Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited - Albert Einstein

Mr. Mehdi has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry with local and global banking, asset management organizations and consulting firm, with senior positions across Strategy, Product Development, Treasury, Financial & Institutional Banking, Risk Management, Retail and Institutional Sales. Before joining NBP Funds, he was a Senior Consultant at one of the leading global consulting firm Alvarez and Marsal Middle East Limited. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Business (joint program by Columbia Business School and MIT), Post Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking (a joint program by MIT, Columbia Business School and Tuck at Darthmouth), Design Thinking Certification from MIT, Value Investing Certification by Columbia Business School, MBA in Finance from Greenwich University, a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southeastern University, USA and Canadian Securities Course Certification (CSC) from Canadian Securities Institute.

As a Chief Business Development Officer, what is your approach to fostering innovation within NBP Funds?

My approach to fostering innovation is to introduce the next generation operating model for the digital world within NBP Funds, hence enabling the company to enhance AUM, access new customer segments, increase revenue, decrease cost, and delight customers.

How would you ensure running successful pilots?

The key to running successful pilots is to shift towards applying individual technologies and operational capabilities, and approach process journeys in the right sequence to achieve compound impact. Also, a shift from running uncoordinated efforts within silos to launching an integrated operational-improvement program which focuses on customer journeys (both external and internal) is another key way of successfully delivering distinctive customer experiences.

What do you consider to be your best strength?

Here I would like to refer a quote by Albert Einstein "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world".

If you could have dinner with anyone from past or present, who would it be and why?

Bill Gates. I would like to know and learn about his experiences in reducing poverty and specifically gain first-hand insight into his knowledge and understanding of financial inclusion program and its impact.