Meet Senior Manager Junaid Sharif, a seasoned data expert with over 17 years of experience in data consulting. At Dufrain, Junaid leads the Technology Adoption team, helping clients transform their data landscapes through innovative solutions. We recently caught up with Junaid to talk about his love for solving complex data challenges, his passion for writing, and, of course, his thoughts on the scariest parts of working with data. Keep reading to discover what keeps him up at night in the world of data and his favorite Halloween movie!
1. Tell us a little bit about what you do?
That’s a tough one! I’ve been in data consulting for over 17 years, working across four countries. I’ve been very lucky to gain experience in areas like architecture, program management, and development while working some of the best people.
At Dufrain, I lead the Technology Adoption team, helping clients design, adopt and integrate new data technologies —it’s like giving their data landscape a makeover across both system and capabilities!
My work spans from collaborating with sales on proposals, engaging with clients for discovery assessments as well as leading delivery projects and leading internal teams developing propositions that drive client success.
I also run the Solution Design Authority, where we review everything from client proposals to internal IPs to keep things moving smoothly.
I’m passionate about ensuring our solutions address both technical and human needs, and I love the puzzle-solving aspect of finding the right solution. The best part is working alongside some truly brilliant people at both Dufrain and with our clients!
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most is the variety! Every day is different, whether I’m helping a colleague or client tackle a complex data transformation or brainstorming fresh solutions with the team. I love working with clients to understand their goals and challenges, then turning those insights into actionable data solutions. The best part is when everything clicks, and the project comes together. Plus, working with a diverse group of talented people from different backgrounds keeps things exciting and constantly pushes me to learn and grow.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me starts with dropping off my kids at school and my wife at work. After that, I enjoy a good breakfast and either coffee or green tea to get ready for the day ahead. My workday kicks off with catching up on emails and tasks, followed by client stand-ups and helping my team tackle any challenges they’re facing. From there, it’s a mix of internal meetings, working on internal initiatives, and focusing on client deliverables.
In the evenings, I make it a point to have dinner with my family, catching up on everyone’s day around the table. Afterward, I like to relax with a bit of Netflix or spend time with my wife. That said, I often find myself working late into the evening, as it gives me a chance to focus on tasks without distractions. Before bed, I like to unwind by reading or spending some time on my iPad.
4. Which of our company values resonate with you the most?
“We succeed together” really stands out for me. This value is at the core of how I like to work—delivering results by building strong, trusting relationships and collaborating to achieve something greater than the sum of our parts. I’m a strong advocate for delivering solutions that solve business problems for both our company and our clients. In my view, true success comes from having a shared sense of purpose and teamwork, which is why this value resonates with me so strongly.
5. What would you say has been your most significant achievement or the one you are most proud of whilst working at Dufrain?
I strongly believe in the power of collaborative achievements. I take pride in being placed on challenging projects and delivering strong results regardless of the difficulty. If I were to highlight a specific achievement, it would be establishing and championing the Solution Design Authority. This initiative significantly enhanced cross-functional collaboration by bringing together various teams to ensure alignment in architecture, design, and delivery. It not only led to improved sales collateral but also helped solve complex problems, resulting in stronger client trust, better outcomes, and more cohesive teamwork across the organisation.
6. Who inspires you the most within Dufrain?
There are so many people at Dufrain that I enjoy working with, each bringing unique qualities and perspectives. However, if I had to highlight one person, it would be Jennifer Cunningham. Jen has an incredible ability to harness the unique strengths of her colleagues, creating an environment where individuality is celebrated and contributes to the success of the team. Her leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation, positively impacting consultants on an individual level and playing a key role in shaping the Dufrain culture. Watching her consistently bring out the best in people has been truly inspiring, and it’s something I strive to incorporate into my own leadership approach
7. Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
My favorite perk at Dufrain has to be the flexibility and focus on work-life balance. The ability to manage my schedule around both personal and professional commitments makes a huge difference. It allows me to give my best to both my work and family, which ultimately helps me stay more productive and motivated.
8. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
My best advice is to embrace collaboration and be ready to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment. At Dufrain, teamwork is key—we succeed together by sharing ideas and tackling challenges head-on. Be proactive in learning, ask questions, and be open to new approaches. Also, don’t be afraid to push boundaries; we value those who challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives to the table. Most importantly, show your passion for data and the impact it can have on businesses!
9. What skill do you think everyone should learn?
I believe effective communication is a skill everyone should learn. Whether it’s with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders, being able to clearly articulate your ideas and actively listen is essential. Strong communication fosters collaboration, builds trust, and ensures that everyone is aligned toward the same goals. It’s especially important in a field like ours, where technical solutions need to be understood and embraced by non-technical teams. Mastering this skill can make a huge difference in your personal and professional success.
Along with effective communication, I think empathy is a crucial skill everyone should learn. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes not only improves collaboration but also helps you understand the challenges and needs of others, whether it’s clients or colleagues. Combining empathy with communication allows you to build stronger, more meaningful relationships and deliver solutions that truly resonate with the people you’re working with. It’s a skill that enhances teamwork and fosters a positive work environment.
10. What are some of your favourite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors—whether it’s going for a walk or just enjoying a day out. I also have a passion for writing, and I often dive into creative or reflective pieces in my spare time. It’s a great way to unwind and express thoughts that don’t always fit into my day job. And, of course, I enjoy reading up on the latest tech trends to keep my curiosity piqued!
This Halloween… What scares you the most about data?
What scares me most about data is that in so many projects – whether it’s application migration, ERP migration, or any large-scale implementation – data often ends up being the last thing people focus on. Too often, projects fail when, after all the work has been done, they realise that the data doesn’t add up to show the business value they expected. Despite the best technical implementation, if the data isn’t accurate or aligned with the business needs, it can be a real nightmare, causing delays, rework, and loss of trust.
Do you have any scary data facts in your cauldron?
One scary data fact: It’s estimated that over 90% of the world’s data has been created in just the last two years, according to reports from IBM and IDC. What’s even more frightening is that around 60% of this data is never analysed or used. It’s like having a treasure trove of insights, but most of it stays buried like a crypt full of untapped potential! We need to dig into that data more, or we risk missing out on critical opportunities.
What’s your favourite Halloween movie?
My favourite Halloween movie is Corpse Bride. The combination of Tim Burton’s signature dark, whimsical style and the touching story makes it a perfect blend of spooky and heartfelt. What really stands out to me is the story’s unexpected transformation reminds me of some of the projects I’ve worked on. Sometimes in data projects, you might end up facing a situation you never wished for – like realising halfway through an implementation that the data isn’t adding up or showing the business value you expected. But much like the film, where things that seem grim can turn into something beautiful, those moments of challenge can lead to breakthroughs and better outcomes if you work through them. It’s a reminder that even in the most unexpected or difficult situations, there’s always potential for a positive result.
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