Face to Face with Shoaib Ahmed, CEO, AdRepublic

Shoaib Ahmed is the Founder & CEO of AdRepublic, a fast growing Marketing Communication firm of the Country. Because of his dynamic leadership the Firm has  done some very significant accomplishments in a very short period of time. In a conversation with Future StartUp he talked about himself, his Experiences & learning, passion, Entrepreneurship, & many other issues relating Starting Up-

Future StartUp: Tell us more about yourself and your passion in life.

Shoaib Ahmed: I’m a simple person who always wants to learn new things. My passion is to be a global brand genius.

FS: Tell us more about “Ad Republic”, about its past accomplishment & Future plan.

Shoaib Ahmed: Ad Republic is a marketing communication firm aims to help business houses succeed through true effective communication. Ad Republic is the first firm in the country to promote social media marketing as a marketing mix. Within a short period of its establishment, Ad Republic makes several TVCs, radio ads, & successfully works on brand consultancy projects and media buying.

FS: What inspired you to become an Entrepreneur instead of taking any other easy way?

Shoaib Ahmed: Well, I did job in some companies. To be frank, freedom and gaining more financial capabilities inspired me to be an Entrepreneur.

FS: How did you come up with the idea of Ad Republic?

Shoaib Ahmed: When I was leading the 'Marketing Department' of a local Business House, I used to make numerous communication materials. Besides I had to instruct many communication firms. As being passionate in marketing and entrepreneurship, I decided to start my own.

FS: After you came up with the idea, how did you get started? Please walk us through what the first few months of your journey were like.

Shoaib Ahmed: As said before, I was the head of Brand Marketing of a company when I decided to start up. As that company had a big amount of media budget, I consulted with my the then MD whether I may get the works there if start my own. As he was confident enough to my caliber, he assured and assisted me.

FS: What were the biggest obstacles you faced in your journey to date? And how did you overcome them?

Shoaib Ahmed: I lost my some account and that was the biggest sudden obstacle. Besides, as a media firm, making networking and confirming legislation with different bodies were also a big challenge.

FS: You are the Founder & CEO of AdRepublic, certainly there were lots of ups & downs before you come in today’s position. Did you feel frustration or fear of failure any time during your journey? If yes, then how did you outperform them?

Shoaib Ahmed: Yes, indeed. I frustrated many times, to be precise. But one thing, as I’m a trainer and also received a number of trainings on leadership / risk management, my aspirations and learning helped me overcome those.

FS: What would you say are the biggest drivers of your success today?

Shoaib Ahmed: Yes, it’s actually hoping big and visualizing my future success.  Above all, Hard work is a must.

FS: Let’s say if you can start all over again what are the three mistakes you avoid (if any) and what are the three positive things you would do first?

Shoaib Ahmed: It could be Interesting, if I can start everything all over again!

Firstly I'll avoid-

1. losing temper shortly

2. Not Maintaining proper documentation

3. Inconsistency

I mean, I'll not lose my temper any way!, will be well documented, and also consistent.

At my best I'll work on-

1. Networking

2. Getting mentors

3. Some more practical experience

FS: What are the biggest obstacles for young Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh in your eyes?

Shoaib Ahmed: Convention of being employed after graduation resists the way. Scarcity of information, training and funding are the main obstacles. Poor system and corruption is also big matters.

FS: Advice our “Young Startup Entrepreneurs” who are just going to start their Initiatives and want to bring them to success.

Shoaib Ahmed: Very good initiative. Don’t give up in a mid way!

FS: From your perspective what are the 5 mandatory traits/capabilities for a young entrepreneur to become successful?

Shoaib Ahmed: Well, I think these are-

1. Aspiration to make money

2. Doing new things

3. Enjoying freedom

4. Taking risks

5. Of course capitalizing from the positive situation

FS: Thank You for giving us your valuable time.

Shoaib Ahmed: Thank You too.

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