Mehnaz Salman
Chairperson, AMS Associates,
Member, Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore
The Flare panel interacted with Mehnaz Salman, Chairperson of AMS Associates and Member of WCCI Lahore, during which she expressed her strong belief that women are equally capable of leading companies as men. This conviction has significantly contributed to her accomplishments.
Flare: Would you like to give a brief overview of your professional background and the influences that contributed to your development as a business leader?
Mehnaz Salman: I established my Management Consultancy Company, AMS, in 2005 in Pakistan, and I have since expanded to Canada. For 21 years, I have been at the helm of my business, primarily collaborating with multinational corporations and international brands, while also engaging with some local enterprises.
Flare: What motivated you to step into a leadership position at AMS Associates, and what do you aspire for the organisation?
Mehnaz Salman: I graduated from Home Economics College, where I cultivated a strong desire to operate my own business. My husband has led international firms in Pakistan and adjacent regions and has been instrumental in my journey of establishing and managing my company. From the outset, I envisioned my business extending beyond geographic limits, leading me to expand into South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as North America, aside from Pakistan.
I have always maintained a firm belief that if men can successfully lead companies, women are also capable of performing the leadership role. This conviction has been a driving force behind my success.
Flare: What significant accomplishments and milestones has AMS Associates achieved under your leadership?
Mehnaz Salman: I successfully persuaded numerous multinational companies, including FMCG brands, to engage our Research and Management consultancy services in Pakistan and elsewhere.
A particularly noteworthy project for our company involved conducting market research for a multinational FMCG client in Afghanistan, which stands out as our major achievement.
Flare: As a female entrepreneur and business leader, what obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
Mehnaz Salman: A significant challenge encountered by female entrepreneurs is the skepticism from potential business partners regarding our capability to handle assignments. We consistently inform them that we have a team of skilled professionals, comprising both talented women and men, ready to work on these projects.
Assignments in difficult areas pose additional challenges, as clients often doubt our ability to deliver. However, once we shared our experiences in Afghanistan, we secured numerous projects in countries like Iran, Iraq, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various locations in the Middle East and Africa. In North America, we collaborate with two separate companies on different independent initiatives.
Flare: How do you define effective leadership in today’s rapidly changing and competitive business environment?
Mehnaz Salman: The concept of leadership is widely discussed and has been articulated by numerous experts and professionals. I believe that its definition varies according to the individual and the specific circumstances. To me, a leader is someone who enables others to navigate their own paths while overcoming obstacles. Those who empower and encourage growth among their team members serve as role models. Ultimately, true leaders focus on “WE” rather than “I.”
Flare: As a member of the WCCI Lahore, what role do you believe the Chamber can play in empowering women entrepreneurs?
Mehnaz Salman: The WCCI can motivate women to pursue entrepreneurship by assisting them in initiating their businesses. The Chamber can provide guidance on available opportunities and how to successfully engage with financial institutions for project financing. This approach will empower women as they create job opportunities for others.
Flare: What are the biggest challenges currently limiting the growth of women-owned businesses in Pakistan?
Mehnaz Salman: Numerous accomplished women are at the helm of large-scale enterprises in Pakistan. It is essential for male family members and community members to support and encourage women, reinforcing their belief in their capabilities.
A significant challenge lies within the middle class, where women are predominantly viewed as homemakers. Within their own families, they often do not receive encouragement to pursue work or to establish their own businesses.
Flare: In what ways can the government and financial institutions enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to financing, training, technology, and markets?
Mehnaz Salman: It is unfortunate that the First Women Bank, once a supporter of women’s enterprises, is no longer operational. Financial institutions can offer business loans to women on favourable terms and provide guidance on launching small and medium-sized enterprises.
“I successfully persuaded numerous multinational companies, including FMCG brands, to engage our Research and Management consultancy services in Pakistan and elsewhere”
The Government’s Women Division should expand specialised business and technical training programmes for women workers and entrepreneurs to help improve their skills for enhanced growth.
Flare: What potential do you see for Pakistani women entrepreneurs in international trade, e-commerce, and global markets?
Mehnaz Salman: The modern world has transitioned towards e-commerce, digital marketing, and skills related to artificial intelligence and IT. These fields provide viable opportunities for our women to engage in international markets, whether they choose to remain in Pakistan or seek opportunities abroad.
Flare: How critical are networking, mentorship, and collaboration for the growth of women entrepreneurs?
Mehnaz Salman: These elements are vital not only for women entrepreneurs but for all entrepreneurs. They facilitate the building of connections and relationships, ultimately broadening one’s network and creating avenues for new business opportunities.
Flare: What recommendations do you have for young women aiming to become successful entrepreneurs and future business leaders?
Mehnaz Salman: It is important for individuals to establish a clear target regarding the type of business they wish to pursue, while also identifying a role model for guidance. This role model may be a female or male figure. Maintaining focus is essential, and one should not fear mistakes or setbacks. Success is achievable, though it requires dedication and a defined process.
Flare: What are your future plans for AMS Associates and your vision for women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan?
Mehnaz Salman: Our current efforts are directed towards expanding our operations in the retail, B2B, and service sectors both within Pakistan and internationally.
We are also actively involved in recruiting mid-level and senior management for various companies we collaborate with, promoting the inclusion of women across all management tiers. It is crucial for women to participate in executive and management teams, as this will significantly accelerate and stabilise the empowerment of women.
