CEO asks everyone why they can’t work as hard as him

We recently sat down with Tanvir Sultan, the CEO and founder of a wide range of startups and initiatives such as eyeQ, PosiTBT, bMor (Bashundhara), aMor (Amtoli), kAmor (Kakoli), Rest-o-rent, The Big Think Project, Sjitr and Okokola.

"How do I define myself? I think I am a mix of a dreamer, and a workaholic," he said already, before anything could be asked. "But people often wonder how do you even mix the two? When I dream, I am working and when I work, I am dreaming because I am living my dream! Fantastic."

NBC: That sure sounds like a recipe for success. What's your usual day like?

Tanvir: "Actually, you know what, here, let me take your laptop. I think it's best I write my own interview. Like Gandhi said, if you want something done, do it yourself!

 When I start the day, the first thing I do is avoid smartphones and head straight for breakfast with the afternoon's Ditiyo Alo. When my maid brings me my coffee,  I always ask her how her robotics training is going and the empty expressions in response remind me why only some are visionaries, not all. The household-help industry will absolutely be decimated by robotics and AI and yet, my bua is doing nothing about it! 

 After my daily humbling experience, I start for work and remind myself that inspiration never stops. I have been blessed with the singular vision of innovation and thus it is my duty to spread it. I used to tell my chauffeur that he needs to learn Python and build his own ride-sharing app but I stopped after he brought a live python into my car saying he's ride-sharing with the snake according to my advice.

Another lesson in life for me that's already on my Facebook cover photo -- not everyone envisions the vision that's visible to your visage. Yes, I wrote that quote and it might just be the title of my next book which is a collection of my Facebook statuses.

It's only when I enter my office that I feel a little less inspired. Don't get me wrong, inspiration is a part of my JD [job description] but I can't help but feel a little sad when I see my colleagues miss out on that last 10% that makes the difference. I did not become their CEO by just counting the hours from nine to five; I had to work day and night to prepare the business plan for months! No one was paying me a salary for that. All that sweat and labour finally made sense when my father agreed to loan me my seed fund. But then again, I remind myself that not everyone has had the opportunity to experience a successful pitch in their lives.

Hard work and dedication are the only two ingredients that bring success. Even though I have achieved so much through sweat and tears, I always keep wondering why I can't inspire my employees to work as hard as I do? In fact, last year when I asked a manager the very same question, they retorted back with why they should work extra when they don't own the company?

Just think how preposterous the question is! Was my company worth anything when I started out? Anyone can start a company but they have to be worth something in the first place. If you don't have the hard work and dedication, how can you even have a successful company? When I started out, no one was paying me! I had to earn all of this myself through hard work only to hear from a manager that they should be handed what they want without the dedication and labour. Imagine the gall of saying that to an investor who owns a chain of readymade garments factories. My father would not invest a single penny if someone asked flat out like that!

Finally, I'd like to stress upon charisma. Inspiration cannot happen without charisma. That's why I always make it a point to speak at events all around the city. At least once a month, no matter where it is. It could be the Intern Summit at Note South University or it could be my cousin's baby shower. What's important is that you change your profile picture every month to a new picture of you with a microphone in hand or on a podium. That way everyone knows that you are important enough to speak to an audience.

I will end the article with a message to my young followers: don't be bogged down by inconsequential things such as your results, your relationship situation or unimportant matters such as your businesses turning any profit. The route to becoming a self-made man is one that is often lonely where no one will help you. What's important is that you carry the fire to inspire others into action. If you work, you only work one person's work. However, if you inspire a hundred people, that means you are working through a hundred people! That is the secret to the CEO success Bill Gates, Jack Ma and Guy Fieri won't tell you."