Hi, I’m Syed Saleem Raza, a dynamic Creative Director and Brand Strategist based in Calgary with over 8 years of experience leading marketing, branding, media production, and client service initiatives across fast-paced environments. I founded Adkonekt Consulting and grew it to serve 30+ clients across real estate, retail, fitness, and professional services sectors. I’ve directed creative strategy and brand development, delivering tailored marketing solutions that boost visibility and drive growth. I’ve also led teams of designers and marketers, overseeing creative direction, campaign execution, and client relations. My work includes producing monthly advertising content, developing training programs in communications and PR for institutional clients, and expanding media outreach. I'm currently pursuing a Digital Marketing Certificate at the University of Calgary to deepen my expertise in Canadian digital strategies. I’m passionate about delivering impactful visual and strategic solutions that accelerate growth and engagement for clients, teams, and communities.…

Syed Saleem Raza

Hi, I’m Syed Saleem Raza, a dynamic Creative Director and Brand Strategist based in Calgary with over 8 years of experience leading marketing, branding, media production, and client service initiatives across fast-paced environments. I founded Adkonekt Consulting and grew it to serve 30+ clients across real estate, retail, fitness, and professional services sectors. I’ve directed creative strategy and brand development, delivering tailored marketing solutions that boost visibility and drive growth. I’ve also led teams of designers and marketers, overseeing creative direction, campaign execution, and client relations. My work includes producing monthly advertising content, developing training programs in communications and PR for institutional clients, and expanding media outreach. I'm currently pursuing a Digital Marketing Certificate at the University of Calgary to deepen my expertise in Canadian digital strategies. I’m passionate about delivering impactful visual and strategic solutions that accelerate growth and engagement for clients, teams, and communities.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Syed Saleem Raza, a dynamic Creative Director and Brand Strategist based in Calgary with over 8 years of experience leading marketing, branding, media production, and client service initiatives across fast-paced environments. I founded Adkonekt Consulting and grew it to serve 30+ clients across real estate, retail, fitness, and professional services sectors. I’ve directed creative strategy and brand development, delivering tailored marketing solutions that boost visibility and drive growth. I’ve also led teams of designers and marketers, overseeing creative direction, campaign execution, and client relations. My work includes producing monthly advertising content, developing training programs in communications and PR for institutional clients, and expanding media outreach.

I’m currently pursuing a Digital Marketing Certificate at the University of Calgary to deepen my expertise in Canadian digital strategies. I’m passionate about delivering impactful visual and strategic solutions that accelerate growth and engagement for clients, teams, and communities.

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Skills

Experience Level

Brand Identity
Expert
Branding
Expert
Logo
Expert
Video Advert
Expert
Script
Intermediate
Photo
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Urdu
Fluent
Panjabi, Punjabi
Advanced
Wolof
Intermediate

Work Experience

Volunteer at Campbell Lab, University of Calgary
January 1, 2025 - November 20, 2025
Responsible for the overall look and feel of marketing, media, and branding with photography, cinematography, graphic designing & illustrations. Mentoring teens on capacity building and public speaking skills. Working with junior staff to create innovative brand strategies for clients.
Volunteer at MTA International Canada TV, Calgary Studios
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Filming and editing of TV programs for MTA TV and news reporting.
Brand & Creative Consultant at CeMIR
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Branding and rebranding of the organization through managing and repurposing of their social media, including content production. Working with communications consultant to strategize the outreach programs.
Founder & Lead Consultant at AdKonekt Consulting
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Responsible for marketing and branding schemes. Leading a team of three consultants to provide brand management solutions. Providing training for communications and PR departments to institutions. Overseeing creative director department.
Director, Post production at MTA International Gambia TV
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Managing postproduction staff and activities; production of motion graphics and public service announcements; production of documentaries and programs; overseeing the final edits before airing of media.
Lead Consultant & Founder at Adkonekt Consulting
April 1, 2018 - April 1, 2025
Founded and led a marketing and branding consultancy, growing to serve 20+ clients across real estate, retail, fitness, and professional services sectors. Directed creative strategy and brand development initiatives, delivering tailored marketing solutions that enhanced client visibility and drove business growth. Managed and mentored a team of 3 consultants and 6 marketing professionals, overseeing creative direction, campaign execution, and client relations. Designed and produced a monthly advertisement magazine, handling full-cycle content creation, graphic design, layout, and distribution. Developed and delivered training programs in communications and public relations for institutional clients, improving departmental effectiveness and media outreach.
Production Assistant at MTA International Sierra Leone Studios
November 1, 2023 - September 1, 2024
Contributed to the production of television programs for MTA International Africa TV, managing set design, decoration, lighting, and on-site coordination. Edited documentaries and broadcast content using industry-standard tools, ensuring high-quality visuals and timely delivery for airings. Supported end-to-end video production workflows in a fast-paced studio environment, collaborating with directors and crew to meet broadcast deadlines.
Post Production Supervisor at MTA International Gambia TV
September 1, 2019 - November 1, 2023
Led post-production operations, supervising teams in the creation of motion graphics, documentaries, TV programs, and public service announcements (PSAs). Oversaw script development, video editing, and final quality assurance processes to ensure content met broadcast standards and deadlines. Directed motion graphics and visual effects integration, enhancing program engagement and viewer impact. Coordinated cross-functional workflows to deliver consistent, high-quality media content for national and international audiences.
Executive Assistant & IT Support at Governance Development and Management Services
October 1, 2014 - December 1, 2016
Provided high-level executive support to the CEO, managing email correspondence, social media presence, scheduling, and IT decision-making. Prepared professional reports, PowerPoint presentations, and meeting minutes. Streamlined administrative and technical processes, improving operational efficiency in a governance-focused organization.

Education

Bachelor of Science at University of The Gambia
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Basic - Advance Level at HF Institute of Information & Technology
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
WASSCE Certificate at Nusrat Senior Secondary School
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Bachelor of Science at University of The Gambia
September 1, 2011 - January 1, 2015
Digital Marketing Certificate at University of Calgary
November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Qualifications

Digital Marketing Certificate
November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Real Estate & Construction
    paper Portfolio
    Welcome to my General Portfolio. Here, you’ll find a glimpse of my creative work—featuring projects completed for a variety of clients, ranging from logo design to full product branding. Each piece reflects my approach to thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and visually compelling brand storytelling.…
    paper SOCIAL MEDIA PORTFOLIO
    Welcome to my social media portfolio—a curated selection of work from the past three years, created for a diverse range of clients.…