Shiraz Khan is the COO of Aster Retail. ARCHIVE

In the dynamic world of business and healthcare, few leaders stand out as as Shiraz Khan, COO of Aster Retail. In an exclusive interview with Expat Media, Shiraz shares his story blending adventure with responsibility, all the while keeping family at the heart of his motivation Born and raised in the UK to immigrant parents, Shiraz's childhood was filled with curiosity and enthusiasm. “I was a chatty, fun-loving child,” he recalls, fondly reminiscing about his early days in school, surrounded by family and friends. His thirst for learning emerged early on when he taught himself to build computers, blending his love for technology with his natural problem-solving skills. "I was also really into online gaming, especially strategy games," Shiraz shares, his eyes lighting up as he speaks of those formative years. His passion for technology and strategy would later translate into the business world, where foresight and meticulous planning are essential. Shiraz also developed a love for travel during his university years, setting the stage for his global adventures. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he took a year off to travel the world, immersing himself in diverse cultures and gaining perspectives that would shape his professional journey.

New adventure in the UAE

After spending nearly three years in the UAE, Shiraz reflects on his decision to move to this fast-growing nation. "It was a decision driven by both adventure and opportunity," he says. With his children still young enough for the transition to have minimal impact on their education, Shiraz and his wife decided to embrace the UAE's vibrant culture and growing economy. “My wife and I share a love for travel, and the UAE presented us with the chance to experience a new and growth-oriented country.” Shiraz’s early days in the UAE were spent settling into his new role and ensuring everything was in place for his family’s eventual move. For Shiraz, the moments that altered his life were not about sudden epiphanies or singular events; they were about gradual realizations. “I’m motivated by the difference we make in people’s lives,” he shares. "Being in healthcare, we are in a privileged position where people trust us with their wellbeing. That responsibility gets me out of bed every morning." Shiraz’s career in the UAE took off with a focus on people and customer-centric strategies. "Success isn’t a secret," he says. "It’s about focusing on your people and customers, having a strategy that is communicated clearly." One of his proudest career moments was being awarded the CEO’s award for ‘Brand Ambassador of the Year.’ “It was such a proud moment to be recognized for embodying the spirit and values of Aster, representing the brand at the highest standards,” he recalls. Running a business, especially one with the scale and impact of Aster Retail, comes with challenges. But for Shiraz, the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. “I love visiting our stores and meeting our people. For me, that’s where the magic happens,” he says with enthusiasm. It’s in these everyday interactions that Shiraz gains insights that help him to continuously improve the business.

Inspirations and life balance

When asked about the people who inspire him, Shiraz doesn’t hesitate. “My mum and my wife,” he says, smiling. "Both of them have been pillars of strength in my life, showing resilience and grace in everything they do." Striking a work-life balance is no easy feat, but Shiraz manages it with strict discipline. “Between 7:30pm and 8:30pm on weekdays, I don’t touch my laptop. That’s my time to talk to my children about their day,” he says. “The weekend is for family time, and we always have a family holiday!” His advice for those looking to start their own ventures? “Don’t let perfection get in the way of good enough,” he says. “Sometimes, people delay projects trying to perfect them when they could already be adding value to the business.” EL/Expat Media

Top 3 advices for expats

Do your homework. Review the country, understand the culture, weigh up the costs. Speak to friends and people who are already here to get a detailed view Make the first move. If possible, move to the country first for a period of time before making the call to move the entire family over, this will also help with the ‘setup’ for when they arrive. Be open to change. Moving to a different country means you have to change too, understanding what used to work well for you may need to be tweaked! This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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