Akbar Sheikh’s entrepreneurial journey defies convention—and odds. Once living in an electrical closet with no windows, hot water, or even a shower, he rose from rock bottom to become the founder of Make More Give More, a mission-driven business designed to help entrepreneurs build ethical, profitable companies.
But for Sheikh, wealth has never been the end goal. It’s a means to something greater: empowering others to “make more so they can give more”—to their families, communities, and the causes they cherish.
Building a Brand on Purpose
Sheikh’s brand was born out of a belief that entrepreneurship can be a force for good. “Our mission is to help others make more to give more,” he explains. “Every hardworking entrepreneur deserves an ethical business that allows them to provide for their families, support their communities, and give back to their favorite charities—ultimately making the world a better place.”
This purpose-driven approach became the foundation for Make More Give More, setting it apart in a landscape often obsessed solely with profits and growth metrics.
Overcoming a Decade of False Starts
Success didn’t come quickly. In fact, Sheikh admits he spent nearly a decade struggling to gain traction. “I don’t think you can fail in business—I think you can only give up,” he reflects. “For a decade, all I did was give up. The moment I became a millionaire was the moment I decided I REFUSE TO GIVE UP.”
That mindset shift, he says, became the turning point. Once quitting was no longer an option, momentum followed.
The Power of Giving First
Another pivotal decision reshaped Sheikh’s approach: leading with generosity. “When you shift your intentions to giving, you can’t lose,” he says. “If we look at everyone like a number, it’s going to be hard to win. But if we look at everyone’s pain and use our God-given gifts to heal it—that’s where the magic starts.”
This philosophy helped him build deep relationships with clients, empowering them to improve their health, wealth, and relationships—a ripple effect he calls “the real win.”
Rapid Action, Relentless Focus
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Sheikh offers straightforward but powerful advice: go big, and go fast. “Success loves speed,” he emphasizes. “The difference between the ones that make it and the ones that don’t is the size of the action they take and the speed of implementation. Put your phone away! You need three things to win: the right mentor, the right blueprint, and the ability to eliminate distractions so you can execute.”
Redefining Balance on the Way Up
Despite the high stakes of entrepreneurship, Sheikh is adamant about balance. “Even when I was homeless, I didn’t work 40 hours a week—and I still don’t,” he notes. “Your family has a right over you. Balance is key. It’s always God first, family second, business third.”
It’s a counterintuitive approach in a hustle-obsessed culture, but for Sheikh, it’s been essential to staying grounded and avoiding burnout.
Building More “Michelle Stories”
Though he once considered retiring, a powerful client story changed everything. “Michelle had an autistic child who couldn’t speak. Doctors were of no use. On her own, she figured out how to get her child to speak—and sing. Then she used our marketing methods to help nonverbal autistic kids worldwide go from not speaking to speaking,” Sheikh shares.
“When I heard that, I said, ‘OK, I guess I can’t retire from this world.’ I’ve got to go out there and build lots more stories like this. I feel this is what I’m meant to do.”
Learn More
To learn more about Akbar Sheikh and Make More Give More, visit www.akbarsheikh.com.
