We recently had the opportunity to interview Rafeeque Mohamed, Founder and CEO of iNPLASS Infotech. As a visionary industry leader, Rafeeque ventured into the Hospitality industry, intending to change and introduce innovative technologies in this space.
Through iNPLASS, Rafeeque Mohamed is tackling a range of issues for a wide range of stakeholders while revolutionizing the hospitality sector. In this insightful interview, the CEO shares his story behind venturing into this industry, challenges and triumphs, the influence of technology, and how he balances the business operations.
Spark Behind The Passion
We started the interview by asking, “Can you tell us about your professional journey and what led you to your current role?”
Rafeeque shared, “It all started with a career in advertising and media. After a short stint in some leading media agencies, in 2005, I found myself immersed in the world of advertising production, marking my very first entrepreneurial venture. The opportunity came in the form of a struggling unit, which had accumulated a staggering loss. Over two years, through relentless hard work and unwavering resolve, I managed to steer the firm away from the depths of debt and into the realms of profitability. Later with pride, I exited the business.
Amidst the chaos and setbacks in the next venture, a moment of clarity emerged during my globetrotting. It dawned on me that not all businesses needed to be confined by geographical boundaries. With this revelation, I envisioned a venture that transcended borders, with no conventional brick-and-mortar format, where the whole world should be my marketplace. Then, in the year 2017, while journeying through East Europe, I encountered a language barrier while communicating with hotel staff. It was a pivotal moment, sparking the inception of an innovative solution – iNPLASS.”
He added, “It was when I decided to take up the leadership responsibility to make a change and introduce innovative technology in the Hospitality Industry. To have seen areas of concern and challenges faced by Hoteliers and to keep up with the ever-changing Consumer demands, is what has driven me to take it up by myself to provide an answer to all these questions.
As a visionary, I can always foresee that there’s going to be a continued and accelerated adoption of different automation technologies in the Hospitality Industry. And so, my entrepreneurial journey, fraught with challenges and setbacks, led me to the realization that boundaries are merely obstacles waiting to be overcome. With iNPLASS, I commenced on a new chapter, where the world truly became my oyster.”
Testament To Perseverance
To learn how Rafeeque Mohamed sets his business apart from the competition, we asked, “What sets your business apart from competitors in the industry?”
Rafeeque replied, “Unlike many others, we didn’t just conceive an idea – we brought it to life through meticulous brainstorming, development, and successful launch across multiple countries. Our product stands as a testament to our dedication and perseverance. It’s not just another offering in the market; it’s a game-changer in the hospitality industry.
By addressing a myriad of challenges faced by various stakeholders, we’ve proven our ability to create meaningful solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Communicating our value proposition and building unique brand recognition for iNPLASS is a critical competitive differentiator. Identifying the gap and need across different segments of the Hospitality market, helps us to understand how we can impact our target market.
Another key to success is building a great team. As a founder, you can’t do everything on your own. You need a team of handpicked talented individuals who share your vision and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. I was fortunate enough to find some amazing
people who believed in my vision and are willing to work hard to make it a reality.”
Worth-Sharing Achievements
To have a glimpse of a notable achievement of Rafeeque Mohamed’s business, we inquired, “What has been your business’s biggest achievement to date?”
Rafeeque enthusiastically replied, “Starting a business from scratch can be an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. As a Founder, I can tell you that my biggest achievement so far has been taking an idea and turning it into a successful business.
When I first started iNPLASS, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I knew that I wanted to create a solution that would solve a common problem and make people’s lives easier. However, I also knew that turning my vision into a reality would require hard work, dedication, and a lot of perseverance.”
He continued, “After months of research, planning, and development, I finally launched iNPLASS. The response was overwhelming. People loved it, and we started seeing traction almost immediately. Over time, we continued to refine our product, expand our customer base, and grow our team. Today, my startup is thriving, and we’re on track to achieve our long-term goals.
Over the course, we successfully brainstormed, developed the product, and launched it in 6 different countries. Our product has sparked a revolution in the hospitality industry, addressing various challenges for diverse stakeholders, marking a significant milestone in our journey.”
A Visionary Leader
We were intrigued to learn more about the leadership style of Rafeeque Mohamed. So, we asked, “How would you describe your leadership style?”
He shared, “In short – Collaborative, Empowering, Visionary. Leadership is about collaboration and inspiring others to do their best work. I aim to be direct and collaborate with my team members by delegating tasks, leading by example, and making sure they know I care.
As a leader, I embody a collaborative and empowering approach that fosters innovation, growth, and accountability within my team. I believe in setting a clear vision and goals while providing the necessary guidance and support to help individuals reach their full potential. My leadership style is characterized by open communication, active listening, and a genuine concern for the well-being and development of each team member.
I value diversity of thought and encourage creativity, welcoming input from all team members to foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Furthermore, I lead by example, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic in everything I do. I strive to create a positive and supportive work environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best.”
Attracting The Best Talents
Having the right talents is paramount for every business. So, we questioned, “What strategies do you use to motivate and develop talent in your organization?”
He replied, “First and foremost, I believe in providing clear goals and expectations, along with regular feedback and recognition for accomplishments. By setting achievable targets and acknowledging progress, I strive to keep team members motivated and engaged in their work. Additionally, I encourage continuous learning and growth by providing access to training programs, workshops, and opportunities for skill development. Whether it’s through formal training sessions or on-the-job learning experiences, I aim to empower individuals to expand their knowledge and capabilities.
I believe in inspiring and motivating my team to achieve our common goals. Establishing clear, specific, and realistic goals is essential for providing a sense of purpose and direction to our team members. Feedback and recognition play a critical role in motivating and developing talent within our organization. Investing in the professional development of our employees not only enhances their performance but also demonstrates our belief in their potential. Adding to it, a transparent and open communication environment is vital for building trust and fostering camaraderie among team members.”
Impact Of Technology
Amidst the fast-paced digital transformation, every business is getting impacted regardless of the industry. To understand the visions of Rafeeque Mohamed on the role of technology in his industry, we asked, “What role do you see Artificial Intelligence or technology playing in this industry?”
He shared, “One of the primary roles of AI and technology in our industry is to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. By leveraging AI-powered solutions, we can automate repetitive tasks, optimize processes, and improve overall productivity. This not only saves time and resources but also enables us to deliver faster and more reliable services to our customers.
Furthermore, AI and technology enable us to gather and analyze vast amounts of data, providing valuable insights that can inform strategic decision-making and drive business growth. By harnessing the power of data analytics and predictive modeling, we can identify trends, anticipate customer needs, and tailor our guest preferences by creating a personalized experience. Using innovative technology in the hospitality industry allows staff to analyze guest feedback and sentiment to identify areas for improvement and respond promptly to guest concerns.”
Envisioning The Future
We further inquired, “How do you envision the future of your industry?”
He added, “I’m proud to see a bright future for the hospitality industry, enabled by smart technology, and I’m proud to say that we’re a part of this community trying to make these processes easier for hoteliers across the globe. Hoteliers can capitalize on these trends by adapting their services to meet these changing demands.
As we look ahead, several key trends and developments are shaping the trajectory of our industry and paving the way for a dynamic and transformative future. Moreover, we anticipate a shift towards greater personalization and customization in products and services.
With advancements in data analytics and consumer insights, we will be better equipped to understand and anticipate the unique preferences and needs of our customers, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that resonate on a deeper level. What is imperative to remember is that we are, and always will be a people-centric industry, and we need to always keep this fact at the forefront of everything we do.”
Addressing Major Adversities
While some obstacles are unavoidable for every business, it’s crucial to deal with them successfully. We asked, “What have been some of the most significant hurdles you’ve encountered in your business, and how did you address them?”
Rafeeque replied, “The journey so far was not an easy walk. Some of the unforeseen events presented a formidable obstacle, as it not only created a void in leadership but also placed immense pressure on me to single-handedly steer the company forward. Suddenly faced with the daunting task of managing all aspects of the business on my own, I knew that overcoming this hurdle would require unwavering dedication, resourcefulness, and a willingness to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
To address this challenge, I adopted a multifaceted approach that involved both strategic planning and hands-on execution. First and foremost, I focused on stabilizing the company’s operations and ensuring continuity in our day-to-day activities. This involved meticulously managing finances, re-evaluating business strategies, and realigning priorities to sustain our momentum in the market.”
A Valuable Business Advice
Eager to learn a business strategy and advice that Rafeeque Mohamed finds to be excellent and applies to his business, we questioned, “What is an excellent piece of business advice you have ever received?”
“One of the most valuable pieces of business advice I’ve ever received is to ‘focus on the customer.’ This simple yet profound guidance underscores the importance of prioritizing the needs, preferences, and satisfaction of our customers above all else. At its core, business success hinges on our ability to understand and anticipate the needs of our customers and to deliver products, services, and experiences that exceed their expectations.
By placing the customer at the center of everything we do, we can cultivate loyalty, drive repeat business, and foster long-term relationships that form the foundation of sustainable growth and success.” Rafeeque replied.
Balancing The Operations
Lastly, addressing the query on managing a well-balanced approach in all his business operations, we asked, “How do you balance investing in up-to-date ideas with ensuring ongoing operations remain successful?”
Rafeeque responded, “Well it goes hand in hand. In a fast-paced and rapidly evolving business world, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and committed to continuous learning and development, as well as a willingness to be open to new ideas and approaches. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and technological advancements is essential for success in today’s fast-paced business world.
By committing to continuous learning and development, staying informed about the latest developments in your industry, identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation, making better decisions, and building your professional network, you can position yourself for success and achieve your goals.”
“Another key strategy for achieving this balance is to establish a dedicated process for evaluating and prioritizing new ideas. In Team iNPLASS, we have identified a business team comprising key stakeholders who regularly review business aspects and brainstorm for new ideas. By involving diverse perspectives and expertise, we ensure that innovative ideas are thoroughly vetted and aligned with our strategic objectives before investing resources into their implementation.
Furthermore, we prioritize ongoing communication and collaboration between our innovation efforts and day-to-day operations. This ensures that any new initiatives complement and enhance our existing processes, rather than disrupt them. By fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration, we encourage cross-functional teams to work together towards common goals, thereby facilitating seamless integration of new ideas into our operations.” He concluded.
Follow Rafeeque Mohamed on LinkedIn.
Find iNPLASS on LinkedIn and visit their website www.inplass.com
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