About Me
We are experts dedicated to empowering businesses & leaders through keynote speaking, consulting, and training. Our approach drives success by delivering tailored solutions that make a lasting impact.
About Me
Trusted by CFOs. Respected by Boards. Known for Telling the Truth Others Won’t.
I’m Amna Zaidi (FCA CMgr MCMI)— Chartered Accountant, strategic advisor, and founder of Ahqenza, the UK’s only firm dedicated exclusively to CFO transformation assurance and leadership advisory.
For over two decades, I’ve supported finance leaders in high-pressure roles, delivering and recovering multi-million-pound transformation programmes where credibility, control, and ROI are non-negotiable.
I started my career in banking — reporting to the boardroom in my early twenties — and I’ve remained at the sharp end of finance transformation ever since. From NatWest to Deloitte to Lloyds HBOS, and now as an independent advisor, I’ve led from inside and outside the system. I know how change really works — and what happens when it doesn’t.
I Help CFOs and Finance Leaders Who Can’t Afford to Fail
You’re leading change, defending your leadership, and managing multiple pressures. You don’t need more slide decks.
You need someone who gets it — commercially, politically, and personally.
That’s why my work goes beyond strategy and assurance. I serve as a critical friend to CFOs and programme sponsors when the stakes are highest. Whether you’re at the start of a £12M+ transformation, facing drift and resistance, or stepping into the boardroom for a pivotal decision — I help you navigate with composure, clarity, and confidence.
I apply structured, scenario-tested frameworks — like my proprietary ICE method — to help leaders stay composed, creative, and commercially sharp when the pressure’s on.
One recent engagement recovered £3.2M in value from a stalled digital finance programme — in under 60 days, without disrupting business-as-usual.
Credentials That Count in the Boardroom
- Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) – ICAEW
- Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) – Chartered Management Institute
- Committee Member, Audit Registration Committee (ICAEW)
- Liveryman, Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants
- Delivered and recovered transformation programmes across banking, healthcare, government, and regulated industries
- Speaker, trainer, and published author on strategic leadership, transformation, and influence without authority
Why Clients Trust Me
I’m not a vendor. I don’t sell systems or off-the-shelf solutions. I’m an independent transformation advisor with no conflicts of interest — just clarity, experience, and straight-talking support.
When I’m brought into a programme, I don’t waste time. I find what’s not working, uncover untapped value, and give you a roadmap to act — fast.
“Amna has a rare ability to combine commercial rigour with deep human insight. She sees around corners — and says what others won’t.”
~ Client Testimonial
More Than a Consultant — A Missionore than
My work isn’t just about saving failing programmes or securing better vendor terms (though I do both). It’s about empowering finance leaders — especially those who’ve had to lead without power, influence without permission, or rewrite the rules just to be seen.
That’s why I wrote my book, Unwinnable No More. It’s part memoir, part manual — and a manifesto for anyone who’s been told to stay in their lane. It’s also a love letter to the kind of leadership that’s overdue in today’s boardrooms: courageous, commercial, and consciously human.
I Built Ahqenza Because This Work Deserves Better
At Ahqenza, we deliver what most transformation partners don’t:
- Board-grade assurance — tailored for CFOs, not systems
- Leadership uplift — grounded in the commercial realities of finance
- Recovery that sticks — because surface wins don’t last
- No jargon, no gimmicks, and no wasted time
My Core Beliefs
Transformation doesn’t succeed unless people do.
Leadership is built — not bestowed.
The right advice pays for itself — in results and reputation.
If you’re leading finance transformation and need an advisor who understands the pressure, protects your credibility, and gets things done — I’d be honoured to work with you.
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Take the next step towards unlocking your business’s full potential. Whether you’re seeking engaging keynote speaking, strategic consulting, or impactful training, we have the expertise to help you succeed. Let’s work together to create lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We’ve got you covered! Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.
What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, across various industries. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
How do I book a keynote speaker for my event?
Simply reach out to us via the contact form on our website or give us a call. We’ll discuss your event requirements and match you with the perfect speaker for your audience.
What is the duration of your training programs?
Our training programs vary depending on the client’s needs. They can range from a few hours to several weeks, and we’ll work with you to design a schedule that works best for your team.
Do you offer consulting for specific industries?
Yes, we have experience in a wide range of industries including finance, healthcare, technology, and more. We tailor our consulting services to the specific challenges and goals of your industry.
What makes your services different from other consultants or trainers?
Our services are personalized and designed to drive real, measurable change. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we take the time to understand your business and deliver solutions that truly make an impact.
Let’s Talk About Your Business Needs.
Whether you’re looking for inspiring keynotes, transformative strategic consulting, or impactful leadership training, we have the expertise to drive your success.
