1 hr 5 min

#18 Shiek Shah: CEO of Akili Inc. - Culture Keeps People The Climb - Cross Roads & Defining Moments

    • Entrepreneurship

Shiek Shah is the Founder and CEO of Akili Inc. On this episode, we discuss Shiek growing up in Kenya, the culture shock of moving to America, learning what to do and not to do in starting a company, enjoying life through travel, mountain climbing and more. We also talk about the importance of culture and how it's the catalyst for keeping great talent. Enjoy The Climb!

Connect with hosts Michael Moore and Bob Wierema

The Climb on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/
Bob Wierema: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/
Michael Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/

Connect with Shiek Shah

Akili Inc.: www.akili.com/what-we-do/
Shiek Shah: www.linkedin.com/in/shiek-shah-373735/

(1:48) - Introduction & the meaning behind the name of Akili
(3:00) - Growing up in Kenya & the decision to go to America for university and to work
(7:52) - Shiek’s Childhood and his family dynamic
(10:55) - Shiek’s first experiences in America
(14:48) - What were some of the most eye-opening challenges you faced when moving to America?
(17:28) - Continuing Sheik’s career journey that brought him to Dallas
(20:52) - Shiek meeting his business partner and sparking the idea for Akili
(22:27) - Seeing Prince live
(23:18) - Akili’s focus on culture
(28:48) - Why a good culture is the main incentive to keep great talent and maintaining a culture during massive growth
(32:04) - Akili’s services
(34:25) - Learning how to build Akili from working at EDS
(36:30) - Shiek and Andrew’s dynamic and friendship
(39:22) - Mountain Climbing Tales
(44:59) - Perseverance
(48:31) - Shiek’s son & thoughts on parenting
(53:03) - Giving autonomy to your employees
(55:33) - What do you see for yourself over the next 5 years?
(56:55) - Shiek’s thoughts on the state of the country given the events of the past year
(1:02:47) - What do you want people to know about you?

Shiek Shah is the Founder and CEO of Akili Inc. On this episode, we discuss Shiek growing up in Kenya, the culture shock of moving to America, learning what to do and not to do in starting a company, enjoying life through travel, mountain climbing and more. We also talk about the importance of culture and how it's the catalyst for keeping great talent. Enjoy The Climb!

Connect with hosts Michael Moore and Bob Wierema

The Climb on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/
Bob Wierema: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wierema/
Michael Moore: www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/

Connect with Shiek Shah

Akili Inc.: www.akili.com/what-we-do/
Shiek Shah: www.linkedin.com/in/shiek-shah-373735/

(1:48) - Introduction & the meaning behind the name of Akili
(3:00) - Growing up in Kenya & the decision to go to America for university and to work
(7:52) - Shiek’s Childhood and his family dynamic
(10:55) - Shiek’s first experiences in America
(14:48) - What were some of the most eye-opening challenges you faced when moving to America?
(17:28) - Continuing Sheik’s career journey that brought him to Dallas
(20:52) - Shiek meeting his business partner and sparking the idea for Akili
(22:27) - Seeing Prince live
(23:18) - Akili’s focus on culture
(28:48) - Why a good culture is the main incentive to keep great talent and maintaining a culture during massive growth
(32:04) - Akili’s services
(34:25) - Learning how to build Akili from working at EDS
(36:30) - Shiek and Andrew’s dynamic and friendship
(39:22) - Mountain Climbing Tales
(44:59) - Perseverance
(48:31) - Shiek’s son & thoughts on parenting
(53:03) - Giving autonomy to your employees
(55:33) - What do you see for yourself over the next 5 years?
(56:55) - Shiek’s thoughts on the state of the country given the events of the past year
(1:02:47) - What do you want people to know about you?

1 hr 5 min