Biography of Zeeshan Aftab: Founder & CEO of 10Pearls- Entrepreneur
Introduction to Zeeshan Aftab's Leadership Journey
Zeeshan Aftab is a visionary entrepreneur with over 25 years
of experience in technology, startups, organizational development, and
philanthropy. He co-founded 10Pearls, a global digital technology and AI
consultancy, where he currently serves as the Managing Director. Zeeshan has
been instrumental in shaping 10Pearls into a full-service digital partner,
helping businesses re-imagine, digitalize, and accelerate their operations. His
leadership is rooted in fostering high-performance teams that are both diverse
and innovative, creating a dynamic work culture that encourages creativity and
growth.
Education at Renowned Institutions
Zeeshan Aftab's educational journey is marked by excellence
and a drive for innovation. He earned an MBA in Marketing from the Institute of
Business Administration, which helped lay the foundation for his future
entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition, he attended the prestigious Saïd
Business School at the University of Oxford, where he participated in a
leadership program focused on igniting change. This education allowed him to
expand his business acumen and gain valuable insights into leadership and digital
transformation.
Building 10Pearls: From Inception to Global Success
In 2004, Zeeshan co-founded 10Pearls, a company that would
become a leading global digital technology partner. Over the course of 20
years, he has grown 10Pearls into a recognized name in AI, product management,
cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and software development. The company’s
success is driven by its ability to help businesses create transformative
digital products using advanced technologies like AI/ML, Blockchain, IoT, and
AR/VR. Zeeshan’s leadership has been pivotal in delivering innovative solutions
that address complex business challenges for clients across various industries.
Empower Foundation: Making a Difference in Communities
Beyond his professional achievements, Zeeshan is deeply
committed to philanthropy. He co-founded Empower Foundation, a non-profit
organization established by 10Pearls. The foundation's mission is to empower
disadvantaged communities, particularly focusing on providing education and
food to needy children and supporting women's empowerment initiatives. Through
Empower Foundation, Zeeshan has made significant contributions to social
causes, making a positive impact on communities in regions where 10Pearls operates.
A Strong Advocate for Artificial Intelligence
As an AI enthusiast and advocate for GenAI, Zeeshan is
passionate about the transformative power of artificial intelligence. He has
played a crucial role in positioning 10Pearls as a leading AI consultancy,
providing businesses with the expertise needed to leverage AI for their growth.
Zeeshan’s vision is to help organizations incorporate AI into their operations
to drive innovation and solve real-world challenges, from automating tasks to
enhancing customer experiences.
YPO Membership: A Platform for Leadership Growth
Zeeshan's leadership extends beyond his company through his
active participation in YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), a global network
of young business leaders. He has been a member of YPO for several years and
currently holds the position of Chapter Chair for the London Area. This
involvement allows Zeeshan to engage with like-minded leaders, share knowledge,
and collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change in business and
society. His role in YPO underscores his commitment to continuous learning and
leadership development.
Biography of Zeeshan Aftab: Founder & CEO of 10Pearls- Entrepreneur/digital technology consultancy/10Pearls/age/net worth/startups/10Pearls story
Mentorship at the Founder Institute
Zeeshan’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of
entrepreneurs is evident in his role as a mentor at the Founder Institute, a
global startup accelerator. Since 2020, he has been helping aspiring
entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.
His mentorship focuses on guiding startups through the early stages of
development, offering insights on product strategy, scaling operations, and
building sustainable business models. Zeeshan’s mentorship has helped many entrepreneurs
achieve their business goals.
Visiting Faculty Role at the National University of Computer
and Emerging Sciences
Zeeshan’s passion for education and technology also led him
to become a visiting faculty member at the National University of Computer and
Emerging Sciences (NUCES). From 2020 to 2022, he taught students about the
latest trends in technology, AI, and digital transformation. His academic role
allowed him to give back to the community by sharing his expertise with future
tech leaders. Zeeshan’s teaching approach emphasized practical knowledge and
real-world applications, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Building a Thriving Company Culture at 10Pearls
One of Zeeshan’s most significant achievements has been
creating a thriving company culture at 10Pearls. The company is recognized for
its positive work environment, which fosters creativity, collaboration, and
innovation. 10Pearls has been repeatedly listed as one of the best places to
work, thanks to Zeeshan’s focus on building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
He has been a strong advocate for maintaining a balance between work and fun,
ensuring that employees are motivated and empowered to bring their best selves
to the job.
Recognition and Awards for Business Excellence
Zeeshan Aftab’s leadership and the success of 10Pearls have
earned numerous accolades and industry recognition. The company has been listed
six times on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the
U.S. and twice on Built In’s Best Places to Work list. 10Pearls has also
received recognition for its work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning
the Exelon IT Honor Roll award. Additionally, Zeeshan was a finalist for Ernst
& Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, further solidifying his reputation
as a transformative leader in the tech and business communities.
A timeline for Zeeshan Aftab’s career:
MBA in Marketing: Studied at the Institute of Business
Administration, laying the foundation for entrepreneurship.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: Participated in
a leadership program focusing on digital transformation.
2004: Co-founded 10Pearls, a global digital technology
consultancy.
Empower Foundation: Co-founded a non-profit to support
education, food, and women's empowerment initiatives.
Active in YPO: Chapter Chair for the London Area, fostering
leadership and collaboration among young business leaders.
2020: Became a mentor at the Founder Institute, guiding
startups in their early stages.
2020-2022: Served as visiting faculty at NUCES, teaching
technology and AI trends.
Leadership at 10Pearls: Built a thriving company culture,
focusing on diversity and innovation.
Recognition: 10Pearls ranked on Inc. 5000 and Built In’s
Best Places to Work; Zeeshan was a finalist for Ernst & Young’s
Entrepreneur of the Year 2020.
