Nadir Ahmad

Leadership and advisory work

Nadir Ahmad is a seasoned leadership coach and strategist, serving as Senior Leadership Faculty and Coach at KS Insight and as the Founder & CEO of Dowling Street, a boutique consultancy known for combining classical strategic frameworks with emotional intelligence to drive organizational success.

Nadir has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to leaders across industries, including technology, healthcare, entertainment, finance, and government. His clients have included global companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Barclays; healthcare innovators such as Biogen and the American Hospital Association; and cultural organizations like SoulCycle and IMAX Theatres. He also advises non-profits and public entities, including Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Ascend Learning, and the City of Chicago.

Earlier career

Before entering the field of leadership development, Nadir gained experience in strategy, marketing, and engineering. He worked as a consultant in the financial services sector throughout Australia and Asia, specializing in sales and marketing strategies. He spent five years in Silicon Valley, where he held engineering roles at several tech startups.

Academic background

Nadir’s credentials include an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. He also holds dual undergraduate degrees in Computer Engineering and Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Approach

Nadir blends rigorous analytical approaches with a nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics to help leaders navigate challenges and achieve transformational outcomes.

When not advising organizations or coaching leaders, Nadir remains passionate about fostering inclusive environments and innovative thinking in both professional and personal spheres.