KARACHI: In an effort to address the growing mental health challenges faced by people, especially leaders and entrepreneurs, the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) has hosted an event that brought together prominent figures from academia, development and the startup ecosystem to discuss how leadership, resilience and innovation can foster emotional well-being across various sectors.

The session, titled “Crucial Conversations: Stories of Impact”,was organised by IBA’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) in collaboration with Synapse–Pakistan Neuroscience Institute.

IBA-CED Director Dr Lalarukh Ejaz highlighted three main goals of the event: to initiate genuine conversations, identify real opportunities, and inspire innovative solutions.

The first panel discussion, “Roots of Impact: Purpose, Pressure & Perspective,” was moderated by Dr Ayesha Mian, psychiatrist and founder of Synapse.

Panellists included Dr Akbar Zaidi, executive director IBA, Mushtaq Chhapra, founder of The Citizens Foundation, and Dr Salimah Walani, dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing, who shared insights on the emotional aspects of leadership and the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in building resilient institutions.

The event also featured a keynote address by Dr Rüdiger Lotz, consul general of Germany in Karachi on “Strengthening Entrepreneurial Support Systems for an Emotionally Healthy Society.” He emphasised the need for cross-sector partnerships and systemic support to help individuals, especially youth, in navigating emotional challenges in today’s volatile environment.

The final panel, “Thriving While Building,” focused on the startup ecosystem and mental health struggles faced by entrepreneurs in high-pressure environments.

Moderated by Dr Usman Nazir of IBA, the panel included Dr Ahson Rabbani of ChildLife Foundation, Ammar Jangbarwala of MyWater Middle East, and Sukaina Abbas of Enchanté Jewellery, who shared personal experiences of burnout and resilience along with coping strategies they’ve adopted in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2025