11/50 Personalities: Imran Aftab – Founder & CEO of 10Pearls

 

Introduction

Imran Aftab, the visionary co-founder and CEO of 10Pearls, has led the company from humble beginnings to a global leader in digital transformation. Founded in his mother’s kitchen, 10Pearls now boasts over 1,400 employees and offices spanning four continents. Aftab’s dedication to balancing business growth with social responsibility has not only propelled 10Pearls to success but also earned him accolades as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Imran Aftab’s journey—from his early career in investment banking to his leadership of one of the most respected digital transformation companies in the world.

Background & Bio

Imran Aftab’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured early in life, but it was his experience in the corporate world that set the foundation for his success. Aftab earned his MS in Chemical Physics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and his BA in Chemistry from Bard College. His early career included stints as an investment banking analyst at JP Morgan Chase, followed by a role at MicroStrategy, where he led product management for industry-specific business applications.

But it was his role as the Director of Global Outsourcing at AOL-Time Warner where Aftab honed his leadership and strategic skills. Managing over $150 million in annual spend across 10 countries, he was able to drive significant organizational efficiencies and transformation, experiences that would later inform his work at 10Pearls.

Founding 10Pearls

In 2004, Aftab co-founded 10Pearls with the vision of helping businesses innovate, digitalize, and scale in the ever-evolving tech landscape. What started in his mother’s kitchen has grown into a global organization, recognized for its customer excellence and commitment to social responsibility.

10Pearls specializes in digital transformation, offering services such as mobile app development, web development, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. The company's focus on delivering innovative solutions has led to impressive growth. For five consecutive years, 10Pearls has made it to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. and has been featured on the Financial Times list of fastest-growing companies as well.

Awards & Recognitions

Imran’s leadership and the company’s achievements have garnered significant attention. Notably:

• 10Pearls has been recognized on the CRN Solutions Provider 500 List and has received multiple mentions by advisory firms like Gartner and Forrester for its digital experience expertise.
• In 2022, Imran Aftab was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Mid-Atlantic Award.
• The Washingtonian named him a “Tech Titan” for his resilience and innovation in the tech space, especially during challenging times.
• Aftab was also featured in Washingtonian’s Tech Titans list alongside other notable entrepreneurs, cementing his place as a key player in the technology sector.

Vision for 10Pearls: Purpose, Profits, and People

Imran’s philosophy is centered around purpose, profits, and people. At 10Pearls, the aim is not just financial growth but to make a meaningful social impact. This vision extends beyond the workplace and into the broader community.

In 2017, Imran founded the Empower Foundation, a charitable initiative that works toward creating opportunities for youth, empowering women, and supporting communities across the countries where 10Pearls operates. The company’s commitment to social responsibility has earned it recognition such as the Social Impact Eagle Award by WBJ.

Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Aftab’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. Under his leadership, 10Pearls has scaled rapidly, driven by a commitment to client satisfaction, cutting-edge technology, and a people-centric culture.

Imran is also an advocate for tech entrepreneurship and often dabbles in angel investing, particularly in socially impactful tech startups. His work with companies that focus on solving complex global challenges underscores his commitment to positive change.

Corporate Leadership & Recognition

Imran's leadership is not just about business growth; it’s also about developing a company culture that emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and ethical responsibility. As a member of both the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Mindshare Entrepreneur Network, Aftab has built a network of like-minded individuals who share a commitment to fostering innovation and creating value for communities.

Imran’s contributions to the tech and business worlds have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation, as evidenced by his inclusion in various prestigious lists.

Corporate Philosophy and Social Responsibility

One of the hallmarks of Aftab’s leadership at 10Pearls is his emphasis on a double bottom line approach—where social impact is just as important as business profits. 10Pearls is a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and has made significant investments in improving communities, especially in areas where the company operates. Their Empower Foundation is an example of how businesses can give back to society by providing educational opportunities and empowering underrepresented groups.

Imran Aftab’s journey from a small startup to a globally recognized digital transformation leader is a testament to the power of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. Under his guidance, 10Pearls has emerged as a leader in the tech space, known for its cutting-edge solutions and a strong focus on making a positive impact.

As Aftab continues to lead 10Pearls to new heights, his entrepreneurial vision and commitment to social change will continue to inspire both aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders. Imran Aftab is a powerful example of how one can build a successful business while staying true to their values and purpose.