1. The Unicorn Explosion There are over 1,200 unicorn start-ups worldwide as of February 2025. In 2019, there were just 494. That's a 143% increase in billion-dollar companies in just 6 years. 2. AI Isn't Future Anymore - It's Now 77% of companies are either using or exploring AI in their businesses, with 35% of companies worldwide already reporting active AI use. If you're not on the AI train yet, you're already behind. 3. E-commerce Revenue Boom Coming E-commerce revenue in the US is expected to increase by $498.2 billion between 2025 and 2029. That's almost half a trillion dollars of opportunity for businesses who get their online game right. 4. Small Business Owners Aren't Getting Rich The majority of small business owners earn $69,119 per year, with entry-level owners making around $34,000. The "entrepreneurial dream" has some harsh realities. 5. Skills Gap Crisis Is Real By 2025, 70% of CEOs expect a significant impact on their businesses due to a lack of essential skills. Companies are scrambling to reskill their workforce before it's too late. The Takeaway: The business world is moving faster than ever. Whether it's AI adoption, digital transformation, or the skills shortage - standing still isn't an option. What fact surprised you the most?

1. Started with Pure Learning Intent @Raheem Aziz developed CEOCast to interview business leaders and learn about entrepreneurship, eventually turning this endeavour into a successful full-time career . He wasn’t trying to make money first - he was genuinely curious about successful entrepreneurs. This authentic approach attracted high-quality guests who could sense he actually cared about their stories. 2. Focused on Bridging a Real Gap CEOCast tackles the challenge of bridging the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners. Instead of creating just another business podcast, he identified a specific problem: aspiring entrepreneurs couldn’t easily access the wisdom of successful business owners. He became the bridge. 3. Turned Passion into Multiple Revenue Streams Built the UK’s #1 Business Podcast to $720K/Year. He didn’t just stay a podcaster - he built a business around the relationships and authority he gained. From the podcast, he expanded into coaching, events, and building communities like his Skool group for entrepreneurs. The Pattern: He started by serving others genuinely, found a specific gap in the market, then leveraged the relationships and credibility he built into multiple income streams. The key wasn’t having a perfect plan from day one - it was starting with authentic curiosity and consistently delivering value until opportunities naturally emerged.

Everyone’s trying to get the bag these days… Dropshipping, digital products, coaching, UGC, appointment setting — the hustle is real. But here’s a serious reminder to all my Muslim brothers building something online: Before you chase halal income, make sure you know what makes it halal in the first place. Too many of us are jumping into business models with no idea if: - It’s a valid contract in Islam 🤝 - The product/service is actually permissible ⚠️ - There’s any gharar (uncertainty) or riba (interest) involved 💸 - You’re delivering value or just packaging hype 📦 This is why Fiqh al-Mu’amalat (فقه المعاملات) isn’t just for scholars — it’s essential knowledge for you, the entrepreneur, the marketer, the closer. ✅ Action Step: If you’re making money online or plan to — 👉🏽 Start studying the fiqh of transactions like you study your funnel strategy. Even basic knowledge can save you from falling into doubtful income. Success isn’t just about sales… it’s about barakah. Let’s not just be Muslim entrepreneurs — Let’s be Mu’min entrepreneurs. Ones who fear Allah in every click, contract, and commission. ✍🏽 What business are you in? 👇🏽 Drop it below and let’s discuss how we can make sure it’s halal & beneficial, in dunya and akhirah.