Ghazanfar Iqbal is the Startup Business Development Head for Malaysia, Pakistan, and Singapore at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he spearheads initiatives to support startups in leveraging AWS's cloud technology. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

Accelerating the growth of startups by providing support to build on the AWS cloud and leveraging our network to open doors for opportunities to grow and sustain their business.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

It's not just one aspect but many, which led me to write a book. Stay tuned to my LinkedIn for updates.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

For me personally, getting selected for a corporate venture program was a pivotal moment that propelled me into the startup world. 

To the outside world, the significant milestone appears to be me joining Amazon. Both events have been crucial in my professional journey nonetheless.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

The startup trend I'm closely monitoring this year is the emergence and evolution of Generative AI (Gen AI). 

This fascination stems from Gen AI's transformative potential across various industries, enabling the creation of content, designs, code, and more in ways that were previously unimaginable. 

Unlike conventional AI, which typically focuses on interpreting and acting on data, Gen AI takes it a step further by producing new and original outputs based on the data it has learned from.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

One of the most crucial pieces of advice I'd offer to someone embarking on a career in my industry is the importance of adopting a mindset willing to unlearn in order to learn. 

The landscape of any industry, especially those driven by technology and innovation, is in constant flux. 

What was considered best practice yesterday might become obsolete tomorrow. Embracing this cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning is essential for staying relevant and innovative. 

Alongside this adaptability, the virtues of consistency and perseverance cannot be overstated. Success in this field rarely comes overnight. 

It is the result of persistent effort, continuous learning, and the resilience to face setbacks without giving up. 

The journey will inevitably be punctuated with failures and missteps, but these are not dead ends; rather, they are stepping stones to greater understanding and mastery. 

Whether you're developing a new technology, refining a service, or exploring uncharted market territories, the willingness to persistently pursue your vision, while being open to adapt and evolve your strategies, is what will set you apart and pave the way for lasting success.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

In reality, my expertise lies in sales and business development, where the subject matter is less about specific topics and more about aligning with the interests of the people or the dynamics of a social setting I'm involved in.

Over the years, I've honed my ability to interpret non-verbal cues and adjust my approach accordingly. 

Mastering the art of discussing what others are interested in can unlock opportunities in unparalleled ways. This skill, cultivated through keen observation and practice, allows me to engage effectively, opening doors and facilitating connections that are crucial in my field.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

The Man from Earth.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Wrong question—drink and we talk!

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.