“They say that a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” and Maryam Ehsan embodies this perfectly. As the CEO of Market Pro, she is a formidable leader with unwavering resolve. Her incredible journey from a writer at Programmers Force, Pakistan’s leading AI tech company from 2019-2021, to becoming the CEO of one of the nation’s top marketing agencies showcases her remarkable strength, dedication, and resilience. As the founder and CEO of Market Pro, she has spent the last decade helping startups and established firms deliver world-class marketing experiences. Her expertise spans SaaS, DaaS, healthcare, digital economies, Fintech, and Regtech, Maryam brings a unique perspective and innovative solutions to the table every day.
The Early Life that Built a Leader
From a young age, Maryam was always curious and loved solving problems, skills that would shape her future. She found her passion for storytelling early on and honed her abilities as a key member of the debate team at her school and college. Her strong voice not only won debates but also earned her accolades, including the prestigious Kinnaird Business Week 2017 award.
Her early education laid the foundation for a career marked by innovation and leadership. The combination of her curiosity, storytelling prowess, and problem-solving skills set her on a path to success in business and tech. Today, these early experiences continue to influence Maryam’s leadership style, driving her to overcome challenges and inspire others with her resilience and determination.
From Writer to Founder: The Beginning of Maryam’s Entrepreneurial Journey
At Programmers Force, Maryam Ehsan was known for her skills in content writing, copywriting, and SEO. When her team lead left, many others followed, leaving her with a choice: stay or go. She decided to stay and took charge of a new team. Despite the challenges, she led them to meet their goals for the quarter. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of her journey to CEO, highlighting her determination and ability to lead under pressure.However, her journey is not limited to founding and managing Marketpro; she is a revolutionary leader who recently attended GITEX 2024 Africa and was able to help businesses find tailored solutions to their problems. Not just that, but she is regularly invited to institutes such as the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, where she shares valuable insights with her audiences.
The Launch and Growth of Market Pro
In its inaugural year, Market Pro, under the leadership of Maryam Ehsan, began humbly with a small yet dedicated team of enthusiasts. Together, they faced initial challenges, including acquiring new clients and establishing credibility in a fiercely competitive market. Despite these hurdles, their passion and perseverance laid the foundation for growth.
By the second and third years, Market Pro had blossomed into a marketing powerhouse. With over 120 employees, including 50 skilled copywriters and content writers, 30 SEO specialists, five social media managers, digital marketing strategists, a full-fledged PPC team, POCs, and designers, the company expanded its capabilities significantly.
Securing international clients further bolstered its reputation and global reach. Market Pro’s success was underscored by its move to a larger, more prominent office space, symbolizing not only its present achievements but also its ambitious plans for the future. The journey from a fledgling startup to a thriving enterprise reflects Market Pro’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the dynamic field of marketing.
Aspirations and Ethos: Maryam’s Life Goal and Mantra
In her pursuit of both personal fulfillment and professional success, she holds steadfast to her ambitions. “I aim to become a global influencer in marketing, entrepreneurship, and business development,” she asserts, driven by a desire to make a significant impact on a global scale. Simultaneously, she envisions her company expanding into a multinational entity, creating numerous opportunities for employees worldwide.
In her personal life, she is equally committed to growth and nurturing. “I aspire to be a better human being, improving myself every day,” she affirms, emphasizing personal development alongside her professional endeavors. As a devoted mother, she aims to nurture her son into a compassionate and accomplished individual. Her practice of Islam guides her values and actions, underscoring her dedication to integrity and empathy in all aspects of her life. In her words, “Karma is real. Whatever you give out to the universe, it revolves around and hits you back harder; so stay transparent and fair in all aspects of your life.” These aspirations define her journey, blending ambition with compassion as she navigates towards a purposeful and balanced life.
The Road to Success: Challenges and Hurdles She Faced
For Maryam Ehsan, starting Market Pro coincided with significant personal milestones, including the chapter on motherhood, adding complexity to her journey. “Sometimes it became hectic; the world doesn’t stop for you, nor should it,” she reflects. As a young entrepreneur in business, she faced unique challenges. “Sometimes you have to do double what male peers do to reach the target,” she acknowledges. Beyond personal hurdles, Market Pro encountered challenges in onboarding new clients and raising awareness of its innovative business model. Despite these obstacles, her resilience and determination propelled Market Pro forward, overcoming initial barriers to achieving sustainable growth.
Empowering Future Leaders: Maryam Ehsan’s Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
Maryam Ehsan staunchly believes in principles of fairness and equality, which is reflected in her team’s equal representation of men and women. “Stay resilient, face everything upfront, and learn to network,” she advises young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and networking in career growth. She inspires and mentors men and women in her company, offering them opportunities to learn from her experiences firsthand.Maryam’s advice to young leaders extends beyond resilience and networking. She advocates for honesty, emphasizing the impact of karma in professional life. “Take challenges head-on,” she urges, encouraging proactive approaches to obstacles. Her leadership philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute effectively.
Charting a Visionary Journey: What Lies Ahead?
Maryam Ehsan’s journey epitomizes resilience and leadership. Starting as a writer at Programmers Force, she rose to establish Market Pro, navigating personal milestones like motherhood alongside professional challenges and commitment to fairness and equality is reflected in her diverse team and mentorship of women and continues to shape the future of marketing and leadership, leaving a profound impact on those she leads and mentors.
