Lecturer Focus with Dr Ayan Ahmed
JOURNALIST / FILM PRODUCER /
ENTREPRENEUR
Dr Ayan Ahmed is Open Window University’s Subject Manager for Enrichment Subjects and our Postgraduate Liaison. A journalist, academic, entrepreneur, lecturer, film producer and business consultant, with a keen interest in African philosophy, Dr Ayan is an African asset!
GIVE US A QUICK BIO.
I have a PhD in Global Business and Leadership, Masters in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, and Bachelor of Journalism and Public Policy. I studied and achieved all my qualifications in the USA. My professional background is primarily in journalism, with an emphasis on research and public relations. I have hosted, interviewed and produced television programs, documentaries and news pieces, contributing to CNNI’s World Report (now WorldView) programme. I’ve appeared on Universal TV out of London and BET’s Our Voices. I have travelled extensively and have a good sense of different cultures and politics.
WHAT ARE SOME CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS OR HIGHLIGHTS?
I have been published in both national and international newspapers and had the opportunity to interview high-profile government officials and business leaders in both Africa and the Middle-East. I hosted my own TV community program called Potpourri in Washington, DC. I have established my own consultancy business called Lions Consulting. And, most recently, I established my own small and growing coffee brand business in Zambia, called Kawa Nubian Coffee.
SHARE YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION WITH US!
The people and world around me inspire my creative thinking. My coffee business, for example, came to be because guests I served to raved about the Nubian spiced coffee. A few of them said they would buy it if it were sold. That stayed with me, and when the right time approached, my creativity for Kawa Nubian Coffee stemmed from that one conversation.
DO YOU INTEND TO FURTHER YOUR STUDIES?
Another PhD? I’ll pass. (Sigh.) The first time around was enough! However, if I were to do it again, I would study psychology with an emphasis on human behaviour — because some people still puzzle me!
WHAT IS YOUR LECTURING PHILOSOPHY?
My teaching philosophy encourages both critical thinking as well as free thinking. With critical thinking teaching strategies, my students are equipped with rational reasoning, analysing and formulating proper problem-solving. With free-thinking, students are free to use their imaginations, and have their individual opinions without judgement. Critical thinking and free thinking are the best combination for teaching my creative students. They are expected to understand the lessons and allow their mind to wander and interpret as they see it or feel it.
SHARE A QUOTE THAT RESONATES WITH YOU
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – William Makepeace Thackeray, British novelist, author, and illustrator
DO YOU HAVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?
Take your dream and put it to action. It’s easier than you think. Are you passionate about it? Then your opportunity for a successful start-up business is pretty much guaranteed. Your passion, talent and action will drive you to success. Just go for it!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
LinkedIn Dr Ayan Ahmed
Lions Consulting
Kawa Nubian Coffee
