In an exclusive interview with The News on Sunday, Kanwal Cheema, a Pakistani Australian entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey from global corporations to pioneering “My Impact Meter,” a social enterprise dedicated to philanthropic impact. As its CEO, she navigates the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and social good, bringing forth a novel approach to success.
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The News on Sunday (TNS): How did your earlier experience shape your path to My Impact Meter?
Kanwal Cheema (KC): My journey has been a global odyssey. Working with Cisco and a tech startup in Silicon Valley made me realise the transformative power of technology, leading me to my passion project, My Impact Meter, a platform for social philanthropy.
TNS: What inspired the creation of My Impact Meter? How does it align with your vision of success?
KC: The inspiration came during my executive MBA and social impact studies in Sydney. I wanted a new measure of success, one based on the impact a person creates. My Impact Meter reflects this vision, emphasising a person’s Net Impact Worth.
TNS: How does your objective of creating a just and prosperous world guide your decisions?
KC: Recognising my core beliefs and aligning with a larger purpose reshaped my life. I turned down opportunities misaligned with my ultimate goal – contributing to a world where being good is profitable.
TNS: What gives you the courage to pursue such an ambitious goal?
KC: Being rooted in my theological belief and trusting in the Creator makes me feel limitless. Putting my complete trust in the Creator eradicates insecurities, allowing me to take risks and defeat the fear of failure.
TNS: The name My Impact Meter suggests a focus on impact rather than traditional metrics. How did you conceptualise this approach to success?
KC: I aimed to measure a person’s Net Impact Worth rather than just their net worth. The name reflects the desire for a new measure of success based on social impact – hence, My Impact Meter.
TNS: Can you elaborate on what My Impact Meter is and how it functions?
KC: My Impact Meter is a digital platform for social philanthropy. It’s an application where users (impactors) can donate, track their contributions and measure their impact. It’s not just about monetary donations; it’s an ecosystem connecting users, NGOs and verified beneficiaries, creating a new motivation system.
TNS: Reflecting on your global roles in tech, marketing and consulting, what key insights have you gained about people and companies?
KC: People, regardless of background, share similar experiences. The most inspiring individuals are those aiming to make an impact rather than chasing money or power.
TNS: As a female entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced? How do you navigate those?
KC: Women often face bias and judgment. Clarifying expectations upfront and challenging unethical assumptions has been my approach, along with fostering a supportive environment for women in tech.
TNS: You are the president of OPEN Lahore, connecting startups from Pakistan with global mentors. How does OPEN contribute to entrepreneurship in the social impact sector?
KC: OPEN facilitates global connections, providing opportunities for startups in Pakistan. Initiatives like OPEN Startup Connect bridge gaps between Pakistani entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley, fostering innovation and social impact.
TNS: Your company, Alplaar Consulting, funds My Impact Meter. How successful has it been in business-to-business sales and marketing strategy?
KC: Alplaar Consulting provides consultancy services to multinationals and tech startups, enabling B2B sales strategies and global channel programmes. Its success supports the impactful mission of My Impact Meter.
TNS: How do you leverage your membership of the CEO Clubs Worldwide? What contributions do you plan for the future?
KC: CEO Clubs Worldwide is a platform for global networking and business opportunities. I aim to contribute to the network in Pakistan and the region, fostering collaboration and growth.
TNS: Is there a specific project in the IT sector you’d like to create aside from My Impact Meter?
KC: Currently, My Impact Meter is my passion. If it is successful, it will digitise charity and establish a motivation system based on impact. This aligns with my ultimate goal of creating a just and prosperous world.
TNS: What are thoughts on challenges for Pakistan’s economic growth, especially in the IT sector?
KC: Inconsistent policies, foreign exchange issues and bureaucratic approaches are hindering progress in the IT sector. A supportive environment and consistent policies are crucial for innovation and growth.
The writer is a journalist based in Lahore. He reports on politics, economy and militancy. He can be reached on X at @Hassannaqvi5
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