Athar Ali's Journey: From International Student to Retail Innovator

In a Sunday's episode of the Founders Unplugged Podcast, host Greg Mccallum sat down with Athar Ali , the founder and CEO of ThirdRetail , to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced in building his company.

This insightful conversation offered a behind-the-scenes look at the world of entrepreneurship and provided valuable lessons for aspiring founders and business leaders.

The Idea Behind ThirdRetail

Athar Ali's idea for ThirdRetail stemmed from his MBA studies in retail, where he learned about the concept of profit per square foot in offline retail.

"The idea for ThirdRetail came from his MBA studies in retail, where he learned about the concept of profit per square foot in offline retail."

He recognized the need for a symbiotic relationship between online and offline retail and decided to create ThirdRetail to address this gap.

ThirdRetail aims to create an affordable Omni Channel offline experience for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands through their marketplace.

"The company aims to create an affordable Omni Channel offline experience for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands through their marketplace."

Additionally, they offer software solutions to connect with the back end of Shopify and other commerce brands.

Building a Strong Network and Advisory Board

One of the key factors that contributed to Athar Ali's success was his ability to build a strong network and advisory board.

"We also have two amazing advisors"

He emphasized the importance of reaching out to people, learning from other founders, and being open to helping others in the startup ecosystem.

Athar Ali's approach to networking and seeking advice from experienced professionals like Gregory Mccallum highlights the value of leveraging the expertise and insights of others.

"Athar Ali: I think you were very to the point person who knew what is happening with marketplaces and So I would say LinkedIn is the best place we connected by a LinkedIn we connected by a community different communities out there in startup ecosystem."

This strategy not only provides valuable guidance but also helps build credibility and mitigate risks for potential investors.

The Importance of Adaptability and Open-mindedness

Throughout the conversation, Athar Ali emphasized the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness in the entrepreneurial journey. He acknowledged that every founder's path is different and that blanket advice may not always be applicable.

"Gregory Mccallum: it's misrepresenting because I'm sick and tired of people giving advice that it's just off-the-shelf advice that what I mean that's why I call myself the no b**** advisor. It's because that's b*******.

Athar Ali: You become a Founder when you have done a lot of things you have talked to a lot of people you have explored a lot and you have bypassed that kind of you sort of things that affects you"

Athar Ali's willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace different perspectives is a valuable trait that can help founders navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

This episode with Athar Ali offered a wealth of insights and lessons for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs. From the importance of patience and perseverance to the value of building a strong network and advisory board, this conversation highlighted the key factors that contribute to entrepreneurial success.

Athar Ali's journey with ThirdRetail serves as an inspiration, reminding us that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business leader, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.

To hear the full conversation and gain even more valuable insights, be sure to tune in to the Founders Unplugged Podcast episode featuring Athar Ali, the founder and CEO of ThirdRetail.

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https://youtu.be/A04PaESZ4SI