A Fresh Start for Pakistan’s Youth: Introducing Lead.pk
Hello there! If you’re a young Pakistani with big dreams, searching for something genuine, this is for you. My name is Gulfam Mustafa, and I’m excited to launch Lead.pk, a blog created especially for the youth of Pakistan. This isn’t a distant, complicated website—it’s a space for students worried about their future, young professionals working hard to get ahead, and anyone with a business idea jotted down on a scrap of paper. We’ll cover topics like education, careers, startups, entrepreneurship, finance, fintech, and personal and professional growth. Plus, I’m starting LeadCast, a podcast to connect with you in a real, honest way. So, take a seat, and let’s talk about why this matters, who I am, and what’s ahead.
Why I Launched Lead.pk
Pakistan is bursting with talent—I’ve seen it everywhere, from small villages to busy cities. You’re ready to make your mark on the world, but it can feel like no one’s showing you how. I’ve been in your shoes, searching online for advice that didn’t quite fit our lives here. That’s why I created Lead.pk. With 16 years of experience in the development sector—full of mistakes, lessons, and successes—I’ve got insights to share. My goal is to give you what I didn’t have: a clear, practical guide that understands Pakistan and understands you.
Who Am I?
I’m Gulfam Mustafa, just an ordinary person who’s taken a few interesting turns in life. Sixteen years ago, I started at a small NGO in Pakistan, working closely with communities as a Monitoring & Evaluation Manager and later a Project Manager. I loved it—and still do. After moving to Islamabad, I briefly tried advertising as a Creative Manager, but it wasn’t for me. Next, I joined an Islamic charity, focusing on partnerships and fundraising, which opened new doors. Three years later, I co-founded a consulting firm, collaborating with NGOs and international organisations on evaluations and training. I then worked with Action Against Hunger (ACF) as a Partnerships Officer for two years before heading to Guinea-Bissau with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Partnerships Specialist. Back in Pakistan, I joined Better Cotton as Regional Partnerships Coordinator—travelling to places like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey—before landing my current role with UNICEF Pakistan as a Private Sector Partnerships Specialist. I hold an MS in Project Management from SZABIST and an MBA in Marketing from Virtual University.
Why share this? Because I’ve been that unsure 20-something too, and every step of my journey has taught me something I believe can help you.
What’s Motivating Me?
Over the years, I’ve worked with communities, organisations, and young people like you. One thing stands out: knowledge is powerful, but only if you can access it. Too many of us miss out—not because we lack ability, but because no one’s guiding us. I’ve had mentors, fortunate opportunities, and tough moments that shaped me, and now I want to pass that on. Lead.pk and LeadCast are my way of saying, “You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.” This is personal—I believe in our potential.
What’s Lead.pk All About?
This blog is here to support you with practical, relatable content:
- Education: Which degrees or skills can land you a job in Pakistan.
- Careers: Tips to enter exciting fields like development or marketing.
- Startups: How to turn your ideas into reality, including funding and growth.
- Finance & Fintech: Simple money tips and why Pakistan’s fintech rise matters to you.
- Growth: Ways to recover from setbacks and improve, at work and in life.
I’ll draw from my experiences—like launching a consulting firm or working with UNDP—and share stories of young Pakistanis succeeding out there. You’ll also get free resources, like CV templates and fundraising advice.
What’s LeadCast?
LeadCast is like a casual chat with me, Gulfam, and some inspiring guests—startup founders, development experts, or young people who’ve faced what you’re facing. We’ll cover topics like “What Guinea-Bissau Taught Me About Survival” or “The Truth About Entrepreneurship in Pakistan.” It’s a mix of stories, advice, and maybe a laugh or two—perfect for your morning walk or late-night thoughts.
How Will This Help You?
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Inspiration: My ups and downs, plus others’ successes, to motivate you.
- Skills: Clear breakdowns of tricky topics like fundraising or fintech.
- Confidence: Tools and encouragement to pursue your goals, in Pakistan or beyond.
- Community: A place to connect, ask questions, and grow together.
For example, if you’re unsure about a career, I’ll explain how my MS helped me move forward and which paths are in demand here. Dreaming of a startup? I’ll share fundraising tips from my UNICEF work. It’s real, tested advice—not empty words.
What’s Next?
- Fresh Content: Blogs and podcasts starting today—1 April 2025.
- Honest Chats: Simple language, straight from me, with a Pakistani twist.
- Your Input: Send me your questions—I’ll answer them here or on LeadCast.
- Our Perspective: Global insights from my travels, tailored to our local hustle.
Let’s Build This Together
Lead.pk isn’t just mine—it’s ours. I want you to see yourself in these stories and feel ready for what’s next. Stick with me, tune into LeadCast, and let’s make it happen. Tell me what you’d like to read or hear—I’m all ears.
Here’s to finding our path, together. Welcome aboard!
