Early life was rooted in sports and discipline
Shakim Akbar-Downey grew up on the court and field. Basketball and football were not hobbies. They were a daily routine. From an early age, he played for several teams and traveled across cities and states to compete. Those experiences shaped how he thinks about effort, teamwork and focus.
“Sports taught me how to perform well every day,” says Akbar-Downey. “You don't improve by talking. You improve by working, even when no one is watching.”
Traveling for games also opened his eyes to bigger opportunities. Competition outside his neighborhood inspired him to think seriously about education and long-term goals. The discipline required to balance training, school, and travel became the foundation of his future career.
Education that blends creativity and business
After attending Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School, Akbar-Downey continued his education at St. Lawrence College. He studied business management as well as culinary arts. At first glance, the combination may seem unusual. To him, it made sense.
“Cooking taught me precision and timeliness,” he explains. “Business management taught me structure. You need both if you want results.”
Working in the kitchen helped him understand systems, efficiency and pressure. Business courses gave them the tools to manage people, processes and results. Together, they shaped how he approaches marketing today – with creativity guided by structure.
Building a Career in Marketing and Advertising Management
Akbar-Downey now works in marketing and advertising management, partnering closely with major used car dealerships. Their role focuses on creating campaigns that drive real results rather than just garner attention.
“I don't believe in flashy ideas that don't bring change,” he says. “If it doesn't bring qualified leadership, it's not doing its job.”
His work focuses on understanding local markets, customer intent and timing. By connecting messaging with actual buyer behavior, he helps dealerships consistently generate leads and close many deals. The approach is practical and based on implementation.
Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all strategies, he adapts campaigns to each dealership's inventory and audience. That flexibility has become a defining part of his reputation.
Leadership through consistency and trust
Akbar-Downey does not describe himself as a traditional executive. His leadership style is shaped by sports and practical experience. He believes that trust is built through consistency.
“In both sports and business, people follow results,” he says. “You earn respect by being trustworthy.”
Dealership partners value clear communication and predictable performance. Akbar-Downey focuses on setting expectations early and measuring results honestly. If something doesn't work he immediately adjusts.
That mentality reflects his athletic background. Review game tape. Correct mistakes. Go ahead.
Stay connected to youth and community
Apart from work, Akbar-Downey is also closely associated with sports. He is actively involved in youth basketball and football training programs. His goal is to help young athletes develop skills while learning discipline and confidence.
“I see myself in those kids,” he says. “They just need guidance and someone who believes in them.”
He volunteers his time to help youth in the areas where he grew up. For him, giving back isn't about recognition. It's about access. He wants young athletes to look beyond their immediate surroundings.
He believes that sport is a tool. Not everyone will become a professional. But everyone can learn structure, teamwork, and accountability.
A business mindset shaped by long-term play
Shakim Akbar-Downey
Approaches both business and life with a long-term mindset. He understands that success is built gradually. Campaigns improve through testing. Skills are honed through repetition.
“Nothing worthwhile happens overnight,” he says. “You build momentum by being persistent.”
This philosophy keeps him focused as he continues to advance in the marketing and advertising field. He is less concerned with titles and focuses more on impact. Helping partners succeed. Helping young athletes advance. To improve the systems one step at a time.
focused on the future
As his career evolves, Akbar-Downey is holding on to the lessons that shaped him early on. Discipline through sports. Creativity through culinary training. Structure from vocational education.
Those elements now come together in his work every day.
“At the end of the day, it's about looking prepared,” he says. “Whether it's a sport, a campaign, or mentoring a child, the mindset remains the same.”
For Shakim Akbar-Downey, leadership isn't about force. It is stable. And it's made one play at a time.