Salaam y’all, welcome to the official podcast home of the #muslimprofessionals. Here your hosts, Hana and Zohaib, will be talking strategies, tips and tricks, conducting AMAs with Muslims in the professional world to shed light on the different tactics you can implement to increase your productivity and maintain your deen while doing it!
On this episode of The Muslim Professionals Podcast, I sat down with Adam Ali, CEO and founder of The Uncommon Agency — a multi-channel Shopify Plus powerhouse working with global brands like Rare Beauty and Liquid Death.We got real. Adam shared his journey from growing up in a mixed-faith household in one of Liverpool's roughest neighborhoods, to building one of the most respected agencies in the Shopify ecosystem. We talked about the power of partnerships, scaling an agency without outside funding, breaking into new markets like the GCC, and why Muslims need to stop sleeping on the CPG wave.There's wisdom here for anyone navigating identity, building from nothing, or trying to figure out how to turn hustle into a high-impact business. This one's for the underdogs.
In this episode of our podcast, join host Zohaib as he sits down with pharmacist and entrepreneur Dr.Saimah Arshad to explore the fascinating world of Salaam Nutritionals. Discover how nutrition and supplements play a crucial role in maintaining health, as Saimah shares her personal journey and insights on gut health, collagen, and the risks of modern medications.--------Chapters00:00 Current Events and Community Concerns01:51 The Birth of Salam Nutritionals05:52 Navigating the Supplement Industry12:02 Gut Health and Nutrition19:53 The Importance of Collagen26:48 The Risks of Modern Medications27:40 The Hidden Dangers of Supplements31:54 Navigating the Amazon Dilemma34:48 The Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Sales38:58 The Importance of Quality Packaging43:58 Consumer Trends and Future Predictions49:59 Why Choose Salam Nutritionals?
ICYMI: Recorded live at the NY FNDRS&INVSTRS MIXER on Jan 16th, 2025, host Zohaib Rattu chats with Moiz Ali, the founder of Native Deodorant. They discuss Moiz's journey from Harvard Law graduate to successful entrepreneur, the challenges of starting a business, and his transition into investing. Filled with insights and personal anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders and investors alike.Note: Our microphones died mid-way, which distorted the audio a bit. We did our best to fix the audio! A special shout to those who helped make this podcast happen: @moiz.r.ali @humandevelopmentfund @makanihomes @fridayhq.co @jamallawnyc 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:15 Inspiration Behind the Event 00:42 Journey from Law to Deodorant 01:24 Entrepreneurial Roots and Family Influence 02:36 Challenges of Being an Illegal Immigrant 04:00 Founding Native Deodorant 06:25 Bootstrapping the Business 08:35 Scaling and Early Success 11:24 Employee Growth and Customer Service 12:26 Paying Yourself as a Founder 14:01 Transition to Investing 14:35 Investment Philosophy and Strategies 18:44 Family Involvement and Personal Life 22:12 Advice for Founders 25:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Dr. Osama Hashmi shares his journey from being a dermatologist to co-founding a healthcare tech company, Impiricus. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare tech landscape, the importance of ethics in pharma, and the role of personal branding and networking in business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 05:29 The Journey of a Doctor and Entrepreneur 11:03 Ethics in Pharma and Healthcare 16:56 Raising Capital and Growth Strategies 23:08 Networking and Distribution in Business 31:22 Building Trust and Community 39:00 Navigating Identity as a Muslim Entrepreneur
On this episode of the Muslim Professionals podcast, co-hosts Ali and Zohaib are joined by Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a pioneering figure in New York politics and the first South Asian man elected to the New York State Assembly. Now running for New York City Mayor, Zohran discusses his inspiring journey from Uganda to New York, his vision for the city, his candidacy against Eric Adams, and his commitment to making NYC affordable and just for all its residents. Tune in for a conversation on politics, community, and change. Yes... it's a very NY podcast, so be ready. 01:11 Zohran's Rise in Politics 01:37 Challenges in NYC 02:59 Eric Adams' Indictments Impact 04:10 Housing Issues in NYC 05:22 NYC Code Enforcement 10:51 Public Safety and Transit 38:30 Final Takeaways and Dates 43:45 Rapid Fire Questions 41:30 Conclusion and Summary
On this episode, Zohaib, our host, sits down with Nabeel and Fatemeh, the founders of Dawah Marketing. They discuss the importance of social media, the challenges of originality in content creation, and the significance of targeting the right audience. The conversation also covers influencer marketing, cringe marketing, and the role of imams in the social media landscape. Additionally, they share their experiences as a couple working together, highlighting their interracial marriage and the importance of collaboration in business. The discussion culminates in a call for diversity in marketing strategies. Chapters 00:00 The Healing Power of Local Honey 02:29 The Birth of DAWA Marketing 05:46 Understanding Marketing: A Unique Perspective 09:17 Targeting the Right Audience in Marketing 12:21 The Importance of Social Media for Brands 14:02 Challenges in Muslim Marketing Content 16:35 Piggybacking Trends in Business 18:44 Navigating Influencer Marketing 22:26 Payment Models in Influencer Collaborations 25:15 Cringe Marketing Trends in Dallas 28:11 The Art of Video Editing 30:04 Influential Imams on Social Media 31:46 The Power of Captions in Video Content 33:36 Addressing Controversial Topics in Islam 40:22 Marketing Strategies for Business Growth 45:29 Inclusivity in Marketing and Community Engagement
In this episode of the "#muslimprofessionals the podcast", host Hana Rasheed chats with Fatima Alam—product innovator, three-time founder, and all-around trailblazer. They dive into Fatima's journey as a female founder in tech, blending art with innovation, and tackling challenges women face in corporate spaces. Fatima shares how faith shapes her career, why self-regulation matters, and her mission to rewrite the narrative around Muslims in corporate America. From public speaking tips to breaking stereotypes and embracing bold ideas, this convo is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to grow, connect, and redefine the game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fatima Alam 02:56 The Intersection of Art and Innovation 06:10 Challenges Faced as a Female Founder 09:05 Navigating Bias in Corporate Spaces 11:54 The Role of Faith in Professional Life 15:58 Rebranding Muslims in Corporate America 19:56 Experiences in Turkey and Cultural Perceptions 22:59 The Journey into Public Speaking 26:01 Secret Tagline for Muslims 29:01 Career Advice and Embracing Crazy Ideas 35:39 The Spirit of Ideas and Timing 37:11 Navigating Bias as a Female Muslim Professional 38:36 Stereotypes and Misconceptions in the Workplace 41:12 Networking Tips for Muslim Professionals 46:14 The Importance of Mentorship 51:55 Redefining Muslim Representation in the Workforce 53:56 Advice for Aspiring Professionals 01:03:34 Following the Fun in Your Career
In this episode of the Muslim Professionals Podcast, host Hana Rasheed speaks with Zoya Rukh Awan, Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. Zoya shares her journey from growing up in Long Island, New York, to navigating the corporate world as a Muslim woman. Zoya also discusses her experiences at the White House and her aspirations to empower the next generation of Muslim women professionals. This is a must listen! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zoya Rukh Awan 01:52 Zoya's Journey in Corporate America 05:46 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth 13:45 Navigating Identity as a Muslim Woman 19:12 The Impact of Stereotypes and Expectations 20:47 Corporate Inclusivity: A Reality Check 23:44 Celebrating Cultural Inclusivity in the Workplace 24:57 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity 26:06 Bringing Your Whole Self to Work 29:16 Financial Literacy and Empowerment for Women 33:12 Navigating Cultural Expectations 35:40 The Importance of Disability Awareness 37:09 Balancing Hustle Culture with Self-Care 41:15 Experiences at the White House 43:05 Advice for the Younger Generation
On this episode, Zohaib chats with Shefali Lakhani, the founder and managing attorney of Lakhani Legal, about her leap into entrepreneurship and the lessons she's picked up along the way. They dive into why every entrepreneur needs a lawyer early (like, before things go sideways), how AI is shaking up the legal world, and why trademarks are a must for protecting your brand. Shefali also opens up about the unique challenges women face in law, the power of transparent billing, and how cultural perceptions shape the way people see legal services. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shefali Lakhani and Lacani Legal 04:48 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 10:28 Workplace Culture and Gender Dynamics in Law 16:15 Leveraging AI in Legal Practices 26:22 The Importance of Legal Guidance for Startups 31:13 Real-Life Legal Pitfalls and Preventable Mistakes 37:26 Breaking the Stigma Around Legal Consultation 43:56 Cultural Perspectives on Legal Advice 49:00 Future Aspirations for Lakhani Legal
In this recording - Sharaz Khan, CFP, Investor Advisor Representative, Cetera Investors goes over last-minute things that you should take care of financially before ending the year such as: Plan for Major Life Changes Tax Planning Retirement Planning Investment Portfolio Insurance Review Estate Planning Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement 03:24 Year-End Financial Checklist Overview 06:15 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor 09:13 Life Changes and Their Financial Implications 12:01 Tax Considerations for Year-End Planning 15:13 Retirement Planning Essentials 18:15 Investment Strategies and Review 20:52 Insurance and Beneficiary Updates 23:47 Estate and Legacy Planning 26:41 Sharia Investment Process and Q&A 31:21 Exploring Halal Investment Options 32:35 Navigating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) 34:00 The Value of IRAs and Avoiding Riba 36:25 Choosing Between Roth and Traditional 401(k)s 37:39 The Importance of Financial Education 39:53 Investment Strategies for 1099 Contractors 41:08 Understanding RSUs and Tax Implications 45:11 Strategies for Managing Equity in Acquisitions 48:33 Leveraging Professional Financial Advice 50:49 Addressing Financial Literacy in the Community
On this episode, Hana sits down with Syed Rahman, AKA Saif, Owner and Operator of Modern Wall Art, a custom Islamic Calligraphy to learn about his journey leaving the healthcare profession to start a company designing and manufacturing goods. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Modern Wall Art and Saif's Journey 01:38 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Entrepreneurship 04:23 Engaging with Non-Muslim Customers 06:18 Art as a Reflection of Islamic Values 08:02 Balancing Tradition with Modern Aesthetics 10:50 Customer-Centric Approach and Customization 13:39 Addressing Criticism and Selling Faith 16:19 Commitment to Quality and Customer Service 19:14 Charity Work and Community Engagement 21:55 Passion for Palestine and Humanitarian Efforts 23:00 Charity and Community Engagement 27:58 Facing Challenges and Biases 33:17 Digital Marketing Journey 36:02 Balancing Community Focus and Broader Reach 38:07 Advice for Young Muslim Artists 40:44 Reflections and Future Aspirations
"We need an organization that is going to support Muslim candidates." In this conversation, Zohaib speak with Ali Aljarrah, an advisor for CAIR Action, a Muslim version of AIPAC, shares his journey from political activism to his current role with CAIR Action, emphasizing the importance of political engagement within the Muslim community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ali Aljarrah and His Journey 03:07 Understanding CAIR Action and Its Mission 05:53 The Importance of Political Engagement for Muslims 09:01 The Role of Muslim Candidates in Politics 11:46 The Impact of the Muslim Vote in Elections 14:59 Evaluating Candidates: Trump vs. Kamala 18:04 The Significance of Third-Party Candidates 20:48 The Need for Political Education in the Muslim Community 24:04 Building Political Power Through Local Elections 26:48 The Role of Community in Political Activism 30:09 Future Initiatives and Hopes for Change To donate and keep up to date with CAIR Action… Donate: https://cairaction.org/donate/ Instagram: @cairaction Sign up for updates: https://cairaction.org
#muslimprofessionals are at various career and earnings levels, and there's always a need to understand finance. What are stocks? Why should I put money into a 401(k) or a Roth IRA? How do I exercise my shares? How can I keep my money halal? The list goes on! Join us as, alongside experts from Nama Private Wealth, as we talk about basic finance literacy, wealth management, real estate investments, and have plenty of time for Q&A! Speakers: Shady Osman, Corporate & Personal Finance Expert Saad Zariff, Co-Founder at Nama Private Wealth Ali Farooq, Co-Founder & Head of Real Estate Investments at Nama Private Wealth Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Overview of the Conversation 07:29 Presentation on Financial Literacy and Budgeting 24:15 Discussion on Financial Planning and Goal Setting 27:30 The Importance of a Disciplined and Diversified Approach to Investing 30:42 Controlling Emotions in Financial Decision-Making 31:13 The Value of Financial Education and Professional Advice 32:53 Understanding Retirement Accounts and Investment Options 33:53 Protecting Assets and Engaging in Estate Planning 40:25 Managing Finances with Budgeting Tools and Financial Apps
After a long break, we're back with a game-changing episode that questions if our masjids are handling muslim finances the right way. Join us as we chat with Sharaz Khan, a certified financial planner with Cetera Investors, who specializes in wealth building, protection, retirement planning, and Islamic investments. Sharaz shares his expert insights on the financial mistakes many mosques and community members make and offers practical tips on how to avoid these pitfalls. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Join us in an exciting episode with Yara and Nourin, the daring co-founders of Makani Homes. They share their bold leap from Big Four firms to start a unique venture. Discover how they transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, creating a home swapping platform tailored for the Muslim community. In this episode: Yara and Nourin dive into their startup journey, discussing challenges, business evolution, and their approach to expanding city by city. Get insights into their bootstrap beginnings, funding strategies, and the motivation driving their dream. This episode isn't just a business talk; it's about two professionals chasing big dreams, making a mark in travel for the Muslim community. Tune in for an inspiring and candid story of innovation and resilience with Makani Homes. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
In this episode of #muslimprofessionals the podcast, our host Hana Rasheed sits down with Nabil Pervez, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at AoE Creative, for an in-depth conversation going over his unique journey from growing up as a tech-enthusiast playing fighting games like Smash Brothers and Street Fighter, to becoming a multi-award-winning executive in the gaming, esports, and entertainment industry. Key highlights of the discussion include: Early Passion for Gaming: Nabil recounts his childhood filled with gaming and his early exposure to technology, fostering a deep-seated passion for both. Professional Trajectory: Nabil walks us through his career evolution, including his initial years in corporate IT at companies like Fujitsu and T-Mobile, leading to his transition into the startup culture. Venture into Esports: His journey takes a significant turn as he delves into esports, initially as a commentator and eventually taking on executive roles in various companies, including his current position at AoE Creative. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Nabil discusses the challenges and triumphs of co-founding AoE Creative, emphasizing the importance of vision, hard work, and embracing entrepreneurial ventures. Championing Diversity and Inclusion: He talks about the importance of diversity in the workplace, specifically focusing on hiring minorities and women in the gaming industry. Giving Back: Nabil highlights his commitment to community service, sharing his experiences of mentoring young professionals and his efforts to support his spouse's career ambitions. Personal Reflections: Nabil shares personal anecdotes, including his approach to being a Muslim professional in a predominantly non-Muslim industry, and the values that have guided him throughout his career. Advice for Aspiring Professionals: He offers advice to listeners interested in pursuing a career in gaming, esports, or tech, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying true to one's passion. This episode not only sheds light on Nabil's professional accomplishments but also provides valuable insights into the dynamic world of esports and gaming, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in these fields. Check him out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perveznabil/ Check out his Portfolio: https://nabilpervez.com/ https://www.behance.net/aoecreative --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Join host Zohaib in an engaging and insightful conversation with Samar Owais, a renowned freelance writer and email marketing strategist. In this episode of "Muslim Professionals," Samar delves into her personal journey, sharing experiences and lessons from her successful career. What You'll Discover: Samar's Start: Learn how Samar navigated the early challenges of freelance writing after moving to the UAE in 2007, including her initial struggles and breakthroughs. Email Marketing Mastery: Hear about Samar's transition from content writing to specializing in email marketing, and how she found her true calling. A Remarkable Campaign: Samar shares the story of a project where she achieved a 100% conversion rate for a B2B client, highlighting her expertise. Overcoming Prejudices: As a Muslim woman in the freelancing world, Samar discusses facing and overcoming biases, and the importance of confidence in one's abilities. Entrepreneurial Tips: Get valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers, particularly on pricing your work fairly and avoiding the pitfalls of undervaluation. Balancing Work and Life: Samar reflects on the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and shares her personal experiences with burnout. Connect with Samar: For more insights into email marketing and information about her specialized course, follow Samar on Twitter and check out her websites. Watch, learn, and be inspired as Samar Owais shares her journey and invaluable advice for anyone looking to succeed in the competitive world of freelancing and email marketing. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
The long awaited episode is finally out. I got the chance to speak to Zarina Bahadur, the Founder and CEO of 123 Baby Box! On this episode we discuss how she came up with the idea of 123 Baby Box, the way she raised her funds, got her brand out there, and how she currently competes with her competition. If you're an entrepreneur or a want to be entrepreneur this is a must listen. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
and reasons why you're probably not getting a job. In this episode, Ali and Zohaib go deep into their mental archives to fish out their cheat codes for how they approach interviews and get call backs within the next 24 hours. This episode gets a little spicy, so listeners beware. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Hey there! You've tuned into #muslimprofessionals the podcast. I'm your host, Zohaib Rattu, and today we're diving head-first into the buzzing topic of personal branding. You're probably thinking, "What the heck is personal branding and why should I even care?" Well, get ready because we're about to break it all down! Our episode "What the Heck is Your Personal Branding and Why Is It Important?" is all about figuring out what personal branding is, and more importantly, why it's a game-changer in your career. It's not just about selling yourself or impressing the boss. It's about knowing who you are, what you're awesome at, and how you can bring something totally unique to the table. We'll chat about how to build a personal brand that's truly YOU - reflecting your values, skills, and what you're passionate about. We'll also share some top tips on how to showcase your personal brand to the world, whether you're networking in person or connecting online. So whether you're an experienced pro looking to switch things up in your career, or a newbie wanting to make a splash, this episode has got you covered. Dive into the world of personal branding and navigate your professional journey with a fresh perspective with #muslimprofessionals the podcast. Grab a cup of coffee, your ambition, and of course, your unique professional vibe. Let's get this personal branding party started, shall we? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Salaam! Finding your first job but can't get any hit-ups back? Got laid off and it's been 9 months and your still looking? There may be a reason for that. Things have changed in the job/networking landscape. Following conventional methods like Linkedin and cold email are dead. We go through some techniques that may help you stand out! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Salaam #muslimprofessionals! In this episode, Zohaib speaks with Ali Khan, a Sr. Technical Program Manager at Microsoft on how he made a rebound after being laid off from his first gig after 8 months of starting. Ali and Zohaib also discuss different techniques and strategies to maximize finding that next rebound gig and ensuring to maximize as much time as possible. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Salaam Muslim Professionals! On this episode, Zohaib interviews Tabish Bhimani, the founder and operator of Mastrat, a Retention Marketing Agency. We discuss the following topics: - What is retention marketing and DTC marketing - What it takes to build a retention marketing agency - The impacts of entrepreneurship in a relationship - Mindset one needs when building a company - Is building a company something you should really even do Follow Tabish on twitter: https://twitter.com/TabishB --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
As-salamu alaykum MPs! We're excited to host our very own Hana Rasheed! She is one of the Co-Founders of #muslimprofessionals, Senior Engineering Program Manager at Adobe, a Podcast Host of HireTalk, Career Coach, Mentor, and so much more! With over 15 years of experience as a Program Manager, Hana has delivered strong products, built a solid relationship with customers and stakeholders in Network infrastructure, Software, Analytics, and Technical Products. Hana thrive in leading cross-functional programs from end-to-end project lifecycle. • Project Management from Stanford University.• Managing 15 projects at PG&E with teams of over 30-40 stakeholders with an estimated value of ~ $ 32 million• Managed program and projects with over 25 stakeholders with an estimated value of 23 million dollars.• Experience in managing multiple project responsibilities ranging from 8-12 projects at New York Power Authority.• Managed 10 projects on Nokia Servers and Switches and Fiber Optic Ground wire• Managed installation, integration and managed services of Nokia servers for noc (network operation center)• Co-ordinated procurement and deployment of Hitachi VM servers.• Worked cross-functionally with product, sales, engineering, finance and accounts team• Skilled in project schedule, cashflow, accrual, invoicing, competitive analysis, pre- and post-sales activities, growth campaign• Product development with roadmap design, go-to-market strategy and market research• Strong data analysis, statistical analysis, delivered insights, dashboards, KPI reports, analytical framework• Business metrics to track record, voice of customer and customer analysis• Experience with SDLC, Agile methodologies, Scrum, Kanban, Plan-driven using JIRA, Asana and Salesforce• Experience working on Hadoop,AWS EC2/S3• Worked directly with/ reported to executive staff for several years and collaborated to product line for company's benefit. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Zohaib lost his voice and mustered up whatever voice he had to do this AMA. Please excuse the poor audio. Zohaib Rattu shares his time between being one of the co-founders of Muslim Professionals and advising and consulting growth startups. He started out aspiring to be a doctor. Still, he dropped out to study economics and theatre arts, pivoted into tech after watching HBO Max's Silicon Valley, and landed a role as an Intern at the Fortune 100 company Oracle. After Oracle, he transitioned into the Startup scene landing a role at Attentive, falling in love with the ecommerce industry, and then starting and exiting his ecommerce agency, Insaan. Since then, he now consults startups in the Ecommerce space, advises up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and works as the Head of Growth at LiveRecover. Follow him on Twitter - @zohaibrattu Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MuslimProfessionals Register to be a member for free today at www.muslimprofessionals.us --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
Salaam fellow muslimprofessionals! We had the privilege of having Ahmad Abdallah, CMO of NominalX.com speak to our members on a Live AMA. Who is Ahmad Abdullah? Ahmad Abdallah, the Chief Marketing Officer of Nominal (nominalx.com), is a seasoned expert in marketing and storytelling. He brings a unique perspective with a college degree in Creative Writing and Film. In this episode, Ahmad delves into his journey in the realm of marketing, along with valuable insights on how to scale an e-commerce brand. Who is Nominalx.com Nominal is a high-quality jewelry and lifestyle brand specializing in creating modern and minimalist pieces. Please follow Ahmad on Twitter at: @Ahmad_A_96 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/muslimprofessionals/message
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