Today we’d like to introduce you to Kareem Marshall.
Kareem, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My family immigrated from the beautiful West Indian island of Grenada to the concrete jungle of NYC in the 80s. I was born on September 11th, 1990. With that upbringing, I learned a sense of pride and self-worth, which I carry into every move I make.
From High School Varsity Track to the President of the Poetry Club. I’ve always put myself in a position of leadership and service. For eight years post-high school I dealt with severe depression. Most former athletes deal with this, especially if their career ended due to injury. So when I turned 26, it hit me that my life wasn’t getting any better and I was going to need to take control of my life. If not then I would float through life aimlessly.
So my journey started after reading four chapters of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. I was always an avid gamer and problem solver so creating solutions for corporations and gamers alike has always been something of interest. As a volunteer of the American Cancer Society and St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital. So moving forward I want to use eSports and technology as a vehicle to bring families and communities together.
Uplyft Studios is meant to be a beacon of light. I don’t ever want it to seem like just another tech company. We are a sum of all parts nowhere perfect, but through unity, we can grow and inspire the next generation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Its been one of the most bumpiest roads ever but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Here are a list of some of the areas of struggle.
-Finding Clients
-Building Relationships
-Understanding that your time costs money.
-Moving from the non-profit mindset to a for profit.
-Creating the right staff.
-Making sure that you build and maintain.
-Announce past failures and move forward.
-Build in the dark when doubters only see the result.
-Fear of success
My biggest fear is disappointing my team and not being the best leader possible. I’m nowhere near perfect, but I will work on getting better.
Uplyft Studios – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Uplyft Studios is a Technology based consulting firm. Our mission is to provide solutions for corporations utilizing technology innovative ways.
Mobile App- We are currently developing two in-house applications. One related to the fitness industry and the other related to Latino Heritage.
Esports- By utilizing core competencies from various industries we assist our client’s in solving problems leveraging this emerging market. Whether your goal is to use eSports as an efficient recruitment tool or educational tool or a vehicle to raise brand awareness, we will work with you collaboratively to find the right solution.
As a company, the proudest moment so far was our first company retreat. We got had a chance to bond with our spouses and grow as a team.
The biggest thing that sets us apart. Diversity and Inclusion were at the forefront of the company and not an afterthought. Valuing each individuals mind and what they bring to the table outside of just title.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Personally, the proudest moment of my career was when I used to DJ.lol Totally not tech related, but I had the opportunity to play music at a hospice for their annual fall festival. It was a normal event until midway through my set. I notice the smiles on the patient’s faces. I usually survey the crowd, but things felt different.
The shining moment for me was when one of the ladies in the wheelchair was tapping her foot to the music in her wheelchair. The staff started dancing also. In passing me by on her way inside she grabbed me and told me” Thank you for coming and visiting us.”
This moment has stuck with me for years. It’s not tech related, but It’s the best moment work wise I ever had.
Contact Info:
- Email: uplyftstudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uplyftstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UplyftStudios/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/uplyftstudios
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/27812598/admin/
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