Name: Kainat Rizwan

Title: CEO and Founder

Organisation: KaiRiz Cyber Technologies SMC Private Limited

Kainat Rizwan is a dedicated educator, cybersecurity expert, and visionary entrepreneur. She serves as a Lecturer in the Computing & IT Department and is a Certified Cybersecurity Expert and Penetration Testing Specialist. Kainat is also the founder and CEO of KaiRiz Cyber Technologies, a pioneering firm dedicated to redefining cybersecurity accessibility by integrating advanced security modules into custom IT solutions.

As a senior digital forensic investigator, she specializes in cybercrime analysis, leveraging cutting-edge tools to uncover sophisticated threats. Kainat is passionate about nurturing cybersecurity talent in Pakistan, offering live demos, skill development programs, and innovative learning opportunities. Her expertise spans AI-driven adversarial defense mechanisms, fraud detection using machine learning, and secure software development practices.

Under her leadership, KaiRiz Cyber Technologies strives to empower global digital innovation in Pakistan and the UK with affordable and secure IT solutions, embodying the company’s slogan: "Custom Code, Fortified from the Start."

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

One of the most challenging aspects of leadership for me has been balancing innovation with practicality. Running a software house that operates both in the UK and Pakistan requires understanding the unique demands and expectations of two very different markets. Striking the right balance between delivering cutting-edge solutions and meeting clients’ practical needs has been a continual learning process.

Additionally, managing a diverse team across different time zones comes with its complexities. It requires excellent communication, ensuring that everyone feels aligned with the company's vision while respecting their individual working styles. Another challenge has been nurturing talent, particularly in Pakistan, where I’m committed to building a strong foundation of skilled professionals in cybersecurity and software development. Developing an environment that fosters both innovation and growth is a responsibility I take seriously.

Lastly, adapting to the rapidly evolving tech landscape while maintaining our commitment to affordability and security is a constant push. However, these challenges motivate me to grow, adapt, and lead with resilience.

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

My journey as a leader began while I was pursuing my PhD in Cybersecurity at National Textile University (NTU). During my research, I realized that many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, struggled with integrating cybersecurity into their IT infrastructure. This inspired me to create affordable and secure IT solutions to bridge the gap between innovation and practicality.

The pivotal moment came when I joined the Business Incubation Centre (BIC) at NTU. The incubation center provided me with the perfect environment to transform my vision into a tangible business. With access to mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, I began developing the foundation of what would later become KaiRiz Cyber Technologies.

While juggling my PhD studies and my growing business, I worked late nights crafting software solutions, refining cybersecurity modules, and presenting my ideas to potential clients. My research in cybersecurity greatly influenced the company’s mission: to embed security directly into software development processes, ensuring that every product is “fortified from the start.”

Starting from a small office at BIC, with just a handful of passionate team members, I expanded the business into a globally recognized entity operating in both the UK and Pakistan. The journey was challenging, but my academic background and entrepreneurial drive helped me build a company that now pioneers innovation and affordability in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.

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

My daily routine is meticulously structured to balance my dual roles as a university senior lecturer and the CEO of KaiRiz Cyber Technologies while accommodating the needs of our international clients. I wake up at 7:00 AM and start my day by preparing mentally for the tasks ahead. From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, I dedicate my time to teaching and mentoring students at the university, a role I am deeply passionate about. After returning home, I take a brief break to refresh myself and spend time with family.

By 6:00 PM, I transition into my role as a business leader, collaborating with my team to manage projects, develop solutions, and communicate with clients. Since many of our clients are based in Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia, we work from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM to align with their time zones. At the end of the day, I unwind and ensure I get enough rest to remain productive and energized for the next day. While demanding, this schedule allows me to fulfill my academic and entrepreneurial commitments effectively and pursue my passion for teaching, technology, and innovation.

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

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of as a leader is the importance of adaptability and empathy when managing a diverse team and working with clients from different cultures and time zones. Leading a software house that operates across Pakistan, the UK, and other international markets has taught me that flexibility in communication and decision-making is critical for fostering collaboration and understanding.

One specific instance that stood out was navigating a project with tight deadlines for a European client while simultaneously addressing unexpected challenges within the team. I learned that being transparent about challenges and involving the team in finding solutions not only builds trust but also unlocks innovative ideas. It reinforced the value of seeing obstacles as opportunities to grow and reminded me that effective leadership is about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

This experience also emphasized that while technical expertise is essential, emotional intelligence and the ability to adapt to dynamic circumstances are equally crucial for long-term success.

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 impacted my journey as a leader is "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson. This book taught me the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary worries or societal expectations. It shifted my perspective on leadership and life by emphasizing that we cannot care about everything, and trying to do so only leads to burnout and inefficiency.

The lessons in this book came to life during the early days of building KaiRiz Cyber Technologies. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by external pressures—whether it was meeting societal expectations, comparing my progress to others, or dealing with criticism. The book reminded me to focus on my goals, values, and the vision I had for my company. It empowered me to embrace challenges, accept failure as part of growth, and channel my energy into what truly aligned with my purpose.

This mindset has been instrumental in helping me lead with clarity and confidence, ensuring that I stay true to my priorities while inspiring my team to do the same. It’s not about being indifferent but about choosing what’s worth caring for—and that lesson has been a game-changer for me as a leader.

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: "Believe in yourself and don’t let others' opinions dictate your path." Leadership requires confidence in your vision and the courage to follow it, even when others doubt you. People will always have opinions, but your success will come from staying true to your values, goals, and instincts.

Trust your abilities, embrace your uniqueness, and remember that no one else can see your vision as clearly as you do. While constructive feedback is valuable, learn to filter out negativity and focus on what truly matters—your growth, your mission, and the positive impact you aim to create. Believe in yourself, and others will believe in you too.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One meaningful story that stands out from my time as a leader happened during the early days of KaiRiz Cyber Technologies. We were working on a critical project for an international client—a cybersecurity module for a financial application. Halfway through, we encountered a major technical roadblock that jeopardized the project timeline. It was one of those moments where the pressure was immense, and the stakes were high.

Instead of panicking, I gathered my team and emphasized the importance of staying calm and focused. We brainstormed solutions late into the night, dividing responsibilities based on each team member’s strengths. I made it a point to listen to everyone's ideas, ensuring every voice was heard. It was during this process that one of our junior developers proposed a creative workaround that ultimately solved the issue.

The experience taught me the true essence of leadership—not just making decisions but empowering others, fostering teamwork, and trusting the people around you. Seeing the pride on my team’s faces when we delivered the project on time was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that leadership is about creating an environment where challenges are seen as opportunities and where every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.