CEO Insights Magazine

In the rapidly evolving landscape of business, characterized by intense competition and rapid market transformation, entrepreneurs and business leaders must place the utmost importance on an unyielding dedication to knowledge and perpetual learning. This resolute commitment is not merely optional; rather, it has become a strategic necessity for achieving success. By wholeheartedly embracing the pursuit of knowledge and nurturing a culture that encourages continuous learning, visionary leaders such as Khurshid Almeher, Founder & CEO of Kaymonto & Partners, can attain a distinctive advantage. Khurshid Almeher's unique combination of knowledge, humility, empathy, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity make him a truly exceptional leader in the business world. His leadership has propelled Kaymonto & Partners to new heights, making a lasting impact on the industry and inspiring those around him. Below is an excerpt of Khurshid Almeher's exclusive interaction with CEO Insights ASIA magazine.

What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?

Well, the world of project management is truly fascinating and rewarding. It demands a mix of expertise and service that is unparalleled within service industries, and yet, wholly necessary to drive it forward What sets it apart is the inherent uniqueness of each project. Even when working with the same client repeatedly, you are constantly faced with distinctive challenges and intricacies because you cater to different stakeholders within the organization. This perpetual novelty ensures that every day feels like a fresh beginning, devoid of a one-size-fits-all solution. It is this ceaseless dynamism that fuels our motivation, compelling us to unleash our creativity across all projects, from risk assessments and mitigation to issue resolutions. Although we may not be builders in the traditional sense, we contribute to the creation of new spaces and edifices. The gratification experienced by architects and artists when witnessing their creations is akin to what we, as project managers, derive from our work. Thus, in the realm of project management, we find ourselves blessed with the opportunity to partake in the joy of bringing novel visions to life.

Could you tell us about the unique experiences The University of Tokyo offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?

My journey in Japan was truly remarkable. Japan, with its rich business principles like the product principle and Kaizen, has made significant contributions to the world. Also, I must mention the University of Tokyo, which is truly massive in every aspect. The university ranks within the top 20 globally and remains a global institutional leader to this day across diverse fields Personally, studying at the University of Tokyo provided me with an incredible environment. It was a multicultural and bilingual setting where I spent six years mostly communicating in English. Learning Japanese later in my career became crucial for my survival and proved immensely beneficial. Eventually, I began to understand that as a foreigner, it was my responsibility to adapt to Japanese society rather than expecting them to accommodate me. This mindset shift allowed me to fully embrace and appreciate Japanese culture.

Moreover, academic knowledge is undoubtedly valuable, but the social values and principles I learned in Japan hold greater significance to me. I am profoundly grateful for the scholarship and for the opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Tokyo. It is a place of immense multicultural interactions, with highly qualified professors and a supportive environment.

How would you define Kaymonto & Partners as an organization and its current position in the market?

At Kaymonto & Partners, we take immense pride in being the foremost consultants in project management within the real estate sector. Our accomplishments can be attributed to our internal resources and the trust multinational corporations place in our track record. As early as 2013, when remote work was still a novel concept, we wholeheartedly embraced it. Our hybrid office model, which seamlessly combines the advantages of remote work and in-person collaboration, has been an established practice for an extensive period. We have complete faith in our team's ability to efficiently manage their own time and responsibilities. Rather than micromanaging every moment, we prioritize outcomes and tangible results. This innovative approach has yielded fruitful results.

Additionally, we greatly value the sense of camaraderie among our employees, recognizing its impact on job satisfaction. We also place a high emphasis on individual accountability, encouraging our team members to take ownership of their tasks and effectively manage their time. This approach has contributed to our remarkably low turnover rate and the longevity of our dedicated workforce. At Kaymonto & Partners, our primary focus is on achieving desired outcomes, fostering a culture of responsibility, and cultivating a supportive and nurturing work environment.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

It would do our team a disservice if I called myself a leader! The methodology behind our work in Kaymonto is very simple: I have mentored highly qualified, responsible, and mature colleagues who are now entrusted with the tasks that empower them to excel. The management is highly confident in their abilities and provides feedback to help them succeed even further. As you can see, this is a methodology that ensures everyone is a leader in Kaymonto! Of course, we have had to establish a firm culture of learning and curiosity for such leadership to flourish in our firms. We encourage asking questions – even fundamental ones – as we believe mistakes are a part of the learning process in project management. Coupled with hands-on experience, this provides some invaluable lessons for our team and provides opportunities for growth. I take great pride in being a part of Bangladesh’s emerging project management consultancy industry. While the journey has been challenging, I am optimistic about the future of the real estate industry here.

In light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?

Bangladesh's project management industry is still in its early stages, and there remains a need to expand its footprint in Bangladesh. To address this, I have actively worked towards increasing awareness and knowledge. I have conducted seminars at various academic and professional institutions. While there is growing awareness at a basic level, industry owners and potential clients, as well as investors, still lack a strong vision towards the immense value that project management services, including consultancy, transaction management, and facility management, can bring to their businesses. This lack of a strong, positive vision may persist unless more players enter the market. Currently, there are only two local project management consultancy firms, including ours, and we face limitations in exploring opportunities beyond our current reach. Assistance from larger entities could greatly benefit not just our business, but the entire industry as a whole.

Khurshid Almeher, Founder & CEO, Kaymonto & Partners

An alumnus of the University of Tokyo, Khurshid Almeher (B.Arch, M.Engg, Ph.D., PMP) is the Founder and CEO of Kaymonto & Partners. In his vast professional journey, Khurshid Almeher has been part of various prominent companies like Index Consulting, Citigroup, Lehman Brothers, Barclays Global Investors, Barclays Capital, United Group, and so on. Kaymonto & Partners boasts a portfolio of more than 32 clients, of whom 27 are multinationals. He also serves as adjunct faculty at several universities teaching project management.