Zakir Hussain is an excellent practitioner of the art and craft of management. The CEO of BD Software Distribution has built a successful business by applying management solutions to day-to-day problems. His business management mantras, in particular, tackle each problem with the right solution in a logical and step-by-step manner. No wonder, his Mahape, Navi Mumbai-based company is one of India’s leading value-added distributors of cybersecurity and IT infrastructure solutions. Sharmila Chand meets Mr Hussain and is impressed with the way his management principles and theories are seamlessly infused into running his business.

Your five management mantras

·         Have a clear vision so that everyone knows the direction.

·         Trust your team and give them the confidence to perform.

·         Communicate clearly and openly to avoid confusion.

·         Lead with honesty and take responsibility.

·         Build long-term relationships for sustainable growth.

A game that helps your career
I often compare my work to playing card games. They teach you how to think calmly, judge risks wisely and read situations carefully. You do not choose the cards you are dealt, but you can choose how you play them. They build patience, smart planning, resilience and the ability to make the most of every opportunity.

The turning point in your career life
A real turning point in my career came when I accepted the responsibility to lead and launch BD Software. That responsibility felt bigger than anything I had experienced at the time. There was no room to depend on others for decisions, and the outcomes were directly linked to my actions. That phase tested me, but it also built my confidence, sharpened my judgment and helped me grow into a more responsible and strategic professional.

The secret of your success
If I have to share the secret behind my success, it would be simple habits practised every day. I stay consistent with my efforts, keep learning from experiences and remain focused on my goals. I value discipline and relationships, adapt when situations change and try to act with honesty. Over time, steady effort makes a real difference. I am not afraid of changes.

Your philosophy of work
I believe in giving my complete commitment to whatever responsibility I take up. For me, work is about being honest in actions, staying accountable and delivering results rather than just staying busy. I value teamwork, mutual respect and practical learning from everyday experiences. Consistent effort and the right mindset eventually lead to steady and meaningful growth.

A person you admire
Charlie Chaplin. Charlie Chaplin taught the world that you do not need many words to make a powerful impact — sometimes actions and authenticity speak louder than speeches. Despite growing up in extreme poverty, Mr Chaplin turned the struggle into creativity and pain into laughter for millions. His life reminds us that adversity is not a limitation; it can become the foundation of greatness. Mr Chaplin proved that true leadership is the ability to connect with people’s hearts, not just their minds. In a world full of noise, Charlie Chaplin built a legacy using silence, expression and emotion. He showed us that humour is not just entertainment. It is strength, resilience and a powerful way to face life’s challenges. As Mr Chaplin used to say, “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up but a comedy in long-shot.”

The best advice you got
One piece of advice that truly stayed with me was to concentrate only on things within my control. Instead of worrying about results or outside situations, I learnt to focus on my preparation, effort and attitude. This approach has helped me stay calm under pressure, perform better and handle challenges with greater confidence and balance.

Your favourite books
I have a few. I do not like to read books fully, though, but pages which are of interest.  Die Empty by Todd Henry is one of my favourite books. It is powerful because it reminds us not to carry our best ideas, talents and creativity to the grave. It encourages us to use our abilities fully, contribute meaningfully and give our best to the world while we still have the chance.

Your fitness regime
I keep my fitness routine practical and manageable. I begin the day with some stretching and a brisk walk to stay active. A few days a week, I add light strength exercises to maintain stamina. I prefer simple, home-cooked food, drink enough water and make sure that I get proper rest. Staying regular is what makes the difference. I travel a lot to keep fit.

Maintaining calm and peace in stressful situations
In stressful situations, I try not to react instantly. I take a moment to pause and settle my thoughts before responding. Looking at the issue practically instead of emotionally helps me think clearly. I handle one step at a time rather than everything together. Being prepared and organised also gives me confidence during pressure.

Your five business mantras
In business, I have learnt a few lessons not from textbooks but from experience.

·     In the early days, I realised that without a clear direction, even hard work feels scattered. Once the goal became clear, decisions became simpler. The team knew what we were working towards, and that clarity brought focus and confidence.

·    Then came the biggest lesson that customers are everything. Whenever we truly listened to them and solved real problems, growth followed naturally. The more value we delivered, the stronger the relationships became.

·    I also understood that no business grows alone. When the team feels trusted and valued, it takes ownership. A motivated team can solve problems faster than any strategy on paper.

·    There were times when finances taught tough lessons too. Managing cash flow carefully and planning growth patiently helped us stay stable during challenging phases. Discipline in money matters builds long-term strength.

·    And finally, change is constant. Markets shift, trends evolve and competition increases. The only way forward is to stay flexible, keep learning and adapt quickly. Businesses that keep improving are the ones that stay relevant.

These lessons shaped not just the business but my mindset as well.

Chand.sharmila@gmail.com