Founder & Business Consultant, Acquisitions LLC & Startup
Business Bureau.
Profile:
Raheel Sheikh is the Founder & Business Consultant at Acquisitions LLC & Startup Business Bureau. He is a serial entrepreneur, seasoned business management consultant and investment migration advi sor with over a decade of global experience, engaged relentlessly and consistently to carve a niche by providing an informed consultation to business aspirants and high net-worth individuals to devoid the com plexities and for the successful disposition of their business startup, growth, expansion, and alternative residence objective across the globe in general and particularly to USA. He is a versatile and professionally invigorated veteran entrepreneur with business acumen, having a result-oriented approach and potential to grow by self-motivation with professional qualifications. He has a proven record in management and ability to transform struggling businesses into most sustained organization in short period of time and open multiple revenue streams with cost minimization & profit maximization. A growth consultant with proven management skills & expertise.
CEO Club: Please share with us your professional and educational background in a nutshell?
Raheel Sheikh: I started my career as a Banker in Pakistan, then transferred to bank in Dubai. Served
7 Years in two banks and then started business. Doing Business, Investment and Migration Consulting for more than 12 years. Exceptional Achievements and Career Highlights As a professional business consultant, have worked in Pak, Dubai, Europe, and USA. Served more than 4500+ Businesses and 1500+ Individuals so far with an aggregated advisory portfolio of around $450+ million. One of our most notable achievements is his status as the only known business consultant in Pakistan acknowledged by the U.S. Embassy for securing an E2 Visa as a qualified E2 Business Consultant—a rare accomplishment. Through his business consulting, he has successfully attracted over$5 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) to the U.S. over the last 3–4 years, helping to establish more than 200 businesses in the country. This milestone further solidifies his reputation as an expert in U.S. business opportunities and migration strategies. My recent invitation to join the Forbes Business Council further solidified my influence as a businessman with a leadership role. This prestigious membership connects me with an elite network of global business experts, allowing me to continue sharing his insights and expanding his impact in the world of business consulting.
Pakistan is passing through testing times, how to turn around Pakistan’s economy?
In my view, it is essential for us to adopt a more proactive, capitalist mindset. Instead of waiting for government interventions or broader market improvements, we need to take control of what is within our power. It starts with individual responsibility play your part, create opportunities, and contribute to growth. It’s equally important to foster strong moral character, uphold ethical values, and conduct business with dignity and pride. By building and scaling our businesses, especially by en gaging with international markets, we can help attract foreign investment and bring in much-needed remittances to strengthen the economy.
What inspired you to start your business?
I started my business with a clear objective: to generate substantial income and enjoy the success that comes with it. My journey into consulting was a natural fit, as I’ve always been a strong communicator with a high level of intellect. My critical thinking skills and ability to make prompt, impulsive decisions have been key assets in this field. Another reason for my focus on advisory services is the high value of my offerings. I take great pride in bringing value to my clients’ lives and businesses. I feel incredibly fortunate to possess expertiseakin to that of a skilled surgeon, allowing me to transform struggling businesses into profitable enterprises.
Moreover, I love assisting clients with complex immigration solutions, helping them navigate these challenges while changing their lives and lifestyles for the better. Guiding clients in diversifying their investment portfolios across borders to create generational wealth is a passion of mine, and it brings me immense satisfaction to see the positive impact I can make.
What is your company’s business philosophy, vision, mission & core values?
Mission statement :
To bridge between and bring an access to Investors for reliable, modern, and digital businesses of the western world as a commercial alternative to antiquated business experiences.
Vision statement:
To disrupt and dent the traditional way of acquiring boring businesses and to set an industry bench mark in digital entrepreneurship, business automation, and startup ecosystem.
Our commitment:
To provide excellence in quality. We passionately implement, instigate and exceed expectations. Our client’s trust and faith are fundamental in running our everyday operations.
What sets you apart from others in your industry, and what unique perspective do you have?
My commitment to honesty and integrity is a source of immense pride for me and a cornerstone of my value proposition. I have a strong attention to detail, which allows me to back any solution I propose with personal experience, ensuring that my clients receive practical and effective guidance.
I strive to provide core values rooted in authentic and legitimate resources, enhancing the trust and reliability of my services. Additionally, my professionalism sets me apart; my clients never leave my office without gaining valuable knowledge and insights. I ensure that every interaction is marked by and a dedication to delivering the highest quality of service.
What are the key challenges & opportunities in your industry?
In the business advisory and consulting industry, one of the key challenges is ensuring access to the right amount of information, knowledge, experience, and expertise. This is critical for providing clients with the guidance they need to make well-informed decisions about their investments and the future of their families. With over 12 years of experience and a global reach, we have earned our clients’ trust by consistently delivering reliable insights. The biggest opportunity in our industry lies in identifying and gathering a wide range of investment prospects. After conducting thorough due diligence, we present these opportunities to our clients, enabling them to grow and expand their businesses with confidence.
How do you define leadership in crisis?
Leadership in crisis, to me, is defined by the ability to remain composed, make decisive yet thoughtful decisions, and lead by example when faced with uncertainty. True leaders not only focus on problem-solving but also inspire and motivate their teams, maintaining a sense of direction and purpose.
In challenging times, it’s essential to demonstrate resilience, communicate transparently, and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, all while ensuring that the well-being of the team and stakeholders remains a top priority.
What are three leadership competencies of a CEO that you would like to see in our generation?
For the next generation of CEOs, there are three key traits I’d love to see. First, visionary thinking is essential, a great CEO needs to be able to think ahead and see the big picture. It’s not just about tackling immediate problems; it’s about spotting future trends, driving innovation, and setting the company up for long-term success. Second, emotional intelligence is crucial because being able to connect with people makes all the difference. A CEO who understands their team, handles conflicts well, and empathizes with others can create a positive and collaborative workplace. This kind of environment boosts performance and encourages loyalty. Lastly, adaptability is a must. Things are always changing whether it’s new technology, shifting markets, or unexpected challenges. A successful CEO should be flexible, ready to learn, and quick to make smart decisions that keep the company moving forward while staying open to new opportunities.
A CEO’s success largely depends upon a team, what are the three characteristics of a winning
team?
A CEO’s success is closely linked to the strength of their team, and there are three key characteristics that define a winning team. First, effective collaboration is crucial. A team that works well together—sharing ideas, responsibilities, and solutions—tends to be much more productive. This cooperative spirit not only sparks creativity but also ensures that each member’s strengths contribute to achieving common goals. Another essential trait is trust and accountability. For a team to perform at a high level, members need to rely on each other to follow through on commitments and be responsible for their actions. Finally, diversity of thought is a cornerstone of success. Teams that include a variety of perspectives and experiences are better equipped to come up with innovative solutions and make sound decisions. The mix of different backgrounds leads to fresh ideas that drive the team forward.
What obstacles have you faced in your professional life? How did you overcome them?
My journey has been marked by numerous challenges and failures, including business losses and navigating red tape when expanding my services. From day one, overcoming obstacles has been a constant reality. For instance, when I left my well-paying job to pursue my dream of entrepreneur ship, I quickly faced financial difficulties. I had to sell my belongings and borrow money to start my business. There were times when I sold personal items, like my mobile phone and laptop, just to pay my staff’s salaries.
I’ve even experienced nights spent on the streets, all while ensuring that I paid the rent for my office so my team had a place to work. Beyond financial challenges, building a dependable and qualified team has been another significant hurdle. It has required immense effort, time, and resources to develop even one qualified staff member.
Lastly, staying updated with the latest trends in business is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. Diversifying at the right time and in the right areas is essential to ensure that I remain relevant in an ever-evolving market.
Do you have any special talents or ability that has enabled you to come this far in business?
My resilience and, most importantly, my decisiveness are key strengths. I make decisions with both confidence and speed. Once I stand by a decision, I commit fully to it. If it doesn’t yield the desired results, my ability to act quickly becomes crucial. I focus on making the next decision to mitigate any damages caused by the initial choice, ensuring that I can move forward effectively.
Is coaching and mentoring a priority to you? How much time do you allocate for your staff mentoring?
Yes, coaching and mentoring are priorities for me. I believe that investing in the development of my team is essential not only for their growth but also for the long-term success of the organization. I allocate a significant portion of my time to mentoring staff, offering guidance, sharing insights, and helping them develop their skills. By empowering my team and fostering their professional growth, I ensure that they are well-equipped to take on future challenges and contribute more effectively to the business.
What is your strategy for diversity and inclusion in your company?
My strategy for diversity and inclusion focuses on creating an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered to contribute. We actively seek diverse perspectives in hiring, ensuring our team reflects a variety of cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. This not only fosters innovation but also leads to better decision-making. Inclusion is equally important; we promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and openness where all voices are heard and opportunities for growth are available to everyone. By integrating diversity and inclusion into our core values, we build a stronger, more resilient organization that reflects the global markets we serve.
Where do you see your organization five years down the road?
In five years, I envision our organization continuing to expand its global footprint, building on the trust and relationships we have established with clients. Our growth strategy will focus on scaling our core business advisory services while diversifying into complementary sectors, such as technology driven solutions and sustainable investment opportunities.
We aim to enhance our digital capabilities, leveraging data analytics and AI to deliver more customized and insightful advisory services. Additionally, we will explore new markets, strengthen our international partnerships, and drive innovation through strategic collaborations. By staying agile and responsive to industry trends, we’ll ensure sustainable, long-term growth and continued value creation for our clients.
A business speaks the language of digits. What are the three most important numbers in a firm’s financial statements for business survival/growth?
A CEO needs a solid understanding of financial basics because numbers are key to making smart business decisions. They don’t have to be an accountant, but they should be financially savvy enough to read financial statements, evaluate risks, and spot growth opportunities. When it comes to keeping a business healthy and growing, three numbers matter the most. First, cash flow is crucial since it’s the lifeblood of any company, ensuring there’s enough cash on hand for day-to-day operations and future investments. Second, profit margins both gross and net are indicators of how efficiently the company is running and whether it’s bringing in enough profit to cover costs and drive success.
Lastly, return on investment (ROI) is a measure of how well the business is using its resources to generate returns, and a strong ROI indicates that the company is making smart investment choicesthat support growth over the long haul.
In the age of AI & chat GPT; what is your strategy of digital transformation?
In the age of AI and tools like ChatGPT, our digital transformation strategy is centered around integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and customer experience. We are focused on leveraging AI for data analytics, automating routine tasks, and providing personalized advisory services at scale.
Our goal is to create a more agile and responsive organization, where AI-driven insights inform strategic decisions and improve operational efficiency. By adopting AI, we can deliver deeper insights to clients, streamline processes, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. However, while we embrace digital transformation, we remain committed to the human element— ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces the personalized relationships we have built with our clients.
What’s the toughest decision you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
One of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made was to lead a significant business restructuring during a financially challenging period. It required making difficult choices, including reducing staff in certain areas to ensure the long-term survival of the company. The human impact of these decisions was difficult to process, as it involved people who had been dedicated contributors.
What I learned from this experience is that tough decisions must be made with both the head and the heart. Balancing empathy with practicality is critical. I also realized the importance of transparent communication and providing support to those affected while focusing on the broader vision of the company’s future success.
Define success and happiness in three keywords or phrases?
Success for me “achievement of goals”, “continuous growth”, and most importantly “positive impact”. Happiness is “inner peace“, “meaningful connections”, and “gratitude for the present”.
Any message of optimism to the younger generation of CEOs, and business leaders?
To the younger generation of CEOs, managers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders: Embrace the challenges you face as opportunities for growth. The landscape of business is constantly evolving, and with change comes the potential for innovation and transformation. Stay curious and openminded; don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from failures. Build a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, where diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Remember, leadership is not just about achieving goals but also about inspiring others and making a positive impact on society. Your vision, resilience, and determination can shape a better future for all. Keep pushing boundaries, and believe in the power of your ideas to effect change.