Ayaz Ahmed Abusaleh Qazi

Leading Through Logic and Collaboration

Director

Precihole Group

Leadership in today’s fast-evolving business landscape is no longer defined by authority alone. The most inspiring leaders are those who cultivate environments where ideas thrive, teams collaborate, and sustainable solutions emerge. Among them is Ayaz Ahmed Abusaleh Qazi, Director of Precihole Machine Tools, Precihole Sports and Precihole Arms Pvt. Ltd., a name synonymous with precision engineering and progressive leadership in India’s manufacturing sector. Unlike conventional leadership models that prioritise quick decision-making and top-down directives, Ayaz believes in consensus-driven leadership. He emphasises logic, reasoning, and open dialogue, ensuring that his team is aligned with decisions and actively shaping them. This approach has led to operational excellence and a deeply committed workforce in an industry where accuracy and efficiency are paramount. Under his leadership, Precihole Machine Tools has expanded its footprint, reinforcing its position as a key player in high-precision manufacturing. His strategic vision and people-centric approach set a benchmark for leadership in the sector, driving both innovation and long-term growth. In an exclusive conversation with TradeFlock, Ayaz Ahmed delves into his unconventional leadership philosophy, the challenges of leading in a high-precision industry, and his vision for the future.

What pivotal career moment shaped your business philosophy?

In 2008–09, an eight-month labour strike brought my business to a standstill. It was a wake-up call—I realised we were too dependent on a single market. That’s when I learned a crucial lesson:

NEVER PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET.

How is Precihole ensuring longterm resilience amid supply chain uncertainties and economic fluctuations?

Resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges— it’s about thriving despite them. At Precihole, we’ve built our strength on self-reliance, designing solutions with locally available components to minimise import dependency and ensure supply chain stability. For critical imports, we stay ahead with buffer inventories, avoiding disruptions before they happen. Innovation fuels us, whether through Kaizen-driven refinements or bold, disruptive ideas. As we embrace lean manufacturing, we remain agile and efficient because “staying resilient means staying prepared for any external challenge.”

What’s an overlooked leadership lesson that has shaped your approach?

Modern leaders understand well that leadership isn’t about pushing solutions—it’s about pulling people together. I’ve learned that the best decisions aren’t imposed but built through logic, reasoning, and open dialogue. Convincing the team, rather than forcing decisions, fosters true collaboration and commitment. When people believe in the solution, they own it, which creates a lasting impact.

What drew you to deep hole drilling, and how has your view evolved?

Precision has always fascinated me, but when I discovered deep hole drilling, I realised I had stepped into one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges. Unlike turning or milling, DHD was considered a ‘pain area’—a process few truly mastered. But I saw an opportunity that if we could provide a reliable solution at an optimal cost, the market would be ours. That belief became our driving force. Over the years, we’ve transformed this complex process into our greatest strength, making Precihole a global leader in deep hole drilling solutions.

What fuels your creativity and motivation beyond board meetings?

Creativity isn’t a break from strategy—it’s at the heart of it. I thrive on lateral thinking, uncovering out-of-the-box solutions to complex challenges. Finding innovative solutions not only drives me personally but also reinforces a culture of ingenuity.