What is your current career stage and what can help you unlock your next level?
I’m well established in my day to day field. However, I have multiple business interests, as an active entrepreneur either at board or ownership level. The unlock is based on a specific, intentional desire to meet people outside of my ecosystem, to be challenged, to consider new dimensions. Ultimately to infuse my projects with vitality, purpose & create a truly authentic GCC lens. It’s also about helping others find their “unlock” and create a mutual value exchange.
Why would you want to join 1833/١٨٣٣?
I’m in the process of activating two additional brands to my portfolio of companies. They are unique in the sense that these concepts do not exist. Thus embarking on this journey will require a smorgasbord of ideas and personalities to achieve any level of success. 1833 is unique in it’s composition, my gut feel indicates it will curate a series of talents which can help. And above all, it’s Sultan. Whilst I have never met him, he did once mentor one of my businesses exclusively via Twitter - LOL The brand was Velsvoir and it had a meteoric rise, chaotic middle and was sold for a premium to a Russian oligarch (that’s a story for another day!). Back to the present, the two concepts are: A luxury sporting club and a not for profit org, aimed at helping newborns in the UAE and broader GCC. (This is based on personal experience). The latter in particular, carries the potential for true impact via a creative outlook / direction. In terms of what I can add (beyond a dry sense of humour and rather marvelous Karak tea making skills) is a tapestry of experience via listing and delisting a tech company at Unicorn valuation. Insights into Americas / EMEA / APAC and a bunch of contacts that cover a range of skills required for an entrepreneur. I’m also a public speaker, so would be super happy to moderate any panel discussions etc, as we seek to build a community of creatives.
What are your creative interests? How do you spend your free time?
Interests range from podcasting to design to F&B to architecture to sport. I still design clothing but my focus has moved away from menswear to children’s wear in lieu of becoming a father recently. It’s a beautiful journey. I travel often thus it’s an outlet to absorb fresh concepts and build a conveyor belt of creativity beyond the linear mainstream. To balance the tightrope of Western pop culture and GCC elegance.