Join Zafar Masud, President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, as he shares profound insights on leadership and resilience during an exclusive book talk hosted by EO Islamabad. In this conversation “Leadership in Uncertain Times”, Zafar discusses his journey through global finance, his transformative role at BOP, and the life-altering experience of surviving the PK-8303 crash, as detailed in his book “Seat 1C.” This session provides a rare look at the intersection of professional excellence and personal survival.
Summary of Leadership in Uncertain Times Book Talk
Zafar Masud’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and the weight of leadership. As the President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, he has steered one of Pakistan’s most significant financial institutions through transformative times. This conversation, hosted by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Islamabad Chapter, delves into his storied career and the personal philosophy that defines him today.
Shafiq Rahman, the President of EO Islamabad, introduced Masud by highlighting his three decades of experience in international and domestic finance. His professional journey is impressive, having held senior roles in global banking and contributing to public sector reforms. However, his story took a dramatic turn in May 2020, just weeks into his tenure at the Bank of Punjab.
On a domestic flight to Karachi, the aircraft Masud was on crashed, leaving him as one of only two survivors out of ninety-nine people. This miraculous survival is the focal point of his book, Seat 1C, but the talk emphasizes that it is the person who emerged from that wreckage that truly matters. His resilience allowed him to return to leadership with a renewed sense of purpose and a profound understanding of life’s fragility.
During the discussion, Masud reflects on the importance of living a life without regrets, a lesson sharpened by the thirty seconds that changed everything. He speaks about the necessity of taking every step carefully to ensure that no future regret lingers. This mindset permeates his leadership style, where transparency and deliberate action are paramount.
Masud believes that the way one handles extreme adversity dictates their capacity to lead others through uncertainty. He notes that the survival of the crash was not just a physical event but a psychological transformation that forced him to reevaluate his priorities. This clarity has become a cornerstone of his executive decisions and his interactions with his team at the bank.
One practical piece of advice he shared was the importance of sorting out legal and financial matters, such as wills, while everything is going well. He recounted a personal story of organizing his family’s affairs to avoid future conflicts, emphasizing that life is unpredictable. This level of preparation is a form of leadership that extends beyond the office and into the home.
The conversation also touched upon his work at the Bank of Punjab and his role as Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association. He has been a collective voice for the banking industry, driving reforms and promoting financial inclusion. His leadership is not just about numbers but about creating an institution that can withstand uncertainty and serve the public interest.
Masud’s insights on leadership are deeply rooted in his personal experiences of trauma and recovery. He believes that true leaders are forged in the fires of adversity and that resilience is a muscle that must be trained. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and professionals alike, reminding them that even in the face of the impossible, one can find the strength to lead.
The event, held during the holy month of Ramadan, provided a reflective atmosphere for these deep discussions. Masud expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the audience for the opportunity to share his journey. The session concluded with a sense of hope and a call to action for all leaders to lead with empathy and foresight.
The discussion also highlighted the role of the Bank of Punjab as a leader in the public sector. Masud explained how his vision for the bank involves more than just profitability; it involves being a pillar of stability for the country. This sense of duty is part of what drives him to maintain high standards of governance and innovation within the financial sector.
As an author, Masud uses his book to bridge the gap between his personal narrative and professional advice. He views “Seat 1C” as a medium to reach those who may be struggling with their own challenges, offering them a roadmap for recovery. The book serves as a legacy of his experiences, ensuring that the lessons he learned are not lost to time.
Ultimately, the talk was more than just a book promotion; it was a masterclass in human spirit and professional excellence. Zafar Masud continues to be a beacon of resilience in Pakistan’s corporate landscape. His journey from Seat 1C to the helm of a major bank is a story of survival, but more importantly, it is a story of what one does with a second chance at life.
His ability to articulate complex emotions and professional strategies with equal ease makes him a unique figure in modern leadership. The audience at EO Islamabad left with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with character. It is clear that Masud’s influence will continue to grow as he advocates for a more resilient and transparent business environment.
The session also served as a reminder that leadership is often a lonely journey, especially when navigating crises. However, by sharing his story, Masud fosters a community of leaders who can support one another. This collaborative spirit is what EO Islamabad seeks to cultivate, and Masud’s contribution was a significant milestone for the chapter.
In closing, the conversation emphasized that while we cannot control the events that happen to us, we can control our response. Masud’s life is proof that a focused mind and a strong spirit can overcome even the most dire circumstances. He remains dedicated to his mission of transforming the banking sector and inspiring the next generation of Pakistani leaders.
EO Islamabad Event Full Video
See also: Zafar Masud Seat 1C Talk at KLF 2026: Hope, Faith, and the Miracle of Survival