Rafi Razzak has spent life after founding Centerprise International, growing the business to be one of the UK’s largest.
What was it like growing up in Iraq?
“I was brought up in a very disciplinarian environment; my father was an air force pilot. He bcame the private pilot for the king and companion.”
Raffi made clear that his father’s privileged position was not to last.
“I went to the best secondary school in Iraq. But, by that time my father was in a downfall, and was already in prison for political reasons”
What was adapting like?
Mr Razzaq explained his initial worries but gave his own advice to immigrants looking to come and take advantage of all the UK offers:
“If you want to go to any country must accept they’ve got different ways of doing things.”
Integration and making friends in the Uk was key to his own acceptance of his situation.
From immigrant to multi-millionaire what have you learned?
“Success… continued success and a legacy is important. I could of sold this company many years ago for a lot of money.
But, how would I feel to those employees who’ve been here for 20 to 25 years. Only abandoning them, for me to make money.”
Raffi went on to tell me what motivate this company message.
“3 words drive this company. Honesty, truth and Respect.
These are the key words for me. You must be honest, you must trust people and you must show respect to customers and suppliers.”
Would you return to Iraq?
“My name was on the blacklist back in the days of Sadame Hussein. If I’d gone back I doubt I would of come back out again.
Mr Razzaq told us about the continuing problems he faces in trying to reconnect with his home nation.
“Today it’s not safe to go back I might be kidnapped or ransomed for a lot of money to get me out of jail”
Any Regrets?
This was section of the interview that was the lightest. Talking to Raffi you really get the sense that he simply doesn’t have many.
“My only regret is that I started a business in a small country.
If I’d started in America I’d have probably been Michael Dell, Bill Gates or something like that”
Finally he says to me almost wistfully:
“If I could tell myself anything back then, it’d be to make the best of my life. Most importantly not to despair by what I see in my country.”
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HeadlineIf I Knew Then: Escaping political intrigue in Iraq to starting his own multi-million pound tech firm, Rafi Razzak tells us his journey.
Short HeadlineMulti million pound journey since Iraq
StandfirstTech mogul Rafi Razzak shares his story
Rafi Razzak has spent life after founding Centerprise International, growing the business to be one of the UK’s largest.
What was it like growing up in Iraq?
“I was brought up in a very disciplinarian environment; my father was an air force pilot. He bcame the private pilot for the king and companion.”
Raffi made clear that his father’s privileged position was not to last.
“I went to the best secondary school in Iraq. But, by that time my father was in a downfall, and was already in prison for political reasons”
What was adapting like?
Mr Razzaq explained his initial worries but gave his own advice to immigrants looking to come and take advantage of all the UK offers:
“If you want to go to any country must accept they’ve got different ways of doing things.”
Integration and making friends in the Uk was key to his own acceptance of his situation.
From immigrant to multi-millionaire what have you learned?
“Success… continued success and a legacy is important. I could of sold this company many years ago for a lot of money.
But, how would I feel to those employees who’ve been here for 20 to 25 years. Only abandoning them, for me to make money.”
Raffi went on to tell me what motivate this company message.
“3 words drive this company. Honesty, truth and Respect.
These are the key words for me. You must be honest, you must trust people and you must show respect to customers and suppliers.”
Would you return to Iraq?
“My name was on the blacklist back in the days of Sadame Hussein. If I’d gone back I doubt I would of come back out again.
Mr Razzaq told us about the continuing problems he faces in trying to reconnect with his home nation.
“Today it’s not safe to go back I might be kidnapped or ransomed for a lot of money to get me out of jail”
Any Regrets?
This was section of the interview that was the lightest. Talking to Raffi you really get the sense that he simply doesn’t have many.
“My only regret is that I started a business in a small country.
If I’d started in America I’d have probably been Michael Dell, Bill Gates or something like that”
Finally he says to me almost wistfully:
“If I could tell myself anything back then, it’d be to make the best of my life. Most importantly not to despair by what I see in my country.”
