A panel discussion was held at IoBM on the second day (May 26, 2022) of the 8th International Conference on Business Management (IoCBM) (jointly organized by the Association of Management Development Institutions in Pakistan (AMDIP) and IoBM.The theme of the event was Emerging New Normal for Resilient Organizations.
The speakers at the panel discussion were Ms. Shazia Mastoor, HR Manager, EA Consulting; Ms. Nida Nasir, CEO Mindscape; Ms. Mehar Younus, Head of Learning and Development, Meezan Bank; Dr. Farid Zafar; Head Group, People Technology Transformation, Engro; and Mr. Osama Qasim, CEO, Shield; Dr. Shujaat Mubarik, Dean CBM (IoBM) and Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector IoBM.The session was moderated by Mr. Javed Ahmed, Advisor to President on Strategy and Innovation.
Ms. Nida shared that behavioral skills and empathy are the qualities that she looks in candidates when hiring. Ms. Shazia added that she prefers to hire candidates who are flexible, quick learners, empathetic, and tech-savvy. When discussing the importance of knowledge, skills, and ability, Dr. Farid said that skills come first as knowledge can be gained through experience. However, Mr. Osama was of the view that one must focus on acquiring knowledge by completing tasks on the job.
When speaking about tech disruption, Dr. Farid mentioned that during the pandemic, the dedicated leadership and tech-savvy employees helped the organizations pass through tough times. Ms. Mehar added that she looks for adaptability and flexibility. When speaking about knowledge and skills she mentioned that skills refer to developing acumen to complete a job that one may not have ample examples of.
Dr. Shujaat was of the view that the pandemic allowed us to become resilient. However, we should focus on the preparedness side of being responsive to overcome any challenges they may face in the future. During his closing remarks, Dr. Tariq shared that the pandemic compelled everyone to become tech-savvy. It allows us to plan for the unseen future which has now become the new normal for us.
Earlier, during his welcome address at the inaugural session on May 25, 2022, Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM called for the participants to support and promote research culture as well as to address the diverse needs of the audience. He shared the resilience of IoBM to handle Covid-19 when the work-from-home policy was implemented and all classes were held online. He added that the transformation has to start from mindsets. A change in mindsets, always the most challenging, is the most crucial factor that leads to the transformation in policies and practices, revamping the organizations.