Masters of Scale Drive full-speed at opportunity, w/AKQA’s Ajaz Ahmed
Jul 19, 2022
Ajaz Ahmed, the Founder and CEO of AKQA, shares his journey of building a pioneering digital ad agency from scratch. He reflects on how dropping out of college in 1994 excited him about the tech revolution. Ahmed talks about seizing opportunities through rapid prototyping for major clients like Nike and his guiding mantra of 'get big or die trying.' He also delves into unique employee benefits that foster a vibrant culture, and discusses leveraging technology for social change and philanthropy, showcasing how innovation can drive impactful ventures.
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Early Fascination with Tech
- At age 12, Ajaz Ahmed's paper route included Ashton Tate, sparking his interest in tech.
- He toured their offices, fascinated by the technology, demonstrating an early drive for opportunity.
Persistence Pays Off
- Persist even when facing initial setbacks.
- Ajaz sent numerous letters to Ashton Tate before getting a response, showing the power of persistence.
Maximize Opportunities
- Ajaz maximized his part-time job at Ashton Tate by working in every department.
- He even analyzed their warehouse, saving the company money and gaining valuable experience.