Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey. Below, Rawaiz Sheikh, MBA ’25, shares his story.
I was born in Pakistan and spent most of my life growing up and living in Qatar. I developed an early curiosity for understanding how things work. Whether it was taking apart RC cars or becoming the go-to person for fixing things around the house, I've always enjoyed solving problems. That curiosity led me to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. and to begin my career in Qatar, where I helped grow businesses across infrastructure, utilities, energy, and industrial sectors.
Today, I live in Toronto with my wife and daughter and work as a Senior Associate at Partners in Performance. Throughout my career, my goal has been to create a lasting impact. Whether that was helping build an industry-leading business in Qatar, supporting strategic decisions in aerospace, or working with clients to solve complex challenges, I've always been motivated by leaving organizations better than I found them. My MBA at Ivey gave me the business perspective, confidence, and network to pursue opportunities on a global stage.
What led you to your career, and how has it evolved over time?
Early in my career, I was motivated by wanting to give back to my parents and spend time with them while they were living in Qatar. A few years in, I realized that if I wanted to make a bigger impact, I needed to understand more than just the technical side of a business. I became increasingly interested in what drives growth, how organizations make decisions, and how leaders create lasting change. That led me toward management, consulting, and ultimately an MBA at Ivey. Today, I still solve problems every day, but instead of improving machines, I'm helping to improve businesses.
Who inspired you?
My father. He taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and treating every business as if it were my own. He always believed that people are the foundation of any successful organization and that making a genuine impact starts by investing in those around you. Those principles have guided every stage of my career.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey transformed my career in three ways.
First, the case method immersed me in real business challenges. Learning from actual companies and leaders made every lesson practical and memorable.
Second, the network opened doors I couldn't have imagined. From making my first connection with PAL Aerospace at the MBA Get Connected event to receiving support from Ivey alumni throughout my recruitment process at Partners in Performance, the Ivey community has played a meaningful role in my journey.
Finally, the MBA challenged me to grow. The program pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me become a more confident leader, a stronger communicator, and someone better equipped to create meaningful impact.
Why did you choose the MBA specifically?
Ivey stood out from my first interaction with the School. The professionalism, the case method, the reputation, and the alumni network all caught my attention. But what really made me say yes was the people. Every conversation made it clear that Ivey genuinely wanted its students to succeed.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
When I joined Master Builders Solution (known locally as Gulf Additive Factory), we had an opportunity to establish ourselves in the highly competitive energy and industrial market. Over the following years, I helped develop the strategy and drive business growth across these sectors by building relationships with key clients, leading complex projects, and growing a high-performing team. Together, we positioned the company as a market leader in the energy sector and built a reputation for delivering results on some of the country's most demanding projects. Seeing that work contributed to the company's acquisition was incredibly rewarding because it reflected years of teamwork, trust, and creating long-term value.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Spending meaningful time with family is at the top of the list. I also enjoy calisthenics training, pretending I can still play basketball as well as I did during my varsity days, cooking, travelling, and exploring new restaurants. I'm also passionate about mentoring and making a difference where I can.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’m surprisingly competitive about small things, especially games and sports with friends and family. I’ve also gone down more than a few rabbit holes trying to figure out the best way to win at Monopoly.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
The 24-hour reports make up some of my favourite memories. They were intense, fast-paced, and challenging, but they also created friendships that have lasted well beyond graduation.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
That impact starts with initiative. Whether it was through classroom cases or conversations with business leaders, the message was consistent: meaningful change happens when people step forward, take ownership, and lead.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
I stay connected with classmates and fellow alumni, keep in touch with new leaders of the International Business Club, and attend events like Get Connected. The Ivey community continues to be an important part of my journey, and I look forward to giving back and playing a part in someone else’s story.
