In our ongoing series spotlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia presents “One Under 30” – a special feature focused on rising talent in the advertising & marketing world – one person at a time.
This time we talk to Izaeh Imran Ahmed, Communications Manager at Z2C.
During our conversation, she shares how she got her first break in the industry, where she draws inspiration, what she loves about the job, and more.
The Basics
Name: Izaeh Imran Ahmed
Age: 28
Agency: Z2C
Position: Communications Manager
Current Location: Karachi
Education: University of London – LLB, 2019.
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
My first break didn’t come easily or traditionally. I started out practicing law but quickly realized that my true passion was in building narratives, not legal arguments.
The switch to public relations was risky, but I was determined. I relentlessly networked, polished my portfolio, and finally landed an opportunity at a leading communications agency.
Sometimes, the biggest risks open the door to the biggest transformations.
What made it special was that I was immediately entrusted with major accounts, no handholding or training wheels. It forced me to adapt, stay sharp under pressure, and deliver real impact early in my career. That experience taught me that sometimes, the biggest risks open the door to the biggest transformations.
What is your personal mantra?
“Keep showing up.”
There is so much noise about overnight success, but in reality, progress is built in the quiet moments. It happens in the drafts, the pitches that do not land, the meetings that stretch you. I have learned that consistency, especially when no one is watching, is what creates real momentum. You just have to keep showing up, and the results will follow.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
Steve Jobs has always been a huge creative inspiration for me. It wasn’t just the technology he built but the way he told stories around it. He had this incredible ability to turn a product launch into an emotional, cultural moment.
There is so much noise about overnight success, but in reality, progress is built in the quiet moments.
What I admire most is his obsession with simplicity and clarity. That’s something I try to bring into every narrative I work on.
What do you love about the job?
What I love most is the sheer alchemy of it. You start with an idea, sometimes just a tiny thread, and through strategy, creativity, and teamwork, you turn it into something that can shape perceptions, spark conversations, and even move industries forward.
The process of identifying the right angles, the right platforms, and the right moment to strike is endlessly fascinating to me. No two days, clients, or challenges are ever the same, and that keeps me curious and energized.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
If there is one thing I am less fond of, it is waiting. In corporate communications, you often pour everything into crafting a perfect story, only to wait days or even weeks for approvals, publishing cycles, or the right media window.
It can feel like you are sprinting toward a finish line that keeps moving. I have learned to see this downtime as part of the rhythm of the industry, but it is definitely a practice in patience and perseverance.
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
One of the highlights of my career so far has been securing exclusive international coverage in Deadline for the partnership between NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution and Begin, a new-age streaming platform.
The story spotlighted Begin’s acquisition of NBCUniversal’s content rights, including major titles like Oppenheimer, for rollout in key new markets. Having this deal picked up by Deadline helped position Begin as a serious player on the global stage. It was one of those moments where a local success story truly resonated internationally, and knowing I played a role in crafting that moment was incredibly rewarding.
At its heart, great storytelling and great brand building are all about understanding human behavior.
Another project that makes me happy is leading the media strategy for Sehat Kahani’s $2.7 million Series A funding announcement. As the first all-female-led health-tech startup in Pakistan to reach this milestone, their story deserved to be told widely and well.
I secured placements in Tech in Asia and DealStreetAsia, along with around 50 other media mentions across Asia. Even more gratifying was seeing the announcement trend across the startup and tech communities on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). Watching a homegrown story spark that level of engagement across the region was a reminder of why I chose this career in the first place.
If you had to choose another career, what would it be?
If I were not in communications, I would be a psychologist.
I have always been fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. At its heart, great storytelling and great brand building are all about understanding human behavior. I think psychology would allow me to dive even deeper into the motivations that drive people’s decisions and emotions. In a way, it is still about connection, just explored through a different lens.
