ASPIRE - An Entrepreneur and Lifestyle Magazine - Sept-Oct 2021

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SEP-OCT 2021 ISSUE 12 aspiredubai.ae — AED 30.00

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CHANGING THE FACE OF THE F&B INDUSTRY Hiral Jani and Deepanshu Choudhary THE TR AILBL A ZING DUO OF THE FIN ANCI AL M ARK E T

R AH AF R AEF KOBEIS SI

The Well-Being Warrior you must know THE NE W BILLBOARD

Drones are the future of advertising

RICH ARD BURSTROM

Hunt for the Global Unicorn STAR STRUCK

The World of celebrity entrepreneurship

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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www.aspiredubai.ae

Inside

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FOODLINK - THE SUCCESS FEED

From waiting tables to catering at the most talked-about social events, this man’s journey is one of unwavering self-belief and talent. Meet Sanjay Vazirani, the man behind Foodlink, a highly successful food and service enterprise

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Positive and interesting news from around the world!

The New Billboard of Advertising

The Doctor is in

Bulletin Bytes

Is the sky the newest advertising billboard? Here is what the future looks like as drones take to the skies

Times are changing as medicine is being digitized and medical care is being taken right into patient homes

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INSIDE 16

Opinion

The future of cryptocurrency and why we can’t function without money

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Events

Happenings for the month

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The Well-Being Warrior

Rahaf Raef Kobeissi’s personal grappling journey is now a source of inspiration and guidance to many

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The Trailblazing Duo

Hiral Jani and Deepanshu Choudhary share their trailblazing path from modest beginnings to building a financial empire in less than a year

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The Hunt for the Global Unicorn

Richard Burstrom reveals the idea behind the world’s biggest Global Startup competition at the Expo2020

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Star Struck

Peering into the exciting world of celebrity entrepreneurship and what it entails

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The Business Of Fair Trade

Investing in stock markets needs the right tools for a profitable portfolio. Here is an insight.

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Keep CALM and Carry On

A quick look at the CALM model as a handy tool to use in the workplace to help people manage stress

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The Selling Game Here are some basic guidelines that tell you how best you can sell your product or service

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The Manifesto for A Better World

Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, on the eminent role she plays as the Acting DirectorGeneral of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children in the UAE

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Where the Wind Blows

Are You Carrying Your Personality Right?

Belgian entrepreneur Karel Dobbels on his love for kitesurfing that has informed his travels and a look at Greece – the ancient cradle of civilization

If your work bag could speak, here is what it would tell the world about your persona

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Water Works

Aspire+

We bring you a range of know-how each month that will keep you effortlessly in the loop beyond business

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Mean Machine

Be Funky Cool

A look at the Audi RS3 2022 - a machine that spells status for a car

Sumeet Gupta CHIEF EDITOR

Shagufta Patel CONSULTING EDITOR

Sangeetha Shinde Tee HONORARY EDITOR

54 With detox drinks being the hydration rage, here’s how to to stay on top of your watering game

PUBLISHER

In a world of negative feedback, all it takes is this simple tool to make someone’s day a lot better

Rizwan Bhutta JUNIOR EDITORIAL MANAGER:

Qiraat Attar EDITORIAL

Ayaat Attar Misbaah Mansuri Bindu Gopal Rao EDITORIAL INTERN

Clarilda Sharon Sreeram Vishvanath Pallavi Biju PRODUCTION, MARKETING & SALES

The Purple Stroke M: +971 508 498820 « OUR CONTRIBUTOR »

Dt. Geetika Uppal Gold-medalist in Nutritional Science

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.

Email: hello@aspiredubai.ae 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Editor's note

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vividly remember the scene that greeted me when I first landed at the Dubai airport in May 2015. Giant banners and screens announcing Dubai to be the venue for the World Expo 2020.

The first country in the MENA region to be playing host since the first world expo held in London in 1851, UAE won the bid against many countries eyeing the 2020 Expo. Since its formation in 1971, the UAE has participated in all World Expos and most Specialised Expos, with some award-winning pavilions, and winning this bid was yet another historical moment indeed.

Dubai has left no stone unturned to welcome the world in true UAE style – a new Al Maktoum Airport, a bigger Jebel Ali port, the newly extended metro line Route 2020. Above all, the Expo site that was a piece of desert land until only five years ago. Today it is a structural marvel. It proves what HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai had said, “The UAE does not wait for the future; it shapes its own future.”

Connecting Minds, Creating the Future!

This is the theme of Expo

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Shaping One’s Own Future!

2020, and all our stories in this edition seem to have brought together people exhibiting a similar streak of creational energy they function from.

Sanjay Vazirani created Foodlink, his mega F&B conglomerate, to link culinary talent and create a future different from what he had been living so far.

The Financial duo Hiral Jani and Deepanshu Choudhary, Mindset Coach Rahaf Raef Kobeissi, Serial Entrepreneur and creator of Unicorn of Tomorrow Richard Burstrom, and Proprietary Trader and author Maitha Al Shamsi all have been creators of their own lives.

The future of advertising with the drones taking to the skies (Trending), the future of medicine with it now being digitized (Tech), and the future of celebrity entrepreneurship (Special Feature) are some informative

reads to go through, besides the Pro-talk, Travel, Health, Style, Aspire+, CSR, Auto features for the month.

With more than 25 million visitors expected at the Expo, despite all the ongoing travel restrictions, this place will be buzzing with a lot of activities in the coming six months. Anything is doable once you have set your mind to it. I have seen it in the six years I have been here and can imagine the many possibilities that lie ahead and am ready for the magical future to unfold. Are you? ✪

Bulletin

The World’s First Floating Office

Sets a Benchmark in Sustainable Infrastructure Award-winning architecture firm, Powerhouse Company, has set a new milestone in sustainable infrastructure with their latest creation, a floating office in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for the Global Center on Adaptation that is carbon-neutral and functions off-grid. The office sources energy from rooftop solar panels and uses recyclable timber. Developed by RED Company, the three-storey office is designed to be one of the most sustainable offices in the world and is already the largest floating office worldwide.

The project, located in Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven harbor, is also designed to

adapt to rising sea levels. Rotterdam, the second-largest Dutch city, is known for being an innovator in climate adaptability.

In 2019, Rotterdam was home to the first floating dairy farm in the world.

Known as the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR), the structure measures 3,606 sq. m (roughly 38,800 sq. ft) and consists of three floors topped by a large terrace area. Its green roof stores and absorbs rainwater, hence filtering it and decreasing stress on urban sewer systems, and the upper floors have overhanging balconies which help shade the interior.

A battery-powered 800 sq. m long solar

Developed by RED Company, the threestorey office is designed to be one of the most sustainable offices in the world

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Bulletin

Mena’s Largest Bio-Diesel Refinery to be Set Up at Jebel Ali

panel array provides electricity for the entire building. The framework is made from sustainably sourced European timber to reduce carbon footprint as well as to ensure that at the end of its life, the construction can easily be disassembled and reused. It rests on top of 15 concrete pontoons which create a solid floating base as they are anchored together. The floating office uses the harbor water as a heat sink to provide efficient heating and cooling and hence is entirely self-sufficient. FOR is both “fun and functional” as it also features public facilities such as a restaurant with a large outdoor terrace and a swimming pool.

“We have designed the building to be climate-resilient, so it will float if sea levels rise due to climate change,” says Powerhouse Company. “This office is both an illustration of the center’s mission and an example of how to build sustainable floating structures.”

Inaugurated on September 6, 2021, by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the office is the headquarters for the Global Center on Adaptation, chaired

by Ki-Moon. Additionally, it houses the ABN Amro bank, RED Company, and designer Powerhouse Company itself.

The structure is expected to remain in place for ten years, after which it may be moved to another location or may house other tenants.

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Mr. Shiva Vig, the founder-CEO of BioD Technologies FZE, announced the commissioning of MENA’s largest biodiesel refinery in the Jebel Ali free zone.

The commissioning was done as a part of ‘Operation 300 Billion. Make it in the UAE’.

The program, launched earlier this year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a 10-year comprehensive strategy aiming to empower and expand the industrial sector of the country with the goal of increasing the sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP to AED300 billion from the existing AED133 billion by 2031.

The biodiesel refinery will have a capacity of 30,000 Mt per annum. This is BioD’s second plant, the first operation being in Northern India in early 2019. Their directives and operations align with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which intends to focus on improved energy generation and consumption practices.

The refinery plant is based on the ‘waste to energy’ concept.

The raw materials (feedstock) used for the plant are non-human consumption residues such as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), Animal Tallow (slaughterhouse waste products), Palm Oil Mill Effluent Waste (POME), and Acid Oils like Grease Tap collection. BioD sources these raw materials as close to the plant as possible to reduce the carbon footprint caused in logistics.

The technology used is of 2nd generation bio-refining in which FAME Biodiesel, which is biodiesel derived from renewable sources, is produced based on waste and residues and not just Vegetable oils.

Certified by ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and audited by SGS to meet RED (Renewable Energy Directive) of the European Union, the quality standards employed by BioD Technologies ensure that the biodiesel produced meets the global carbon reduction requirements.

BioD sources the raw materials as close to the plant as possible to reduce the carbon footprint caused in logistics

New visa schemes introduced as part of UAE’s ‘Projects Of The 50’ Following the announcement of ‘Golden Visa’ in 2019, the United Arab Emirates has recently announced the ‘Green Visa’ scheme. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State of Foreign Trade, announced two new visa schemes on Sunday, September 5, 2021.

The country’s leadership announced these as a part of UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50’, a series of projects aimed at the economic development of the country.

The project consists of 50 new economic initiatives to boost the country’s economic competitiveness and attract $150 billion (AED 550 billion) in foreign direct investment within the next nine years.

The Green Visa is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled individuals, top students,

and graduates. The visa scheme expands self-residency status, i.e., employer sponsorship is no longer required for holders of Green Visa hence, separating residence permits from work permits. The UAE grants the visa holders the benefits of sponsoring their parents and children up to 25 years of age. Earlier, if a resident visa holder lost their job, they had only 30 days to leave the country, but with the introduction of the new visa, the person has 90 – 180 days to leave the country. Certain humanitarian relaxations have also been made to accommodate widows/widowers and divorcees, for example.

Along with the Golden Visa and Green Visa, ‘Freelancer’s Visa’ has also been announced for self-employed individuals and owners of independent businesses

The visa scheme expands selfresidency status, i.e.,employer sponsorship is no longer required for holders of Green Visa

based in the UAE and overseas in specialized fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital currencies.

About 90% of the UAE’s ten million-strong population consists of foreigners. The UAE announced that the two new visa schemes aim to make living and working in the UAE more flexible for these foreigners. Business leaders have also said that these recent reforms will ensure family stability among UAE residents, which will highly benefit the economy of the country in the long run.

UAE has also extended the Golden Visa’s eligibility to include managers, CEO, specialists in science, engineering, health, education, business, management, and technology and can be renewed every five or ten years. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Trending

As drones are taking centre stage from publicity stunts to crop surveillance, Clarida Sharon explores what the future of drones looks like

I

n a recent event that made the world drop its jaw in awe, a fleet of 1,824 drones lit up the Tokyo skies above the Olympic Stadium arrayed in the symbol of the 2020 Games.

It went on to draw the glittering shape of the Earth in the sky to mark the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This luminous spectacle was made possible with drones that hovered in the

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sky, bringing imagination to life and enthralling huge crowds. In the last few years, the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) market has taken some unexpected turns, equipping brand marketers in a spectacular fashion in their marketing outreach, adding a brand-new facet to advertising that has wowed customers.

Drones have always been a part of giving spectac-

ular aerial views. At its inception, UAS were used as sophisticated military technology and a tool for capturing footage of cityscapes, tourism spots, foliage, etc. But in recent days, business conglomerates have awoken to the power of drones for multiple commercial applications that are used to transform the ordinary – those that go beyond photography, videos, or basic surveillance. Farmers are using

drones to monitor crops and collect soil data, and insurance companies are sending drones to inspect damaged assets. And in the last couple of years, drone advertising has started booming, which has surprised the world with some stellar aerial shows!

The modern-day spectacle

In this overcrowded marketing space, where busi2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Trending

In recent days, business conglomerates have awoken to the power of drones for multiple commercial applications

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ness professionals are in constant search of unique ways to reach their audience, drone shows and aerial advertising are quickly becoming the tool of choice for companies that want to grab people’s attention. Hyundai-owned car brand Genesis marked its grand entrance into China using 3,281 drones to display its logo ‘Genesis’, while shattering the Guinness World Record for the Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles flown in the air at the same time. The Disney+ team treated the city of Paris to a 2021 New Year greeting created by a swarm of hundreds of Dronisos drones lighting up the Paris sky. Dronisos also created the promotion of the animated fantasy film ‘Over the Moon’ with a drone show by aligning a drone ballet with the full moon as the backdrop and the movie launch of ‘Men in Black’ at the Giffoni film festival in Italy.

From flying drone shows on big events such as the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl halftime show, Intel has been a pioneer in the field out of several emerging companies and has done the most to popularize the concept. “The technology was all purpose-built for lighting up the night sky in almost an infinite combination of movements and colors,” says Anil Nanduri, Vice President and General Manager of the Drone Group at Intel.

Apart from commercial uses and advertising, drone shows are also being used as a beacon of hope, a medium to honor our humanity and connectedness in these bleak times. Verge Aero delivered an aerial tribute at the University of Pennsylvania campus to show gratitude for healthcare and essential

From 3-D mapping to delivery bots, drones are being looked at as the future area of investment for big companies gin to take off and ascend into their programmed trajectories to reach their final positions.

Can drones be the next big leap?

workers by flying approximately 140 illuminated drones to form images on the current environment to share hope and love for better days ahead. “The show was planned to ensure maximum visibility for those inside the hospital and allow them to view the show while maintaining social distance,” says Verge Aero CEO Nils Thorjussen.

Synchronized perfect patterns

Almost any image can be recreated in the sky with the drones when a computer program communicates graphics converted flight commands to the drones. Ranging from the type of drone to their accurately calculated flight trajectories algorithm, there is so much that goes from planning to bon-voyage. Drones that are used for light shows are extremely lightweight – the lighter the drone, the easier it is to control and the less power it needs to stay airborne. To choreograph the movement of hundreds of drones takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Using custom-designed algorithms, flight planning teams create the perfect trajectories for each drone. The drone show is then simulated in 3D animation software where flight paths are monitored and conflicting paths that leads to collisions are altered– although with improving technology, like the Verge Aero Design Studio, anti-collision calculations are made automatically.

The batteries of all drones are charged hours before the actual show and each drone is loaded with the show blueprint. Once the ground station has checked the readiness of the drones, they be-

ACCORDING TO INVESTOPEDIA, THE MARKET FOR DRONES IS ESTIMATED TO BE

$127

BILLION ACROSS A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES

According to Investopedia, the market for drones is estimated to be $127 billion across a variety of industries. Consumers can purchase drones for less than $100 due to economies of scale. This points to a low-investment yet high-reward concept that will find humongous use in the world of business and advertising. The integration of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) could create more than 100,000 jobs for various commercial drone operations on a macroeconomic scale. Apart from aerial shows, drones are making a drastic shift in commercial uses. From 3-D mapping to delivery bots, drones are being looked at as the future area of investment for big companies.

But there is fear that drones will become the unblinking eye in the sky. As these aerial vehicles are built-in with a camera, the widespread use of drones has increased privacy concerns among citizens. Businesses are nervous about corporate and government data collection. Apart from logistical and privacy concerns, the greater number of aerial vehicles poses a higher risk to wildlife, such as birds. But on the brighter side, powered by batteries, drones are easily more environmentally friendly than automobiles. Drone shows are being widely considered as the sustainable alternative for the colorful explosions that send tons of particulate matter and smoke on New Year’s Eve. “I can see fireworks being replaced in the next few years, as several large organizations and universities have started to invest in this area, the cost of drones and software is becoming less expensive, and computer power and technology like 5G will certainly make it a more viable alternative,” says Global Drone Solutions CEO Mahmood Hussein.

As it goes without saying, there is a dark side to technology if used recklessly and against conscious thought, but it is undeniably a bright spot too, much like a drone. If used the right way with the right safety and precautions, drones are sure to revolutionize the commercial world for the better, and these images emblazoned across the horizon might change advertising as we know it. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Tech love

The Doctor is in

Changing times call for changed measures.

Sreeram Vishwanath explores the implications of digitising medicine and taking medical care right into patient homes

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has brought severe challenges to the healthcare sector, with the two having battled head-to-head since the crisis began. Amidst the many tales of grim that dominated the news, a much-needed transformation accelerated through the healthcare sector, laying stories of inspiration and a promising new foundation. From telehealth expansion, the deployment of temporary hospitals to remote consultations and even tele-rehab – remote-care technologies ably took the lead. We’re in tumultuous yet heartening times, where tragedy and desperation have sparked a healthcare revolution. Let’s dive in and understand the idea and reasons behind telehealth care and where this road can take us.

THE NEED

COVID-19 brought us to a nightmare of unimaginable proportions. The vulnerability of the healthcare fraternity was visible as hospital beds became scarce, and oxygen supplies were pinched to the extent that doctors were faced with unimaginable decisions – to choose between lives they must save or let die.

Such a scenario also meant that in-patient visits, a common part of life before the crisis, felt reckless, with people terrified of catching the virus. This created an unsustainable situation where people were prohibited from visiting clinics and hospitals, missing necessary care and facilities, exacerbating an already deteriorating healthcare situation. Additionally, the absolute thoroughfare of patients that medical teams

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JAMA NETWORK OPEN POINT OUT THAT THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC REDUCED INPERSON MEDICAL SERVICES BY

23%

IN MARCH 2020 AND

52% IN APRIL 2020

handle daily revealed cracks in the traditional approach. It was high time for a change.

Where essential human interaction could prove deadly, a digital option in the offing, suddenly thrust into the limelight. Consider this - studies published in JAMA Network Open point out that the onset of the pandemic reduced in-person medical services by 23% in March 2020 and 52% in April 2020. At the same time, telemedicine services saw a rise of an incredible 4000% (yes, you read that right). Telehealth utilization has stabilized at levels 38X higher than before the pandemic. Fast forward, the total venture capital investment into the digital health space in the first half of 2021 totaled $14.7 billion, which is more than all of the investment in 2020 ($14.6 billion) and nearly twice the investment in 2019 ($7.7 billion).

Aspire had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Sarla Kumari, Specialist Physician at Canadian Specialist Hospital, who believes that apart from improving the experience of discrete services within the healthcare system; harnessing the benefits of interoperability through digital medium opens up more opportunities to integrate

Telemedicine services saw a

4000%

rise of an incredible (yes, you read that right)

different parts of the system more effectively and give people more control over their own care. “Technology has brought about a massive and welcome change to the healthcare industry.

Patients now have access to some of the best diagnostic tools, new and cutting-edge treatments, and a myriad of minimally-invasive procedures resulting in less pain and quicker healing,” she said.

TELEMEDICINE, AND TELEHEALTH – AN OVERVIEW

These two terms may belong to each other in certain ways but are not the same. Let’s clarify it for you: Telehealth: Telehealth is an umbrella term that

encompasses the entire industry and technologies that enable healthcare in the 'tele' space.

This may include telemedicine, provider training, augmented reality surgery, virtual reality training, health education, etc. Simply put, telehealth forms the very top of the hierarchy.

“A telehealth technology may be a telephone, it may be a video conference capability, it could be an IVR system,” explains Julie Cherry, RN, MSN, CCO for Care Innovations.

Telemedicine: Telemedicine is one of the many forms of telehealth and is referred to as 'practicing medicine at a distance'. Detailing the role that healthcare specialists play in examining and treating patients, a few examples of this include provider training, administrative meetings, and continuing medical education, in addition to clinical services.

Telemedicine is delivered by the following central methods: Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) – A system of monitoring and transmission of vital signs, including but not limited to blood pressure, 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Tech love oxygen saturation, glucose levels, and heart rate. Be it blood pressure monitors, ECG devices, maternity care trackers, and other patient wearables akin to a smart watch - these non-invasive devices gather, transmit, process, and store patient data—so that clinicians could retrieve it anytime.

Interactive Patient Care (ICP) – patients and healthcare providers confer through telecommunication consultations, over the phone, or video.

Store and Forward – The ability to capture an image, video, and sound for better understanding and communication between healthcare providers and patients.

KEY BENEFITS OF TELEMEDICINE

Access to healthcare has always been a challenge. Telehealth can take medical treatment to any part of the world at reduced costs, both for patients and providers. In scenarios where patients living near well-established medical facilities may still have to endure wait times for admission; telemedicine helps them avail timely treatment in the comfort of their home, significantly reducing or eliminating travel expenses and fewer missed appointments or cancellations. Healthcare providers are also easily afforded access to the day-to-day update of a patient’s medical history and data.

“Through 2020 and beyond, the pandemic made it harder for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes to keep up with their medication and regular check-ups. This had the potential to cause an escalation of symptoms, leading to further medical issues. Telehealth played a vital role in delivering uninterrupted care to comorbidity patients, including diagnosis, treatment, home blood-monitoring, delivery of prescriptions, and most importantly, consultation when needed,” said Joe Hawayek, Head of vHealth Middle East & Africa at Aetna International, while speaking to Aspire.

Dismissing fears of inferior care, Dr. Joe further stated that telehealth doctors are highly qualified and specially trained in telemedicine.

These doctors provide the full range of primary care — they take patient histories, consider the physical and mental impact of varied af-

Patients now have access to some of the best diagnostic tools, new and cutting-edge treatments, and a myriad of minimallyinvasive procedures resulting in less pain and quicker healing Dr. Sarla Kumari Specialist Physician at Canadian Specialist Hospital

The total venture capital investment into the digital health space in the first half of 2021 totaled $14.7 billion, which is more than all of the investment in 2020 ($14.6 billion) and nearly twice the investment in 2019 ($7.7 billion) 14

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Telehealth played a vital role in delivering uninterrupted care to comorbidity patients, including diagnosis, treatment, home blood-monitoring, delivery of prescriptions, and most importantly, consultation when needed Joe Hawayek Head of vHealth Middle East & Africa at Aetna International

flictions, use accredited assessment tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis, and work with patients to determine the right treatment.

Let’s muse over a simple case of back pain. Treatment can look like different things - perhaps self-help techniques and lifestyle changes are sufficient —the patient may be advised to adjust their diet, exercise, and posture in the ‘working from home’ context, with a warning against comfort eating and sedentary behavior. Or the patient may require a face-to-face referral to a specialist for further assessment. This is more difficult to achieve if the patient is consulting more than one medical professional in isolation, as would be the case with traditional primary care. This approach is also vital, particularly in a post-COVID world where the number of patients with comorbidities has surged.

Dr. Sarla Kumari adds that telemedicine definitely benefits patients with chronic medical problems; once the physician's initial stage of diagnosis and check-up is done in person, it can be followed up with online appointments.

It can help people have frequent follow-up remote consultations for chronic illnesses, management of which can prove to be safer and easier than in-person experiences. Besides this, it can also be used effectively to diagnose and treat new and short-term issues well.

Across the Middle East, services like vHealth even take it a step forward by combining primary care with concierge-style diagnostics and prescription services, where patient samples are taken and medicines are delivered to the office or home door. These services can greatly expedite the testing and diagnostic process.

Also, all telehealth consultations notes and diagnostic reports are securely available to the patient to refer to anytime via the app.

Given the services, it is no surprise that 54% of UAE expats are enthusiastic about the use of telehealth services in primary care, higher than the global average, as per the recent research by Aetna International.

THE SMARTPHONE EDGE

Given the rise in telehealth usage, we expect that technology will, in many cases, supplement in-patient care and make it more efficient. The above benefits that telemedicine renders are only more empowered by the prevalence of a technological medium that is quite literally now an extension of us. Smartphone application developers notice every trend, ready with apps that cater to our every need. A quick perusal of our tech article in last month’s edition will reveal how these applications and platforms make use of Internet of Behaviour (IoB) to track and monitor our habits and aspects of our well-being to suggest remedies or even direct you to a doctor.

These platforms are hardly in the emerging stage either. In July 2021, an app called ‘Abs workout’ registered 3.2 million downloads; another app, MFit, registered 2.6 million downloads from global users. ‘Headspace’, the most popular wellness app, registers millions of downloads every month. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw the second-highest growth in downloads, at a 55% increase, followed by Asia-Pacific with a 47% increase.

A recent study has shown that people who use fitness apps are far more active than those who don't. Besides this, many people are just discovering the benefits of participating in fitness and wellness-based programs, thanks to the tremendous access and convenience that the digital mode offers.

AREAS OF APPLICABILITY

Despite the vastness of telehealth, it cannot fully replace in-person care. However, its influence is being felt across the healthcare chain, especially in a few trending areas: The Mind Matters: Never before has mental health been such a mammoth challenge to handle. COVID created another ensuing crisis – mental health issues due to isolation, unem-

RESEARCH SHOWS BETWEEN

40%60%

OF CONSUMERS EXPRESS INTEREST IN A SET OF BROADER VIRTUAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS, SUCH AS A “DIGITAL FRONT DOOR” OR LOWER-COST VIRTUAL-FIRST HEALTH PLAN.

AS OF APRIL 2021

84%

OF PHYSICIANS WERE OFFERING VIRTUAL VISITS AND

57%

WOULD PREFER TO CONTINUE OFFERING VIRTUAL CARE

ployment, and a veritable tango of death and disease around us that spared no one. Mental health services are a must and must be extended to all rungs of the population.

The silver lining here is that conversations around mental health finally became normalized and were recognized as critical. This has paved the way for a surge in teletherapy (digital wellness programs) courses offered online. Notably, many employers are offering the same to their ranks. While many wellness programs like yoga sessions, aerobics, and nutritional education were traditionally delivered in the past, they have now found incentives to go fully digital.

Virtual Reality Rehab: One of rehab’s profound functions is its ability to facilitate neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form and recognize synaptic connections. In normal parlance, rehab could help the brain recover from injuries and traumatic conditions as critical as stroke.

However, it is tedious; the mindless and repetitive tasks that people perform on a daily basis wouldn’t help their brains form any meaningful connections. The brain needs functional and meaningful goals to respond positively, which Virtual Reality can provide – a technology that delivers engaging content in an immersive setting. Market implementers suggest that a combination of visual and auditory cues from a Virtual Reality system could improve outpatient physical therapy.

MANOEUVRING THE OBSTACLES

Telehealth is a whirlpool that brings abundant benefits that can shape the future of healthcare, along with a few challenges that cannot be overlooked. To start with, the very medical strategy that is designed to provide widespread access to medical care cannot act as its own impediment. The prime objective should be to make certain that digital healthcare access is provided to the furthest corners of the world, to places historically devoid of healthcare infrastructure or capabilities. And before it is so extended, the intended consumers must be educated on what’s and how’s of the digital platform and its benefits. 5G is essential to enable continuous access to information with speed and efficiency.

COVID-19 has stormed in and changed lives, perspectives. Like every crisis period does, it helped us reflect on our many archaic ways and come up with practices that are proving a difference across the world. Telehealth is a revolutionary concept that can make this world a truly global village, a world that gives precedence to equity and affordability, where access to healthcare isn’t difficult or impossible, and home could be where healthcare resides with you. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Opinion

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Opinion

A look at the future of cryptocurrency and why civilization can’t function without money

C

ryptocurrency is that new global fad that everyone wants to try, but very few know what it actually means for civilization in general.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin, the list is expanding. So much so that crypto has evolved from being just a digital currency to having acceptance in the physical world too. In India, you can pay for an auto-rickshaw ride with bitcoins. Amazon, KFC, Burger King, and even Tesla have at some point allowed cryptocurrency to be used in transactions. The trend is catching on, for now. Ask any tech expert and they’ll tell you that the USP of cryptocurrency is security.

The security that comes from the technology that crypto is based on: blockchain.

Blockchain is a global electronic network that stores all the data of cryptocurrency. Basically, a digital ledger where you can’t hack, delete or fudge data, and every crypto transaction is recorded and can be accessed anywhere, anytime. So, long story short, you can’t cheat on the blockchain, and therefore, stealing cryptocurrency becomes a huge headache. Voila, it’s the currency of the future then. Is it? In 1969, the moon was supposed to become the next Las Vegas. Fact check: it hasn’t yet. So will crypto fade away too? Unlikely, because the evolution of money has always been veiled by an egalitarian construct.

Digressing a bit, there’s a popular social media post floating around that talks of anthropologist Margaret Mead stating that the first sign of civilization in man was the instance of a 15,000-year-old broken femur bone being healed. That a human took care of another human and nursed them to health was the cradle of civilization. It’s a novel thought, but its implications don’t really factor in a larger societal catalyst of civilization and progress. And while a human caring for another may certainly evoke the right emotional response, the truth of the matter is, human civilization was not founded on altruism. It was founded on greed. Allow me to explain.

Nomadic men settled down on farms because they could grow and harvest stuff they needed for basic survival. Some

chose to grow rice, wheat, cotton, some made clothes, some mined iron, gold… you get the drift. The man with the rice wanted the cotton from the woman in the next village, so they started trading. So far so good, but the bloke with the gold wanted rice, wheat, and cotton. But the ones offering wheat, rice, and cotton had no use for the gold. They knew it was rare and valuable, but it didn’t really add value to their daily existence. The solution to this problem, currency. Instead of offering gold for rice, the man offered coins. Coins that the rice seller could use to get wheat. He won’t have to offer his rice for wheat anymore. He could retain his product and yet acquire other stuff. It was a remarkably convenient system for trade. Fast forward 8000 years or so, and money is the common denominator by which everyone can attach value to their product and service. But, over the years, people figured that the more coins you have, the easier it becomes to get everything else. So if you horde up on lots of coins, life will get easier - introduction to greed 101.

The wanton desire to have more has propelled money and currency into assuming prime importance in modern society. It’s more important to a human today to have money in their bank than have clean air in their lungs. The way physical and electronic currency evolved, it became easy for those with power to manipulate it and make it work to their advantage. Without getting into communism 101, money and currency is no longer a water-tight system that could be called egalitarian.

Yet, cryptocurrency is the new kid on the block that can change the system and bring back equality to the masses. News flash! Hackers managed to steal $600 million worth of cryptocurrency recently; they got caught and returned more than half of that sum and have promised to return the rest, too. In the world of paper and plastic money, such acts of Robin Hood nature were unheard of. Perhaps, we are already looking at the “fair” currency of the future. Fingers crossed. J ARVIND RAJASEKHAR 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Events

REGIONAL HAPPENINGS ON THE HORIZON

Dubai WTC to be lit up with Light Middle East As the region’s number one networking and sourcing platform for an all-encompassing range of architectural, decorative, indoor, and outdoor lighting solutions, Light Middle East visitors have the following 6 product segments to look forward to - Decorative lighting and accessories, Electrical and electronic components and accessories for lighting systems, Electric lamps, LED lighting, Technical lighting and accessories, and House and Building Automation.

At the event, to be held from 28th to 30th Sep at the Dubai World Trade Centre, major highlights will include THINKLIGHT Forum & Webinars educating on lighting, design & technology, the Light Middle East Awards, as well as the largest sourcing and networking opportunity for everyone in the business of lighting products and services. Entry is free for all industry professionals.

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The precious Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show returns to Expo Centre Sharjah This biannual exhibition will showcase the best and the brightest in watches, jewelry, gold, precious stones, and diamonds. With the first-ever showcase in 1993 to the 47th edition this year, the show is akin to the crown jewel of the industry and the flagship event at Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE. From 5th to 9th Oct 2021, enjoy the exhibits from over 500 jewelers and designers, along with over 60,000 visitors from across the world. Previous attendees have praised it as the place to meet B2B and B2C clients, with opportunities to strike deals with them.

Entry is free for industry professionals, while setting up an exhibit booth costs around 1650 AED.

Explore dual citizenship with Citizenship Expo 2021, Abu Dhabi Dual Citizenship has opened up a new dimension of possibility, and Citizenship Expo 2021 brings to you superior expertise in this complex decision-making necessary to gain the right citizenship and residency option.

Avail benefits such as consultancy with the right advisers and government contacts, gaining alternative citizenship and passport, insuring your family against unpredictable circumstances, garnering security if your country is politically unstable as well as establishing businesses, opening bank accounts, and expanding investments.

The event will be held from 30th Sept to 1st Oct at the spectacular Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Based on previous editions, the expected turnout is nearly 20,000 visitors meeting with nearly 500 exhibitors.

Beauty reinvented at the Beautyworld Middle East event Beauty is only heightened with self-care, and the latest event Beautyworld Middle East promises to bring beauty back into focus. From 5 - 7 October 2021, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, go beyond skin-deep beauty to explore trends that are shaping the beauty industry in a post-pandemic world.

The theme for 2021, ‘Rethink. Reinvent.

Rediscover’ will be in full bloom across their various sections at the refreshing event. With exhibitors from 54 countries and 17 dedicated country pavilions, it truly is the first international beauty event of the year. Enjoy free entry if you are an industry professional and experience everything Beautyworld has to offer! J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

FOODLINK

THE

SUCCESS FEED From waiting tables to catering fine cuisine at the most talked-about social events, this man's journey is one of unwavering self-belief and talent. Meet Sanjay Vazirani of Foodlink in an exclusive chat with Qiraat Attar Sometimes, when you set out to change your own life, your life isn’t the only one you change. Sanjay Vazirani’s force of determination is a story that changed the face of an industry. With his catering giant enterprise Foodlink, he has changed the Indian catering scene and redefined luxury dining in India and overseas.

Today, the biggest celebrity weddings across the globe have experienced Sanjay’s stellar culinary offerings. ASPIRE had the opportunity to get it all from the man himself, Sanjay Vazirani, on his business, passion for food, and being the classic under- told success story.

A SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE Sanjay’s life today is a far cry from his childhood. Born to a forest officer father who was transferred from one remote wooded location to another every two years, Sanjay’s first brush with the city happened when he came to Baroda (today Vadodara) after completing tenth grade. Working as a night receptionist in a small hotel ‘Kaviraj’, he not only made ends meet but also put himself through pre-university.

Soon after, he enrolled in the Institute of Hotel Management, Ahmedabad.

Conversations with elite classmates from Delhi and Mumbai about the catering industry in those megacities and the standard of life made him restless; he was missing out. So, he put in for a transfer to Mumbai for his second year and won it on sheer merit.

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COVER STORY

Mumbai called the ‘city of dreams’ for Indian counterparts, has a different face for each of its weary, earnestly aspirational inhabitants. To Sanjay, the face was daunting and foreign. Amidst affluent peers who spoke impeccable English carrying an indomitable city aura, he felt like a fish out of water and was also inspired to better himself.

With the steep rent for his room, 250 rupees being paid by his family, money was tight, and so he would wait tables at luxury hotels like the Oberoi that got him a free meal from the five-star instead of buying his own dinner.

After finishing his Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, he received an offer by Oberoi Hotel to be their management trainee, a great opportunity for starters. This was Sanjay’s first step towards charting his course in life, but he opted for the simpler Holiday Inn Hotel. Even at the time, he knew he would want to set off on his own eventually, and so joined a place where there would be more to learn rather than be lost in the weeds in a large establishment.

His performance in the management program raised him to the position of a maître d'hôtel easily enough - but the challenge was lost to him. He didn’t want to be a manager; he wanted to create something of his own. He quit the job without an alternative, “burning the bridges,” as he puts it, to continue his quest to find his true calling.

SOLO LEAD His first solo stint was gaining professional chef experience at ‘Sampan’ in Mumbai, under the tutelage of able chef Pempa, a maestro of Chinese cuisine. As he cooked, he saw Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Rakesh

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Roshan waltz in; they were frequent guests. When tired working all day behind the big burners, he’d walk along the beach and dream. He dreamt of achieving beyond his humble beginnings. “There’s no reason I can’t have this life, just because of where I am from,” he mused. He was all of 24 years then.

The next fateful opportunity came as being the restaurant manager at Peninsula Restaurant in Sion, Mumbai.

He went all out, emulating everything a five-star restaurant did, and the restaurant became an overnight success. “Suddenly everyone in the city was looking at me, the guy who had turned a humble restaurant around to a buzzing one.”

Sanjay then decided to add value to hotels that didn’t know things like kitchen design, menu design, staffing, training and pre-opening, customer satisfaction, and good food service. He made it his business to conduct operative sick restaurants by refurbishing their offerings. This consultancy business was run in the name of Hotel Aid that also got a reasonably good response.

Despite his dedication and intent, this struggle period was a rude wake-up call. “I would often get stood up by people, who would only pay me the advance and then vanish. It just seemed thankless,” he says with a tinge of pain.

His biggest lessons in business were learned in this time.

The biggest one - Why not do this for me, and build my own business?

“Around 1998-99, I got the first opportunity to start a restaurant called Stars Parade. It was a sick unit. The owner had a good hotel, but he didn’t know how to run it.

When I asked to conduct it, he laughed at me, doubting my credibility.” After convincing him, Sanjay took over the

Sanjay with his specialty chefs and his operational team

PEOPLE USUALLY TAKE 7-10 YEARS TO GRADUATE TO A PLACE LIKE TURF CLUB, MUMBAI; FOR US, IT TOOK LESS THAN TWO YEARS day-to-day operations as manager cum owner, the foundation of his business career.

Without any investment and adopting a revenue-share model with the original owner, Sanjay was now the owner of his own hotel. He ran a tight ship, from changing the upholstery and sprucing it up top to bottom, course-correcting the business to the point that the failing establishment became known for its quality of food and service. “I was extremely hands-on - be it taking orders or service,” he recounts.

When his peers, now head chefs in 7-stars like Taj and the Oberoi came down to his restaurant, the food knocked their socks off. One such friend was Rakesh Joshi, who was a chef at Tanjore in South Mumbai. “This is fantastic food. Not even five stars can manage this.” They convinced him to move from Chembur to the South Mumbai circuit, the land of the rich and glamorous. Since he didn’t have the means yet to set up there, he needed a workaround to still take his food and service to those people. This simple brainwave kickstarted the catering business.

GUNNING FOR THE BIG LEAGUE Shortly after, they got an opportunity for their first event at the Radio Club to serve North Indian food for the club guests and its events from a support kitchen. Despite minor hiccups, it turned out to be an instant success, and it put them on the map for bigger things. “People usually take 7-10 years to graduate to a place like Turf Club, Mumbai; for us, it took less than two years.”

Telling us more of his idea, Sanjay adds, “I observed the enormous vacuum in hygiene standards and presentation

in the catering business at the time. Coming from an organized hotel management background, I instantly saw how plugging that gap could work for us, and it did become our distinguishing factor.”

After years of chasing the big league, the big league was now seeking him out. Stalwarts like Tina Ambani, Jaya Bachchan came rolling in to hire them for their events, all owing to the excellent word-of-mouth review of their service. “We started with social events, then moved to family weddings and private parties. This brought in the spotlight on us. There was no looking back after this,” beams an ecstatic Sanjay.

CREATING THE RIGHT LINKS Foodlink is an indelible brand today, but how did the name come about?

“We link the right people to the right event for the bestin-class experience. We have invited chefs from Agra to create their signature chaat or Amritsar cooks for the perfect chole-kulcha. We would get people to Bombay for events and weddings. We’d also hire clubs on contract for their kitchen space and then transfer this food to large events.”

Sanjay was fastidious about quality. “I still remember that I bought a bike around 1999, and I used to follow the trucks carrying our crockery and cutlery, so they didn’t get stolen or replaced on the way. I was not sure how things would unfold, but I was clear that I would go to any extent to not compromise on the quality of our services. To be honest, I also made losses in all the initial projects, in the quest to deliver quality beyond client’s expectation and beyond our promised scope.”

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COVER STORY

Catering is a territorial gig, Sanjay explains to us. All the big cities have catering stars - Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad; you name it. Early in their journey though, Foodlink broke borders and went cross-territory. “Darshan Patel, founder and managing director of Vini Cosmetics which makes FOGG deodorants, brought me an opportunity to cater in Ahmedabad.

We carted cutlery, crockery, equipment to the city, executing it flawlessly. It was a phenomenal experience; we became the talk of the town and left a mark on the city.

It opened our minds. We thought - Why can't we move to Bangalore, or Hyderabad, or even Thailand?”

That was an idea. Today that idea is executed by a flawless logistical team – refrigerated vans, entire transport system, temperature-controlled vans, and everything that one would need.

LOCAL TO GLOBAL Foodlink has unmatched expertise in managing global events now. They flew a crew of 60 for the wedding of a diamond merchant’s son at a Thailand 5-star hotel, chaat walas and chai walas included. It’s not uncommon for them to transport the team internationally - and have 80 people flown to Europe and 240 people to another destination wedding in a feat of its own.

“I’m fairly blessed with the team I have. When doing these high-profile events, there is a positive pressure, but never hopelessness.” To them, challenges are just opportunities to prove themselves. They have catered on a cruise with no fuel or coal allowed, only electrical equipment. So, they created special gadgets for the events to make kebabs and curries on the deck.

For an event in Switzerland, they pulled off the near impossible - for an event in a picturesque setting on a frozen lake, they created a whole kitchen atop the frozen lake. On the last day, the team sensed the ice getting weaker and moved the gadgets and equipment back to safety on land just in time. When they moved the last piece of the equipment, the ice cracked through, becoming water where minutes ago, their entire setup had been.

Quickly, they went from desi local collaborations with chefs and creators in India to international ones. Ladurée, the world-famous pastry house from France, has an exclusive tie-up with them via which they have been introduced to India. They also have premium contracts with Potel et Chabot, Bubble Foods in London, luxury giants Pinch from New York; it’s a storm of high-end caterers,

and Foodlink is at its epicenter.

Their talent pool boasts of celeb chefs from Japan, Peru, Italy, and of course, India - part of their covetous inner circle. No matter the cuisine, there is an in-house chef in Foodlink who is the best in the trade for that cuisine.

For Adel Sajan’s wedding, which has still mesmerized the elite across UAE, Sanjay was swayed by his father Rizwan Sajan’s passion and vision for the wedding. He vowed to deliver more than they had dreamt of. “The wedding took place on a cruise, which was sort of the toughest assignment, but we planned it so well that it turned out to be the easiest one,” he says, the pride quite apparent as he speaks.

“In this work, there is just word-of-mouth; no other publicity helps. It’s all about delivery, delivery, and delivery,” says the master caterer.

FOR AN EVENT IN A PICTURESQUE SETTING ON A FROZEN LAKE, THEY CREATED A WHOLE KITCHEN ATOP THE FROZEN LAKE

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SPREADING THE TABLE

“When we were just starting out, we were happy just working hard at all the mahurats and weddings. We got recognized. We had passion, but barely any economic logic.” That changed around four years ago when once again, his friend Darshanbhai Patel goaded him into organizing the business, making it an institution beyond a catering company - a multi-city, multi-country operation. It was the push they needed to verticalize the business.

Today, Foodlink operates in 4 distinct verticals across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Chennai, Turkey, Dubai, Delhi, and beyond.

They operate in four main verticals - Luxury and Institutional Catering, which is challenging but sort of Foodlink’s strong suit, their earliest foray and conquest. There is Luxury Banquets, with a vision to exceed the standards of fine dining - sort of the Marriot of indoor banquets. And finally, there are Restaurants and Cloud Kitchens, flagged off with their premium offering ‘Art of Dum’, India Bistro, China Bistro (a homage to his long love affair with Chinese cuisine), and Glocal Junction, a 24-hour diner that transforms between brunch, barista, dinner and a high-energy bar with complete ease.

In response to how does he manage or out-creates competition in the catering space, he puts it across quite simply as “I don’t think there’s a lot of competition. We have created enough differentiators to keep us unique. You differentiate, or you die.”

“Be it China Bistro, or Art of Dum, the way it is packaged, the kind of treatment, even catering, our presentation, our bending-backward service, exhibitional cooking and its styling – I don’t know too many who meet the benchmark. We are constantly evolving. I travel a lot, so I come across a lot of new ideas, which I curate in my mind and take back to my talent pool to brainstorm on what’s next. We have been first movers for a lot – the ‘chocolate fountain’ in India, which we brought from the USA, first ones to do exhibitional cooking, first ones to give high-end cutlery – we have been pioneers in a lot of ways.”

What keeps them ahead is their desire to create an unforgettable experience for their clients. “During Deepika and Ranveer’s wedding, we created the perfect Sindhi food for Ranveer and organized a South-Indian style sitdown meal for Deepika all the way in Lake Como, Italy.

When it comes to important events, people are nostalgic; they like to go back to basics. And we like to deliver it for them,” says the cuisinier knowing the tastes of his clients all too well.

THE BOSS EVERYONE LOVES From an early stage, Sanjay was fortunate to have the knack of putting together a dependable team he could trust. “To identify who I want in my team, first and foremost, I look for qualities of a good human being. Skillsets are easy to learn, but when you have good people around you, things tend to go well. If I feel a person will add value or be a long-term association, I go for it.” Such are his people skills, and he is the kind of boss that everyone would love to work with.

His earliest associations have also proved his longest.

“The first 12 people who joined me, me being the 13th, are all still with me after two decades. I maybe have a natural tact to take care of my people, give them credit for the good they do, take ownership of the discredit in my own stride.” Both CEOs who run his operations in India and the Middle East are stalwarts in their own right, having built multi-hundred crores’ conglomerates before having

$ With daughter Ayanna

I DON’T THINK THERE’S A LOT OF COMPETITION. WE HAVE CREATED ENOUGH DIFFERENTIATORS TO KEEP US UNIQUE. YOU DIFFERENTIATE, OR YOU DIE come on board with Sanjay Vazirani. The smoothness of his operation tells him that when it comes to his team, he’s made the right calls. During the pandemic, he had the opportunity to honor his commitment to his team when he made sure each of his nearly 1000-member strong team was paid on time without any cuts and any layoffs. He may just be one of the fewest business owners across the world to do so.

On the personal front, Sanjay’s wife is very encouraging of his passion. While his father passed at a young age, his mother was around to see his meteoric rise to success.

He recalls them both fondly, but private as he is, does not mention much about them. “It is my parents’ blessings that have brought me so far.” He has two children whom he adores – a 12-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.

From having waited tables for 35 rupees to having catered for the weddings of some of the biggest names in the world, Sanjay Vazirani’s life story is a testament that when opportunity meets preparedness, you have the perfect recipe to cook up your own delicious good fortune. Wonder what’s cooking next? J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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INTERVIEW

The

Well-Being Warrior

Working tirelessly towards helping people grappling with mental and emotional health issues, Rahaf Raef Kobeissi’s life is testament to her resilience and strength. Misbaah Mansuri accounts the personal journey of the well-being champion cum entrepreneur who has been a guiding source of inspiration to many

E

very bruise we receive is a lesson, and every lesson makes us wiser. A living testimony to this anecdote is the mindset and mental health coach, speaker, and personal development trainer, Rahaf Raef Kobeissi, who has beautifully leveraged her life’s learning into her work.

Having coached a spate of leaders in one-onone structured programs on mindset and mental health issues, she continues to do her bit in making a difference in the mental health arena. ASPIRE catches up with the well-being warrior whose story and journey are sure to motivate and touch hearts of many people.

Growing up with wounds Originally from Beirut, Rahaf left her home at the age of 18 to break free and start a new life on her own. A series of personal tragedies in her own journey led her to the path she is now on - starting with losing her father to suicide.

The incident left deep scars and made her realize the importance of conversations on mental and emotional health. “The incident made me sit up to the fact that we do have a mental health problem in our region, especially for men, because if it had been a safe place, my father would have been able to come out and say, ‘I’m not feeling okay’.

He wouldn’t be wearing that mask of ‘all is well in my world’. And if I had had the right knowledge or tools, I would have also been able to read the symptoms,” says Rahaf.

Making a conscious decision that she didn’t want

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any girl to go through the pain again of losing her dad or husband or even brother, became her starting point. “I don’t want any man to bear that pain alone,” she shares.

She reminisces about being surrounded by toxicity growing up. “I had a very troubled childhood due to my bruised and stoic relationship with my mother. My brother was a drug addict. The negativity of it all engulfed me each day. One day, I decided that I had to break free and come out on my own,” she reveals.

Rahaf decided to dedicate her energies towards her education, work, and a brighter future, which had its path in illuminating other people’s lives.

She passed her Psychology and Mental Health Diploma and started as a mental and emotional health coach.

If it had been a safe place, my father would have been able to come out and say, ‘I’m not feeling okay’

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INTERVIEW

Rahaf in her many moods through the day

I attempted suicide three times because the pain was too much for me. The third attempt caused me to go blind for four days

Discovering her true calling While Rahaf initially studied Business Administration, her dad’s incident made her realize that the mental arena was her true calling that she was drawn to. “In my head, I just wanted to have an office and work all day, wearing a suit. My dad’s death changed everything. From my values to my priorities to even the things that mattered to me, everything changed 180 degrees,” she recollects.

It took Rahaf over five years to come out of that tragic incident. From taking antidepressants to therapy, it was a long journey. “It’s not easy for a young daughter to lose a father, especially in a situation like this. Therapy means you sit with your pain, become okay with it, accept it, and then do something about it. I attempted suicide three times because the pain was too much for me. The third attempt caused me to go blind for four days; that’s when I told myself, ‘The universe wants me to stay.

There has to be a reason, and I am going to find it’,” she recalls distinctly.

Healing the world Rahaf ’s first step was recognizing that her 9-5 job was quite pernicious for her, mentally and professionally. Recalling a day at work, “At one point, I strongly found myself standing up for myself and my colleagues when my ex-employer didn’t really care much about our well-being,” she says with not a tinge of regret as she speaks.

With encouragement from a friend, Rahaf took the leap, quit her job, and started her own entre-

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preneurial venture, Rays Your Mental Health (a play upon ‘raise’). After getting the license, she lay the groundwork to ensure it matches her vision. “I wanted something that is connected to me, hence the name - Rays Your Mental Health. It started with one client, but after putting in lots and lots of work, it was booming,” she gushes.

Today, Rahaf works with a plethora of clients and has helped them come a long way in their healing journey. Having tackled different kinds of cases when it comes to mental and emotional health, she opens up on how she is usually wary of clients who want fast results. “It is because I’m not just helping them to be more productive and more efficient.

Those are achieved as an outcome of cleansing your mind and your heart. Any behavioral change or habit needs a minimum of six months before it

becomes a part of your lifestyle. If you try for anything less than that, you could get distracted and fall back into your old patterns, and that is something I don’t want for my clients,” Rahaf states.

She is also the host of the ‘Don’t Be A Man About It’ podcast, focused on raising awareness on men’s mental health and sending a message to every man listening that he is not alone. “I would love to have a day where we stop talking for men or women or any gender biased conversation and just be human. But until that day comes, we must keep raising our voice.

The objective of my podcast is to break the “Man Up” culture and the stigma around men’s mental health.”

I host men on my show. Some of them are extremely successful business leaders; others are men we meet in our daily lives who come and share their stories on mental health that inspire others. I want all men to know that they are not alone. I want them to learn that they have a voice, and they have support, and they have a community that is willing to be there for them anytime they feel they want to reach out,” she expounds.

Shaping a happy ending

don’t just sit and listen to you; they can physically feel your energy or your pain. “I end up absorbing all of that, and it affects me on a personal level. So, in cases where a person would require one hour to wind down, I take three. I listen to my heart on what I should be doing to recharge on that particular day and completely go with it,” she shares.

A big tattoo junkie, Rahaf has over nine tattoos, each deeply significant in its own way. One tattoo denotes being everything for yourself, the other commands her to live and express emotions to the extreme. Yet another tattoo is called Little Fox, a nickname that her dad called her. Finally, a dandelion, a gentle plea to make her dreams come true.

Rahaf unabashedly loves them all. “These are stories of what I’ve been through and reminders of where I’m heading,” she asserts.

Recently, Rahaf received a certificate of recognition for participating in ‘Emerald – KCC Case Writing Competition 2020’. She also won the third prize for the case ‘Rays Your Mental Health: For a transformed mindset – A Case Study of Rahaf Raef Kobeissi’. She credits Dr. Mohammad Rishad Faridi, who encouraged her to accept her story and share it with the world. “Now I help people become storytellers about their own stories and break out the stigma,” Rahaf remarks as she pays his good deed forward.

Having set her sights on bigger accomplishments, she hopes to empower several others grappling with mental health issues. “One that is launching soon is to help people become the best version of themselves as a leader and as an individual, separate from my one-to-one programs. A second podcast is coming into the picture that is for everyone, not just men.

I would also love to run an academy focused on mental health that teaches people how to become a trainer or a coach like I am.

I want to create an organization that helps kids access proper education that they might not receive, owing to their parent’s financial status. All in all, I have bigger dreams, bigger visions. All of them are put to paper, already on my vision boards.

I’ve set the intentions. It’s just a matter of time and having the right resources,” smiles the inspiring healer who believes in happy endings. J

I would love to have a day where we stop talking for men or women or any gender biased conversation and just be human

Rahaf proudly wears her scars and admits that her life’s tragedies have shaped her into who she is today. “Even though my past was painful, I feel like I was chosen to be who I am today. It’s like the universe just chose me saying, ‘You’re going to be in pain for a few years, but I promise you a happy ending’,” she contends.

Rahaf has her personal coach and healer, and both help her maintain her emotional and energetic chakra balance on a personal and professional level. From meditating two times a day to music, water activities like kayaking, or going for a smash session, Rahaf ensures that she unwinds in her favorite ways to do her best for her clients. “Being the empath that I am is ten times more energy draining.

For those who don’t know what an empath is – an empath is a person highly attuned to the feelings and emotions of those around them. They

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D E E P A N S H U C H O U D H A R Y

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THE TR AIL DUO

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H I R A L J A N I

BL A ZING Emerging from modest beginnings to charting out a gem-strewn path for themselves, financial doyens-Hiral Jani and Deepanshu Choudhary with their unfaltering perseverance have come a long way in their journey.

Misbaah Mansuri catches up with the power duo who has scaled up great heights in just the matter of a year and continue to build their empire with their resilience and never-say-die attitude

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‘Financial markets are subject to risk’ is a statement familiar to everyone, for the market can be daunting to those averse to risk. But of the many lessons the pandemic has taught us, one is the importance of financial literacy, particularly during such turbulent times. In an attempt to demystify the same, Hiral Jani and Deepanshu Choudhary devoted their energies towards their newest venture - born out of an idea to introduce customers to financial markets and products like trading in CFDs, Indices, Commodities, Forex, Bullion, and cryptocurrencies, amongst others, while also aiming to provide technical training support and services along with strong risk awareness. The fruit of their labor, Richelieu Financial, has grown beyond what both had envisioned during its inception.

HUMBLE BEGINNING S Born and brought up in India, Deepanshu completed his Bachelors in Business Administration from Guru Gobind Singh University in 2013 and moved to Qatar at the age of 21 after a few short stints in India. A young, aspiring entrepreneur with dreams in his eyes, Deepanshu worked his way up from a position of Business Development Manager to Associate Area Manager at a real estate start-up in Qatar, proving his mettle one deal at a time.

When he initially received the offer from a Qatar-based company, a lot of people dissuaded him, putting forth the challenges he might have to face in a foreign country. None could dampen his spirits. “In my mind, the world is a global village. If you stay in any part of the world, you can definitely make it your home. So I decided to give it a try, confident that I would learn something new,” he asserts.

Deepanshu recalls the days when their entire family was supported by his father, the sole earning member.

“We were five members in the family.

“Meet your broker frequently, keep a check on your statement and constantly monitor his way of working to ensure that you have made the right choice” H I R A L

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My father worked in the road transport industry. Thus, we have seen a lot of struggles, with the whole family dependent on a single source of income.

When I used to go to school, occasionally, I would see both parents working.

Nowadays, almost all family members are working. It makes me realize that having one source of income might not suffice for families,” he remarks.

Hiral, on the other hand, began working early in life while juggling college at the same time. “My favorite subjects were economics and accounting,” reminisces Hiral, hinting that finance had always been his passion.

Originally hailing from Mumbai and starting his journey as a trader, the stock market champion scaled great heights. He ventured into the volatile

stock market as a stock trader with a reputed brokerage company in India and landed two promotions within his first year itself owing to his knowledge and professional acumen. After a stint with another successful broker, he decided to launch his own company in India as a sub-broker. ”Back then, I only had five clients; today I have over 500,” a gratified Hiral expresses.

The stock market enthusiast then moved to Dubai in 2019. He admits feeling blank and unsure about how things would unfold in an alien country, but a friend encouraged him to take the leap nonetheless. Despite personal woes and family problems coming his way, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” he says with determination. A largely self-taught person, he has bagged some coveted accolades for his work as a renowned broker in the client acquisition and revenue generation categories.

T HE GENE SIS OF R IC HELIEU FIN ANCI AL Deepanshu and Hiral first met at a company where they happened to work together. “We would discuss various aspects of business and stock market and saw a very organic and seamless connection between us, which triggered us

demic changed everything. That gave us a strong impetus to go forward with our entrepreneurial journey,” Deepanshu explains.

“I always knew I wanted to do something of my own. One night, Deepanshu and I were discussing our goals and vision. The conversation went on all night from 10 pm to 7 am the fol-

“Today, people don’t want to take risks.

I have a lot of friends in different industries who shy away from gaining financial education” D E E P A N S H U C H O U D H A R Y

lowing morning, and we knew we had to do this,” Hiral shares. While plans for the venture had been floating for a while between them, he shared that the pandemic finally kickstarted it, and for a good reason. “We saw great support from clients and a really good response when we started, which has worked well in our favor,” he says. towards our venture,” says Deepanshu.

Thus followed a flurry of discussions - with each other, with former customers, not to mention reams of market research on the financial market. The duo’s insights and instincts took charge, and they took the plunge.

“When we started, it was only the two of us. Despite that, it started well. We would connect with a lot of people and got a ton of encouragement. So, we knew that we had to do it and had to do it in the best manner possible,” Deepanshu adds.

With their energies compatibly matched, the duo kept forging ahead to bring their idea to life. “I was looking for someone who would match my synergies, who can do the things that I cannot do. In our ethics, character, and beliefs, Hiral and I have certain similarities. He decided to teach me

more about the things I didn’t know.

For instance - he knew a lot about the stock market while I was good at sales.

Before this job, I was in real estate. So, I understood the psyche of clients who had the money to invest but were hesitant to do so because they didn’t receive the right advice. This became the starting point of Richelieu Financial,” he tells us, satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment evident in his voice.

With the pandemic dawned the realization of the importance of financial independence and literacy. “When a company can suddenly decide that they can’t or don’t want to pay you, why should one stick to it? Why should one be dependent on just one source of income? Many people we have seen were working from home, earning only 30% of their salary but handling the same share of responsibilities. But the pan-

C HOO SING T HE R IGH T INV E S T MEN T Hiral and Deepanshu firmly believe that financial education is imperative in today’s times. “Today, people don’t want to take risks. I have a lot of friends in different industries who shy away from gaining financial education. Discussions around the financial landscape, education, where one should invest, why they should invest are extremely important. For over a hundred years, our education system has been stuck on the same subjects.

It’s about time our school curriculum added lessons about financial education,” says Deepanshu.

Breaking down the commonly used contract for differences terminology for laymen, Hiral asserts that the contract for differences in a product is 2 0 2 1 — A U G - S E P — ASPIRE

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The company that started with a $5,000 portfolio has blossomed and grown exponentially to a $7.5 million portfolio in just a matter of a year when one invests in something properly by buying or by means of selling.

“It’s like you’re predicting something.

For example, we rely on technicals and indicators, plus a little bit of fundamentals. When we see a market-moving upside, it is a bullish market, so we buy it. For instance, gold or silver, we buy that and hold it for leverage.

So, we take minor leverage, and then we wait for the market to go up. For example, gold is trading at $1800 and it moves up to $1810; there is a $10 profit. So, this $10 multiplied by the number of units that you have purchased,” he explains.

When it comes to selecting the right broker, Hiral advises that checking the background of the broker, their ethics, and morals is of essence. “Meet your broker frequently, keep a check on your statement and constantly monitor his way of working to ensure that you have

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made the right choice,” he advises.

Meanwhile, Deepanshu adds that diversification when investing should also come into play. “As Warren Buffet says, you have to put your eggs in different baskets. You also have to understand the power of compounding. If you invest and just forget it, that also doesn’t help. Keep tracking your investments, and carry on with the compounding to yield good results,” he suggests.

T HE R IGH T T IME F OR R ISK-TAK ING? When asked about the right time for investing, the duo asserts that any time is a good time to invest; one just requires the knowledge of the overall landscape and should follow their instinct. “As we have seen, certain industries and sectors didn’t work well during the pandemic. But certain other sectors like technology companies such as

Tesla, Amazon, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in India, and Infosys have all grown because people moved from one kind of culture to another. While a lot of restaurants shut down, which was very unfortunate, a company like Zomato came up with their IPO and was a huge success.

You have to assess what kind of industry will work at a particular period.

Right now, it may be a good time to buy gold or shares. Overall, you have to evaluate and assess where your goal lies in the next six months and thereby invest in those sectors. One has to understand what kind of macro and microenvironments are suitable. So, every time is a good time to invest,” Hiral explains.

The two believe that in the stock market trading environment, UAE provides an excellent opportunity for various stakeholders in the market.

“You don’t have to pay taxes on your income, so that’s a huge benefit to the people staying in the Middle East,” notes Hiral. Both agree that the UAE market is conducive to growth and opportunities for a startup and scaling it as well, arranging employee visas and everything else in between. These easy and smooth processes encourage

a plethora of business opportunities in the region.

Deepanshu adds that they have noticed a trend of people spontaneously leaving their job, investing in the stock market, and then losing their money, which should be absolutely avoided.

“If a person is good at petrochemicals, he should be doing something that is related to petrochemicals. If you’re doing a particular job, you should continue to do it. Having a second source of income is a great thing and the right approach to take, rather than being fascinated with making money alone and leaving your primary job for it. You need to know where to take risks and where they should be avoided,” advises Deepanshu.

WOR K ING I T The duo has demarcated responsibilities based on their skill sets and interests, but they admit they end up merging responsibilities and helping each other in every way possible. While Deepanshu takes charge of the sales, marketing, and other aspects, Hiral helms the entire operations of the company. “According to me, together we can do everything as a team,” says Hiral confidently.

While differences in opinion are commonplace, they ensure they come to a common ground to resolve the smaller challenges as they work towards building their company. They are yin and yang; Deepanshu is calm, while Hiral is on the outspoken side.

However, both complement each other, which keeps business running smoothly. “Somehow because of our contrasting personas, a balance is created,” observes Deepanshu.

Hiral is quick to laud Deepanshu’s patience and how it has really helped the team to keep going. “He is very patient, will think a decision through before making it, and very cool-headed, which is a great quality to possess in business,” asserts Hiral.

They recollect zeroing on the same office space in Business Bay from the sea of offices they had looked, despite approaching it separately. Hiral explains, “Deepanshu had bookmarked the very office that was on my mind as the perfect work setting, on an online prop-

erty portal. Just like picking this office space, the venture was meant to be.”

While Deepanshu loves immersing himself in a good book after a long day at work, Hiral’s idea of recharging is swimming and cricket. The two also ensure they chalk out some time for fun team outings and playing cricket with the team as a way to de-stress after a grueling work week and to prioritize team bonding.

T HE GR I T T O K EEP GOING The company that started with the two has now grown to an enthusiastic team of 12. The duo has a vision to create a bigger organization with more people learning and growing with the company. “We want to give an opportunity to people who are actually in need of a company which can help them grow.

We want to build a culture where people can learn, grow, and then move on with their careers. It’s not like they have to stick with us,” asserts Hiral.

Both Deepanshu and Hiral add that transparency with the customer is integral to their overall plan. “It’s not right to give your customers a

rosy picture to get them to believe in you. We don’t want to lie to them or give them the wrong idea. The stock market is precarious. They can make money, they can lose money, and we firmly believe that honesty here really matters,” he opines.

It’s amazing how the company that started with a $5,000 portfolio has blossomed and grown exponentially to a $7.5 million portfolio in just a matter of a year. “Currently we have this portfolio of over 750+customers who have already invested with us. We are targeting to multiply this portfolio within a year. Our target is big, but we hope to get there,” share the chuffed duo.

Buoyed by their success, Hiral and Deepanshu have set their eyes on further expansion. “Most importantly, we are looking for more clients and are looking to reach out to more people in the market,” says Deepanshu. With plans to expand to other GCC countries, as well as other markets, there is no stopping the two. One thing is clear – having found their chosen path, Hiral and Deepanshu have “miles to go before they sleep.” J 2 0 2 1 — A U G - S E P — ASPIRE

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INTERVIEW

T

he start-up space is deceptive; concepts abound beyond tech, every country has unmined start-up potential, and quality guidance is a bigger challenge than finding investors.

Something’s brewing that gives you all this and more at the biggest international event happening this year. Have we got your attention now?

Unicorn of Tomorrow Unicorn of Tomorrow, is a startup contest that has been endorsed by the Expo Sweden team and the Swedish pavilion, where evaluation rounds of the Swedish nominees are ongoing. But the scope is larger than this, since parallel to the Swedes, other countries have also got engaged, and are vetting their own startup scenes to send a contestant to participate in what is now truly a global competition.

Designed to give you the right head start, the winner will not just receive the Unicorn of Tomorrow ‘New World Award’, but also a unique agency contract to be invited as a speaker around the Middle East, a six month PR retainer with an American global PR agency, USD 20,000 worth of international IP registration and consultancy services,

The Hunt for the Global Unicorn Unicorn of Tomorrow is looking for the biggest Global Startup from across the world. Founder Richard Burstrom tells Bindu Gopal Rao the idea behind the competition, and what the ideal startup of the future looks like USD 20,000 worth of global legal services and mentorship from industry experts. And, probably the most important reward: exposure to a multitude of investors, family offices and investment funds around the world, through the matchmaking platform Unicornification.

At the helm of affairs is Richard Burstrom, contest founder and CEO. “Sweden is the birth country of the Nobel Prize and the Polar Music Prize and must be the place of origin for an entrepreneurial

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innovation prize with a global perspective,” he says.

Born in a small town outside Stockholm, Burstrom grew up in a typical household as the eldest of three siblings. “While my father was a traditional entrepreneur, none of my siblings are entrepreneurs.

My dad was scared the ‘entrepreneurial gene’ had skipped a generation, but it hasn’t,” he smiles.

His entrepreneurial journey started with his penchant for hand-rolled cigars. “The Swedish market was dominated by a few old-timers, but I was quick to make inroads and then brought them to Asia.

One thing led to the other, and wines followed suit.”

His repertoire of business is vast, and he admits he “likes to do a lot of things.” His quirkiest venture was becoming the biggest company selling Marlboro headwear in Sweden, making big bucks selling ‘Indiana Jones’ style hats. “We also had exclusive marketing rights for Prison Blues, a denim

The contest will culminate in a grand finale at the World Expo at the end of March in 2022 in Dubai

brand where the goods are made by inmates serving at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institute.

This was a way to pay back their debt to society. In fact, I visited the inmates at the prison in Oregon, and it was a very insightful experience. We actually implemented this in a Swedish prison as well.”

Creating Unique Concepts Being a self-confessed serial entrepreneur bursting with new, disparate ideas, Burstrom likes to build concepts. “I have lived in Japan, USA, Singapore, and when you do entrepreneurial things around the world, it gives you a perspective. While I have not personally been involved as an initiator in tech companies, I have worked on building brands from scratch, even when they didn’t have the product. In the process, I have come close to many aspects, especially financing. So, I have worked on both sides, whether it is finding investors or investing in them myself.”

Speaking of the brainwave behind Unicorn of Tomorrow, he admits that many start-up contests are well-founded, well-researched, and professional, but he found them somewhat dull. “We wanted to put together a contest which is viewer-friendly and interesting, where stakes are high, so we came up with the idea that we have one startup to represent their country. We decided that to be eligible, the start-up must also integrate one of the UN Global Goals as part of their business plan. A Unicorn of Tomorrow which makes the planet a better place combined with a viewer-friendly concept, cheered on by their country - that’s a unique model.”

The contest will culminate in a grand finale at the World Expo at the end of March in 2022 in Dubai.

“Many countries have already signed up. We en-

courage every country’s pavilion at the expo to have qualification events before the global final as it will generate a lot of exposure and interest.” The winner gets a covetous unicorn figurine, symbolic of their uniqueness and victory, and a prize pool. Still, the best thing is that they can pick and choose between the investment proposals and decide the right one for their company. The contest is priming to be an annual affair, with the big “extra everything” events every 5 years, in conjunction with the World Expo.

After Dubai, the next expo will be in Osaka in2025.

For being such a thorough entrepreneur, Richard knows that after a point, entrepreneurship is about instinct. “When ideas become big, I disconnect my brain to follow my gut and experience.”

All for an Impact Funnily enough, Richard sheepishly admits that business is a big part of his personal time. “In Japanese, there is a word called ‘Kurai’, which means dark or not social, so when I say my hobbies are also business projects, it sounds Kurai. Apart from that, I like exercising, gymming and boxing to keep in shape. I read books, watch movies, and am a big fan of standup comedy. That’s actually how I learned English in the 70s; listening to standup comedians, although I picked up a lot of curse words,” he laughs. “I am fascinated by humor and how some use it as a defense mechanism.”

Richard is an evolved entrepreneur with a different perspective compared to what he had 20 years ago. “Then, I was running fast and setting goals for myself. Money was important but never a key driver. Today, my son is 17, so it is important to think about what I leave behind and what will happen to the planet.”

As a parting lesson, he says, “Good things can come out of business. Perspective is everything, so have fun with the team you are working with.

Why make a small impact when you can make a big one?” ✪ FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE CONTEST AND HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE, GO TO www.unicornoftomorrow.com 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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SPECIAL FEATURE

• S hah Rukh Khan Red Chillies VFX • Rihanna - Fenty Beauty • Robert de Niro - Nobu • Dr. Dre - Beats • Kendall + Kylie clothing • Kim Kardashian - Skims

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SPECIAL FEATURE

STAR STRUCK Celebrity entrepreneurship is here to stay. A look at this exciting new world and what it entails…

A

ny business person worth their salt will tell you that a tried-and-true way to grab eyeballs for their product is to score a celebrity endorsement.

Nothing looks as great on a giant hoarding adorning Times Square or the slick streets of Dubai as a good-looking celebrity, swearing by your brand.

These personalities, which constitute movie stars, pop singers, and a miscellany of famous people, have always enjoyed the sweet symbiosis of endorsements - from clothes to jewelry to make-up, even holidays, lifestyles, political opinions, public service health announcements. They lend credibility to a brand and, in return, do not hesitate to charge big bucks for how that credibility benefits the brand.

In August 2021, the world came to know that popstar Rihanna had unfurled her umbrella to earn one more accolade under its ambit - billionaire. This was not only due to her music career but also her beauty brand, Fenty Beauty launched in 2017, and her SAVAGE x FENTY lingerie line, causing her net worth to shoot up to $ 1.7 billion. Started when she was 29 to create an inclusive make-up brand that would not propagate Eurocentric beauty ideals that solely focused on fairness, the brand’s wide shade range with 50 skin tones, and a “vision of the new culture of skincare” has ushered in a revolution in make-up.

Rihanna’s business is indicative of a hot new business trend - that of celebrity entrepreneurs. Moving beyond the role of being an expensive advertising strategy, celebrities have evolved, looking to command the lion’s share in the market with a simple, game-changing question - what if the business was owned and run by the celebrity?

Foraying into the midst of the battle

Firstly, being an artist versus being a celebrity are vastly different enterprises. Celebrityhood is consciously curated, an attachment of value to the cost of fame, with the recognition becoming its own asset and hence a source of income. The creative arts have long upheld the gig economy, so since time immemorial, celebs have diversified their enterprise into avenues that are lucrative, providing long-term rev-

Moving beyond the role of being an expensive advertising strategy, celebrities have evolved, looking to command the lion’s share in the market 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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SPECIAL FEATURE

enue and a stable business as an evergreen choice.

When celebrities are roped in only for endorsement, they are neither in the creative seat nor running the business, so the money or impact created stays limited to advertising. Their personality is commodified, not authentically projected. Now, with manufacturing and outsourcing of tasks getting simpler, along with humongous public support and media coverage, celebrity businesses garner eyeballs, publicity, and an initial market break-in.

Creating and maintaining a positive perception is not a challenge for them. There is no trouble pinpointing the brand’s audience either: the celeb’s fanbase becomes that of the brand’s, easy peasy.

Celeb brands primarily are a way for them to further their personal brand. For instance, Serena Williams has trademarked ‘Aneres’, her name spelled backward, for future use for her clothing and beauty franchise. Given that she is one of the highest-paid sports stars globally, money is not a driving force, but creating a lasting legacy certainly is. Similarly, Ariana Grande too chose to trademark her hit song, ‘Thank You, Next’ for her upcoming product line, once again drawing attention to her artistic talent and phenomenal success as a vocalist and much-adored millennial celebrity.

Challenging the status quo

More recently, celebrity brands have created a ripple and begun to compete with more traditionally established companies. New brands by celebs do not have the critical initial period of getting the word out to customers. Instead, their offerings are marketed months in advance and usually have pre-bookings and illustrious clientele already going for them.

Comparatively, a brand by a quintessential organization sees an uphill struggle for a few initial years trying to build a loyal customer base. They rely on metrics like quality, perception, customer service, and testimonials to get the word out. How-

" Elon Musk - Tesla " Gwyneth Paltrow Goop " Kylie Jenner Cosmetics

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ever, this does not mean that traditional brands are likely to fade away. After all, a celebrity-led business only trumps the war when it comes to the element of marketing. Companies turn a profit or gain an indelible public following for the value of the product, ease of use, longevity, quality, and competitive pricing. Not to mention, celebrity products often eye an elite, higher-level clientele, and the exclusionary pricing may leave them out of reach from the hands of a humbler middle class.

Breaking rules and monopolies

However, there is no place for complacency in a marketplace where the rules of the game change with every scroll of social media.

In the past, celebs have stuck to Serena Williams strengths - choosing to start has trademarked their businesses and products in familiar ‘Aneres’, her name spaces. So, their domain often stays to clothes, beauty, fitness, spelled backward, limited fashion, and fine living. for future use for But today, with businesses going increasingly inter-disciplinary and her clothing and the definition of success and genius beauty franchise rapidly evolving, there is no need for celebs to stick to one lane. Now, they’re diversifying out of their domain and fast.

So Oprah has a TV network that has made her one of the richest African-American women in Hollywood. In contrast, Kevin Costner has created a device that separates water from oil and has sold units to BP to clean up their oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Robert DeNiro has a Japanese restaurant called Nobu, which boasts outlets in several international cities. Clearly, with capitalist motivations, good old-fashioned research, and abiding public support, no business is out of their league.

Has a celeb or personality ever made a brand so cutting edge that it actually pushed competitors out of the market? Well, Dr. Dre’s ‘Beats’ is one. Not

many people know that the unilaterally successful headphone brand ‘Beats’ that commands almost 70% of the market share in high-end headphones and is prominently featured in most top-notch music videos in Hollywood is started by successful 90s rapper Dr. Dre. Similar disruptions have been caused in the beauty space by Fenty and lately Kylie Jenner.

She is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cosmetics, and all her endeavors, be it Kylie Cosmetics, Kendall + Kylie clothing line, the Kylie Shop official merchandise or Kylie Skin - are very popular across media and clientele, with fashion and make-up enthusiasts swearing by them. These brands are definite examples that, when done right, a celeb business could actually change the market landscape.

Some star-studded endeavors prove pathbreakers in an unexpected way. India poses one such example with the Red Chillies VFX firm by Shah Rukh Khan. The actor, widely known as the most famous actor in the world, started the VFX wing as part of his production firm in 2005, which has since elevated the level of VFX across Hindi cinema and has been the recipient of national and international acclaim. It has since left behind the cinematic legacy of the pioneering superstar to create an enduring one of its own.

But we’re saving the biggest for last. Elon Musk does not have your typical celebrity brand, but then, he’s not your typical celebrity either. A tech genius who is the definition of the term itself and a routine disruptor and rule-breaker, his forays in every space of his choosing have upset the ecosystem - be it automobiles or space exploration.

Even if today several companies are running their own experiments with self-driving cars, there is no denying that it was Tesla’s relentless publicity along with technical supremacy that

These brands are definite examples that, when done right, a celeb business could actually change the market landscape

stripped self-driving vehicles of their purported villainy and danger, and drummed up support and trust towards self-driving vehicles from the public in earnest. Time and again, Elon Musk’s status as a tech celebrity has kept his business in the news and share prices going, proving with certainty how fame can sometimes shield a business from the brute forces of the market.

Beyond the applause

This does make it seem like celebrities have it made - good looks, unbound fame, and a Midas touch when it comes to business. It’s not all rosy, though. Fame is a double-edged sword, and he who wields it knows its brunt. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian faced such severe backlash in 2019 when she named her shapewear line ‘Kimono’ that she had to rename it to ‘Skims’ to prove that she was not trying to culturally appropriate the history of Asian people. Regular companies with unglamorous leadership never really face this problem.

Case in point: The make-up brand ‘Swiss Beauty’ is made in the People’s Republic of China, and no one bats an eyelid at the brand name.

Public expectation can also be disproportionately high, with criticism often reaching vitriolic levels. When Kylie Jenner was crowned a self-made billionaire by Forbes, people went into overdrive trying to prove that her famous background made the claim of ‘self-made’ seem ludicrous. Furthermore, poor performance and false claims of the company can actually hurt in reverse where the artist’s credibility gets damaged by the brand.

Gwyneth Paltrow is a solid example of this, who has had questions raised on her clout as an actress thanks to the pseudoscientific claims of her wellness brand ‘Goop’.

However, at the end of the day, the negatives are a small price to pay. With steadily rising net worths and an even steadier stream of good press that entrepreneurship affords, celebrities will keep using their good name to multiply their wealth and cater to their loyal fan base with more than just their artistic skills or stellar looks and personality.

Jessica Simpson may have made her fame with her hit number, ‘I Wanna Love You Forever’, but it was the success of her eponymously named brand that made her the billion dollars. With fame, such a fickle friend, even celebrities need a safety net.

With movie merchandising, venture capitalism, profit sharing with big movie productions, and other revenue streams flooding with opportunity, this trend is set to snowball. After all, you know how the saying goes, ‘You can never be too thin or too rich!’ J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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The Business of

FAIR TRADE

PRO TALK

Entrepreneur & Proprietary Trader

Maitha J. Al Shamsi

Investing in markets is an art and this article gives insight into the tools you need to create a desirable canvas

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veryone has received calls, myself included, from brokers who claim and often promise that you need to invest as little as $100 to make more than $1,000 in a month. Such claims have hurt the reputation of financial trading, making it look like pure gambling or a scam.

Here’s the lesson I learned: The minimum required amount to invest with most funds management companies is US$10,000. Additionally, you will need to keep the funds in the account for at least three months before deciding to withdraw.

Such lessons are why it was time to write my third book, ‘The Secret Method – How to create long term success and consistency in Forex and Commodities Trading Business’.

Officially releasing on Amazon on 30th September 2021, the book talks about how I built my trading career as Proprietary Trader and why I now trade Forex and Commodities. It contains some of the unique trading strategies that I have created and trade over my trading experience of over 15 years.

Many who lost their jobs during the pandemic began looking for alternatives to generate consistent income every month. I want this book to educate those looking for ways

ASPIRE — S E P - O C T — 2 0 2 1

to start a business as a trader or gain some knowledge on how to start trading in Forex and Commodities markets. This is so they are well informed about how the markets work and are better positioned to make the right decisions whether trading for themselves or through brokers. With practical examples and illustrations, I demonstrate that anyone can be profitable using a systematic and consistent approach by keeping things simple, even when trading for as little as a few minutes per day.

Here are my indispensable learnings about the financial market:

WHO SHOULD BE YOUR TRADING GURU? There are four main players in trading markets. The book shows the difference between these four players, including Brokers and Market Educators (the other two are revealed in the book, and I bet you are intrigued and excited to find out!) and who should be your trading mentor if you want to succeed in this market. Remember – the best mentor is one who teaches you to think for yourself.

To pick a mentor, look at the basics – their track record, if their strategies agree with you, and how much time they are willing to devote to guiding you. Get to learn from mistakes

your mentor has made so you don’t repeat them, helping you avoid pitfalls. And honestly, the trading hustle can feel isolating, so having a motivating force helps more than you know.

!

In the book ‘Secret Method’, I speak about Risk Management rules at the core of what we do as proprietary traders

THE BUSINESS OF TRADING Trading can be treated as a business like any other business that needs capital to start with and the right management control to succeed in that business. This is one of the reasons why traders fail in the market because they don’t treat trading as a business vehicle; instead, they treat it like going to the casino and gambling.

Like any other profession, you need to learn the skills, have the discipline to follow the rules, develop or have a system to follow, and have a reasonable amount of funds to keep aside for investment. In the book ‘Secret Method’, I speak about Risk Management rules at the core of what we do as proprietary traders.

KNOW THE HISTORY OF SPECULATION Speculators are sophisticated investors or traders who purchase assets for short periods of time and employ strategies in order to profit from changes in its price. They’re important to markets because they bring liquidity and assume market risk.

My earlier book, ‘The Trader’s Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Generate Consistent Income from Trading in Forex and Commodities Markets’, discusses speculators in more detail. It is particularly important to know the roots of being a market speculator to be guided in our future trading.

PRICE ACTION TRADING Price action gives us an edge in identifying the potential direction of the market. It is the art of taking advantage of the price movements for profitable trading. Our primary goal is to trade with this edge and trade using movements from one point to another using price charts. Once you understand and master price action, building a system around it will only be an extra confirmation, taking the guessing game out of traders’ decisions.

POWER OF A TRADING STRATEGY If you think you can rely on just instinct to trade, you’re dead wrong. A good mechanical trading system automates the entire process of trading. It provides an answer to each decision a trader must make when trading, making it easier to trade consistently and save time. The system explicitly defines what should be done at each stage of trading, not just when placing a trade.

If you know that your system makes money over the long run, it’s much easier to read signals and trade during periods of losses.

If you rely on your own judgment during trading, you may find that you are fearful just when you should be bold, and courageous when you should be cautious. Therefore, adopting a consistent approach along with having a trading system in place, in addition to risk management rules, can keep the impulsiveness away from our trading decisions as proprietary traders.

A TRADER’S EMOTIONS Ironically, emotions control 80% of traders’ decisions. When it comes to emotions, no two traders are the same. As we are all sentimental beings, we need to control our feelings when trading by first learning who we are emotionally. When it comes to trading, people often just put their money in and blame the market when they don’t gain expected returns. In reality, it is like any other To pick a mentor, look at business or qualification; you need to learn the skills the basics – their track from the right source and record, if their strategies apply risk management agree with you, and how rules to succeed. much time they are willing Apart from a basic understanding of math, finance to devote to guiding you and business, be willing to dive deep into research and solid market analysis. It would help if you had the right starting capital and sound management to succeed.

Through the process, develop your own trading style and strategies, but know that you have to be adaptable to the market. Not making mistakes is impossible; so instead, keep track of your wins and losses and the consequent learnings in a training journal and reread it often.

Finally, stay in the game. Good times are fickle, but good traders are consistent. ✪ MAITHA CAN BE REACHED AT maitha.j.alshamsi@gmail.com 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Keep Calm

AND CARRY ON

PRO TALK

Speaker, Strategist, Goal-Catalyst

Sabeeh Ghugharia

Anxiety is on the rise and the CALM model is a handy tool to use in the workplace to help people manage their stress levels better. A quick look at what it’s about

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A

nxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. At moderate levels, psychologists classify anxiety as a normal, even healthy emotion. It may look like a feeling eating us up as relentless worry from the inside or as an internal voice that deters us from taking risks, signaling ‘This is danger’. Since the human brain is wired to keep us safe, we are constantly scanning our environment for potential threats and uncertainty. It has been observed that geniuses and people with above-average intelligence have twice as much anxiety as the average population.

But too much of anything can upset the delicate balance of life. Disproportionate levels of anxiety can disrupt concentration, cause feelings of constant unease and discomfort, and in severe cases even lead to physical symptoms

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(jitters, nail-biting, restlessness) and negatively affect day-to-day life. Anxiety poses a considerable obstacle to attention and focus as the mind is overwhelmed with anxious thoughts related to impending danger regardless of whether it is real or merely perceived, taking one away from the present moment.

According to a Forbes article, in any given month, 18% of people at work are experiencing a mental health condition, of which depression and anxiety are most common. More often than not, highly productive and creative people in the organization often fall under this statistic. If not addressed, the adverse effects of anxiety can disrupt critical thinking and decision-making, often spiraling across the workplace.

It is proven that line managers who want the best out of their teams can no longer adopt a directive approach, merely making decisions

and expecting the team to follow through without understanding their issues up-close. Line managers are increasingly adopting the coaching methods to bring out the best in people, which requires them to be good listeners, relationship builders, and performance enablers.

Hence it is essential that line managers possess some tools to support team members in dealing with workplace anxiety.

The following model is a simple 4-step tool (CALM Model) that can help organizations and managers manage anxiety at the workplace and its related issues:

CALM MODEL Concern or Empathy

LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT Away from Stigma

ANXIETY Live in the present

with mental health services as a part of them.

Another strategy to destigmatize anxiety is encouraging leaders to speak about their problems and share examples of success stories in dealing with their own anxiety and related issues by sharing tips, tricks, and strategies that worked for them. This can help bust misconceptions. By destigmatizing stress and anxiety, people will ask for accommodations without fear of discrimination. Consistent help in a positive direction will reflect positively in their performance, as well as their increased comfort in the office environment.

Meditate

Anxiety can take you away from the present moment and make it difficult to cope with tasks. Anxious thoughts can accompany from task to task or make the mind drift or wander.

A person obsessed with the past or future cannot give their 100% in the present. This can also cause absent-mindedness, lack of focus and lead to issues with recall and decision making.

MEDITATION CONCERN OR EMPATHY Sympathy works from a frame of ‘I am strong and you are weak’. It is defined by the feeling of pity for the other person without necessarily understanding the problem. However, empathy is about ‘I have been where you are and I understand how you feel’. It is a keen competency of emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. Empathetic leaders show awareness of the feelings and thoughts of others and are able to put themselves in the other person’s shoes and thus react with compassion. By being empathetic, leaders can offer psychological safety and help team members feel comfortable sharing their anxieties without being judged, work with the team members through anxiety and help them cope with it better.

AWAY FROM STIGMA Stigma leads to matters being brushed under the carpet, i.e., willful ignorance of the problem. When dealing with mental health or anxiety, the first step is to reduce or eliminate the stigma associated with it. Mental health awareness should be embedded in the company’s culture and should be part of the employee orientation process. Some companies offer mental health days or leaves apart from sick leaves. Employee access to mental health or psychological counseling is non-negotiable these days as more and more companies are implementing employee assistance programs

Keeping your team members grounded through anxious moments is very crucial. Well-known techniques are practicing mindfulness, deep and focused breathing exercises, and practicing gratitude. Throwing them challenging tasks which require quick turnaround and results can make the person focus on the present and the immediate results, although care must be taken not to overwhelm them all at once.

Overall, anxiety has always been common in a high-stakes environment, but as mental health awareness increases and the stigma

It has been observed that geniuses and people with above-average intelligence have twice as much anxiety as the average population fades, people do feel more comfortable asking for the help and guidance they need. It’s important to remember that what works for one may not work for the other; hence line managers must keep patience, know their people well enough and find out what works for them.

It has always been expected for employees to go the extra mile for the organization, and managers must be prepared to do the same whenever the need arises to help their team combat anxiety. ✪ SABEEH CAN BE REACHED AT drsab.isin@gmail.com 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Brand Strategist and Graphic Designer

Sumeet Gupta

PRO TALK

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THE SELLING GAME

Every entrepreneur knows that sales is the end point of an idea, and these basic guidelines tell you how best you can sell your product or service

I

f you are a brand or start-up, how often does this happen to you - having an amazing product or service, but you still fail to get noticed by your customers? You think you’re applying the right marketing strategies, you’ve fixed loopholes and made changes, but the customers you dreamt of never seem to appear. It’s a common problem faced by entrepreneurs and one of the major factors that contribute to losing revenue. Misidentifying your target customer base is an epidemic in business. The only solution – going back to the drawing board to understand your customers.

All businesses have customers, but the critical question is, do you know them well? In my previous articles, I explained branding and its elements. Long story short, branding is a feeling someone gets when they interact with your product or service, and that “someone” is none other than your customers. You must understand that the mass audience are not all like-minded individuals. To increase customer acquisition and retention, it’s recommended that you segment your audience to understand and target wisely. Profiling the customer

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before reaching out to them will not only increase your revenue but will also help you serve them better (since you understand their motivations and hence their needs) and create an experience for them to come back again.

To know your ideal customers, you need to start by asking the right questions: Who are your customers?

What are their needs?

How is your solution making their lives or businesses better?

If you smartly subset your customers before targeting them with ads, you will be able to make informed marketing decisions and obtain a better response rate. For your marketing efforts to pay off, divide your marketing process into four steps to ensure you follow them all.

The four steps at a glance, are: Demographics Need (or Problem) Psychographics Solution

Demographics Demographics are basic quantifiable facts

about your customers, such as their name and user archetype, along with age, gender, income, location, and other facts. To get your product or service to the right customers, create a persona by narrowing them down with specific questions/questionnaire. For example How old are my customers?

Are they married?

Do they have children?

Where do they live?

What work do they do?

Are they employers or employees?

Is it C-suite or manager?

How much do they earn?

What automobile do they drive?

Customizing your customers based on these traits will narrow the funnel, providing a foundation for you to follow through with the next steps.

Psychographics or Creating a Story The user story is the psychographic information that separates the audience based on their personalities. Different traits under this segment include values, opinions, attitudes, interests, lifestyle, and challenges that drive them – their life story. Your marketing strategies can be altered to cater to these core values such as: What does a day look like in their life?

Are they hardworking, family-oriented, stylish, or love taking care of health?

Are they into physical exercise like playing tennis, swimming or running?

Are they into entertainment like movies, or do they enjoy traveling instead?

Do they work from home or go to the office?

Depending on your product or service, create a story of your customers that revolves around your product or service. Your story should feature you as the ‘solution giver’, and every time your customers face a problem, your product or service should be the first to pop in their heads.

User Needs People always look for means to lead a convenient, hassle-free life. And that’s what your priority must be – to fulfill your customer’s needs and ease their challenges. Identify these from the psychographics and understand what they need from you. Where there is a need, there is a quest for a solution.

Solution to Their Needs Now, identify how you can meet these needs and exceed their expectations by fitting the benefits of your product and service. For

Profiling the customer before reaching out to them will not only increase your revenue but will also help you serve them better

instance - Problem: Housewives tired of handing daily chores? Solution: Rejuvenating spas with a beautiful ambiance to uplift the soul!

Once you have done proper research, you can perfectly accommodate each segment and accurately understand their motivations.

Make at least 4-5 customer profiles to see how your product relates to their needs and provide solutions. Depending on your creative streak, you can make multiple profiles of your customer base.

Every product is created to cater to the market space. There is a customer for every product. Once you have segmented your customers, you intuitively know what your marketing objectives should be. Having clarity about your purpose and whom you have created a solution for makes it easier to identify your ideal customer. And once you are good to go, you can create campaigns by writing content, marketing, and advertising based on your customer profile to help you reach your ideal customer and open doors for growth and expansion.

Netflix, the world’s most popular video streaming company has attracted millions of Millennials so perfectly! And how was it able to reach its right audience? Netflix recognized the evolving lifestyles of Millennials that love sharing trending content with friends and has used its social settings and features to appease them with the best mix of marketing techniques. By evolving right alongside Millennials, Netflix continues to successfully advertise its brand even to the non-subscribed individuals.

Indian television regularly features an ad for Harpic toilet cleaner, where a celebrity enters the home of a middle-class family and demonstrates the simple and effective use of the product to kill germs. Harpic was ahead of the curve, astutely understanding the market and the concerns of their customer in rural and urban areas. Creating awareness across cities and villages captured the market so well that Harpic is also driving a campaign of “Swachh Bharat” (“Clean India”) to promote cleanliness and sanitation in the country.

Knowing your customer well makes it easy to sell the product and services, increases the revenue and market share, gives you creative space to come up with more possible solutions for your user, and create a tribe of your own.

From understanding your customer’s story, you weave your own, setting a standard for yourself. After all, an idea emerges to change and make easier the lives of people. ✪ YOU CAN REACH SUMEET AT sumeet@thepurplestroke.com 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Manifesto for a Better World The Dubai Foundation for Women And Children (DFWAC) has played an eminent role in the emancipation of women and children in the UAE. Misbaah Mansuri catches up with Shaikha Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of Dubai Foundation for Women and Children who is at the helm of driving this change at DFWAC

W

hile most of us are driven by individual career goals and ambitions, what drives a few unconventional others is the divine calling to touch lives and illuminate them. One such soul is Shaikha Saeed, whose passion for community service was ignited in early childhood and has since nourished the community around her. Being raised in the United Arab Emirates, she proudly identifies the country as one of peace and giving. “I’m glad that I was able to pursue my passion in helping others in having a better life,” she says.

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A Force of change Shaikha Saeed notes that she feels privileged to join the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children early on in her journey to bring transformation. Since its inception, the organization has been working tirelessly to provide the necessary support to women and children who are survivors of violence and human trafficking and educate the UAE society to prevent the causes and fallout of intimate violence.

Shaikha Saeed modestly shares how the DFWAC has been ever-changing and growing, which has allowed her to be able to move between different

positions to explore and help as necessary at every turn, till she took up the responsibility of Acting Director-General of this organization. “With this role and responsibility, I wake up every day hoping to wipe tears and draw a smile on the faces of other people and support my team in the challenges we face every day,” she states emphatically.

From anti-bullying workshops to campaigns combatting human trafficking, DFWAC has been working with various stakeholders from embassies and migrant forums, as well as leveraging the power of social media to drive change. “I was able to help the victims and make a change in their lives through the different roles and responsibilities I was leading in this foundation. Having the honour to become the Acting Director-General of the foundation in 2020 helped me reshape the institutional culture and settle the organizational foundations by placing policies and regulations into practice,” states Shaikha Saeed.

Overcoming roadblocks The leader points out that working in community service exposes one to different challenges, but no roadblock has been as daunting as Covid-19. The organization had to tide over many curveballs thrown by the pandemic, like health issues and staff and other key people being confined in their homes.

“During the pandemic, we learned the importance of collaboration and supporting each other and that we are in one boat. We can’t make it to the safe shore without raising and promoting the humanitarian values of charity, giving, solidarity, and tolerance,” she asserts.

Shaikha Saeed notes that even in a year as trying as 2020, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children was able to circumvent the impact of the pandemic and ensure business continuity by delivering the support needed for the women and children in the shelter, courtesy of the DFWAC staff.

Despite mounting obstacles posed by COVID, the NGO implemented a range of preventive measures for women and children that included awareness lectures about the pandemic, modifying the requirements of organizing events, as well as allocating accommodation for isolating and quarantining the new cases to ensure the safety of all survivors. “Most importantly, we managed to promote humanitarian values and raised awareness about the elimination of violence against women and children during this difficult time using social media and other media outlets,” she says.

Gearing up for the road ahead With a stoic resilience to keep going, Shaikha Saeeda shares that DFWAC was able to grow and improve its services through years of collaborating with different partners locally and internationally to facilitate and deliver instrumental support for DFWAC clients.

Furthermore, it was able to provide donations to

build new shelters or sponsor programs, as well as host an international conference in Dubai. “We have received different awards for the work we’ve done to alleviate violence against women and children such as the Chaillot Diploma award by European Union, Hamdan bin Mohammed Award for Smart Government No.1 award in the Care & Rehabilitation category, besides many more achievements. These are a true testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the DFWAC team,” she says.

When it comes to her professional From anti-bullying benchmarks, Shaikha Saeed believes that her most significant achievement is workshops shifting her career to follow her dream of to campaigns combatting human working in a community service organization as impactful as the DFWAC. “As an trafficking, DFWAC Emirati woman and a woman living in the has been working United Arab Emirates, you will always be with various motivated to work in new challenges and stakeholders from align with the national initiatives such as supporting women and children, giving, embassies and and tolerance,” she remarks. migrant forums DFWAC and its Acting Director-General have already their eyes on the next big thing to take on as they set sight on developing the organization’s new strategic plan for the coming period, including objectives and initiatives that would contribute towards family and social stability.

“We will continue to spread awareness and strengthen protection and social care for the most vulnerable groups till we fill lives with happiness and only light,” a proud Sheikha Saeed says. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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As

the song goes, “It started with a kiss” but for this one man, his passion started with a board. When he was a 9-year-old, a friend of his returned from the US with a skateboard that he got to try, and Karel Dobbels was hooked. Thus started a lifelong love affair with all things related to a board.

With some convincing, his mother eventu-

ally bought the young lad his own board. Around that time, his father had just started windsurfing.

It was the mid-seventies, and the concept was a nascent one. There was a lake close to home, and Karel would go with his father and paddle about on the boards as they were being rigged. And so he graduated from skateboards to surfboards early in life. However, despite his instant love for surfing his options were limited as he had to wait for weekends when his father was free and the wind conditions were suitable.

He finally got his own board when he was 17 and that’s when the adventures began. “I went with a friend who had a car; I had access to two boards,

Where The Wind Blows

TO DISCOVER YOUR PASSION IS A TRUE BLESSING. SANGEETHA SHINDE CATCHES UP WITH BELGIAN ENTREPRENEUR KAREL DOBBELS TO TALK ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR AN UNCOMMON SPORT THAT HAS INFORMED HIS TRAVELS FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS.

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tr avel so we pooled our resources and took off on a surfing holiday to the Netherlands. It was so much fun, and it was a taste of freedom, both as a surfer and a young man.

Another time, a group of us went across to France where we just followed the wind and the waves.”

Windsurfing started gaining popularity across the world, and publications about the sport began to emerge. A young Karel pored over these magazines looking into the lives and lessons

to be learned from the pioneers in the sport. He avidly followed the career of the incredible Robby Nash, a legendary cult figure in the surfing world. “I was really impressed with the fact that while he was brilliant at the sport he also came across as being a downto-earth, accessible human being and this also inspired me. As the

Karel recently started foiling, another new development in the sport that has opened up a world of other surfing opportunities love for surfing grew across the world in the late eighties, innovations sprang up in the field.

Boards started to get smaller and lighter and Karel took the opportunity to craft his own board, one that lives on in his impressive collection of gear to this day.

Around that time he also joined a surf club in Northern Flanders in Belgium as he delved more into his passion and where he began to connect with others who were similarly driven by a love of surfing. Thus began a lifetime of travels that always ended where the land and sea met. Over the last decade, evolutions in the surfing world brought Karel to the exciting and flexible world of kitesurfing, and since then, there has been no looking back.

THE TRAVEL BREAKLINE For Karel, any holiday, any spare cash, meant an opportunity for a trip to someplace where he could surf. He has surfed all over the world - from his home country of Belgium to islands in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Cap Verde, Turkey, to mention just a few. “Each place has been different, but the beauty of this sport is that wherever you go,

/ Beyond Business you can find your tribe,” he says, only his eyes giving away his enthusiasm. “The global community of surfers come from extremely diverse backgrounds, many of whom are very wealthy.

But the wind, water, and sand are great levelers, and we all come together in equal balance, united by our pleasure in this activity. A good jump will earn you praise, and there’s always someone to help you kit out and help you with your gear.

There’s a sense of kinship and camaraderie, no matter where you are or who is around and it’s beautiful.”

Karel recently started foiling, another new development in the sport that has opened up a world of other surfing opportunities where you can do a lot more with a lot less wind.

GOOD WAVES AND BAD Karel has had unusual adventures in the pursuit of his passion. In Morocco, a sleepy local failed to catch the kite while landing and Karel fell in a heap onto an unsuspecting camel lying on the beach minding its own camel business. Needless to say, the camel was less than happy at this unexpected encounter. Karel recalls attempting to surf in India while on a business trip. “There aren’t many places to indulge this sport in India, and I found a kiting center in Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. All attempts to get there proved fruitless and I was grumpy and irritable and impossible to be around as a result.”

But there were moments of great joy too. His recollections of Greece are happy ones as he could surf in his shorts with good wave conditions, in water that had been warmed by the golden Greek sun. One time he had an 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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# Erechtheum

entire bay to himself, the wind conditions perfect for his board and kite. A huge fan of Greek food and the easy Greek way of life, he believes it is one of Europe’s best places for a getaway, be it for surfing, gastronomy, relaxation, or history and culture.

His annual trips to Sal in Cap Verde are something he looks forward to very much. “It’s a fantastic place to lose yourself in kiting. There’s year-round wind, the weather is beautiful, and traveling and staying there are not prohibitive. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a surfing destination.”

“However bad your day has been, if you can end it with a good surf or kiting session, or even dreaming about a surfing holiday, it will make you forget every bit of negativity. Flying on the water in the right conditions anywhere in the world is like sex.

When it’s good, you just want more and more,” he says, raising an eyebrow cheekily.

CALL OF THE WIND Karel has a sand bucket list of some distinction. There are many places he still wishes to visit. Unlike most surfing enthusiasts, he hasn’t done the big surfing destinations of the world as circumstances were not conducive to enable these big, expensive trips. He dreams of surfing holidays to Hawaii, South Africa, California and Australia, and is certain that these fantasy surf destinations will soon become a reality. “I’d

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like to give the UAE and Oman a whirl,” he says with one of his rare smiles. “I imagine the water would be wonderful in those parts.”

But until then, he has the Northern European winds and waters to fuel his passions. He deliberately lives close to two surf clubs so that when the weather conditions are right it’s not too far to the sea and the waves that bring him such joy.

He waits for days and weather conditions that bring the sun and wind into his life and for those few hours where he is at one with the waves and his board. “You cannot know the joy, the thrill, the exultation unless you have experienced it,” says Karel, the intensity of his love for this sport written into every line, every nuance on his face.

Perhaps Karel Dobbels can’t, but the creed that he and others like him live by was perhaps summed up most eloquently by that great Lebanese philosopher and mystic, Khalil Gibran, who said, “The breath

Santorini

# Temple of Olympian Zeus

A huge fan of Greek food and the easy Greek way of life, he believes it is one of Europe’s best places for a getaway of life is in the sunlight and the hand of life is in the wind.”

GREECE – THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION “Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea.” ― Nikos Kazantzakis, Zorba the Greek. A land where the tradition of celebrating the strength, speed, and skill of humans first began, we have Greece to thank for giving us the mighty Olympics! The ancient Greeks loved competition, so every year, var-

ious city-states of Greece sent athletes to festivals of games held in honor of the gods. The most important and prestigious of them were the games held at Olympia to honor Zeus, the king of the gods.

The modern Olympic games began in 1896 (over a century ago!), which included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, boxing, pankration, and equestrian events. Greece is a gorgeous destination that features on everyone’s travel bucket lists, from teens to honeymooners to old sweethearts all over the world.

LAND OF THE GODS Across the globe, Greece is called the Land of the Gods for giving the world a plethora of powerful, ambiguous divine beings. It is known for its winsome water and perky people who call themselves Hellenes and their land, Hellas. The title ‘Greeks’ was given to the people of Greece by the Romans.

Greece is famous for its stunning temples. In their time, they were considered the home of the deity it was dedicated to. Some famous temples in Greece are:

tr avel • Temple of Olympian Zeus • Temple of Poseidon at Sounion • Temple of Zeus at Cyrene • The Erechtheion • Temple of Apollo Epicurius Split between the mainland and several islands, here are some unmissable spots: Santorini: Stunning Santorini is the most dramatic of all the Greek isles. It is best known for the West Coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, which appear to hold over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera and are so picturesquely romantic that they feature as a backdrop of several destination weddings and movie locations.

Visiting Santorini is incomplete without sunbathing and swimming at the black volcanic sand beaches on the south and east coasts, visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri, enjoying the sunrise and sunset of the island, wine tastings, walk out to Skaros rock, a boat tour of the volcano and Red beach.

There are several amazing resorts with incredible views like Katikies Santorini or Volcano view hotel Santorini. Do not forget to gorge on the Fava me Koukia, Tomato Keftedes, white eggplant, and Apochti.

Its most stunning attraction, the Acropolis Museum is one among Athens’ most-visited tourist attractions. It is designed

by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with light and airy exhibition spaces, built specifically to display ancient finds from the Acropolis. Make sure to visit the Acropolis Museum restaurant, which boasts of both - fantastic food and a breath-taking view of Acropolis. Do not miss the famous delicacies, which include Saganaki, Mpakalotaverna, and Greek salad.

Crete: The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is famous for its

It is illegal to wear high heels when you’re touring storied monuments like the Parthenon or Acropolis in Athens $ Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

# Crete

Acropolis: The Acropolis is a rocky mound island considered the symbol of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples, namely the Parthenos, Roman Forum-Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

majestic forts, food, and scenery. See the Spinalonga Island, take a dip at Seitan Limania Beach, visit the village of Loutro and wander through Chania. If you’re wondering where to crash after a fulfilling day of excursions, Petousis Hotel and & suites, Atlantis Beach Hotel, Dom Boutique Hotel are among some of the best abodes here. Greece has several other famous attractions such as Cordu, Skiathos, Zakynthos, Poros, and Skyros.

DEMOKRATIA AND OTHER SYSTEMS Historians credit the Greek war of independence for the establishment of the nation and its multi-faceted culture. Beyond its azure beaches and the megalithic, otherworldly structures, Greece has given the world

/ Beyond Business enduring gifts – that of democracy, philosophy, mythology, as well as significant contributions to medicine, history, biology, geometry, geography, physics, and arithmetic. They also contributed to literary forms such as epic and lyric poetry, tragedy, comedy, and drama. In their pursuit of order, the Greeks managed to create a precedence of beauty that strongly influenced Western art.

Greeks have a long tradition of investing in paideia (education), upheld as one of the highest societal values in the Greek and Hellenistic world. Greece has universal health care and is ranked

by WHO as one of the best in the world, which reflects in their high life expectancy.

In 2015, Greece witnessed a tremendous economic collapse when it defaulted on its €1.6 billion debt owed to IMF (International Monetary Fund). Today, Greece has somewhat bounced back, supported by the service (80%) and industrial sectors (16%), and the agricultural sector (4%).

COVID’s impact was apparent since important Greek industries like tourism saw a sharp fall, although the removal of travel restrictions globally is expected to inject lifeblood back into the industry.

DON’TS WHEN IN GREECE It is illegal to wear high heels when you’re touring storied monuments like the Parthenon or Acropolis in Athens.

The Greeks are a friendly lot; they kiss close friends on the cheek when they meet, share food from their plate, and treat dinner guests as loyalty. For the unfamiliar, don’t thrust your palm in front of someone’s face or give thumbs up, as it’s considered to be rude.

Greece is more than a tourist spot; its civilization has laid the foundation for our modern world.

Keep your mind open as a blank book in Greece, and your understanding will be rewritten through your journey. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Beyond Business / health

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

Water Works

Detox drinks are the hydration rage.

Water gives life, and here's how to stay on top of your watering game

S

taying hydrated is important for our health, but plain water does not pack all the nutrients for our body. Some people believe that adding extra ingredients like certain fruits and vegetables enhances the natural benefits of water.

Also called fruit-flavored or fruit-infused water, these concoctions are simple to make and are a common offering in spas and wellness centers.

So, are they really as amazing as they say? Let’s strain out the myths from the facts about this health obsession.

What is detox water?

Detox water is water with infused ingredients like herbs, fresh fruits, or vegetables. Easy to make at home with ingredients you find in a regular kitchen, there are several recipe options, each with its own supposed benefits. Refreshing and bursting with flavor, they make keeping hydrated fun and less of a chore. If you’re maintaining a strict diet, this is the perfect option for you, as it is made by infusing organic, plant-based ingredients in water, not by juicing them, keeping the calorie count to a minimum.

Concocting the elixir

If you’re looking to get started on making detox water, here are some popular combinations that are oh-so-easy to whip up, with the most common ingredients. If you’re looking for a strong punch of

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flavor, don’t be stingy with your ingredients! You can also leave the ingredients in for a few hours or overnight to allow them to infuse some more fully, or crush, squeeze or bruise them before adding to water to allow their essence to suffuse the water.

Some popular detox water combos* Cucumber and mint * Lemon and ginger * Blackberry and orange * Lemon and cayenne pepper * Watermelon and mint * Lemon mint and cucumber * Grapefruit and rosemary * Orange and lemon * Strawberry and basil * Apple and cinnamon

Magic of Detox water

1. Helps in weight loss: Drinking water has always helped in weight loss, and detox water is no different. It has been proved that detox water improves metabolism, which helps boosts weight loss.

It is a good substitute for carbonated, fizzy drinks, so it’s great to beat unhealthy cravings.

Drinking ½ liter water drives up metabolism by 30% for the next 30 minutes, so those who follow this practice before meals lose 40% more weight than those who don’t follow this regimen.

2. Improves digestive health: The importance of water cannot be emphasized enough for a well-functioning digestive system and smooth bowel movements. Chronic dehydration can lead to constipation and makes you feel bloated. Regular water intake also helps prevent constipation.

3. Improves mood and energy levels: Infused water not only tastes good but is refreshing too because of the tangy flavors. They present a playful and innovative way to stick to your hydration goals. This boosts your energy levels and keeps your mood upbeat.

At the end of the day, however, regardless of the benefits of detox water, it cannot substitute for the high nutritional value we derive from eating whole fruits and vegetables.

Myths about detox water

1. Detoxification: Despite the colloquial name, there is no evidence that detox water actually detoxes our body or alleviates the process. Our body has a built-in detox mechanism, powered by kidneys, liver, and sweat glands, which regulate functions of expelling body waste and perspiration. Detox water may not cause a significant difference, although drinking water does help to eliminate wastes.

2. Helps pH balance: Alkalizing the food is a common trend now since alkaline foods are better for health. However, no study has conclusively proved that the pH of cells can be changed with a specific type of food.

3. Improves skin complexion: People believe that detox water helps in improving complexion as it removes toxins from the body, whereas it is the function of having enough water that hydrates the body and skin and hence improves appearance.

indiscriminately. Follow, but in moderation.

2. Liver detox: This kind of diet may sound tempting to health freaks, but in reality, this is entirely unnecessary. The liver is well equipped to detox and cleanse any kind of substance from the body. Instead of a detox, one should focus on eating raw and cooked fruits and vegetables, as these are building blocks that allow the liver to operate appropriately. Definitely flush this one.

3. Food elimination: Another popular diet hack is to eliminate certain foods from the diet. Instead of eliminating foods en masse, it is better to remove a type of food for a week and monitor the improvement, then slowly incorporate that food back. If you notice increased discomfort again, then the food can be eliminated from your diet.

Follow with discretion guys!

4. Colon Cleanse: Colon cleanse is getting rid of the unwanted accumulated waste in the digestive tract. There is no rocket science behind this; it can be encouraged by adding enough water and fibers to your diet. This helps in the removal of built-up waste in the intestines and promotes better health.

No special cleanse is needed; flush this one!

We leave you with a recipe for a simple detox to get you started on your health journey.

Happy healing! J

Lemon Grape detox Ingredients * * * * * *

Instructions

Fresh mint leaves Ginger sliced ½ orange sliced 1 lime sliced 1 grapefuit sliced 2 liters water

* Add all the ingredients in water. * Infuse overnight preferably refrigerate. * Drink next day

Detox fads: Follow or flush?

1. An occasional liquid diet: This has been a long-standing trend, where people go on a liquid diet consisting of fresh juices and smoothies, lasting anywhere from 3 to 21 days. The drinks are high on nutrients and low on calories, made mostly from vegetables. However, since they are protein-deficient, they should not be consumed 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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health Beyond Business / auto

Mean Machine

Few things say spell status like a car. Take a look at the Audi RS3 2022 - a machine that drives home the fact that you have indeed arrived

Design The Exterior • The Audi gets a slick, sinister look, with a sharply creased sheet metal exterior, front end dominated by a single frame honeycomb grille and gleaming black surrounds, flanked on each side by kinked LED headlamps.

• The aerodynamics feature tough-looking side skirts, rear bumper vents, and oval-opening tailpipes, along with a 25 mm drop in height, giving it the appearance of a crouched wild being. The ride is decked with 19-inch standard wheels with a 10-spoke design.

• Standard wedge-shaped LED headlights can be upgraded to Matrix LED headlights.

• Want to upgrade? An Alu-Optic trim awaits that presents the front splitter, bumpers, side skirts, and rear diffuser in matte silver.

You can also opt for carbon fiber

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finishes, thanks to an optional carbon-fiber trim package.

• The car comes in 2 colors: Kyalami green and Kemora grey.

Cabin style and Interiors • The interior carries hints of Lamborghini. Other qualities are specific to RS series, like the quilted seats and carbon-fiber trim.

• The RS signature is branded on the honeycomb seat quilting in black, red, or green contrast stitching.

• If you want the ultra-luxurious, Nappa leather is also an option. In fact, the three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel is leather-bound too with built-in shift paddles.

Efficiency and Mechanics Engine • Unusual five-cylinder engine akin to the Audi Quattro, with the odd number of cylinders giving it a fun thrumming soundtrack. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, great for quick shifts, and an all-wheel-drive system.

• The latest engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter, but it now makes 401 horsepower, to put Audi back on the map of powerhouse auto-beasts.

Tech and Infotainment

Price point

• Starting price: Just under $60,000

• The car is equipped with a

standard 10.1-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster screen.

• Performance-oriented drivers will enjoy the display - RPMs as bar graphs, and power and torque as percentages, creating an intriguing data-oriented feel.

• In the new RS Runway design, the RPM display shows the values in a way that replicates an airplane runway.

• Engaging dashboard design with a circular pad that includes stereo controls.

Safety

• The milieu includes airbags,

Mechanics • Braking is achieved with a set of six-piston steel brakes, although if you want something more superior, front ceramics and larger rear steel discs are available.

• The RS3 gets a standard sport suspension for ease of handling, which can be upgraded to adaptive suspension with active dampers.

Performance • Speed ratches up from 0 to

100 kph in just 3.8 seconds.

• If you are a speed-junkie, an optional performance upgrade will take you to 280 kph instead of the limited 250 kph. The optional ceramic brakes will let you breach 290 kph, which is thrilling.

X-factor

• Those who play with high

speeds will admire the RS Torque Splitter, which sends up to 100 percent of torque to any rear wheel. This counteracts understeer and keeps the RS3 in line during sharp turns and hard cornering.

• This unique drive mode biases the AWD system in favor of the rear for some ‘Tokyo drift’-style shenanigans.

Nemesis

• It’s tough to compete with such

a hotly anticipated model, so the 2022 Audi RS3 doesn’t have many rivals. However, the MercedesAMG CLA 45 and BMW M2 CS don’t back down and are top competitors.

stability control, and other mandatory features; however, autonomous emergency braking only appears if you order the optional Driver Assistance Pack. This comes with active cruise control, highbeam assist, road-sign recognition, and traffic-jam assistance.

Flaws/ Misses

• With the compact modeling,

sportiness, and the fat price tag, the Audi RS3 2022 upholds the luxury automobile’s legacy of being built for a niche customer base

Expect the Audi RS3 2022 to take the markets by storm when it launches commercially in October 2022. J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Beyond Business / st yle

Are You Carrying Your Personality Right?

Got yourself a stylish new bag to carry for work.

Here is what your bag tells the world about your persona, writes Ayaat Attar

fter a year and a half of working from home, work bags are almost forgotten in the day-to-day routines. Returning to the office, not only do you want something that looks good, but you also want to choose one that fits all your daily essentials comfortably and supports your lifestyle.

A bag defines your style and distinguishes you from others, completes your outfits, and carries your world. Over the years, different brands have designed bags in terms of diverse functionality, materials, format, and price ranges. Often your choice of a bag also reflects your personality. The next time when you walk down the streets, observe people carrying different styles of bags and see if you can decode their individuality and field of work.

To show what we mean, we have uncovered the best choices of officeappropriate bags – both useful and elegant. From brands like Stuart & Lau, Burberry, and Coach, you’re bound to fall head over heels in love with at least one – keep reading to find your match from our top picks and what it says about your personality.

A

THE BRIEFCASE BAG

Resolute, Confident, and Goal-Oriented THE LONDON CHECK AND LEATHER BRIEFCASE BY BURBERRY The London Check and Leather Briefcase perfectly hit the point between price and quality. It is absolutely worth every folding money you spend and designed to address the needs of modern man in motion, with equal attention paid to the sophisticated presentation – the contemporary redesign of the briefcase bag symbolizing the business world.

If you are into briefcases, you are determined to accomplish your goals along with this tweaked version of a trusted briefcase. Despite being called nerdy, you are always resolute and confident, with a clear perspective on self-image.

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THE SATCHEL BAG

Classic, Serious, and Structured THE LEATHER HANDMADE SATCHEL BAG BY HIGH ON LEATHER Unlike Joey and Chandler from the classic television sitcom ‘Friends’, their pal Ross does not like going to the gym or excursions. He remains busy with his business, frequently carrying the Leather Handmade Satchel Bag with him. If you are into satchel bags too, you are classic,

well-structured, and take your job seriously. Even if work and play come together in your life, you tackle it with oodles of style and convenience.

You strike the right balance between your personal and professional life, and you come across as high maintenance with an impeccable wardrobe.

THE CANVAS MINI SLOANE SATCHEL BY RALPH LAUREN If you are into satchels, you are all about grace and style. While others may think you are a lady high maintenance, you know what you want and what you deserve – you take your job seriously, you are classic, and prestige is your thing. Though carrying a bulky satchel on your shoulder is not flattering, you always want to appear well put together.

2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Beyond Business / st yle

THE BACKPACKS

Practical, Carefree, and Adventurous GG SUPREME BACKPACK BY GUCCI Backpacks as a fashion trend have come a long way, and GG Supreme Backpack

by Gucci is an incredible example of how backpacks are a fashion statement today.

If you are into backpacks, you are all about freedom and seeking adventure.

You are a practical individual who is full of enthusiasm, lives in the moment, and loves to experience life. Like your backpack, your hands-free lifestyle is also clutter-free. You believe in a healthy lifestyle, and you value reliability along with a sense of belonging.

THE CLUTCH BAG

Easy Going, Assertive, and Flexible THE UPTOWN CLUTCH BY SAINT LAURENT If you are into clutches, Though, how you hold your you are easy going with a clutch bag tells a story – if flexible personality. You tend your arms are crossed in front to carry less to do more of you with both hands, it and assertively accomplish reads that you are reserved, your tasks for the day. but if you carry your clutch Interestingly, you are ever bag in one hand to the side, ready for any occasion in a it tells that you are confident practical but stylish manner. and put together at all times

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THE TOTE BAG

Opinionated, Steadfast, and Multi-Faceted THE HORSE CHECK TOTE BAG BY BURBERRY From a shopaholic to a workaholic, this functional bag can carry your world in it while still maintaining your fashionable streak. If you are into tote bags, you are someone who is all about taking the initiative while juggling a

fast-paced life. While sometimes you are considered to be opinionated, you are not afraid to speak your mind, you give yourself the freedom to choose your own lifestyle, and your friends call you the multi-tasking diva.

THE HANDBAG

Elegant, Organized, and Punctual CHARLIE CARRYALL 28 BAG BY COACH If classic handbags are your preferred choice, then organization comes easy to you. You have your plans ready in advance, and you are punctual by nature. You are

elegant, stylish, and chic. If you are in love with handbags and enjoy collecting them, you are fashionable with the tendency to show off your fashion prowess. J

2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Beyond Business / a spire+ An entrepreneur needs to know a lot. Way more than the business idea he or she is growing. Aspire brings you a range of knowledge each month that will keep you in the loop and have you effortlessly conversing with everyone, from your local grocery store owner to your investor to your bank manager. Success is not what you do, it is how you do it, and this is how…

Lara Boyd

Train your brain

You are nothing without that collection of cells that sits within your skull. There’s a reason that this organ is given the most physical protection.

It is the reason you are who you are. It works consistently to keep you doing all you do, from speaking a language to putting food in your mouth to generally keeping you alive and thinking. This short fifteen-minute TED talk walks you through the incredible neuroplasticity of the brain and all it is truly capable of. Lara Boyd walks you through the process of behavior impacting brain function and how practice can truly make one perfect. It would appear Descartes was spot on when he said, “I think, therefore I am.” https://youtu.be/LNHBMFCzznE

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READ it

WATCH it

Royalty’s Strangest Characters

by Geoff Tibballs

All the king’s horses

Did Nero really fiddle as Rome burned? Was the Countess of Bathory the most prolific female serial killer? Did a certain king collect giants for fun?

Did a princess carry around her dead husband’s remains and talk to it every day? Was Dracula a real man? History is peppered with stories of members of royalty behaving in extreme and unpredictable ways. For those who are appalled by our current crew of world leaders, do read this book. Royalty’s Strangest Characters by Geoff Tibballs is a compellingly witty read that will have you laughing out loud at the antics of kings and Queens over the last millennium. It will leave you feeling utterly grateful that you exist in the times you do with the leaders you have… well, most of you. Importantly, the book is a great conversation starter or filler whether you’re on a date or a business meeting. Unfortunately, it is only available as an ebook, but we would encourage you to download a reading app on your phone for no other reason than to read this brilliant book.

OWN it Neighbour’s envy owner’s pride

A Moral Murder and Other Tales From The Blue Hills by Sangeetha Shinde Tee

To warm your heart

Fans of Ruskin Bond and Rudyard Kipling and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala will love this little literary jewel. Set in the mountain district of the beautiful Nilgiris in South India, this collection of ten short stories is a joy to read.

The lives of everyday people are explored in simple language, while the complex nuances of human nature are explored in a fun, effortless fashion in A Moral Murder and Other Tales From The Blue Hills.

From love affairs gone wrong to small-town spite to midnight hauntings to comingof-age heartaches, this book by Sangeetha Shinde Tee offers a little something for everyone.

If you want to wind down after a long day of work or select a thoughtful giveaway to your clients or friends, we suggest this delightful mélange of human life captured in the pages of this unputdownable book.

No one buys an iPhone to be able to talk to another human over a long distance, or click a photo, or browse the internet or any such stuff that a mobile phone allows a human to do.

People buy an iPhone because they want a piece of the elite experience. It’s the equivalent of buying a luxury car. Another car will allow you to travel, but a Merc or a Lambo will bring with it an experience unlike another. Also, a bit of FOMO. That’s the same with owning the latest iPhone come September, every year. This year, it’s going to be a lucky number as the new iPhone “13” will launch on September 14. Apple enthusiasts will probably orgasm at the sight of the new orange / bronze / sunset gold (most probable title) iPhone 13 Pro. If the leaks are anything to go by, it’s the perfect hue of gaudy and classy.

Trust Apple to pull off such impossible feats with panache.

Now, the fruity tech brand is not one to push the envelope with every new release; the iPhone face has remained unchanged since 2017, when the inimitable iPhone X gave the world the notch. This year the notch is going to get smaller by a few millimeters (a gigantic metric in the ‘i’ universe), and that should be reason enough to get the latest iPhone. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is touted to bring a 120hz touch screen to the fray as well. Above everything else, this should be the reason why you get the variant

with the ‘kidney consuming’ price tag. Why? Because the androids may tout 120hz as the premium feature that they brought years before the iPhone, but the truth is, even with a 60hz panel, the experience of using an iPhone has always been smoother and more refined than the competition. And finally, the big ace up Apple’s sleeve (literally and figuratively since this Earth-shattering feature won’t be available at launch), the new iPhone 13 will allow you to make satellite calls. Yes! You’ll be able to use a dedicated communications satellite hovering in the exosphere to make a call. No need to rely on a sim. iPhone users will finally become masters of their own destiny.

So go ahead and book your date with the new iPhone 13 Pro Max. Lucky number 13, iPhone style! J 2 0 2 1 — S E P - O C T — ASPIRE

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Beyond Business / the l a st word

Be Funky Cool

We live in a world of negative feedback. All it takes is a simple compliment to make someone’s day and the world a lot better

F

rom controversies to news of warfare, to fires and an imminent environmental meltdown… we are continually bombarded with information that puts us into flight or fight mode. Social media lets us paint a glorious picture of our lives to a larger world while behind closed doors and inside the secret rooms of our mind we battle with the dichotomy that the rest of lives, hidden from the adoring likes of our posts, is filled with dark imaginings and uncomfortable secrets that may never be shared. Depression and suicide are on the rise. Autoimmune illnesses grow every day, as do behavior disorders.

Children as young as eight are put on mood correctional medication and it boggles the mind to think this great human endeavor that has taken us into space and cloned life has served to create a world where, as Thoreau so eloquently put it, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

So, how do we change this? How do we make this world a kinder place? My ideal world would be a vegan one, where people like Ricky Gervais became politicians and money did not decide educational or health care outcomes for people.

But the idealist in me is, luckily, tempered by realism, and I know my ideal world may only ever exist in my mind.

While I may not win the Nobel prize for anything other than getting things impressively and continually wrong, I have figured out how to change the world for the better in small, infinitesimal ways. And I do it by doling out compliments freely. To pretty much anyone. I tell police officers that they look smart in their uniforms; I tell my friends as often as I can how much I admire them. I tell people who work for me, or that I mentor, how special they are and what a great job they’re doing. I have started the process of internally listing good things about people I acutely dislike. I let my house help know how much I value them. I acknowledge openly those that have helped my cause and helped me get ahead.

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The ripple effect of this is powerful. When you genuinely praise someone, you set in motion a chain of events that creates a circle of virtue. Most people like to live up to praise received, and with some luck the chain will eventually circle back to you. The beauty of this quick fix for all that ails the world is that it costs you nothing. But you may have made someone’s battle with self-esteem easier and given someone hope that the next day is worth living for. You may cheer up a stranger going through heartbreak and lift the spirits of a struggling parent.

Look up, look around, really look, at your fellow travelers as they journey with you around the sun. If someone has a nice smile or eyes, tell them. If someone is wearing a beautiful shirt tell them. If a man is carrying a baby around tell him you appreciate his daddy skills. Women complimenting other women is especially wonderful as patriarchy can face no greater assault than women handing out genuine praise to each other. There is much to appreciate in the strangers around us. And in a world filled with so much hate and intolerance, an authentic compliment is your gift to a broken world… the only meaningful footprint you will leave behind.

So, get out there… tell that supermarket checkout girl she’s super-efficient and tell your watchman you appreciate his honesty. Call your high school teachers and thank them for all they did. In this age of performative criticism praise is the ultimate funky cool. Be funky cool! J Sangeetha Shinde Tee is an author of four books, editor of 3 international magazines, an acclaimed healer, and reluctant entrepreneur.

Also an unconventional traveler, rebellious truth seeker, and inveterate animal rescuer, she is 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

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