With 17 years of experience in marketing, Abby Ghafoor is the founder and CEO of Arc Management Consulting. She has earned triple Fellow distinctions from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the Institute of Consulting (FIC), and the Chartered Management Institute (CIM). Additionally, Abby serves as an ambassador for the London Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to Asian Voice on South Asian Heritage Month, Abby emphasised that her South Asian heritage has greatly influenced her business and leadership. She said, “Growing up, my father’s entrepreneurial spirit in London and the values instilled by our community have shaped my outlook on life. The South Asian emphasis on education and hard work is fundamental to our success, and it’s this combination of grit and perseverance that drives us forward. Our community's empathy and strong work ethic, along with a ‘can-do’ attitude, are integral to overcoming challenges and achieving our goals. Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month is crucial for recognising the talents of South Asian professionals and promoting a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.”
“As the global business landscape continues to evolve, South Asian Heritage Month is increasingly valuable in promoting cultural intelligence and economic collaboration. This celebration provides insights into the South Asian approach to business—highlighting our customer-centric mindset, work ethic, and innovative practices. It offers the global business community valuable data and examples of how we drive product development, foster customer relationships, and build businesses. By bringing together diverse South Asian communities, this month not only celebrates our heritage but also encourages economic growth and collaboration”, she added.
Powering the future for women entrepreneurs
Abby is deeply passionate about the importance of mentorship for women entrepreneurship in the South Asian community. She said, “For me, having a mentor has been invaluable, especially as a female entrepreneur. While I’ve received support from both men and women, the backing from other women has been particularly significant. I’m actively involved in initiatives like the Asian Business Association within the London Chambers and a committee focused on women in business. My goal is to support female entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges similar to those I faced. While female entrepreneurship has progressed significantly, issues like access to funding, mentorship, and representation remain. We need a stronger support system, including targeted funding programs, particularly within the South Asian community. I’ve benefited from strong mentors of all genders and believe in fostering an inclusive support system where everyone's contributions are valued.”
“We are all part of the same business landscape, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Mentorship and learning from diverse experiences are crucial. South Asian business practices often blur professional and personal relationships, treating teams like family, but it's important to maintain clear professional boundaries. Learning from Western practices can help bridge these cultural gaps. Training and development are essential, especially for South Asian-led businesses and female entrepreneurs. I envision a world where women entrepreneurs are not only supported but also recognised as vital drivers of economic growth and innovation,” she added.
Abby emphasised that successful South Asian women leading businesses, and amplifying their stories is crucial. She said, “By sharing their experiences and mentoring others, these women not only celebrate their heritage but also pave the way for future entrepreneurs. South Asian women’s role in entrepreneurship is expanding, particularly in tech, where more females are entering engineering and technology fields. Universities and support programs are nurturing these talents, fostering future leaders who will serve as role models for everyone. As women continue to ascend to top leadership roles, they bring valuable qualities such as compassion and a customer-centric approach. This shift is driving change in business practices and will likely lead to a more inclusive environment over the next decade. We can anticipate seeing women playing a central role in driving economic growth and innovation, reflecting the seeds that are being sown today.”
Giving advice to young women looking to start their own businesses, Abby said, “My advice is straightforward: Just do it. Taking risks is always crucial for growth and it is better to invest around 30% of your budget in marketing to drive business expansion. Another key piece of advice is to keep your business decisions separate from personal emotions. Remember, every business is potentially for sale, so approach decisions with a clear, objective mindset rather than viewing your business as a personal project. It's important not to get stuck in the operational details. Instead of working in the trenches—handling HR, invoicing, and daily tasks—delegate those responsibilities. Your role as a CEO or founder is to work on growing your business, not getting bogged down by day-to-day operations. Focus on strategic growth and let others manage the operational aspects.”
