her inspiring journey from studying accounting and finance at LUMS in Pakistan to achieving her Master's in Finance from McMaster University in Canada. With prior work experience at RBC and S&P Global Ratings, Mehak now serves as the Associate Director at Fi...

S3 EP 12 | Partner Streetsville Consulting CPA LLP & Chairman US-Canada Chapter of ICAP Member | Ft. Raza Toor 15.06.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys podcast, we feature Raza Toor, an accredited professional accountant from Canada, Pakistan, and the UK, and a successful realtor in the Greater Toronto Area. Raza shares his experiences of moving from Pakistan to Canada, the challenges he faced, his journey towards becoming an entrepreneur, and valuable advice for aspiring prof...

How to Land a Summer Internship | 6 Tips Every Student Needs to Know | Ft. Azam 01.06.2025

Welcome to the East Meets West Professionals Journeys podcast! This episode is essential for students aiming to secure a summer job. Learn why these roles are pivotal beyond just earning a paycheck, shaping your resume, mindset, and network. We delve into six key strategies: starting early, leveraging alumni connections, reflecting and improving, considering smaller firms, utilizing professors as...

S3 EP 10 | Founder Revohub and Director of Training + Employment | Ft. Maham Khalid 18.05.2025

In this episode of East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Maham Khalid. With a double major in psychology and sociology and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Punjab, Maham shares her experiences from Pakistan to her transition to a successful HR manager and project manager career in Canada. Founder of Revo Hub, M...

S3 EP 9 | Director of Finance | ft. Muhammad Zeeshan Sheikh 04.05.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Muhammad Zeeshan Sheikh, Director of Finance at Northland Power. Muhammad shares his extensive journey from studying in Lahore to working in Dubai and finally settling in Canada. He discusses the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and networking in his career progression, as well as how he transition...

S3 EP 8 | CSE Full Stack Developer At Plotly | ft. Shahzeb Afroze 20.04.2025

Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Shahzeb Afroze, a BBA graduate from the Schulich School of Business who's worked at Deloitte and Plotly as a full stack developer. Shahzeb shares insights from his life in Pakistan, his academic journey, and his professional experiences in Canada. He discusses the challenges of transitioning...

S3 EP 7 | Groups In Canada For Pakistani Muslim Professional Networking | Ft. Azam 06.04.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, host Azam explores practical ways for Pakistanis in Canada to find communities and professional support. From student associations to professional forums, discover how groups like the Pakistani Student Association, Pakistani Professional Forum (PPF), and Muslim Achieving Excellence (MAX) can help you network, find ment...

S3 EP 6 | Global Head Corporate Insurance At AIG | ft. Ammad Mahmood 23.03.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we sit down with Ammad Mahmood, a Cornell MBA graduate and current Global Head of Corporate Insurance at AIG. Ammad shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to moving to the U.S. at age 13, and ultimately building a successful career in corporate insurance. He discusses the challenges of ad...

S3 EP 5 | Financial Advisor At Merrill Lynch | ft. Changez Ahmed 09.03.2025

Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Changez Ahmed, a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Changez shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Karachi and Islamabad to moving to the U.S. at a young age, facing the challenges of immigration post-9/11, and ultimately finding his passion in financial advisory...

S3 EP 4 |  Assistant VP of treasury and capital market transformation at Citibank | Ft.  Saad Jamil 23.02.2025

Join us on the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we delve into the remarkable career trajectory of Saad Jamil. Saad, a designated ACCA, shares his experiences working with top companies like KPMG, PwC, and Citibank, across various countries including Qatar, the UK, and Canada. In this episode, Saad discusses his relationship with Pakistan, the challenges and triumphs of an...

S3 EP 3 | Defining Success: Key Themes from Pakistani Professional Journeys - Updated | Ft. Syed Azam Afzal 09.02.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, we explore the multifaceted definitions of success, encompassing impact, balance, growth, fulfillment, peace, intentionality, gratitude, and resilience. Join us as we summarize the key takeaways from our speakers, shedding light on how success is not just about achievements, but also about the values, principles, and j...

S3 EP2 | Innovation Growth Consultant + Co-Founder At Soul Brother Pakistan | Ft. Nauman Khan 26.01.2025

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys podcast, Nauman Khan shares his professional journey, including completing his master's in marketing at Brunel University of London, transitioning through various roles such as brand manager, product marketing manager, and eventually managing his own business as an innovation growth consultant. Nauman discusses his involve...

S3 EP 1 | Global Principal at KFC, Ex-Mckinsey | Ft. Arham Junaid 12.01.2025

Join us on the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys podcast as we sit down with Arham Junaid, a seasoned professional with a diverse background in mechanical engineering, global strategy, and digital transformation. Arham shares his inspiring journey from being a sergeant in Singapore’s fire and rescue organization to working at renowned companies such as Tesla, McKinsey, and now KFC. L...

Season 2 Finale: Reflecting on Pakistani Professional Journeys 03.11.2024

Join us for the season finale of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast. As we wrap up Season 2, we reflect on the inspiring stories of Pakistani professionals thriving in the West, and express our heartfelt thanks to viewers, guests, and supporters. Stay tuned for Season 3, premiering on January 12th. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and success in achieving your year...

S2 EP 20 | Director at Abdullah Balal Immigration Consulting | Ft. Abdullah Balal 20.10.2024

Join us in this episode as we explore the multifaceted journeys of professionals immigrating from Pakistan to Canada. Delve into Abdullah Balal’s transition from engineering to law, his cultural adjustments, and his decision to start an immigration consulting firm. Gain insights into starting a law firm, navigating Canadian immigration post-COVID, and understanding the visa landscape, including sp...

S2 EP 19 | Empowerment Coach | Ft. Zarina Tariq 06.10.2024

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, Zarina, an empowerment coach specializing in subconscious healing, shares her journey from Pakistan to Canada. She discusses her educational background, experiences living and working in Pakistan and Dubai, and the challenges she faced moving to Canada during the pandemic. Zarina offers insights into the significance o...

S2 EP 18 | Analyst At Pier 4 Ltd. | Ft. Syed Talha Kadri 22.09.2024

In this episode of the East meets West, Pakistani Professional Journeys Syed shares his educational and professional experiences from studying in Pakistan to working in Canada. With a BS in Accounting and Finance from IBA Karachi, an MBA from Rotman in Toronto, and a CFA, Syed discusses his roles in various financial institutions including Habib Bank and Icon Group, and his current position as an...

S2 EP 17 | Principal Architect At Slalom Build | Ft. Wasiq Shaikh 08.09.2024

Join us in this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we explore the life and career of Wasiq Shaikh. Born and raised in Canada with deep connections to Pakistan, Wasiq shares his experiences from learning Urdu, navigating cultural differences, and his professional journey in computer science, starting at Ryerson and leading up to his role as a Principal Archite...

Celebrating 10,000 Subscribers: Thanks For The Support! 25.08.2024

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys podcast, we celebrate reaching 10,000 subscribers on the YouTube channel! Join us as we reflect on the incredible journey over the past year, sharing experiences and stories of professional struggles and triumphs. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, subscribed, and followed our bi-weekly releases. This milestone wouldn&...

S2 EP 16 | Senior Project Manager at Confiz | Ft. Hassam Nadeem 11.08.2024

Navigating Professional Journeys: Hassam Nadeem's Path from Pakistan to Canada Welcome to the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Hassam Nadeem, a seasoned technology consultant with over 13 years of experience. Hassam talks about his educational journey, starting from IIU in Islamabad, to Linkoping University in Sweden, and his varied ro...

S2 EP 15 | HR director at confidential | Ft. Ahsan Qureshi 28.07.2024

In this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast, Ahsan Qureshi shares his inspiring career path from Karachi to becoming an HR director in Canada. Ahsan discusses the importance of focusing on strengths, staying positive, and leveraging opportunities in both personal and professional life. He also elaborates on his extensive educational background and diverse work ex...

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