From Humble Beginnings to Bold Moves

Shahid Mohammed, a name synonymous with digital strategy and entrepreneurship, has built a career over the last 20 years that exemplifies resilience, risk-taking, and adaptability. Born and raised in an era of transformation (advent of digital), Mohammed’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing unconventional paths. He learned early in life that success often requires taking bold chances. As he fondly quotes from The Office, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” This mentality shaped his professional and personal decisions, from the early days of his education in the UK to his rise as a digital strategist, co-founding multiple businesses.

The Early Years: A Vision Beyond Borders

After completing his master’s degree in the UK in 2005, Shahid Mohammed took a leap many of his peers avoided. While most of his friends stayed back in the UK, Shahid made a bold decision of immediately returning to India. “I felt the UK was all about past glory and had nothing to offer beyond the obvious,” Shahid recalls. With the Indian economy booming at the time, he moved to Bangalore and dove headfirst into technology PR.

Over the next decade, he established a career in public relations, working with top-tier technology clients like HP, IBM, and PayPal. However, it was not long before another opportunity beckoned. In 2010, when digital media was still in its infancy, Shahid saw its potential and shifted his focus to digital strategy—a decision that would define his future career.

The Digital Revolution: Spotting Opportunities in Crisis

Shahid’s career-defining moment came in 2010 during a major crisis for one of his clients, PayPal. The Reserve Bank of India had suspended PayPal’s operations, leading to an outcry from thousands of users, primarily developers, who saw their funds trapped. Mainstream media remained silent, but bloggers were vocal, and it became clear that digital PR had arrived.

“Blogspot blogging was causing painful damage to the brand, and we had no idea digital PR had already become so powerful,” Shahid explains. This realization changed the way he approached brand strategy, and he embraced the future of public relations through digital channels. The experience not only honed his skills but also positioned him as a forward-thinking strategist who was ready to embrace change. He became head of digital strategy at the Bangalore office of Edelman, the world’s largest digital communication consultancy at that time.

Co-founding Social 121: A Leap of Faith

In 2011, when social media was still a mystery for most brands, Shahid co-founded Social 121, a digital agency aimed at leveraging social platforms for businesses. While many viewed this as a risky move, Shahid was confident. “It was crazy to start a digital agency when brands didn’t even understand social media,” he laughs, reflecting on those early days. His ability to predict the future of digital marketing paid off, and Social 121 grew into a successful venture.

During this period, Shahid also began writing for Tech in Asia, a Singapore-based portal covering global internet culture. His insights into the evolving digital landscape earned him recognition as a thought leader in the space.

Dubai: A New Chapter in Entrepreneurship

In 2013, as Dubai’s story was rapidly changing, Shahid decided it was time for another move. “Dubai was opening doors wider, and I knew it was the place to be,” he says. While pursuing his career  as a digital consultant,  along with his friends, he co-founded The Whitestripes Tailors & Shirtmakers in 2014, a bespoke tailoring store – that has grown into one of the fastest-growing men’s tailoring brands  in the UAE.- These successes are a testament to Shahid’s ability to balance multiple ventures while maintaining focus on his goals. “Touch wood, we’ve been blessed with growth, and the brand continues to expand,” he adds humbly.

Digitally: Starting a Business During a Pandemic

The entrepreneurial bug bit Shahid again in 2020, right in the middle of the global pandemic. While the world was on pause, Shahid took another leap and co-founded Digitally, a culture marketing agency. Despite the uncertainty, Shahid’s clients remained loyal, and the venture thrived. Today, Digitally boasts an impressive portfolio of clients, including Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Rivoli Group, Mercato Mall and Calvin Klein.

“Everyone told me to play it safe, but I couldn’t resist the entrepreneurial pull,” Shahid reflects. His willingness to take risks, even during challenging times, proved to be a valuable trait that has carried him through ups and downs.

Flexibility: The Key to Balancing Business and Family

For Shahid, success is not just about professional accolades but also about maintaining balance in his personal life. As a devoted family man, he takes great pride in his role as a “kangaroo parent.” He and his wife are actively involved in raising their children, ensuring they spend quality time together.

“The flexibility of not having a 9-5 office job is priceless,” Shahid shares. He appreciates the ability to drop his kids at school and spend time with them during their formative years, a luxury many entrepreneurs don’t often have.

The Future: Scaling New Heights with Sportstr

As Shahid looks to the future, he’s ready to embark on yet another adventure. He is now co-founding Sportstr, a sports tech firm aimed at revolutionizing sports academy management. The product, developed in consultation with national-level coaches and Olympians, is Shahid’s latest passion project. He believes Sportstr has the potential to become a global success in a niche market that remains underserved.

“I’ve always loved the energy and passion of sporting clubs, and I believe Sportstr can grow into something big,” Shahid says, his excitement palpable.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Risk and Reward

Shahid Mohammed’s professional journey is a story of taking risks, embracing change, and maintaining a sense of flexibility that allows him to excel in multiple ventures while staying grounded in his family life. As an entrepreneur, digital strategist, and father, Shahid’s ability to adapt and seize opportunities has made him a standout figure -. His journey is far from over, and the world can expect to see even greater things from him in the years to come.

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