Issac Qureshi is an international
wealth management and taxation professional. With contacts in the United
States, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Europe, he has a broad skill
set and a unique ability to help his clients navigate the rough waters of taxation.
Issac
Qureshi was educated at Liverpool University
where he gained a BA with honors in Social & Economic History. He pursued
graduate work at the Manchester University Institute of Marketing and the
London School of Economics and Political Science. He also received a Master of
Laws degree in International and Commercial Trust Law from UCL. The depth of
his educational background means that he is able to handle clients’ concerns
with expertise.
Qureshi
is the Founder of Ogilvy & Haart.
His company helps corporate and individual clients handle their tax obligations
across a number of countries. His company also deals with the concerns of
wealth management and applies both new and time-honored techniques.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in the field in which you currently work?
Economics may not seem exciting to many people, but I have always been fascinated with it. Ever since I was a young boy, I have wondered about the movement of money and goods and how they can be tracked and predicted using economic theory. As I spent a great deal of time at university, I was able to hone my interests.
My interest in taxation began when I was at university. International tax laws are highly complex, and it presented a great opportunity for me to learn. I find that I am able to break down tax laws and explain them to my clients, which makes me a valuable resource.
In what way does your professional role make it possible for you to have a positive impact on others?
My staff and I help to make life easier for businesses around the world. Dealing with taxation can be a great headache, and it is important for these businesses to receive help from an expert. My wealth management talents also help people preserve their estates and make it possible for them to hand a significant amount of money down to their families. Making sure that these clients have advantages in the market means that they will have more prosperous lives.
Can you give our readers any advice about starting their own business?
I started Ogilvy & Haart with a few close colleagues. It was more of an undertaking than I originally thought it would be. The most important thing about starting a new business is hiring the right people. If your employees are not dedicated to your mission, they will hold your company back. Make sure that all of your employees understand and are committed to the aims of your business. If they are not, or if they treat your office as a place to sit for eight hours a day and do nothing, you need to let them go.
I would also advise beginning business owners to be extremely careful with their tax obligations. Making mistakes on your taxes can lead to difficult situations including fines. There is no excuse for tax mistakes. You can’t plead ignorance and get away with it. Be sure that you are working with a qualified tax professional. Check this person’s references to make sure that they are able to handle your specific situation. If you are doing business in more than one country, tax provisions can be even more complex.
What do you do for recreation?
For recreation, I enjoy going to
museums and fine dining. I enjoy the refined atmosphere of large cities. I also
spend time taking care of my physical health. I like to bicycle, and I spend
time exploring the city streets and back roads. When I am away from home, as I
often am, I use the hotel’s gym and their stationary bicycles. I also enjoy
swimming. I believe that regular exercise is a key to good physical and mental
health.
Is there an Australian you admire or who has had a profound influence on you
personally or professionally? Explain.
While he has since become a naturalized American
citizen, I greatly admire Rupert Murdoch. He began his career in Australia and
became a media titan. He built his company from nothing and introduced many
exciting innovations in the media landscape. He purchased many other successful
enterprises such as 21st Century Fox and the Wall Street Journal. He has
made a lasting impact on the world.
