Issac Qureshi is a taxation and wealth management specialist who operates in the UK, Europe, Middle East and the United States and is the Founder of Ogilvy & Haart. Issac Qureshi graduated in 1995 with a BA and Honours in Social & Economic History from Liverpool University, and after returning to University for a few years, earned his diploma from Manchester University Institute of Marketing in 1998. Issac continued his educational journey at The London School of Economics and Political Science, where he graduated first honours with his Bachelor of Laws degree. Following LSE, Qureshi went on to complete his Master of Laws in International and Commercial Trust Law at UCL. Issac Qureshi now provides his wide range of international clients with detailed taxation strategies, various investment opportunities and the opportunity to increase and protect their wealth.
A co-founder of Urban Logic, a property investment specialist which was acquired for £7.4m and listed on AIM whilst Issac was at the helm, Issac has subsequently, due to the experience gained, been involved with other successful Stock Market floatation’s and has operated as a Non-Executive Director (NED) for other organizations over the past 10 years.
Issac Qureshi has also acted an Non-Executive Director (NED) and Advisor for Northern Lynx plc, Lakas Investments plc, Alvaston Media plc and Damask Investments plc. He has also sat on the EMBF(NW) Board, NW Further Education Steering Group, appointed an Ambassador for Enterprise UK, acted as a founding Trustee for the charity Dress For Success, supported the charity Karma Nirvana and Mix-d and been a Governor for Liverpool Community College and Elton High School over the years too.
Issac Qureshi has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 42 Under 42’ entrepreneurs by NW Business Insider magazine, a finalist for MEN Small Business of the Year, nominated for the prestigious LloydsTSB Asian Jewel award, EMBF(NW) Rising Star Award, Tiger Award and been awarded Regional Direct Marketing Campaign of the Year by the Royal Mail.
Why did you decide to create your own business?
The idea for the company came from the fact that having reviewed the marketplace, there was a clear gap in the market for providing tax and wealth strategies based on success and results, rather than the old model of fees. If we don’t succeed in what we are trying to achieve for our clients, then we do not get paid. Our client’s success is our success too!
What does a typical day consist of for you?
The start of my day is very routine – I wake up, drink some water and then begin my “studying”! Each morning I review my goals and objectives, be thankful for what I have and then work on my mindset and vision. After this the day can vary from meetings with clients or staff to a number of calls, conferences and travelling. The biggest thing is that I love what I do, which makes it all the more easier!
What keeps you motivated?
The constant drive to better myself remains my key motivation tool. I always want to be better today than I was yesterday.
How do you motivate others?
I am a strong believer in teamwork and making sure that everyone gets the credit they deserve. There is a quote from Bear Bryant, the University of Alabama Head Coach, that epitomizes this approach… “If it goes wrong it is MY fault. If it goes alright WE did if together, If something turns out great, YOU did it”
Who has been a role model to you and why?
My greatest role model, in reality, was my father and although he has passed away, he is still someone I always look up to and think about. Looking back my father was not only an astonishing leader, but he was a visionary in his approach to business, culture and life. Following in his footsteps is an honour.
What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?
This is an easy one! “The best organizations don’t hire superstars – they build them!”
What’s one piece of advice you would give to others?
Never give up on your goal, as you never know how close you might be to achieving them. The example I use with people is the Chinese Bamboo Tree. Like any plant, growth requires nurturing – water, fertile soil, sunshine. In its first year, we see no visible signs of activity. In the second year, again, no growth above the soil. The third, the fourth, still nothing. And finally, in the fifth year – behold, a miracle! We experience growth. And what growth it is! The Chinese Bamboo Tree grows 80 feet in just six weeks! But does the Chinese Bamboo Tree really grow 80 feet in six weeks? Did the Chinese Bamboo Tree lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? The answer is, of course, obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong unseen foundation it could not have sustained its life as it grew. The same principle is true for people. People, who patiently toil towards worthwhile dreams and goals, building strong character while overcoming adversity and challenges, grow the strong internal foundation to handle success,
What trends in your industry excite you?
Artificial Intelligence is the technological trend that most excites me. As advanced as A.I. currently is, I believe that it is still in its infancy and this provides tremendous innovation and opportunities moving forward.