Mazhar Asif Ebrahim (M. Asif Ebrahim), highlighting his pioneering role in experiential travel, team building, and leadership development using Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) and Outbound Training (OBT) in India, along with his journey from the beginning to the present.
Mazhar Asif Ebrahim (M. Asif Ebrahim) – A Pioneer in
Experiential Travel, Team Building, and Leadership Development
Introduction
Mazhar Asif Ebrahim, fondly known as M. Asif Ebrahim,
is a distinguished adventure tourism specialist, experiential
learning facilitator, and corporate team-building expert. As the
founder of Nature Knights, he has played a pioneering role in experiential
travel, leadership development, and outbound training (OBT) across India.
His work focuses on integrating adventure with learning, leadership, and
personal growth, making him a key figure in the evolution of experiential
learning in the country.
Early Life & Inspiration
Asif’s passion for adventure began during his college days
at Bhavan’s College, Andheri, where he co-founded a nature and
eco-adventure club. While pursuing a career in information technology
(IT) solutions, he also continued organizing adventure events, which
gradually transformed from a hobby into a full-fledged organization, Nature
Knights.
His transition from the corporate world to adventure
tourism was marked by his early experiences in the IT sector, where
he spent 18 years in consulting, concept selling, and business
development. His background in corporate strategy and project management
laid the foundation for his innovative approach to team-building, leadership
development, and experiential learning.
Founding Nature Knights & Growth in Leadership
Development
In 1991, Asif established Nature Knights, an
organization specializing in adventure tourism, corporate team-building, and
outbound training. What started as a passion project evolved into a leading
experiential learning company, known for integrating adventure
activities with corporate leadership training.
His breakthrough in leadership development came in 2000,
when Morgan Stanley invited Nature Knights to conduct a team-building
and leadership program through adventure-based learning. This opportunity
propelled Asif’s journey into corporate training, reinforcing his
reputation as a trailblazer in experiential learning.
Experiential Learning & Outbound Training (OBT)
Asif has been one of the pioneers in India to
introduce Experiential Learning Programs (ELP) and Outbound Training (OBT)
for leadership and team-building. His approach leverages real-life
challenges and adventure activities to foster leadership, resilience,
problem-solving, and trust-building.
Some of the key activities in his programs include:
- Trekking
& Mountaineering – Developing endurance, resilience, and teamwork.
- Sailing
& Snorkeling – Encouraging coordination, trust, and adaptability.
- Rappelling
& Rock Climbing – Building confidence and overcoming fear.
- Wildlife
Camps & Rural Tourism – Cultivating environmental awareness and
cultural engagement.
- Cross-Country
Cycling & Eco-Adventure – Promoting strategic thinking and
perseverance.
- Heritage
Tourism & Experiential Travel – Blending adventure with learning.
Impact & Legacy
Through Nature Knights, Asif has collaborated with corporate
giants, institutions, and organizations to design programs that go beyond
traditional classroom learning. His experiential travel and leadership
programs have influenced countless professionals and teams,
enhancing their ability to navigate challenges through real-world
experiences.
Over the years, he has continuously expanded the scope of
experiential learning, incorporating diverse elements such as eco-tourism,
heritage tourism, rural engagement, and personalized leadership development.
His unwavering commitment to innovation in adventure-based learning has
made him a respected figure in leadership training and experiential travel
in India.
