Khalid Akhter, Managing Director, Sundry IT Solutions
In a world where technological evolution happens at lightning speed and market landscapes shift overnight, businesses are caught in a relentless race to adapt and innovate. The demand for transformative solutions is at an all-time high, as businesses seek to streamline operations, elevate customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge on the global stage. As technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and managed services become the bedrock of modern enterprise, the ability to leverage these advancements is no longer a mere option; it’s a vital necessity for survival and growth. This new reality demands more than just technological prowess. It requires visionary leadership—leaders who not only understand the intricacies of technology but also anticipate the future needs of the market. These leaders embrace change as an opportunity for growth, driving innovation from within. In doing so, they not only position their organizations for sustained success but also inspire a new generation of leaders to think boldly and act decisively in an ever-evolving business environment. Exemplifying this new-age leadership, a seasoned entrepreneur who is sculpting success and revolutionizing the IT sector in Saudi Arabia is Khalid Akhter, the Managing Director of Sundry IT Solutions.
Khalid’s journey into the world of business and technology began with a solid academic foundation. After earning his M.B.A. from Maharishi University of Management, he commenced his career through campus placement at a leading e-commerce company. This early exposure ignited his passion for the tech industry, setting the stage for an impressive professional trajectory.
Over the past 18 years, Khalid has been a driving force in establishing IT companies from scratch in Saudi Arabia. His first major venture involved the launch of an American-based firm renowned for its expertise in data centers, VMware, and Cloud solutions. He successfully launched their branch in Saudi Arabia, handling everything from obtaining legal licenses to building sales, marketing, and administrative teams, and strategically leading the company to profitably. But Khalid’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. Building on his initial achievements, he went on to establish other IT companies in the region, guiding each venture with a keen focus on strategic growth and long-term success.
The Beginning of Sundry IT Solutions
As Saudi Arabia began opening its markets for emerging entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses, it encouraged ambitious leaders like Khalid to bring bold ideas to life. Having spent years establishing and running several companies in the region, he had the experience and insight to navigate the evolving business environment. Khalid realized that Saudi businesses would soon need advanced technological solutions to remain competitive on a global scale. Robotics, Managed Services, and other cutting-edge technologies were becoming essential, and few companies were equipped to meet these rising demands. Inspired by this gap, he founded Sundry IT Solutions, a premium IT-managed services and solutions provider dedicated to empowering businesses in the region with the tools they need to thrive.
The government’s efforts to empower entrepreneurs by streamlining and simplifying the legal and administrative processes allowed Sundry IT Solutions to swiftly move from concept to reality. What began as a response to a market need has since grown into a thriving company, offering innovative services that resonate with clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “Sundry strives to be your unparalleled technology consultant whether it is setting up critical infrastructure from the ground up to managing your data centers with our customized support plans. We provide a plethora of managed IT infra support services to technology solutions that are key drivers of your business,” asserts Khalid.
Delivering Tailored IT Solutions with a Local Edge
What truly sets Sundry IT Solutions apart in the crowded landscape of IT-managed service providers is its unwavering commitment to delivering customized, strategic solutions that cater to the unique needs of each client. Sundry doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they dive deep into understanding the business, analyzing specific IT requirements, and crafting infrastructure solutions that empower growth and efficiency. “We work with customers to develop customized support plans ensuring that the services provided align with customers’ business goals and requirements,” affirms Khalid.
One of the company’s key differentiators is its deep-rooted expertise in the Saudi Arabian market. With over 18 years of experience in the Saudi Arabian market, Khalid and his team have developed an intricate understanding of local security protocols, regulatory requirements, and technical standards, which gives clients an undeniable advantage. This regional expertise empowers businesses to scale with confidence, ensuring their IT systems are both compliant with local regulations and optimized for the unique demands of the market. Beyond regional expertise, Sundry’s round-the-clock service ensures clients never face downtime. Whether it’s server maintenance, network management, or troubleshooting, Sundry’s 24/7 support allows businesses to concentrate on their priorities while their IT backbone remains secure and operational. “At sundry IT solutions, our mission is to satisfy the customer’s expectations by providing the highest quality services to all levels of companies. We act with integrity, honor our commitment, and deliver quality services within the timeline,” adds Khalid.
Fostering a Culture of Empowerment and Innovation
Khalid’s leadership approach at Sundry IT Solutions is deeply rooted in empowering his team. He believes in giving his employees the responsibility and freedom to make decisions while offering them the necessary training to craft personalized solutions that truly resonate with clients. This culture of empowerment has allowed his team to excel, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and capable of making meaningful contributions. Moreover, innovation is woven into the fabric of the company’s operations. Through strategic partnerships with global research centers, Sundry IT Solutions has introduced groundbreaking technologies, including robotics, tailored specifically for the Saudi Arabian market. This commitment to innovation is complemented by a culture of collaboration, where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but actively encouraged. “We leverage diverse perspectives by bringing together team members from different backgrounds and expertise. This diversity fuels creativity and leads to more robust and effective solutions that meet the complex needs of our clients,” shares Khalid.
Navigating Uncertainty with Strategic Foresight
When it comes to entrepreneurship, Khalid strongly advocates for the importance of meticulous planning and strategic execution. He understands that the business world is rife with risks and failures. However, he believes that by identifying market gaps, developing a detailed plan to address them, and strategically positioning oneself to fill those gaps, one can significantly reduce risks. “If you spend enough time in planning, planning to the level of minutest details and strategically implementing it by taking calculated risks then you can avoid failures to great lengths,” elucidates Khalid.
This mindset proved invaluable for his company during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic when many businesses struggled to survive. While countless startups were forced to shut down as offices closed and operations came to a halt, Khalid’s foresight allowed Sundry IT Solutions to adapt and thrive. Recognizing that even in a lockdown, businesses still required maintenance for their systems, servers, and internet connectivity, he made a calculated decision to focus on providing these essential services. His careful planning down to the minutest details, coupled with a proactive approach to risk-taking, allowed him to navigate the challenges of the pandemic with confidence.
Striking the Balance: Work, Life, and Wellbeing
Leading a global business demands a relentless schedule, long hours, extensive travel, and a lot of hard work, yet Khalid skillfully balances these challenges with a well-thought-out strategy and effective time management. He credits much of his success to his supportive family, who not only understand his vision for Sundry IT Solutions but stand by him through the highs and lows. Given his packed calendar of seminars, meetings, and frequent travel, Khalid doesn’t have the luxury of fixed days off or regular leisure time. However, he doesn’t see this as a hindrance; instead, he skillfully blends work with leisure.
By seizing opportunities to reconnect with friends and family during business trips, Khalid ensures that his time on the road isn’t just about work. He understands that true fulfillment doesn’t come from drawing strict lines between work and leisure but rather from blending the two in a way that keeps both his professional and personal life enriched. Ultimately, his ability to harmonize these diverse aspects of his life not only enhances his effectiveness as a leader but also sets a powerful example for his team, demonstrating that success is not solely defined by work achievements but by a well-rounded and fulfilling life.