We recently had the chance to connect with Ali Haider and have shared our conversation below.
Ali, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I’m a strong candidate for this role because of my dedication to achieving results and my extensive background in strategic business development and sales. In my current position as Strategic Business Development & Sales Manager at EVBOLT Inc., I have been instrumental in driving growth opportunities, fostering key client relationships, and implementing innovative sales strategies to meet and exceed targets. I excel at working collaboratively with sales teams to increase revenue and advance the sales cycle.
My skill set is directly applicable to the needs of this role. I have a proven track record in project management, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking. I am also highly skilled in RFI/RFQ processes and can work effectively under pressure while maintaining a keen attention to detail. Beyond sales and project management, I have experience in strategic communications, customer relations, and conflict resolution, which are essential for building and maintaining strong client relationships. My diverse background, from providing IT support at Dell Technologies to customer service at Zain Group, has equipped me with the skills to handle a wide range of situations.
Furthermore, my education and language skills make me a versatile professional. I hold an Associate in Science in Computer Science and am highly proficient in English and Arabic. I also have a very good command of Urdu, which allows me to connect with a broader range of clients. I am confident that my combination of strategic sales expertise, project management abilities, and strong communication skills makes me the ideal candidate for this position.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
EVBOLT is a pioneering force in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, founded by environmental enthusiasts who saw an opportunity to make a significant impact on the global climate crisis. The company’s journey began with a collective vision to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, electrified future. EVBOLT is on a mission to expedite a substantial shift toward electromobility, with an objective that includes a strong commitment to network welfare and environmental assurance. We envision a world where improved energy management techniques are used to break free from our dependence on fossil fuels and change inefficient energy consumption patterns.
EVBOLT specializes in providing cutting-edge EV charging solutions for a wide range of commercial applications, including gas stations, multi-family properties, fleets, and the hospitality industry. Our product range includes smart fast AC Chargers, Level 3 DC Fast Chargers, and advanced networked charging systems. We address the critical issue of EV charging accessibility and convenience, ensuring a seamless and reliable charging experience for drivers everywhere.
What truly sets EVBOLT apart is our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We continuously invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of EV charging technology. We are incredibly proud of our extensive charging infrastructure, which spans across the USA and Canada, making it one of the most reliable and widespread networks in the industry. This network supports not only individual EV drivers but also helps cities and businesses with their sustainability efforts. We want our clients and supporters to know that choosing EVBOLT means investing in a vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future. We invite everyone to be a part of this transformative journey toward a greener tomorrow
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My most valuable lessons about work came from a challenging experience in 2021 when EVBOLT, my EV charging business, was just starting out. We began as a hardware manufacturer, but we faced a major setback when our charging hardware proved to be incompatible with available software providers. This left us with very few options and could have been a devastating blow for a young, ambitious company.
Instead of seeing it as a failure, we viewed it as an opportunity to grow. We decided to transform EVBOLT into a turnkey provider, offering both software and hardware technology. We strategically partnered with a software development giant to build our own software, which allowed us to re-enter the market and compete again. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of turning a setback into a new business model. Our customers appreciated our honesty and dedication to finding a solution, which ultimately led to a surge in their loyalty and trust. This journey, marked by challenges and a determination to overcome them, highlighted for me how crucial resilience is for building a successful and respected brand
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No, there was not a time I almost gave up. However, in 2021, EVBOLT, my EV charging company, faced a significant challenge that could have been a major setback. We had started as a hardware manufacturer, but we quickly realized that our charging hardware was not compatible with the available software providers. This left us with very limited options.
Instead of giving up, we saw this as an opportunity for growth and decided to pivot our business model. We transformed EVBOLT into a “turnkey provider,” offering both software and hardware technology. We strategically partnered with a software development company to build our own software, which enabled us to compete in the market again. This experience demonstrated our resilience and determination to overcome adversity, and our customers appreciated our honesty and dedication to making things right.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Shahab Kazmi, CEO of Estelles Group, who is an admirable character often includes qualities like resilience, integrity, and dedication. A person who demonstrates resilience can face significant challenges without giving up, finding opportunities for growth and adapting to setbacks. Integrity is crucial; it involves being honest and having strong moral principles, even when it’s difficult. A dedicated individual is committed to their work, their team, and their mission, and they inspire others to do the same. These are the traits that often earn respect and admiration, regardless of a person’s position or influence.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m home with my wife and daughter. It’s in those moments, away from the demands of work and the outside world, that I can truly relax and be present with the people who matter most to me. Their presence brings a sense of calm and contentment that I can’t find anywhere else.
