Shezad is an award-winning entrepreneur who is passionate about using his expertise and experience to encourage the deaf community to start and grow their businesses. He teaches his insights of business by making resources more accessible using visual aids and sign language. Shezad has been honored with a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to business and diversity. His contributions have been recognized through awards such as the Ummul Mu’minin Khadijah Award for Excellence in Enterprise in 2018 and as Alumni of the Year 2017 in the field of Enterprise and Innovation. His latest venture is named Sfhere, an organization that is helping UK based small and medium-sized enterprises.

What qualities have helped you become a successful entrepreneur?S: I believe that I am a natural leader. I have a passion for networking in both the deaf and hearing business communities with my overall aim to integrating these business communities to share ideas and learn from each other.

How are you helping members of the deaf community with starting their own businesses?S: I look specifically at issues with communication barriers both within the business and external communications. I also work with Deaf entrepreneurs or Deaf-owned business with challenges raised by financial planning; balance sheet, cash flow and profits and losses. Often the Deaf community don’t know about how to raise funding and the difference between angel investors and venture capital.

What is your viewpoint on inclusive employment?S: Of course, I am a very public advocate of inclusive recruitment and employment. I believe that by increasing the diversity in your company, you tap into many more skills, knowledge and cultural perspectives and understandings that can only strengthen your business.

What challenges did you face during your school days? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?S: I went to a mainstream local comprehensive school with a PHU unit to support Deaf and hard of hearing children. I attended the school between the ages of 11 to 16; I felt very supported by the headteacher, teachers, classmates and communication support worker (CSW) who understood me as a profoundly Deaf sign language user. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much sign language used in school and I mostly communicated through reading and writing.

Who is your inspiration?S: My father was greatest inspiration!

What are your other hobbies?S: I love to travel. I love to jump on a plane and go somewhere new.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?S: My favourite country in the world is Morocco. I’ve travelled there many times and have friends and business interests there. I also think the Maldives is very beautiful, with beach with fresh fruit drinks!

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?S: You must give your deaf or disabled child all the love you can and be positive about the educational opportunities they have. Never ignore them. Try and mentor them and be strict with them about routines and time management. If you have a family business, try and see where they can fit in and learn within the business. Above all, teach them self-respect.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in starting their own business?S: My two tips:
Business networking:  you must go to business networking events, conferences or seminars. These are good opportunities for your business to bring you new clients and more business to business and business customers.
Business plan:  don’t make the mistake of sharing a 20 - 30-page plan, investors won’t read it. Write a plan with only a paragraph to cover each section; an executive summary, product/service, marketing plan, management team and financial plan. You should have a maximum of 3 pages. This will help you to capture an investors interest.

Any special message for our community?S: If you would like to request my business presentation for your event, contact me via http://www.shezadnawab.com/public-speaking