About
Parallel Entrepreneur, Problem solver, fixer-upper and team player with an emphasis on…
Articles by Shariq
Contributions
-
How can you handle tough questions from angel investors during a pitch?
One of the most useful things for me, before I start "officially pitching", is to run through dozens of unofficial pitches, with friends, colleagues and family. When creating a pitch deck, as founders, we're often too close to the subject matter, and tend to have a fixed number of viewpoints. Rehearsing pitching to friends, colleagues and family, and seeking honest, brutal feedback helps me see many other points of view that I might have missed, and areas that I didn't cover properly. When responding to objections though, it is super critical to be honest, don't fake it, they'll know.
-
How can effective communication improve client retention rates?
Take complete ownership. Own up, if you ever mess up. There's a tendency to cover mess ups, with the fear of losing the client. But if it eventually comes out, and it damages the relationship irrevocably. Instead, in such situations, proactively highlight to the client: WHAT went wrong HOW will you fix it WHEN will it get fixed WHY it happened, and how will you ensure it never repeats This builds trust. I'd rather work with partners who come up to me, honestly, with the above, rather than those that try to brush things under the carpet.
-
How can you ensure your team is adaptable when expanding your business?
Having driven growth initiatives across various industries and verticals, one thing I've realised is critical is communicating not just your reasons and thoughts behind the growth, but taking time to think through, and elaborate to the team how it will impact them. Rapid growth is both, exciting and fearful for employees. Does it mean added responsibilities? Longer hours? More travel? Higher pay? You have to understand how it impacts members of your team, and help them focus on the positives that it brings, while trying your best to understand their concerns around the negatives, and mitigating it to the maximum extent possible, without adversely affecting growth.
Activity
-
Excited to be in Maritime Logistics Conclave
Excited to be in Maritime Logistics Conclave
Liked by Shariq Ashraf
-
A certificate of recognition from someone I respect is more than just a piece of paper – it's a reminder that my hard work and dedication are valued.
A certificate of recognition from someone I respect is more than just a piece of paper – it's a reminder that my hard work and dedication are valued.
Liked by Shariq Ashraf
Experience
Education
-
University of Oxford
-
Activities and Societies: Dean's List
• Ranked on the Dean’s List, Hilary Term, University of Oxford
• Team Member, Oxford Rockclimbing Team for MBA Olympics (2009-10) -
-
Activities and Societies: Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List, President Karate Club, President Cosmopolitan Club, President Gamers Irregular, Karate University Team Captain, Universiity Ambassador
University Leadership Positions
• Founding President of SMU Gamers Irregular, organised the Singapore playoffs for the prestigious Samsung Cyber World Games
• President of the SMU Cosmopolitan Club - a club that celebrates the cultural diversity in the university, and helps with the integration of students
• SMU Student Ambassador - an extremely prestigious position, involves representing the university for all external events, interviews, and programs. Hosted the then Malaysian…University Leadership Positions
• Founding President of SMU Gamers Irregular, organised the Singapore playoffs for the prestigious Samsung Cyber World Games
• President of the SMU Cosmopolitan Club - a club that celebrates the cultural diversity in the university, and helps with the integration of students
• SMU Student Ambassador - an extremely prestigious position, involves representing the university for all external events, interviews, and programs. Hosted the then Malaysian President, HE Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
• University Team Captain, Karate
Other Awards and Recognitions:
• Ranked on the Dean’s List
• Graduated Magna cum laude (with high honours)
• Capitaland Retail Marketing Competion, First Runner Up - how to increase footfall and consumer spending in Singapore Malls
• Inter Varsity Judo Championship, Team Event, 2004, Gold Medalist
• Asia Pacific Karate Championship, 2006, Bronze Medalist
• SMU Sportsman of the Year 2006, Award Nominee -
-
Activities and Societies: International Exchange
Licenses & Certifications
Languages
-
English
-
-
Hindi
-
-
Marathi
-
-
Urdu
-
-
Spanish
-
Recommendations received
4 people have recommended Shariq
Join now to viewMore activity by Shariq
-
On Republic Day, we at Pearl, and at SPEAR Security Solutions, would like to extend our warmest wishes to our beloved nation! Today, we honor the day…
On Republic Day, we at Pearl, and at SPEAR Security Solutions, would like to extend our warmest wishes to our beloved nation! Today, we honor the day…
Liked by Shariq Ashraf
-
A Tale of Two Cities. Last week, I felt transported back in time, stepping into a room filled with eager young undergraduate students from SMU! As…
A Tale of Two Cities. Last week, I felt transported back in time, stepping into a room filled with eager young undergraduate students from SMU! As…
Shared by Shariq Ashraf
Other similar profiles
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore MoreOthers named Shariq Ashraf in India
4 others named Shariq Ashraf in India are on LinkedIn
See others named Shariq Ashraf