CEO Insights Magazine

In any business, a COO plays a crucial role, right from collaborating closely with senior executives to aligning operational strategies with overall business goals, and driving growth, profitability, and organizational success. An exemplary leader, currently positioned as the COO of DOTBIRTH, Syed Mohammed Tariq is living upto the expectations of this role with a rich background in advertising and agency management. Beginning his career at Bitopi Advertising, Tariq held various roles including Studio Manager and Operations Manager, where he honed his skills in creative management, client servicing, and operational oversight. Moving to Grey Advertising, Tariq continued to excel, progressing through roles from Account Director to COO. Here, he led teams, managed key client relationships, and played a crucial role in achieving business targets and operational excellence. His experience at Grey, including being part of award-winning campaigns at Cannes, provided him with insights into financial management, compliance, and strategic leadership.

Tariq co-founded DOTBIRTH alongside Syed Gousul Alam Shaon and Transcom in 2023, bringing together a seasoned team of 100 professionals. Leveraging his extensive experience, Tariq ensures that DOTBIRTH operates with a focus on compliance, efficient policies, and strategic improvisation. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic leadership in the advertising industry. Let’s hear more from him.

What are the ways you find these experiences beneficial in your leadership as a COO currently?

In my current role as COO, my extensive experience across various departments has proven immensely beneficial. Having worked closely with or within every department in previous organizations, I gained a deep understanding of the daily challenges they face. This experience has taught me the importance of effective people management in achieving organizational goals. As a result, I am adept at simultaneously overseeing multiple departments while guiding the organization towards its objectives.

With over 23 years in the advertising industry, I am familiar with the typical issues and challenges businesses encounter. This familiarity allows me to provide solutions swiftly and efficiently, drawing on my accumulated knowledge and experience. I rarely need extensive deliberation to resolve about 90 percent of challenges, ensuring smooth continuity in operations. These insights and problem-solving abilities are direct outcomes of my extensive career journey.

How do you apply your leadership approach to guide employees towards achieving the company's objectives and how do you assess their progress?

My leadership style is rooted in Team Management, influenced by the Blake Mouton Grid of Leadership Styles. I prioritize both the work and the people involved, fostering a positive work environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered. Employing a blend of Consultative and Democratic management styles, I encourage team members to voice their opinions freely and participate actively in decision-making processes.

To align teams with our goals, I engage closely with each department on a regular basis. I empower them to make autonomous decisions, support client acquisition efforts, and provide ongoing mentorship. By encouraging ownership over their roles and objectives, team members are motivated to contribute effectively. We conduct monthly reviews to track progress towards business and personal targets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, I observe team dynamics from a distance, offering guidance on personal matters when necessary.

How do you maintain a balance in your life and what insights can you share about handling complex challenges?

Early in my career, I used to bring work home, which often led to stress. Over time, I learned the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Now, when I leave the office, I make a conscious effort to leave work-related thoughts behind and focus entirely on being present at home. While there are rare occasions when work matters require attention at home, I strive to keep these instances minimal. Conversely, when preparing to head into the office, my mind naturally begins to focus on the tasks at hand. Family holds significant importance in my life alongside my professional commitments, and I ensure to dedicate ample time to both, a practice refined over the years.

When it comes to resolving complex issues, my experience often allows me to address familiar challenges swiftly. However, transitioning from corporate roles to business ownership has occasionally necessitated deeper reflection. In such cases, I find solitude, particularly during my morning walks, conducive to contemplation and problem- solving. I genuinely thrive on tackling complex issues in the workplace as they add depth and variety to my work, preventing it from becoming routine.

What are your expectations for the market in the future?

Looking ahead, I anticipate that the advertising market, particularly the creative sector, will not sustain the rapid growth seen in recent years. Agencies will need to explore alternative revenue streams to foster organizational growth.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of your journey?

I envision expanding into various fields beyond advertising. In the coming days, I aim to lead and manage multiple organizations, potentially more than three or four.

Given your extensive professional experience, what guidance would you offer to emerging industry leaders?

Rather than offering advice, I encourage leaders to prioritize their focus on people; invest in their training, foster their growth, and ensure their happiness. The returns on these investments are invaluable. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of compliance; ensuring adherence to regulations is crucial for Bangladesh to remain competitive in the global market.

Syed Mohammed Tariq, Co-Founder & COO, DOTBIRTH

With a Masters in Philosophy and Business Administration from University of Dhaka, Syed has been in the advertising industry since 2001. He started at Bitopi Advertising and rose to COO at Grey Advertising Bangladesh.