Meet Maiwand Kakar | CTO of Prime Stratix

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maiwand Kakar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maiwand, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe that success comes from taking risks. Playing it safe may feel comfortable, but it often means missing out on incredible opportunities. Looking back, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t embraced uncertainty and stepped outside my comfort zone.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving Afghanistan for Turkey at 15. It wasn’t just about moving to a new country; it was about building a future despite the unknowns. Many doubted I’d even get the visa, let alone succeed. But I took the leap anyway. Arriving in Turkey with my mother, I had to juggle work and studies, learn a new language from scratch, and adapt to an entirely different culture. It was challenging, but it shaped my resilience and my mindset toward risk.

That same willingness to take risks carried into my professional life. Being part of Prime Stratix from the early planning stages was a bold move. I took a chance on an idea, working with Elias Azimi and Sultan Jeddi to bring it to life. In just one year, we partnered with The Mega Gym, one of Canada’s largest fitness brands, and transformed their digital presence with a high-performing website that truly represents their brand’s energy and excellence.

Some of the greatest innovators in history have spoken about the importance of risk. Richard Branson has said, “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” His words resonate deeply with me. Every major step forward in my life has come from embracing the unknown, pushing past doubts, and surrounding myself with people who inspire me to aim higher.

For me, risk-taking isn’t about being reckless—it’s about trusting your instincts, taking strategic leaps, and betting on yourself. The biggest rewards are often on the other side of uncertainty.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Prime Stratix, we’re not just another digital marketing agency—we’re a team driven by results, innovation, and a deep understanding of how brands grow in the digital space. Our mission is to help businesses, from startups to established enterprises, elevate their online presence through high-quality websites, strategic marketing, and cutting-edge solutions.

What sets us apart is our commitment to delivering real, measurable growth for our clients. We don’t just build websites or run ad campaigns—we create tailored strategies that drive revenue, engagement, and brand authority. One of our proudest achievements has been working with The Mega Gym, one of the biggest gyms in Canada, helping them grow and improve their digital presence with a high-performing website. What excites me the most is seeing our work make a tangible impact on businesses.

The Journey: Challenges & Lessons Learned
Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. When I joined Prime Stratix as CTO, I was there from the very beginning, helping shape the technical foundation and ensuring we delivered top-tier digital solutions. Starting a business in an industry as competitive as digital marketing required immense dedication, persistence, and a willingness to take risks.

One of the biggest challenges was client acquisition. In the early days, convincing businesses to trust us—especially without an extensive portfolio—was difficult. We had to prove ourselves by delivering exceptional work, often going above and beyond to showcase our capabilities. It took persistence, relationship-building, and consistently demonstrating value to win our first clients and build our reputation.

A principle from The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank deeply resonated with me:

“No business plan survives first contact with customers.”

That idea changed my perspective. Success isn’t about having the perfect plan from the start, but about taking action, testing ideas, and adapting based on real-world feedback.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without setbacks. I’ve learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a part of it. As Jeff Bezos said:

“I knew that if I failed, I wouldn’t regret that. But I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”

That mindset has helped me move forward, even when times were tough. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, pivot, and come back stronger.

What I Want the World to Know
Prime Stratix is more than just a business—it’s a vision brought to life through hard work, resilience, and a passion for making an impact. My journey, from leaving Afghanistan at 15 to building a business in a new country, has taught me that success is about taking risks, pushing through challenges, and believing in your ability to create something great.

To anyone with a dream: don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start. As Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, once said:

“An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.”

Success isn’t about having everything figured out from day one—it’s about learning, adapting, and staying committed to your vision. The road isn’t easy, but if you take the leap and surround yourself with the right people, the possibilities are endless.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Istanbul, I’d want them to experience the city the way I see it—a perfect fusion of history, culture, and modern vibrance. Here’s how I’d craft an unforgettable week for them:

Day 1: Stepping Into History
After settling into a charming boutique hotel in Sultanahmet, we’d start our journey with the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, immersing ourselves in centuries of history. As the sun sets, we’d enjoy a cozy dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant, indulging in kebabs, mezes, and warm, freshly baked bread while taking in the ambiance of old Istanbul.

Day 2: A Walk Through Time
The morning would begin at Topkapi Palace, where we’d wander through its grand courtyards and get a glimpse of Ottoman royalty. Then, we’d dive into the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, a sensory overload of colors, scents, and treasures. For lunch, a plate of Iskender kebab awaits, followed by people-watching over a steaming cup of Turkish tea in a bustling café.

Day 3: Bosphorus Bliss
A morning cruise on the Bosphorus is a must, offering stunning views of palaces and mansions along the shoreline. We’d disembark in Ortaköy, grab a famous kumpir (stuffed baked potato) from a street vendor, and stroll through the artsy alleys. The day would end with a relaxing drink at a waterfront café, soaking in the city’s mesmerizing skyline.

Day 4: Modern Istanbul’s Pulse
We’d switch gears and explore Karaköy and Galata, wandering through quirky boutiques and contemporary art galleries like Istanbul Modern. Lunch would be at a trendy spot where traditional flavors meet modern twists. By night, we’d head to Taksim Square for live music, ending the evening with a rooftop dinner offering panoramic views of the shimmering city.

Day 5: Island Escape to Büyükada
A short ferry ride would take us to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. Here, we’d rent bikes or take a peaceful stroll, soaking in the island’s slower pace. A seaside lunch featuring fresh seafood and mezes would be the perfect midday break before an afternoon spent by the water, unwinding in the island’s serene atmosphere.

Day 6: The Asian Side’s Hidden Gems
We’d cross to Kadıköy, where the vibe shifts to a more local and artistic energy. A hearty brunch in Moda would set the tone for a day of exploring street art, vintage shops, and vibrant markets. As the sun sets, we’d enjoy a laid-back dinner at a hidden gem restaurant, where locals gather to share stories over delicious food.

Day 7: A Farewell with Flavor
On the last day, we’d start with a leisurely breakfast featuring fresh simit and Turkish coffee at a quaint café. A final stroll along the Bosphorus, taking in the city’s breathtaking views one last time, would be the perfect way to say goodbye to Istanbul—until next time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success is never a solo journey. Every step forward in my life and career has been influenced by the support, mentorship, and encouragement of incredible people. If I had to dedicate my shoutout, it would go to a few key individuals and lessons that have shaped me.

First and foremost, I want to recognize my mother, who has been my biggest source of strength and resilience. Leaving Afghanistan and starting a new life in Turkey at such a young age was incredibly challenging, but her unwavering support kept me going. She taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and believing in myself even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my dear friend Peter, who has been both a great friend and mentor, helping me in all aspects of life. His guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been invaluable, not just in business but in personal growth as well. Having someone like him in my corner has made a huge difference in my journey.

At Prime Stratix, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Elias Azimi and Sultan Jeddi, who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life. Being there from the early planning stages, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking that have driven our success. Their ability to push boundaries and challenge ideas has played a crucial role in shaping our company into what it is today.

Another major influence in my journey has been the podcast My First Million by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri. It’s one of my go-to sources for inspiration, where they brainstorm business ideas based on trends and opportunities they see in the market. They often bring on incredible guests like Mr. Beast, Rob Dyrdek, and Sophia Amoruso, and every episode sparks new ways of thinking about entrepreneurship. Listening to their discussions has helped me develop a sharper mindset for identifying opportunities, solving problems, and pushing forward in business.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about individual effort—it’s about the people who believe in you, the lessons you learn, and the support that keeps you moving forward. So, to everyone who has been part of my journey, directly or indirectly—this shoutout is for you.

Website: https://www.primestratix.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primestratix/?next=%2F

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiwandkakar/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrimeStratix

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prime.stratix?lang=en

My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thisismaiwand