Ahmad Ashkar | Entrepreneur & Impact Leader

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...

 In a world where education and business often exist in separate spheres, Ahmad Ashkar stands out as a visionary leader who bridges both with purpose, empathy, and innovation. Known as the founder of the Hult Prize Foundation , Ashkar has dedicated his career to reshaping how young people think about success, leadership, and impact. His message that anyone can be an agent of change continues to inspire students, educators, and entrepreneurs around the world. A Vision Rooted in Purpose Ahmad Ashkar’s journey began with a simple yet powerful question: What if we could channel the creativity and energy of students toward solving the world’s toughest problems? That question became the foundation of the Hult Prize , now one of the largest student entrepreneurship competitions in the world. His vision was not merely about creating startups but about igniting a movement one where young people use business as a force for good. From combating poverty and climate change to transformi...

Running a restaurant in today’s fast-changing world takes far more than delicious food and great service. With digital competition, shifting customer expectations, and an overwhelming variety of dining options, restaurant owners need to think beyond the plate. According to Ahmad Ashkar , food entrepreneur and branding expert, successful restaurant marketing isn’t about loud promotions — it’s about creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections. Here are his top marketing tips to help restaurants stand out, build loyalty, and thrive in a competitive market. 1. Define Your Brand Identity Your restaurant’s brand is more than its logo or color scheme — it’s the story you tell. Ahmad Ashkar emphasizes that every great restaurant has a personality. Ask yourself: What emotions should guests feel when they visit? What’s unique about your food or service? What values define your culinary philosophy? Whether you’re a cozy café built on community or ...

Halal chicken has long been a beloved dish, celebrated for its unique flavors, spices, and preparation methods. Now, renowned chef and entrepreneur Ahmad Ashkar is taking it to the next level with the launch of The Coal Fired Halal Chicken Franchise—a concept that redefines how halal chicken is experienced. Also known as Chicken Pollo, this innovative franchise uses proprietary technology to prepare, cook, and deliver chicken dishes that are both flavorful and fresh. It’s designed to become a signature culinary experience for food lovers across America—standing out as the first coal-fired halal-style franchise in the country. What Makes It Technologically Unique? Chicken Pollo’s edge lies in its advanced preparation and packaging technology. Every dish is cooked and sealed to retain its freshness, heat, and authentic taste, ensuring customers enjoy restaurant-quality meals even when ordered online. This combination of innovation and flavor helps set the franchise apart in today’s c...

Securing funds for a startup is often one of the biggest challenges for any entrepreneur. The key is to begin with a well-defined financial strategy that aligns with your business goals. A clear plan not only helps you meet your clients’ needs but also ensures long-term sustainability for your venture. Every successful funding step brings valuable insights into how to grow and manage your business effectively. According to Mr. Ahmad Ashkar , strategic funding is the backbone of any successful startup. Understanding where and how to raise money can help maintain steady cash flow and support business expansion. Identifying the most suitable financial sources—and using them wisely—can make a significant difference in shaping your startup’s future. Expert advice can guide you in choosing the funding path that best fits your business model and vision. How Crowdfunding Can Support Your Business Crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful and modern way to raise money for startups. By leveragi...

Enterprise training can transform the way a business operates by equipping employees, partners, and customers with the right knowledge and skills. It not only supports professional growth but also helps organizations track key performance indicators and measure success effectively. With the right strategy, enterprise learning can positively influence business outcomes. Faster and More Effective Onboarding Onboarding is one of the most crucial steps for ensuring organizational success. Whether it involves employees, customers, or partners, onboarding helps individuals understand the true value of a product or service. By highlighting what sets your offering apart, onboarding ensures long-term success. Some of the benefits include: Helping the audience quickly grasp the value and benefits of the brand. Measuring the success of extended enterprise learning initiatives. Strong onboarding builds lasting relationships, enables partners to serve customers better, and en...

Leadership is more than just overseeing people—it’s about guiding them strategically and effectively to achieve shared goals. Successful entrepreneurs understand that leadership requires vision, planning, communication, and the ability to bring out the best in their teams. As Mr. Ahmad Ashkar emphasizes, true leadership is about mobilizing, communicating, delegating, and sharing responsibilities. Start with a Strategic Vision Passion alone doesn’t guarantee success. To thrive as an entrepreneur, you need a clear strategic vision that aligns with the size and condition of your business. A well-defined plan helps you focus on execution and growth without unnecessary obstacles. Strategic vision is the foundation upon which all other leadership skills are built, and this is where guidance from experienced leaders like Mr. Ashkar can make a difference. Prioritize Transparent Communication Strong communication fosters trust and transparency within a team. By openly sharing both successe...

 Maintaining control over your finances is essential if you want long-term stability in both personal and business life. Sound fund management not only helps you stay organized but also ensures your goals are achievable. For entrepreneurs who are starting a company or growing their business, understanding the right steps to handle finances is crucial. Since not everyone has complete knowledge about financial planning or business development, seeking expert guidance can make a big difference. Ahmad Ashkar , an experienced financial professional, offers valuable strategies to help individuals and businesses manage their funds effectively. 1. Create a Budget A well-structured budget is the foundation of financial management. With a clear plan in place, you can avoid unnecessary challenges while establishing your business. Budgeting helps you pay off debts, allocate resources wisely, and start saving for future growth. 2. Track and Understand Expenses Many people underestimate ...

The restaurant business is one of the most rewarding yet competitive industries. While opening a restaurant requires significant investment, long-term success depends on more than just the launch. The real challenge lies in encouraging customers to return again and again. Repeat visitors not only boost your profits but also help build a loyal customer base that spreads positive word-of-mouth. To achieve this, many restaurant owners seek expert guidance. Among the trusted names in the field, Ahmad Ashkar stands out as a skilled professional who helps entrepreneurs design strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Whether you are starting a new venture or improving an existing one, his advice can make all the difference. Food Quality Matters Great food is the foundation of any restaurant’s success. Guests expect meals that are delicious, visually appealing, and up to international standards. Offering a creative yet balanced menu can attract both casual diners and food enthus...

Motivation plays a vital role in our daily lives—it fuels ambition, builds resilience, and inspires us to strive for a better future. In the workplace, motivation is equally essential. If you want your company to thrive, keeping your employees inspired should be a top priority. According to Ahmad Ashkar , a skilled motivational speaker can transform workplace culture by keeping employees energized, productive, and focused. To be truly effective, a motivational speaker should be empathetic, engaging, confident, and authentic. Why Companies Hire Motivational Speakers Businesses often bring in motivational speakers when morale is low, sales are struggling, or major changes are taking place. While a speaker can’t solve all issues in an hour, they can shift attitudes and guide a company toward growth and renewal. A great speaker helps employees see their work with fresh perspective. Human nature thrives on recognition, and sometimes all a team needs is an uplifting message to reignite...

 Running a business—whether small or large—is never simple. Fortunately, entrepreneurs can adopt key strategies to sharpen their skills and run their ventures more effectively. Success often starts with small, consistent improvements that build momentum for bigger achievements over time. According to Ahmad Ashkar , entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique skill sets to achieve their goals. However, there are certain proven strategies that many successful entrepreneurs share. Below are some of the most effective approaches: 1. Learn from Past Work Experience Entrepreneurs rarely achieve success overnight. Many begin their journey working traditional jobs, which serve as valuable learning opportunities. Early career experiences can teach you how organizations operate, how leaders make decisions, and help you develop essential traits such as adaptability, humility, and resilience—all of which are crucial when starting your own business. 2. Identify and Solve ...

Ensure Your Business Idea is Marketable Before launching, evaluate whether there’s a strong demand for your product or service. Investors are more likely to back a business when they see significant growth potential or a sizeable market opportunity. Leverage the Power of Networking Networking can be a game-changer. It can connect you with the right employee, customer, investor, or mentor. Attend industry events, build an active presence on social media, and consistently grow your network. Remember, when someone searches for you, your online profile often appears first—make sure it leaves a positive impression. Bring Energy and Passion At a startup, you can’t rely on a big brand name to draw attention—you have to earn it. Outwork and out-network your competitors. In the early days, passion and energy are your greatest assets; they inspire others to believe in you and your vision, even before tangible results appear. Prioritize Customer Service Word of mouth is a powerful growth ...

When people think of motivational speakers, they often picture self-made professionals who focus on helping individuals find inner peace and take control of their lives. While this type of motivation is valuable, the business environment requires a slightly different approach. That’s where corporate motivational speakers come in. These experts specialize in bringing value to organizations and corporations, helping companies unlock their full potential more quickly. Before delivering a session, a speaker will typically consult with the company’s leadership to understand goals, values, and expectations. They then tailor their presentation to align with those objectives—empowering employees, increasing engagement, and raising morale. According to Ahmad Ashkar , a corporate motivational speaker acts as a professional leader who collaborates closely with management. By understanding a company’s vision and objectives, they can inspire employees without pressuring them. Skilled speakers del...

Entrepreneurs are often recognized as highly driven professionals with remarkable qualities. Whether they are collaborating with people, negotiating with companies, or entering new markets, successful entrepreneurs understand the importance of continuously investing in themselves. Building valuable skills not only strengthens their business capabilities but also prepares them to face new challenges with confidence. Ahmad Ashkar, a successful entrepreneur, explains that entrepreneurs must focus on launching products, achieving growth milestones, entering emerging markets, attending events, and fostering relationships. However, to excel in these areas, one must identify key objectives for skill-building. Strengthening weaknesses, seeking mentorship, and developing expertise can make a significant difference in long-term success. Below are the top skills entrepreneurs should master: 1. Understanding and Connecting with Customers The way entrepreneurs connect with, identify, and unders...

For a company to achieve outstanding results, it needs a team of motivated employees working from the same playbook. When staff members lack inspiration, the effects become evident—lower productivity, reduced job satisfaction, and a general dip in workplace morale. Hiring a motivational speaker can reinvigorate your workforce, spark fresh ideas, and provide valuable insights. In large organizations, it’s easy for employees to get stuck in a repetitive cycle. Their daily tasks, ongoing projects, and strict deadlines rarely change. While consistency is important for productivity, it can also become tedious over time—leading to disengagement. Ahmad Ashkar notes that while management often steps back to see the bigger picture and plan for the future, most employees don’t have the opportunity to take such a break from their routine. This is where a motivational speaker can make a difference—offering new perspectives, inspiring stories, and thought-provoking ideas that help employees see ...

Small businesses are the backbone of a thriving economy. However, taking a small venture and developing it into a medium-sized enterprise inevitably comes with challenges. In these moments, a skilled speaker can be a game-changer—bringing valuable experience, fresh ideas, and motivation to help you navigate change and seize growth opportunities. Today’s virtual platforms make it easier than ever to connect with world-class speakers who can inspire your team without breaking your budget. Below are a few ways a speaker can contribute to your business growth: Breaking Routine and Inspiring Innovation Repetitive, monotonous work can lead to stagnant thinking, where employees struggle to see the bigger picture or embrace new ideas. This can result in frustration and a lack of progress. A guest speaker, especially one with expertise in your field, can offer a fresh perspective that sparks creativity. By sharing innovative approaches to current challenges, t...

Just as no one would embark on a long journey without a clear plan, businesses should not make major decisions without expert guidance. This is why many successful leaders—presidents, CEOs, and founders—turn to trusted business advisors. According to Ahmad Ashkar , while business advisors don’t hold voting power or legal responsibilities within a company, their knowledge and experience can be invaluable. They provide fresh perspectives, help solve complex challenges, and guide leaders toward achieving their goals. If you’re unfamiliar with the role of a business advisor, here are some ways they can add value: Sharpening Vision & Strategy Whether you’re a startup founder or the head of an established business, a skilled advisor can refine your ideas, challenge assumptions, and inject practical reality into ambitious plans. Identifying Opportunities Advisors can help you discover new market opportunities, navigate industry challenges, and ...

Owning a business is exciting for many reasons—you get to be your own boss, work with inspiring people, set your own schedule, and turn your passion into a career. But as rewarding as it is, running a successful business is far from simple. Business expert Ahmad Ashkar shares key strategies that can help your venture thrive: Leverage Trade Shows Trade shows bring together audiences who are already interested in your type of product or service. They’re a powerful way to generate leads, build connections, and significantly boost your bottom line. Expand Beyond Local Markets Start locally, but always look for opportunities to expand your reach. Go online, open stores in new locations, acquire other companies, use social media, form strategic partnerships, and grow your presence through your website. Grow from Niche to Mainstream Once your product or service gains traction in a niche market, you can leverage that credi...