Meet Zahid Ansari, the tech guru in the My Tech Journey column. With 20 years of experience, Zahid is a pro at using cutting-edge digital tech to transform businesses. Zahid has a knack for developing technologies in retail and has worked with big-name global consumer brands like Dyson, Adidas, McDonald’s, Nestle and Gillette. Whether it’s crafting IT and business strategies, creating processes or implementing guidelines, Zahid is believed to be the go-to strategic planner in retail business.
Zahid, in an exclusive tête-à-tête with Team Apparel Resources (AR), opened up about how technology influences him in his personal and professional life. Here are some not-to-miss excerpts from the conversation.
AR: Can you recall your first big interaction with technology and how it changed your outlook
Zahid: I have always had a tech inclination right from my school days and it continues through my professional journey. However, my most significant experience with IT management came while working with Adidas where I used tech to manage infrastructure and network. The brand, with a strong presence across the country, was acquiring Reebok business at the same time. After accepting the task, I successfully managed the company’s IT operations for several years before transitioning to the new Cloud model. The learning experience was excellent, inspiring me to think that with effort and willpower, anything is achievable.
AR: In this high-tech world, how do you spend your spare time?
Zahid: In my leisure time, I like to spend time with my growing children. I also love reading about health, financial markets, international news, and of course, upcoming technology. I am also focusing on HIIT and Kegel exercises to increase the core strength of my muscles. I am even developing a growing interest in the use of photography, particularly portraiture, and enjoy shooting around the golden hour (when the sun sets).
AR: What significance do technological advances play in your personal and professional life?
Zahid: Personally, I keep a digital record of all my paperwork and transactions, which I save to the cloud. I use digital tools to take notes, create and follow to-do lists, make financial transactions, shop, read, study, socialise and even sometimes use them for fun. Professionally, as a tech executive, technology acts as a catalyst for me and allows me to push the boundaries and provide cutting-edge solutions. I use a variety of professional tools like Laptop, Repaper – for hand notes and Dell Dock which helps to connect all my devices with just one cable to manage my projects, as well as to centralise my work so that I can cooperate with the team.
AR: Share an exciting technology-based encounter that has impacted your career in the fashion business
Zahid: When I first started in fashion retail, I realised that having an omnichannel inventory was more crucial than in any other business since fashion evolves rapidly and you need to make better use of your inventory before it goes out of fashion. My past expertise with unified inventory management in electronics assisted me in fashion, allowing to provide a better customer experience.
AR: Do you have a favourite tech-related mantra that inspires you?
Zahid: I frequently adapt Steve Jobs’ famous quote: Life is all about connecting the dots to communicate a tech-centric perspective: Technology is all about connecting the dots.
