Naeem Afzal’s Post

::tap-tap-tap:: Is this on? How does this LinkedIn thing work? 😁 First post for my last post as an Intel Employee. Just beyond a total of 18 years at the Intel Corporation, Folsom Campus, I've made the bittersweet decision to separate from Intel. Intel was my first choice-job after graduating UC Davis. As a young college-graduate, I would have never predicted the volumes of challenges, achievements, and impact we've made together as a company. I'm so grateful for the opportunities and trust put in me. But, this chapter has an end. My favorite metaphor to describe one's career is the 'rollercoaster'. 1. Make considerations as to which rollercoaster to get on 2. Weigh the options and make a choice 3. Load up, strap in, and accept the decision made 4. It goes in every direction possible, from the anxious rise to the top, and exhilarating drop, the ups and downs, the twists and turns! 5. Through the ride it's fun, it's stressful, it's exciting, it's exhausting 6. We laugh, we scream, we smile, we "wooo!" 7. Finally, the inevitable end What-a-ride!!! It's not really the end, is it? We realize there are other rollercoasters at the park ... then it starts all over at "1", and can we ride that 'coaster again? Let's see 😊 Cheers, Intel! Wishing all my colleagues and friends the best in the future. Without a doubt, I'll miss them all.

Celebrating 100+ Days of Retirement! For many at Intel, retirement and departures are on the horizon. Today, I'm sharing my 100+ day journey to inspire others. The biggest change? My perspective on time. Time is no longer scarce, but abundant! This shift allowed me to move from "what should I do?" to a heartfelt question: "what do I WANT to do?" Now activities energize me, not drain me. Freedom, independence, and the harmony that comes from fostering rich human connections are my guiding principles. For example, I recently received a last-minute text asking me to help bury someone who died alone, fulfilling the Jewish communuity obligation of having 10 people recite the mourner's prayer. I felt immense gratitude to be able to do so with 100% presence, without hesitation or the feeling of being inconvenienced. My days are filled with a joyful alchemy of coaching and being coached, reuniting with brilliant colleagues, and meeting new inspiring local techies and social warriors. I've been consulting while setting up my new AI advisory business to service organizations who do not have access to tech executives with 30 years of experience. In between, I am cycling, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. I am also taking advice from parking meters. Finally, I have moved on from thinking I am x-Intel to embrace being an Intel Alum. I have been meeting with many Alumni who created the digital IT world we live in and continue to have impact in tech and philanthropy, and practice the fine art of crafting fulfillng days. I now tell others "I graduated from Intel," because I'm forever part of this amazing community who created something special and continue to make a difference. #Intel #AI #advising #graduated #IntelAI #deeplearning #change #purpose #perception #mindset #career #coaching #consulting #fractional

After more than two great decades, I am leaving Intel Corporation with immense gratitude and pride!   I am deeply thankful for all the opportunities Intel has provided me to develop both my professional and personal skills. I have had the privilege of meeting amazing people along the way, many of whom have become more than colleagues; they are mentors, friends and a second family!   I am proud of all the projects and campaigns I have led with this incredible team, from Channel Marketing to Retail! - 2003..2004: Joined as an Intern in the Channel Organization, responsible for publishing weekly indicators that enabled the Latin America team to effectively manage a rapidly growing ecosystem. - 2005..2008: I started FY05 as a proud Blue Badge employee. During my three years in Finance, I built the first Consumption Revenue Model, which influenced smart investment decisions in LatAm and was adopted by other Geos. - 2009..2019: Marketing is one of my passions, and for over a decade, I was fortunate to use all my creativity in some iconic and award-winning campaigns. These include “A Day in the Life of Carlos Rodrigues” to sell vPro to IT Decision Makers, the First Time Buyer campaign in Brazil that drove demand and helped us engage the biggest retailers on the RSA Program, the “That Cloud” campaign that invited thousands of ITDMs to write a parody of a famous Brazilian song performed at the Oracle Open World stage in São Paulo, and finally, the Hack the City campaign in partnership with NatGeo, which received the International Emmy Award. - 2020..2024: I finally moved to Sales and began my journey as RSM during the pandemic. I was fortunate to work with great retailers and OEMs, which helped me grow Intel’s revenue for three consecutive years. I close this chapter working with amazing people from the CCG organization and brilliant minds across LatAm. Last but not least, throughout these years, I have been able to contribute and give back to society thanks to wonderful initiatives like Intel Involved and WIN.   Deciding to close this chapter of my career was a complex and emotional decision. However, at this midpoint, it presents a valuable opportunity to decompress and explore new paths and opportunities. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you soon! #ThankYouIntel #CareerJourney #NewOpportunities #OpenToWork

Intel's plan of 15% massive layoff is almost a history now.. With the enhanced retirement package (ERP) and voluntary separation program (VSP) results coming out more frequently since the past few days, I predict that some of the Intel's BUs are going to have the planned 15% headcount reduction achieved just with ERP and VSP. What does this mean to the people staying back (especially when Intel's ELT has decided not to open any new positions - a trend to expect for the next few quarters atleast!!)? The answer is, "Need to do more with less and with utmost efficiency". Standing up and saying No to certain Projects/Tasks could be challenging in times like this. But I follow an easy yet an effective way that I learnt during my MBA to do that... it is Eisenhower Matrix. It simplifies the process of justifying my stance on a task to the upper management. I first hand experience that practicing Eisenhower Matrix is also indirectly helping me sharpen my influencing skills.

Working for someone else is a safe play 😲 I thought so, too, before I was fired. Now, I’m spilling the tea… 🍵 So far this year: Cisco has laid off 4,000 employees, Intel has laid off 15,000 employees Microsoft 10,000 employees Think it’s just tech companies? Think again… CVS 2,900 employees Nike 1,500 employees laid off Briston Myers Squibb 2,200 people laid off Here’s what you need to know: You have value. You need to start showcasing and highlighting it! The time is now to invest in you and your brand so you have options. Don’t wait for the pink slip. 📃 Are you waiting or creating? 🤔 Need a hand? Join my bootcamp here: https://lnkd.in/eki_n-x2

Lenovo #SmarterStories: Adaptability "When you're adaptable, you're necessary." Inspired by 30 years of ThinkPad innovation, Lenovo invites you to join as we follow the #SmarterStory of Pat Lushaba, Senior ISR for Lenovo Southern Africa. Having begun her Lenovo career as an intern, and climbed the ranks through a 12-year span, Pat tells her story about adaptability – one of her favourite human qualities. What it means, what it looks like and how it aligns to her world of technology. Hers is a story of determination and belief – and how a limitless life is possible when heart and smart collaborate. #wearelenovo

July started with Intuit letting go of 1,800 people. And this is how August looks so far: - Intel removed 15,000 roles. - Dell laid off 12,500 employees. - Infineon let go of 1,400 people. And it likely won't stop there. Companies are willing to do what it takes to save costs. And it's at the expense of thousands of people. So feel empowered to build your personal moat by: 1. Growing your personal brand 2. Networking with other people 3. Starting those passion projects 4. Exploring opportunities in different industries Companies will always take care of themselves first. So put yourself first too.

Are YOU one of the people leaving Intel Corporation in Costa Rica these days? If so, CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉 Wait, what? You heard that right. It might not resonate with you just yet—especially if you're reading this after losing your job—but I stand by what I say... 🙋🏻♂️ I’d rather say "Congratulations!" than "I’m sorry." Here’s why: 💫 You are far more capable than you realize.  💫 You are much more resourceful than you think.  💫 You have countless possibilities ahead of you, even if they aren’t clear right now. Whether you chose the Voluntary Separation Package (VSP) or were selected to embark on a "new adventure," trust me when I say: it will work out for the best if you choose to believe it. In 2016, I chose to close my chapter at Intel by quitting my job. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the immense value of the experience I’d gained. But over the years, I’ve reaped the benefits of that decision. I have deep gratitude for my time at Intel and for the company’s role in shaping my early career. Now, I understand that no matter how it happens, this transition can be painful and unsettling. Your mind might be racing with questions, from enjoying a short break to wondering how you’ll replace that paycheck and keep up with bills. But here’s what I want you to know:   It’s easy to fall into the trap of fear and uncertainty, but please, don’t become another victim of job loss. Not in your actions, and especially not in your thinking. **WATCH OUT FOR THESE TRAPS:** 💫 Don’t rush into panic mode, sending out résumés everywhere, hoping to "find something" fast.  💫 Don’t believe the lie that you’re competing with everyone else who also left Intel—or that there’s a limited job pool. That’s simply not true. 💫 Don’t let worry and sleepless nights take over. The apocalypse isn’t happening. You’ve got this. 💫 Don’t just follow the crowd. Even if you've been assigned a "relocation company" to help you, take a moment to *think first* before jumping into action. After running my own business for 10 years as a transformation coach, and helping countless people relocate or create businesses they never thought possible, I can confidently say—I know better. And deep down, you know better too. So, don’t panic. If you’ve read this far and feel the unease, panic, or uncertainty I’m talking about, I invite you to reach out to me. Let’s have a conversation. These moments bring opportunities—if you’re open to seeing them. I’m offering a no-cost conversation to explore those opportunities in the midst of this chaos. Comment below or send me a private message. Let's talk. #relocation #intel #costarica #jobloss #opportunity #clarity #coaching #transformation