Ishtiaq Pasha

School, specializing in emerging market strategies, fintech, and sustainable business models. He is a recognized expert and member of the World Economic Forum’s panel, actively shaping

research and practice in global business strategy. Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OfNYKjvcWc Professor Pasha Mahmood is a distinguished

academic at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, where he has been advising both multinational firms and local enterprises on emerging market strategies since 1999. His work sits at the crossroads of innovation and strategy, with a particular focus on frugal innovation, fintech, and sustainable business models.

Academic and

Professional Appointments NUS Business School (Since 1999): Advises multinational and indigenous companies on emerging market strategies. Teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels and directs the popular “Business Strategies for Asia” program for senior executives. IMD Business School, Lausanne (2012–2015): Served as Professor of Strategy and Innovation,

teaching flagship programs such as Orchestrating Winning Performance (OWP) and the Breakthrough Program for Senior Executives (BPSE). Visiting Appointments: Has held positions at esteemed institutions including Waseda University (as a member of the Asian Service Business

Research Institute), Hitotsubashi University, and the University of St. Gallen. Industry

Experience: Prior to joining academia, he worked as an analyst and management consultant (including a stint with Gemini in Chicago), providing him with practical insights that enrich his

teaching and

research.

Research and Scholarly Contributions Professor Mahmood’s

research explores the interface between innovation and strategy in emerging markets. His work has been published in leading management journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Management Science, Organization Science,

Research Policy, and Strategic Management Journal. Notably, his innovative case study on bKash—a mobile payment platform in Bangladesh—won the bestselling case award from Ivey

Publications in 2021. He has also contributed to the

academic community through

editorial roles, serving as an Area Editor for the Journal of International Business Studies (2010–2013) and as a Senior Editor for the Management Organization Review (2013–2015).

Awards and Recognitions Haynes Prize (Academy of International Business): Awarded to recognize his outstanding contributions in international business, notably as one of the prominent scholars under 40. Aspen Faculty Pioneer Award (2014): Recognized for integrating social and environmental issues into his

research and

teaching, an accolade often dubbed “the Oscars of the business school world.”

Professional Networks and Advisory Roles Professor Mahmood is an active member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and serves as the co-curator of the ASEAN Transformation Map. He also contributes to advisory boards such as those for the Evian Group and the SONY Reverse Innovation Community, further influencing both

academic and practical perspectives on emerging market strategies.

Educational

Background and Early

Career

Education: B.A. in Economics from Oberlin College (1992). Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University (1999). Early

Career: Before entering academia, he gained valuable

experience as a management consultant in Chicago and Boston, which has informed his practical approach to

research and

teaching. Personal Interests and Motivation Beyond his

academic

achievements, Professor Mahmood is passionate about literature, history, coffee, and train rides. He is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on his students, industry leaders, and the broader community through his work in business strategy. This comprehensive blend of

academic rigor, industry

experience, and thought leadership continues to shape Professor Mahmood’s contributions to the fields of innovation and strategy in emerging markets.