Name: Aqib Javaid

Title: CEO & Cofounder

Organisation: Auriferous Solutions

Hi, My Name Is Aqib Javaid, I am the CEO of Auriferous Solutions. I am providing garment solutions in the B2B market

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Aqib's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects has been balancing the weight of responsibility with the trust people place in me. Leadership is not just about making decisions; it's about making the right decisions for the people, the team, and the vision we collectively share.

At times, the hardest part is facing uncertainty while staying calm and focused so that the team feels secure and supported. It's about navigating situations where there are no clear answers, yet having the courage to chart a path forward.

But challenges are also opportunities to grow. I've learned that by being transparent, staying empathetic, and continuously listening to those around me, we can turn even the toughest moments into milestones. These challenges shape us, not just as leaders but as people who strive to do better every day.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Becoming a leader wasn’t a moment—it was a journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a deep desire to make an impact. From an early stage, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of solving problems that matter, of building something that could stand the test of time and serve others in meaningful ways.

The idea for Auriferous came from a shared vision: to create something that could redefine possibilities in our industry while staying grounded in values that matter—integrity, innovation, and community. As a co-founder, I didn’t set out to be a “leader” in the traditional sense; I just wanted to work alongside people who believed in the same dream. Leadership, for me, emerged naturally as I found myself in positions where I needed to inspire, guide, and make decisions that would impact not just the company but the people behind it.

Along the way, I learned that leadership is less about titles and more about action—about showing up, staying true to your principles, and empowering others to do their best work. It’s a story still being written, with challenges and successes that continue to shape who I am as a leader every day.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My days are structured around three core principles: intention, connection, and reflection. While no two days are exactly alike, I try to create a rhythm that keeps me focused, energized, and aligned with our goals at Auriferous.

Morning: Setting Intentions I start my day early, usually with some quiet time for myself. I believe mornings set the tone, so I focus on clarity. This could mean a short meditation, a brisk walk, or simply journaling my thoughts. I then review my priorities for the day—what truly matters versus what’s just noise. A strong cup of coffee helps too!

Midday: Driving Momentum Workdays are a mix of strategy and connection. I dedicate the first half to deep work—tackling the most critical tasks that require focus. Meetings are scheduled strategically, and I make it a point to engage with the team. Whether it's brainstorming sessions or quick check-ins, connecting with the people driving Auriferous forward keeps me grounded and inspired.

I also carve out time to step back and think long-term. Leadership isn’t just about today; it’s about ensuring tomorrow is even brighter. Lunchtime is often a mix of quick meals and networking—I find sharing ideas with people outside the office broadens my perspective. Evening: Reflection and Recharge Evenings are for wrapping up loose ends and reflecting on the day.

I ask myself: "Did I move the needle? Did I show up for my team in meaningful ways?" Reflection helps me refine how I approach the next day. I also dedicate time to my family, friends, or hobbies that recharge me—because balance isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Night: Preparing for Tomorrow Before bed, I review my plans for the following day and let my mind unwind. Reading, a podcast, or a moment of gratitude helps me close the day on a positive note. Sleep is non-negotiable; rest fuels resilience.

Every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute. While my structure keeps me aligned, I also embrace flexibility—because life, and leadership, always demand a bit of spontaneity.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson that truly resonated with me is the power of vulnerability in leadership. It’s easy to feel like, as a leader, you need to have all the answers, to always appear strong and composed. But I was reminded that authenticity—being open about challenges, doubts, or setbacks—is what truly builds trust and connection.

There was a moment recently when I had to share with the team that a particular initiative we’d all been excited about wasn’t going as planned. I was hesitant at first, fearing it might dampen morale. But instead of framing it as a failure, I approached it as a shared opportunity to learn and pivot. By admitting that I didn’t have all the solutions but that I believed in our ability to figure it out together, I saw the team rally around the problem with renewed energy.

This reminded me that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about transparency, resilience, and trust. When we lead with humanity, we empower others to bring their full selves to the table, and that’s when the magic happens.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly shaped my journey as a leader is "The Infinite Game" by Simon Sinek. The concept of playing an "infinite game" versus a "finite game" completely shifted how I view leadership and the role of Auriferous in the broader world.

Sinek argues that in business—and life—there’s no definitive "winning." The goal isn’t to beat the competition but to keep playing, to innovate, and to stay true to your purpose. This resonated deeply with me, especially during moments when short-term pressures threatened to pull focus away from our long-term vision.

I remember reading it during a particularly challenging time for Auriferous when we faced a decision: chase immediate results that could have compromised our values or invest in a path that aligned with our mission but would take longer to bear fruit. The book reminded me that true leadership means prioritizing sustainability and purpose over quick wins.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could give one piece of advice to a young aspiring leader, it would be this: lead with purpose and stay true to your values. Leadership is not about titles, power, or even success in the traditional sense. It’s about the impact you make and the lives you touch along the way. Find your "why"—the deep, driving purpose that lights you up and gives meaning to your work. When you lead with purpose, challenges become stepping stones, and setbacks become lessons.

At the same time, stay rooted in your values. The world will test you—there will be pressure to compromise or take shortcuts. Resist those temptations. Integrity and authenticity are your greatest assets as a leader. People don’t follow a position; they follow a person who inspires them, who they trust to act with courage and consistency.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One story that stands out in my journey as a leader happened during a pivotal moment for Auriferous. Early on, we were working on a project that demanded everything—time, resources, and a lot of personal investment from the team. Despite our efforts, we hit a roadblock. Deadlines were looming, progress was stalling, and the weight of uncertainty was heavy on everyone’s shoulders.

I vividly remember walking into the office one evening and finding a few team members still working late, exhausted but determined. It struck me how deeply they believed in what we were building. I realized then that leadership wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about showing up, supporting the people around you, and making them feel seen and valued.