Wednesday, 7th October 2026

The Learning and Development (L&D), Human Development Services (HDS), Riphah International University, successfully organized a professional development workshop titled “Leadership Beyond Titles: Strategic Influence, Academic Accountability, and Institutional Performance.”

The workshop provided participants with valuable perspectives on effective leadership, strategic decision-making, and institutional performance, with a particular focus on developing leadership capabilities beyond formal positions of authority.

Strengthening Strategic Leadership Skills

The session explored several key areas essential for effective leadership in complex academic and institutional environments, including:

• Strategic decision-making under complex scenarios
• Prioritizing high-impact goals effectively
• Leading through influence rather than relying solely on positional authority

The discussions encouraged participants to reflect on how strategic leadership and accountability can contribute to improved institutional performance and more effective decision-making.

Insightful Session by Arshad Akif

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Arshad Akif, CEO of ASK Development Private Limited, who brings 20 years of professional experience across the corporate and development sectors.

His areas of expertise include Human Resource Management, business ethics, communication skills, adult learning, management and leadership, and HR outsourcing. His experience provided participants with practical perspectives on leadership development and organizational effectiveness.

Continuous Professional Development

The workshop reflects Riphah International University’s commitment to continuous professional development and strengthening leadership capacity among its academic and professional community.

Through initiatives organized by L&D and HDS, the University continues to provide opportunities for employees to enhance their leadership, decision-making, and professional competencies and translate new insights into effective institutional practices.

The session concluded with appreciation for Mr. Arshad Akif for his engaging and insightful contribution and for the L&D team at Riphah International University for facilitating this valuable professional development opportunity.