When you meet Lakhtar Singh, the Founder and Director of Octopus Marketing Services, the first thing that stands out isn’t just his business acumen, it’s his calm confidence, grounded wisdom, and deep respect for people. His journey from helping in his father’s clothing warehouse at the age of ten to leading a global marketing services company is a story of grit, inspiration, and unwavering belief in the power of hard work and empathy.
Lakhtar’s professional life today revolves around overseeing day-to-day operations, managing projects, and ensuring his team and clients remain aligned with the company’s mission. As he puts it, “My key responsibility is to make sure our clients’ needs are met while keeping our team motivated, supported, and confident to execute every project successfully.” But beneath this professional clarity lies a story rooted in family, perseverance, and vision.
Lakhtar’s greatest inspiration comes from his father a man who arrived in the United Kingdom from India in the 1950s with little more than a suitcase of clothes. Through sheer determination and entrepreneurial spirit, his father built a successful clothing warehouse that sold women’s and children’s wear, textiles, and fashion goods.
“I started helping him when I was about ten years old,” Lakhtar recalls with a smile. “Watching him negotiate, handle customers, and build a business from scratch taught me everything about discipline and dedication. He showed me that integrity and persistence can turn even the smallest opportunity into something meaningful.”
Those early years working in his father’s business were foundational. He learned not only how to sell and manage operations but also how to connect with people customers, suppliers, and workers with respect and authenticity. These lessons became the bedrock of his leadership style decades later.
Before founding Octopus Marketing Services, Lakhtar worked in several organizations where he often felt constrained by rigid corporate structures. “It was frustrating to see companies ignore the ideas and potential of their employees,” he says. “There were so many times when innovative solutions were right there, but no one wanted to listen.”
That frustration became a turning point. It sparked his decision to start his own company a place where every voice would be heard, creativity would be valued, and collaboration would be at the heart of success.
“I wanted to build a culture where ideas matter, where people are respected not just for what they do, but for what they think,” he explains. “Leadership, to me, is not about hierarchy it’s about being open, understanding, and always learning.”
Lakhtar’s philosophy of leadership is both practical and human. He believes great leaders are defined not by authority but by their ability to listen deeply, think logically, and act decisively. “Leadership means making sound decisions, taking feedback seriously, and understanding your clients’ needs,” he says.
At Octopus Marketing Services, this approach has created a dynamic culture of innovation and trust. Lakhtar works closely with his team, encouraging open discussions and shared learning. “I make it a point to be involved not to control, but to support,” he explains. “When your team knows you trust them, they naturally perform better.”
He also emphasizes adaptability as a key leadership trait. “Technology and market trends change every day. To stay ahead, a leader must be curious, willing to learn, and open to new ideas.”
One of Lakhtar’s core strengths lies in his ability to connect with people. His approach is simple yet powerful listen carefully, ask the right questions, and engage with authenticity.
“I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour,” he says. “Understanding how people think and feel gives you an edge in business. It allows you to communicate with clarity and confidence.”
His calm, down-to-earth presence and genuine interest in people’s perspectives make him a trusted leader and partner. Clients often describe their interactions with him as reassuring an energy that instils confidence and builds long-term relationships.
Beyond running his company, Lakhtar is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of business professionals. Through internship programs with international universities, he offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in running a company.
“I love working with young people,” he shares. “Their energy and curiosity remind me why I started. I encourage them to be fearless, to ask questions, and to see mistakes as lessons, not failures.”
He also frequently attends business networking events, where he meets young entrepreneurs and provides guidance on starting and scaling their ventures. “It gives me great joy to share what I’ve learned the successes and the mistakes. If my experience can save them from one wrong step or inspire one bold decision, it’s worth it.”
Lakhtar takes immense pride in building an inclusive and diverse work environment at Octopus Marketing Services. “We believe talent has no boundaries,” he says firmly. “Regardless of background, ethnicity, or religion, everyone deserves equal opportunity.”
The company regularly hosts cultural and team-building events, celebrating achievements and fostering mutual respect among employees. “When people feel seen, supported, and appreciated, they thrive. It’s as simple as that,” he adds.
This focus on inclusion and collaboration has not only strengthened the internal culture but has also enhanced the company’s relationships with global clients. “Diversity brings fresh perspectives,” Lakhtar notes. “And that’s exactly what innovation needs.”
Lakhtar believes that success is amplified when surrounded by the right people. “Networking with individuals who share similar values and openness can completely change your perspective,” he says. “You don’t just exchange contacts you exchange wisdom.”
Looking back, he acknowledges that experience has been his greatest teacher. “If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to slow down and listen more,” he reflects. “Patience is key. I used to rush into things, thinking speed equals success. But real progress comes from doing things the right way even if it takes longer.”
As the world of marketing continues to evolve, Lakhtar’s focus remains on staying adaptable and forward-thinking. His vision for Octopus Marketing Services is to expand its global footprint while maintaining the personal touch that sets it apart.
“The future is about connection connecting people, brands, and ideas through authenticity and creativity,” he says. “Our mission is to help clients not just reach audiences but truly resonate with them.”
For him, technology and human connection must coexist. “You can have all the data and automation in the world, but without understanding people, it’s meaningless. Marketing is and will always be about emotion and trust.”
Lakhtar Singh’s journey is more than a business success story it’s a testament to resilience, humility, and lifelong learning. From watching his father build a business from scratch to mentoring young minds across the globe, Lakhtar has carried forward a legacy rooted in hard work and human connection.
“I’m grateful for every challenge and every person who’s been part of my journey,” he says with a sense of calm pride. “Success isn’t just about profit it’s about purpose, people, and perseverance.”
Through Octopus Marketing Services, Lakhtar continues to prove that leadership isn’t about commanding it’s about understanding, empowering, and inspiring others to rise with you.
