GrowthChapters

GrowthChapters is a personal growth platform I founded to help early and mid-career professionals (ages 21–45) overcome career confusion, improve communication, and build confidence  | one chapter at a time.

Through weekly content, I share practical insights and mindset shifts across:

– Career clarity
– Communication skills
– Interview prep & workplace visibility
– Financial awareness for professionals
– Self-leadership and confidence-building

My goal is to create the kind of guidance I wish I had earlier, rooted in real experience, not theory.

Today, GrowthChapters is growing as a learning platform with posts, reels, and content across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube with future plans for coaching, micro-courses, and live sessions.

📌 For professionals feeling stuck, overlooked, or unclear GrowthChapters helps you grow without guesswork.

Founder

Confidential

REVENUE 2024 | Rs. 62B - USD 450M

In this role, I have led a high-performing team and managed a multi-million dollar supply chain for one of Pakistan's largest textile and footwear brands. I developed my leadership and strategic communication skills by:

-  Implementing a supply chain visibility strategy that improved forecast accuracy, optimized inventory management, and reduced carrying costs.

-  Leading monthly demand review meetings to drive integrated business planning and align cross-functional teams on operational goals.

-  Developing a long-term strategic plan, presenting it to the CEO, and advocating for investments that ensured financial stability and future growth.

-  Building a holistic approach to profitability by highlighting the value of operational efficiency and international best practices.

This experience taught me that true leadership isn't just about managing processes; it's about building clarity and alignment within teams—a key lesson that later inspired the creation of GrowthChapters.

HOD | Production Planning | Supply Chain & Inventory Management | Special Projects

Service Global Footwear Ltd.

When I joined this role, the footwear division was struggling with production delays and order fulfillment errors due to limited visibility and planning. I was able to lead a turnaround by:

• Reorganizing the planning department and restructuring production capacities to better align with operational needs.

• Improving demand and supply planning processes, which led to a 

• 24% increase in on-time deliveries.

• Revamping an underperforming team through structured processes and enhanced collaboration.

• Developing a strategic plan that included capacity booking visibility and price adjustments to improve profitability and align with business goals.

This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and strategic planning in transforming a struggling team into a high-performing one. It solidified my belief that a lack of clarity is often the biggest hurdle to success—a core idea behind GrowthChapters.

HOD Central Planning

Masood Textile Mills Limited

During my tenure at this premier knitwear-oriented exporting company, I was responsible for planning and production for clients like JC Penny, Tommy Hilfiger, and Izod. In this role, I developed my leadership and management skills by:

- Collaborating across departments (Material Management, Knitting, Processing, etc.) to resolve production and quality issues and ensure timely order closure.

- Analyzing requirements and planning operational capacity to ensure timely execution.

- Focusing on team building and retaining junior staff within the PPC department.

- Expanding the PPC team to effectively plan orders for new, major clients.

This experience provided the foundational understanding of how to manage complex projects, lead a team effectively, and build a culture of collaboration—all of which are essential for the self-leadership and career growth principles I now teach through GrowthChapters.

Deputy Manager - PPC

Fashion Pride (Pvt.) Ltd. 

In this role, I led seasonal developments and managed order sampling for international clients like American Eagle and Aeropostale. This experience was crucial for developing my skills in:

-  Strategic Communication and Negotiation: I was responsible for handling customer inquiries and obtaining pricing and commitment approvals from management.

-  Proactive Planning and Execution: I reviewed cost sheets, monitored production capacity before making commitments, and created production schedules. I also tracked daily production status against the plan and communicated delays to the General Manager promptly.

-  Problem-Solving and Project Management: This role involved leading the development process from start to finish, which taught me how to manage a project effectively and stay on top of all moving parts.

This early career experience in merchandising gave me a foundational understanding of the importance of clear communication, strategic planning, and consistent follow-up—all of which are essential principles for career success and growth.

Sr. Merchandiser

If you're in your 20s, 30s,  even early 40s and your career feels “fine” but not fulfilling, you're not alone.

I’ve spent over 15 years leading Planning & Supply Chain Strategy for some of Pakistan’s largest textile and footwear brands. But along the way, I realized:

🚫 Hard work doesn’t guarantee progress
🚫 Degrees don’t guarantee direction
🚫 And talented people often stay stuck, not because they lack skill, but because they lack clarity

That’s why I created GrowthChapters a platform to help professionals (ages 21–45) move:

From confusion → to career clarity

From silence → to confident communication

From “just working” → to growing intentionally

I share 4 posts weekly to help you grow in:

-   Career mindset & direction
-   Communication & storytelling
-   Interview skills & career transitions
-   Self-leadership & workplace confidence
-   Financial planning for professionals

Whether you're early in your career or navigating a mid-career pause, GrowthChapters is here to help you rewrite your story — with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

📌 Follow for weekly insights
📬 DM to collaborate, share your story, or just say hi

Let’s grow | one chapter at a time.

By 1pm last Saturday, I had already:

- Walked in the park near my house
- Had tea (chai) with friends at the dhaba
- Played a quick tennis ball cricket match with my kids
- Shared parathas with family
- Read chapter 3 of a "Atomic Habits"

10 years ago, this would’ve been impossible.

Back then, weekends were buried in:

- Chasing promotions
- Endless Excel sheets
- Checking emails at midnight
- Proving I was “busy” so I looked successful

What changed? → Career Clarity.

I stopped running blindly and asked myself 3 tough questions:

1-  What do I actually want from my career (beyond titles and pay)?
2-  Am I stuck repeating tasks, or actually growing new capabilities?
3-  Does my current work align with the life I want outside the office?

These questions reset my career path. 

They helped me move from chaos → clarity.

If you had to answer just one of these today, which would it be? 
Comment your answer, it might help someone else too.

#CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetShift #CommunicationSkills #CareerClarity #ProfessionalGrowth #FutureOfWork #FMCG #Telecom #Banking


📅 I post Monday to Saturday at 8:30 AM PKT
🎯 Topics: Career Growth | Communication | Mindset | Financial Tips
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Kashif Riaz

Career Coach | Communication, Career Strategy, Interview Prep & Financial Planning | I Help Professionals (21–45) Gain Clarity & Land Roles 2x Faster

This was around 25 years back when a startup in print media offered me a role I thought was perfect.

That was among country's leading brand.
 Excited, I said yes immediately, without thinking much.

The first few weeks were… tough.

-  Tasks weren’t aligned with my strengths.
-  The team dynamics were draining.
-  Deadlines felt impossible, and I felt stretched thin.

I kept telling myself: “It’s okay. I’ll figure it out. I said yes, I have to make it work.”

But slowly, I realized that saying yes too quickly had cost me clarity, energy, and focus.

I once saw in a talk by Adam Grant:
"Sometimes, saying no is the most powerful yes you can give, to yourself and your growth."

It costs me 3 years. 

I took a step back. 

I assessed what truly mattered: my skills, my goals, and the kind of work that would move me forward.

I totally changed my field. 
That was risky again.

But the results over the next 3 years were remarkable:

✅ I regained focus and clarity about my strengths.
✅ I was delivering higher-quality work, faster.
✅ My confidence in making decisions increased.
✅ I had more energy and excitement to keep learning.

Here’s what anyone can learn when tempted to say yes too quickly:

1-   Pause before agreeing—don’t rush into commitments.
2-  Check alignment with your goals—does this move you forward?
3-  Assess your capacity—energy and time are finite.
4-  Communicate respectfully—it’s okay to say no thoughtfully.
5-  Prioritize growth—say yes only to the right opportunities.

Saying no to the wrong yes doesn’t close doors, it opens the right ones.

👉 Before your next commitment, ask yourself: “Will this move me closer to my goals, or just fill my plate?”

#CareerClarity #ProfessionalGrowth #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #DecisionMaking #Confidence #CareerTips #FutureOfWork #GrowthChapters #CommunicationSkills

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A young professional came to me recently for advice.
She wanted to switch jobs, but something was stopping her.

“What if I fail?” she asked quietly.

That question had kept her stuck for months.

I asked, “Why do you want to switch?”

She paused. “I’m not unhappy… I’m just unfulfilled. But every time I think about change, fear hits hard.
What if I regret it?
What if I earn less?
What will people say?”

I told her 
You don’t need guarantees.
You need clarity.

Stop chasing certainty and start chasing alignment.
When you work on clarity, fear loses its power.

Because fear doesn’t vanish when you get answers.
It fades when you take action.

If your career feels like it’s shrinking your potential,
maybe it’s time to stop asking “What if it fails?”
and start asking “What if it works?”

You don’t have to burn bridges.
 Just build the next one, with courage and clarity.

#CareerGrowth #CareerChange #MindsetMatters #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerAdvice #FMCG #Telecom #Banking #HR #Tech #Leadership

📅 I post Monday to Saturday at 8:30 AM PKT
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He was sitting in front of me, telling his journey.
Three months ago, when he joined the company, things were in deep trouble:

-  Orders were stuck. 
-  Business was unclear. 
-  Customers were annoyed and unhappy. 
-  The company was in a critical position.

He was afraid.
"Did I make a mistake?"
“Can I really do this?”

The first few weeks were harder than he expected.
-  Sleepless nights.
-  Doubts started coming.
-  But he didn’t give up.

He made a few strategies, aligned his team, revamped processes, and things started moving on track.

Three months in, he has:
▪️  More clarity about his strengths
▪️  Greater confidence in his decisions
▪️  Excitement to keep learning

But three months earlier, when he first came to me for guidance, he had just decided to quit his stable job.
Nervous. Unsure if he was ready.

I told him: 
GROWTH DOESN'T COME FROM COMFORT.
It comes from stepping into uncertainty and learning along the way.

He looked up, a spark of determination in his eyes, and said:
"I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready to do whatever it takes to grow."

I was amazed at how brave and committed he was.

That moment reminded me that 
courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite fear.

And three months later, the results spoke for themselves

→  Orders were back on track, business was moving smoothly.
→  He had more clarity about his strengths.
→  Confidence in his decisions had grown significantly.
→  Excitement to keep learning every day.

And for anyone taking a leap, whether switching careers, starting a business, or tackling something new, here’s what those 90 days taught

1-  Plan, but don’t overplan – Action beats perfection.
2-  Celebrate small wins – They fuel confidence.
3-  Build your network – Connections open doors.
4-  Be patient with yourself – Progress takes time.

👉 If you’ve ever considered a career change, what’s holding you back today?

#CareerChange #ProfessionalGrowth #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #Confidence #CareerTips #PersonalGrowth #GrowthChapters #CareerClarity

📅 I post Monday to Saturday at 8:30 AM PKT
🎯 Topics: Career Growth | Communication | Mindset | Financial Tips
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It was 15 years ago.
My wife was expecting our baby.

We were on her routine checkup when the doctor told me
“There’s a complication. We need to operate immediately.”

It was am emergency.
A bill I never saw coming.
And I wasn’t ready.

No savings. No backup. No safety net.

That night, I had no choice but to call a friend and borrowed money to bear the hospitalization.  

It took me several months to repay that money.

It was painful, 
not just financially, 
but emotionally.

I promised myself: NEVER AGAIN

That’s when I discovered the power of an Emergency Fund.

Here’s how I built mine (from zero):

1-  Start Small — even Rs. 500 a week builds momentum.
2-  Automate It — transfer right after payday into a separate account.
3-  Aim for 3 Months — cover rent, groceries, utilities at minimum.
4-  Keep It Liquid — savings account, not risky investments.

This single habit gave me something I never had before: 
FINANCIAL PEACE.

And financial peace creates room for career growth, confidence, and better decisions.

👉 If you had to start today, what’s the first expense you’d want your emergency fund to cover?

#FinancialPlanning #MoneyTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #MindsetShift #Banking #Telecom #FMCG

📅 I post Monday to Saturday at 8:30 AM PKT
🎯 Topics: Career Growth | Communication | Mindset | Financial Tips
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At 10:15 AM, I arrived at the office for the interview. 
There were around 15 guys already in the waiting room, well-dressed, sharp, confident.
I felt underqualified and undervalued.

I was called in by one of the top companies.
I sat quietly, flipping through “How to Answer the 64 Toughest Interview Questions”, trying to memorize every line.

I kept thinking:
"I have to impress them. I must be perfect."

That pressure made me nervous, stumble, and overthink.

When the interview started, I blanked on the very first question.
My heart raced. My palms were sweaty.
All those pages I had read suddenly felt useless.

Then I remembered a video watched by Ali Abdaal
"Go in thinking: you’re here to learn and share, not just to be judged."

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for 2 seconds, and reminded myself of one key story I wanted to share.

I smiled and answered honestly.
Instead of a  rehearsed script, I shared my real experiences.

By the end, the room felt less daunting.
I realized interviews weren’t exams, they were infact conversations.

Just a small mindset shift, and a few easy pre-interview steps completely changed the experience.

👉 Before your next interview, what one thought or micro-action could make you feel calmer and more confident?

#InterviewTips #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #ProfessionalDevelopment #Confidence #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #FutureOfWork #Banking #FMCG #GrowthChapters

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I still remember the thrill of receiving my first credit card.
It felt like I had finally discovered something big in life.

-  That evening, I went to the bazaar and bought a DVD player.
-  The next day: sweaters from a top brand.
-  The day after: a $100 pair of shoes.
-  By the fourth day, I had touched the highest limit of my card.

Each swipe felt like freedom… until reality hit.

It felt satisfying… but it was a trap.

A few days later, the bill arrived.
It was nearly equal to my entire monthly salary.

My boss noticed the amount and said:
"You could never repay this bill."

I confidently replied, "No problem, Sir, I will pay it off like this."

I was wrong.

I had stepped into a vicious financial cycle.
I used a second credit card and a personal loan just to cover the first debts

It took me 4 years to recover, learn, and finally break free.

That experience taught me the value of a Money Map, a simple framework to manage your finances in your 20s and 30s:

1-  Emergency Fund First – Cover 3–6 months of essentials.
2-  Debt Control – Pay off high-interest loans before splurging.
3-  Invest Early – Even small amounts grow over time.
4-  Insurance & Safety Net – Protect yourself before big risks.
5-  Lifestyle Spending – Enjoy life, but within limits.

This map gave me something I never had before: financial clarity and peace of mind.

It’s not about how much you earn, it’s about how wisely you manage it.

If you could start today, which step would you take first?

#FinancialPlanning #MoneyTips #WealthGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #LeadershipDevelopment #Banking #FMCG #GrowthChapters

📅 I post Monday to Saturday at 8:30 AM PKT
🎯 Topics: Career Growth | Communication | Mindset | Financial Tips
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I was 18, sitting in the second last row of my graduation class. 
Our lecturer asked, 
I need a volunteer.

"Who wants to give a presentation next week on the topic we just covered?"

Complete silence. 
No one raised a hand. 
The lecturer looked around, puzzled.

All the class turned back to see who is that, when I raised my hand. 
That was me, breaking the ice. 
The lecturer smiled, praised me, and selected me. 

I was excited… and terrified.

Over the next week, I prepared like never before. 
I made diagrams, wrote key points on the page, practiced in front of the mirror, and rehearsed in the class after off time. 
Worked on each sentence until it felt natural. 

Presentation day arrived. 
My name was called. 
Students clapped. 
I walked to the podium.

Faces everywhere, it feels, none is familiar. 
My heart raced. 
I glanced at my notes… blank. 

The first sentence vanished.

I took a deep breath, picked up the marker, and wrote one simple sentence on the board. 
Then I returned to the podium, looked at my notes again, remembered the first line, and started speaking.

I explained my diagram, 
shared my points, and for 30 minutes, 
everything clicked. 

I finished, said thanks, and walked back.

The lecturer came forward and said to me  
“Never close a presentation without inviting questions.”
and look to the student
"anyone has a question"

Six hands raised. 

Nervous again, 
I returned to the podium. 

First question: 
“Why are your hands shaking, man?” 

I smiled, 
“Come to the stage, bro
I hope your legs will shake too.”

I gained confidence that day. 
I realized I could connect with everyone. 

What terrified me when I first walked to the podium became a moment of control. 

I could guide the discussion and respond without freezing. 
That small victory changed how I saw myself as a communicator.

If you’ve ever felt the fear of speaking on stage, preparation is everything. 

Break your content into key points, practice, and have a small trick to regain focus when nerves hit.

This is what I do before any presentation.

1-  Know my audience:   Tailor my message as per the audiance.
2-  Focus on my message:   Keep it clear and relevant.
3-  Mind the context:   Speak to fit the situation.
4-  Listen actively:   Understand meaning and emotion, not just words.

Every great communicator starts small, with one brave step forward.

#CommunicationSkills #CareerGrowth #LeadershipTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #PublicSpeaking #EffectiveCommunication #GrowthChapters #Confidence #Teamwork #CareerClarity

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It was the 20th of the month.

Salary came in two weeks ago… and somehow, it was already gone.

Bills, groceries, small treats, everything felt “necessary.”
By mid-month, I was waiting for the next payday.

I wasn’t trying to get rich.
I just wanted to stop feeling broke, despite working hard.

I wasn’t bad at earning.
I was bad at managing.

I needed a simple system, one that could end the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

One evening, while watching a short video by #AnkurWarikoo, he explained the 50-30-20 rule in the simplest way.

It clicked instantly. So I gave it a try:

50% → Needs
30% → Wants
20% → Savings

Let’s say your monthly income is Rs. 100,000:
Rs. 50,000 → Rent, bills, groceries
Rs. 30,000 → Dining, subscriptions, small joys
Rs. 20,000 → Savings, investments

Simple math. Serious impact.

No complicated apps. No guilt-driven spreadsheets.
Just clear numbers that finally made sense.

Within two months, my mindset shifted.
I stopped feeling guilty for spending, because it was planned.
And I started feeling proud of saving, because it finally happened consistently.

Money peace isn’t about earning more.
It’s about telling every rupee where to go before it disappears.

Try it next month, you’ll be surprised how light financial control can feel.

#FinancialPlanning #MoneyManagement #CareerGrowth #MindsetMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #FMCG #Telecom #Banking #HR #Tech #Leadership

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I undersold myself ... twice.
Both times, I thought, “If I just get into the company, I’ll work hard, prove myself, and things will get better over time.”
I was wrong both times.

I still remember my third serious salary negotiation.
I was sitting across the table from the HR manager at one of the top companies.
Excited to have cleared the interviews, but nervous too.

When she asked, “What are your expectations?”, my heart raced.
I had prepared numbers, reasons, everything… but instinctively, I almost spoke the first figure that came to mind.
Then I stopped, took a deep breath, and replied:

"Based on my experience and skills, I’m confident I can make a meaningful contribution to your company. I researched the typical salary range for this role, which is $110,000 to $135,000. Considering my past achievements and the value I can bring, I believe $135,000 reflects my worth. I understand this needs to work for both sides, so I would be comfortable with $130,000."

She nodded, smiled politely, and paused.
That moment felt like forever.
I panicked: “Did I do something wrong? Did I ask for too much?”

Then I remembered something I learned from Chris Voss:
"Silence is your secret weapon. Don’t rush. Let them speak first."

A few moments later, she leaned in and said:
"Actually, given your experience, we can go with your numbers."

That single pause changed the outcome of the negotiation completely.
I walked out with more than I expected, feeling confident and respected.

Here are 5 simple tips for better salary negotiations:

1-   Know the average salary for your job before the interview.
2-   Consider the company’s financial situation.
3-  Remind them of your value during the discussion.
4-  Know the salary you want and your minimum.
5-  Aim for a win-win—both you and the company should feel good.

Being thoughtful and strategic, preparing well, pausing instead of rushing, can completely change the outcome.

👉 Before your next negotiation, what’s one small action you can take to stay calm and get the value you deserve?

#SalaryNegotiation #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #ProfessionalDevelopment #Confidence #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunicationSkills #FutureOfWork #Banking #FMCG #GrowthChapters

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My first salary was just $85 per month.
My second job gave me $100 per month
Third $150 per month and
Then: $250

Years later, I reached $5,000 per month.

But here’s the truth:
every time my salary grew, my expenses grew too.

👉 The result? Zero financial freedom.

It took me years to realize
earning more doesn’t mean building wealth.

Your first salary may feel small,
but it’s the most important moment to build habits that last.

Because if you don’t manage $85 well,
you won’t magically manage $5,000 either.

When I finally learned,
I used these 3 moves to secure my future:

1-  Save First, Spend Later
      Even 10–20% is enough to start. Build the habit.

2-  Invest in Yourself
      Skills and knowledge compound faster than money in a bank.

3-  Protect Your Independence
      An emergency fund, even a small one, gives freedom and peace of mind.

Each one has a specific role.

Financial freedom doesn’t come from the size of your paycheck.
It comes from discipline, planning, and small consistent choices.

Your first salary is not about the amount
it’s about the habits you build from day one.

#FinancialFreedom #CareerGrowth #MoneyHabits #SavingsTips #GrowthChapters #ProfessionalDevelopment #FinancialPlanning #InvestInYourself #PersonalFinance #CareerClarity #WealthBuilding #YoungProfessionals #FuturePlanning

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