Spirit Untamed

Spirit Untamed is a manifesto for creative independence from Ajaz Ahmed, the founder of AKQA and Studio.One. Blending memoir, strategy and soul, it offers a rare combination of emotional depth and business insight. Written with fearless honesty and poetic clarity, it’s a book for anyone building something new outside systems that seek to restrain them. With lessons on leadership, resilience and reinvention, Spirit Untamed is as much a creative toolkit as it is a personal journey. It’s a reminder that ambition, resilience, and imagination still matter – and can take you further than you think.

Spirit Untamed is a deeply personal and thought-provoking collection of reflections from Ajaz Ahmed, tracing three decades of creative leadership, personal growth and cultural commentary. From growing one of the world’s most celebrated creative companies to launching a new venture built on first principles, Ajaz Ahmed offers a unique perspective on the challenges of modern leadership, the contradictions of corporate life and the quiet strength that comes from living your values.

Rather than following a linear autobiography, the book unfolds thematically, exploring topics such as identity and resilience and the pursuit of meaningful work. Written in a voice that is both grounded and reflective, the book invites readers into moments of solitude, conflict, imagination and clarity. It captures the tension between building something at scale and keeping hold of what truly matters. For readers navigating moments of transition, Spirit Untamed serves as a companion for reflection and renewal. It is a portrait of what it means to build, to endure and to begin again.