ASPIRE - An Entrepreneur and Lifestyle Magazine - April 2021 by ASPIRE Business and Lifestyle Magazine

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APRIL — 2021 ISSUE 7 aspiredubai.ae — AED 30.00

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AMEEN A LEELO

The North Star of the Arabian Sky THE REAL CASH COW

Is Data Analytics the game changer for your business?

CARL RUNEFELT HOW DID HE GO FROM A GROCERY STORE CASHIER TO A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE

Confessions of the Rich and Famous

Oprah’s most talked about interviews

Parenting is a pleasurable experience, but it becomes especially challenging if you as a parent are faced with issues in your own life, such as work & financial issues, separation or divorce, family tension, health issues and societal pressures. These personal issues you face rubs off on your kids and affects their upbringing. Raising a child is no mean task and you would have faced issues with your child like ● Temper Tantrums ● Fears and Nightmares ● Stubornness ● Shyness ● Aggression ● Concentration in Academics ● Eating disorders / Fussiness ● Nail Biting / Bed Wetting ● Socially unacceptable behaviours ● Bullying / Being bullied

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Inside

THE BITCOIN MOGUL

Carl Runefelt went from a cashier at a grocery store to cash-rich in two years. Read the unconventional journey of the cryptocurrency multi-millionaire magnate

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INSIDE 5

Bulletin Bytes Bite sized interesting news from around the world served with a twist!

THE DEFInitive STEP Is Decentralized Finance (DeFi) the new buzzword and the financial future for businesses?

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Data Analytics: The Real Cash Cow

The North Star of the Arabian Sky

We speak to Ameena Leelo who is committed to creating a constellation of female entrepreneurs across the globe

Can Data and its analysis help your business scale to bigger and better heights?

The World in a Village The Global Village is a fiesta for all your senses with a series of Guinness World Records set during this edition

Innate Intelligence: The Other IQ

Read to know more on Innate Intelligence and what happens when we get aligned with it

Event Horizon

An event line up of the best of the best

Bringing in the Change Here’s a checklist for an easy walkthrough for bringing about transformational change in an organization

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Dubai Food Festival - Fun, Feast, and Fervor

Delving into the eighth edition of the ongoing Dubai Food Festival (DFF) and what it means for the culinary community

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Oodles of Indulgence with a Zest to Inspire

We speak to entrepreneur and influencer Mohammed Rashid Khan on his ‘extravagance routine’

5 Steps to Create Your Desired Life Presenting the simplest 5-step program to create your little piece of heaven on earth

Mums Who Share Read how Sobia Ansari and her group’s passion led them to cook for the underprivileged

PUBLISHER

Sumeet Gupta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shagufta Patel PRODUCTION

The Purple Stroke EDITORIAL TEAM

Ayaat Attar, Misbaah Mansuri, Qirat Attar, Rachit Gupta JUNIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Arundhati Surendran DIRECTOR (MARKETING & SALES)

Jaya Balakrishnan M: +971 50550 8812 CONSULTING EDITOR

Sangeetha Shinde Tee HONORARY EDITOR

Rizwan Zulfiqar Bhutta

« OUR CONTRIBUTORS »

Confessions of the Rich and Famous We catalogue the most talked-about celebrity interviews with talk show legend Oprah Winfrey

Life in Colour

Kim Shelar

Meditation & Executive Mindset Coach

Dt. Geetika Uppal Gold-medalist in Nutritional Science

We show you how to make colour blocking work for you to brighten up any day

Seed Fund Your Health

Saying Hello to Goodbye

Find out why the tiny Chia seed is taking the nutrition world by storm

Saying Goodbye is inevitable. Sometimes it also means saying hello to the unexpected

Funny Side Up

Just Tripping

Can you tickle people by your words? Then stand-up comedy could be your next best bet

A road trip is one of the easiest ways to let off the steam after a long week. Here is why we recommend it

Elizabeth Percy Innate Intelligence Coach

Adil Hosgor

Transformation Program Expert

1601, Corporate Business Hub, Burj Gate, Dubai, United Arab Emirates W: thepurplestroke.com Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the persmission of The Purple Stroke FZE LLC. All the information carried herein is checked and verified to the best of our knowledge and abilities. In matters of views expressed and opinions held, it is solely that of the authors and contributors themselves. The editorial or publisher or ASPIRE cannot be held responsible for unintended errors and oversights if any.

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Editor's note Fun, Food, and Funds! A AGUF T SH

TEL ‫٭‬ Carl from counting money to minting it. Our second feature this edition, spotlights Ameena Leelo from Bahrain and her focus on bring-ing together the female entrepreneurial brigade and women of substance from around the world through events, symposiums, and shows she organizes. Complementing her story is the bulletin byte about Dubai battling all biases and paving the way to empower more women to start their independent ventures. Food brought our attention to the ongoing Dubai Food Festival, where we spoke to three res-taurants and their thoughts on what gastronomical fervor means for the culinary and hospitali-ty community. Another place to visit for food is Global Village, and now that it is being extend-ed by two weeks with added fun activities for kids and

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elders alike, an outing can be on the cards. Speaking of fun, road trips with family and friends (going ffff... again) is our pick for explore this time, and stand-up comedy as a hobby is what tickled our funny bones. Celeb Talk, a throwback at some of Oprah’s most talked-about interviews is an enjoyable read too. We also show you how to have fun with colours to brighten a drab day. Tech this month gets us talking about facts and figures (this is insane…) and how Data can be a game-changer for your business. By the time you fill yourself up with the rest of the stories, you could be wanting to furiously fast forward (I’m loving this ) to the start of May to get your hands on the next edition. So, while you soak in the feelings, we are all fueled and fired up for the same. Fan up the frolic! J

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uite an alliteration we have here. Is there anyone who doesn’t need any or all of these? We don’t need to second guess this one. The answer is way too obvious. There is one more ‘F’ word that strongly came up while putting together this edition. Dare I say it because I don’t wish to sound partial to a particular community, especially since I myself be-long to it. The word, dear readers, is ‘Female’. Clearly, we are on to some synergistic element here that is at play! Of the four, I would put my finger first (what’s happening here) on Funds. Without it, we would not be able to have fun or buy any food, and of course, every female needs loads of those crisp paper rolls to live life queen size. I’m sure the men would agree too. Our man on the cover certainly does. Carl Runefelt’s story is what fairytales are made of. Inter-esting how he went from a grocery store cashier to a cash-rich multi-millionaire in a span of only two years. No wish-granting godmother here. In his case, it was purely his mindset that did the magic. Coincidentally, the Trending story is all about Decentralized Finance, the very thing that got

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APPLE’S MANUFACTURING PARTNERS MOVING TOWARDS 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY, BUT ARE THEIR EFFORTS ENOUGH? The world is on a ticking clock to save itself from a global catastrophe due to humanity’s thoughtless plundering over the last several hundred years. Corporations are in the crosshairs for routinely making unsustainable choices for greed. However, increasing public awareness and a rallying cry for more accountability are pushing them towards greener initiatives. Apple has announced that over 110 of its manufacturing partners worldwide are moving towards 100 percent renewable energy to produce Apple devices as part of its sustainability efforts. This will see nearly eight gigawatts of planned clean energy come online. To put this in perspective, one gigawatt can power around 300,000 homes in real life. These commitments will also avoid over 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, it added. Apple has been committed to this shift to renewable energy, whether it was developing an onsite solar power project outside of Reno, Nevada, or constructing two of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines near the Danish town Esbjerg, a source of clean, renewable energy. Since 2015, when the historic climate change agreement was signed in Paris at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Apple has been steadily investing billions in the renewable energy switch to support global efforts in carbon emissions reductions. Furthermore, the company has continued funding new projects that support low carbon design and engineering, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon mitigation. Last July, the company unveiled its plan to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. This new commitment means that by 2030, every Apple device sold will have a net-zero climate impact. A net-zero impact means that all man-made greenhouse gas emissions must be removed from

the atmosphere through reduction measures, thus reducing the Earth’s net climate balance to zero.

One down, rest to go Evidently, all companies are not on the same page, with some still clinging to a more ancient, fossil-fuel-dependent way of generating revenue to avoid monetary risks that come with innovating for humanity’s benefit. For instance, ExxonMobil is going ahead with fracking projects across Colombia, despite warnings from environmentalists that it could cause damage to the environment and threaten communities. The Earth may not have the time for CEOs and founders to have a change of heart and start caring about the inhabitants of the planet. Additionally, not all environmentally conscious practices may be profitable or support the bottom line while defending humanity’s chances at saving the planet. The trade-off is not between making money and losing it, but between short-term losses and a transition to a sustainable business in totality or a desolate future where business and money are frivolous concerns before the impending doom of the planet. It will take all of us, populations, corporations, and governments alike to weigh in with our actions for the balance of life as we know it to tip in our favor.

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EUROPE SEIZES THE REINS TO RESTART WORLD TOURISM UNWTO congratulated the European Commission for launching its Digital Green Pass, recognizing its potential to restart tourism in several destinations. Also known as the Digital Green Certificate, it will be proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from COVID-19. UNTWO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili observed that across Europe, millions of people and businesses were depending on the right decisions to be made so that tourism could restart. Now more than ever, tourism needs strong political support and joined-up action. Harmonized travel and health rules are essential to restore confidence and renew tourism. European Union is hard at work to ensure the summer tourist season of 2021 is not squandered, pushing to deliver 420 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines by mid-July, enough to allow the bloc to reach collective immunity. European Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton strongly believes that they need to shift into the next gear in terms of the vaccination movement. This planned introduction of a common EU vaccine certificate in June would support the resumption of travel, he added. Not all European nations are content with waiting on the EU to decide the fate of their tourism. Greece, for example, has already struck a deal to welcome tourists from Israel if they have a vaccine passport. Cyprus too will welcome British tourists from 1 May, as long as they have had two doses of any vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Make or Break time Tourism is big business, providing 27m jobs in Europe and generating around 10% of the EU’s GDP when you consider the other sectors that depend on it. Countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy which rely heavily on tourism to generate revenue cannot recover until the tourist industry is reopened. Many local businesses that operate in tourist hotspots and make ends meet by catering to visitors will perish if the government does not find the most effective way to procure and distrib-

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ute the vaccine. Training a prophetic eye, June seems to be ‘make or break’ for these economies. If the vaccination levels are high in June, the tourist season will be saved. But if they have to wait until the end of summer, they may not reach the end with the same number of businesses they started with, for most will not likely weather another poor vacation season. For this reason, not all EU countries are planning to put rules that favor those who have received a vaccine, for being segregational might still deter tourists. Europe’s many initiatives will drive an impact beyond tourism and benefit more than just Europe. It is a part of a bigger world, and with other countries ready to collaborate on solution building, the impact of the crisis can be mitigated to ensure we have a better year than 2020.

Dubai seeks to battle the bias; stakes its bets on female entrepreneurs The future of business is female as Dubai opts to invest confidently in more female-run businesses. This year, there are multiple initiatives whose goal is to empower more women to recognize and leverage their ability to establish and run new ventures. The Dubai chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) announced the second edition of TiE Women competition dedicated to helping women worldwide reach their full potential by empowering them with the necessary support to build their leadership skills and grow their businesses. The TiE Women initiative is built on the Pillars of Learning, Mentoring, Access to Funding, Scalability, Safe Space, and Community. The second edition of TiE Dubai will be announced during a webinar by Ingie Chalhoub, Etoile Group President and Managing Director, who will be shedding light on her entrepreneurial journey and finding success in the virgin market of luxury fashion in the Middle East. Participants will receive mentorship sessions with renowned and experienced industry leaders, financial advisory services, strategy coaching, workshops on practical business planning, and tips to nail the perfect investor pitch. The previous winners of Tie Dubai will be in attendance, sharing their acquired experience on avoiding pitfalls in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs looking to apply are required to provide funding details if they have raised it, outline their unique advantages in terms of strategic partnerships that their firm has made or how they would make headway in unfamiliar markets. Industry is no bar, with options including but not limited to fintech, edutech, environmental, health, or consumer services.

Battling the bias The gender investment gap does a disservice to women despite evidence of ROI, with women-led start-ups generating more in cumulative revenue over a five-year period and 78 % revenue for every dollar of funding compared to 31% of male-founded start-ups. Despite dependable performance, it is apparent that age-old biases about women in business still plague those approaching entrepreneurship, which is what initiatives like this are aiming to overturn. Dubai is clearly betting on female entrepreneurs if the influx of resources to enable their businesses is any indication. Natalia Sycheva of Dubai Start-up Hub, which is the leading hub in the MENA region, astutely observes that while a corporate structure has only managed to double the number of female CEOs in the last ten years,

still forming a mere 6% of all the companies under consideration, entrepreneurship has witnessed the number skyrocket to 50 percent of start-ups and enterprises having a female co-founder, which is no ordinary feat. Given the growth, accountability, and breadth of change that a woman can bring about, the likelihood remains strong that women leaders will opt for a plunge into entrepreneurship rather than sticking the course in jobs where existing structures still contain inherent biases against them. The numbers favor the speculation, with a World Bank study looking at the level of entrepreneurial aspiration among women worldwide, recording the figure in UAE at 36.6 percent, one of the highest in the world. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

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THE DEFInitive STEP

Is DeFi the financial future for businesses? MISBAAH MANSURI weighs the promises, challenges of Decentralised Finance and assesses how it is geared to revamp the business landscape

or the blockchain sector, 2020 was clearly the year of Decentralized Finance; while the rest of the world was gripped by fears of COVID, blockchain caught the bug of decentralized finance with crypto enthusiasts, and now decentralization is the current trend in the global financial market. Undoubtedly, blockchain technology can reduce transaction costs, generate distributed trust, and empower decentralized platforms, potentially becoming a new foundation for decentralized business models. So whether you are a skeptic or a fanatic about DeFi, the fact remains that it is the current rage.

2020 - a landmark year

To simplify it, decentralized finance refers to an ecosystem of financial products that do not rely on traditional financial intermediaries such as banks and exchanges. Central to the success of

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decentralized finance are smart contracts, which are deployed on Ethereum - contracts that two parties can deploy without an intermediary. DeFi also gives rise to decentralized apps, giving developers the ability to build applications on top of the Ethereum blockchain. It is as much of a philosophy as a way of business, and it advocates a transparent financial ecosystem that is open source, available to everyone and operates without a central authority. 2020 was dominated by the DeFi conversation as the total volume locked (tvl) in the sector first surpassed $1 billion in the year. Moreover, the figure which represents the dollar value of assets locked in DeFi protocols closed out the year at about $13 billion, demonstrating 2,000% growth since January. For the outer world, payments that take place on open decentralized blockchains should look and feel the same way as regular transactions of today

using debit cards and smartphones. Users wouldn’t even know their transactions are taking place on a blockchain. 2020 has shown incredible interest in cryptocurrencies and decentralized technologies, both among private companies and governments and in many countries. It is logical to assume that next year this trend will not only continue, but intensify.

Potential applications of DeFi

Smart contracts eliminate the need for an intermediary and thereby the need to exchange exorbitant fees to facilitate financial transactions. DeFi provides these same services, not only faster and cheaper, but also in a way that is more secure. They also give developers increased functionality instead of merely building programs that send or receive cryptocurrencies. Smart contracts can be used to create programs on the blockchain that execute when certain conditions are met. Monetary banking services are another potential use, but one that is maturing through the creation of stable coins. These coins are types of crypto assets, usually pegged to a real-world asset, such as fiat money or exchange-traded commodities. These stable coins help mitigate the mortality in cryptocurrencies, allowing them to be used as a form of cash without the need for a central authority. Stable coins might be beneficial in the processes that require many intermediaries, such as mortgage or insurance applications. It also has certain advantages over the traditional credit system of borrowing and lending. Furthermore, given its ability to collateralize digital assets and provide immediate settlement, it negates the need for credit checks, and through standardization can make the process more efficient. It reduces the risk of default for lenders and can offer cheap and fast services to a broader audience of borrowers.

Promises and challenges

Powered by blockchain technology, decentralized financial services have the potential to broaden financial inclusion and facilitate open access. It encourages permissionless innovation and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators, making the financial system more distributed, innovative, interoperable, transparent, and borderless. Having said that, it’s crucial to take regulation into account. While decentralization has numerous advantages, without regulation to provide assurances to investors and consumers, it will not be easy to attract investors into trusting new financial services and security

classes. Scalability, as well, has often been the bane of blockchain and decentralized finance. Regulation and compliance build trust, and this may be what decentralized finance needs to gain traction in the financial community. One of the areas that experts see great potential for DeFi is how businesses manage their money better. It has been noted that while unspent capital is based on the low-interest accounts in the traditional banking sector, staking rewards, lending protocols, and liquidity mining offer the opportunity for small businesses to manage their cash flow better. There are obvious ways that it can improve the business banking experience, DeFi should not only prove to be faster and cheaper than traditional banking, but at the same time it can open up new possibilities for improved treasury management. While eliminating intermediaries and conducting financial transactions through a smart contract on a distributed ledger is ideal, in real life, however, things break and stuff like hackers breaking into smart contracts are significant concerns. A case in point is how thieves gradually stole 450 million dollars of Bitcoin from Mt. Gox exchange from 2011 to 2014. The community, it is said, is doing its best to address such issues through community governance.

Not just a fringe idea

Thanks to a number of growing projects in decentralized finance (once a fad), it is actually gaining relevance today as ideas and technologies begin to be applied by several giants in the financial market. A large public company, xSigma, has already announced the launch of its first decentralized finance products. The team plans to launch a decentralized exchange for trading stable coins, culminating in 2022 with the launch of a $1 stable coin. Moreover, it is already used by Amazon, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Facebook, Google, JP Morgan Chase, IBM, and hundreds of other large public networks. Large companies have appreciated the advantages of decentralized finance technologies, not only in terms of investment but also as instruments with massive potential for development. Despite some skepticism, most businesses see huge potential in this industry and will try to implement it. As the price of bitcoin surges past $23,000, there are plenty of reasons for decentralized finance and crypto enthusiasts everywhere to look ahead with a sense of excitement and optimism. The future is looking DeFi-nitely exciting! J

The DeFi sector hit $1 billion TVL in February and the sector currently holds 13 times greater value The total value locked for the entire defi sector now stands at a record high of $74 billion. Total market capitalizations of all defi tokens have surpassed the previous highs established in February, and now totals, a record of $98.4 billion Bitcoin is now eyeing $60,000 level again, and Ether trades near $2,000, prompting calls from many across the industry for an approaching surge price surge

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DATA ANALYTICS

THE REAL CASH COW Qiraat Attar writes how the right use of Data and its analytics can help you solve present-day problems helping your business scale to bigger and better heights

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f there is a buzzword that confounds and intrigues, it’s ‘Data’. Everyone knows just enough about it for every discussion to quickly become a case of ‘too many cooks.’ But data analytics is not a flash in the pan or a fad technique. While we weren’t paying attention, it stealthily shaped the new world order, from election trends to self-driving cars, and has a hand in everything, from Alexa to targeted personalized ads that follow you all around the internet. Despite its omnipresence, do we know how analytics works? In a nutshell, data analysis encompasses a wide variety of techniques used to reveal patterns and trends in the data and wield them to draw actionable insights. Before the big data boom of the century, organizations relied on industry experts who leveraged decades of experience to find patterns in customer behavior, market fluctuations, and its ensuing impact on business. But human intelligence sometimes falls short, and even the sharpest of intuition can be surpassed as times change and customer preferences morph minutely but steadily with time. Analytics uses data and fills the gaps in the narrative formed by human intelligence, and its dependability has established it as the most sought-after skill in today’s market. Early data science was rooted in statistics but naturally branched out as it focused beyond the crunching of numbers and used advanced statistical techniques instead to answer hypotheses that would provide directional insights. As early as 1994, market forces were abuzz with database marketing, with a keen eye set on humongous amounts of data, although back then, companies were crippled by computational limitations to utilize it effectively. By the early 2000s, computing techniques to work data were well on their way to discovery, and experts suggested christening this newly established domain ‘Data Science’. Since then, the relentless expansion of both technology and technique under the umbra of data science has positioned it as one of the most coveted approaches for problem-solving in an organization.

THE ABCS OF DATA SCIENCE

Data used by corporations is sourced from both public domains (geo data, zip codes, weather and temperature data, population census, etc.) and is collected by the organization itself or a third-party vendor collecting crucial information such as retail data, customer details, purchase timings, foot traffic,

etc. When embarking on solving a problem, like low sales or frequent stock-outs, there are certain hypotheses that form the questions, and their answers are often hidden in the data. One chooses factors (sales information, date, number of items, etc.) from the data that will help answer the question but bear in mind that sometimes the unlikeliest of factors can influence the witnessed outcome. After analyzing the factors for their weightage in the outcome as well as their relevance, a mathematical model appropriate for the problem at hand is designed, which is essentially an equation where the behavior of different factors (X1, X2, X3, and so on) is measured on the outcome, Y. Other times, the probability of Y occurring or not occurring is ascertained from the performance of the factors. It goes without saying that the larger the amount of data available for the relevant factors and how far back it goes historically, plays a critical role in the accuracy of the model and makes the result more bullet-proof. The broadest takeaway from the process described above is identifying, assessing, and solving business problems in real-time. It is, however, far more fascinating than that, the intricacies of which are best explained with some examples: Predictive Analysis: Whether you want to know who will win the highly contentious match between Manchester United and Arsenal, or something as crucial as how much customer traffic you can expect this New Year based on the last few years, predictive analysis comes to your rescue. Detective Analysis: From fraud analytics catching instances of malpractice even in the most chaotic banks to detecting which bookings are being made by bots versus actual human customers for concerts, this technique can segregate the anomalous from the anticipated. Prescriptive Analysis: What visibility should a brand aim for on social media to hike up sales by 20%? What kind of margins must a multi-outlet chain maintain throughout the year to give massive deals in the week before Christmas? Prescriptive Analytics focuses on crucial questions that can create an executable plan with clearly defined steps. Descriptive Analytics: This branch of analytics can aid in getting a complete picture between two choices, such as the premium health insurance plan between several options or simply ascertain the impact of an HR policy like inter colleague feedback on the morale of employees over a period of time. 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

Tech love Surprisingly, 99.5% of collected data never gets used or analyzed! Companies that harness big data’s full power could increase their operating margins by up to 60%! 79% of executives believe that failing to embrace big data will lead to bankruptcy. This explains why 83% of companies invest in big data projects On Google alone search queries to 1.2 trillion searches yearly! More data was generated in the last two years than in the entire human history before that. Smart devices (for example, fitness trackers, sensors, Amazon Echo) produce 5 quintillion bytes of data daily. 12

In all these analytics techniques, there is considerable scope to account for ‘Black Swan’ events, such as the Covid crisis, which is what makes them more dependable.

ANALYTICS IN ACTION

Analytics is already in motion, with the present moment witness to the data revolution. The present we occupy is more astonishing than the future envisaged by the minds of the past. For instance, a slew of tools has emerged to measure engagement and other such metrics on Instagram, an app whose existence would befuddle a time-traveler from merely a decade ago. Instagram insights reveal a clearer picture about the demographic of one’s followers and their most applauded content so that you can focus on these pointers and grow your tribe. Similarly, YouTube’s ‘recommended videos’ are so faithful to our taste that it has caused a widespread binge epidemic with its own moniker - the ‘YouTube spiral’. The recommendation engine learns a user’s preference based on the data of their previous viewings and keeps up a steady supply of related content, designed to drum up YouTube viewership and consequent advertising engagement, which is their means to earn profits.

SMALL BUSINESS, BIG DATA

While multinational corporations seem to have analytics firmly pegged as an integral part of their toolkit, there’s no reason why it cannot be a trusty aide for small businesses as well. Every checkpoint of customer interaction with your brand or service generates data, whether online or in-store, collected automatically or manually. With manageable amounts of data and a bevy of easy-to-use data analysis tools that have cropped up, it’s less about knowing the technique in-depth and more about understanding the concise analytical efforts that could put your business into high gear. That requires more business acumen and less analytical prowess, although it would be potentially beneficial for small businesses to set up in-house analytics efforts, for this technology is only set to burgeon in scale and accuracy in the upcoming future. Leveraging analytics could have a wide-ranging impact, from increased customer retention to better-performing marketing campaigns.

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WORD TO THE WISE

Human surveillance may sound like a mere conspiracy theory, but to varying degrees, world inhabitants are concerned about personal data collection and distribution without permission and its use by corporations without persecution. At the end of the day, a human’s quest for reasonable privacy against a corporation’s will to convert them into a customer is an unequal one; the human is simply not expert enough to know the forces they are up against, something that is discussed in the Netflix documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’. When it comes to how stealthy the impact of analytics is on human preference and behavior, precedence should have been set for transparency. Still, we’re past the foundation and rising fast, and all towers of Babel eventually come crashing down. The world might create a problem it does not have a solution for, if the illegal collection and sale of data and its acquisition by nefarious parties continues unchecked. After all, with great power comes great responsibility. As humans, retaining and processing information defines us. So, it is understandable that data science, a discipline that not only mimics our brain’s core function but scales it up, with fewer errors, would inspire confidence in us. It is fast becoming irrelevant how we did business before data. Analytics is climbing up the ladder; utilizing it within the bounds of ethics and fair use can make every business perceptive about the future in store for them. One thing is certain, with the way data science is rapidly replacing the backbone of existing systems while simultaneously providing the building blocks of new ones, it’s here to stay. J

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Events GH T S ‫٭‬

Dubai Sports World offers the coolest summer plan! Halls 4, 5 and 6 on Mustaqbal street, there will also be indoor facilities for refreshing yourselves. Medical facilities are being taken care of and COVID-19 guidelines are also being strictly followed, so don’t forget your mask while popping in! To enter, download the mobile app and complete the check-in process 15 minutes before arrival. Enjoy your summer at Dubai Sports World!

Photo: File Photo

Summer will be hitting us in full swing in the coming months, and what better way to ride the heat than to crank it up even higher? From April 5th till September 22nd, all throughout the hottest months, indoor halls will be open to all who wish to engage in sports – from football to cricket to badminton and ping pong, there is no limit to what you can explore. Located once again at World Trade Centre, in Za’abeel

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Events

Making the right choice for your child’s education can get baffling, which is why it’s always best to talk to the experts and figure out the best options available. The UK Boarding School Exhibition held at the Grosvenor House Hotel welcomes all parents to inform and educate families through meeting representatives from thirty different boarding schools located in the United Kingdom. Specialist Education Consultants will ensure that you have the most objective and well-reviewed understanding of your choices in picking the right institution for your child. Don’t hesitate to pop over to the free entry event from 16th to 17th April to make an informed decision for their bright future.

Vroom, zoom and kaboom with the Custom Show at WTC Dubai! One of the principal inventions that rocketed humans into the era of industry and technology was the invention of the train – coal-powered and cutting edge. Any development made in the transportation domain is another step taken by the sector towards how it can be done better – and with the Custom Show, we get front row seats. From April 8th to 10th, starting 10 am all the way up to 10 pm at the World Trade Centre, the automobile industry will all come together to create a spectacular show of metal, leather, and rubber. Some exciting events we can look forward to are Engine Battles, Saloon Drifting, Custom Car and Bike exhibitions, and Leather Works and StainlessSteel Welding Showmanship. SUVs, Sports cars, Luxury cars of every type will be here waiting for you!

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Choose the best for your child at UK Boarding School Exhibition

Photo: File Photo

Joyous Ramadan Gala at the Sharjah Expo center Photo: File Photo

Each year, we experience Ramadan as a celebration of giving and families coming together to break the day-long fasts. Besides, one more unforgettable staple of Ramadan is the huge sales and shopping experiences that come around with it. This year, every sunset during two weeks of the holy month, the Sharjah Expo center will be home to everything you need to have a great time out with your family and friends. From delicious food, dazzling clothes and many fun activities have been put together for everyone wishing to have a lovely time together with family and friends. From 22nd April to 8th May, every night from 8 pm to 2 am, the biggest night bazaar in this region will be welcoming all to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan!

2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

COVER STORY

THE BITCOIN

MOGUL

A front runner in the race to the cryptocurrency summit, Carl Runefelt is a creative person with a winner’s mindset. We unravel his unconventional journey from a grocery store cashier to a millionaire magnate

Interview by Shagufta Patel Written by Ayaat Attar

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A lucrative job in a constricted cubicle wasn’t his idea of success, and he decided to quit formal education to focus on interests that were more intrinsic to his nature 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

COVER STORY

ynonymous to the expedition traditional currency has fared from its inception to the digital presence it occupies today, Carl Runefelt’s life has seen a comparable trajectory. A carefree Carl recalls spending a wholesome childhood riding his bike out into a suburban neighborhood with his pals and knees scraped, undeterred by the miles to cover. Eldest among three siblings, with a sister two years his junior, and a younger brother born with Down Syndrome, weathering a host of medical trials. The entrepreneur grew up in a close-knit family that stuck together through thick and thin. Sports, studies or arts; Carl excelled at all of it. However, piles of unfinished academic projects started to replace the gymnasium trophies on his study table, and the straight A’s on his report card incentivized by his father, no longer drove his will. Carl was in the ninth grade when the bright scores on the corners of answer sheets failed to ignite him anymore. A lucrative job in a constricted cubicle wasn’t his idea of success, and he decided to quit formal education to focus on interests that were more intrinsic to his nature. Diagnosed with the chronic conditions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Carl’s parents were worried about what the future held for their boy, now that he could not cope with the pressures of academia. For the brilliant achiever that he was, the pace of his life slowed considerably, and quite predictably every day he spent living with his folks was marred with anxiety. Days turned into months, and Carl used his time to socialize with people and expand his network, only to realize that his vision needed a larger pool to propel. He took up a job in a popular grocery store on his parent’s insistence, where his job ranged from picking fruits to Like most strugglers, he found himself doubling as a cashier. Head down, battling voices hitting the internet with textbook from within and those around, Carl’s struggle to succeed had just searches on how he could make more money and stumbled upon the E-commerce space begun. While some days were better than most, it was essentially the foundation he laid for his future that finance, he kept an eye on the fluctuating prices of gold, investing gave him the potential to catapult into a career in it from time to time with the aim of asset collection. that he cherishes today. He hit the store each day trying to milk meaning out of life and subjected CREATING A DESIRED LIFE himself to regular scrutiny checks, cutting himself With a path like the one he had chartered so far, it would be easy no slack. Within a year, he realized that while his for an unperceptive world to write him off, but for the self-assured stint at the store was stable, it would by no means thinker that Carl was, he knew better. He was failing many times, supplement his envisioned existence. “I wanted and so he consciously ruled out everything that would not work. to be rich by the time I was thirty. I hadn’t figAround the same time, he discovered the philosophy of ‘Law of ured out what I would be doing, though,” Carl Attraction’ that proved to be a game-changer for him. The ideology recollects. Inherently fascinated by the world of preaches for one to truly believe that they possess everything they

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wish for, while the universe aligns to manifest their thoughts into a livable reality. Maintaining a notepad that was a reader’s entry into Carl’s zealous mind, he listed a finite set of goals and sought after embodying them in every possible way. “For starters, I spent a lavish amount on a pair of shoes that were back in the day, way over my budget. I threw them on nevertheless to identify with the rich man I aspired to be someday,” asserts the Forbes enlistee. As he flipped through luxury magazines, he pictured himself alongside those featured, and today his vision meets his reality. His first tangible financial target was to earn $5,000 in addition to the modest $1,500 he made through his work at the store. Like most strugglers, he found himself hitting the internet with textbook searches on how he could make more money and stumbled upon the E-commerce space, where he briefly designed quirky t-shirts to sell them online. Realizing that these ideas were done to death, he soon needed to become a part of something that was still very novel. Also, the e-commerce activity failed to resonate with him. Unfazed by failure, impersonal with money, and having developed an affinity towards taking high risks that promise higher rewards, he derived lessons from his previous ventures that led him straight into the realm of cryptocurrency. With a sharp eye for financial trends in the market, particularly after the Great Economic Depression of 2008, Carl was on the lookout for prospective alternatives to the traditional paper notes. For the longest time, he placed his educated bets on gold, but with the advent of Bitcoin, he knew at once that it stood unparalleled.

future. “The name is like an inside joke we share with the Bitcoin Exchange and a hat tip to their risk-taking gusto,” smiles Carl. Foraying into the field of content creation in the singular topic of cryptocurrency was the closest Carl had come to discovering his passion. Deviating majorly from his original plan of merging his e-commerce experience creating t-shirts with cryptocurrency prints, he now found himself devoting time and energy, catapulting himself into a more conducive, profound ecosystem with other digital creators. Seven months into the hustle, a couple of likes and comments on his videos turned into a few thousand, and when hundreds turned towards him for financial advice, the incentives from his YouTube stint began surpassing his earning from the grocery store. Making a carefully calibrated decision of investing every bit of his income into cryptocurrency, Carl was well on his way to the moon, much like the Bitcoin, all set to amass everything he once desired.

Today, his channel ‘The Moon Carl’ stands at a staggering subscriber base of over three hundred seventy-four thousand followers, with over one thousand video uploads

RIDE TO THE MOON! On December 1, 2017, Carl Runefelt kickstarted his YouTube channel, churning quality content, not just to raise awareness among his viewers about the benefits of investing in Bitcoin but also to expand his own knowledge about the subject matter. The platform provided him with the ideal domain that brought together two of his most prominent personality traits – the artistic yin and the analytical yang. Today, his channel ‘The Moon Carl’ stands at a staggering subscriber base of over three hundred seventy-four thousand followers, with over one thousand video uploads that teach about the fundamentals of Bitcoin, the current evaluation of it, pointers of investing safely in it, and everything else in between. An interesting play upon words, his YouTube channel is named after the commonly used expression, “to the moon”, which refers to a strong belief that the cryptocurrency is soon going to rise significantly in price in the foreseeable 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

COVER STORY

The sudden flush of satisfaction that the YouTube career provided him led to a natural decline in his interest at the grocery store. As self-aware as he is, Carl habitually shifted his focus away from his day job, channeling every bit of his energy towards the more rewarding segments of his day. One bright afternoon, his manager summoned him intending to discuss his declining interest at work, and during the conversation, Carl had his answer. Having worked at the grocery store for three long years, he was finally ready to transition to the next phase of his life and inch closer to the dreams he had harbored since he could remember. The next chapter of his life swung open when he booked business class flight tickets and an upscale hotel to attend a cryptocurrency conference in beautiful Mexico. As he stood in the balcony of his hotel room miles away from his homeland, looking at the city that twinkled before him, the wind blowing through his locks, Carl realized that after all those years of wandering within the self and out in the world, he had finally arrived!

IN PURSUIT OF SOMETHING MORE SIGNIFICANT The closer Carl looked into modern financial systems, the stronger his opinion grew against them. “Centralized and withholding in character, the average working individual spends a lifetime nabbed into the clutches of the flawed banking system,” he adds. He distilled it down to the fundamental fact that there was a time when there was no alternate currency as prevalent as the liquid cash in the purview of banks to carry out modern-day transactions. “Bitcoin empowers its investors to break free from the shackles of a corrupt and flawed system and become their own digital banks,” says Carl in a statement that is quite revolutionary. Convinced that

all of the world’s most crushing fiscal queries can find their one-stop solution at cryptocurrency, and being a powerful voice in the advocation of alternate currencies, he urges governments to support investments in cryptocurrencies to shelter entire communities from paralyzing impacts should another recession break out. Passionate about the subject, he advocates that no government, bank, or corporation can alter the supply of Bitcoin, which brings all the players to a standard playing ground, where the rules are the same for all, irrespective of clout or color. There is, however, a limited supply of Bitcoins, twenty-one million to be precise, a number that is subject to no further expansion. “Right now, there are eighteen and a half million of them in circulation. Refreshing and much needed, the cryptocurrency has the potential to change everything for the better,” he asserts. “Bitcoins are created through a complex process where some computers are used to ‘mine’ them. This process will go on till the slated twenty million Bitcoins are generated, after which no more coins can be produced,” explains the expert. Carl speculates that the last coin will be minted in the year 2144, however considering the mint function is exponential, most of the Bitcoins will be mined in the next ten years. What he is sure about is the fact that before the end of

Bitcoin empowers its investors to break free from the shackles of a corrupt and flawed system and become their own digital banks

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If it weren’t for that shift in his psyche he admits; he wouldn’t be where he stands today He sticks to saying that before dabbling into the world of alternate currencies, one must have in-depth knowledge about the traditional monetary systems that banks operate on and must feel restricted by the inadequacy it operates within. “Once you have zeroed in on the amount you wish to invest, make sure to do so over a stipulated period of time, observing its journey through market trends,” he further advises. His greatest counsel remains cutting out emotions from the transaction, and investing like a robot, for the game of decentralized finance is no child’s play. No industry is an exception to fraudsters, and scams are always a massive reality. Carl urges investors to verify the links they come across to avoid landing on counterfeit sites that are aplenty. Acknowledging that Bitcoin prices are ever soaring because of its limited supply, courtesy investors and accumulators like himself, he firmly believes that the field is still in its nascent stage, and there is room for many at the top. Drawing from his personal experience, he recommends investing eighty percent of the investment amount into Bitcoin and twenty percent into other alternate currencies, as every other digital coin out there is essentially an imprint of the original Bitcoin. “Bitcoin is one such digital currency that goes beyond political affiliations or the bondages or borders. It is one for all,” he establishes. the year, Bitcoin prices will rise to $100,000 and increasing into millions more. When the American business Forbes Magazine identified that a leading search engine was shadowing Bitcoin content on popular platforms like YouTube, Carl was roped in and featured to share his expertise, adding yet another feather to his cap. Blown away by what the world of cryptocurrency has to offer him every day, Carl now operates his enterprise from Dubai, which happens to be the perfect destination for his needs in terms of the energy of its people, opportunity for creative collaboration, lifestyle, and most importantly the conducive government laws and policies that support Bitcoin investment.

EXPERT ADVICE Imparting knowledge that has transformed the destinies of thousands worldwide, Carl shares his discipline with those completely novice to the field. “When one isn’t well informed about the best Bitcoin scenario, it is important for them to research fully. Investing in the cryptocurrency is a relatively easy part as all one has to do is buy the Bitcoin, but the heart of the process lies in the research behind why they’d like to indulge in it and how,” cautions the expert. His primary advice to starters is to invest an amount one is comfortable ‘losing’, to get your foot into the door. “In case it yields a profit, one would immediately feel incentivized to keep exploring the Bitcoin space,” he adds.

ONE MINDSET AWAY An ardent musician and sportsperson, along with his demanding career, Carl has trained his logical left and perceptive right brains to be at equilibrium with one another. He is also extremely family-oriented and seeks happiness and peace above all else. Having grown up with a specially-abled brother himself, he recently donated $100,000 to enable research into Epidermolysis bullosa (a rare disease that causes fragile, blistering skin), hoping to make a visible difference in the lives of hundreds of children suffering from it. He utilizes his stature as a public figure to bring to light several social issues and appeal for donations for the same. “Success for me has always been about how far one has progressed from what they started with. It doesn’t matter if you’re a musician, athlete, or entrepreneur; it’s all about the impact you’ve left behind with your work,” remarks the humanitarian. With a fierce vision of dominating the crypto cosmos someday, he is convinced that the formal system of education is undeniably deficient and limited in its ways and most definitely not cut out for one and all. He urges the youth to stay astute to themselves and carve a path unique to their strengths. Carl attributes his colossal success to a pivotal change in his mindset while working at his hometown grocery store when he had nothing but ventures for trial and dreams to conquer. If it weren’t for that shift in his psyche he admits; life would still have been the same. He reiterates that when one demonstrates unwavering belief in themselves and takes action towards the life they envision, it manifests itself into reality. Living a life authentic to himself, Carl Runefelt is a powerful testimony that what is true in the present-day need not be continued as living fact into the tomorrow. At the young age of twenty-six, a multi-millionaire, he stands tall impacting the world wherever he chooses to reside. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

INTERVIEW

Ameena’s mega event in Bahrain poised to bring together hundred and twenty female entrepreneurs from across twenty nations is scheduled from the 25th to the 29th of August, this year 22

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INTERVIEW

THE NORTH STAR OF THE ARABIAN SKY

Guiding the journeys of thousands of female entrepreneurs across the globe, AMEENA LEELO is committed to creating a constellation of connected women unlike any other

Interviewed by Ayaat Attar Written by Sangeetha Shinde Tee

meena Leelo comes from a magical world, where the white nights of winter give way to the dawn of brilliant, yet gentle summers. Finland and its changing seasons and landscapes were the backdrop to a life that involved much seeking and ended in her starting her own events management company - a company that she wanted to be a beacon of hope and direction, very much like the North Star that dominated the night sky in her home country; Thus was born Stella Polar Boutique Events.

A higher connection Ameena grew up under the care of liberalism progressive-thinking parents who encouraged her to pursue her own path and find her own calling. An innate sensitivity and generosity of nature made her a connector of people and reach out to people long before the birth of the World Wide Web or social media. As a child she spent many hours writing to pen pals across the world and building bridges across oceans hoping someday to see these worlds beyond the northern hemisphere that was her home. Ameena married young and had two sons, but a divorce prompted her to change direction. She turned

her flair for languages into a successful career as a translator. Life went its course as it does and before she knew it her sons were men and had moved away to pursue their own dreams and hopes. And so, in her forties Ameena suddenly found herself rudderless… and it was time to discover who she really was. Shaking the dust of decades off her mind and soul she decided to explore the world and through it, herself.

Written in the stars From Greece to the Vatican City, from India to Kenya... Ameena went on a soul journey looking for her purpose and identity. It was in Turkey that she found a spiritual connection that has sustained her to this day and she embraced a new faith, giving herself the name ‘Ameena’, which meant ‘honest and faithful’, qualities that she continues to hold most dear in all she says and does. It was a chance four-hour stopover in the Kingdom of Bahrain that gave her a sense of purpose… she decided to take a short tour of the Kingdom and as the undulating deserts and endless highways unfolded before her she knew she had come home. She experienced a calm that derived from the simplicity and raw purity of this country, and the welcoming 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

INTERVIEW

" Ameena participating in Women Appreciating Women awards ceremony lead by Dr. Pauline Long, London, 8th March 2020

gentleness of the people of this land. She knew she had to come back to this corner of the Arabian Gulf as soon as possible. She returned to Finland and a month later she was back in Bahrain ready to start her new life. Today, almost ten years down the line, Ameena Leelo operates Stella Polare Boutique Events, based in Bahrain’s capital city, that seeks to connect visionary women from across the world, changing it for the better, one event at a time.

Starry, starry knight When viewed from zero-degree latitude, Polaris, the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor stands out in the night sky, and has for centuries been the beacon that travellers used to guide them on their journeys. Ameena has sought to be a similar beacon, providing a guiding light that connects Bahrain to the rest of the world and vice-versa. She organised several path-breaking events in Finland. The one in 2016 was unique in how it brought together professionals from around the world and shone a light on the progressive character of women from the GCC world. That aspect of the symposium generated much interest as it created a much-needed awareness about the talent and dynamism of women from the Gulf countries. Since then her cleverly and carefully curated networking events have always sought to unite women from around the globe under a common umbrella of compassion, unity and professional oneness. The events were built on her uncompromising belief that when women work together to lift each other they become an unstoppable force for good in the world. She created a platform for women to empower each other, share their stories and struggles, dreams and aspirations and to help each other grow personally and professionally. In 2019, Stella Pollare organized its first all-women’s symposium in Estonia where she collaborated with women from various walks of life, including a raft of entrepreneurs and change-makers from Bahrain. In this groundbreaking event women from Germany, Russia, Lithuania, Sweden,

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Latvia and Saudi... broke down cultural and geographic barriers and came together in a festival of learning and unlearning. It was at this event that Ameena felt her journey was complete and her soul had found purpose. In her unrelenting passion to take this connectedness as far as possible, Ameena has today forayed into diverse ventures that interest her... fashion shows, private functions and gala dinners, to name just a few. Stella Polare has a unique operational style and a specific mission - to lift those who work with the organisation while profit remains a secondary concern.

# With the Finnish flag at the Bahrain Formula 1 ! With her grandchild in Finland last January

Of falling stars Being a stranger in a strange land is not the easiest of things, and Ameena had her fair share of challenges, many of which were financial. She encountered people who showed immense interest in her ideas and creativity to only try to steal her thunder; but she faced these challenges head on and stood

She created a platform for women to empower each other, share their stories and struggles, dreams and aspirations and to help each other grow personally and professionally. her ground. She poured in her own personal resources into her business and while she was the guiding star for so many, her greatest challenge was staying true to her course when these obstacles presented. Her perseverance has paid off, and over the years Ameena has brought together entrepreneurs, policy makers, royalty and everyday women to encourage, support and uphold each other, all the while seeking little in return for herself. The previous year added yet another impediment to her progress, but Ameena decided to use the time to build up a reserve of ideas that could play out post pandemic, and also create a cache of online events that would continue to connect women across time and space. From this sus-

tained introspection and improvisation was born the ‘Heart to Heart Talks’ that breathed new life into her venture.

Starburst of inspiration Her mega event in Bahrain in March 2020 was poised to bring together hundred and twenty female entrepreneurs from across twenty nations together on a platform that propelled conversations on innovation and creativity. This was to be a seminal gathering with free-for-all panels each day, covering essential topics like ‘Women leaders and what it takes to get there’, ‘How to become a global player without losing Religious, Cultural and Spiritual Identity, ‘Wellbeing- Physical, Mental and Social’, ‘Women in Media - friend or foe?’, and ‘Womens’ role in innovation and creation of value’. The event was slated to be an annual affair, however with global events transpiring as they did, the event is now scheduled from the 25th to the 29th of August, this year. (We can’t wait!) In addition, Ameena Leelo curated a host of online events that addressed issues that enabled best practices on business and personal fronts for women and that embraced a greater good. Maneuvering through broad concerns of a new reality; where wellness, friendship, art and music are as important as banking and politics, Ameena’s aim was (and is) to bring into the fold women of a wider interest base and to get them in touch with others across the globe. This philosophy birthed the ‘Hearts Talk Night’, an online talk show where graver subjects like breast cancer and issues faced by women in developing nations have

# The all women’s symposium in Estonia, March 2019

been explored, making thousands of stakeholders a significant part of the greater dialogue. She also has a fashion show in the pipe-line for early 2022, as well as several other ideas to connect women together in meaningful ways that serve a higher purpose than mere business.

With stars in her eyes With an ever-expanding international network Ameena’s ultimate goal lies in uniting as many women as possible, across the globe, each one sharing their stories and increasing their understanding of the others’ voyages in order to build personalised networks formed of compassion and understanding. Ameena is the very embodiment of the empowered, modern woman who combines femininity with feminism and does it with absolute grace and dignity. In her daily life she is an entrepreneur and pioneer, but in the larger world she is a guiding star for many, one who lights up the universe with her own unique dynamism and spirit of giving. A true-blue Finn at heart, she is passionate about Formula-1 races and music, the latter courtesy her father who was a musician of some distinction. She is revolutionary in her thoughts and action, standing fierce for what she believes to be right in both her personal or professional life. “There are no rules. With smiles and words that touch hearts, it doesn’t matter where you come from”, she says with a smile, a pair of glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, as she readies herself to begin yet another day of creating connections that brighten the journey for all who cross paths with this North Star of the Arabian sky. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

INTERVIEW

Oodles of indulgence with a zest to inspire Mohammed Rashid Khan — a triumph over insurmountable odds by Rizwan Zulfiqar Bhutta

rom Versace to Rolls Royce, Mohammed Rashid Khan is always aware of the latest high-end fashion drops. A luxury influencer and an uber-successful businessman, Rashid is frequently seen on social media surrounded by luxury brands. His awareness of the latest trends, brands, and ensemble ideas is what makes him stand out. Not all of us can afford luxury products, but if you are interested in fashion and enjoy the creativity that comes with it, Rashid Khan is a wizard who has cultivated that interest with a personal style that is unique to him. All said, this is an incomplete picture, only one side of the coin. To examine the other side, we decided to reach out to Mohammed Rashid Khan to dive deeper. Talking to Aspire, he said, “People believe that I am different from others in terms of my lifestyle and that and my way of life inspires others, so I decided to share my way of living on social media.” Rashid always wanted to be a successful entrepreneur and at the same time a luxury lifestyle influencer, and so he started toying with the idea of enthusing and influencing as many people as possible to show them a diverse version of life through him. He continues, “I created content on an ‘extravagance routine’, to encourage people that one day, they too could also achieve their goals and live an elevated existence. I always spearheaded the message that nothing is impossible, and everything can be made possible by working hard and having faith in yourself.” People find it surprising when they find out that he is a luxury lifestyle influencer as well as an entrepreneur, or vice-versa. They look at him as an ideal because very few entrepreneurs influence people about curating a luxury lifestyle on any of the social media platforms. “My aim is to keep on creating videos and new content with the message of love, accomplishment, and magnificence, to stimulate people in a positive way. The idea is to help people find their own path of achievement with determination,” he says, quite passionate about what he does.

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“One should never lose hope, and everything is possible in this world. Your hard work and faith in your goals will point you in the right direction” Talking about his success story, Rashid adds, “I started my career at a very young age, and my goals were huge. At sixteen, I entered the business scene and kept trying for years. I did fail many times, but failure has never interrupted my journey. It only provided the new winds which helped me soar higher in the skies.” Disappointments in business have never let Rashid down, and he never loses hope. That explains his success and fame as an entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer. He dabbles in multiple business verticals like petroleum, plastic, and polymer industry, import-export, government projects, entertainment, crypto investments, and much more. “Exploring multiple business domains makes my life fascinating; every day I get to interact with new people from various countries and gain valuable knowledge from them,” he tells us. In response to the business challenges he faces every day, his motive in life is, “One should never lose hope; everything is possible in this world. Your hard work and faith in your goals will point you in the right direction.” Rashid hails from a Pathan family, with his father of Pathan ancestry and his mother of Arab origin from Bahrain. Raised in Bahrain, he parallelly follows both his parents’ cultures and traditions. Speaking of Dubai’s cosmopolitan life brimming with people from various origins, Rashid states, “Multiculturalism in Dubai is one of the most beautiful aspects of this city. It has helped social behavior in a great way and increased tolerance and harmony. All influencers and business people have a responsibility towards their society to help it become more diverse and accepting. I do my part in every possible way I can.” J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

INTERVIEW

DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL

Fun, Feast, & Fervor

It’s finally the time when a world full of the most glorious food is only a fork or a spoon away. With businesses in the culinary space having to combat the COVID-19 impact for over 12 months, MISBAAH MANSURI delves into what the eighth edition of the ongoing Dubai Food Festival (DFF) means for the culinary community

parade of gold amuse bouche regularly passes through Dubai’s kitchen doors, as do gold-dusted burgers and gold cappuccinos. It is no wonder then that Instagram is bloated with the Emirate’s most outlandish and expensive edibles, often coiffed by famous fingers from ‘Salt Bae’ to CznBurak. While the lauded gourmet put a face to fine dining in the region and attract its share of fans, the region’s greatest gastronomic achievement is in its diversity. It’s an exciting time for foodies as the Dubai Food Festival that shines a spotlight on this diverse gastronomy scene is underway and running till April 17, Saturday. The ongoing edition features specially curated menus at Dubai Restaurant Week, exclusive culinary adventures for a limited time, Michelin-star experiences, and gourmet-themed foodcation deals at top hotels combining people’s love for food and holidays. Furthermore, keeping Covid-regulations in mind, DFF this time is more spread out and less location-based. Keeping the relevance and importance of DFF for the culinary community, Aspire catches up with culinary maestros from both participating and non-participating restaurants in DFF on how the food extravaganza affects their culinary brands, the importance of food festivals for positioning the Middle East on the global F&B scene and more. Could it be the promise of a better tomorrow with the three-week event throwing spotlight on a sector that the pandemic has hard hit?

A FEAST FOR ALL THE SENSES

Thai restaurant Thiptara located inside Palace Downtown, is considered one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. As one of the

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restaurants participating in the Dubai Food Festival, we chat with Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, on how the brand’s participation in DFF over the years has impacted the footfalls of the restaurant, big crowd-pullers planned this year and more.

What are you looking forward to at this edition of the Dubai Food Festival? As always, we are looking forward to lots of interesting dining options and culinary experiences. This edition has many new restaurants, new menus from the usual restaurants, and lots of great offers for residents to enjoy. As the dining culture continues to develop in Dubai, particularly in the last few months, it’s great to see so many of the outlets participating this year.

With the restaurant participating in DFF, how does it impact the footfall or brand image? During DFF, we see many first-timers to our restaurants and outlets

and of course our regular guests. With DFF flowing into Ramadan this year, we are very excited to see how that will pan out for our Iftaar & Suhoor hosting venues, especially since there were no Ramadan celebrations last year. This year is going to be very special for guests as well as restaurants and hotels.

Tell us about the restaurant’s gameplan for DFF, signature specialties, or highlights planned that you think will be the big crowd-pullers this year? At Thiptara, our set menu with one starter, one main course, and dessert is priced at AED 250. Some of the signature specialties that will be a huge crowd-puller include the award-winning Som Tum Thai (authentic Thai papaya salad), our most loved dish, the Gong Phad Med Mamueng, which is stir-fried prawns with dry chilis – a must-try for all Asian food lovers and those looking to experience the taste of authentic Thai food.

MARK KIRBY

Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group

What according to you is the biggest draw when it comes to the Dubai culinary scene? The extensive variety and the numerous options in the city regarding food options – whether it is a small eatery, fine dining, or a celebrity-chef-oper2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

INTERVIEW

ated restaurant that you’re looking for, there’s always something new to experience and new menus to savor in Dubai. The ever-changing, ever-evolving dining options keep residents and tourists coming back for more. Whether you are looking for a weekend outing, a celebration, or an important meeting – you’ve got the places and food to choose from. With so many new restaurants opening throughout the year and new menu options – guests are always spoilt for choice.

Share any Covid-fuelled culinary trends you’ve seen gaining momentum in the last one year? We’ve seen many of our guests now chose vegan and dairy-free options over the previous year. People are more conscious of their food choices, are more curious to learn about several preparations, and keen to understand the culture behind every cuisine more than ever before. With this in mind, we have a dedicated Salad Bar, a vegetarian set menu, and a selection of healthy takeaway options at our hotels.

Tell us about your most memorable DFF incident, if any? During the previous editions, our chefs used to do live cooking at the beach canteen, located on Kite beach. A lot of experimentation and fusion within different kinds of ingredients was something they’d all play with and develop unique flavors from around the world. The food served and the experience of our live cooking stations is definitely one of my favorite memories from DFF, and we hope they will be brought back in the future.

How important do you think are food festivals like DFF for positioning the Middle East on the global F&B scene? Dubai Food Festival has gone a long way in establishing UAE as a food and culture destination on the global stage. With a collective government collaboration and a dedicated food festival that runs for three weeks every year – it is a clear message that Dubai is an important destination for F&B experiences. While many residents may not have traveled outside of the UAE due to the pandemic, I

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am certain they haven’t missed out on food from every possible country because everything, absolutely everything is available in Dubai.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Several restaurants might not be participating in the culinary extravaganza but look forward to the celebration of food in all its forms and the push it can provide to the culinary industry overall. Pradeep Jethani - Partner - Bombay Borough, Indian Bar & Eatery, DIFC, Dubai opens up on best memories at the culinary festival, foods that evoke cherished memories, and more.

What are you looking forward to at this edition of the Dubai Food Festival? After a hectic 2020, I am really looking forward to this year’s DFF as several bespoke dining experiences, and gastronomic activities are going to be at DFF. As a food lover myself, I look forward to trying them all.

While the restaurant is not participating in DFF, how does it impact the footfall or brand image? Is it still beneficial regardless of whether one is participating or not? As long as life goes back to normal and people go back to routine lives, the industry benefits. Not all deserving brands take part, but as a whole, all will thrive.

PRADEEP JETHANI

Partner - Bombay Borough, Indian Bar & Eatery

What according to you is the biggest draw when it comes to the Dubai culinary scene? The cultural diversity of Dubai. With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai and each bringing a taste of home with them. Many expats have opened up their own restaurants or brought franchises of family restaurants, making Dubai’s dining scene a melting point of all cultures.

Share any Covid-fuelled culinary trends you’ve seen gaining momentum in the last one year? I’d say Dalgona coffee. I think it

attracted most of us mainly because it’s made from simple ingredients and didn’t require much kitchen education to prepare.

preciation for street food – i.e., good value and great food are both gaining momentum

Tell us about your most memorable DFF incident, if any?

Winning Time Out Dubai’s Best Thai awards for two consecutive years – both years have been in association with DFF.

My most memorable DFF moment goes back to 2019, sharing an ice cream with my wife at the Etisalat Beach Canteen and strolling by the beach.

For most of us, certain foods evoke some cherished memories. What would be one in your case?

For most of us, certain foods evoke some cherished memories; what would be one in your case? I am a big-time foodie, so it’s a bit difficult for me to choose, but if I had to pick, I’d surely say our homemade caramel custard certainly brings back many memories for me, and I really cherish them.

How important do you think are food festivals like DFF for positioning the Middle East on the global F&B scene? I think food festivals are essential to have as it’s an excellent platform for both home-grown and international Chefs to showcase their talent and bring out healthy competition. With the growing popularity and demand for wider culinary variety, international food chains and Michelin starred chefs from the West are exploring the possibility of opening a restaurant in Dubai, which puts the Middle East as a hot market to expand an F&B business.

COOKING UP A CELEBRATION

What’s interesting is the festival’s increased emphasis on home-grown cuisine this year. DFF has teamed up with Zomato to spotlight eateries serving up satisfying home-staples at affordable prices. The 2021 hidden gems list includes a variety of cuisines just waiting to be discovered, covering every cuisine from Emirati and Indian to American and Lebanese. Lisa Knight, co-owner, Cafe Isan- a Thai street food specialty eatery that is participating in DFF as a part of the home-grown cuisine initiative shares the restaurant’s game-plan for the same, Covid-fuelled culinary trends, and more.

What are you looking forward to at this

LISA KNIGHT

Co-owner, Cafe Isan- a Thai street food

edition of the Dubai Food Festival? We’re huge fans of the hidden-gems series – it’s lovely to see independent restaurants getting on the map. We were fortunate enough to host an exclusive Tom Yum Masterclass in association with Ripe Market as part of the “Made in Dubai” series which was hugely exciting for us.

With the restaurant participating in DFF, how does it impact the footfall or brand image? The masterclass we hosted was part of the excellent “Made in Dubai” campaign, which celebrates home-grown heroes or heroines, as in our case. We also took part in a yet-to-be-released video produced by Time Out Dubai for DFF, where top Chefs of Dubai recommended their favorite budget takeaways. Yes, we definitely think the festival benefits the entire F&B scene here - largely because it gets more and more inclusive each year.

What according to you is the biggest draw when it comes to the Dubai culinary scene? It’s changing and becoming more diverse! Earlier it was fine dining and celebrity chefs’ but now home-grown casual street food chefs’ and former home cooks’ are making a splash. Diversity is a real cause for celebration.

Share any Covid-fuelled culinary trends you’ve seen gaining momentum in the last one year? DIY cooking kits and a wider ap-

Traveling in a 4x4 across Thailand, stopping off at a roadside hawker for Gai Yang and Som Tum (papaya salad and sticky rice). Farm fresh and fabulous. I also left my Louis Vuitton sunglasses at the cart and a year later returned, and the lady recognized me and handed me back my glasses. I’ll never forget that!

How important do you think are food festivals like DFF for positioning the Middle East on the global F&B scene? Absolutely fundamental! The profile of the F&B scene here is steadily rising and diversifying – and quite rightly so. We appreciate the innovation and creativity that goes into DFF each year, and this year the shift to largely virtual was seamless.

CELEBRATING CULINARY AND BEYOND

To add more value, especially this year, the Dubai Restaurant Week has been extended by 17 days. The subevent within DFF is an opportunity to dish out culinary offerings that tantalize tease buds, letting fans enjoy lots more with offers ranging from set meals from top restaurants to half-price deals. Even restaurants that aren’t officially taking part in the festival are leveraging the celebrations and playing their part by dishing out various deals and organizing food halls during these times. Like every year, food and culinary enthusiasts hope that DFF, the only city-wide festival in the entire Middle East continues to regale foodies and manages to put the city’s extraordinary food scene right in the spotlight for the whole world to see. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

THE WORLD IN A VILLAGE The Global Village is a fiesta for all your senses... here’s some of the reasons you should visit

Global Village Dubai 2021 has enthralled visitors and how! Now extended by two weeks until May 2nd, we chalk out the standouts from the glittering season 25 and aspects you should make the most of while it is here.

Lighting up the sky

Even the most grumpy person in the world would be hardpressed not to smile when there are stunning fireworks overhead. Needless to say, the beautiful fireworks are one of the many reasons that people visit Global Village apart from shopping and tucking into some delicious food. The fireworks made their dramatic entry on 4th March and have been attracting more and more visitors since then.

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

Architectural, entertainment, and food options galore

Another highlight is the Insta-worthy art installations designed to celebrate the unity of the seven Emirates and the remarkable cultural diversity of this great country. The festival park has been a way of bringing together a wide variety of cultures as people visiting there take a tour of different parts of the world in just a few hours. The various pavilions designed along the lines of historical or local architecture give riveting glimpses- from London’s Big Ben to Italy’s Pisa Tower, India’s Taj Mahal to Egypt’s Old Pyramids - a visual treat all in one place. True to its name Global Village houses a theme park on one end and a massive market on its other side. The 26 pavilions in which you can witness almost all the different cultures of the world are truly worth a visit. The products are showcased around 3500 displays, where visitors can buy all kinds of handicrafts, while the place has more than 200 options where visitors can purchase snacks of their choice. Attractions like The Stunt Show and the ever-popular Carnaval are other crowd-pullers. From supersized games of Snakes and Ladders to special, child-friendly performances and shows, and a ride of the Funfare keeps the kids regaled. Families will also be able to enjoy giant games like Four-in-arow and Battleships (Pirate style). All-star character shows on the lineup include Octonautes, Care Bears, Peter Rabbit, PJ Masks, Chotta Bheem, and the unmissable Don’t Do The Dodo show. The Global Village agenda is dedicated to children until the 10th of April, with numerous activities planned across the park to further enhance the Silver Jubilee Season experience for younger members of the park’s fanbase. It is also

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Food lovers are in for a treat, with over 200 eateries offering exciting and unusual culinary options available at Global Village this year running an ‘Ice Cream Fest’ simultaneously that lets kids simply pick up an ice cream booklet and earn raffle tickets by tasting their way through five of the 25 specially curated frozen sensations. Guests who try five or more flavors can enter a draw to win a Playstation 5 and an iPhone 12. This contest will be running until April 10th. Furthermore, food lovers are in for a treat, with over 200 eateries offering exciting and unusual culinary options available at the festival this year. Think buffalo chicken and dynamic shrimp samosas, Cheetos and samosa paratha, stuffed grape leaves, fried chicken in a waffle cone, cereal latte, and more to serve foodies enough reasons to visit multiple times.

An edition of Guinness World Records

The 25th season of Global Village had to be unique, and it indeed turned out to be one record-breaking edition with the many records it set this season. It will stay etched in the hearts and minds of visitors, considering that the extravaganza has been making news and records each day. It moved closer to its target of 25 Guinness World Records titles and claimed the record for ‘Most people in a video relay holding a sign’ as part of a larger internal campaign to promote vaccination for staff and partners.

It claimed the Guinness World Records title for in Global Village with a lot of euphoria. a great cause on February 4th. The park claimed The festival announced an honorary name the ‘Most Awareness Ribbons Made By A Team change of Kiosk Street to Happiness Street In One Hour’ title to honor World Cancer Day in another successful Guinness World Re2021. The multi-colored ribbons were then openly cord attempt. Moreover, the new street sign placed for guests to pick up to increase awareness. is made up of over 3,000 smiley-faced pin Valentine’s Day celebration was made even more badges forming the words ‘Happiness Street’. memorable with Global Village breaking yet anoth- This Instagram-worthy street sign is now er Guinness World Record title, this time for the officially the “Largest Pin Badge Word” in the ‘Largest Mosaic using stuffed toys’. The iconic Carworld. naval Banana was used to create the eye-catching Furthermore, famous landmarks were lit red love heart made with over 400 giant bananas, up in yellow. The largest underwater screen which measured 144.8 square and the iconic Wheel of meters and added to the spir- The 25th season of the World were adorned it of love and togetherness. with smiley faces to Global Village had Kids Fest is known for celebrate International to be unique, and it its giant board games, and Happiness Day with a this year, Global Village difference. As evening indeed turned out claimed the “Biggest Board drew closer, guests soaked Game – Snakes and Ladders” to be one recordin the sights and sounds title with another Guinness breaking edition with amid fun and frolic while World Record win. complying with all Covid-19 the many records it Another talking point was precautionary norms. set this season when a 2.7 meter tall “guest” entered the park through the Make the most of it entrance gate using a ticket measuring 1.02m2. Global Village 2021 is all set to be extended The guest was greeted by Guinness World Reby two weeks until May 2nd, 2021 (Sunday). cord’s official adjudicator, who confirmed that Aside from having extra days to enjoy the village the fully operational ticket is indeed the Largest grounds, visitors can make even more memories Admission Ticket in the world, as limited edition of experiencing the spirit of Ramadan during the silver-plated tickets went on sale. Ripley’s Believe first two weeks of the Holy Month, while they also It Or Not! will display the ticket as its museum enjoy shopping for unique Ramadan goodies from attraction until the end of the season. around the world. Moreover, Global Village 2021 scooped yet anDuring Ramadan, operating hours will change other Guinness World Records title for the most from the usual timings. The park will remain open LED lights on a car to the world’s largest ‘Pin from 6 pm to 2 am daily to accommodate guests Badge Word.’ during Iftar and Suhoor timings. So make the most International Happiness Day was celebrated of this marvel of an event while it’s still here. J

Shaun Cornell, Entertainment Director at Global Village

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Innate Intelligence Coach

Elizabeth Percy

PRO TALK

Innate Intelligence

THE OTHER IQ

Every so often, we hear the term Innate Intelligence. What is this all about, and do we all have it? Is there a way to make use of it to our best advantage? What happens when we get aligned with it? Read on to get your answers...

nnate refers to something that is inherent and native to us. It is a characteristic we are born with; it exists within us as a natural quality as opposed to learning through experience or studied knowledge. The inborn intelligence that we all have within us from the moment we come into existence until we die is what we know as ‘innate intelligence’. Some even call it the inner or higher self or higher wisdom. The good news is that we all have it within us. Yes, each one of us! It is continuously working to keep us on sound footing in both our external and internal environments. It’s always striving to keep us in a state of stability, balance, and in optimal health. It is this intelligence within us

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that clocks all of its activities silently, without us telling it what to do. It is our body’s super wisdom that is in favor of life, growth, and wellbeing in all aspects. If it manages all of this without our involvement in any way, it is good to ponder on how much better it could be if we were to cooperate with our Innate Intelligence consciously.

Joining hands with this higher wisdom How does one cooperate with our inner wisdom is the next obvious question? One way is by being mindful of our emotional well-being. Our emotional state can disturb the well-being of our mind, and if our mind is not well, then we are not well, our life is not well, our

finances are not well, our living does not have the needed spark, and somehow it does not match up with our higher self. Another way of connecting with this inborn wisdom that we are gifted with is by simply talking to the self. Many call it ‘me time’ or ‘being reflective’. Let’s take it one step further; let’s ask our innate intelligence the questions which we seek to ask each day for our purpose in life - What is the best path for our business? Where do we go next from here? Where is the excitement missing in life? Where is the gap that causes us to feel a disconnect with our own selves? The more we ask these questions to our inner self, the better the chance of our higher wisdom answering us; to guide us on the right path through either visual thought, as an inner voice, or allowing our search to be answered through people and open doors for us to help us answer our most burning questions.

A progressive learning path Being conscious of our innate intelligence is a progressive learning path. Once you have your answers, the next step could be a quiet and reflective time with daring questions such as: Is it for me or is it not for me and then reflecting objectively on the answers received. Reflecting objectively is being aware that we are not influenced by our arrogance or our compromising attitudes as both these attributes are instrumental in self-sabotage. Though innate intelligence is inbuilt, there is a great possibility that our external factors such as adverse environments, negative voices, unfavorable upbringing would have quietened such consciousness due to our disbelief in it, or us being influenced by the environment to such an extent that we have shut down our receptive self. To regain back such consciousness is absolutely essential and certainly possible. The journey of reconnecting with our innate intelligence empowers us as we discover the many talents we have which are intrinsic but which we have not yet explored as we are busy living the life others desire us to live.

Getting aware and aligned Every human being is blessed with innate intelligence. Acknowledging it and learning the process of manifesting one’s true self is a practice by itself. We are destined and blessed with living our purpose in this life, bringing beauty and well-being to our own lives and the lives of others. Since external factors weigh heavily on us, we sometimes get lost and lose aware-

Innate Intelligence is our body’s super wisdom that is in favor of life, growth, and well-being in all aspects

ness of the depths of hope, wellbeing, and this higher wisdom that we carry within us. Scientists and inventors create their life and add value to their life with the spark of intelligence they carry. They get aware of it, groom it, polish it and make it their focus before manifestation happens, or it becomes their reality. They believe in themselves, and together with their belief system, they make their discoveries their joy and inspiration to the world around them. They discover themselves and their innate power, and so can we! We need to be aware of four key factors before we get to sparkle our life with the wisdom of our innate intelligence – ‘I am enough’, ‘I am governed by abundance’, ‘I exude abundance’, and ‘I create my reality’. To truly imbibe this awareness that our innate intelligence can create begins with re-examining our belief system, which is usually influenced by external factors. It is through the process of this awareness that we get focused, goal-driven, result-oriented, and in alignment with that which our inner self knows as best for us. Once aligned, this natural state of being takes over, freeing one from obstructions and activating the self-regulating capabilities that guide the individual towards a reality where we see our desires manifesting right before our very own eyes. J SHE CAN BE REACHED AT elizabethpercy@smartinspirationuae.com 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

Bringing in

THE CHANGE

Transformation Program Expert

Adil Hosgor

PRO TALK

This checklist offers an easy walkthrough for bringing about transformational change in an organization

ith 20 years of delivering change programs in one shape or another - from Digital Transformations to People, Processes, and Operations for Multi-National Corporations and smaller expanding firms; some of my best learnings came from my most challenging deliveries. Because I had a great mentor very early on in my career, I was told, “Always capture your lessons learned,” and so I did! There are many frameworks on delivering Transformation Programs, and within each phase of the lifecycle, there are many more. No matter the size, domain, complexity, or time frame, this helicopter view of the subject will help you structure, prepare, execute and learn from any change program you undertake. The following will let you get the basics right, and then you can add the frills.

3) Choose the right Framework

This is a term I borrowed from the culinary world. It simply means the preparation of all your ingredients and dishes before cooking and serving. In the Transformation world, this is a very relevant and essential step. How you prepare, and the level of detail you gather will make or break your program. Cooking the meal is the easy part, once you are well prepared.

The Framework(s) you choose is key as the next Critical Success Factor. The Framework is the roadmap for success or failure. There are many structures, academic thoughts, and planning tools out there, so do not get hung up on choosing a fancy or shiny framework. You are there to plan and deliver; just ensure that whatever tools you have in your toolbox (experience, expertise, formal education, etc.) is fit for purpose, and you are not simply choosing an approach or formula because it is what you are comfortable with. Your framework has to be ‘Fit for Purpose’, not ‘Fit for You’.

2) How do you prepare?

4) Set up & Run your Workshops

Be obsessive about really understanding the

If you get your workshops right, you also get an

1) Mise En Place

What and the Why. Both are of equal importance as this will help you sell the benefits of successful delivery and highlight the costs of delays or non-delivery. Do not move on until you know the What and the Why inside out! Once you have all your requirements and understanding locked in, have them validated and signed off by your sponsor and senior stakeholders. It is as important for the C-Suite (executive-level managers within a company) to sign off the What and Why because the execs will be the ones working with you on a daily basis till delivery. Also, you will feel confident that you are at least starting off in the right direction.

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throughout the program’s lifecycle). These are just some of the considerations; you will have many more.

6) Meticulously create your Delivery Plan The Delivery Plan should be a clear and concise document that allows all the stakeholders to see and understand precisely what will happen, when, by whom, the resources required, the assumptions made. E.g., you will be given X number of days of subject matter expert’s time; any requests for testing or clarification on issues must be addressed in X working days and so on. Don’t forget to version control everything too! In your Mise En Place, also identify the specialist expertise you may need. Does the company have experts in ERP, CRM, or system development? Will you need to bring in outside resources? This must also be identified and signed off before you start cooking your meal.

7) Document control instant buy-in to the program from your stakeholders, as they will support in the creation of the delivery plan. Whether they be virtual or face to face, you have to hold them. You cannot be the expert in every sector and domain, so get the experts in a room, have a screen set up for those that cannot attend in person. These days, there are many tools available that do not cost the earth, from Teams to Zoom. In your kick-off workshop, make sure the sponsor and senior stakeholders attend, as this will give the program ‘gravitas’. It will highlight the importance of the Transformation. Have a clear and tight agenda to identify the risks and issues, doubt, concerns, revalidating the What and the Why, and the delivery timelines.

5) Workshop Considerations Agree on the delivery approach, will it be a big bang approach or phased. If phased, what will the order be and why. Identify the communication cycles during the phases or before the delivery. If there is no comms department, who will own the communication? How often will the steering group (the sponsor and senior stakeholders that make decisions on the way forward, delays or issues) meet? What working groups need to be set up? How often should they meet? (The working group feed the outcomes to the steering group and are the ones on the front line ensuring progress and delivery

In your kickoff workshop, make sure the sponsor and senior stakeholders attend, as this will give the program ‘gravitas’

Though it seems basic and obvious, so many people jump this step. During the lifecycle of any change program, there will be a lot of information and documents floating around; put in place your folders to store all your plans, risks, issues logs, feedback, and whatever control and governance documents you may produce. Having these will allow you to keep control of the program, and it will enable you to capture all the great lessons learned. You can later give this to the company if you are a consultant, as well as use it for your own continuous improvement.

8) Deliver Stick to the script, but be agile enough to adapt and amend plans without impacting the Transformation benefits. Protect your planned progress meetings and always have clear, open communication channels with all your stakeholders. Like in life, the better your relationships are, the more open and supportive your relationships will be. So be open, transparent, respectful of everyone, and build strong relationships. This, too, is a critical success factor. In conclusion, there is no ‘one size fits all’ in the delivery of any Transformation. However, the above points will go a long way towards not only managing an excellent delivery but will also ease the curve balls that come your way, because they will! J ADIL HOSGOR CAN BE REACHED AT adilhosgor@gmail.com 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

Plan life PRO TALK

Travel around the world Find my Passion I have lots of friends

Meditation Expert, Energy Healer & Executive Mindset Coach

Kim Shelar

I love my work

5 steps to create

YOUR DESIRED LIFE

Things don’t come in threes, they come on the back of fives. Here’s the simplest 5-step programme to get the universe to work for you.

ife is a journey with a lot of different paths. No matter which path you choose, it will present you with situations to learn and grow from. Some see these as opportunities, and some see them as hurdles best avoided altogether. In my opinion, life is not a roller-coaster journey, although it does throw us a couple of ups and downs and life lessons. Our life curve, in actuality, is meant to be a ‘Stairway to Heaven’. The issue is that this stairway ever so often seems to be a spiral one and sometimes a downward spiral, in most honesty. So how does one create a clear consistent stairway, where earth itself becomes your piece of blissful heaven.

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Step 1: Decide the environment and life you like We are so evident in the simple daily things we need, be it our dressing sense, the meals we plan, the house we live in, even something as basic as the bottled water we want to drink from. And yet we forget to choose the kind of life we desire!! Yes, I know, it’s not easy for many to even fathom that we can create our own lives, but that’s exactly where the Law of Attraction begins. With Belief. Like your everyday grocery list, make a list of everything you would desire in your living environment. This practice alone has proven to be a pow-

erful manifesting tool. Recently Global Star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, in her interview with Oprah, spoke about how she has made a list of the qualities she wanted in her life partner & placed that list in her purse & lo & behold, Nick Jonas ticked off all those qualities. When we define what we want and not who or how, the Universe works in wondrous ways to bring it to our reality. In NeuroScience, it is termed as RAS- Reticular Activating System. When we make a “choice” of what we desire to see, the brain filters out all other distractions & brings one’s attention to the desired goal. The same fundamental on which Vision Boards work.

Step 2: Create boundaries Look at the world around us; everything has a boundary, even the aerial space & water bodies. Now, look at your homes and your offices. We often draw out imaginary boundaries to our space in a cafeteria, around our workstations, and we even have our demarcated areas of rest and sleep. Yet we seldom remember to draw boundaries in our mental & emotional space. We often steer away from our goals due to mental and emotional stress that boundaries could have avoided had we set them. So, where does one start? By being aware of oneself - What matters, What triggers, and What’s non-negotiable, and then begin to draw the safety net around the self. A daily introspection is an effective practice in getting to know oneself. As Anna Taylor said, “Love yourself enough to set boundaries. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will & won’t accept.”

Step 3: Dream big, dream limitless.

pack random action versus radical action. Random action would constitute a busy day led by situations- e.g., getting up & responding to what life brings us. Radical action would constitute a day of responses to the world and specific actions directed to immediate goals, personal goals, and long-term goals, and yes, all within a day’s work as planned. Action is not to be confused with hustle. Radical action can also mean a dedicated day to ‘Me Time’. It’s the balance of being present in the moment and also a mind stretched into the future - one’s vision & feet firmly grounded in one’s lessons.

When we make a “choice” of what we desire to see, the brain filters out all other distractions & brings one’s attention to the desired goal

Step 5: Alignment Though the last, but clearly not the least, it’s the art of alignment at three layers - to one’s purpose, to one’s values & inner alignment. Start with knowing your life purpose and check if your actions align with it. Make a list of your values & use them as a filter for decisions and inner alignment. Know that if life flows and is without much struggle, it’s a sign from the Universe that everything is in alignment- it’s the Law of the Universe. The simplest way of achieving this is through daily mindfulness. Ask yourself what is really important, and then have the courage and wisdom to build your life around the answer. And while you can’t do anything about how long you will be here on earth, you certainly can make your little piece of heaven to make it worth the while. J KIM SHELAR CAN BE REACHED AT hello@kimshelar.com

Today all the aspirational leaders have dared to dream, whether it was the little boy dancing a self-taught ballet in the rain, or a single mother raising her children & setting up a business, or someone moving from a secure job to the unknown world of Entrepreneurship. Dreams perceived and put down as desires & goals, fuel and fire up our lives. So, cut out pictures that matter & resonate, listen to stories, and draw inspiration from those.

Step 4: Radical Action No dream was ever achieved without putting the plan into play. Action is the anchor to every dream, the seedling to every desire, and cannot by any chance be omitted. But it’s not any action that we are speaking of. Let’s un2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Mums Who Share This wonderful initiative run by a mum’s collective proves that food does more than just nourish the body

riven by the desire to give back to the community, Dubai-based Sobia Ansari and her group’s passion led them to cook for the laborers who toil away regardless, and feeding the underprivileged. Along the way, Sobia saw that the smiles of gratitude were perceptible-something that still keeps her going. Since their inception in 2008, she and her group (of 12 others) have fine-tuned several aspects of their operations- from preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals to increasing the quantity of beverages in the summer. What started as a simple gesture of distributing food around neighboring construction sites has grown into an ongoing initiative today. Sobia’s humility shines through as she states that they still have a long way to go.

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In it together Sobia always passionately felt that her purpose was to help people and kept figuring how to go about it. “Living here in Dubai, I always wondered how I could give back to the community. About 12-13 years ago, a few friends decided that we should collectively cook and distribute food to those less fortunate around us,” she narrates. Furthermore, she remarks that coming together as a group made all the difference. “A group of us Mums (named as Mums Who Share) started distributing food every Thursday. As the word spread, others came together as communities. The Pakistanis, the French, the British, the Indians; this made us grow immensely,” she asserts. Sobia shares that social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were instrumental in helping the

group with quicker and easier planning, coordination, and spreading the word around. “Whatsapp was where our weekly coordination happened amongst the core members, on the time to reach, who was bringing what, and so on.” Facebook helped in creating awareness. Our ‘Mums Who Share’ group has around 600 plus members, despite being a closed group. We have a lot of members who could not make it to the site for distribution, but we always made sure pictures of the distribution were put up so that it would make them feel as if they were part of the initiatives too,” she reveals.

From initially feeding just 20 people, the group now ends up every week providing a lunch meal to up to 500 laborers

Crescent School to help children who could not afford elementary education. “We were introduced to a lovely lady running the school and decided to join hands with her to participate in their ‘Joy of Eid’ Campaign,” Sobia shares. She and her group would arrange for sponsors who would take these children shopping at partnered shops during Ramadan for Eid clothes. She professes that the purpose of the campaign was to spread joy amongst the underprivileged kids. “It was an absolutely fantastic idea. We involved not only ourselves but also our children in this initiative. It was a learning curve for the children too, as they realized how blessed they are and how important it is to give back to the community and help those in need,” she vouches.

! Mums Who Share Group (construction site Al Barsha) $ Biryani, samosa and juices being distributed to workers by the group

For the greater good

The journey From initially feeding just 20 people, the group now ends up every week providing a lunch meal to up to 500 laborers. “Every Thursday we would be distributing biryani, juice, and fruits. We never set out to achieve anything as such. In fact, this initiative kept me humbled and grateful,” she smiles. For Sobia and her team, seeing the workers lined up waiting for them and the gratitude they showed was enough to keep them going. “When we go to the site, and there are 100s of workers standing in 40° heat waiting for us with smiles on their faces, excited about that one meal a week which we provide that feels divine to them. How much more inspiration can we get? That was our force behind it and has kept us going,” she remarks. A few years ago, the group joined hands with the Red

Sobia graciously claims that her group has been her biggest strength through this. “None of us can individually take credit for whatever we do. There are a few of us who have been the front liners, but it was the support and enthusiasm of the entire team that kept the initiative going,” she says. This strength has given her the confidence to cross borders and take a step further. She is now personally involved with a campaign for Hope Welfare Trust and its Covid 19 initiative for children and youth to raise funds for the children in Pakistan and Bangladesh, especially the remote areas where during this pandemic help never reached. Almost like a silent praying escaping her lips, she says, “We want to make sure that these children have food on their table, their education needs are met, medical kits are at their disposal. This is a campaign very close to my heart, and I hope that we can

When we go to the site, and there are 100s of workers standing in 40° heat waiting for us with smiles on their faces make my Covid 19 initiative for children a huge success.” Furthermore, Sobia hopes to resume the group’s food distribution locally, which had temporarily stopped, given the Covid restrictions and wishes to continue serving smiles, one meal at a time. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R

CELEB TALK TRAVELS HEALTH EXPLORE

HOBBIES

C O N F E S

CR E- ‫٭‬

RE S T &

ST & R

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OPRAH WINFREY

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RACHIT GUPTA CHRONICLES THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT INTERVIEWS WITH TALKSHOW LEGEND OPRAH WINFREY

S I O N S O F T H E R I C H A N D F A M O U S T he rich don’t have problems, they have eccentricities and whims. A lot of billionaires and millionaires will scoff at that statement, but there’s a fair amount of evidence out there that suggests that the upper echelons of society have problems that possibly belong in a Woody Allen film. Unless you live under a posh rock accessorized by Shrimps (not the sea-dwelling crustaceans, a London-based luxury fashion label), you know by now that a certain ‘ex-Royal’ couple had a massive tryst with ‘Oprahfication’ (for the uninitiated, that is indeed a valid term for public confessions floating around in entertainment and high-society circles). And Harry-Meghan’s call to slumming in Vancouver is not the first time that Oprah Winfrey has had headline-worthy confab. Over the years, a little more than three decades to be precise, the planet’s most famous interviewer, Oprah, has had many

memorable/ bizarre/ surreal/ noteworthy/ cringe-worthy interviews with the crème de la crème of society. Inspired by the Royals’ call to action, here’s a throwback to all the scintillating conversations that have taken place on the legendary Winfrey couch, tongue firmly in cheek.

Harry and Meghan’s crusade for justice Not to drive off a cliff, but Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle’s interview did talk about them moving from Vancouver, Canada, to an estate owned by good friend Tyler Perry in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. From there on, the ex-Royals have bought an 18000 sq ft mansion in Montecito, California, for an estimated $14+ million. A lot of middle-class people would give an arm and leg for such brazen discomforts. But, the truth is, Meghan and Harry’s interview did touch upon some really important subjects like racism, mental 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R / celeb talk heavens thundered, the seas parted, and with divine magnificence, Trump turned soothsayer. Speaking about a possible tryst with future presidential campaigns, he quipped, ‘I think I’d win. I’ll tell you what: I wouldn’t go in to lose.’ Hallelujah! We were warned.

Lance through the heart of grace health, marginalization, and entrapment, etc. And for that, the Oprah interview must be commended. Then again, this was excommunicated royals talking about discrimination meted out to them by wealthy Britons in conversation with a celebrity whose net worth is $2.6 billion. Pass the cake, please!

Sarah Ferguson’s slap on the royal wrist While we’re fresh on the subject of Royals, a hark back to Sarah Ferguson’s intimate confessions with Oprah become a must. She was then married to the Duke of York, and that made her the Duchess. Like her compadre, Princess Diana, Sarah aka Fergie found a compelling urge to break free of the Buckingham system. When she did sit down with Oprah, the Duchess opened up about the Royal life being a pain in the arse. Specifically, the palace not allowing light bulbs beyond 30-watt luminescence. Strange are the ways of the elite. While Sarah’s wasn’t as sensational an interview as the recent one, her belligerence was equated to the ‘silenced’ words and liberations of Diana.

Trump maketh the president Up until 2017, Donald Trump’s 1988 interview with Oprah was just another Donald Trump interview. It was full of pomp, show, and capitalist yarn. He kept harping about getting more profit for the US and making it richer with more money. But then, the

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Talking about rich, cocky men, there was once an athlete so revered that children, boys, men, girls, women, grandmothers, and even non-sentient species were inspired by his grit, gumption, and perseverance. He was Lance Armstrong, and the Tour De France was his oyster. But such is the rule of nature; all good things must come to a disgraceful end. And so, the founder of the soul-stirring Livestrong brand was found to be a doper and a cheat. That’s exactly why Armstrong came to Oprah’s couch to set the record straight. Only he screwed it up when he made misogynist comments about his co-cyclist’s wife, and Oprah almost threw up at his fat wife jokes. Humour died a slow death that day.

King of pop’s virginity It took 14 years and the clout of Oprah Winfrey to throw open the doors of Neverland and get a one-on-one with the phenom, Michael Jackson. In what is widely considered the most-watched interview of all time, Oprah quizzed Michael on every controversial aspect of his life, and the King tried his best to clear every misconception. Not just that, one of the highlights of the interview was Oprah asking MJ if he was a virgin? The 35-year-old undisputed king of music, the most famous man alive on the planet, answered blushingly that he was ‘a gentleman’ and ‘old-fashioned’ and that such a query was ‘embarrassing’ and that such info was ‘private’. Goodness gracious!

The day Cruise control broke Tom Cruise is always in control. Whether he’s on a film set or

a red carpet or shopping at Sotheby’s, he’s always in control. Unless he’s on Oprah’s couch in 2005. Then, on that fateful day of celestial chaos, he’s an energizer bunny, hopping on sofas, landing in Oprah’s lap, jostling with his then-girlfriend Katie Holmes, professing his love like his pheromones got mixed with adrenaline and got infused into a cocktail of red bull and acid. Some believe it was the most choreographed interview that Oprah’s ever done. But not us. No sir. We firmly believe Cruise lost his control that day.

Rihanna’s rabbit hole Long before Rihanna took up the fight for Indian farmers and schooled a few errant kids on social media, she used to kick up quite a lot of hornet’s nests in her public appearances. Most of her rage was a result of her bad episode with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. So, when Oprah and Rihanna sat down to talk in 2012, the singer took a deep dive into her intimate emotions and let out a soft and vulnerable side, unlike her feisty and fiery persona. The way Rihanna spoke about sorting her relationships and her head out, made this interview ever so special.

The wife called Whitney Here comes the foot in the mouth moment. Rich and successful people can sometimes have real-world problems. Back in the 90s, Whitney Houston was the big sensation on the American music scene. But as her star ascended to giddying heights, her relationship with the love of her life and husband Bobby Brown began to sink to abysmal lows. That was the subject of Oprah’s 2009 interview with Houston, where the singer laid out the bare truth of her abusive and shackling relationship. It was a gentle reminder that all the fame in the world would also bring all the vulnerability and insecurity along to the party. Crash and burn!

When the artist got conned After three decades of rubbing shoulder with the brightest and most influential people in the world, you’d think Oprah’s judgment and sensibility would be pretty watertight. Well, no one gave that memo to author James Frey. In one of her show segments, Oprah recommended a book called A Million Little Pieces, which helped James Frey’s book become an international bestseller. But, as caveats go, the whole thing came back to bite Oprah in the unmentionable anatomy. Frey turned out to be a fake, and his memoir turned out to be a tall tale. Understandably, Oprah got him on the show and took him to the cleaners. It made for some pretty good entertainment, though.

Sex, tape, lies, truth, discovery When Kim Kardashian had a sit down with Oprah back in 2012, the one subject that both women didn’t shy away from was the sex tape that made the Kardashians all so famous. Kim was at her reflective and articulate best as she acknowledged that it was a mistake, one that both gave her and took away from her in equal measure. Not just that, she spoke candidly about her marriages and the fact that one of them, to NBA star Kris Humphries, was almost like a publicity stunt. Of course, this was all way before Kanye West came into the picture, and then, as is the way of the Kardashians, it all just went South, all over again. History can be such a repetitive sadist.

Iron Mike’s mellow moments They say men don’t cry. But they do. The day of judgment can make even the most hardcore men go weak in their knees. Mike Tyson, possibly the most famous boxer after Muhammad Ali, broke down on many occasions while talking to Oprah. His most sensitive moments came from

losing his loved ones, his mentor, and his young daughter. Watching the tough-as-nails, smack-talking, hardcore athlete in such a vulnerable and weak avatar was definitely compelling. Talk about a knockout!

Time and taboo And we make a swift return to the bizarre and surreal world of fame and madness. American actress and singer Mackenzie Phillips pulled the rug from under many feet when she revealed that she had a decade-long incestuous relationship. One of her big confessions came in her interview with Oprah, where she also revealed that a lot of people knew about her relationship, but she didn’t feel right to bring them into the line of fire. All said and done, that was some heavy-duty revelations, the kind that can torment the mind for a lifetime.

Ellen’s bombshell Way, way long ago, before Ellen DeGeneres became the most popular face on American talk show TV, she had a historic interview with Oprah. In 1997, when Ellen was the star of her eponymous show, she shocked her fans and the world when she came out as a homosexual on Oprah’s show. A visibly surprised Oprah had asked, ‘Why did you think it was necessary for you to come out?’ to which Ellen replied with her characteristic candour, ‘Because it’s ok.’ The rest is history, and the LGBTQ+ community will endorse that for sure.

that he had a homosexual affair, as well. Oprah did a stupendous job at covering Matos’ personal upheaval in such a sordid situation, but what many question is the fact that there was no talk about the alleged political and financial storm behind the resignation of her husband. As they say, you don’t go looking for the truth that you don’t want to hear.

Hall of fame 1. In a 2003 segment on her show, Oprah nudged Barbara Streisand about the actress having a black mike painted white. Read between the lines, please! 2. In a 2006 interview with rapper 50 Cent, the conversation veered into sublime territory when Oprah asked the musician about him naming his dog ‘Oprah’. 3. In 1988, Elizabeth Taylor gave a young Oprah the proverbial cold shoulder when the talk show host tried a little too hard to goad her about relationship questions. The highlight was Taylor snapping, ‘None of your business!’. J

Skimming the scandal In one of Oprah’s most talked-about interviews, she had a sit down with Dina Matos, ex-wife of New Jersey’s ex-governor Jim McGreevey. Her husband had resigned from his post and during the press conference, revealed to the world and his wife that he was gay and 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R / health

Seed fund your health A look at why this tiny superfood is taking the nutrition world by storm

Dt. Geetika Uppal Gold-medalist in Nutritional Science and the founder of ‘Foodmatters by Dt.Geetika Uppal’

hia has long been touted as a superfood and it isn’t surprising that the world over many people are obsessed with these seeds. Chock full of health and very versatile, they can be made into puddings, blended into smoothies, and even baked into bread. Chia seeds are edible seeds of the chia plant (Salvia Hispanic), a flowering plant of the mint family native to central and southern Mexico. They are oval and gray with black and white spots, with a diameter of only 2 mm. Chia in ancient Mayan means ‘strength’. These seeds are hydrophilic, which means when soaked, they can absorb liquid 12 times their weight and develop a coating that gives them

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a gel-like texture. With little, if any distinctive flavor, they don’t compete with other flavors in a dish, making it a very versatile ingredient to use.

Nutritional facts » Calories per ounce (28 grams) - 138 calories » By weight they contain, » Water - 6%, » Carbohydrate - 42% (12 grams), out of

which 82 % is fiber (9.8 grams) » Fats - 31% (8.7 grams) » Protein- 17% (4.8 grams) » Rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6

Consuming 1 ounce of chia seeds daily provides 18% of the daily calcium requirements, 27 %

phosphorus, 30% magnesium, and some amounts of potassium and copper too. Most people do not usually get these essential nutrients from their food, so regular consumption of chia seeds helps get these vital minerals into the system.

7. Full of antioxidants

Health benefits of chia seeds

8. High in proteins

1. Improves Omega-3 levels in the blood

Omega-3 helps decrease LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It also helps reduce atherosclerotic plaque and improves endothelial pressure. Omega-3 is very important for the body and brain and having chia seeds is the best option for vegetarians to increase omega-3 levels.

2. Improves blood sugar levels

With the ability to convert glucose into slow-releasing carbohydrates, chia seeds reduce insulin resistance and help control blood sugar, which reduces the risk of diabetes.

3. Lowers blood pressure and reduces LDL or bad cholesterol

the seeds are good for controlling elevated blood pressure levels. They have also been found to be effective in decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels. Hence, its consumption is good for heart health.

4. Improves gut health

the seeds are high in fiber, making them gut-friendly, improving digestion, and helping relieve constipation. The fiber is mainly soluble fiber and mucilage (the substance responsible for the gluey texture) that bulks up stool, feeds friendly bacteria in the gut and helps slow digestion promoting a feeling of fullness.

5. Treats diverticulosis

Diverticulosis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in the digestive tract restricting bowel movement. The seeds being high in fiber with water-absorbing properties, make bowel movements easier and help lessen the pressure on the colon.

6. Gluten and Sugar-free

it is a safe option and can be easily used for people suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Also, perfect for individuals mindful of sugar intake.

the antioxidants in the seed help protect the delicate fats from going rancid. Besides, the antioxidants also scavenge free radicals from body cells and reduce damage caused by oxidation.

Chia seeds are the highest in quality protein among all plant-based foods. As we know, Protein functions as ‘building blocks’ for cells and helps them grow and repair themselves.

Chia seeds and weight loss Chia seeds have become very popular with dietitians and are extensively recommended in weight-loss diets. Low in calories, high in fiber, its water-holding capacity makes a person feel fuller for a considerably longer time. The seeds contain around 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon and high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, which is advantageous for weight loss. The seeds are consumed after soaking in liquid which forms a gel-like coating around them. This causes it to digest slowly in the body, preventing hunger pangs for an extended period. Feeling full for a long time reduces excess intake of food and thus results in a decrease in calorie intake. When combined with a healthy lifestyle and eating habits, it is an effective way of aiding weight-loss.

Side Effects of Chia seeds Chia seeds generally do not have any significant adverse effects, but if consumed in large quantities, they may have blood-thinning effects as they contain a compound called phytic acid (present in all seeds) that reduces mineral absorption. Hence the recommended daily limit is 1.5 – 2 tablespoons per day.

Recipe CHIA BREAKFAST POWER BOWL --- Ingredients --Low fat Greek yogurt

2 cups

Any low-fat milk or unsweetened milk

1.5 cups

Chia seeds

¼ cup

Vanilla essence

2 tbsp

Honey or stevia

2 tbsp

Blueberries, pecan, some lemon or orange zest, chopped almonds

For toppings

--- Me t hod - - • In a large bowl, mix all ingredients (except the toppings). • Soak it overnight or at least 4 to 5 hours. • Top with all the toppings and serve cold. • One serving (1/6th) contains only 104 calories, is high on fiber, and a perfect breakfast option. • The other benefit of chia seeds is they have no specific distinctive flavor of their own so they don’t compete with other flavors in a dish, making it an extremely versatile ingredient to add to recipes.

How to use Chia seeds? 1. Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie 2. Sprinkle onto salads 3. Cook with chia flour 4. Soak in water (1:16 ratio), add lemon or any other flavor for a refreshing drink 5. Add chia seeds to trail mix (a combination of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, granola, and sometimes even chocolate) 6. M ake a chia seed pudding by soaking overnight in milk or yogurt. J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R / hobbies

n u Fny Side up

an having h t r e t t e b thing is in There’s no e real fun h t t u b , h g ar a good lau Qiraat Att . h g u la le op our making pe channel y n a c u o y e ow ble in som b explores h a d d n a edian inner com stand-up g n i y f s i t a soul-s

here’s pottery for some and gardening for others, but if your weapons are word, wit, and wicked humor, do we have the hobby for you! Stand-up comedy, the vintage wine of performance arts, reinvented as one of the coolest, most millennial-adored talents ever, is a low-investment but high-thrill hobby, challenging and satisfying in equal measures. Unlike conventional hobbies, a knack for stand-up comedy might be tricky to identify. It involves the unnerving aspect of performance, pitting us against our ingrained fear of public speaking. Or it may not be an inborn talent but born out of a cultivated interest. What’s more, stage fright and fear of criticism might keep us shackled as an audience instead of soaring as a performer, but read on to explore how you can morph from an

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everyday Joe into a relatable entertainer, living akin to us and yet with a unique take on life’s experiences. Our mediascape is rife with artists who dabbled in comedy as a hobby before going full-time. ‘The Guardian’ carried a story in 2017 where comics such as Gina Yashere and Ellie Taylor fondly relive their former strait-laced professions when they employed comedy as a means to blow off steam after work. Closer home, Shankar Chugani was enamored with stand-up comedy videos at 20 and challenged himself to tell jokes on stage, shunning nerves and poker faces from the audience. For two years, standup remained a hobby until he found his rhythm. Several other comics such as Ricky Gervais and Jim Gaffigan, are quintessential late bloomers, long harboring a flair for comedy while working regular jobs.

Observational Comedy Whether it’s milk that boils over soon as you look away for a microsecond or your neighbor’s droll work talk on the phone, observational comics live in the details, finding quirks in stuff others pass over. If your jokes make people say, “I never saw it that way!” this might be your niche. And let’s face it, it’s not too shabby to be blessed with the same style as Ellen DeGeneres and Kanan Gill, who are long-standing crowd favorites.

Aggressive humor (or ‘Roasts’) Are your favorite friends the kind that can take a disparaging joke? Do you ROFL at having your flaws pointed out and are not hesitant to give back as good as you get? Take a cue from Lisa Minelli and Tanmay Bhat if your material is unforgiving and needs more than just a pinch of salt.

Anecdotal comedy Can you make the most humdrum story sound like a day in the life of ‘Phineas and Ferb’? Do you not tire of regaling the same incident 50 times to different people with tweaks and impressions, chock-full of funny details as though narrating it for the first time? This puts you in the class of Zakir Khan and John Mulaney, whose knack at telling their real-life stories makes them irresistibly engaging.

Black comedy If you jumped on the ‘Dead Baby’ jokes bandwagon and have been described as being uncomfortably dark more than once, you have a cursed gift of telling jokes people feel bad laughing at. No topic is off-topic, and your observations will make people squirm, then grimace, then think.

Don’t think you’re an outcast though; with Sacha Baron Cohen and Phoebe Waller-Bridge doling out dark humor, you’re in wicked good company.

Satire If your instinct is to criticize the powers that be so cleverly that they wouldn’t even understand it, satire is your cup of tea. The world often looks glasshalf-empty to you, but satire gives one something to laugh about even in the bleakest of scenarios. With comics such as George Carlin and Vir Das, you can take inspiration from the snarkiest and the funniest and how to make light of our rapidly devolving society. Fancy yourself a maverick? No one can stop you from inventing a brandnew genre!

Mike check To try your hand at painting you’d need brushes, and if you wanted to cook, you’d better sharpen your knives; hence every hobby needs prep. Stand-up is both easier and trickier; all you need is a pen, paper, and truckloads of confidence. Mustering the last one is easier said than done, for public speaking makes mice of all humans. To get over this hurdle, make a game of it. Have your friends over for a comedy night or a friendly roast. This will take the pressure off for you because you are not experimenting with strangers, plus inside jokes always work with a familiar crowd. What’s more - at the end, everyone can provide a little feedback, and you can incorporate that for your next act. Remember, every artist isn’t Van Gogh, every singer isn’t Sinatra, and they don’t have to be. The word ‘amateur’ comes from the Latin root ‘amare’, which is to do things for the love of them, rather than achieving significant ability. In the same vein, stand-up can help you cultivate an original voice and tell stories engagingly. It can inspire you to be confident before a crowd or more accepting of your own flaws. No matter if people laugh or not, it’s an indulgence to take a much-needed break from the eternal hustle, not to gain epic mastery at, so do not take any criticism to heart. At the end of the day, it’s just a joke. J

Stand-up can help you cultivate an original voice and tell stories engagingly. It can inspire you to be confident before a crowd or more accepting of your own flaws.

At the crux of comedy is figuring out what your groove is. Humor that makes one person yawn can keep others guffawing non-stop, and you might be a total dud at one genre while being a natural at the other. This step is deceptively important - to find your innate comic style. To get started, here are the most ubiquitous genres of comedy:

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R&R / st yle

LIFE IN COLOUR SPIN THE COLOR WHEEL, LETTING AYAAT ATTAR HELP YOU CATALOG WAYS YOU CAN PLAY AROUND WITH THE CONCEPT OF COLOUR-BLOCKING TO CREATE AN EYE-CATCHING LOOK!

MONOCHROME COLOR BLOCKING Pair pieces of the same color for a unified look. Play around with fabrics, textures, pigment saturation, and intensity to break the monotony.

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From red carpet events to street style and from fashion pages to clothing stores, Color Blocking is a style trend that has taken the world of clothing and apparel by storm! Simplifying the trend to its basic element, color blocking includes curating a bold stylestatement by pairing two or more different colors and hues ingeniously to create an eye-catching look. The beauty of the formula lies in the wide spectrum it offers its wearer in expressing individuality. While one can create a more modest color pair by bringing together two hues of the same color family, a wilder side of the self could be unleashed by picking two or more eye-popping hues. Fashion influencers across the globe that have been the front runners in conversations of body positivity have usually advocated color blocking as a trend that lets individuals be comfortable in their choices and express themselves more openly, for sometimes, colors speak louder than words! Here’s presenting categorized ideas that help you pick the right hues while making sure you neither play it too safe nor come across as outlandish. Hop along as we go round the color wheel and bring you a harmonious union.

COMPLEMENTARY COLOR BLOCKING

ANALOGOUS COLOR BLOCKING Choose colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel and have them merge into each other in the fabric you don for a sunrise-sunset effect.

Dare to get together two warring tones that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. To sidestep the classic faux pas of coming across as out-of-place and overbearing, team a dominant color like red with a submissive color like white. You could also avoid overly saturated colors and focus on shades that are easier on the eye. Throwing in a neutral color like black or grey for a look that involves complementary color blocking is always a good idea. You could,

for that matter, break the rules by going for one color adjacent to the true opposite and rake in the compliments for your outfit as they come!

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R&R / st yle

TRIADIC COLOR BLOCKING Picking three colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel, the redblue-yellow combination, for instance, will up your style game instantly, placing you way ahead of everyone else in terms of edge. Watch out for you might not want to go for this look if you are looking for a low-key look!

HETEROGENOUS COLOR BLOCKING Turn up the heat by pairing two analogous colors with one neutral tone. While orange and yellow go great with warmer tones like red, the Blue-purple-pink combination is an absolute winner for joyous occasions like a Sunday brunch!

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While the above are the usual ways of using color blocking in dressing, below are four offbeat attires that unleash your covert crazy and let you experiment with Colour-Blocking like never before while looking your stylish best!

COLOUR BLOCKING WITHIN THE SHIRT/PANT Blocks of colors on one piece of fabric almost instantly gives you a signature vibe that could prove to be contagious and set the trend for your folks to follow.

COLOUR BLOCKING USING ACCESSORIES With a matched shirt-pant combo, bring in a guest star in the form of an added accessory. Go play with hats and furs for a more playful get-up or opt for a stellar red handbag with boots for an elevated glamourous look.

COLOUR BLOCKING TO COMPLEMENT YOUR PARTNER’S OUTFIT The ‘Turner’ to your ‘Hooch’, the ‘Tom’ to your ‘Jerry’, or the ‘Jack’ to your ‘Rose’, for that matter; all of us have a go-to person that gets us like no one else and brings our craziest plans to fruition. Honor the equation by heading to your next adventure together, coordinating outfits in complementary colors that are as compatible as you are with your partner’s personality!

COLOUR BLOCKING ACCORDING TO THE VIBE OF THE VENUE Treat the self to a wellplanned ‘me’ day and strike a conversation with the activity you’ve picked by color blocking your attire with the decor of the venue you’re headed to.

Last but not least, wear the color-block trend with unabashed self-confidence and do not be afraid to flaunt your inner style, imagination, and mood. Always experiment and you’ll discover a new you in every new color! J 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

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R&R / life’s lit tle lessons

Saying hello to Goodbye

remember the first time I said goodbye to Dubai. I had been in the country for three months and had to go back home and wait for my work permit, which was an iffy thing three decades ago. I remember standing in the office that had promised to employ me and looking out the window, at the line of cranes that dotted the skyline, the towering buildings shimmering in the afternoon heat and thinking, “Wow, will I ever see this again?” Dubai was my first taste of real freedom. Of being away from the shackles of my former life, a violent marriage, and the cultural chains that bound me. In my mid-twenties, I suddenly found myself answerable to no one other than a particularly annoying boss, and it was delicious. I took abra rides, wandered around huge malls longingly, ate an obscene amount of biscuit ice-creams, and met a hundred different nationalities who amazed me, frustrated me, and made me laugh and cry in swift succession every day. It was all gloriously, fabulously unreal, addictive, and I never wanted to leave. But I had to. After two years of trying to find the right job, failing, and being paid a pittance for my work and skills, I had an offer from Bahrain, so I decided to take it. Saying goodbye to Dubai was hard…really hard. I was misty-eyed on the flight to Bahrain and I was absolutely certain life there would not match up to the glitz and anonymity that Dubai had offered. And it was my first experience of saying a goodbye that actually bothered me. As an army brat I was used to upping and leaving places, but this was a grown-up goodbye. And it was painful. But Bahrain was not bad. The job was rubbish, but I got to say hello to one of my long-standing besties there, who now lives in Dubai. Bahrain was a short stint of just a year, the job was rubbish, so I hightailed it back to India to explore other options, and both my bestie and I cried at the airport as we said goodbye to each other. Back in India, I took a bank loan, said goodbye to Asia, and took off to London to begin an MBA, a course I now fondly (and aptly) refer to as my Master’s in Bugger All. London was incredible. It still is. It is still the city that most feels like home. It is a place where old and new, crazy and sane, joy and heartache blend in the most potent way. It is a city with millions of people who care deeply about you and don’t care about you at all. It is the city I remarried in, and it was meant to be my forever home. The city taught me the hell and heaven that can be the entrepreneurial world, and I never wanted to leave. But, here I was three short years later, saying goodbye to my beloved London and the friends I had

made there. Then there I was, suddenly living in Jordan. Some job offers simply can’t be refused, and that was an eye-opener. To a world and friendships I would never have imagined possible - Running a magazine, meeting refugees and diplomats, royalty and students, and shopkeepers who welcomed my bargaining gene with open arms. I dined with a Bedouin chief and his wife in the desert under starlight, I listened to Khalil Gibran’s great, grand-nephew play the oud in my living room, I hung out with Palestinian refugees, and I found I didn’t miss London that much, after all. Today, twenty-five years after leaving India, I have lived in seven different countries and moved house 18 times. I have rescued dogs and made friends in the oddest of places and seen things I shall never unsee. I have met people who have changed my worldview profoundly and seen things that have made me realize how utterly small and pointless I am in the grand scheme of things. I have made friends, lost friends, made money, lost money, made magazines and books, and walked away from them. And I’ve realized that the only inevitability that doesn’t change is saying goodbye. Throughout our lives, whether or not we travel, the one thing we can count on is that we will be saying goodbye - a lot. To our childhood, some of our dreams, to lovers and friends, to jobs, places, relatives, pets… and it’s horribly painful a lot of the time. Human attachment to people and places is so very human. But here’s what I learned. When life sends you down Goodbye Creek, it inevitably stops you at the Hello Pier. And that’s actually the best thing about saying goodbye. You get to say hello to the new and unexpected. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, as I have been on a few occasions, you get to say hello to the people and places you once had to say goodbye to, and there’s just nothing better than that. So here I am writing for Aspire, saying hello to Dubai in such a special way after leaving it over two decades ago, and thinking I like goodbyes after all. J

When life sends you down Goodbye Creek, it inevitably stops you at the Hello Pier

Sangeetha Shinde Tee is an author of four books, editor of 3 international magazines, an acclaimed healer, and reluctant entrepreneur. She is also an unconventional traveler, rebellious truth seeker, and inveterate animal rescuer working on her fifth book, a collection of ghost stories from around the world. Find out more about her life, books, and work at www.sangeethashindetee.com 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R / road trip

JUST TRIPPING

Nothing quite like hitting the road. Qiraat Attar highlights how to make the most of one of the greatest privileges afforded to us by modern living

hen asked to recount a road trip, I find that I’ve forgotten all the details and am just left with the feeling. You know, wind in your hair, the blurred scenery going by like a Claude Lorrain painting while you sit in the cocooned cradle of your car. The muffled beat of your playlist with songs that you curated for the vast highway. The chatter of your friends laughing raucously at the shenanigans you got up to during the previous trip, poking fun at the friend who stops and takes a thousand selfies, how the coffee tastes better when it has drizzled, and you’re sitting on the hood of your car. If you know the feeling, then you know I’m talking about road trips. Being cramped in a moving vehicle for several hours might sound super unappealing, but the road is stunningly limitless. The destination is a braking full stop, while the

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journey holds an endless conversation. It is more fun when there is no destination at all. You get into your car, sometimes at the break of dawn, or when the sunset spills pink and orange across the sky, miles of asphalt under the wheels, milestones on your mind, worries in the rear-view mirror. One’s style of recreation says a lot about them; the idyllic love lake visits and the romantic seek out stargazing. The impulsive seek out road trips, riding on impulse, obsessed with the potential of the now over the tacit allure of the future. So, if you’re driven by passion and impulse, read on.

A Universal Experience Regardless of our background, road trips are a part of our carefree youth, when things were simpler - I still recall when my friends and I piled into a brand new Maruti driven by my friend, with her proudly earned driver’s license, driving to the windmills at the edge of town, simply because we could and that it was no longer out of reach just because the city bus didn’t go there. Years later, on a similar road trip, I felt like a child again sitting in the backseat while my parents and I bonded over

free from rigid schedules and timetables, is a potent act of self-care. Having established that, a long-drawn vacation is simply too much commitment for some workaholic souls amidst us, so a time-friendly road trip might be just what the doctor ordered. Even if you feel like you don’t have all the amenities, worry not; the term ‘road trip’ humbly ascribes itself to different excursions with the same equivalence. A couple in love on a Royal Enfield is a road trip, so is four friends heading to a hill-station in an old wagon, and so is a much-awaited family vacation with all your cousins. These tiny sparkling moments of being ferried in a car with your loved ones is an incomparable feeling. There is an undeniable economic component to vacations; not all of us had the luxury of holidaying abroad or had a farmhouse for weekend escapes. Despite our disparities, even inadequacies, a road trip remains a universal experience.

Celluloid Loves It Too

‘60s Hindi film music and stopped to try the ginger tea at roadside stalls every ten miles. The last year changed life for us as we knew it. No matter where we live or what we do, our lives have been impacted by the pandemic. Now for those fortunate enough to be working when humongous losses and unemployment reign, yearning for a vacation may seem too demanding, but burnout, stress, and depression have hit a peak due to the blurred boundaries between work and life. As humans, we thrive on balance, homeostasis, but we’re deprived of it today. In our bid to mimic work arrangements at home, we have planned and compartmentalized time to the minute. Even when relaxing, the phone rings constantly, emails pop up, and every notification demands your attention. Does chaining the clock mean you save time? Taking a breather to wind down once in a while,

Such is the appeal of a good road trip that movie flicks across the world cannot resist capturing it. And why should it be so? Cinema provides a complex, layered medium with stories weaved within stories, every element conveying inSuch is the appeal of a good terlaced emotions. Whether it’s friends traveling toroad trip that movie flicks gether in ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, across the world cannot a poignant tale of three resist capturing it boys who come of age, or the traveling comedy ‘Due Date’, about a man fighting a time-sensitive crisis and the eclectic LA-wannabe who gives him a lift to his destination. Why are they so popular? A road is an uncanny metaphor for life, the pitstops, the curves, the plan we lay out for life. Yet, it is characteristic of life to steer off-course. When the character on screen is lost in a foreign land, it is how we have all felt at some point or the other in our life too. When the character receives help from the unlikeliest of sources, we learn how we are woven into the fabric of humanity, disparate threads but cut from the same cloth. Much like life, a road 2 0 2 1 — A P R I L — ASPIRE

R&R / road trip is treacherous, unpredictable, full of highs and lows. Much like a road trip, you don’t just stop and go home when the going gets tough, but soldier through because to be human is to struggle against the odds and emerge stronger.

Top road trip destinations in UAE UAE is blessed with abundant travel destinations that can be easily covered by road trips, and taking adequate safety measures will ensure that Covid does not put a damper on your experience. Delve into the fabled port of Ras Al Khaimah with a casual drive-by of one of its many azure beaches, duck into the National Museum, or be dazzled by the topography, from rolling dunes to the staggering Hajar mountains. Or abandon dry land altogether and acquaint yourself with the seas instead, with diving and snorkeling at Fujairah. Al-Ain is draped with a gorgeous open road that snakes across the land like a dark ribbon vanishing into the sunlit dust, ideal for long-haul trips. Halt at the Al-Ain Wildlife Park to catch sights of the elusive Blue Necked Ostrich or the African Wolf. And there is no distance quite like the one you will experience at Liwa, fittingly named the ‘Empty Quarter’ for miles of towering dunes surrounding the desolate road, settling you into a contemplative solitude that is hard to find these days. And for all you Star Wars fanatics, ‘The Force Awakens’ was filmed there. You’re welcome.

Let’s hit the highway Surely all this has you all fired up to throw caution to the wind and slide behind the wheel of your car. Before you embark, here are a few tips for you: 1. If this is your first time, and especially if you’re packing in for a long trip, make sure your car is tip-top. People have had nightmarish experiences with a car broken down in the middle of nowhere, and you want to continue on your adventure, not hit a bump right off the bat. 2. If you’re traveling internationally, it never hurts to learn a few key phrases in the local language. You don’t want to gesticulate for half an hour that you need to find a bathroom! 3. As much as you can, pack non-perishables: We’re in unchartered times with Covid, and the

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As humans, we thrive on balance, homeostasis, but we’re deprived of it today

rules of travel, like everything else, have changed. Stopping at ramshackle inns to sample their goods or take a drink of water makes us think twice. Thus, pack your own food for the most part. 4. Don’t hesitate to take the road less traveled – Popular tourist hubs have a drawback; they’re mainstream. They’ve been overtly photographed and visited and may not hold much novelty. To truly channel your inner wanderer, take the side streets and the cobbled pathways, and you may discover something untarnished by the footfall of tourists. 5. Form a community – Goading people is a task, even if it is to have the time of their life. Such is the inertia of the daily grind that we even procrastinate on things we love to do. That, combined with hectic schedules and the pandemic might deter most from stepping out. There is an indelible, old-world charm to road trips. Life is magical because we keep moving, and though we have evolved, the wanderer in us is still driven by the same things – the dancing flames of a fire, the spangled carpet of stars over us, the stories we tell to pass the time. Getting on the road reconnects us to simple pleasures - wind blowing in our faces, chasing clouds, and fleeting friendships with the people on the road alongside us. The unlikeliest of camaraderie with locals at the places we visit. You could have a perfectly planned trip, or you could experience the bizarre –taking a horse nap in your car, becoming a self-taught expert at navigation, developing an intuitive sense of direction even in unfamiliar territory. More than anything else, you may lose yourself in unchartered lanes, but you will find yourself beyond the map. J

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