Member Spotlight | Dr. Asif Naseem

Chief Executive Officer & President, Paragon Development Systems

 ACG WI Member Since: 2018

 

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Dr. Asif Naseem, CEO & President, Paragon Development Systems
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Paragon Development Systems

Why did you join ACG?
A few years ago, I relocated to Wisconsin from the West Coast of the US. And while exploring effective ways to get involved in the local business community, I was introduced to ACG WI. I have found it to be a great networking platform, and an excellent venue to learn from the great lineup of speakers ACG events often feature.

How has ACG WI helped you in your career?
I have found ACG WI to be a great resource for education, personal growth and networking. Discussions on topics such as middle market dynamics, technology trends, and advice for PE-owned companies have been informative and timely. I have enjoyed meeting individuals recognized for outstanding corporate growth and leadership. Such experiences are enriching and fulfilling, and are always helpful personally and professionally.

What lessons have you learned during the pandemic that you think you will carry over in the long term?
There have been several. I will share my top three. First, we have learned that to work, you don’t necessarily have to be at work. Digital economy has been on the rise for the last two decades, but the pandemic has accelerated its pace. Thanks to modern information technology, we have learned that we can live and work digitally without having to congregate, commute to work, or battle traffic. Second - and this may sound contrary to the first lesson, but really it isn’t - the pandemic has reminded us that social in-person contact is ever so precious whether that is among co-workers, friends or members of our family. And finally, while this pandemic has profoundly changed every aspect of our lives, the full impact of social and economic implications is still to be understood.

What do you think are the biggest challenges your industry will face in the next 5 years, and what actions is your business taking to position it for success in the future?
Our company is in the business of assisting our clients with their digital transformation journey. One of the biggest challenges we are currently facing is the seriously deteriorating global supply chain. The uncertainty and unpredictability of product functionality and availability dates are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and we believe it is our responsibility to help our clients make informed decisions about information technology. So, we are being proactive in ensuring our clients stay well informed about the supply chain; that they understand their technology alternatives; and that they are fully aware of the implications of various alternatives. We strive to help our clients navigate the complexities of the current supply chain.

I believe workforce engagement is going to be another significant challenge going forward not just in our industry but across most businesses. How do you ensure collaboration in a workforce that is mostly virtual? How do you integrate new employees into your culture when there are limited or no opportunities for in-person interactions? How do you coach and nurture new younger employees that need mentors to help them learn the ropes? We are going to have to wrestle with these challenges and find effective ways to deal with them even in the hybrid work environments.

What do you do for fun?
I always look for things we can enjoy as a family. Long time ago I gave up trying to convince my family members to be seen on a golf course with me. So, years ago we settled on skiing. Now all four of us are ski enthusiasts and have skied all over the creation. These pictures are from our recent trip to Aspen, Colorado.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Proficiency in multiple languages. That would make the traveling experience so much richer and more fulfilling. It is hard to show your personality, your sense of humor, or your ability to connect if you don’t speak their language.

What is the best book you have read this past year?
 I always have bookmarks in multiple books at any given time. I would mention two: Under A White Sky, The Nature of the Future, by Elizabeth Kolbert, is a timely description of the challenges in various ecosystems and the innovative solutions being pursued; and Keep Sharp, by Sanjay Gupta, MD, which provides practical strategies for increasing mindfulness and maintaining high mental acuity at any age.

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Dr. Asif Naseem
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Dr. Asif Naseem