"Investment fuels innovation, carving the way to success."
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Abdullah Anwer Ahmed, founder of Serene DataOps, is renowned for his transformative role in Data Science and SAP, significantly enhancing supply chain efficiencies through innovative solutions.
His career highlights include implementing AI and RPA systems that have saved millions and centralized data across global operations, facilitating strategic decision-making. Abdullah’s approach transcends corporate gains, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging data for community betterment.
Leading Serene DataOps, he merges Data Science, Software Engineering, Agile, and Lean principles to optimize analytics development, marking him as a pivotal figure in advancing Data and Operations consulting.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Abdullah Ahmed: I’m Abdullah Ahmed, Data Scientist and SAP Leader focused on enhancing supply chain efficiency through innovative, data-driven solutions.
My professional journey is characterized by a continuous search for strategic innovation, leading to significant cost savings for the organizations I’ve worked with. Educated at Texas A&M and the University of Texas, my analytical prowess has been pivotal in developing AI solutions that are celebrated as benchmarks of success.
Key achievements in my career include the creation of an advanced RPA system saving millions annually, and leading a project for data centralization across more than 150 locations to bolster global decision-making.
My belief is that the true value of data extends beyond corporate benefits to positively impact communities, a principle reflected in my volunteer engagements.
At the helm of Serene DataOps, I’ve been instrumental in redefining the landscape of Data and Operations consulting. Our company is a beacon of innovation, guiding Data Science teams in crafting robust, maintainable Data-Driven business processes.
Serene DataOps stands on a foundation of integrating the best practices from Data Science, Software Engineering, Agile, and Lean Process Improvement, significantly reducing analytics development cycle time and enabling swift delivery of enhanced value.
Through Serene DataOps, my aim is to set new standards in efficiency and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic foresight in the ever-evolving business world.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Abdullah Ahmed: During the 2020 pandemic, our business, especially manufacturing, was engulfed in uncertainty.
To tackle this, the General Manager of my division initiated weekly state of the union meetings. These meetings provided quick updates on order entry trends and their implications for each plant.
This strategy of constant communication was crucial in controlling rumors and uneasiness among our staff.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Abdullah Ahmed: Initially, a personal circumstance prevented me from starting my consulting business, which felt like a failure at the time. However, this delay allowed me to gain additional experience, bolster my confidence, and refine my expertise in Data & Analytics—a field that’s constantly evolving. This experience proved to be invaluable later on.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Abdullah Ahmed: To build a resilient team, we focus on fostering open communication, aligning individual roles with the company’s vision, addressing productivity blockers, and automating menial tasks.
The key qualities we seek in team members include excellent communication skills, a big-picture understanding, and a demonstrated ability to automate their work to enhance efficiency.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Abdullah Ahmed: I maintain personal resilience by focusing on aspects of my life I can control, adhering to the “Rocks, Pebble, Sand” approach with health, family, and faith as my foundation.
I prioritize critical activities, continuously seek ways to improve productivity, and automate mundane tasks to ensure stability.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Abdullah Ahmed: I manage stress by blocking out parts of the day for deep work, using the Pomodoro technique, planning my week in advance, dedicating time for journaling, and maintaining a clear boundary between work and downtime to decompress effectively.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Abdullah Ahmed: In times of crisis, I prioritize unambiguous communication, setting clear expectations and goals, and encouraging open two-way communication, including questions and answers, to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Abdullah Ahmed: My advice to other CEOs would be to lead by example, invest in developing robust risk management processes, prioritize employee mental and physical health, and foster a culture that leverages technology to enhance productivity.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Abdullah Ahmed: We conduct regular risk assessments, map key business processes to identify potential crises and update our business continuity plans accordingly.
These plans cover protocols for operations, communication, employee safety, and data recovery, along with a clear emergency command chain and decision-making framework, to ensure preparedness for any eventuality.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Abdullah Ahmed: The most crucial leadership lesson I’ve learned is that communication is key to maintaining organizational morale. Investing in risk management, staying calm and confident, prioritizing employee wellbeing, and focusing on the positive, including celebrating small wins, are essential strategies during crises.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Abdullah Ahmed for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Abdullah Ahmed or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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