Atlas RTX CEO Bassam Salem
The American Dream is alive and well, and Bassam Salem is proof.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Bassam, and his family immigrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, when he was 14. Bassam’s parents were determined to give their children the best opportunities, so they sold their belongings and took a leap of faith in the United States.
Bassam’s story of immigration is poignant, as his parents were willing to risk and sacrifice everything to give their children a better life. “My parents sold everything, everything,” Bassam recalls. “I appreciate the moment they sold everything, not knowing if it would work out,” he adds.
His parents chose the United States for its promise of opportunity and integration for immigrants, a promise that Bassam believes still holds today. The U.S. has always been a country of immigrants, and Bassam is a prime example of the success that can come from taking a chance. He has since become an incredibly successful entrepreneur, founding and leading several companies, and has become a role model for immigrants and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bassam completed his computer science undergraduate education and received an MBA from the University of Utah. In his twenties, Bassam took a job as a software engineer and worked his way up to the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer of inContact. He then went on to become the CEO of MaritzCX and has since founded Mindshare Ventures, a coaching and consulting business.
Most recently, Bassam founded AtlasRTX, a tech company that enables real-time digital experiences for businesses. Through AtlasRTX, Bassam and his team are creating digital members of staff that can support and assist human staff, allowing them to focus on what matters most.
Bassam shared that one of his most important lessons is the difference between a COO and a CEO and how being a founder differs from being a hired-gun CEO. Bassam has also come to appreciate the importance of relationships and the support of his friends and family. "Everyone has been here for me, and I'm so grateful for that," he said. "If you were to ask me what is the number one predictor of a company in the future now? How many people in the ecosystem support that company's trajectory and growth."
When asked to share leadership advice, Bassam identified five pairs of traits that he believes make a great leader. Credibility and communication, confidence and coachability, commission and compassion, charisma and the ability to champion a team's mission, and commitment and constructiveness.
Bassam Salem is an inspiring example of what is possible when you take a chance and work hard. His story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and immigrants alike, and his advice on leadership is invaluable. Bassam and his team at AtlasRTX have achieved an incredible milestone, and he couldn't be prouder of their success.