The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted an engaging talk with Mr. Usman Bashir, a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and one of the Sharks on Shark Tank Pakistan. During the session held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Mr. Usman shared his journey from being a student in Pakistan to building a successful entrepreneurial career in the USA. Mr. Usman revealed how he was overwhelmed when invited to become a Shark on Shark Tank Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of providing capital and mentorship to youth with innovative ideas, emphasizing that many young people have potential but lack the resources and guidance to turn their ideas into reality.
He recounted his inspiring business journey, from managing a single gas station to expanding his company, BTCM (Braketime Corner Marketing), into a network of 300+ fuel stations across 16+ U.S. states, collaborating with leading fuel brands like Shell, Valero, EXXON and Mobil. BTCM also operates a back office in Pakistan, employing over 500 people. Mr. Usman emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for scalable business success, highlighting the critical role of robust infrastructure, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. "To run a scalable business, your infrastructure must be on point," he stated, urging students to focus on execution while fostering effective collaboration.
He urged students to define their goals with clarity and commit wholeheartedly to achieving them, especially during the pivotal years of their lives, between 20 and 25. "This is the time to craft a vision and pursue it with unwavering determination," he remarked, encouraging the youth to unlock their potential and build a strong foundation for future success. He further emphasized that while hard work is crucial, it must be paired with smart strategies to achieve optimal results, ensuring efficiency and impactful outcomes. Known as the Shark Boss on Shark Tank Pakistan, Mr. Usman has made significant investments, including the show's largest global deal—150 crore rupees ($5.3 million) in Saraf. His diverse portfolio spans AI incubators, textiles, jewelry, and more. The inspirational talk left students inspired and motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, equipped with actionable insights from one of Pakistan’s leading business visionaries.
While addressing the audience, Mr. Talib Karim, President of IoBM congratulated Usman Bashir on his achievements, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in transforming ideas into successful ventures. He remarked, "It is through hard work and determination that we bring our visions to life. As social entrepreneurs, we at IoBM began with a single idea, and today, we proudly celebrate entering our 30th year of excellence." Mr. Talib Karim proudly acknowledged the remarkable achievements of IoBM alumni, who have emerged as leaders across multinational corporations, banks, and entrepreneurial ventures. He specifically highlighted their pivotal contributions to the success of Shark Tank Pakistan, a testament to their innovative and enterprising spirit. The alumni driving this groundbreaking initiative include Rizwan Siddiqui (BBA & MBA) and Tariq Qazi (BS ACF & MBA), who co-founded Greenlit Studios alongside Usman Malik and Raheel Usman; Rabab Hashim (BBA), the show’s dynamic host; and Umair Masoom (BBA & MBA) and Somair Rizvi (BBA & MBA), the visionary co-founders of the OTT platform myco, which distributes the show. In his closing remarks, Nabhan Karim, HoD MARCOM and Media Production, IoBM, expressed optimism, stating, "Mr. Usman's journey is bound to inspire and provide valuable insights to all of us. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape."
Earlier, during the question-and-answer session, students raised insightful questions regarding entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. The session was skillfully moderated by Mr. Raza Abbas, Head of Department at the Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC), IoBM.