Ta'leem Consulting’s Post

🤓💡BEST Personal Investment & Competitive Advantage: Humble, Hard-working Talent with a Growth Mindset💡🤓 “What absolutely NOBODY can take away from a Founder is the produce of their own two hands, their personal talent. What you create with your brain & hands is your brainchild with an interesting story, whether it turns into a Multi-Million Dollar business or a skill-enhancing tech project. Yes, there’s opportunity cost but we as founders have been well aware of it from the beginning, haven’t we? We are WHO we are today because we are admittedly CRAZY about learning and building more than the money we could have made at this point in our careers, anyway. So, my friend, take your talent and just KEEP BUILDING on top of it. You’ll compete well, no matter where your founder life takes you now and in the future.” A wise, (imo, certifiably) GENIUS founder friend shared this with me sometime ago when I messaged him about some insecurities I was experiencing about my decision to leave a BEAUTIFULLY POSITIONED (for future growth) corporate job, and I COULD NOT AGREE MORE with what he said. But then again, he ended up making a legitimately insulting joke (maybe gender-based demeaning/ dis-respectful too? Not sure of the gender angle fully, admittedly) at a party later on. So, gotta take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt, as always. Regardless of the sense-of-humor-mismatches… Friends like these are a MUST-HAVE for such daring phases of life. *Counting my blessings instead of missing that $8 Starbucks latte too much, or lack there of caused by the frugal founder life haha* Onwards and upwards, persistently and resiliently until there’s something to celebrate (with lots of fun)… and then some more again cause that’s the exciting startup grind… woohoo…! 💃 #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #PersonalTalent #Learning #Building #Innovation #TechLeadership #ProductManagement

Why do 90% of businesses fail? even when founders pour their hearts, souls, and countless hours into their ventures? Let’s be real! Building a startup is like riding a rollercoaster full of highs, lows, and everything in between. When I began, I was: - Burning 80-hour weeks - Navigating the journey mostly alone - Drowning in tasks e.g. endless email checks - Constantly stressing how to acquire the next client - Procrastinating if I’d ever make it It might sound like you being stuck in the same boat? without delivering the results you need. To shift from being caught up in daily grind to focusing on growth here’s what I’d tell my younger self (and any new founder just starting out): 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿: Long hours don’t guarantee progress. Zero in on strategic work that drives results. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: Surround yourself with a supportive team and mentors. You don’t have to go it alone. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Cultivate and retain clients. It’s about quality relationships, not just quantity. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Be ready to pivot as the market shifts. Adaptation is key. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳: Avoid burnout. Set boundaries and make time for rest. . . . Getting Started and Growing a business is tough but learning from these experiences can make the difference. P.S. What would you tell your younger self about building a startup? #doerztech #startupadvice #businessjourney #founderslife #lessonslearned

What I’ve Learned from My Entrepreneurial Journey So Far✨ Embarking on this entrepreneurial journey has been an eye-opening experience filled with challenges, growth, and self-discovery. Along the way, I’ve faced some thought-provoking questions:😺 What did I experience? What do I think about it? How do I accept difficult situations? How can I find a second way to solve the problem? These questions often feel overwhelming, and as a founder, you may feel like you’re navigating them alone. But the truth is, most early-stage startups face similar hurdles: How do you identify an alternative path when things don’t work out? How do you build momentum and work on it effectively? And perhaps the toughest question: is it worth restarting when everything feels uncertain? The answers to these questions aren’t always easy to find but through my journey, I’ve discovered a powerful solution to tackle them i.e., Self Talk and Mindset. Why Self-Talk and Mindset Matters?🤔 Taking time to talk to yourself isn’t just a moment of reflection, it’s a strategy for understanding yourself better. It gives you clarity, helps you What I’ve Learned from my entrepreneurial journey so far and Mindset offers to let you know more about the power of the universe and brain.🧠 What do you think about this chapter? Is it really worth it? What is your learning along the way? let's chit chat in the comment section.😁 ♻️ Reshare this post to share some valuable points with your peers. #Chapter3OfMyJourney #Linkedin #LinkedinStory #MyBelongings

These past few months have been a wild ride, filled with new experiences, challenges, and endless lessons. Starting a business isn't just about following a plan; it's about diving into the unknown, adapting on the go, and trusting your instincts when things get unclear. Here’s what I’ve picked up on my journey so far: Stay Flexible: In the startup world, things change daily. Being adaptable and open to new ideas has been a game-changer. Sometimes, the best insights come from the most unexpected places. Build Real Connections: I've been lucky to meet so many talented folks—other founders, industry experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs. These connections are gold. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow and think differently. Learn from Everything: Every setback is just a lesson in disguise. I’ve learned more from my mistakes than my wins. The key? Keep moving, learning, and trying new things. Celebrate the Little Wins: In the rush of building something big, it’s easy to miss the small victories. But those are the moments that keep you going! Every little win is a step towards the bigger goal. Embrace the Unknown: There’s no clear path in entrepreneurship, and that’s the fun part. Every day brings a new chance to learn, innovate, and grow. I’m pumped to keep moving forward and excited to learn from everyone I meet along the way. Let's connect if you’re a founder or thinking of starting your own thing! 🤝 Big thanks to all the new friends I’ve made—you’ve been awesome. And to those I haven’t met yet—I can’t wait to connect and learn from each other. 🌐 Here’s to building something amazing, one step at a time. 💡 #EntrepreneurLife #StartupVibes #AlwaysLearning #BuildingBonds #FoundersJourney #GrowthHustle #InnovationEveryday #LetsConnect

Found this gem in my ‘WhatsApp Pandora’s Box’ this morning… and it really hit me. It’s a reminder that *finding yourself* is a journey that never stops, regardless of your generation—whether you're a Millennial, Gen Z, or beyond. For most of us, we've spent *decades* in careers we’re unsure about, or maybe even dislike. So how do we break free from this cycle? Professionally, it’s about discovering your true strengths—your “OG” skills—or at least trying to find them. Personally, it’s about confronting your fears, embracing your weaknesses, and owning your strengths. And let’s be honest: the hardest part of this journey is simply starting. Recognising that you need to make a change takes courage. For me, the journey began back in my sophomore year of engineering school. I realized two things: 1. I could do well in my studies (grades came easy). 2. I absolutely did not want to spend my life doing this. So, I took a leap and started a Peer-to-Peer learning startup— Intellect Browsers' Consortium . The first month was brutal—nothing like what I expected—but I loved it. I loved building a team and driving towards a common vision. Back then, entrepreneurship wasn’t the buzzword it is today, and I didn’t even know that’s what I was doing. Fast forward 20 years, and I’ve had the privilege of building two startups that are making a real difference, and yes—two others that didn’t quite work out. Would I have chosen any other path? Not for a second. If you're feeling stuck, or uncertain about where you’re headed—take that first step. The journey to self-discovery might be tough, but it’s worth it. #FindYourself #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #CareerGrowth

Life’s journey isn’t always easy, but the steps we take today build the foundations of tomorrow’s success. 🌅 At MotivationMonday.com, we believe every week is a new opportunity to chase dreams, crush goals, and embrace growth. Imagine starting each Monday with a burst of inspiration and tools to help you thrive both personally and professionally. Keep climbing, stay motivated, and never stop believing in your potential. Because every great story starts with a single spark of inspiration—and yours begins here. ✨ What’s Your Motivation today, Let us know below! Day 10 of 365 Days in the Divide—my creative journey celebrating remarkable startups and the power of design. Note: This design is an independent creation inspired by MotivationMonday.com's public vision. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the company. #MotivationMonday #MondayMotivation #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalSuccess #Inspiration #StartStrong #PositivityMatters

🚫𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. ⁣ ⁣ And bad decisions usually come from two things: ⁣ 1️⃣ A lack of specific experience. ⁣ 2️⃣ Bad advice. ⁣ ⁣ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡? ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. ⁣ What worked for someone else’s team, market, or timing might be a disaster for yours. ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. ⁣ Even the best investors and MBAs 🎓 miss critical nuances about your situation. ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤. ⁣ The best mentors don’t hand you answers; they help you ask the right questions 🤔⁣ ⁣ I’ve seen many early-stage founders trust "expert" advice blindly. Even great teams can fall into this trap. ⁣ ⁣ 𝐒𝐨, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞. ⁣ Surround yourself with founders who truly get what you’re going through 🤝. ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬. ⁣ Insight from people who’ve actually done it 🛠️ will always outperform theory. ⁣ ⁣ ✅ 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬. ⁣ Generic advice might get you nowhere, but tailored insights can change everything ✨. ⁣ ⁣ That’s why I’m bringing together founders in a Mastermind Program: ⁣  ⁣ 🔹 To share real-world insights, not one-size-fits-all frameworks. ⁣ 🔹 To work together deeply, knowing each other’s businesses and challenges inside-out. ⁣ 🔹 To create a space where every piece of advice takes your unique context into account — not surface-level, but deeply personal. ⁣ 🔹 To build an environment of support that drives faster, smarter action 💡. ⁣ ⁣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. ⁣ ___________ ⁣ 🌟 P.S. Are you building your circle with people who challenge and inspire you? If not, it’s time to start (9 spots are already taken, just 3 remain). Let’s connect and make it happen 💬. ⁣ ⁣ #Startups #Networking #Mastermind #SiliconValley

I collaborate with ambitious professionals who understand that small, consistent steps lead to big results. I support Startup Founders who push through challenges, knowing that progress is the real goal. I work with agency owners who celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. In my years in this industry, I've seen the same obstacles: “It has to be perfect before we launch.” “Don’t risk it until everything is flawless.” “Wait until it's just right.” But I know that aiming for perfection can stall progress. Even the most passionate people can stumble because: They fear making mistakes. They wait too long to act. They obsess over details and lose sight of the big picture. Yes, excellence is important. So is moving forward. But never let the quest for perfection hold you back. It's progress that truly counts. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #ProgressOverPerfection #PersonalGrowth #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurLife #KeepMovingForward #ContinuousImprovement

"Grace will take you places, hustling won't" As I reflect on my journey from newsrooms to boardrooms, from building content teams to transforming L&D through AI, I've learned something profound: it's grace, not hustle, that creates lasting impact. In our startup world, we often glorify the hustle - the late nights, the constant pitch decks, the endless networking. But looking back at my most significant achievements - whether it was scaling Hero Vired's content team, or helping organizations reduce their training costs - the breakthrough moments came not from pushing harder, but from leading with grace. Grace means listening deeply when your team member shares a different perspective. It's acknowledging that your client's resistance to change comes from a place of genuine concern. It's having the humility to say "I need to learn more about this" in a boardroom full of experts. What I've discovered, and what Brené Brown so beautifully articulates, is that grace creates psychological safety. When we lead with grace, we create spaces where innovation flourishes, where teams feel empowered to take risks, and where transformation becomes not just possible, but inevitable. True growth isn't in the hustle - it's in those quiet moments of authentic connection, in choosing empathy over efficiency, in building trust through vulnerability rather than authority. As entrepreneurs, our legacy won't be measured by our pitch decks or profit margins, but by the lives we've touched and the cultures we've shaped. Grace leaves footprints. Hustle just leaves exhaustion. #LeadershipLessons #Entrepreneurship #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #WomenInTech

Looking back, it’s funny to see how naïve I was as a first time founder. I blindly believed the numbers we plugged into our excel sheet. Hundreds of employees and millions in revenue within no time. A combination of naïveté and arrogance to build a startup faster and in areas where others had failed. I booked intro meetings with all the top tier VCs. My ego loved it and I was convinced this would be part of the job when I needed their millions to scale. The more I told the story, the more I began to believe it. But then the setbacks started. Pivoting away from the first idea, wasting a year, and making almost no money. That excel model was looming over my head and I haven’t opened it since. Now, having founded three ventures, I've learned a few lessons: 1. Good Things Take Time: Patience and perseverance are crucial. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and rushing can often lead to mistakes. 2. If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is: Early on, I was enamored by overly optimistic projections and promises. Now, I’m more skeptical and prefer to base decisions on solid evidence and realistic expectations. 3. Setbacks Are Inevitable: Challenges and pivots are part of the journey. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, shaping a stronger and more resilient business. 4. Build a Community: A lot of our success comes from talking to customers on LinkedIn every day. Engaging with your community helps you understand their needs and fosters loyalty, driving continuous improvement and innovation. 5. Focused Networking: Instead of chasing every top-tier VC, I now focus on building meaningful relationships with partners who understand and are genuinely interested in the vision and journey of the company. 6. Team Over Ego: Building a culture where failing is okay and learning is key is crucial. Open communication and clear incentives create a strong, dedicated team. Success is a collective effort driven by the team's combined skills and passion. To all the first-time founders out there, embrace the journey, learn from each misstep, and stay resilient. The path to success is rarely a straight line, but with each twist and turn, you'll gain the wisdom needed to navigate it. The Picture is from Michael and I in 2018, him joining helped set us on the right path. #startup #entrepreneurship #lessonslearned #secondtimefounder #resilience