Zahid Abdul Qadir, also known as Zahid Motiwala, studied business at Karachi University and earned a bachelor of arts. Employed in Karachi, Pakistan, for over 30 years in various sectors, Zahid Abdul Qadir has served as the CEO of three different companies during his career.
Zahid Motiwala started his career as the CEO of AK Motiwala Jewellers. He created and executed plans that aligned with the company’s goals and brand heritage. He steered daily operations, including customer service, finance, and craftsmanship. He also handled financial planning, managed relationships with VIP and long-term customers, and guided product design to match the brand’s targets.
After eight years, Zahid Abdul Qadir joined Motiwala Builders as the CEO. Here, he shaped the company’s direction and drove growth. Focused on the real estate sector, he oversaw strategy, operations, finance, and leadership. He also made key decisions about expansion into new markets and regions, managed projects, set financial goals, and led business development, marketing, and senior management teams.
Currently, Zahid Abdul Qadir leads Guns & Accessories (G&A) as the CEO. This role relates to his membership in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), which governs practical shooting sports. He oversees various aspects at G&A, ranging from strategic vision and leadership to client and stakeholder relationship engagement. His membership in IPSC connects him to competitive shooters, safety experts, and equipment specialists worldwide. This network provides him with knowledge about the sport and its requirements, which is crucial for his business.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Well, my day usually starts early. I like catching those quiet few minutes before sunrise in prayers, followed by a cup of tea with my mother, and just plan things out in my head. That little routine keeps me grounded.
By around 8:30 am, my wife and I step out to drop our daughter to her school. This is followed by a breakfast with family. I’m at the dealership by 11 am. Mornings are usually about checking stock, sorting out paperwork, and making sure customer orders are in place. I like to personally go through details; I’ve always believed that trust and compliance go hand in hand in this business.
Afternoons are when I usually meet customers: sometimes new buyers, sometimes old friends who drop by just to talk guns, hunting stories, or family. It never feels like “work” in the usual sense; it’s more of a passion for me.
By around 7 pm, I try to be home. My wife, my little 5-year-old, my son and daughter-in-law, and my mother, we all live together, so the house is always full of life. Dinnertime is my favourite part of the day, where we share laughter, stories, and that calm feeling that no matter how busy things get, this is what it’s all for. After diner is my prayer time and then we usually gather in the TV lounge watching some family shows and news.
Honestly, what keeps my day productive is balance. I give my full focus to work when I’m there, but once I’m home, it’s family time. That’s what recharges me and keeps me going strong the next morning.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, bringing ideas to life starts with observation. I pay attention to customers, to the market dynamics, economic conditions and forecast, conversations at the shop, even to what my own family says at the dinner table. Sometimes the best ideas come from the most ordinary moments.
Once something clicks, then I start breaking it into small, doable steps. I discuss it with my team, get honest feedback, and refine it till it makes sense both on paper and in practice.
I’m not a fan of rushing things. I like to test ideas quietly, maybe try a small version first, see how people respond, and if it feels right, we scale it up. Whether it’s introducing a new firearm model, improving customer service, or changing the way our dealership operates, I believe ideas only come to life when you work with people, not just on paper.
A lot of my motivation comes from home. My wife’s support, my kids’ curiosity, and my mother’s prayers, they all are an integral part of my life. When your heart’s in the right place, ideas have a way of turning into reality naturally.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Honestly, one trend that really excites me is how technology is changing the firearms and outdoor industry, especially here in Pakistan. A few years ago, everything was old-school: word of mouth, manual records, and limited reach. Now, we’re seeing people buying, selling, and even learning online with complete transparency and compliance.
It’s not just about convenience, it’s about responsibility. The idea that you can verify dealers, check product authenticity, and educate new gun owners all through digital platforms, that’s something I never thought I’d see happening this fast. For me, this digital shift isn’t about replacing the traditional ways. It’s about blending both worlds.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that really keeps me productive is starting my day early and planning it before the world wakes up. I usually sit with a cup of tea after Fajr prayers, clear my head, and jot down what needs to be done. That quiet time gives me focus before the calls, customers, and chaos begin.
I’ve learned that if you start your day with clarity, the rest just flows better. I try to stick to what I plan, no matter how busy things get at the dealership. And at the end of the day, I take a few minutes to look back, see what I actually got done, and where I can do better tomorrow.
It’s a simple habit, but it’s made all the difference.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to slow down a little; not everything has to happen overnight. Back then, I thought success was about how fast you could move, how much you could do. Now I know it’s more about patience, consistency, and doing things the right way, not just the quick way.
I’d also remind myself to value people more: family, friends, mentors. At the end of the day, it’s relationships that carry you through, not numbers or titles.
And maybe most importantly, I’d say “have faith.” Life has its own timing. What’s meant for you finds its way, as long as you keep working hard.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I genuinely believe that success doesn’t always come from chasing bigger things; sometimes it comes from doing small things with honesty and heart every single day. Most people think you have to keep expanding, pushing harder, taking bigger risks to “make it.”
But I’ve seen the opposite work. I’ve seen peace, reputation, and real growth come from staying grounded, treating people right, and doing business with integrity, even if it means walking away from a quick profit.
People often tell me I’m too idealistic when I say that barakah (blessing) matters more than numbers. But I’ve lived long enough to know when your intentions are clean and your work is honest, the results always follow, even if the world takes time to notice.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I do every single day, and I’d genuinely recommend everyone do, is take a few quiet moments to thank Allah before the day begins and again before it ends. No matter how busy life gets, that moment of gratitude keeps me centered.
It reminds me that everything from health, family, business, even the air we breathe is a blessing, not an entitlement. When you start your day with gratitude and end it with reflection, your attitude toward everything changes. You become calmer, more patient, and more content with what’s written for you.
I’ve learned that barakah doesn’t come from working nonstop; it comes from remembering who you’re working for. A few sincere minutes of dhikr or dua can align your whole day in ways no planner or system ever can.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Turn to Allah for guidance.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
If I had to name one strategy that’s truly helped me grow, it would be building trust before transactions. In this line of work, people don’t just buy a product, they buy confidence in the person selling it.
From day one, I made it a point to be transparent, whether it’s about pricing, paperwork, or the legal side of things. If something’s out of stock or delayed, I tell the customer upfront. It might sound simple, but honesty builds long-term relationships, and those relationships bring you business you could never buy with advertising.
Another thing I’ve learned is to listen more than I talk. Every customer teaches you something about trends, needs, or even your own shortcomings. When you treat people fairly and handle every deal as if it’s personal, they don’t just come back, they bring others with them.
At the end of the day, my business has grown not because I chased numbers, but because I focused on intention and integrity. When those two stay intact, Allah puts barakah in everything you do.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
A few years ago, I made a business decision too quickly, trusted someone’s word without verifying everything properly. It cost me money, time, and a fair bit of peace. At first, I was angry, mostly at myself. But with time, I realized that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of it.
Instead of blaming anyone, I took it as a lesson in trust in Allah and planning with wisdom. Islam teaches us to tie the camel first, then put our trust in Allah, and that’s exactly what I learned.
Now, I verify every deal, every partnership, and every promise. I’ve become more patient, more careful, and, honestly, more grateful. That failure taught me humility and discipline and showed me that Allah sometimes closes one door to protect you from a bigger loss you can’t see yet.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
If I had to give away one real business idea, it would be this: a shooting range.
In Pakistan, there are thousands of licensed gun owners, but very few places where people can safely, legally, and professionally go to practice.
The shooting range should comprise of activities for the family, so while the father is busy at the shooting bay, the children can be engaged in other healthy activities.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
For me, it’s honestly WhatsApp. It may sound simple, but it’s become the backbone of how I manage my day.
I use it to communicate with customers, share product details, and even send updates or reminders. The labeling and quick-reply features help me keep track of who’s a new lead, who’s waiting for delivery, and who needs a follow-up without losing track in the middle of all the daily hustle.
It’s fast, personal, and easy for both sides. Most of my customers are more comfortable texting than emailing, and that direct connection builds trust. So, while others rely on fancy systems, I just use WhatsApp’s smartly organized chats, instant responses, and everything documented neatly. It keeps my business running smoothly without making things complicated.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I’ve spent recently was on a small electric car for my daughter. She’s five, full of energy, and every evening she wants me to watch her ride.
It wasn’t an expensive thing, but the joy it brought to her—and, honestly, to me—was priceless. After a long day at work, watching her laugh and hearing her giggle makes all the stress fade away.
Sometimes, the best money isn’t the one that grows your business, but the one that strengthens your heart. That roaring of her electric vehicle reminds me every day why I work so hard: for the smiles at home, not just the numbers at the shop.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’m not much of a bookworm to be honest, but I do enjoy travel vlogs and documentaries, especially the ones that take you deep into the mountains. There’s something about watching people explore remote valleys, meet locals, and experience life away from the noise that really speaks to me.
One channel I really enjoy is about travellers exploring Pakistan’s northern areas: Hunza, Skardu, and beyond. The calmness, the simplicity of mountain life, and the raw beauty remind me how small we are and how big Allah’s creation truly is.
Those vlogs always recharge me. They remind me that peace doesn’t come from luxury or speed, but from slowing down and appreciating what’s around you. Every time I watch one, it makes me want to pack a bag, hit the road, and breathe that mountain air again.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Recently, I really enjoyed watching Man vs. Wild again. The episodes with Bear Grylls never get old for me. There’s something raw and real about watching someone survive in nature with almost nothing but skill, patience, and willpower.
It reminds me a lot of life itself; sometimes you don’t have perfect conditions, but you make the best of what you have and keep moving forward. Plus, I’ve always had a thing for the outdoors and mountains, so seeing those wild landscapes and the simplicity of life out there really connects with me. It’s adventurous, humbling, and oddly peaceful to watch.
Key learnings
- True success comes from balancing work, faith, and family — not just chasing numbers or growth.
- Honesty and trust are stronger business tools than any marketing strategy.
- Consistency, patience, and gratitude bring more progress than rushing after quick wins.
- Failures are not setbacks but lessons when faced with sincerity and faith, they lead to better decisions.
- Simplicity, discipline, and genuine human connection remain timeless foundations for a meaningful life and career.