By day Adnan Nalwala is the executive director of Akar Technical Services, a landscaping and electromechanical company, and Al Ansari Group of Companies, an Oman-based construction and trading company. But by night he is a stand-up comedian, a second career he launched nearly seven years ago, during which he has performed across the Middle East and India. Born in Oman and raised by Indian parents, the 36-year-old has lived in eight countries.
How do you spend your weekend?
I am an avid sports and fitness enthusiast and particularly fond of cricket, tennis and squash. This year I completed a marathon, the Triyas triathlon and the Spartan race. I also enjoy reading self-improvement and management books. My biggest passion, however, is stand-up comedy. I have been a part of over 50 professional stand-up acts. I have headlined gigs across the GCC and have even performed at the Comedy Store and Canvas Laugh Factory in Mumbai, India.
How did you become an executive director?
I have been very fortunate to have landed this position. My father Yusuf Nalwala started Akar 20 years, a landscaping and electromechanical company. My father is currently the managing director of Al Ansari. Our business in Oman does construction and trading of building materials. I have been a part of the business for over 12 years, however after completing my MBA from Boston University I did work in a consultancy firm that specialised in turnaround management and restructuring for two years.
What is your go-to gadget?
I generally get on my iPhone and catch up on all my reading – mostly news, current trends and in-depth articles.
What was the lowest point of your career?
As a contractor I think the worst phase we went through was in 2008 and 2009 in Dubai. The entire market tanked and we had to take severe steps to endure that phase. However, we sailed through. UAE and Oman have come long strides since that economic crisis, and their sturdy stability in 2016 is proof of those learnings.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
Have a financial runway for three years at least. Most entrepreneurs have runways for only six months and that’s when the business runs out of gas. Starting a business is like running a marathon, not a sprint. You need to able to last the long haul and it takes time to build a brand and understand the business cycle. If you don’t have the cash flow sorted for at least three years, your business will in all probability experience a roadblock.
Get a value-add investor on board. Don’t just partner with equity with investors that are giving money to own your business. They must bring something to the table in terms of a client base or good team members who will execute. Also, unless your business is specially creating a demand, have access to a client base that will be willing to give you work from day one. Most entrepreneurs think of this after the business is set up; that is generally too late. Lastly build a good team. It is nearly impossible for a single person to do everything, which is why a good business is also called a “company”.
What is your most indulgent habit?
I spend a lot of time on comedy (after work of course). I like to watch it not just because of the laughter factor but also to learn and become a better comedian.
What do you have on your desk at work?
The book I am reading, a picture of my family and of course my laptop.
What can’t you live without?
My family. My entire family has a great sense of humour and they are all very successful people. My father is vice-chairman of the Oman society of contractors and the managing director of Al Ansari, one of the leading construction firms in Oman. My mother has unbelievable impersonation skills and a great sense of humour. My three brothers are all entrepreneurs and have an incredible sense of humour – they are my best friends rather than siblings.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Stand-up comedy has been a huge enabler in balancing my life. A good sense of humour helps in the highly-strung corporate world; when you bring in a joke it lightens the mood and breaks the ice. Also it helps when things go wrong. It is impossible for everyone to deliver and if your senior management is going through a tough time, cracking a few jokes lifts spirits. A good sense of humour also helps retain talent. Everyone looks up to a boss who is smart, but they tend to love you if you have a sense of humour. Being physically fit and participating in events like marathons and triathlons is also important. The training not only helps me stay fit physically, but also helps with building discipline and time management.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be and why?
This is a bit tricky as I am the owner of my own business and truly proud of it. However, if I could swap, I would be the chief executive of Walt Disney. I could put my business acumen to use and also my creative side.
ascott@thenational.ae
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