In this interview, we chat with Bardia Khalilifar, founder of Conicio Advisory, about his journey from a tech industry expert to entrepreneurship.
Bardia reflects on his experience transitioning to consultancy, the day-to-day realities of managing Conicio Advisory, and how he balances a demanding career with personal life. He shares insights on the importance of work-life balance, adapting to change, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Let’s start with your background! Can you share with us your career journey and what you’re currently up to?
Reflecting on my career journey over the last two decades in the technology sector, it began with my foundational role as a network engineer. This early stage, especially during my formative years at Cisco, was crucial in developing bespoke technology solutions that laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
As I moved up the ranks, I embraced the role of National Business Development Manager for Cisco at Dicker Data. This position allowed me to lead key Cisco partners and professional services organisations across Australia, where I was instrumental in driving forward innovative technology solutions that not only met but exceeded our strategic objectives.
My dedication to innovation and leadership didn’t go unnoticed, leading to my appointment as the Cisco Meraki National Business Lead at Dicker Data. Here, I was responsible for operations across Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on fostering growth through innovation and ensuring customer satisfaction, which in turn solidified our market presence.
A pivotal moment in my career was the transition to cybersecurity, where I joined Firstwave Cloud Technology as the Director of Channel Business Development for Australia and New Zealand. My strategies and ability to manage partnerships effectively were crucial in driving the company’s growth, further establishing my reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
My role then expanded to a global scale as the Director of Customer and Partner Alliances for EMEA and North America at Firstwave Cloud Technology in London. In this capacity, I led the company’s expansion efforts and developed lucrative partnerships, showcasing my ability to adapt and succeed in diverse market conditions.
Continuing my journey, I took on a leadership role at Hewlett Packard Enterprise as the Region Leader for Cloud Services in Australia and New Zealand. My initiatives here led to significant market share growth and the cultivation of strategic partnerships, highlighting my capabilities in leadership.
Currently, as the founder and Managing Director of Conicio Advisory, I’m leveraging my extensive experience to assist businesses in navigating the complexities of digital transformation and providing market intelligence. My approach is fundamentally client-centric, focusing on delivering solutions that are not only innovative but also closely aligned with our clients’ paths to success.
We’d love to know what a typical day is like for you. Could you describe a recent workday?
As the founder and Managing Director of Conicio Advisory, my days are highly varied, reflecting the deep involvement I have in all aspects of our operations, especially since I’m currently operating without a dedicated team. My focus is on nurturing client relationships, strategic planning, and staying on level with the latest trends and technologies in the market.
A recent workday for me began with a review of the latest industry insights and technological advancements. Keeping up to date is crucial for offering the most current and strategic advice to my clients. This was followed by preparing for client meetings, where I delve into understanding their unique challenges and objectives, aiming to offer tailored, high-impact solutions.
Much of my day is dedicated to client consultations, which can range from discussing strategies for digital transformation, advising on cybersecurity measures, to planning for cloud integration which are some examples to highlight. These sessions are interactive and collaborative, designed to align closely with the client’s vision and business goals.
After client meetings, I allocate time to strategic business development for Conicio Advisory. This involves exploring new market opportunities, refining my service offerings, and considering how best to scale operations in the future. As I’m in the early stages of building my business, this planning is critical for laying a solid foundation for growth.
I also dedicate a portion of my day to professional development, whether it’s through online courses, webinars, or reading. Continuous learning is key to my professional character, enabling me to offer cutting-edge advice and solutions.
Despite not having a team yet, I spend time networking with peers and potential collaborators. Building a professional network is vital, not just for business development but also for exchanging ideas and staying connected to the broader industry community.
In summary, my days are a mix of client-focused activities, strategic planning for my business, and self-directed learning. Every day presents a new opportunity to drive digital transformation forward, laying the groundwork for what I hope will be a team effort in the near future.
Can you define work-life balance for yourself and share with us your approach in maintaining it?
Ever since I set up my consulting firm, I’ve been equally devoted to shaping a lifestyle that brings joy outside the office walls. Running a business is no small task—it demands balancing countless responsibilities. Yet, I firmly believe that embracing life’s full spectrum with my loved ones is extremely important.
This pursuit of balance never really stops; it’s about creating and respecting boundaries. For me, that means being meticulous with my work schedule to make sure that I have uninterrupted time for personal pursuits—be it engaging in hobbies, being with family and friends, or simply enjoying some downtime.
Travelling stands as my most treasured way to achieve balance. It’s about sharing experiences with my partner, and one day, I hope, with a family. The act of travelling—the immersion in different cultures, the new friendships, the culinary adventures—these experiences broaden my worldview, which, in turn, enhances my professional outlook. Staying open-minded is crucial; it’s the key to embracing new experiences and expanding my horizons.
Physical activity is another important part of my daily routine. It’s essential for maintaining my focus and for processing thoughts, making sure that I stay attuned to every detail. This discipline is non-negotiable, a crucial part of my well-being.
Mindfulness and reflection round out my daily practices. Allocating time to meditate, to reflect on the day’s happenings, and to practise gratitude is how I keep my life in perspective, always mindful of what matters most.
In summary, my approach to work-life balance involves deliberate choices that reflect my personal and professional values. It’s an ongoing adjustment, a tightrope walk of sorts, yet it’s one that I navigate with great fulfilment.
Change is constant, and it’s essential for growth. Have you made any lifestyle changes in the past year to improve your work-life balance?
Indeed, I wholeheartedly embrace the notion that change is integral to personal and professional development. This past year has been particularly transformative for me. Not only have I ventured into new hobbies like playing tennis, golf, and joining a running group to enhance my fitness, but I’ve also deepened my connections with family and friends through regular activities. These changes were sparked by my desire to grow and be the best version of myself, ensuring I remain motivated, disciplined, and consistent in all aspects of life.
But perhaps the most significant change came when I decided to leave my corporate position to start my own business venture. This shift wasn’t just a career move; it was a leap towards creating a life that aligns more closely with my values and aspirations. It allowed me to redefine what work-life balance means to me, blending my professional ambitions with my personal well-being.
Implementing these changes involved setting clear, achievable goals for each new activity and ensuring that my family time was scheduled as meticulously as my work commitments. Regular reflection on these changes has been key, enabling me to adjust and ensure each new habit adds value to my life.
The impact of these lifestyle adjustments has been profound. I’ve discovered a deeper sense of energy and engagement in every facet of my life, from the boardroom to the tennis court. It’s a testament to the fact that our well-being significantly influences our professional success and creativity.
We’re always on the lookout for new resources! Can you recommend any books, podcasts, or newsletters that have helped you in your journey towards balance?
Absolutely! For impactful reading, Atomic Habits by James Clear has reshaped my approach to habit formation, crucial for balancing life’s demands. Good to Great by Jim Collins has also provided invaluable insights into making the leap in both personal and professional realms.
When it comes to podcasts, The Tim Ferriss Show stands out for its deep dives with high achievers, offering actionable advice that’s been beneficial for both my personal development and professional growth.
For reading on the go, Harvard Business Review’s magazines and Monocle publications have been my go-tos. They offer a mix of business insights, global affairs, and lifestyle topics that keep me well-rounded and informed.
Before we wrap up, do you have any final words of wisdom or insights on work, life, or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
For me, finding balance is a never-ending journey of discovering what really matters. Here’s the key lesson: focusing on where my energy goes is essential. Work can quickly take over, so I make it a priority to carve out time for things that refill my soul, whether that’s being with family, indulging in hobbies, or simply enjoying some quiet time alone.
I’ve realised that work is just one slice of life’s vast pie. True satisfaction comes from nurturing every part of our lives—our relationships, our interests, and our well-being. For me, creating boundaries has been crucial, not to limit myself, but to ensure I have the space to thrive in all areas.
Change has become something I welcome. The constant shifts in life aren’t obstacles but opportunities for growth and a richer life experience. I’m always eager to learn, open to new experiences, and view each moment of finding balance as a chance for happiness and discovery.
“In embracing change, I’ve found the key to not just balancing, but truly enriching, every aspect of life.”
