Amir Shiekh is the Founder and CEO of 4b, a social platform bringing together original controversial news and topics from both sides. The unique concept came from years of frustration listening to divisive and biased content from all media sources. Amir is committed to bringing people together through respectful and productive fact-based content in an intuitive social platform.
- CEO Hack: Look up and learn from successful people across different industries
- CEO Nugget: Focus on less things and do those things better
- CEO Defined: Getting results and not giving excuses
Website: https://www.4b.world/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4b.world/
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Transcription
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00:02 – Intro
Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast.
00:30 – Gresham Harkless
Hello, Hello, Hello. This is Gresham from the I AM CEO podcast and I have a very special guest on the show today. I have Amir Sheik of 4B. Amir, it's awesome to have you on the show.
00:38 – Amir Shiekh
Thank you for having me, I appreciate it.
00:40 – Gresham Harkless
No problem, super excited to have you on. And before we jump in, I want to read a little bit more about Amir so you can hear about all the awesome things that he's doing. Amir is the founder and CEO of 4B, a social platform bringing together original controversial news and topics from both sides. The unique concept came from years of frustration listening to divisive and biased content from all media sources. Amir is committed to bringing people together through respectful and productive fact-based content in an intuitive social platform. Amir, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?
[restrict paid=”true”]
01:13 – Amir Shiekh
Yes, sir.
01:14 – Gresham Harkless
Awesome, Let's do it. So to kick everything off, I wanted to rewind the clock a little bit and ask you what I call your CEO story and we'll let you get started with your business.
01:24 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, for sure. So, you know, in your intro, you kind of mentioned it, but I think we all see it today, just divisiveness and the energy and passion, and obviously with COVID and economy and just all the things going on is magnifying that. It had nothing to do with the timing of this platform, but it kind of goes to what the need is of today in that marketplace. And so we have people that consciously and subconsciously kind of stay in their bubbles or their lane and they're only absorbing information that really they can relate to.
02:09 – Amir Shiekh
and you know the danger with that is that you're not getting the whole story So the solution is our platform which is exposing to the other side, exposing ideas and also to other people. And a big part of the platform is making sure that it's fact-based, it's cited, and that it's in short form and it's intuitive so that we're all busy with life and family and work and what we're working on. And so just to be respectful of the time and to make sure that we can make an effective method of connecting with the news and engaging with it in a two-way format.
02:57 – Gresham Harkless:
Nice, yeah, I appreciate that. And I know when we initially connected, I loved the aspect of it because as you said, and as I read in your bio, definitely divisive some of the topics that people are thinking about, and often it could be sometimes difficult to even show the other side of the coin, so to speak, let alone have that opportunity to see that within the platform. So that's why I love, you know, everything that you're building and working on and creating.
03:22 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, no, definitely. I think the biggest issue in my opinion is that we're not even listening. You know, We say that we listen, we say that we're open-minded, but we're not. In most people, it's probably subconscious. I think few people would admit it, but all of us employ different internal strategies or if you want to call it that, to kind of stay in our bubble, in our lane, and feel good about how we look at the world. And unfortunately, there are consequences to that. And we see a lot of those consequences today with everything that's going on.
04:01 – Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. They've manifested themselves, our bubble to the top or overflow to the top. It might be even a better way to say some of the things that we see today, but I appreciate you bringing light to that because I think so many times as you said that bubble and that comfort zone a lot of times is based on surrounding yourself sometimes around people that think and talk and have the same perspective just like you. And a lot of times not only is that a detriment, I think, to ourselves individually, but it's also a detriment to the world and everything that we can create and see to make the world an absolutely better place. So I know you touched on it a little bit. Could you take us through exactly, like how your platform works what exactly people will find, and the ways that they're able to kind of create that connectedness and interact with your site?
04:50 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, definitely. So we're on the App Store, Google Play Store, and the web. But when you come on, you create an account and a profile, and you subscribe to different categories, ranging from beauty and makeup to sports, science, and whatever your interests are. And from that, you'll get articles that are pertinent that relate to those specific categories. As we publish new content, you'll get notifications within those categories. The articles are unofficially around 500 words. That's kind of our target. And there are 2 writers who are opposing. So, and I'm gonna use this extreme example to make a point, but let's say the article is, you know, is the earth flat. And so you'll have a writer that will say it's round and you have 1 that will say it's flat, they'll each have approximately 250 words to make their case and cite it and reference it.
And then there'll be a fact box which is created by our team internally, neutral, and not making any cases, just listing facts. And then there's voting. So there are voting questions after you read through that. There's the comment section. And so you're really engaging with the content. You're not just only being exposed. As you interact with the platform you also have a profile that is similar to Instagram where you have a feed and different boxes. The difference is the platform actually generates your profile for you. So when you comment, when you vote, when you, you know, any kind of interaction is kind of documented in a nice pretty way. And so if I am following you or if I look up Gresham, you know, I'll be able to tell what your views are and what your opinion is on important issues. And so it's kind of Instagram, except just on your brain or your thoughts on important issues.
06:59 – Gresham Harkless
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense and kind of having that visibility to be able to kind of understand that. But as you said as well too, getting to see and read and understand even that opposing thought or opposing perspective is so huge because I think so many times those conversations never happen, and getting the opportunity for that or getting the platform by which to facilitate that is huge.
07:21 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think that, again, there's a variety of tactics that the networks and media use, but there's probably many more tactics that we use as individuals. When we're speaking or communicating, we cut people off or we get emotional or we use hyperlays and extreme examples and just all kinds of things. I think that creating a platform where everybody has an equal opportunity to make their case. And it's, it's really structured in a way that it's, you know, fact-based so that, you know, we can eliminate some of those, tactics that are, you know, unproductive and they get away from the core of the issue and it basically divides us. And so to limit that is really, really a big part of what our platform does.
08:10 – Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And getting all that information out there is definitely huge, that visibility and transparency is something that we all kind of, I think, hope and crave. And so do you feel like that is what I would call your secret sauce? It could be for yourself as an individual your organization or a combination of both. But what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?
08:29 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think that having that and not having a specific lane in the sense that we don't have a core consumer, our consumer is everyone. Our purpose is to bring people together. I'll use kind of political because it's an easy analogy, but, you know, you have your Fox News listeners and then you have your CNN listeners and they're very distinct and those networks cater to their audience in a very distinct way. Now, they both claim that they're objective and truthful and all of that, but if you look at their main pages, they'll be very different and their stories are very different. And so obviously, both of them can't be right. So I think that for us to be unique is really to be able to bring everyone together on the same platform.
09:25 – Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And kind of being aware of that other opposing viewpoint as you mentioned, as well as who is so important, but being able to, as you said, create that platform where it's not either or, it's a combination of both on that platform, you get to see those different perspectives from as granular as the individual users, this is definitely huge. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. This could be like an app, a book, or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?
09:56 – Amir Shiekh
I think that you know, for me, I looked at people who are quote-unquote successful and across different industries. And 1 thing that I've, a few things that I've seen that are in common, regardless of what they do, success is not just measured in metrics and money or transactions, but I think that you have to be hardworking, you have to understand clearly your direction and you have to be able to stay consistent. I think that when you're dealing with something like what we're doing a startup and you're entering, you're basically creating a marketplace, right? There's nobody in that space. There's nobody doing it. And so there's, you know, there's so many obstacles. A lot of them are mental a lot of them are doubtful and a lot of people are not able to connect or understand because they haven't seen it. And just, you know, stay focused to make sure you work hard understand your vision, and stay on the path. I think that is really important for me and has really helped to get this platform to where it is today.
11:14 – Gresham Harkless
So now I want to ask you for what I call a CEO nugget. And this could be a word of wisdom or a piece of advice. It might be something if you were to hop into a time machine, you would tell your younger business self.
11:26 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, for me would be, is do less or focus on fewer things and do those things better or put more resources and attention on fewer things and work on doing those better than trying to do too many things at 1 time.
11:48 – Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. And so now I wanted to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different quote-unquote CEOs on the show. So Amir, what does being a CEO mean to you?
11:59 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think for me personally, it's getting results. And so if you look at all of the obstacles regardless of what business you're in, they're going to come. It's just that's the reality of being in business. It's how you deal with them and whether you make excuses, whether you give up, whether you decide to change direction, whether you decide to hire, or fire, whatever the decisions you make along the way, at the end of the day, a CEO's job is to make sure that you get the result, not that you give an excuse. And I think that you know, to me, that's personally what a CEO represents and what the purpose is.
12:47 – Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. A lot of times it's what are you doing to kind of move that needle for it? What are you doing to get those things done that need to be done? And I think so many times when you're in the position or have that title, whatever that title might be, That's often how we're measured in your ability to make and show and provide that opportunity for that impact that we all hope to have. But if you're not actually doing it, then what exactly are you doing to kind of have that impact? So I think if remind ourselves of that, then we can definitely put ourselves in a position to be that person that gets things done and to be ultimately that quote-unquote CEO. So truly appreciate that definition Amir and appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do is patch in the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know and of course how best they can get a hold of you and find out about all the awesome things you're working on.
13:40 – Amir Shiekh
Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think that outside of a business sense on a personal note, a big motivational factor was just on a good note bringing people together. I think that if you look at humanity today and how much you measure levels of wealth, pain, suffering, all of whatever metrics you want to use and you measure it from a hundred years ago and hundreds of years ago, we're outperforming on just about every metric. But if you talk to people today, you know, you don't see that, you know, you see people that are depressed and oppressed and whatever other words you want to use. And it's it's it's really an extreme level. And So there's a difference between what we feel and what the reality is, clearly. But something needs to be done. And I think that what the media has been doing, and I think it's financially motivated to really divide people and use extreme examples to get people's emotions going and all of those things.
There are consequences for that. We're going to feel that. Our children are going to feel that and so on and so forth. I think the right thing to do is to work the other way and let's work together on solving these problems, not blaming each other and saying, hey, it's your fault or my fault or whoever's fault it is. And I think that for me personally with this platform, that's the biggest accomplishment that we can make is to bring people together. Even if we just get people to just listen to the other side, not even change their minds, I think that I'd be considered a success. Absolutely. And, yeah, and also I think, you know, you know, for us, we're just, if 4b.world online, if you go to the App Store or the Google Play Store, it's just the number 4 and then B. And, you know, we're the only 4 B. So that should pop up. And yeah, no, I really appreciate your time.
15:58 – Gresham Harkless
No problem. Definitely appreciate you. We will have the links and information in the show notes, but I appreciate that reminder as well, too, as I think so many times, you know, we want to see the world in a certain way. And I think the best thing that we can do is to kind of create that change ourselves, be the change that you hope to see in the world. And I think by providing that opportunity and the platform by which that can happen, I truly appreciate you for championing that. And I think that understanding that we can do that is definitely something that as entrepreneurs, as business owners, as CEOs, and solution providers, we have it within our hands and our minds in order to do that. So I appreciate you for leaving that charge as well too. And I hope you have a phenomenal rest of the day.
16:41 – Outro
Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.
00:02 - Intro
Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast.
00:30 - Gresham Harkless
Hello, Hello, Hello. This is Gresham from the I AM CEO podcast and I have a very special guest on the show today. I have Amir Sheik of 4B. Amir, it's awesome to have you on the show.
00:38 - Amir Shiekh
Thank you for having me, I appreciate it.
00:40 - Gresham Harkless
No problem, super excited to have you on. And before we jumped in, I want to read a little bit more about Amir so you can hear about all the awesome things that he's doing. Amir is the founder and CEO of 4B, a social platform bringing together original controversial news and topics from both sides. The unique concept came from years of frustration listening to divisive and biased content from all media sources. Amir is committed to bringing people together through respectful and productive fact-based content in an intuitive social platform. Amir, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?
01:13 - Amir Shiekh
Yes, sir.
01:14 - Gresham Harkless
Awesome, Let's do it. So to kick everything off, I wanted to rewind the clock a little bit and ask you what I call your CEO story and we'll let you get started with your business.
01:24 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, for sure. So, you know, in your intro, you kind of mentioned it, but I think we all see it today, just divisiveness and the energy and passion, and obviously with COVID and economy and just all the things going on is magnifying that. It had nothing to do with the timing of this platform, but it kind of goes to what the need is of today in that marketplace. And so we have people that consciously and subconsciously kind of stay in their bubbles or their lane and they're only absorbing information that really they can relate to
02:09 - Amir Shiekh
and you know the danger with that is that you're not getting the whole story So the solution is our platform which is exposing to the other side, exposing ideas and also to other people. And a big part of the platform is making sure that it's fact-based, it's cited, and that it's in short form and it's intuitive so that we're all busy with life and family and work and what we're working on. And so just to be respectful of the time and to make sure that we can make an effective method of connecting with the news and engaging with it in a two-way format.
02:57 - Gresham Harkless: Nice, yeah, I appreciate that. And I know when we initially connected, I loved the aspect of it because as you said, and as I read in your bio, definitely divisive some of the topics that people are thinking about, and often it could be sometimes difficult to even show the other side of the coin, so to speak, let alone have that opportunity to see that within the platform. So that's why I love, you know, everything that you're building and working on and creating.
03:22 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, no, definitely. I think the biggest issue in my opinion is that we're not even listening. You know, We say that we listen, we say that we're open-minded, but we're not. In most people, it's probably subconscious. I think few people would admit it, but all of us employ different internal strategies or if you want to call it that, to kind of stay in our bubble, in our lane, and feel good about how we look at the world. And unfortunately, there are consequences to that. And we see a lot of those consequences today with everything that's going on.
04:01 - Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. They've manifested themselves, our bubble to the top or overflow to the top. It might be even a better way to say some of the things that we see today, but I appreciate you bringing light to that because I think so many times as you said that bubble and that comfort zone a lot of times is based on surrounding yourself sometimes around people that think and talk and have the same perspective just like you. And a lot of times not only is that a detriment, I think, to ourselves individually, but it's also a detriment to the world and everything that we can create and see to make the world an absolutely better place. So I know you touched on it a little bit. Could you take us through exactly, like how your platform works what exactly people will find, and the ways that they're able to kind of create that connectedness and interact with your site?
04:50 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, definitely. So we're on the App Store, Google Play Store, and the web. But when you come on, you create an account and a profile, and you subscribe to different categories, ranging from beauty and makeup to sports, science, and whatever your interests are. And from that, you'll get articles that are pertinent that relate to those specific categories. As we publish new content, you'll get notifications within those categories. The articles are unofficially around 500 words. That's kind of our target. And there are 2 writers who are opposing. So, and I'm gonna use this extreme example to make a point, but let's say the article is, you know, is the earth flat. And so you'll have a writer that will say it's round and you have 1 that will say it's flat, they'll each have approximately 250 words to make their case and cite it and reference it.
And then there'll be a fact box which is created by our team internally, neutral, and not making any cases, just listing facts. And then there's voting. So there are voting questions after you read through that. There's the comment section. And so you're really engaging with the content. You're not just only being exposed. As you interact with the platform you also have a profile that is similar to Instagram where you have a feed and different boxes. The difference is the platform actually generates your profile for you. So when you comment, when you vote, when you, you know, any kind of interaction is kind of documented in a nice pretty way. And so if I am following you or if I look up Gresham, you know, I'll be able to tell what your views are and what your opinion is on important issues. And so it's kind of Instagram, except just on your brain or your thoughts on important issues.
06:59 - Gresham Harkless
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense and kind of having that visibility to be able to kind of understand that. But as you said as well too, getting to see and read and understand even that opposing thought or opposing perspective is so huge because I think so many times those conversations never happen, and getting the opportunity for that or getting the platform by which to facilitate that is something that's huge.
07:21 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think that, again, there's a variety of tactics that the networks and media use, but there's probably many more tactics that we use as individuals. When we're speaking or communicating, we cut people off or we get emotional or we use hyperlays and extreme examples and just all kinds of things. I think that creating a platform where everybody has an equal opportunity to make their case. And it's, it's really structured in a way that it's, you know, fact-based so that, you know, we can eliminate some of those, tactics that are, you know, unproductive and they get away from the core of the issue and it basically divides us. And so to limit that is really, really a big part of what our platform does.
08:10 - Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And getting all that information out there is definitely huge, that visibility and transparency is something that we all kind of, I think, hope and crave for. And so do you feel like that is what I would call your secret sauce? It could be for yourself as an individual your organization or a combination of both. But what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?
08:29 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think that having that and not having a specific lane in the sense that we don't have a core consumer, our consumer is everyone. Our purpose is to bring people together. I'll use kind of political because it's an easy analogy, but, you know, you have your Fox News listeners and then you have your CNN listeners and they're very distinct and those networks cater to their audience in a very distinct way. Now, they both claim that they're objective and truthful and all of that, but if you look at their main pages, they'll be very different and their stories are very different. And so obviously, both of them can't be right. So I think that for us to be unique is really to be able to bring everyone together on the same platform.
09:25 - Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. And kind of being aware of that other opposing viewpoint as you mentioned, as well as who is so important, but being able to, as you said, create that platform where it's not either or, it's a combination of both on that platform, you get to see those different perspectives from as granular as the individual users, this is definitely huge. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. This could be like an app, a book, or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?
09:56 - Amir Shiekh
I think that you know, for me, I really looked at people who are quote-unquote successful and across different industries. And 1 thing that I've, a few things that I've seen that are in common, regardless of what they do, success is not just measured in metrics and money or transactions, but I think that you have to be hardworking, you have to understand clearly your direction and you have to be able to stay consistent. I think that when you're dealing with something like what we're doing a startup and you're entering, you're basically creating a marketplace, right? There's nobody in that space. There's nobody doing it. And so there's, you know, there's so many obstacles. A lot of them are mental a lot of them are doubtful and a lot of people are not able to connect or understand because they haven't seen it. And just, you know, stay focused to make sure you work hard understand your vision, and stay on the path. I think that is really important for me and has really helped to get this platform to where it is today.
11:14 - Gresham Harkless
And So now I want to ask you for what I call a CEO nugget. And this could be a word of wisdom or a piece of advice. It might be something if you were to hop into a time machine, you would tell your younger business self.
11:26 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, for me would be, is do less or focus on fewer things and do those things better or put more resources and attention on fewer things and work on doing those better than trying to do too many things at 1 time.
11:48 - Gresham Harkless
Absolutely. And so now I wanted to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different quote-unquote CEOs on the show. So Amir, what does being a CEO mean to you?
11:59 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, I think for me personally, it's getting results. And so if you look at all of the obstacles regardless of what business you're in, they're going to come. It's just that's the reality of being in business. It's how you deal with them and whether you make excuses, whether you give up, whether you decide to change direction, whether you decide to hire, or fire, whatever the decisions you make along the way, at the end of the day, a CEO's job is to make sure that you get the result, not that you give an excuse. And I think that you know, to me, that's personally what a CEO represents and what the purpose is.
12:47 - Gresham Harkless
Yeah, absolutely. A lot of times it's what are you doing to kind of move that needle for it? What are you doing to get those things done that need to be done? And I think so many times when you're in the position or have that title, whatever that title might be, That's often how we're measured in your ability to make and show and provide that opportunity for that impact that we all hope to have. But if you're not actually doing it, then what exactly are you doing to kind of have that impact? So I think if remind ourselves of that, then we can definitely put ourselves in a position to be that person that gets things done and to be ultimately that quote-unquote CEO. So truly appreciate that definition Amir and appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do is patch in the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional you can let our readers and listeners know and of course how best they can get a hold of you and find out about all the awesome things you're working on.
13:40 - Amir Shiekh
Yeah, definitely. I mean, I think that outside of a business sense on a personal note, a big motivational factor was just on a good note bringing people together. I think that if you look at humanity today and how much you measure levels of wealth, pain, suffering, all of whatever metrics you want to use and you measure it from a hundred years ago and hundreds of years ago, we're outperforming on just about every metric. But if you talk to people today, you know, you don't see that, you know, you see people that are depressed and oppressed and whatever other words you want to use. And it's it's it's really an extreme level. And So there's a difference between what we feel and what the reality is, clearly. But something needs to be done. And I think that what the media has been doing, and I think it's financially motivated to really divide people and use extreme examples to get people's emotions going and all of those things.
There are consequences for that. We're going to feel that. Our children are going to feel that and so on and so forth. I think the right thing to do is to work the other way and let's work together on solving these problems, not blaming each other and saying, hey, it's your fault or my fault or whoever's fault it is. And I think that for me personally with this platform, that's the biggest accomplishment that we can make is to bring people together. Even if we just get people to just listen to the other side, not even change their minds, I think that I'd be considered a success. Absolutely. And, yeah, and also I think, you know, you know, for us, we're just, if 4b.world online, if you go to the App Store or the Google Play Store, it's just the number 4 and then B. And, you know, we're the only 4 B. So that should pop up. And yeah, no, I really appreciate your time.
15:58 - Gresham Harkless
No problem. Definitely appreciate you. We will have the links and information in the show notes, but I appreciate that reminder as well, too, as I think so many times, you know, we want to see the world in a certain way. And I think the best thing that we can do is to kind of create that change ourselves, be the change that you hope to see in the world. And I think by providing that opportunity and the platform by which that can happen, I truly appreciate you for championing that. And I think that understanding that we can do that is definitely something that as entrepreneurs, as business owners, as CEOs, and solution providers, we have it within our hands and our minds in order to do that. So I appreciate you for leaving that charge as well too. And I hope you have a phenomenal rest of the day.
16:41 - Outro
Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.
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