Ahmad Ashkar | Entrepreneur & Impact Leader

In today’s fast-changing business landscape, new opportunities are emerging across every industry. While many aspiring entrepreneurs are eager to launch their next venture, true success requires more than a great idea. A well-structured financial plan is essential for building a profitable and sustainable business. Rather than relying solely on past performance, entrepreneurs must focus on forward-looking financial projections. Planning for the months ahead allows businesses to anticipate challenges, allocate resources wisely, and make informed decisions with confidence. Financial forecasting does more than estimate income and expenses. It acts as an early warning system, helping identify potential cash flow issues before they become serious problems. It also clarifies funding requirements, highlights the right timing for investments, and ensures businesses are prepared for unexpected financial pressures. With the right planning in place, entrepreneurs can track progress, stay alig...

Success in today’s business landscape demands far more than intelligence alone. It requires strategic thinking, resilience, and a well-developed set of practical skills. Growth is rarely instant; it is built through intentional planning, consistent effort, and the confidence to take decisive action. The first step toward long-term achievement is identifying the business skills that truly drive progress. According to entrepreneur and global leader Ahmad Ashkar, skills such as sales, market awareness, management, negotiation, and effective communication form the backbone of sustainable success. These competencies help professionals advance in their careers while enabling entrepreneurs to build ventures that last. Hard work may open opportunities, but refined business skills are what turn opportunity into lasting impact. The Role of Leadership in Business Growth Leadership is not limited to overseeing tasks—it is about empowering people and aligning them toward a shared vision. Ahmad ...

The rapid rise of digital and mobile technology has transformed the way people plan and book their trips. Today’s travelers can organize complete vacations in just minutes, leading to significant growth in the travel industry. However, in an increasingly crowded market, only travel companies that prioritize smart strategies and consistent quality are able to stand out and scale successfully. Prioritize Exceptional Service Quality High-quality service is the cornerstone of every successful travel business. Delivering seamless travel experiences and ensuring customer satisfaction should remain the top priority. Trust, reliability, and transparency help build a strong reputation—one that encourages repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. When travelers enjoy stress-free journeys, organic growth naturally follows. Ahmad Ashkar, a seasoned traveler and entrepreneur, consistently highlights the importance of service excellence in the travel sector. His insights offer ...

Creating a strong brand identity is one of the most critical steps when launching a business. Before you can scale, attract loyal customers, or earn long-term trust, you must clearly define how your brand will be seen and remembered in the marketplace. Brand identity goes far beyond a logo or a company name. It represents the complete experience your business offers—your voice, values, visuals, and the message you communicate at every touchpoint. A well-crafted brand identity makes your business recognizable, relatable, and credible. Why Brand Identity Is Essential Your brand identity shapes the very first impression people have of your business. While brand image reflects public perception, brand identity is the intentional framework you build to guide that perception. When designed strategically, it naturally leads to a positive and lasting brand image. Global leaders such as Apple, Nike, and Adidas invest heavily in brand identity because it directly impacts customer loyalty, ...

E-commerce has reshaped how people shop, making convenience the top priority. With fast-paced lifestyles and limited time, customers now choose online stores for everything—from fashion and stationery to everyday groceries. This shift has pushed brands to create digital storefronts that not only reflect their identity but also deliver seamless shopping experiences. Today, a well-designed e-commerce website is no longer optional; it is a vital tool for business growth and global reach. However, simply launching an online store isn’t enough. To truly stand out, businesses must focus on strategy, usability, and customer experience. According to industry expert Ahmad Ashkar , the most successful e-commerce platforms are built with clarity, creativity, and customer trust at their core. 1. High-Quality Product Images Visuals create the first impression and often the deciding one. High-resolution, professionally styled product images instantly capture attention and build credibility. A co...

In the modern digital era, e-commerce has transformed the way people shop. With fast-paced lifestyles and limited free time, consumers increasingly prefer purchasing everything online—from fashion and groceries to everyday essentials. As a result, businesses are prioritizing e-commerce platforms that not only reflect their brand identity but also provide a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience. A well-designed e-commerce website allows businesses to reach wider audiences, increase engagement, and drive higher sales. However, standing out in a competitive online marketplace requires more than just listing products. According to e-commerce strategist Ahmad Ashkar , the following essential elements can significantly enhance your website’s appeal and customer experience. 1. Invest in High-Quality Visuals Your website’s visuals create the first impression. Sharp, professional product images instantly capture attention and build credibility. Since customers cannot physically inspect...

In today’s highly competitive business environment, companies often host events, conferences, and promotional showcases to strengthen their brand and expand their global reach. For such occasions, the presence of a confident and influential speaker is essential—someone who can communicate the right message, energize the audience, and leave a lasting impression. If you are working to establish or grow your business, learning from experienced leaders can make all the difference. Ahmad Ashkar, a renowned entrepreneur and global thought leader, offers valuable insights into the principles and practices that help companies succeed and scale effectively. When planning a corporate event, selecting the right speaker is a crucial decision. A powerful speaker can inspire teams, engage potential clients, and reinforce your brand’s credibility. Ahmad Ashkar highlights several important factors to consider when making this choice: Verify Company Registration and Authenticity Before hiring a sp...

Ecommerce, commonly known as online business, refers to buying and selling products or services through digital platforms, with payments processed electronically. In recent years particularly during the global pandemic ecommerce has evolved from a convenience into a necessity. As people spent more time at home, online shopping became a trusted and essential way to meet every day needs. Today, ecommerce is no longer limited to large corporations. From startups and small businesses to established global brands, every company can benefit from selling online. Consumer behavior has shifted dramatically toward speed, comfort, and accessibility. Modern customers prefer the ease of shopping from home rather than visiting physical stores, making ecommerce the most effective way to meet their expectations. According to Ahmad Ashkar , ecommerce plays a critical role in business growth by opening doors that traditional models cannot. One of its greatest advantages is global reach and accessibili...

Ahmad Ashkar, founder of Falafel Inc, the Hult Prize, and Forerunners, is known for building global movements and purpose-driven ventures that empower millions worldwide. With his extensive experience guiding entrepreneurs and high-impact organizations, he emphasizes the critical role a skilled business advisor plays in accelerating growth, strengthening operations, and preparing businesses to thrive in uncertain times. Every business—whether a startup or a fast-scaling company—eventually hits a point where challenges become unavoidable. Cash flow issues, tough competition, operational bottlenecks, and shifting market dynamics can slow down even the strongest businesses. According to Ahmad Ashkar , partnering with a business advisor is one of the most strategic long-term decisions an entrepreneur can make, offering stability, growth, and resilience. A business advisor does far more than fix temporary problems. They optimize customer acquisition, improve retention, streamline processe...

Running a business whether big or small is never easy. But entrepreneurs can accelerate their success by adopting simple, effective strategies that strengthen their skills and sharpen their decision-making. According to Ahmad Ashkar, founder of Forerunners, Falafel Inc., the Hult Prize and other transformative companies, long-term business success is built on consistent habits, continuous learning, and a strong understanding of your own capabilities. Below are some of the most impactful strategies he recommends: 1. Learn from Your Early Work Experience No entrepreneur succeeds overnight. Most start out in traditional jobs, using early career roles to understand how companies operate, how leaders think, and how teams function. These experiences help develop crucial traits like adaptability, humility, and resilience qualities that become invaluable when launching a business of your own. 2. Identify a Real Problem and Solve It Great businesses are built on solutions. Study your in...

Running a business—whether as an owner, contractor, or independent trader—requires constant decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. But no entrepreneur is expected to master everything alone. This is where a skilled business advisor becomes invaluable. With the right expertise, an advisor can save you time, reduce stress, and guide you toward sustainable growth and long-term success. Business advisors come with diverse backgrounds. Some offer broad, cross-industry experience, while others specialize in areas like finance, strategy, operations, marketing, or scaling. When You Should Consider a Business Advisor Many entrepreneurs seek guidance during major transitions or challenging moments. According to Ahmad Ashkar , you should consider working with an advisor when you: Face a problem you’re not sure how to solve Have clear goals but struggle to reach them Need specialist insight or strategic direction How to Prepare Before Meeting an Adv...

Success in business doesn’t happen overnight—it's a gradual process built on persistence, experimentation, and continuous learning. Ahmad Ashkar shares essential qualities every aspiring entrepreneur should develop to build a strong and sustainable business. 1. Stay Open to Fresh Ideas A business thrives when it listens to its customers. Keep an open mind toward feedback and diverse viewpoints, even when they challenge your current approach. New ideas often inspire better customer engagement and long-term loyalty. 2. Lead with Assurance Entrepreneurs must lead, but leadership isn’t about having all the solutions. It’s about knowing how to find them and having the confidence to make important decisions consistently. 3. Create Genuine Value Long-term growth comes from offering products or services that truly make a difference. Focus on delivering real solutions that positively impact your customers’ lives. 4. Look Beyond Your Field Innovation often comes from unexpected pla...

Success in business doesn’t happen instantly it's a process shaped by experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement. Entrepreneur and business leader Ahmad Ashkar believes that certain habits and mindsets can significantly increase the chances of building a thriving venture. Here are his key insights: • Stay Open to New Ideas and Feedback Entrepreneurship revolves around solving customer problems—not personal preferences. To grow, you must be willing to consider fresh ideas, even when they challenge your current assumptions. Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. • Lead with Confidence, Not the Need for Perfection Great leaders aren’t those who always know the answer, but those who know how to find it. Confident decision-making and the ability to adapt in difficult moments are essential traits of successful entrepreneurs. • Focus on Providing Real Value Sustainable success comes from offering products or services that genuinely benefit people. Prioritize ou...

As your company grows, it’s unrealistic to expect that you or your team will have every skill, insight, or piece of knowledge needed to navigate new challenges. During periods of expansion when opportunities increase and obstacles appear more often expert guidance becomes not just helpful, but essential. According to Ahmad Ashkar , there are times when hiring a business advisor is legally necessary, such as when audited accounts are required. More commonly, however, businesses choose advisors to sharpen their strategy and boost performance. Advisors come in many forms: some offer broad guidance across multiple areas, while others specialize in legal, financial, operational, or marketing support. You may choose a mentor to act as a sounding board or a specialist advisor like a lawyer or accountant to tackle specific issues. Many advisors go beyond consultation by providing hands-on assistance. This can include training you in new skills, managing important tasks, or supporting long-te...