TheCconnects: Can you tell our readers a little about your professional journey & how did you come to your current role/position?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, I embarked on my professional journey in education at the age of 16, back in 2001, at Goodfaith. Concurrently, I pursued my engineering studies. Following the completion of my B.Tech degree, I transitioned to MJ College of Engineering as an Assistant Professor, where I discovered my passion for teaching. However, driven by a desire for greater financial prospects, I transitioned to an IT organization, initially as a Trainer Cum Developer, eventually evolving into a fully-fledged developer. Remarkably, within just four years, I assumed the team lead role.
Despite professional success, I sensed an unfulfilled aspect of my career—teaching. In 2009, I returned to teaching .Net, establishing a YouTube channel to disseminate demo videos for offline training. Over time, this initiative expanded to include over 300 free videos covering a wide array of technologies, including MS SQL Server, C#, ASP.Net WebForms, ADO.Net DataReader and DataSet, ADO.Net EF Database First ObjectContext, ASP.Net MVC 4 and 5, ASP.Net Core, among others.
Recognizing the impact of my teachings, I transitioned to sharing content via a Facebook page, which garnered a substantial following. Subsequently, I commenced conducting free workshops, yielding highly productive outcomes as evidenced by the remarkable performance of my students in their respective projects. This led to the organic growth of my brand, culminating in the establishment of MTT (Manzoor The Trainer), featuring over 300 free videos covering fundamental ASP.Net Web Forms to advanced ASP.Net MVC5, equipping students with the skills to secure lucrative employment opportunities. To date, MTT boasts approximately 50,000 course enrollments.
Simultaneously, I ventured into the realm of online education, launching two paid courses on Udemy—”Live Project On ASP.Net Web Forms” and “Live Project On ASP.Net MVC5″—both of which achieved best-selling status, propelling me into the ranks of the top 500 best-selling authors on the platform. With an impressive enrollment exceeding 177,000 students and garnering over 12,300 reviews, my Udemy courses have solidified my standing as a reputable educator.
In 2016, I took a significant step forward by initiating full-day coding bootcamps focused on full-stack development. This endeavor has proven immensely successful, with ten completed batches. MTT is now in the top 25 .Net Coding Bootcamps worldwide, according to course reports. For me, this marks only the beginning of an exciting journey in empowering individuals through education and technology.
TheCconnects: Who has influenced you the most in life and why?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: Throughout various stages of my life, I have encountered numerous individuals who have profoundly influenced me. Among them, Mr. Laxmipathy, my 12th-grade mathematics teacher, played a pivotal role in inspiring me to pursue a career in teaching. Additionally, I am indebted to several scholars who imparted invaluable lessons on navigating life’s complexities.
Undoubtedly, the unwavering support of my family has been a constant source of strength during both triumphs and tribulations, leaving an indelible mark on my journey. Finally, my quest for mentorship reached fruition with the guidance and wisdom provided by Mr. Haji Shakeel Sb, bringing a sense of fulfillment to my aspirations.
TheCconnects: What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your life & how did you overcome them?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: I encountered a multitude of challenges, both physical and psychological, throughout my journey.
Physically, I faced significant hurdles, particularly when contemplating leaving my job without any support. Despite the uncertainty, I made the bold decision to resign. Initially, starting my training institute with minimal savings yielded meager revenue. However, I was steadfast in my belief that my destiny awaited me, and unwaveringly committed to my path. Through perseverance and dedication, I gradually surpassed my previous salary and eventually achieved substantial financial success beyond the confines of a traditional 9 to 6 job.
Psychologically, there were moments of solitude and a lack of camaraderie. During such times, I recognized the importance of self-care and rejuvenation. Taking breaks for a day or two to spend quality time with family and friends proved invaluable in maintaining my mental well-being.
Ultimately, it was my unwavering faith, patience, diligent work ethic, and resilient ‘prove and move’ mindset that enabled me to conquer every obstacle along the way.
TheCconnects: What lessons you have learned from your professional career?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: Throughout my professional journey, I’ve accumulated several invaluable insights:
Resilience: Overcoming setbacks and challenges has taught me the importance of perseverance. Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth has been crucial to my development.
Continuous Learning: Embracing lifelong learning is indispensable. Staying abreast of industry trends and acquiring new skills are vital for remaining competitive.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is essential for sustained success and well-being. Prioritizing self-care ensures longevity in one’s career.
Collaboration: Recognizing the significance of teamwork has been pivotal. Collaborating with others fosters a positive work environment and aids in achieving collective objectives.
Integrity: Upholding ethical principles is non-negotiable. Building trust and credibility forms the bedrock of enduring success in any professional endeavor.
Leadership: Cultivating leadership abilities and empowering others are central to driving positive outcomes. Whether leading teams or taking initiative, effective leadership is key.
Persistence: Persistence and determination are critical in pursuing goals, even in the face of adversity. Consistent effort yields long-term rewards.
In essence, honesty with students is fundamental for long-term success”
TheCconnects: What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, brands encounter a multitude of obstacles while traversing the continuously shifting landscape. Among these challenges, one of the foremost is the imperative to sustain relevance and cultivate genuine connections with students amidst their swiftly changing behaviors. Allow me to elaborate on a significant challenge I have personally confronted in this domain.
The digital sphere is saturated with a plethora of content and advertisements, rendering it a formidable task for brands to captivate the attention of students. To effectively penetrate this cacophony demands the employment of compelling storytelling, distinct value propositions, targeted marketing strategies, and above all, the embodiment of authenticity and trust. These pillars stand as essential elements in navigating the complexities of modern digital engagement.
TheCconnects: How your product/solution can help to resolve the pain points of your customers?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: Vision:
“To ensure that no engineer must sacrifice time away from their family in pursuit of job opportunities.”
Mission:
“To streamline technology, making it accessible and understandable for all.”
There are numerous graduates currently facing unemployment, with one of the primary obstacles being a lack of confidence in technology. My approach involves breaking down complex technological concepts into manageable pieces, facilitating comprehension and fostering confidence. I firmly believe that confidence is directly proportional to one’s level of knowledge. By instilling confidence in individuals through simplified understanding, I empower them to embark on their careers with assurance, ultimately leading to employment opportunities.
TheCconnects: What do you do in your free time?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: In my free time, I like to read books and blogs. Most of all, I spend time with younger people, helping them understand the importance and path of their lives. I motivate them to set important goals, urge them to make plans and work hard to achieve their dreams
TheCconnects: Do you have any advice for those who want to be an entrepreneur/C-Suite Executive?
Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed: If you have an idea go and implement it without worrying much about the results.
Success rarely materializes overnight; it demands persistent effort and dedication. Embrace the journey of hard work, persisting through failures, and starting afresh until you achieve your goals.
It’s crucial to blend smart strategies with hard work. Simply relying on intelligence or efficiency isn’t sufficient for sustained success
Connect with Manzoor Ahmed Mohammed on LinkedIn here
