Each month Middle East Consultant (MEC) sits down with an executive from the built environment to get to know them better from a professional and personal standpoint. Through the ‘Day in the Life’ focus, we learn more about their role, achievements, how they progress through their work days, how they handle stress, advice for the next generation and more. Here, MEC sits down with Asif Shafi, Managing Director, Civil Infrastructure and Program Management at AECOM.
- Share a brief about yourself and your role
I started my career as a civil/structural engineer working on the design of buildings and infrastructure projects. I worked on projects across a wide range of sectors including shopping malls, office buildings, residential towers, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports and rail/metro programs.
As I progressed in my career I took on roles of increasing responsibility in design management, project management, project controls and general management. Following the completion of an Executive MBA course, I led the strategy and growth function, which involves strategy development, client account management, capture management of major pursuits, contracts negotiations and the formation of strategic partnerships. In my current role I serve as the senior executive responsible for the performance of our civil infrastructure and program management businesses with over 2,000 employees in the region. I have been in this role for over 4 years.
- In your current role what is the achievement you are the most proud of and why?
I would say that the growth of our business in the past few years has been a source of great pride and gratitude, as it is the result of the trust shown by our clients and has led to career growth opportunities for our employees. Growth leads to a virtuous cycle as it enables us to attract the best talent which in turn leads to the successful delivery of projects for our clients enabling us to make a positive impact on the communities that we serve.
- Take us through your morning ritual from the time you wake up to arriving at the office
The dawn of a new day is an exciting time as it brings with it possibilities and opportunities for achieving one’s goals. It is a time for self-reflection, prayers and coming up with plans for the day. I am someone that believes in preparing ‘to-do’ lists that have short term, medium term and long term horizons. A big caveat is that events during the day can and often do cause a reprioritisation of these tasks. While I am not a very early riser (in relative terms), I wake up for morning prayers before dawn and then get some more rest before waking up again at around 7AM.
Like so many others I like to start the day by reviewing my emails, especially those sent by people from outside the region that may have arrived overnight. I also review my various social media groups (people in my circle – friends and family – do tend to use WhatsApp quite a lot). I then check the major news portals online to catch-up on the latest developments. I am a huge sports fan so I review scores (and highlights of key games!) from various sports such as cricket, football, tennis, American football and Golf. Depending on how my favourite teams and players have fared, I experience the emotional highs and lows that sports fans are accustomed to.
I am someone that still subscribes to a paper edition of the local newspaper and go through it while I am at breakfast. This is also the time that my children are leaving for school and university with my wife so I spend some time with them as well. Once in a while I make it a point to drop my children to school as it gives me time to talk to them on the way. My commute to the office takes between 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic on a given day.
- Outside of being driven/self-motivated, what drives you forward and motivates you to do better?
I am keen to do better so I can honestly look back some day and have no regrets. I also want to make sure that I fulfil the potential I have, so my family and friends can be proud of me. Most of all I want to be better because I truly believe that this is the way I can contribute to making the world a better place. I am fortunate to work in an industry that creates infrastructure that benefits large sections of society, and will serve future generations for many years to come. The satisfaction that comes from having delivered a world-class project is one of the key motivators.
- What is your ethos on life/work balance? How do you balance the two and ensure you make the most of each day?
This is a question that younger employees ask us quite a lot and my response typically is that work/life balance cannot be the same throughout one’s career. There will be times when one will have to take precedence over the other. We can try as much as possible to balance them but if there is a key deadline at work then we need to be ready to make some personal sacrifices.
Similarly, if there is an important personal commitment, we need to be able to prioritise that. The people around us at our work-place and at home are the key to allowing us to balance the two. I have found that people are very understanding provided we have lived up to our end of the bargain.
- How does your day begin at the office? What does your first hour look like?
Whenever possible I try and avoid setting up meetings in the first hour, so that I can make some calls or meet with my key direct reports. This is important so we can agree on the priorities for the day or catch-up on any important developments.
- What does your lunch hour look like? How do you spend it?
There is typically no fixed lunch hour and I end up working through the day. I bring a packed lunch from home which I consume at my desk.
- What do you to refocus yourself and maintain productivity as the day progresses?
I like to walk the corridors and have informal chats with different people. A quick chat about something outside work can be quite effective in refreshing the mind. I also try to find the time to make a quick call to someone from my family and this can also be a great way to relax the mind.
- The construction industry can be quite stressful – how do you handle stress? What tips can you share with our readers on the healthiest way to deal with stress?
While deadlines, competing priorities and the requirement to make difficult decisions can all lead to stress, it is important to put things in perspective. Remind yourself that nothing matters more than your health, both mental and physical. We have all seen how the biggest work issues can pale into insignificance when there is a health crisis. It is important not to worry about things that are outside your control. What helps a lot is to have a relationship of trust and collaboration with people around you, so that you do not have to deal with difficult situations alone. I have been blessed with a support group at work and home that keeps stress at a manageable level.
- How do you make big decisions for your business – take us through your process?
I believe that big decisions should not be made in a rushed manner or under pressure. I try as much as possible to take the time to consider the options fully. I go through an analysis of the pros and cons of the decision. I also consult with people I trust to make sure that I have not missed any angles. Of course there are times when we do not have the luxury of time and need to trust our instincts.
- What advice do you have for fresh graduates and up and comers in your own organisation?
I would advise my young colleagues at AECOM and in the wider industry to use every opportunity to learn and improve their skills. Try new things and do not be afraid of change. In fact you should embrace change, particularly the ongoing AI revolution. Be the best at what you do but always be a team player that is ready to help others. Remember that life is a team sport. Above all try to do something that gives you satisfaction and remember to have a good time along the way.
The post Day in the Life: Asif Shafi appeared first on Middle East Construction News.
Source: ME Construction News
