Meet Mostofa Shakib

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mostofa Shakib. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mostofa, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I firmly believe that when you truly want something, you don’t let it go easily—you do everything in your power to make it happen. Growing up in a household where not all my wishes and demands were fulfilled, I learned to be patient and to find alternative ways to achieve my goals. Over the years, this persistence, combined with a genuine desire to succeed, has been the driving force behind my resilience, even after facing failures countless times. I also have faith that if I work hard and stay on the right path, I’ll eventually achieve my goals, even if the timeline doesn’t always align with my expectations.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey began with a deep passion for technology and business, which started during my high school years in Bangladesh. Finding a part-time job at that age is nearly impossible in Bangladesh, so I had to be resourceful. I launched a Steam business, where I turned $5 into over $30,000 by trading virtual items. This wasn’t easy—I had to navigate complex market trends and regional pricing strategies, all while balancing my studies. But this venture taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and ultimately helped fund my education in the US, where I pursued a dual degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.

These early experiences shaped my determination to create something impactful, leading to the founding of Coding Shikhbe Bangladesh (CSB). CSB is an AI-powered platform dedicated to upskilling individuals and matching them with job opportunities. Our mission is to connect the top 1% of South Asian tech talent with job opportunities in Western countries. What makes CSB unique is its mutually beneficial model: Western employers can access top-tier talent at a significantly reduced cost compared to hiring locally, while developers in South Asia earn considerably more than they would through regional opportunities. CSB simplifies the entire process by handling all aspects such as payroll, legal matters, and complaint resolution, making it easy and efficient for both employers and employees. This ensures that companies benefit from highly skilled professionals at a competitive rate, while developers gain life-changing opportunities.

In addition to CSB, I also run a software consultancy named Variant Technology. At Variant, we specialize in custom software development, data analytics, digital marketing, and enterprise consultation. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored solutions that address their specific needs, whether they’re a startup looking to scale or an established business aiming to innovate. The work we do at Variant Technology allows me to apply my technical expertise and business acumen in diverse industries, helping businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals.

I’m excited about the future, particularly as we continue to innovate and expand both CSB and Variant Technology. Whether it’s enhancing our educational platform at CSB or developing cutting-edge solutions for our clients at Variant, I’m committed to making a positive impact in both areas.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey:

1) Persistence: The ability to never give up has been crucial. There were many times when things didn’t go as planned, but I learned that perseverance is key. If you keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you, you’ll eventually find a way to succeed. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing a mindset where setbacks are seen as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks. Persistence isn’t just about hard work; it’s about maintaining the belief that you can and will overcome challenges.

2) Self-Reliance: The ability to figure things out on my own has been invaluable. Early on, I realized that I wouldn’t always have someone to guide me, so I had to become resourceful. Whether it was learning new skills, understanding complex systems, or navigating uncharted territory, being able to solve problems independently gave me the confidence to tackle bigger challenges. My advice to others is to cultivate curiosity and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that seem outside your comfort zone—often, that’s where the most growth happens.

3) People Insight: Understanding people’s behavior, surroundings, and past experiences has helped me anticipate future trends and make informed decisions. This skill has been particularly useful in business, where predicting market shifts or understanding customer needs can make all the difference. For those looking to develop this skill, I suggest paying close attention to human behavior—whether through observation, reading, or direct experience. The better you understand the patterns in the world around you, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate your own path.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me enough to let me pursue my dream of studying in the US. Being the first in my family to want to study abroad, I understand how difficult that decision was for them. On one hand, they were unfamiliar with the US, as no one in our family had made that journey before. On the other hand, they had heard many stories of people who went abroad but couldn’t finish their degrees or lost their way. As the eventual breadwinner of the family, it was an incredibly tough decision for them to let me go, even though I had received scholarships. I am deeply grateful to them for having faith in me and my abilities. Whatever I am today, and whatever I hope to become, would never have been possible without their support and belief in my dreams and passions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.variantc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adibshakib/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adibshakib/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AdibShakib
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adibshakib

Image Credits

Mostofa Adib Shakib