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When I joined the National Zakat Foundation as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, I quickly realised that sometimes progress demands a touch of boldness.

At a time when a key technology project had been in a state of limbo for over a year and a half, I stepped in to help give it the lift it deserved.

Working closely with our Head of Innovation Technology, we reassessed the project – which initially came with a substantial budget – and decided to re-tender the process. I saw an opportunity to change the way things were done.

We went back to the market, taking a calculated risk to select a team based in Pakistan. Our aim was not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, and we did just that.

Key achievements include:
• Reforming the Procurement Process – By revisiting our approach, we secured a partner capable of delivering the desired results with increased efficiency.
• Exceeding Budget Expectations – Not only did we build a robust CRM system and other tech products, but we also managed to deliver the project at a fraction of the originally allocated budget.
• Pioneering Change in a Cautious Environment – Often, the fear of potential mishaps holds back innovation. However, by embracing a spirit of thoughtful risk-taking, we were able to implement a solution that dramatically improved operations.
• Empowering Future Growth – This project has now set a strong foundation for the organisation to harness technology more effectively, all while maintaining the trust and accountability essential for serving the community.

I am proud of what we achieved and remain grateful to Monir, Head of Innovation Technology NZF Worldwide for his collaboration and unwavering support. This project stands as an example of how well-led digital transformation can turn challenges into opportunities, even in sectors where the stakes are high and the pressures substantial.

I look forward to further conversations on embracing innovation to drive societal impact.