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Power Factor
‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’
With a BA in Economics from University College London (UCL) and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Univeristy, it is not a surprise that Ayesha possesses brains that equally matches her beauty; what comes as a wonder is that this same person, smiling enthusiastically behind the chair, is the driving force of Summit Power and Port.
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With her qualifications she could have easily chosen to be at any part of the world, but we are talking about a girl who in her late 20’s chose to get involved with Summit Power and develop a 450MW power plant to meet the huge demand of electricity in Bangladesh.
If you thought that’s all in the palate, you will be taken by surprise to hear what she is really conquering. Sitting on the twelfth floor of the Summit Tower in Karwan Bazar, Ayesha makes Bangladesh proud by leading companies such as Summit Alliance Port-Bangladesh’s fastest growing private sector port and Summit Power Ltd., which also happens to be one of the leading private sector electricity manufacturers in the nation. No points for guessing then that she is the dynamic force behind the Summit Power Ltd’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2004-05 which immediately converted the privately held company into a public limited giant.
Her leadership qualities and the zeal to bring the best for the country is clearly evident in her past projects like financing a US$50 million project and a 110 MW power plant in Bangladesh. Yet Ayesha isn’t ready to start boasting about her success. She is the woman of the future.
Why did you choose to come back to Bangladesh as an entrepreneur?
Rather than using my knowledge and experience in
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some already developed country, I decided to use my know-how here in Bangladesh because the market here is still emerging and I hope that every action of my company would keep adding value to the economy so much that one day our future generation be the children of a developed nation
What happens when you are frustrated and almost in the verge of giving up?
I run to my husband. (Laughs). I confide in him and my father, as I believe they both posses great experience and knowledge and can always provide me with remarkable advice.
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Who has influenced you the most and have been your greatest inspiration?
Undoubtedly my father. Ever since I was a child I was fascinated by him and his business. I remember I used to p lay ‘business-business’ over the phone with my sister.
Excluding yours, which company or business do you admire the most?
Square, ACI, Grameen Phone, Reliance, Microsoft and Tata.
One fine morning if you found that you have been made into someone else, who would it be?
Definitely an Artist; It could be related to either art or music or dance. (Ponders for a minute and says) Kareena Kapoori? I am quite happy with myself but my alter ego would be some one more artistically inclined.
Which talent would you love to have?
When I was a child I went for singing classes only to be understood that if I sing one more line I would send the dogs running! So yes I would really love to be able to sing.
If you could be described with two words what would it be?
Passionate and Liberal.
What are you most aggressive about?
The growth of the company. I believe that the company has to keep on growing, like that saying goes ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.’
If Aladdin’s genie became yours, what three wishes would you command?
First of all, I would want democracy. Then, an open and free economy and if I can ask for some personal wishes, I would ask for longer and thicker hair (chuckles)!
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