In this archival episode of Push to be More Matt Edmundson sits down with Zafar Karim for a thrilling conversation. Going from the humble streets of East End London to the prestigious halls of Cambridge University, Zafar exemplifies resilience and success in the tech business world. He has mastered the art of steering fledgling tech IPOs and has a decade long journey in investment banking with titans like Solomon Brothers. Zafar shares his thoughts on self -awareness, the importance of resilience, and how taking responsibility for your circumstances can empower you to make significant changes.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Self-Awareness and Responsibility: Zafar emphasises the importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for one's circumstances. He believes that understanding and owning one's limitations and decisions can empower significant personal and professional growth. This mindset shift from victimhood to responsibility is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
2. Intellectual Awakening and Continuous Learning: Zafar shares his journey of intellectual awakening during his time at Cambridge University, where he realized the value of diverse fields such as philosophy, history, and classics. He stresses the importance of continuous self-improvement and lifelong learning, highlighting how this pursuit has been instrumental in his personal and professional development.
3. Resilience and Adaptability: Resilience is a recurring theme in Zafar's story. He discusses how he navigated challenges from his upbringing in East End London to his career in investment banking and tech entrepreneurship. His attitude towards setbacks, including the financial crisis, is one of perseverance and adaptability, always looking for lessons and opportunities to grow despite difficulties.

If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make to subscribe and keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.