At Humans of Fuzia, we celebrate inspiring journeys that create impact, foster inclusion, and uplift communities. In this feature, we spotlight Az Ahmed, a marketing entrepreneur who transformed years of corporate experience into a purpose-driven venture that helps South Asian founders in the UK build visibility and grow their businesses. His journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to community building. We are proud to share his story with our 5+ million global community working toward supporting women and creating meaningful change through He for She and She for She.
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in marketing?
I had an 18-year corporate career in marketing, working with companies ranging from small teams to large global organizations. Growing up, I wasn’t particularly strong in maths or science, but I always considered myself a creative person. Marketing became a natural outlet for that creativity — I enjoyed developing ideas, building campaigns, and helping businesses grow.
My father was also in business throughout his life, which influenced my career path. I moved to the UK in 2006, completed my MBA, and gradually worked my way up the corporate ladder. Over time, however, I experienced burnout and was eventually made redundant. That moment pushed me to take a leap of faith and start something meaningful of my own, using the experience I had built over the years.
What inspired you to start your own marketing agency, and what is its mission?
I wanted to create an agency with a purpose beyond just profit. My focus is on businesses in the UK with South Asian founders — whether from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, or other backgrounds.
The idea came from wanting to build a sense of community and representation. When South Asian founders seek marketing support, I want them to work with someone who understands their culture, values, and perspective. My mission is to elevate these businesses, strengthen their presence, and challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity and success of South Asian entrepreneurship across industries like technology, fashion, and AI.
What makes your marketing approach unique?
My entire approach revolves around helping businesses discover what makes them different. Many companies offer similar products or services, but they often struggle to identify what truly sets them apart.
I work closely with clients to understand their story, their purpose, and the “why” behind their business. Once we identify their uniqueness, we build marketing strategies around that — whether through branding, digital campaigns, social media, or advertising.
For example, I worked with a founder who ran a catering business. Instead of offering generic services, we highlighted her authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and positioned it as a unique corporate catering experience. By focusing on what made her business different, we were able to create a compelling brand story and attract the right audience.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship?
One of the biggest challenges was leaving the stability of a corporate job. When you work in a company, you know a paycheck will arrive every month. Starting a business means stepping into uncertainty and taking full responsibility for generating income.
Finding the first clients, putting yourself out there, and overcoming fear of judgment can be difficult. Many people want to start businesses because entrepreneurship looks glamorous on social media, but they don’t always realize the challenges involved.
I believe entrepreneurship begins with solving a problem for a specific group of people. You need to know who your audience is, where they are, and how your work adds value to their lives. Without that clarity, time and effort can easily be wasted.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
First, clearly define what you offer and who you serve. Then identify where your audience spends their time and communicate with them on the right platform.
Success comes from understanding your customers deeply and solving their problems effectively. Taking risks can be uncomfortable, but it often leads to the greatest rewards. If you never explore your potential, you may never discover what you’re capable of achieving.
What are your thoughts on women empowerment and representation in professional spaces?
Many women often find themselves as the only person like them in a room — whether in meetings, teams, or leadership spaces. This can feel intimidating, but it can also become a strength.
Being different makes you memorable and gives you a unique voice. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I encourage women to use their uniqueness as an advantage, speak up confidently, and carve their own space. Representation and diversity bring valuable perspectives, and embracing individuality can create powerful impact.
“Being different makes you unique — use your uniqueness to create your space and make your voice heard.”
Connect with Az Ahmed:
linkedin.com/in/azahmed1/
www.mghlmarketing.co.uk
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
