Author: IPN

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Event

IPN Build Event : Live Virtual Event on Sunday, January 27th 2019 – Married Co-Founders on Building a Company Together

*Live Virtual Event: Married Co-Founders on Building a Company Together*
WHEN : Sunday, January 27th 2019 at 3pm CST

Click Here To Attend The Live Virtual Event

About the Co-founders:
Shireen Jaffer: CEO & Co-founder of Edvo, previously CEO of Skillify
Shireen began her career as a solo-founder of Skillify, where she scaled career-readiness programs across 220 schools and bootstrapped the company to profitability. She founded Skillify at the age of 19 during her time at the University of Southern California. She is now CEO and Co-founder at Edvo where her mission is to get 1 million people jobs by making it easy and delightful.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenjaffer/

Raaid Hossain: COO & Co-Founder of Edvo, previously Co-Founder @Wiser (acquired by Wiser Solutions)
Raaid began his career in eCommerce. Driven by solving operational problems, he started Wiser (wiser.com) in 2013 with two co-founders. Wiser raised over 10M in venture capital and was acquired by private equity late 2016. He is now the COO and Co-Founder at Edvo where he’s focused on fixing the hiring marketplace.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raaid/

Edvo
Edvo is changing the way people search for and get jobs. Candidates chat with Edvo to find the best jobs, get guidance on skill gaps, and a path to effectively up-skill. Employers use Edvo to hire qualified candidates 42% faster and save 32% on internal hiring costs.

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Event

IPN Annual Economic Forecasting Summit : Atlanta, GA on Thursday, February 21st 2019

IPN is proud to present our 2019 4th Annual Economic Forecasting Summit

Galina Alexeenko, Former Director of Economic Forecasting for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will share her thoughts on opportunities and challenges in the economy and real estate for the coming year.
Enjoy an exquisite lunch along with an amazing presentation by renowned Economist of the Region.

WHEN: Thursday, February 21st from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
WHERE: 103 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta GA 30305
TICKETS: Click Here!

Be sure to purchase your tickets and reserve your spot as space is limited!

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Event

IPN Central Networking Mixer : Euless, TX on Saturday, January 19th 2019

IPN Central invites you to listen and Interact with Imran Karim in our first Networking Mixer for 2019.

Topics that will be covered:
– Are you interested in learning what it takes to launch and scale a business
– How to market on different marketplaces likes Amazon
– How to get your product to retailer stores
– How to look for opportunities in your daily lives to innovate

Come join us at Dave & Buster’s, Saturday, Jan 19th, 2019 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Learn, Connect, Relax and Socialize with fellow IPN professionals.

The event is a limited gathering with all friends & colleagues welcome to join!
Appetizers will be provided.

Click Here to register!

Imran’s Background:
Imran Karim is a serial entrepreneur who has innovated through multiple companies and his current venture is Trophy Skin. Trophy Skin provides a line of at-home devices that rivaled in-office skincare/spa treatments. Trophy Skin team work closely with top technology experts across the globe to design and develop the next generation of accessible skincare tools. These products are sold in 10 countries across the globe, sold on QVC and also in retailed stores like Neman Marcus and Nordstrom. His complete line of products is also available on Amazon and is generating massive revenues.

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Resources

[DJAC Video] The Power of Possibility: Journeys of Women in Leadership

Keynote Plenary session by female Ismaili professionals Farzana Nayani, Amal Merali, Saleema Vellani, and Illy Jaffer.
Keynote was given at the Diamond Jubilee Alliances Conference held on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018.

Program Overview
Four incredible female professionals joined us for an insightful discussion about women and the power of possibility. The panelists described the evolution of their careers, their trials and triumphs, and advice they had for both men and women for growth and development. From dealing with an unconscious bias to steering innovation to leading global flagship projects, the session was an inspiration for women and men to find one’s passion embrace the power of possibility.

Speaker Profile
Farzana Nayani: Founder & CEO, Manazil Management
Amal Merali: Director of Store Design, Sephora
Saleema Vellani: Co-founder & COO, Innovazing
Illy Jaffer: Government Affairs Professional

The presenter(s) have granted permission for use of this content for IPN members only.  Please do not share this content outside of IPN without requesting permission from the presenter(s).

 

 

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Spotlight

Reef Karim

IPN Spotlight: Reef Karim (CEO & Founder at The Control Center Beverly Hills)

Reef Karim leads a mission driven life centered on storytelling, content creation and the blend of science and entertainment. Reef’s motto is: “Don’t Be Normal, Be You” and he tries to live every day with passion, creative pursuit and the ability to impact others. The three most important qualities to Reef Karim are: Self Expression, Authentic Identity and having an Original Point of View.
Reef’s Science CV: Double board-certified physician in psychiatry and addiction medicine with an expertise in the neuroscience of self-sabotage and self-empowerment. He is also, UCLA Assistant Clinical Professor & Chief Medical Officer of Vitality HealthTech.
Reef’s Entertainment CV: Television host, feature film actor, international speaker, author & stand-up comic. He has worked with Oprah, Anderson Cooper, & Larry King and worked on Bourne Identity, Shark Tank, Private Practice, Veep, Time, ABC World News & CNN. He recently started Mad Lab; a media, personal transformation & nonprofit company- ReefKarim.com.

What skills have helped you in your career?
I pride myself on drive, ambition and developing a unique point of view. These aren’t just “learned” qualities you can pick up in school; they are “experienced” qualities. Yes, you have to go to school, train, learn information and learn how to connect with others but you also have to live, be willing to fail, experiment with different careers and develop your own sense of self; your originality. The most successful people are not clones; they are originals.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
I frequently attend conferences to both skill build and stay current with changes in the field. For me personally, I’m always working on improving myself; improving my ability to host better, act better, write better, speak better and disseminate current, cutting edge information in the most effective way possible.

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
I wish someone would have told me, on a questionnaire like this, to FIND MY ORIGINAL SELF and not allow other people, no matter who they are, to dictate what I do or what I should believe in. It’s imperative that people don’t succumb to “group think” and instead utilize your unique experiences, background and training to blaze your own path.

What is next for you in your career?
Reef Madness Show, Mad Lab Company (ReefKarim.com) Next, the focus is a bigger media presence; both in hosting our upcoming show, Reef Madness and writing, acting and producing original entertainment content for television and digital media at Mad Lab. Reef Madness is a new late-night talk show & podcast blending science, comedy and entertainment, similar to John Oliver or Bill Maher. He hopes to be able to entertain people, influence people and help people with personal transformation on the screen and stage.

What advice would you offer to others?
It’s hard to figure out what you want to do and how you want to live your life, especially in our current climate of over-stimulation, noise and division. But, you can’t live in fear; fear is paralyzing, it invites procrastination, indecision and distraction. Sometimes that distraction is not doing what you were destined to do. Other times, that distraction is self-sabotage, doing destructive things you shouldn’t be doing that diminish your emotional and spiritual growth. I wish everyone the courage to blaze your own path and the clarity to find your vision.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Speaking/Hosting
• Creative Coaching and collaboration
• Media Training
• Self Help
• I also consult with people to build their personal brand story.

Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Reef Karim

Please provide your preferred email address so interested professionals can network with you:
[email protected]

Region:
West

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Resources

[DJAC] Video from Keynote Address by David Lee, VP, Innovation & Strategic Fund, UPS

Alliance Conference Keynote – David Lee (Slides)

Keynote Address by David Lee, VP, Innovation & Strategic Fund, UPS
Keynote was given at the Diamond Jubilee Alliances Conference held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018

Program Overview
In this insightful and thoughtful talk, David Lee provides a general overview of how AI and machine learning are shaping the world today and how it might affect our working lives in the near future. How will this technology affect what humans are asked to do? What should we be doing to prepare for these imminent changes? It’s possible we are headed to a jobless future, but probably not. So, how can we robot-proof our jobs and create work that allows human beings to be bring their unique skills and talents into the workplace? David is the Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures at UPS (United Parcel Service). His TED talk, “Why Jobs of the Future Won’t Feel Like Work” was one of the most popular talks of 2017.

Speaker Profile
DJAC is excited to bring this extraordinary visionary to our conference. David’s TED Talk on the Future of Work was ranked best of 2017 and has received over 1.7 million views! David is the VP of Innovation and the Strategic Enterprise Fund at UPS.

The Strategic Enterprise Fund is UPS’s strategic venture capital group. His team works to build collaborative bridges with start-up companies, large firms, universities, and research entities. Prior to joining UPS, David co-founded and led Innovation Programs at SunTrust Bank. He has a BA in economics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. David lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA which the global headquarters for United Parcel Service.

The presenter(s) have granted permission for use of this content for IPN members only.  Please do not share this content outside of IPN without requesting permission from the presenter(s).

 

 

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Resources

[DJAC] Video from Keynote Address by Asiff Hirji, President & COO of Coinbase.

Alliance Conference Keynote – Asiff Hirji (Slides)

Keynote Address by Asiff Hirji, President & COO of Coinbase.
Keynote was given at the Diamond Jubilee Alliances Conference held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018

Program Overview
As Asiff explores key technology changes of the coming decade, such as autonomous vehicles, cryptocurrencies, and the gig economy, he will frame our discussions centered around emerging trends that pervade industry boundaries. We will not only conceptualize these innovations, but also understand their impact on our lives in a very tangible way. In the face of rapid change, we will learn how vital professional networks and alliances are for successfully navigating and thriving through these disruptions. Join us for an invigorating session to glean key insights into paving the pathway to success.

Speaker Profile
Asiff Hirji is President & Chief Operating Officer of Coinbase. Prior to Coinbase, Asiff focused on accelerating growth at a number of portfolio companies for venture capital partner, Andreessen Horowitz. In 2002, Asiff rose from CIO to COO and ultimately President of TD Ameritrade, the world’s largest online broker, helping them grow to 4,000 employees. He also ran HP Enterprise Services (Reporting to Meg Whitman) with nearly 200,000 employees and $14B in revenue. He has also held senior leadership and governance roles at TPG Capital, Saxo Bank, and Bain Capital including being on the board of directors for several companies including Eze Software Group, TES Global, RentPath, and Citrix Systems.

The presenter(s) have granted permission for use of this content for IPN members only.  Please do not share this content outside of IPN without requesting permission from the presenter(s).

 

 

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Resources

IPN Job Seeker Networking Guidelines

This is a set of guidelines a job seeking IPN member who is a “requestor” should follow when he or she networks with an “advisor” over email.

  • Be honest & respectful
    • Trust are respect are at the foundation of any collaboration. Make sure you are honest and open about your situation. Make sure you treat your advisor the way you would like to be treated.
  • Do your homework
    • Homework begins with yourself. Be able to articulate what you are great at and what you will bring to your next employer.
    • Once you’ve done homework on yourself then you can do research about what kind of roles would be a fit for you. The IPN can help you with this.
  • Build a long-term relationship
    • Good networking is not a brief zero sum game, it is about building a long-term relationship. Every new introduction should be viewed as the beginning of a relationship.
    • If you have trouble understanding this, think of networking like a bank account—you have to make deposits and shore up social capital before making a withdrawal.
      • EXAMPLE: If you jump straight in and ask for a job this will put the advisor in an uncomfortable sport and make you look needy. Instead, share that you are job seeking and that as part of your research, you’d value his or her thoughts and guidance about companies, different roles, industry trends, etc. This will allow him or her to feel comfortable with your approach, to understand what he or she might do to assist, and at the advisor’s willing, mention any roles they are aware of.
  • Proofread
    • Attention to detail is important. Spelling and grammar errors can give the wrong first impression. Here are proofreading tips if English is not your first language. Finally, don’t forget to check the spelling of the name of the person you are emailing.
  • Follow-up
    • IPN expects emails to advisors to be responded to promptly; no more than 48 hours. When scheduling a call with an advisor, offer to create and send a calendar invite to your advisor, and honor your commitment
  • Give thanks
    • The advisor is taking time out out of their busy life to help and guide you. Thank them and update them on the result of their taking time.
Categories
Spotlight

Husein Cumber

IPN Spotlight: Husein Cumber (Executive Vice President- Corporate Development at Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI))

Husein Cumber is the Executive Vice President for Corporate Development for Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI). At FECI, he has the responsibility to steer major capital projects, including Brightline, the first privately owned and managed intercity passenger rail system in US over 100 years. Previously, Mr. Cumber had worked as Executive Vice President for Corporate Development for Florida East Coast Railway, L.L.C (FEC), a freight railroad that is credited for allowing Florida’s east coast to develop in the late 1800s. In this position he had responsibility for financially structuring and managing capital projects where he successfully executed major seaport and rail infrastructure projects.
Prior to joining FEC, Mr. Cumber was Founder and President of H.A Cumber & Company, a transportation consulting firm that specialized in rail, aviation, and highway issues. The firm provided business development and government relations services throughout the country. Mr. Cumber served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S Department of Transportation. Mr. Cumber is a Board Member of JEA, the eighth largest municipal-owned utility in the United States and largest in Florida.

What skills have helped you in your career?
Communications skills- During his high school and college years, Mr. Cumber was engaged in various extracurricular activities which enabled him to be involved in a team environment. Further development of his interpersonal skills is attributed to other activities which included public speaking, raising capital, and engaging with elected officials. A successful leader must be able to articulate facts by communicating a concise story and be persuasive in your ask.
Another skill which Mr. Cumber finds useful is one of compromise- a perfect outcome rarely happens in business; it is important to learn how to find a solution.

What do you do for continuing education and improvement?
The private equity firm that I am associated with is constantly going into new businesses. And those investments are unlike others I have worked on before. So, I often volunteer to get involved with these new infrastructure projects which has led my career to span the telecommunications, railroad, real estate, and energy sectors. One common theme in my career has been infrastructure and being exposed to different sectors enables me to continue to learn.

What do you wish you had known or done differently throughout your career?
My career has been focused largely in Florida with a short stint in Washington, DC. I am envious of people who have been able to build their careers by living in multiple major cities. I would have liked to live in New York, London, Hong Kong, San Francisco, etc. Becoming immersed in other cultures is so important today when every industry has international connectivity. I also regret not mastering a second language.

What is next for you in your career?
I want to continue my pursuit for identifying and executing infrastructure projects that are transformative.

What advice would you offer to others?
I think one thing that I did which was novel is that most people try to identify a degree in college and then let the prerequisite courses navigate their education. I did the opposite. I sought out professors who would be great mentors and then looked at the courses they taught to determine what major I would like to pursue. That allowed Duke to become a career defining moment in my life. I created a degree in U.S. National Security, which allowed me to pull together international law, military strategy, business and public policy into one degree.
So, my first advice would be thinking through how your education can expose you to the best career mentors and take advantage of that.

Second, get involved in at least 1-2 years of public service. Find anything that is relevant to your profession and learn how local/state/federal regulatory policies affect your industry. Personally, for me, spending 3.5 years in government changed my career trajectory. It broadened my skill set and enabled me to build relationships with decision makers at a relatively young age.

Lastly, get involved in complicated projects and challenge yourself. Consider investments which have a high barrier to entry. That is where the risks are higher, but so are the returns. Remember, if it was easy someone else would have done it already. I meet so many people that ask why I want to be involved in projects that require navigating through a complex regulatory process. My answer is always the same: if we figure it out first, we will be in a business that is hard to replicate and therefore have a very valuable investment.

Areas where you can help other Ismailis:
• Access to capital
• Assist with the development of business plans
• Secure internships in finance, government and media professions
• Counseling for career decisions

Please provide the link to your LinkedIn profile:
Husein Cumber

Please provide your preferred email address so interested professionals can network with you:
[email protected]

Region:
Florida

If you would like to nominate someone to be a part of the spotlight, click Here.

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Event

IPN West Networking Event : San Francisco, CA on Thursday, November 8th 2018

IPN West – Building a Business, A Networking Event & Fireside Chat

Are you interested in learning what it takes to launch and scale a business? Or what challenges executives face as they look to deploy new products, win customers / partners, out maneuver competitors, all the while managing expectations of various stakeholders in their business?
If you are an entrepreneur looking for insight on how to profitability grow your business or are an individual simply interested in learning what to look for as you invest in companies, IPN West invites you to listen to professionals who have built and championed businesses.
Topics that will be covered:

– Advice on idea execution, creating a strong value proposition and achieving product / market fit
– Scaling a business through internal investing as well as evaluating inorganic means such as M&A
– Managing expectations of all business stakeholders for a public vs. private company, including public shareholders, Wall Street analysts, private investors, partners / vendors and customers and,
– Discussing how to adapt to potential technological disruption in today’s day and age

The event is a limited gathering with all friends & colleagues welcome to join! Please register by Tuesday, November 6th at: https://tinyurl.com/ipnwestbuilding

WHEN: Thursday, November 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT
WHERE: Salesforce Tower, 18th Floor Social Lounge, San Francisco CA
REGISTRATION ENDS: Tuesday, November 6th at 11:59 p.m. PT
TICKETS: $15 + processing fee

Panelists:
Amin Maredia is an executive with strategic, operations and financial experience with Global Fortune 100 and private equity-backed companies in retail, energy, manufacturing and financial services sectors. He has deep experience in strategy, operations, capital markets, structured finance, M&A and stakeholder management. Currently as the Chief Executive Officer of Sprouts Farmers Market (NASDAQ: SFM), Amin serves as the steward of one of the largest natural and organic retailers in the country, and champion to our passion: to inspire, educate and empower every person to eat healthier and live a better life.

Nikhil Arora & Alejandro Velez are the two co-founders of Back to the Roots, an organic food & gardening company they founded in college after discovering how to grow gourmet mushrooms on spent coffee grounds. Since then, Back to the Roots has grown from a local urban mushroom farm to a national brand on a mission to reconnect families back to food through its line of Ready-to-Eat organic breakfast cereals & Ready-to-Grow Indoor Gardening Kits. Back to the Roots currently distributes its products in thousands of stores & schools nationwide, including the NYC Public School System, where it helps feed 1.1M kids/day as the first organic cereal ever offered in US public schools. The duo has been recognized as Inc.’s “30 Under 30,” Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Martha Stewart’s Top Ten American Made honorees, President Obama’s Champions of Change & the 2018 commencement speakers at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Moderator:
Nadim Laiwala is a Vice President at Moelis & Company, with nearly a decade of investment banking experience providing strategic advisory services to technology companies on a full spectrum of corporate finance matters. Nadim has developed particular expertise in the communications, electronics and industrial technology sectors, and today focuses the majority of his time on technology mergers & acquisitions (M&A) advisory. Prior to joining Moelis & Company, Nadim worked at Qatalyst Partners, a technology investment banking boutique, and at Houlihan Lokey in its Technology M&A group.