Asif Sheikh grew up in Chicago, surrounded by the steady rhythm of a working-class city. This environment shaped his understanding of responsibility, teamwork and long-term commitment.
He often says that growing up in Chicago taught him the importance of “showing up every day and doing the work, even when no one is watching.” This way of thinking would later determine his entire career.
Asif didn’t take a traditional route through business school. Instead, he furthered his education over time with programs from Harvard Online and eCornell. He describes his learning journey as “something I’ve continued to build on. I’ve always wanted to deepen my knowledge so I can better support those around me.” This mix of practical experience and continuous learning became a central part of his leadership style.
Starting a career: A long-term commitment
Asif entered the world of work more than 30 years ago. At the time, he was simply looking for a place where he could grow. Instead, he found a company that matched his values: consistency, service and long-term partnerships. He took on roles early on that required patience and attention to detail. He worked closely with operations teams, customers and project managers. These early years gave him first-hand insight into the connections between all areas of the company.
He recalls, “I quickly learned that listening was just as important as speaking. Understanding a customer’s needs or a team member’s challenges always helped us find better solutions.” This ability to understand the bigger picture would eventually lead him to leadership.
Promoted to Vice President of Sales
After decades of consistent growth within the company, Asif became Vice President of Sales. By then he had witnessed many changes in the industry. Technology has changed communication. Marketing needs have changed. Customer expectations became more complex. But Asif approached each change with a focus on problem-solving and clarity.
“In sales, your job is not to push something,” he explains. “Their job is to understand the goal, lead the process and help teams achieve what they do best.”
As VP of Sales, he now plays a central role in driving sales, supporting business development and strengthening key customer relationships. His work goes beyond numbers. He is known for the way he empowers teams and helps clients tackle both routine projects and demanding deadlines.
He says, “If I can remove obstacles for our team, they can focus on doing great work. That’s how we keep our customers happy and the company growing.”
A leadership style based on collaboration
Asif’s leadership is based on a simple idea: people do their best work when they feel supported. His team describes him as calm under pressure and consistent in his expectations. He prefers to lead by example rather than with authority. He believes that trust is earned through actions, not titles.
“When people know you’re willing to do the hard work alongside them, everything changes,” he says. “They communicate better. They take responsibility. They push for solutions.”
He is also known for having a calm voice during fast-paced or high-pressure projects. Colleagues often turn to him for clarity when teams are juggling multiple deadlines. He guides decisions through logic and experience, especially when project management and negotiations play a major role.
Promoting growth through innovation and practical thinking
One of the reasons why Asif has been successful in the industry for decades is his adaptability. His company has expanded its offerings to offer more innovative marketing solutions and Asif has been part of this evolution.
He believes in solutions that are both creative and practical. “Innovation doesn’t mean forgetting what works,” he says. “It means improving it. Making it faster. Making it easier for the customer. Making it stronger for the team.”
His balanced approach has helped to reliably and flexibly serve a wide range of industries. He understands how small improvements in workflow, communication or planning can lead to large improvements in results.
A career driven by mission and long-term relationships
What motivates Asif after more than 30 years in the same company? The answer is simple: relationships.
He explains, “Our job is about trust. Customers trust us with their deadlines, their marketing needs, and their challenges. And our team trusts leadership to guide the process. When trust is strong, everything falls into place.”
For Asif, long-term partnerships are the measure of success. Many of the customers he works with have been with his company for years, and he sees that loyalty as a sign that the team is doing its job right.
Continuation of the work
Even after decades in the industry, Asif remains focused on growth. Not just for himself, but also for the people he leads. He continues to learn, hone his skills and strengthen his leadership approach. He is committed to helping maintain the mission of delivering high quality service to a diverse customer base.
“My goal hasn’t changed,” he says. “Strengthen the team. Support our customers. And do the work consistently.”
It’s a simple philosophy. But for Asif Sheikh, it has shaped a long, stable and impactful career – one built on loyalty, helpfulness and the belief that good leadership begins with showing up every day and leading by example.
