Haaris Ahmad is a loss prevention detective who manages TJX Companies’ investigations of internal and external theft across Southeast NJ. Taking part in surveillance operations as required, he follows corporate policies and guidelines in pursuing apprehensions. Haaris Ahmad liaises closely between NJ management and store associates on current damage and shrink initiatives and related activities.
Haaris Ahmad’s experience extends to a past role with the New York City Police Department as a police officer, patrolling the 73, 75, and 77 precincts in Brownsville and East New York. In addition to protecting resident safety and apprehending suspects, he prepared case reports and provided testimony at court hearings. As needed, he assisted with broader NYC operations related to protests and events, such as COVID-19.
Haaris Ahmad enjoys the experience of living in a diverse and vibrant metropolitan area and regularly explores new neighborhoods and eateries. A world traveler, he has had the opportunity to experience the culture and history of countries such as Italy, Pakistan, Switzerland, and Canada.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As someone who works a full-time job, my typical day consists of making the most of my mornings before work, going to work, and making the most of my evenings after work. My faith is very important to me and as a Muslim, I try to stay on the right path and take a few minutes five times a day to pray and give thanks. This helps me stay in a grateful and productive mindset, so I’m making the most of my day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I usually bring ideas to life by taking them to and talking closely with my family. My mother and father are my biggest inspirations in life. They have always allowed me to be who I want to be and inspire me every day to be a better person. My wife also inspires me through her own drive and work ethic. She is always thinking of ways to push herself, push me, and push our family towards better things. My family really helps me reach my maximum potential, always encouraging me to not miss out on any opportunity, to take risks, and to bring all of my ideas to life whether big or small.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Something that really excites me is that the 90’s trends are returning. As someone who was born in and grew up in the 90’s, the culture from that period has always felt very vibrant, exciting, and genuine. Things like 90’s music, clothing trends, and just way of living was very simple, wholesome, and at the same time, fun. Seeing these things come back around now is nostalgic and reenergizing.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is making sure I do my five daily prayers as a Muslim. When I spend a few minutes five times a day praying, I am taking time to slow down from my busy schedule, reflect on my day thus far, and be grateful for what I have. These moments help me appreciate the small things and make me want to be better in all aspects of life, like work and my home life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself that everything won’t always go your way and that’s ok. When you’re young, you envision your life going a certain way and expect nothing else. However, it’s very rare for that to actually happen. You will go through ups and downs, hit road blocks and turns, etc. I would tell my younger self that what is meant for me will only be meant for me and everything happens for a reason and to really believe in that. And to always put God first.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I really believe that nothing bad ever happens. I believe that because everything that happens is done through the will of God, even if it is something that may be trivial that most people won’t understand. Everything that happens is meant to teach us so that we continue to grow and learn.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend really trying to develop a routine with your faith and continue to show gratitude to God. Without gratitude, it is impossible to be truly happy.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I try to take a step back and stop what I am doing and immediately try to find a space to pray. I try to ask for God to make whatever is making things uneasy to try and make things easier.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that helped me advance in my career was to take risks. And whatever opportunity presents itself, to take it and not say “no” to anything. I learned a lot by just stepping out of my comfort zone and allowing myself to really thrive in difficult and testing situations.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Like most people, I’ve faced setbacks in my career and life and learned valuable lessons from each one. When I was first starting out in the law enforcement field, I put work before family. I would take every extra shift available, work nights, and do everything needed to further my career. The downside of doing that is that I didn’t give any time to my family. It took several years of reflecting and working with my wife to find the right balance of pushing my career forward while maintaining a healthy balance and home/family life. I am still learning to overcome it, but whatever direction God directs me in, I will fully trust.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that helps me be productive is Google. I tend to use Google for almost everything.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite podcast is the Joe Rogan podcast. There are such a wide variety of guests on that podcast that I can always be intrigued. There are so many guests that hold so much knowledge.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
One movie series that I recently enjoyed watching was Lord of the Rings. I think it is the greatest movie to ever be made. The story and characters in the movies just make you feel you are living in that time period. And the characters make you wish that they were real people.
Key learnings
- There will always be changes happening in life; learn to make the most of them.
- Be optimistic of the future; there will always be things to help push you back on track.
- Daily prayer inspires gratitude, self-reflection, and mental clarity.
- No matter your financial success, creating lifelong memories with the people you love is most important.