We recently connected with Feras Asakrieh and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Feras thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

What Corporate America Gets Wrong in My Industry

In Corporate America, there’s a common belief that if you work hard, keep your head down, and trust your boss, you’ll eventually get promoted. I used to believe that too. I thought that by putting in more hours and working harder than anyone else, my efforts would eventually be recognized, and I’d move up the ladder.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I spent three years giving everything to my job—working 12-hour days, 7 days a week, even pulling all-nighters just to meet deadlines. I thought all that dedication would finally pay off. But when the time came for a promotion, someone else got it instead. It felt like a punch to the gut. I was angry, hurt, and completely disillusioned. I had bought into the idea that hard work alone would get me ahead, but that was far from the truth.

That experience forced me to rethink everything. After stepping away for a bit to try my hand at entrepreneurship, I came back to the corporate world with a different mindset—an entrepreneurial one. I stopped just working hard and started working smart. I began to approach my job like an entrepreneur, and that’s when everything changed.

Here’s what made the difference:

Be a Problem Solver Right Where You Are: Entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to fix things. In every job I had, I looked for problems that needed solving, came up with solutions, and took charge of implementing them. This proactive approach quickly caught the attention of my bosses.

Look for Cross-Functional Projects: Like entrepreneurs, I sought out opportunities to work across different areas. Leading cross-functional projects not only helped me build connections but also showed I was ready for more responsibility and leadership.

Embrace Risk and Innovation: Entrepreneurs don’t shy away from taking risks. I took on projects with uncertain outcomes, and while not everyone was a success, my willingness to try new things set me apart and helped me move up.

Don’t Stick Around When It’s Not Working: Entrepreneurs know when it’s time to move on. When I realized a role wasn’t going to help me grow, I didn’t hesitate to leave. Making bold moves like that ensured I was always in a position where I could keep advancing.

Hard work is important, but it’s not the whole story. By adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, you can take control of your career and create the opportunities you deserve.

Feras, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, My name is Feras, I help corporate employees unleash their career’s full potential by operating like an entrepreneur at work—No Limits, Just Growth.

My founding story

Over the past 23 years, I built three companies from the ground up into multi-million dollar businesses while advancing to the executive level in my career.

I chose a dual career path because I wasn’t sure which was right for me. Growing up, I believed corporate was the way, but moving to the USA introduced me to entrepreneurship.

Fear of missing out and uncertainty about the future led me to pursue both paths simultaneously.

23 years later, I realized I made the best decision by doing both. Being entrepreneurial within a corporate environment gave me an edge and advanced my career uniquely.

Now, I’m on a mission to help corporate employees think and act like entrepreneurs to advance their careers faster and more effectively.

Fun fact: I learned English by watching over 2,000 movies. My friends think I need to watch 2,000 more, but I don’t agree!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve found for growing my clientele has been sharing my experiences on LinkedIn. About a year ago, I started writing posts that were honest, genuine, and full of real-life examples from my own journey. I didn’t try to present a perfect image; instead, I focused on being straightforward, explaining the details, and showing how I’ve overcome challenges.

People resonate with authenticity. When you share your own stories—especially the tough ones—it creates a connection. They see you as a real person, someone who has faced difficulties and come out stronger. That’s powerful. It’s not just about talking about successes but also about the struggles that got you there.

Within a year, my audience on LinkedIn grew from nothing to 25k followers, and the engagement was so strong that LinkedIn recognized me as a “Top Voice.” That recognition was just a bonus, though. The real win was seeing how my stories resonated with people and how that connection led to more business opportunities.

The key is to be real, share your journey, and don’t shy away from the details. People are looking for real connections with real people, and that’s what turns readers into clients.

Any advice for managing a team?

My perspective on leadership has changed significantly over the years, mainly because there isn’t a single “great answer” to managing people. Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all role; it evolves as we grow. However, through my experiences, I’ve learned a few important things about leading people and maintaining high morale.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to be genuine and treat people as individuals. At the heart of effective leadership is the understanding that people aren’t just resources—they’re human beings who want to feel valued and respected. When you’re genuine in your interactions, you build trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong team.

Communication is another cornerstone. But it’s not just about keeping everyone informed—it’s about being open and vulnerable with your team. Sharing your challenges and uncertainties can create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. This kind of transparency fosters a culture where people are more willing to speak up, share ideas, and collaborate, knowing that their voices are heard.

Authenticity in leadership is also key. It’s about being true to yourself and leading by example. When your actions are consistent with your words, your team will see you as a leader they can trust and follow. Authentic leaders inspire others to bring their whole selves to work, which naturally boosts morale.

Finally, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t just about money or traditional incentives. It’s about finding what truly lights people up—what drives them at their core—and using that to inspire them. When you understand what makes each person tick, you can tap into their passions and help them achieve their best. This kind of personalized motivation not only enhances performance but also keeps morale high, because people feel truly engaged in their work.

Leadership is a journey, one that involves constant learning and growth. By being genuine, communicating openly, staying authentic, and connecting with what really motivates your team, you can create an environment where people thrive and morale remains strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ferasasakrieh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferasasakrieh/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asakrieh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asakrieh
• Twitter: https://x.com/FerasAsakrieh