We recently had the opportunity to interview Safeen Raouf, CEO of Synergy, delivering a diverse range of projects, from Telecom rollout to data center operations. With over 15 years of experience as a project management expert, Safeen has built his exceptional career path blending technical expertise with strategic business insight, through perseverance and a visionary approach. With plans for expansion into renewable energy, alongside the automotive and health industries, Safeen Raouf’s leadership is taking Synergy to new heights.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you walk us through your professional journey and how it led to where you are today?”
Safeen Raouf shared, “From childhood to where I am today, I’ve always been ambitious, hardworking, and committed. In my studies and career, I’ve put in my best effort to excel because I believe success comes from perseverance, planning, and a clear strategy. Nothing comes easy and I’ve always taken my goals seriously to achieve steady progress.
From a simple engineer to a Junior Project manager, to a certified PM and Program Manager, and now holding an EMBA, I’ve built a foundation that combines technical expertise with strategic business insight. This helps me in starting up a company with a diversified business line in telecom, construction, energy, and trade.
It wasn’t an easy journey for me to handle all of this, but with the package I possess and described earlier, I was able to unblock most of the blockers, and we as a team delivered reference projects in KRG and all of Iraq.”
Navigating through Challenges in the Journey
Reflecting on your career, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
Safeen Raouf mentioned, “Early in my career, stepping into new responsibilities with limited experience was daunting. I overcame this by seeking mentorship, dedicating time to continuous learning, and as I was not afraid to ask any questions, this allowed me to build confidence and competence quickly. Also, I had the opportunity to lead teams with different backgrounds, which required adaptability and empathy. I focused on clear communication, setting common goals, and creating an environment where each team member’s perspective was valued. This turned diversity into a strength and made me a better decision-maker.
Moreover, working in environments with limited budgets or tools pushed me to innovate and prioritize effectively. I learned to maximize what was available, negotiate for critical needs, and design lean processes that delivered results without compromising quality. Also, in highly competitive and uncertain markets, customers often have shifting priorities and high expectations. By actively listening to their needs, maintaining transparency, and offering flexible solutions, I was able to build trust and long-term relationships even in challenging conditions.
And lastly, operating across different countries meant navigating complex and evolving legal frameworks. I addressed this by staying informed, working closely with legal and compliance experts to take all preventive measures and regulatory requirements into project planning to avoid costly delays or risks.”
A Healthy Balance of Visions and Business Requirements
We further asked, “How do you balance long-term vision with short-term operational needs?”
“I balance long-term vision with short-term needs by setting a strong strategic direction for the company while breaking it down into achievable milestones. The vision keeps the team aligned and inspired, while the short-term goals ensure we stay agile, deliver value, and generate the momentum needed to reach that bigger picture,” explained Safeen.
Services Offered at Synergy
Interested to learn about the offerings at Synergy, we requested Safeen Raouf to tell us more about their services and their plans for adding something new in the future.
Safeen Raouf shared, “In Synergy, we deliver Telecom projects such as Rollout, optimization, O&M, and Field operation. We operate data centers, have construction projects, both business and residential, and power projects and trading. Currently, we are working to expand Mega projects in renewable power energy besides expanding towards the automotive & health industry.”
Monitoring the Market
To understand the strategies adopted by Safeen Raouf to stay ahead of the curve, we asked, “What methods do you use to analyze market trends, and how have these influenced your business decisions?”
“I analyze market trends by staying close to customers, tracking industry data, and monitoring competitors. These insights help me in adapting our strategy quickly, spot new opportunities, and focus on resources that create the most impact,” he added.
Impact of Digital Transformation
The digital revolution has been redefining business operations across sectors. To learn Safeen Raouf’s perspective on this aspect, we asked, “How has digital transformation affected your business model?”
Safeen Raouf explained, “Digital transformation has reshaped our business model by making it more agile, scalable, and customer-focused. It enables us to streamline our operations and leverage data insights to make smarter decisions. This shift has allowed us to innovate faster, improve customer experience, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.”
Envisioning the Future
We further asked Safeen Raouf to share his views on emerging technologies that will likely have the most significant impact on his industry in the next five years.
“I believe AI, automation, and advanced data analytics will have the biggest impact on our industry in the next five years. They will drive smarter decision-making, improve efficiency, and create new growth opportunities,” he reflected.
Fostering Employee Satisfaction
Employees are the backbone of every business. So, we asked Safeen Raouf, “What strategies do you implement to maintain high levels of employee engagement and satisfaction?”
“I focus on open communication, recognizing contributions, and creating growth opportunities. I empower my employees with responsibility and connect their work to our mission which helps & sustain strong engagement and satisfaction,” explained Safeen.
Securing a Strong Legacy
Lastly, we asked, “How do you want your business to be remembered, and what steps are you taking to secure that legacy?”
“I want the business to be remembered for creating real impact, driving innovation, and delivering lasting value to our customers and community. To secure that legacy, I focus on building a strong mission-driven culture, consistently delivering meaningful solutions and making decisions that balance growth with long-term sustainability,” Safeen concluded.
Follow Safeen Raouf on LinkedIn.
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