In the Spotlight: Amaad Amin

This month, Amaad Amin (2009-16) is in the spotlight:

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the school influenced your life today? 

After completing my time at BMS, I moved to the University of Leeds to study economics and politics, with a year abroad in the United States at Northern Arizona University. Having always wanted to work in the city, I started my graduate job at Accenture as a financial consultant. Quickly, I realised that corporate life was not for me. While flying back and forth to Edinburgh for client meetings, I began applying to culinary schools across the globe. I was accepted at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney and within two weeks of handing in my notice, I was seated on a one-way flight. During my time in Sydney, I trained as a fine dining culinary chef and worked in one of the city's newest Hatted (Michelin Starred) Restaurant, Kiln at the top of the Ace Hotel. A quick stop in Kolkata, India followed, where I threw myself into my family business, a large chain of Indian Mughlai Restaurants operated within the family - Aminia Restaurants. Today, I am sitting in Dubai, three years on from my corporate job, having successfully opened up our first international branch, adding to the 15 restaurants we have in India. 

The time at BMS influenced my life today as I was taught clear lessons that sometimes the most conventional route is not always the best. Sometimes, following your passion and striving for something which is not clearly laid out in front of you may bring you more fulfilment and happiness rather than sticking with something which does not make you happy. BMS and the alumni network has shown me that success can only be achieved with working hard and being passionate about where you spend your time. 

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share? 

When I look back at my time at BMS, I am filled with such core happy memories. From the away matches with the hockey and rugby teams, to the CCF outdoor adventure trips, to the True Adventure expedition to Northern India to hike in the foothills of the Himalayas. BMS taught me many lessons about always pushing yourself and not taking 'no' for an answer. This is something I still use today to tackle the new business market of Dubai which I am trying to grow in. 

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why? 

My time at BMS taught me about the value of community and support. I cannot simply say one person, as each individual staff member went over and beyond to try and make our time at school enjoyable and productive. What still stands out to me is the OBM network, which has really helped me over my years navigating potential careers. To see past students in all areas of the world, working hard and putting others first is what makes BMS so special. I hope that over the next few years, I am able to come back and also provide guidance to students and give any help that I can. 

What do you do like to do in your spare time? 

Being a business owner means that sometimes you're hardly working when everything is on autopilot. Other times it means you have no spare time at all and are always switched on. But for the moments that I do get to myself, I am often found running or surfing at the beach in Dubai. I have really tried to make sure I am keeping an active lifestyle, as I have found that this is vital for my mental health. However, when inspiration hits, you'll find me in the kitchens with my chefs trying to create new dishes and experimenting with flavours and ingredients native to the UAE. Currently, I am working on a 'Chef Amaad 8 course Tasting Menu' to be exclusively provided in our restaurant in Dubai. I am trying to use local ingredients, flavours and techniques found in the UAE to adapt some of our century-old Indian recipes to create something new and innovative. If you're in Dubai, connect with me and come and try! 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Positivity and more positivity! In order to reach where you want to be, you yourself have to put in the hard work and strive for the best. A little bit of manifestation and the mindset to not get comfortable will go a long way in self-growth and development. 

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community? 

I am a true believer of maintaining connections and building up a community, something which I learnt from BMS and the OBM community. So, if you're in Dubai, please reach out and let's connect!