How a CEO from Khujand builds an international IT company and maintains balance in life

The CEO of Silk Road Professionals balances managing an international company, developing the AI ecosystem in Central Asia, and maintaining an active lifestyle. In this interview, he shares insights into his professional journey, approach to learning, the role of one’s environment, the importance of community, and how sports help maintain clarity, energy, and resilience.

Mirzodaler Mukhsinzoda, City: Khujand, CEO, Software & AI Engineer at Silk Road Professionals, LinkedIn, Instagram

About Me

I am the CEO of Silk Road Professionals (SRP), an IT outsourcing company based in Tajikistan that serves clients from the US and Europe. Since 2014, we have been developing IT service exports, creating digital products, and nurturing a new generation of engineers in the region.

I graduated from the Khujand Polytechnic Institute and later earned a Master’s degree in Software & AI Engineering from the University of Deusto in Spain. Subsequently, I began PhD research in Deep Learning at the University of Granada, where I worked on natural language processing models.

In 2019, the first AI/ML course was launched in Khujand at the zypl.ai academy, initiating the training of the first engineers in this field. In 2020, we developed the first AI scoring models for banks, which were then implemented in Tajikistan and expanded across Central Asia and internationally. Central Asia has the potential to become a strong tech region with global products if we continue to develop people, culture, and communities.

In 2025, I represented Tajikistan in the US IVLP program focused on Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, alongside leaders from 25 developing countries. We studied the ecosystems of New York, Florida, Denver, and Los Angeles.

Where and How I Learn

For me, learning is not a schedule but a state of mind. I strive to learn something new every day through observation, conversations, articles, or experiments with AI tools. In a world where “sufficient” knowledge becomes obsolete quickly, remaining a student is crucial for shaping the future.

I learn in multiple spaces simultaneously. International online platforms like Coursera are excellent tools for acquiring structured knowledge. I also engage with the global community—through conversations with entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders, especially after participating in the IVLP program in the US, where we met with universities, innovation hubs, and tech companies.

However, the primary source of learning is practice: working with teams, solving project challenges, conducting research, experimenting, and collaborating with talented engineers within SRP.

When you lead a company and develop an ecosystem, learning happens constantly and in real time.

Within the company, we foster a culture of open knowledge sharing and support local IT communities. At Silk Road Professionals, we regularly organize the Developers Conference and support initiatives such as the .NET Community and GDG Khujand.

I attend almost all local IT events and actively participate in the regional tech scene. My journey began as a regular attendee, then I started helping organize events with the team, and today I most often speak as a speaker or moderator.

My team and I frequently share our experiences at regional IT events. My recent talks have focused on the future of AI: “Software 3.0: Your Next Team Member is an AI Agent,” “From LLMs to AI Agents: Interface-Free Products Where Interaction Happens in Natural Language,” and “How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Are Changing the Rules of the Game for Business, Careers, and Startups.”

This is a space where I grow personally and help an entire ecosystem thrive.

Environment

I consciously build my environment—surrounding myself with people who share values of growth, honesty, and responsibility: professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and athletes. Interacting with those who think strategically and act with intention helps me make mature decisions and develop the company.

My closest and most important circle is my family. I am grateful to my parents for their upbringing and values, and the support of my wife and conversations with my children help me stay calm and maintain proper priorities.

Although most of my professional work is related to IT, my environment is not limited to the tech sphere. I interact with people from education, medicine, entrepreneurship, sports, and public service.

The sports community holds a special place, including runners and members of DAV.TJ. This space brings balance, energy, and inspiration.

I actively attend networking events, local IT gatherings, and international programs, considering them an essential part of personal and corporate development. For me, networking is not about exchanging business cards but about connecting with people who are shaping the future of their industries.

During the IVLP program in the US, I met technology, science, and innovation leaders from 25 countries, as well as representatives of universities and companies setting global trends. These connections continue to provide value and inspiration.

Like-minded individuals can be found in various spaces: IT communities, universities, project tracks, sports and professional clubs, and international online platforms. The key is to take initiative and create an environment where people want to grow.

How I Spend My Free Time

Free time is a space for restoration, inspiration, and connecting with loved ones. The most valuable moments are those spent with family: walks, trips, discussing plans, and engaging with my children’s interests. Family helps maintain balance and reminds me of the purpose behind everything I do.

The second important area is running and sports. Running has become more than just a hobby for me; it is a way to maintain discipline, health, and mental clarity. Often, I combine runs with reflections on projects or future ideas. It is my personal space for silence and concentration.

I also enjoy learning, reading, and conversing with friends and colleagues. Even during my free time, I seek new knowledge and exchange ideas, which provides energy and inspiration.

My main hobby is running. It is not just a sport but a way of life—a means to maintain discipline, health, and mental clarity. I participate in international races and aim to run approximately 1,500 km per year.

Recent and favorite races:

Samarkand Marathon — 42.2 km, finished in 4 hours

Bukhara Night Race — 10 km, 48:43

Tashkent Marathon — 21.1 km, 1:49:36

Khujand Backyard Ultra — 70 km in 10 hours.

Running has long become a family tradition. My children participate in kids’ races, my wife runs 10 km, and we combine competitions with travel.

I am also actively involved in the running community DAV.TJ, where we organize weekly group runs, support each other, develop running culture in Khujand, and foster an atmosphere of healthy living. Recently, we held an eco-plogging event together with runners and eco-activists—a small but significant contribution to the cleanliness and ecology of our city.

Running helps me structure my thoughts, find balance, and remain resilient in both work and life.

Where to Buy What

When choosing technology, I focus on quality, comfort, and productivity, ensuring that tools help me work efficiently and maintain an active lifestyle.

For work: Standing desk, MacBook Pro M3 with two monitors, iPhone, AirPods Pro 2, Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, and MX Keys S keyboard. At SRP, there is a sports room with a treadmill, pull-up bar, parallel bars, and workout zones so the team can maintain health and balance.

For running: Garmin Forerunner 965, Polar H10, Adidas Adios Pro 4, Nike Vaporfly 4, Adidas Boston 12. I also use additional models for recovery and light training.

I purchase from Amazon, official brand websites, while traveling, and in local stores. The principle is simple—choose what helps you work more productively and live more actively.