Aqib Hussain profile
Since graduating with a first class degree in software engineering and an MSc in High Speed Networks and Distributed Systems, Aqib Hussain has brought much to the world of software development. He began working life as a support developer for HR software supplier Snowdrop Systems in 2003, then climbed through the ranks at Sage UK to become a successful technical manager.
In the past Aqib has won awards for Outstanding Achievement (from Oxford Brookes’ Department of Computing), as well as both ‘integrity’ and ‘agility’ for his work at Sage. It’s unsurprising then that Aqib is known by his colleagues not only for computing excellence, but also impeccable politeness. In a world where manners seem almost a dirty word, Aqib maintains a respectful and disarming approach to clients and co-workers alike. It’s just this attitude that brought him to the position of team leader in 2007 and subsequently led to many successful project deliveries during his time with Sage.
Aqib comments: “Fostering good working relationships is absolutely essential for creating an atmosphere of dedication and mutual respect. Most projects are accomplished through collaboration and team work. If you don’t work well together it can make achieving your goals unnecessarily difficult. Time is always best spent on the task at hand and shouldn’t be wasted on politics.”
Aqib’s experience includes: managing a team of 9 technicians; collaborating with teams business–wide to draw up product road maps; designing and supervising the implementation of testing strategies for product releases; and introducing methodologies and practices to increase efficiency and productivity.
As a consultant Aqib draws on all aspects of his experience to positively influence the businesses he works with. “My role as a technical consultant concerns delivery as much as strategy. I know from experience that it takes hard work and determination to execute a strategy effectively, so I like to be involved on the ground throughout the project and become a part of the team I’m consulting with. I like my customers to see me as someone who is integral to their business and a person they can count on.”
Aqib’s current work for 2nd Head ranges from supporting the biometric solutions provider Argus Global, through to designing and implementing the new Clinical Management System for one of the UK’s largest orthotics and prosthetics service providers.
For Aqib, 2nd Head is a natural progression from his previous technical roles. Here he has the chance to experience new challenges, both technically and more widely within business and discover unfamiliar technologies. Aqib says: “With any job it’s easy to slide into a comfort zone where the familiarity of the technology you work with gradually makes your role less demanding. That can make it harder to think flexibly and really push yourself. At 2nd Head everything is that bit more varied, so it keeps me on my toes and helps to broaden my thinking. Naturally that brings to bear on how I work with my clients, so they reap the rewards as much as I do.”
Aqib’s calm, considered and hard-working approach is in many ways influenced by an active sporting life, which includes circuit training, football and weightlifting. After which he likes to relax into some reading, often about the latest technologies, but also the odd thriller novel!
Aqib has a keen interest in local community work and is regularly involved in fund-raising events for charity; his most recent voluntary work has been for natural disaster victims affected by flooding and earthquakes, as well as children affected by conflict.
