Name: Muhammad Hilal

Title: CEO

Organisation: Aptechmedia

Muhammad Hilal started his career in 2014 after completing his graduation in Engineering, when he first ventured into the world of game development. In 2016, he founded his own game development studio and has since held the position of CEO, successfully navigating the competitive gaming industry. Additionally, Hilal is a notable figure in the International Game Developers Association Pakistan, where he serves as the Chairperson, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the game development community. In 2022, he was a key part of the delegation representing Pakistan at the prestigious Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, underlining his global influence. Moreover, Hilal's passion for fostering emerging talent is evident through his role as a mentor and trainer at multiple incubation centers in Pakistan, contributing to the growth and innovation of the country's game development landscape.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

The most challenging task as a leader is to build a team with a common vision.

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

It's not a day when you are throned a leader but a process in which you never know when and at which moment you are leading a vision and a purpose - and your personality traits define you with time either you become a leader who can leads effectively or not. For me, it started from leading societies in University life, than to lead a team in my Job and going along with time, leading companies and associations.

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

Normally my sleep routine is a bit random but I plan my next day before going to sleep. In the morning, when I wake up, after mandatory shower and breakfast - I check my meeting schedule, meet the team and then start my work.

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

Well, its always great to listen to the team and run a common path, but as a leader you should know when to stop and change direction even if the team doesn't understand - you should convince them.

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?

Well, to be very honest - its the biography of Steve Jobs which changed my perception about leadership a lot, and his life is one very changed experience than we saw in tech world commonly.

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

One Advice - Be the most hardworking man in the room, work for what you believe and you will reach where others only wish to reach.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I have a lot of stories, but I am not a fan of sharing personal stories. But one last advice here too - Don't be a part of any politics in your team, but you should know what's going around - Have a sight of Eagle.