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Issac Qureshi
is a taxation and wealth management specialist who operates in the UK, Europe,
Middle East and the United States and is the Founder of Ogilvy & Haart. Issac
Qureshi graduated in 1995 with a BA and Honours in Social & Economic
History from Liverpool University, and after returning to University for a few
years, earned his diploma from Manchester University Institute of Marketing in
1998. Issac continued his educational journey at The London School of Economics
and Political Science, where he graduated first honours with his Bachelor of
Laws degree. Following LSE, Qureshi went on to complete his Master of Laws in
International and Commercial Trust Law at UCL. Issac Qureshi now provides his
wide range of international clients with detailed taxation strategies, various
investment opportunities and the opportunity to increase and protect their
wealth.
A co-founder
of Urban Logic, a property investment specialist which was acquired for £7.4m
and listed on AIM whilst Issac was at the helm, Issac has subsequently, due to
the experience gained, been involved with other successful Stock Market
floatation’s and has operated as a Non-Executive Director (NED) for other organizations
over the past 10 years.
Issac Qureshi
has also acted an Non-Executive Director (NED) and Advisor for Northern Lynx
plc, Lakas Investments plc, Alvaston Media plc and Damask Investments plc. He
has also sat on the EMBF(NW) Board, NW Further Education Steering Group,
appointed an Ambassador for Enterprise UK, acted as a founding Trustee for the
charity Dress For Success, supported the charity Karma Nirvana and Mix-d and
been a Governor for Liverpool Community College and Elton High School over the
years too.
Issac Qureshi
has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 42 Under 42’ entrepreneurs by NW
Business Insider magazine, a finalist for MEN Small Business of the Year,
nominated for the prestigious LloydsTSB Asian Jewel award, EMBF(NW) Rising Star
Award, Tiger Award and been awarded Regional Direct Marketing Campaign of the
Year by the Royal Mail.
Why did you decide to create your own
business?
The
idea for the company came from the fact that having reviewed the marketplace,
there was a clear gap in the market for providing tax and wealth strategies
based on success and results, rather than the old model of fees. If we don’t
succeed in what we are trying to achieve for our clients, then we do not get
paid. Our client’s success is our success too!
What does a typical day consist of for you?
The
start of my day is very routine – I wake up, drink some water and then begin my
“studying”! Each morning I review my goals and objectives, be thankful for what
I have and then work on my mindset and vision. After this the day can vary from
meetings with clients or staff to a number of calls, conferences and
travelling. The biggest thing is that I love what I do, which makes it all the
more easier!
What keeps you
motivated?
The
constant drive to better myself remains my key motivation tool. I always want
to be better today than I was yesterday.
How do you motivate others?
I am a
strong believer in teamwork and making sure that everyone gets the credit they
deserve. There is a quote from Bear Bryant, the University of Alabama Head
Coach, that epitomizes this approach… “If it goes wrong it is MY fault. If it
goes alright WE did if together, If something turns out great, YOU did it”
Who has been a role
model to you and why?
My greatest role
model, in reality, was my father and although he has passed away, he is still
someone I always look up to and think about. Looking back my father was not
only an astonishing leader, but he was a visionary in his approach to business,
culture and life. Following in his footsteps is an honour.
What is one piece of advice that you have
never forgotten?
This
is an easy one! “The best organizations don’t hire superstars – they build
them!”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to
others?
Never give up on
your goal, as you never know how close you might be to achieving them. The
example I use with people is the Chinese Bamboo Tree. Like any plant, growth
requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, we see
no visible signs of activity. In the second year, again, no growth above the
soil. The third, the fourth, still nothing. And finally, in the fifth year –
behold, a miracle! We experience growth. And what growth it is! The Chinese
Bamboo Tree grows 80 feet in just six weeks! But does the Chinese Bamboo Tree
really grow 80 feet in six weeks? Did the Chinese Bamboo Tree lie dormant for
four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree
growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its
potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? The answer is, of
course, obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation it could
not have sustained its life as it grew. The same principle is true for people.
People, who patiently toil towards worthwhile dreams and goals, building strong
character while overcoming adversity and challenges, grow the strong internal
foundation to handle success,
What trends in your industry excite you?
Artificial
Intelligence is the technological trend that most excites me. As advanced as
A.I. currently is, I believe that it is still in its infancy and this provides
tremendous innovation and opportunities moving forward.
