This week, we talk with Ahmed Reza, child actor turned entrepreneur. He shares his perspective on innovation shaped by his uniquely American experience. Jared and Ahmed discuss the dangers of over-specialization and the importance of ethics, philosophy, and anthropology as we work to solve new problems. His remarkable story will inspire you!
Ahmed Reza, Founder and CEO of Yobi, shares his perspective on innovation shaped by his uniquely American experience and the dangers of over-specialization and the importance of ethics, philosophy, and anthropology as we work to solve new problems.
More about our guest:
Ahmed Reza is a tech entrepreneur with a story that reads like a blockbuster movie. He started as a child actor in Bangladesh before becoming a Milken scholar at Cornell University; then working as an engineer at NASA. But his true calling was entrepreneurship, founding successful businesses before creating Yobi, a company that simplifies customer relationship management for businesses. He's also known as the intelligent man's Forrest Gump, forming close relationships with Michael Milken and Dr. Edward Zuckerberg, among others. Ahmed's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, making him an inspiring guest for any podcast.
------------------------------------------------------------
Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro
0:29 - What is Innovation?
2:58 - Education in Bangladesh and America
7:22 - Rebelling from the system
9:54 - Hacker mindset
12:35 - Ethics, Philosophy, and Innovation
17:51 - What the heck is success?
19:55 - Technical education and importance of humanities
24:13 - Pitfalls of over-specialization
29:05 - Reforming education
37:06 - Advice to innovators
--------------------------
OUTLAST Consulting offers professional development and strategic advisory services in the areas of innovation and diversity management.