Obaid Khan

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Economist by training, strategist by trade, leader by instinct—turning big ideas into bigger impacts.”

Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have lived in 6 countries across 3 continents

Undergraduate School and Major:

Imperial College London (MSc Finance and Accounting)

SOAS, University of London (BSc Economics)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Intellia Advisors, Senior Analyst

Personal and professional development is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What have you learned about yourself so far and what do you hope to achieve? In 2019, during orientation, the Dean of Imperial College Business School jokingly remarked that we students could all catch up on sleep after graduation. One of my most memorable experiences at Imperial was pushing myself beyond limits I did not think were possible. Fast forward to 2024, I return to school after nearly four years and have rechallenged myself in a similar fashion that has been both demanding and deeply rewarding. It has also been an incredible experience to collaborate and build connections with classmates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, sharing insights and learning from one another.

At Rotman, I am particularly excited about the Self-Development Lab (SDL) and its focus on honing the soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, necessary to become an effective leader. I hope to build on the lessons and experiences I have gained at Rotman to excel in my career and personal life, ultimately becoming more well-rounded and impactful as a future leader.

What has been your favourite part of Toronto so far? Why? One of my favourite aspects of Toronto so far has been its incredible diversity. Having lived in London (United Kingdom), I deeply value the unique perspectives that people from different backgrounds bring—not only to problem-solving but also to culture and community. Toronto mirrors that same richness in diversity, offering an inclusive and dynamic environment where ideas, traditions, and viewpoints converge. It has been inspiring to experience this multicultural atmosphere and see how it fosters both collaboration and innovation.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key factor that led me to choose Rotman’s MBA program was the opportunity to pursue a strategy emphasis. Given my passion for strategy and my career aspirations in consulting, this specialisation stood out as an ideal fit. It provides a structured approach to developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, equipping me to tackle complex business challenges from multiple angles.

What also attracted me to Rotman is the calibre of faculty members, such as Professor Yongah Kim, who bring extensive industry experience from firms like McKinsey. Learning directly from professors with such practical expertise ensures that the knowledge and frameworks taught in the classroom are deeply rooted in real-world applications.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? One of the most rewarding experiences I have had at Rotman so far has been serving as the captain of the Rotman D1 soccer team. Leading a team of over 30 individuals from 13 different countries across 4 continents has been an incredible opportunity to develop my leadership and team-management skills. What made this experience even more impactful was taking the course Leading People in Organizations concurrently during my MBA.

The course provided me with valuable insights into effective leadership, team dynamics, and motivation strategies, which I was able to immediately apply to managing the team. It allowed me to foster collaboration, address challenges, and leverage the team’s diverse backgrounds to create a cohesive and high-performing unit. This hands-on experience not only strengthened my leadership abilities but also reinforced the importance of adaptability and cultural intelligence—skills I look forward to continuing to develop both inside and outside the classroom.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant career accomplishments was leading a team to conduct a merger feasibility study between two national broadcasting organisations in Pakistan. This project required me to collaborate closely with the senior management of both organisations, navigating complex organisational structures and aligning diverse stakeholder interests.

I conducted a comprehensive analysis, evaluating the operational, financial, and strategic implications of the proposed merger. I then presented my findings to the Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who found the recommendations so compelling that he tabled the report for review by the Cabinet and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? One of my biggest accomplishments as an MBA student so far has been being selected as part of the only team to represent Rotman at the John Molson MBA International Case Competition in Montreal—Canada’s oldest and most prestigious case competition. This opportunity has allowed me to compete against top business schools from across Canada as well as leading international universities.

Participating in this competition has been an incredible platform to apply my problem-solving and strategic thinking skills to real-world business challenges presented by top Canadian companies. Additionally, it has provided unparalleled networking opportunities with business leaders and industry professionals, enabling me to build meaningful connections and gain insights into Canada’s business landscape.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? One of my best memories as an MBA student at Rotman has been the opportunity to connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from India. Coming from Pakistan, geopolitical dynamics often limit opportunities to interact with Indians despite our shared language, cuisine, and cultural similarities. At Rotman, it has been incredibly enriching to not only collaborate and learn alongside them, but also to build genuine friendships—an experience I would not have had back home.

A moment that truly stands out to me is sharing ‘masala chai’ (spiced tea) from a food truck outside Rotman on a snowy day, exchanging laughs and stories. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that, despite the borders and barriers constructed to divide us, we share far more in common than we often realise.

DON’T MISS: MEET TORONTO ROTMAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.