Nauman Khan
Karachi: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) hosted its latest Book Forum at ICAP House, Karachi, spotlighting UAE-based finance leader, trainer, and award-winning author Asma Jan Muhammad.
The event focused on her book Maya’s Paradox: How to Balance Ambition with Integrity, which portrays 38 corporate vignettes addressing dilemmas of ambition, morality, and leadership. Asma’s talk highlighted the role of ethics and resilience in professional decision-making, drawing reflections from participants.
The session was attended by Muhammad Moin Khan, Chairman of Muniff Ziauddin & Co., who served as chief guest. He lauded ICAP’s initiative to encourage dialogue on ethics and leadership within the profession.
An exclusive cover reveal of Asma’s forthcoming title, Smart But Wrong – How to Bias-Proof Strategy and Leadership in the Digital Age, was also featured. The book explores behavioral finance and leadership psychology, with a focus on avoiding biases that undermine decision-making in a digital economy.
Speaking at the forum, Asma said her work aims to inspire professionals to balance ambition with integrity, while also equipping leaders to confront the biases that challenge effective strategy and governance.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, book signing, and networking, with attendees commending ICAP for fostering intellectual engagement at the intersection of finance, ethics, and storytelling.
Asma, a Group Finance Director and Vice President of Transformation & Shared Services, has over two decades of leadership experience across the Middle East and South Asia. Recognized among the Top 10 Women CFOs in the UAE, she has authored four books and co-authored two anthologies, consistently highlighting themes of resilience, integrity, and behavioral insight in corporate life.
