Name: Zeshan Farooqi

Title: Founder & CTO

Organisation: Vizrex Software Solutions

I’m Zeshan Farooqi, the CTO and Founder of Vizrex Software Solutions, with over 14 years of experience in the software industry. My journey has been shaped by diverse expertise in industrial automation development, data engineering, enterprise software integration, and crafting scalable web and mobile applications. At Vizrex, I lead a team specializing in delivering tailored IT solutions, empowering businesses to thrive with efficient and innovative technology. My passion lies in bridging complex systems and creating impactful software that drives growth.

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

I hope Zeshan'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 managing the balance between vision and execution. As a leader, I’m constantly thinking about the big picture and where we’re heading, but at the same time, I need to ensure that the team is aligned and that day-to-day operations are running smoothly. It’s a delicate balance between inspiring innovation and staying grounded in practical realities.

Another challenge is building a culture that fosters creativity and ownership while handling the pressures of deadlines and client expectations. People are at the core of what we do, and ensuring that every team member feels valued, motivated, and empowered to deliver their best work is something I focus on daily. These challenges have pushed me to grow as a leader and continuously improve how I support my team and drive the company forward.

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

My journey as a leader began well before my professional career, back in my university days. I always found joy in helping my fellow students with their challenges, whether it was solving complex problems or providing guidance. My strong problem-solving skills naturally drew people to me, and I discovered how rewarding it was to support others. Not only did this experience deepen my knowledge, but it also helped me develop the communication and leadership skills that would shape my future.

As I transitioned into my professional career, this pattern continued. By the grace of Almighty Allah, I consistently delivered exceptional results, which kept me in the spotlight and earned the trust of my peers and supervisors. I wasn’t just completing tasks; I was solving real problems and going beyond expectations to create value.

These experiences, combined with a desire to make a larger impact, eventually led me to establish Vizrex Software Solutions. My goal was to create a platform where I could channel my passion for problem-solving, foster a culture of innovation, and inspire others to achieve their full potential. Leadership, for me, has always been about serving others, and I’m grateful for every step of this journey that has allowed me to grow, contribute, and inspire.

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

As a practicing Muslim, I strive to create a balanced routine that integrates my religious obligations, professional responsibilities, family time, personal care, and space for the unexpected. My day begins with the Fajr prayer, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran, which sets a peaceful and purposeful tone for the day ahead.

Once my spiritual needs are fulfilled, I dive into work, tackling a variety of responsibilities like problem-solving, mentoring my team, and managing operations. Each task is approached with focus and dedication, ensuring that I bring value to every project and interaction.

Evenings are reserved for what matters most—spending quality time with my family, nurturing relationships, and being present for the moments that truly count. Before sleep, I dedicate time to personal growth, such as reading books or reflecting on the day, which allows me to continuously learn and improve.

By structuring my day around clear priorities and values, I find fulfillment in both my personal and professional life. This balance not only helps me stay productive but also grounded in what truly matters.

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

One of the most profound lessons I learned as a leader came during the COVID era: the importance of flexibility and adaptability. The pandemic disrupted every aspect of life, including how we worked, communicated, and delivered solutions. It became clear that rigidity in processes or thinking would only lead to setbacks.

I had to rethink how we operated as a company, from embracing remote work to finding innovative ways to keep projects on track while maintaining team morale. Flexibility wasn’t just about accommodating change; it was about proactively anticipating it and creating an environment where the team could adapt seamlessly.

This experience taught me that resilience as a leader comes from being open to change and willing to adjust strategies without losing sight of long-term goals. It’s a lesson that continues to guide me, reminding me that the ability to pivot and adapt is not just a reaction to crises but a cornerstone of sustainable leadership.

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?

The Holy Quran has had the most profound impact on my life. It has taught me the principles of living a successful and peaceful life through the divine guidance provided by our Almighty Creator. Another influential source is the books of 'Seerat,' which highlight the exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His leadership, sense of justice in all aspects of life, and deep commitment to serving others serve as my ultimate inspiration. Studying his life has taught me the importance of leading by example and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges. Both these sources have not only shaped my life but also continue to guide me in navigating challenges with wisdom and purpose.

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: Stand firmly by your principles, always keep the bigger picture in mind, and never lose focus on your goals. Leadership demands consistency, clarity, and resilience. Your principles will anchor you during tough decisions, the bigger picture will guide your direction, and focus will ensure you stay on track no matter the challenges. Stay true to your values, and success will follow.

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 was during the early days of Vizrex Software Solutions. We had taken on a challenging project with a tight deadline and high client expectations. Midway through, unforeseen technical challenges arose, threatening to derail the timeline. The pressure on the team was immense, and morale started to dip.

Instead of focusing solely on the technical hurdles, I brought the team together for an open discussion. I encouraged everyone to share their ideas and concerns, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and trust. This approach sparked innovative solutions, many of which came from unexpected contributors. It wasn’t just about resolving the immediate issue; it was about empowering the team to recognize and trust their collective strength.

By the grace of Almighty Allah, we not only delivered the project on time but exceeded the client’s expectations. This experience taught me a profound lesson: great leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where every voice matters, and people feel valued, supported, and motivated. That project became a turning point in our journey, where we almost flattened the hierarchy and embraced a culture of collective decision-making. This approach continues to shape how we operate and grow as a team.