About the Speaker
Dr. Ikhtiar Ahmed Khoso is a seasoned leader in entrepreneurship, incubation, SMEs, skills development and higher education with over 21 years of experience. He currently serves as Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership & Incubation (CEL&Inc.), Sukkur IBA University, where he has helped build one of Pakistan’s leading university based entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Dr. Khoso brings a rare blend of executive leadership and academic insight, having led national and provincial initiatives, including skills development and high-tech development projects. He regularly advises universities and government bodies on entrepreneurship and skill development policies and SME growth.
As a speaker and mentor, he is known for translating innovation and policy concepts into practical, actionable insights for startups, educators, youth employment, and policymakers.
Session Topic:
From Freelancer to Founder: Building Sustainable Careers in the Gig Economy
The gig economy has created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to monetize skills globally. However, long term success requires more than short term gigs. This session explores how freelancers can transition from transactional work to sustainable, growth-oriented careers by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. The talk will unpack how freelancers can position themselves as value creators, build personal brands, manage finances strategically, and gradually scale their services into ventures. Participants will gain insights into avoiding common freelancing pitfalls, identifying scalable opportunities, and leveraging platforms, networks, and institutional support for long-term impact. Whether you are a student, early-stage freelancer, or professional exploring the digital economy, this session will help you re-imagine freelancing not just as a source of income but as a pathway to entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic resilience in a rapidly changing global market.
The gig economy has created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to monetize skills globally. However, long term success requires more than short term gigs. This session explores how freelancers can transition from transactional work to sustainable, growth-oriented careers by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. The talk will unpack how freelancers can position themselves as value creators, build personal brands, manage finances strategically, and gradually scale their services into ventures. Participants will gain insights into avoiding common freelancing pitfalls, identifying scalable opportunities, and leveraging platforms, networks, and institutional support for long-term impact. Whether you are a student, early-stage freelancer, or professional exploring the digital economy, this session will help you re-imagine freelancing not just as a source of income but as a pathway to entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic resilience in a rapidly changing global market.
Session Time / Date
- 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
- 23rd April (Thursday)
Unlock Success: The Future of Business 
