Ajaz Ahmed is the founder of AKQA, the ideas and innovation company, which he started at age 21.
In addition to his AKQA Group, Ajaz is a Trustee on the charitable boards of:
Mission 44 founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton: empowering young people from underserved groups to succeed.
Elton John AIDS Foundation founded by Sir Elton John and David Furnish: fund frontline partners to prevent infections, fight stigma and provide treatment.
Virgin Unite founded by Sir Richard Branson and Jean Oelwang: unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world.
Prior to his current trusteeships Ajaz served on the board of the Design Museum, Prism The Gift Fund, Lumos, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Mental Health Innovations and The Prince’s Trust.
The Ajaz.org fellowship (launched in August 2021) provides grants to charitable organisations. It also offers advice on leadership and governance.
Ajaz received an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Bath in December 2018, conferred by HRH The Earl of Wessex. Ajaz received an honorary doctorate from Oxford Brookes University, England in 2002. Ajaz received an MBE in the June 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to Media.
Below is a collection of Ajaz’s thoughts, writing and interviews. All proceeds from Ajaz’s books, writing and public speaking are donated to charitable causes.
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Books
Podcasts

Designing responsible business with imagination

Creativity in Conversation: Youthful Thinking
Articles

Moderation and safety
Ajaz Ahmed discusses Elon Musk’s relationship with the industry. Ajaz said: “Advertisers have the right to protest against the proliferation of content they deem to be toxic and harmful.”

How a skip of stationery inspired an advertising empire
Ambition A.M. meets Ajaz Ahmed to learn how his never-ending quest for success led him to his globally recognised digital design agency AKQA.

AI and big data streamline the art of charitable giving
Donors’ funds can be used more efficiently and their impact measured when philanthropic bodies adopt new technology.

Why many of the best chief executives are Indian
From family values to education and entrepreneurial spirit, India offers lessons from which Britain could learn.

75 years of reinvention
On the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, it is imperative that we reassess its true value—an asset often overlooked amidst the political turmoil of recent years.

Entrepreneurship schools could inspire
The alchemy of ambition has the power to enrich the lives of employees, making a positive difference to society, and evoke national pride.
Listening, journalling and meditation
AKQA’s founder and chief executive writes about several techniques that have given his brain a workout.

AKQA’s founder honoured with 2022 Spear’s Impact Award
Ajaz Ahmed has been honoured with the Spear’s 2022 Impact Award recognising the impact of his charitable fellowship ajaz.org.

Our businesses have been built by industrious refugees
One hundred and forty years ago, a refugee fled eastern Europe. After meeting Thomas Spencer, the pair set up M&S.

Serendipity and Learning
An entrepreneurial journey with AKQA’s founder.
Innovation is simplification
An extract of Ajaz Ahmed’s book DEFEAT, a collaboration with artist Christian Watson.

Imagination must shape all our businesses
When we think about the fuel that will power our economic growth, our creative flair will be absolutely crucial.
Leadership and what matters
We’re about pushing the limits and explorations, counterbalanced with good engineering and execution.

Consumers Respond to Timeless Values
Timeless values applied via new technology can democratize markets and extend across goods, services and experiences.

Bridging the Gap between Art and Business
Successful collaborations between brands and artists are possible, once outdated preconceptions are overcome.

Bravery, Creativity, Courage and Resilience
All aspiring entrepreneurs should read Rudyard Kipling's 'If' – every word of advice in it is for the ages.

Resisting Ease is the Path to Digital Excellence
High achievement comes from persistence, not convenience, as exemplified in Ang Lee's use of 3D in Life of Pi.
Its Never too Late to Pivot
Brands that champion what really matters to people will always have a future – but ditching any emotional attachment is the first step to achieving revival.
An Operating System For Your Life
Put technology to work for people and you're already taking steps towards that inspirational aspiration.

Young Entrepreneurs can Build a Better Future
There is opportunity to be had in difficult times when the old ideas are malfunctioning and people are more open to change.

Radically Simple Design Always Wins
The best digital innovations are ones that are simple and easy to use and keep your audience in mind.

A public announcement: advertising is over
Digital has changed things even more drastically. The phone is the passport to everything advertising was designed to obscure.
The interface is the Brand
Whether we are gathered around a campfire, a cathode ray tube or an iPad, it's the story that's being shared that matters.

The End is Nigh for Identikit Branding
It has never been easier for people to scan past or switch over, so to persist with identikit advertising campaigns is ridiculous.

The Steve Jobs MBA
Be zen, obsess over details, relentlessly improve everything and other lessons from Steve Jobs.
Interviews

Should founders nurture employee side hustles?

Explaining luxury’s new brand identifiers

Enterprising teenager to advertising executive

The early days and perspectives on the future

Use your work as an expression of your values

Attaining velocity in the age of disruption
