Although I had spoken with Farhan Zakir a few times in the past—mostly about business—this recent conversation felt different. It revealed a whole new side of his personality that I hadn’t noticed before. Farhan Zakir has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, particularly in technology and finance, where he has taken on various roles. He started as an Accounting Manager at a private hotel equity firm, then became an Assistant Director of Implementation at Northstar Technologies. Currently, Farhan Zakir serves as the Director of Product Management and IT at Concert Golf Partners (CGP), a position he has held for more than five years. His career trajectory is interesting, but what really caught my attention was learning that he built his career solely based on the experiences and knowledge he gained on the job.
Farhan Zakir had to leave college due to financial issues in his family, so he took up a job in the field he was most interested in: accounting. Through various positions, he learned and gained the experience that helped him climb the career ladder. Despite his career achievements, Farhan Zakir returned to complete his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2022 and then earned his master’s degree in information systems in 2024.
In our conversation, we explored all of this, including the invaluable insights Farhan Zakir gained throughout his career. It’s a story that could inspire other executives to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Describe your career progression from the start to where you are and what pivotal decisions, moves you made, circumstances, and other facts that facilitated your growth.
My journey from school to where I am now has been quite the ride. After high school, I took a break because I wasn’t sure what path to take. One summer evening, I found myself in a meeting with my dad and his two close friends, who happened to be a neurologist and a dentist. They convinced me to pursue medical school abroad, but after a year, I realized it wasn’t for me. So, I returned home and started studying accounting at college, despite financial struggles. Then, in 2008, my family faced a financial crisis, so I dropped out to help by working multiple jobs.
Luckily, I landed a job as an accounting manager at a private hotel equity firm, thanks to my hard work and some relevant experience. Within months, I was promoted to assistant corporate controller. Later, I moved to Northstar, a club management software company, as an implementation specialist, where I continued to climb the corporate ladder. Eventually, CGP offered me a position as a controller, and I accepted. I transitioned between CGP and Northstar, holding roles as assistant corporate controller and assistant director of implementation.
Because of my accounting background and IT experience, CGP asked me to lead their IT department, and I eventually became Director of Product Management. Along the way, I returned to college, completing my bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2022 and earning a master’s in information systems in 2024.
What are the key skills and qualifications that aspiring tech executives in the tech industry should focus on developing to enhance their career prospects?
Aspiring tech executives in the tech industry should focus on developing a combination of technical expertise, leadership abilities, and business acumen to enhance their career prospects. Here are some key skills and qualifications they should prioritize:
- Technical Proficiency: Having a strong foundation in technology is essential. This includes staying updated on the latest trends, languages, tools, and platforms relevant to their field of expertise. Continuous learning and honing technical skills through certifications, courses, and practical experience are crucial.
- Leadership Skills: Effective leadership is vital for tech executives. They should focus on developing skills such as communication, team building, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Strong leadership inspires teams, fosters innovation, and drives organizational success.
- Business Acumen: Understanding the business side of technology is essential for tech executives. They should be able to align technology initiatives with strategic business goals, analyze market trends, and make data-driven decisions. Knowledge of finance, marketing, and project management can also be beneficial.
- Strategic Thinking: Tech executives need to think strategically and anticipate future challenges and opportunities. They should be able to develop long-term plans, identify potential risks, and adapt to changing market dynamics. Strategic thinking enables them to steer their organizations toward sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
- Networking and Relationship Building: Building strong professional relationships and networks within the industry is valuable for career advancement. Tech executives should actively engage with peers, mentors, and industry leaders through networking events, conferences, and online communities.
- Adaptability and Innovation: The tech industry evolves rapidly, so tech executives must be adaptable and open to change. They should embrace innovation, encourage creativity within their teams, and be willing to explore new technologies and approaches to problem-solving.
- Project and Program Management: Strong project and program management skills are essential for overseeing complex tech initiatives. Tech executives should be proficient in planning, execution, and risk management to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
- Ethical and Responsible Leadership: In an era of increasing concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical AI, tech executives must prioritize ethical and responsible leadership. They should uphold ethical standards, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure that technology is used responsibly for the benefit of society.
What are some key milestones or achievements that tech executives should aim for at various stages of their career to demonstrate their growth and readiness for higher-level roles?
Achieving milestones and maintaining a balanced life are super important for tech execs to show they’re ready for bigger roles. When starting out, it’s all about nailing down tech skills, finishing projects, and learning to work well with others. In the middle of their career, they step up to lead teams, come up with cool new solutions, and build up their network while making sure not to burn out by managing their time wisely. And when they hit the big leagues as execs, it’s about climbing the ladder, leading big teams, and being a voice of authority in the tech world. All along the way, they’ve got to remember to take care of themselves and their team, making sure everyone’s got a good balance between work and life.
How important is it for tech executives to actively seek out mentorship or coaching opportunities to advance their careers? What benefits can they derive from such relationships?
Seeking out mentorship or coaching opportunities is incredibly important for tech executives looking to advance their careers. These relationships offer invaluable guidance, wisdom, and support from experienced professionals who have been there and done that. Mentors or coaches can provide insights into navigating complex career challenges, offer advice on strategic decision-making, and help executives broaden their perspectives. They can also serve as sounding boards for ideas and provide constructive feedback for personal and professional growth. By fostering these relationships, tech executives can accelerate their career development, gain confidence in their abilities, and ultimately achieve greater success in their roles.
In your experience, what role does professional networking play in the career progression of tech executives? How can tech executives effectively build and leverage their networks?
In my experience, networking has been a game-changer for tech executives like myself. I wouldn’t have landed my job in the hotel industry or gotten the offer to join CGP if it weren’t for the relationships I built along the way. Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards at events; it’s about connecting with people on a personal level, sharing experiences, and offering support. Whether it’s chatting with fellow professionals at industry meetups or staying in touch with mentors and colleagues, building those connections has opened up doors I never knew existed. So, for tech execs looking to advance their careers, investing time and effort into networking can pay off big time.
Are there any specific certifications, advanced degrees, or executive education programs that can significantly enhance the career prospects of tech executives in the tech industry?
In the tech industry, certain certifications and educational programs can really boost the career prospects of tech execs, especially in areas like cybersecurity and cloud architecture. For cybersecurity, certs like CISSP, CEH, and CISM are gold standards, showing you’re top-notch at safeguarding organizations from cyber threats. Similarly, in cloud architecture, getting certified with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud demonstrates your expertise in designing and implementing cloud solutions. And if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, pursuing an MBA with a focus on tech management or a Master’s in Cybersecurity could give you that extra edge in strategic thinking and leadership skills. It all depends on your career goals and what you’re passionate about, but these certifications and education programs can open up doors to exciting opportunities in the tech world.
I do not have an example of that. I hope to be the first one for that.
How important is it for tech executives to cultivate a personal brand and establish thought leadership within the industry? What are some effective ways for tech executives to showcase their expertise and gain visibility?
For tech executives, building a personal brand and becoming a thought leader in the industry can be game-changing. It’s not just about impressing colleagues—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities and making a real impact. One way to do this is by speaking at industry events or webinars, where you can share your expertise and insights. Writing articles or blog posts on relevant topics is another great way to showcase your knowledge and establish yourself as a go-to expert. In fact, I’ve recently started writing a weekly article on LinkedIn to build a following and brand recognition for myself. And don’t forget about social media! Engaging with peers and followers on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter can help you connect with others in the industry and boost your visibility. By consistently putting yourself out there and sharing valuable insights, you can build a strong personal brand and solidify your position as a thought leader in the tech world.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring tech executives who are looking to accelerate their career progression and make a lasting impact in the tech industry?
For aspiring tech executives aiming to fast-track their career progression and leave a lasting mark in the tech industry, my advice is this. First, continuously invest in yourself by staying updated on the latest technologies, trends, and best practices through certifications, workshops, and ongoing learning. Second, prioritize building strong relationships with mentors, peers, and industry contacts, as these connections can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities. Last, be bold and proactive in pursuing ambitious goals, taking on leadership roles, and embracing new challenges to push your boundaries and make a significant impact in the tech world. The worst thing that happens is that you learn something!
Read more CXO Ladder stories like Farhan Zakir’s:
Mark Berthiaume: Continuous Learning is the Secret Sauce for Career Ascent
Trina L. Hill: Creating Opportunities for Leadership Roles through Hard Work
As a visionary Business and Technology Leader, I bring a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results in fast-paced and dynamic environments. I have honed outstanding skills in articulating a compelling vision and rallying active support from internal executives, development teams, and client business and IT leadership. I am proud to be a member of both the Forbes Technology Council and HITEC (Hispanic Technology Executives Council), which underscores my commitment to being at the forefront of industry trends and developments.
My special talent is demonstrating value to clients at all touch points – I instill these concepts in my teams.
