I listen to Western classical off and on. When nerves needs soothing, nothing quite matches Chopin’s concertos. There is one piece by Ravel, however, that leaves me absolutely breathless. This is his most popular symphony, and I’m sure my (musically) snobbish friends Wynn and Theo would scoff at this choice (tongue-in-cheek of course ), but don’t let that dissuade you.

Here it is: Bolero by Maurice Ravel.

-Adnan

My multi-talented brother-in-law who is a car mechanic, guitarist and banker all rolled into one, has released his first professionally recorded single.

The song is about Karachi, and it will deeply resonate with those who hold dear associations with the troubled city.

Click here to listen to the song Khamoushi.

-Adnan

ps. You can also connect with the band on their Facebook Page.

One of the posts on this blog that has generated most controversy is The IBA Mindset. Written over two years ago, I still continue to receive comments on it. The most recent one by Bilal, who says:

My only question is (that i) am earning 3 times more, with added benefits, at the current organization as compared to my earlier jobs (Clickmarks, Folio3). I intend to do my business but am not even daring with the idea, due to the level of corruption I will need to get involved into. I am a family man now and chances of taking big risks especially in Pakistan affect people more than just me.

The past two years have been an interesting experience for me, and have given me the opportunity to refine my original thinking. So today, once day after my 27th birthday, this is what I have to say:

Bilal, you have raised some good points. I wrote another post approaching the same issue from a different perspective.

When I was about to graduate from Duke University, I met with my marketing professor (one of the most respected in the country), and asked him if I should run a startup in Karachi or take a consulting offer in the Middle East. He said that if you can start a business in Karachi, and make it work, then that experience will be a lot more compelling than working in the cloistered environment of a big firm. Operating in a difficult, corrupt environment, tests ones management skills in ways that just aren’t possible working in the comfortable cubicle of an MNC. The experience of managing business in an unpredictable, high-risk, high-growth market is invaluable.

Now in theory that sounds compelling, but thrust against the harsh realities of Pakistan, the proposition isn’t so sure shot. The fact is that some crazy people (like Jawwad Farid, Adnan Lawai, Naeem Zafar, Umair Khan) will always become entrepreneurs and will do exceedingly well. Others will fill the ranks of MNCs, and lead good lives, marred only by wistful “what if’s”.  Some will joins startups on a dare, and enjoy every minute of it.

What it comes down to is risk appetite. If you want to start a business in Pakistan, or even join a startup, then your risk appetite must be very high. From the small sample of startups I’ve seen in Pakistan over the past 4-5 years, the average compensation does not match MNC levels, and their stock options do not amount to much either. There is also the threat of going under in a deep downturn. But if you’re seeking the thrill of product development (as opposed to pushing pre-packaged marketing campaigns), and working with dreamers who returned to Pakistan with top-tier degrees and the entrepreneurial gusto  to make a difference, then you won’t get that experience elsewhere.

So, after wading through some rhetoric in my original post, the point is not that every b-school student should join a startup or that every startup is worth joining. The point is not to blindly seek MNC placements, and in doing so deprive innovative startups from the talent they need to change the world.

So did I take my marketing professors advice? Yes and no. I started up Lootmaar and ran it for close to a year, with most months in the US and some in Pakistan. I eventually took an advisory position and handed over operations to my partner, Noman, so I could give the consulting lifestyle a shot.

There is a lot at stake even when you’re 21, but the stake only get higher thereon.