About Beyond Cubicles
š¢ #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina DāSouza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industriesāranging from tech and education to wellness and adventureāwho share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.Ā
āØ Note: All features inĀ this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories ofĀ transformation.
Obeid Jasnaik had a job that paid well, but he didnāt feel like he was making a difference.
āItās not that Iām a philanthropist or something,ā he says, ābut Iāve always believed that life needs purpose.ā
When corporate tax was introduced, friends encouraged him to start his own firm, helping startups struggling with compliance. āThat became my turning point,ā he says.
He registered AQUO Accounting Co. LLC in 2023, unsure if heād follow through. āI had just left my job. Panic and anxiety set in.ā But also, a sense of possibility: āFor the first time in 11 years, I could do what I wanted.ā
He began small. Posting in Facebook groups, building his website, and still applying for jobs. āIām not a very social person,ā he says. āBut I realized the only one who can talk about my business is me.ā
The name Aquo came by chance, inspired by his wifeās e-commerce brand, myAquo. āThe PRO just looked up Aquo Accounting and it was available. We took a quick family poll; they loved it.ā About the name, he adds, āWe are comforting, nurturing and flexible like water, but equally strong.ā
His defining moment came in May 2024. āI told my wife, if I can close even one of three big projects that Iād applied for, Iāll give this my 100%.ā He closed two. āThe smile on my wifeās face, the pride I felt in my heart… Iām getting goosebumps talking about it even now.ā
Today, Aquo handles outsourced accounting, audits, tax consultancy, business setup, and forecasting, grounded in Obeidās audit experience and five years in management.
Still, growth hasnāt come easy. āI used to pull myself back in the name of perfectionism. But Iāve gained confidence to go from āI could never do thisā to āI most definitely can and I will.āā
He now navigates networking with more ease. āStart while youāre still employed,ā he advises. āI had to build from scratch.ā
He credits his circle: friends, family, even a mentor overseas. āOne of my biggest motivations to never give up was that I couldnāt let any of them down.ā
Originally from Mumbai, Obeid moved to the UAE at age five, growing up and building his career and now his business.