Shahbaz Khan’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of impact. From his pivotal role as Imran Khan’s campaign manager to his current success as a leading designer and entrepreneur, Khan’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Through challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, he has found his purpose in merging design, strategy, and storytelling, creating meaningful projects that shape how people experience the world.
A Life Sparked by Passion for Design
In 2017, Shahbaz Khan’s career took a major turn when he found himself managing Imran Khan’s election campaign. The experience was intense and fast-paced, filled with strategic decisions and tight deadlines. But it wasn’t just a test of leadership and resilience—it was also the moment when his passion for creating meaningful impact through strategy and storytelling took root. “That experience ignited my desire to blend creativity with influence, and I haven’t looked back since,” Khan shares.
It was during this whirlwind campaign that Khan started to realize his true calling in design. He recalls the first time he truly noticed a billboard—not just as an advertisement but as a piece of art. “It was bold, captivating, and it made me think differently about the brand it represented,” he says. That moment sparked his deep appreciation for design and its ability to influence perception.
“Design is everywhere,” Khan explains. “It shapes how we see, feel, and experience the world. The ability to tell a story through design and impact how people think and feel was something I couldn’t ignore.”
Overcoming Early Challenges and Building a Legacy
Khan’s professional journey began in the design and public relations field. Juggling multiple roles and trying to build a network from scratch, the biggest challenge he faced was convincing people to take a chance on someone young and unproven. Despite these early challenges, Khan persisted and relied on genuine connections and his ability to stay true to his values.
“It wasn’t easy at the start,” he admits. “But through persistence, I slowly carved my space in the industry. The key was building trust and proving that I could deliver. That’s when I started gaining traction.”
His big break came when he decided to take on the world of hospitality. Today, Khan is leading some major hospitality projects in Pakistan, collaborating with global hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Mövenpick. But these projects aren’t just about luxury—they’re about showcasing Pakistan’s untapped potential on the world stage.
“These aren’t just hotels,” Khan says. “They’re experiences. We’re not only building places for people to stay; we’re building places that tell a story about Pakistan’s culture, its potential, and its future.”
Mentorship: A Source of Pride
While Shahbaz Khan has made a name for himself in the world of design and hospitality, his biggest achievement lies in the success of those he has mentored. “My greatest pride is seeing the young designers, marketers, and photographers I’ve worked with thriving on the big stage. That’s a far greater achievement than any personal milestone,” he says.
Khan attributes his success to the guidance of his mentor, Yawar Abbas, a design teacher who instilled in him the importance of connecting design with purpose and culture. “Yawar taught me how to think creatively and authentically. He showed me that design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about creating meaningful connections and telling stories.”
This influence is apparent in Khan’s work with Sukali, his design company. His projects merge tradition with modernity, combining cultural richness with cutting-edge design to create work that leaves a lasting impact.
Navigating Setbacks and Staying Motivated
Like any successful entrepreneur, Shahbaz Khan has faced his fair share of setbacks. A project early on didn’t resonate with its intended audience, and it was a tough lesson. But Khan uses that experience as a tool for growth.
“I learned the importance of listening—truly understanding what people want and need before building solutions,” he says. “That experience helped shape my approach to every project I’ve taken on since.”
Staying motivated in the face of challenges is something Khan has mastered. “Setbacks are part of the process,” he reflects. “I stay focused on the bigger picture, celebrating the small wins along the way. A cup of chai, a good playlist, or just sketching new ideas can help reset my energy. And of course, the support of my team is everything.”
Khan’s passion for his work and the projects he’s involved in keeps him going. “I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve,” he says. “And having a team that shares the same vision makes it all worthwhile.”
The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration is at the core of Khan’s approach to work. Whether working with a client, a team member, or someone providing constructive feedback, Khan believes that the best ideas emerge when people come together and contribute their perspectives.
“One of the secrets to my success has been the ability to collaborate,” he explains. “Our best work comes from working together, embracing diverse ideas, and building something greater as a team.”
This philosophy has shaped his projects, from design work to hospitality ventures, ensuring that every aspect of a project reflects the input and contributions of multiple voices. “Great ideas aren’t born in a vacuum. They emerge when people from different backgrounds and perspectives work toward a common goal,” Khan says.
Redefining Success: A Collective Journey
Early in his career, success for Khan was defined by milestones—landing big projects, gaining recognition, and achieving personal goals. But as he’s grown and evolved, his definition of success has shifted.
“Success used to be about ticking boxes on a list,” Khan admits. “But now, it’s more like curating a playlist. It’s about finding balance—growth, meaningful work, and moments of quiet joy. It’s about staying true to your values and creating work that brings people together.”
Khan now sees success as a collective journey, not just a personal one. “Success is knowing that the people around you—your team, your clients, your audience—feel fulfilled and inspired by the work you do,” he says. “It’s about creating a lasting impact and knowing that what you do makes a difference.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact
When asked about his legacy, Shahbaz Khan reflects on the impact he hopes to leave behind. “I want my legacy to be about empowerment, creativity, and community. I want to be remembered as someone who sparked fearless self-expression and helped people rediscover their culture or chase their creative calling,” he says.
For Khan, it’s not about accolades or personal achievements—it’s about how his work connects people to meaning, to each other, and to themselves. “If future generations say, ‘He made us feel seen,’ that’s a legacy I would wear like a badge of honor,” he says.
As he continues to push boundaries and build projects that shape the future, Shahbaz Khan remains focused on the bigger picture: creating work that inspires and empowers others, leaving behind a legacy of impact and meaningful connection. Do follow him on Instagram.
