Sana Musharraf has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. An MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi, she has participated in numerous research projects. Along with six professors from IBA, she worked as the only student research assistant for the Pakistan International Airlines case development project with Professor Robert C. Waters, who was the project leader.

For two years, Musharraf worked as a research assistant for Professor Toshio Fujita on a project to create a roadmap for the Vision 2030 of Government of Pakistan. She was invited by Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF) to present her paper at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2008. The same year, she conducted a survey and prepared a report for the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Industry on services exports/imports between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In 2009, Musharraf co-authored a paper titled, ‘SMEs’ impact on Pakistan’s development–a perspective of Sialkot’ with Professors S Hirashima and Toshio Fujita and presented it at the Asian SME Summit to policy-makers and academicians. She discussed Pakistan-Sri Lanka trade issues with the minister of foreign affairs, minister of export development and international trade, and minister for enterprise development and investment promotion.

Musharraf was a delegate at the SME Trade and Technology Fair in Mauritius (2009) organised by the ministry of business, enterprise and cooperatives of Mauritian government, and met the prime minister, government representatives and the head of the Chambers of Commerce. She speaks to Dawn about her ambitions and plans…

What is your most important achievement?

My interaction with accomplished intellectuals addressing economic and political interests in the global arena is my most important achievement. It broadened my vision and made me realise my true potential. So did my work on Vision 2030.

Who has inspired you most?

Alexander the Great had said, “I am indebted to my father for living but to my teacher for living well.” I am grateful to Professor Toshio Fujita who has diverse international business experience of over 30 years. He is my mentor and guide. I carry his dreams forward.

What blocks did you face in your career so far and how did you tackle them?

Pursuing a career in a predominantly male profession has been a difficult, yet exhilarating journey. I faced resistance even in my family. My grandfather was a civil service officer—a chartered accountant. He launched a snacks brand back in the 1970s. I worked for this company with my father at the age of 15. I represented the company at international trade shows. Initially, I dreamt of taking this business global but realised that handing over the family business to a female child is impossible so I resolved to create my own enterprise.

What is the primary focus in your life?

I am a dreamer. Dreams keep me motivated to overcome stumbling blocks in the journey of life. The sense of gratification when realising these dreams is exhilarating. I am always driven by a sense of duty.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I envision myself as a leading business woman creating ventures on a global scale. One of my passions is promoting SMEs or business development as drivers of economic growth in developing countries like Pakistan.

I also dream of being a supportive wife and mother. I believe that a family is the primary unit of a healthy society.What is your definition of success and what would you say to our youth?

Success is a never-ending journey towards excellence. I wish to depart this world feeling content that I fulfilled my duty to my fellow human beings. To the youth, my message would be: “Leave your mark on the sands of time by creating just and lasting peace for generations to come.”