Ahmad Islam

About Ahmad Islam

Some people hire me directly. Some people hire my agency. Both are solid options — the right one just depends on what you actually need.I’m Ahmad Islam. Brand strategist, creative consultant, and CEO of TEN35, a creative and brand strategy agency primarily based in Chicago. I’ve over two decades helping companies figure out who they are, what they’re building, and how to make people care about it — across consumer goods, media, creator economy, cannabis, nonprofits, legal, and a few categories I’d rather not mention There are two ways to work with me:The Real AI is my consultancy. This is where I work directly with founders, executives, and brand leaders who need senior strategic and creative thinking, without the overhead of an agency. Brand architecture. GTM strategy. Investor positioning. Creative direction. Cultural fluency. If the problem is complex and the stakes are real, this a real option.TEN35 is the agency. Same level of thinking, with a team behind it. Strategy, creative, content, & impactful campaigns all built for clients who need powerful thinking & execution at scale.I’m known for being the person in the room asking the question everyone else was dancing around — and then helping you build something that addresses the tough challenges.Cannabis is part of my portfolio. Culture isn’t a bad word in my world.Ready to figure out which path makes sense? Connect here or reach out directly.Brand Strategy · Creative Direction · GTM Strategy · Investor & Partner Positioning · Cultural Marketing · Integrated Campaigns · Content Strategy · Brand Architecture · Emerging Markets · Digital & Social Strategy · Experiential Marketing · Cannabis Marketing & Brand Development

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Ten35

   Jan 2016 — Present

Education

• Miami University

  BS, Business Psychology

• West Virginia University

  MS, Sports Management