TBT is a podcast where we celebrate champions of art, culture, and tech industries. Tune in thrice a week to be a part of our community! We upload every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/syed-muzamil-hasan-zaidi3/support
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The Thought Behind Things podcast is an incredible find for those seeking relatable and content-rich podcasts from Pakistan. I recently stumbled upon Episode 50 and instantly became hooked. The hosts of the podcast have done a fantastic job in raising social issues and engaging in thought-provoking discussions. This platform serves as a refreshing change from the repetitive gibberish often found on talk shows. It has the potential to inspire and educate the youth, encouraging them to actively engage in student politics and social reforms.
One of the best aspects of The Thought Behind Things podcast is its ability to tackle social issues with fresh perspectives. The hosts delve deep into these topics, providing listeners with valuable insights and provoking thoughts that may have previously been unexplored. It is evident that a great deal of research and preparation goes into each episode, making it informative and intellectually stimulating.
Furthermore, the length and raw nature of this podcast are truly commendable. Despite not being a fan of lengthy conversations, I found myself thoroughly engaged throughout. Muzammil, whether on this podcast or other platforms like Instagram, always brings something different to the table. The genuine conversations held on this podcast foster an environment where there is so much to learn and absorb.
However, no review is complete without mentioning any potential drawbacks. One aspect that could be improved upon is enhancing the production quality of the podcast. While the content itself is excellent, investing in better recording equipment or editing techniques could further elevate the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, The Thought Behind Things podcast offers an exceptional platform for discussing relevant social issues in Pakistan while encouraging fresh perspectives among its listeners. Its ability to provide long and raw conversations sets it apart from other podcasts, making it an ideal source for learning and growth. With some minor improvements in production quality, this podcast has tremendous potential for even greater success in motivating change within society.
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with a rapidly growing digital creator to unpack his journey from childhood struggles and losing his father at a young age to building a full-time career in online content creationFrom early exposure abroad to returning home, he explains why social media gave him more earning power than settling for a corporate job — and why algorithm understanding matters more than talent or luck.In This Episode:Moving abroad and choosing not to settleLosing a parent in teenage years & emotional resilienceWhy returning home created better income upsideThe psychology behind going viral and platform discoveryUnderstanding algorithms, niches, and customer attentionTV celebrity fame vs social media creator fameWhy creators become stagnant & how to stay relevantThe late-night show gap and the future of entertainmentAnd how content, celebrity, and platforms evolve over the next 25 yearThis episode is a first-hand look into a creator's business model, understanding virality, creator economics, and how the entertainment industry is being reshaped by short-form platforms forever.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Asfandyar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asfandyarbluetick/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Shane and Adnan, founders of Software Finder — a global marketplace for buying and selling software, like an OLX for software buyers.With 350+ employees across 4 countries and more than 250,000 targeted monthly visitors, Software Finder has quietly become one of Pakistan's most successful B2B platforms without hype, foreign celebrity founders, or Silicon Valley experience.In This Episode:The story of building Software FinderWhy couples building startups must sacrifice comfortDecline of SEO traffic and the rise of AI searchScaling 350+ employees and 250 digital marketersThe future of software marketplaces & enterprise SaaS buyingAnd what Pakistan needs to succeed in a post-AI worldThis episode is a first-hand look into Pakistan's fastest-growing SaaS marketplace, its digital marketing engine, and how AI is reshaping search, discovery, and software buying forever.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Shane's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-elahi-22a46835/Adnan's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adnan-malikEndeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Ahmed Abubakar, Founder of Imagine Art - a Pakistan-built GenAI creative suite used by millions worldwide and competing for #1–#2 positions in global design app charts, right next to Canva. Today, Imagine does $30M+ ARR, with a major portion of revenue coming from the US and international markets - proving that world-class AI products can be built from Pakistan.We Explore:Early life, education, and family sacrificesBuilding Imagine and scaling GenAI to millionsWhy Pakistani app & gaming industry is bigger than India'sMonetization, profitability & $30M ARRESOPs, stock options & talent philosophyFuture of AI models, creativity, disruption & user context mappingMoving to the US, global talent, and Pakistan's role in 2050Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Ahmed's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-abubakar-9482127b/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Umer Munawar, Co-Founder of SmartLane, one of Pakistan's fastest-growing logistics aggregation platforms.Umer shares how he exited Finja and jumped straight into solving Pakistan's most chaotic industry - e-commerce logistics. From integrating 31 courier companies, to processing thousands of parcels, to raising $2.3 million, this episode breaks down what really happens behind the scenes in Pakistan's delivery ecosystem.We discuss:Why e-commerce is the easiest business todayWhy logistics is brutally hard with razor-thin marginsHow SmartLane aggregates every major courierWhy delivery riders earn so littleWhy Pakistan's logistic pricing is totally unrealisticThe future of debt funding, blockchain, & capital accessAnd what Pakistan could look like by 2050A deep-dive into e-commerce, logistics, fintech, and the future of business in Pakistan.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Nayab's LinkedIn: pk.linkedin.com/in/umer-munawar-41a9a2125Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Nayab Babar, Chief Investment Officer at the Pakistan Startup Fund, the man shaping how capital flows into Pakistan's next generation of startups.Nayab shares how Warcraft strategy games trained his problem-solving mindset, how his perspective on racism changed, and why he believes exposure not arguments fixes prejudice.Nayab also explains why:Pakistan & India have the same starting line in AIYou won't be replaced by AI, but by people USING AIWestern media's “free speech” narrative is deeply hypocriticalNICs are broken and need complete rebuildingBrain drain isn't always a bad thingThis is one of the most honest conversations on Pakistan's tech reality, global competition, and the mindset shift needed for the next decade.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Nayab's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayab-babar-cfa/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Rayyan, the entrepreneur behind one of Pakistan's fastest-growing food brands - OD.From a disciplined childhood in madrassah to running his father's company at a young age, Rayyan's journey is a mix of family pressure, resilience, and a deep desire to build something of his own. He shares how he transformed a family business, shifted from textiles to food, burned through cash in restaurants, sold his company, and then partnered with the same buyers to build OD into a national franchise.We explore:Growing up as the first-born Cash flow, failures & the reality of the restaurant businessScaling OD, acquiring it back & running a franchise-only modelLocation strategy, operations, and how to build a food business that lastsThe future of Pakistani brands and Pakistan in 2050A deep dive into business, leadership, family pressure, and the journey of building modern Pakistani brands.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Rayyan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayyansohail/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Yasir Suleman Memon, Founder & CEO of Salesflo, one of Pakistan's biggest enterprise SaaS companies, now used globally across multiple markets.We explore:Why second-tier Pakistani cities never developedHow AI is reversing Pakistan's freelancing boomWhy Pakistani founders lack “IPO hunger”Why startups MUST list publicly to retain talentWhy government will NOT fix anything and private enterprise mustSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Yasir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasirsmemon/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by the founder of Game Sports Management, one of Pakistan's few companies trying to turn athletes into real commercial brands.From managing Wasim Akram to building a full sports business, he shares the why Pakistan's athletes never grow, why our sports ecosystem is broken, and how countries like India turned every sport into a billion-dollar industry while Pakistan stayed stuck.We explore:Why the 2008 crash pushed him into sportsHow working with Wasim Akram changed everythingWhy Pakistan has no real system for athlete brandingWhy Indian stars become global icons but Pakistan's don'tHow Pakistan's sports industry can explode by 2050A conversation on the future of sports, talent management, personal brand, and the business behind athletes.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Arsalan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsalanhydershah/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Oliver Bennett, the founder of Layers, a managed marketplace reshaping how the world thinks about second-hand fashion and sustainability.Oliver opens up about his turbulent childhood, getting kicked out of home at 15, being bullied, and how those experiences shaped his rebellious, value-driven philosophy. Oliver shares why he believes in creating value, not chasing hustle culture.We Explore:Why second-hand clothing is a massive global industryKarachi's role as one of the largest second-hand clothing hubs in the worldThe dark realities of fast fashion exploitationWhy Pakistan's chaos is an advantage compared to the WestWhy he says he will never sell or exit LayersSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Oliver's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverbennettlayersEndeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
CHECK OUT MY AI AVATAR: https://muzamil.alethia.ai/In this episode, we sit down with Arif Khan, Founder & CEO of ALETHIA AI, the global startup building real-time interactive AI agents, with a major part of the technology being developed in Pakistan.We Explore:Creating AI versions of real peopleHow Muzamil's own AI avatar was trainedUsing AI for education, government services, counselling, and digital accessWhat the post-AI world will look likeAnd why energy scarcity might become the biggest challenge of the AI boomA deep, honest, and mind-bending conversation about AI, identity, misuse, and the future of knowledge.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Arif's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arikhan/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Ziyad Parekh, Co-Founder & CEO of Safepay, one of Pakistan's most exciting fintech startups and a Y-Combinator backed startup.Ziyad shares how he went from Karachi to New York and why he left everything to return home and build Pakistan's version of Stripe. We uncover how Safepay survived being taken to zero overnight, how they rebuilt with grit, and why they now process volumes comparable to giants like HBL.We Explore:VISA/Mastercard charging Rs. 30 per transactionGetting Investment From StripeKarachi's Poor infrastructure How RAAST might change everythingAnd what the future of digital payments will look likeSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Ziyad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziyad-parekh/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Usman Saleem, Co-Founder & CEO of Khazanay, Pakistan's biggest used sneaker and thrift brand.Usman shares his journey from losing his father at an early age, working graphic design jobs for just ₨8,000 a month, to building one of Pakistan's most disruptive retail startups.We talk about:How Khazanay sold its first pair of shoesMeeting Sam Altman at Y CombinatorHow they refurbish branded sneakersTapping into leftover clothing Khazanay's scale & GrowthLong-term growth, Islamic finance, and Pakistan's 2050 outlookSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Usman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhdusmansaleem/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Salman Parekh, Founder of Manto, Pakistan's most distinct fashion brand redefining local identity through design, storytelling, and craftsmanship. From launching limited hand-drawn collections to sustaining a premium yet local brand in a low-growth economy.We explore:How Manto built its own supply chain & scaled sustainablyWhy Pakistani fashion is stuck in a cash cycleThe real cost of building exclusivity & identityWhy Manto avoids mass production to stay premiumWhat the fashion scene could look like by 2050Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Salman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maansals/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Maha Shahzad, the founder & CEO of Buscaro — Pakistan's first tech-enabled bus-sharing startup that's making everyday commuting safer, smarter, and more affordable for thousands of Pakistanis.From doing odd jobs to fund her education, to building a profitable transport startup without a degree, Maha's story is pure resilience. She shares how her experiences at Careem, Foodpanda, and SWVL shaped her understanding of Pakistan's mobility problems — and how a confusing global model inspired her to build something truly local.We Explore:How SWVL's confusing model failed to connect with Pakistani commutersThe story behind Buscaro and how it was born during the downturnHow she raised her first investor cheque and built a profitable startupBuscaro's 6.5 million-dollars annual revenue and 70-member teamHow the platform ensures safety for women & school childrenMaha also opens up about investor trust after 2022, navigating bias as a young female founder, and her long-term vision for Pakistan's urban mobility.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Maha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-shahzad-88878b220/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Jerjees Seja, CEO of ARY Digital Network, one of Pakistan's most iconic media leaders. From shaping the country's TV and drama landscape to building ARY into a powerhouse of entertainment, Jerjees shares his journey of transforming Pakistan's media industry.We discuss:How Pakistan's private TV revolution beganThe economics behind news, dramas, and entertainment ProductionWhy premium Pakistani content is now free on YouTubeWhy global giants like Netflix don't invest in PakistanThe future of OTT and local streaming platformsWhy filmmaking still isn't profitable hereThe evolving audience behavior and the road to 2050Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Jerjees's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerjeesseja/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Arif Lakhani, Co-Founder of QistBazaar, Pakistan's fastest-growing fintech platform making anything, from bikes to fridges, available on easy installments.We explore:How QistBazaar gives access to credit without traditional bankingWhy 90% of startup funding never enters Pakistan's economyAre easy installments driving consumerism and debt?The rise of Pakistan's emerging middle class and fintech revolutionIPO dreams, PSX's broken perception, and what real innovation looks likeSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Arif's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariflakhaniSpecial thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Muhammad Bin Sabir, Co-Founder & COO of Uplift AI, a Y Combinator-backed Pakistani startup building AI voice models for every regional language of Pakistan. From Urdu to Punjabi, Sindhi, and Balochi, Uplift AI is on a mission to make sure language is never a barrier to knowledge.We explore:The collaboration with Khan Academy and their vision for AI tutorsHow they're training voice models for Urdu, Sindhi, and BalochiThe rise of regional-language AI in PakistanHow they're making AI affordable and inclusive for developing marketsSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Sabir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-sabir/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Muhammad Bin Sabir, Co-Founder & COO of Uplift AI, a Y Combinator-backed Pakistani startup building AI voice models for every regional language of Pakistan. From Urdu to Punjabi, Sindhi, and Balochi, Uplift AI is on a mission to make sure language is never a barrier to knowledge.We explore:The collaboration with Khan Academy and their vision for AI tutorsHow they're training voice models for Urdu, Sindhi, and BalochiThe rise of regional-language AI in PakistanHow they're making AI affordable and inclusive for developing marketsSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Sabir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-sabir/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Umair Masoom Usmani, the Founder of Myco, a rapidly growing OTT and creator-monetization platform redefining how people consume, fund, and earn from content across emerging markets.After leaving Dubai's corporate comfort, Umair built one of Pakistan's fastest-scaling digital ventures with 30M+ registered users, exclusive Premier League streaming rights, and operations across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.We explore:Why Umair left “too-good-to-be-true” job in Dubai to start MycoHow the global media system is broken and what Myco is fixingThe $25 million raised in equity & debt fundingWhy creators don't make money and how Myco plans to change thatThe future of sports, digital content, and monetization in PakistanSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Umair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umair-masoom-usmani-b12ab025/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Saad Saeed, the Founder & CEO of Scents N Stories, Pakistan's leading fragrance brand with over 40 outlets, 300+ employees, and one of the top 5 players in the country's perfume market.From starting with men's grooming products to building a nationwide perfume empire, Saad shares the story of how Scents N Stories grew from a small e-commerce experiment into Pakistan's most recognizable fragrance brand.We explore:Moving from beard grooming to online perfume salesBuilding 40+ outlets across Pakistan using e-commerce dataWhy Pakistan's perfume market is more advanced than Indonesia & BangladeshLocal manufacturing vs import, and how they keep costs lowWhy luxury perfumes cost 30x more than theirsSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msaadafridi/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Saad Riaz, Co-Founder of Kickstart Pakistan, the country's one of the largest coworking network powering thousands of professionals and businesses every day.Saad opens up about how Kickstart survived Pakistan's toughest economic years, scaled sustainably, and redefined what “workspace” really means.We explore:How Kickstart's coworking model actually makes moneyWhy Kickstart doesn't prefer to work with unstable startupsRenting vs Coworking — Which gives better yields for landlords?Why employee retention is about value, not just salaryWhy experience design is everything for the next generationSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-riaz-/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Syed Zeeshan Haider, the Founder and Director of Dipitt, Pakistan's No.1 sauce brand exporting to over 33 countries worldwide.A LUMS graduate and engineer by training, Zeeshan began his career managing top tobacco brands before making a life-changing decision, leaving the industry to build something that aligned with his values. What started as a local food experiment is now a globally recognized Pakistani FMCG brand known for its elegant design and high quality.We explore:Zeeshan's early career managing 3 tobacco brandsWhy he quit selling cigarettes for his daughterThe transition from restaurants to DipittDistribution, partnerships, and brand buildingScaling from local shelves to export marketsSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Zeeshan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syed-zeeshan-haider-4b341916/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Zayaan Bawanay, the Co-Founder & CEO of TicketWala, Pakistan's largest entertainment marketplace redefining how events, concerts, and live experiences are built.From selling his own birthday tickets to running a company with 95% market share, Zayaan shares the wild journey of turning a scrappy blog into the country's fastest-growing entertainment startup.We uncover:How TicketWala became Pakistan's biggest event platformThe early days with zero tech knowledge Building credibility through small events during COVIDManaging payments, logistics, and large-scale entry systemsWhy Pakistan can't yet host global-level concertsWhy Pakistani artists are more famous in India than PakistanThe risk-averse mindset of event stakeholdersSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Zayaan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zayaanbawany/Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Dayyan, a young, super-talented and rising stand-up comedian and content creator known for his sharp wit and humor.From small open mics to sold-out shows, Dayyan shares his unfiltered journey through Pakistan's evolving stand-up scene, the struggles, the experiments, and the state of comedy in a sensitive country like Pakistan.We uncover:His early comedy experiments at Laugh Out LoungeWhat it's really like performing live in PakistanWhy Pakistani comedy isn't growing as fast as it shouldThe cultural, creative, and commercial barriers comedians faceSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Dayyan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayyan_ki_chussain/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Ali Farid Khawaja, Chairman of KTrade Securities, Pakistan's leading investment platform enabling thousands of Pakistanis to invest smartly and become part of the country's growing capital markets.With a global background in finance and technology, having worked at UBS, Berenberg, SafeCharge, and Autonomous Research, Ali shares how he's bridging the gap between the Pakistani stock market and local investors.We uncover:How KTrade became Pakistan's first large-scale retail investment platformWhy only 0.2% of Pakistanis invest in stocks todayWhy millions are trading crypto and forex instead of building real wealthHow KTrade hit $6 million in daily trading volume and continues to grow KTrade's Saudi expansionThe potential for 30 million+ Pakistanis to become investorsWhy a bull run in Pakistan might already have begunSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Ali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifaridkhwaja/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Sannan Saleh, a filmmaker, storyteller, and creative producer who's worked with global giants like Comedy Central in Los Angeles before returning to Pakistan. Sannan shares an unfiltered look at the real state of Pakistan's entertainment industry, its creative challenges, and the opportunities AI now brings.We explore:How his journey from Duke to LA shaped his creative mindsetWhat made him leave a stable career in the U.S. to return to PakistanWhy content distribution is easier than ever How Pakistani TV channels are afraid to take creative risksWhy boomer producers are out of touch with Gen Z audiencesWhy Pakistan doesn't have a talent problem, it has a direction problemThe elitism in filmmaking and why cinema must be made for everyoneHow AI tools will slash production costs and change creativity foreverAn unapologetically honest conversation about filmmaking, creativity, and the evolving mindset of Pakistan's new generation of storytellers.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Sannan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sannansaleh/Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Sikandar Nawaz and Moiz Nawaz - two multi-talented brothers who've carved their own creative paths in Pakistan's evolving entertainment industry.From Bhatti Gate to the big screen, the Nawaz brothers share an honest, heartfelt conversation about their journey - from madrassah life and acting struggles to music, content creation, and the pressures of public life.We explore:Sikandar's childhood and madrassah experiences shaped his creative driveMoiz's transition from music to televisionWhy criticism from relatives can either break or build your confidenceThe harsh truth about drama industry payments and structuresHow they learned acting without formal training and found their breakthroughWhy ego and lack of collaboration hold back Pakistan's creator economyTheir take on Pakistan in 2050 and what real success looks likeA deep, emotional, and often humorous dive into what it means to stay authentic in the face of fame, expectations, and constant change.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Sikandar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sikandarnawazzMoiz's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moizzz_nawazzzSpecial thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Arif Iqbal, the Co-Founder & CEO of LAAM, a fashion-tech startup transforming how South Asian brands scale globally through technology and logistics.With a stellar background as an engineering leader at Facebook, Microsoft, Pinterest, and eBay, Arif shares how LAAM is building Pakistan's Shopify-alternative helping thousands of local brands reach global audiences while solving the #1 reason most Pakistani ecommerce ventures fail: logistics.We uncover:Why LAAM is not a fashion company, but a tech & logistics companyHow LAAM enables 48-hour local delivery & 5-day global shippingWhy most Pakistani ecommerce startups fail — and how LAAM solves thatThe $5M+ raised and LAAM's journey with Endeavor GlobalHow Octane, LAAM's backend engine, is bypassing Shopify limitationsWith the ambition to become Pakistan's next tech unicorn, Arif shares his long-term vision of turning LAAM into the Amazon of South Asia — and a homegrown global success story.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Arif's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arifiqbal/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Abbas Raza Bukhari, a rising stand-up comedian, storyteller, and content creator of Pakistan's digital comedy scene.From hating Instagram and never planning to create content to building a loyal audience through relatable, family-friendly humor, Abbas walks us through his journey of creative self-discovery, content burnout, and what comedy truly means.We uncover:Why Abbas believes abusive comedy doesn't work in PakistanThe ego trap of social media content creationWhy comedians in Pakistan aren't connectedHow his wife pushed him into content creationSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Abbas's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbassbukharii/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at:Daftarkhwan: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Omar Shah, the Co-Founder & CEO of COLABS, Pakistan's leading coworking space platform with over $5M in funding.From his early days at Abraaj Capital to building a workspace empire in Pakistan, Omar breaks down the real challenges of scaling startups, building brand credibility, and attracting global investment in Pakistan's high-risk economy.We uncover:Why most Pakistani startups fail to scaleThe truth behind WeWork's collapseColabs' expansion into the Middle EastThe business mindset gap between India & PakistanAnd the harsh truth: "Pakistan was overselling coworking"Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Omar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osshah/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanSpecial thanks to COLABS for providing us with the studio space.You can find out more about them at:COLABS: https://www.colabs.pkCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Muneeb Zafar, founder of Fitted, one of Pakistan's fastest-growing men's fashion brands. From starting without retail stores to building a strong D2C presence through quality fabrics and bold aesthetics, Muneeb shares how he built a sustainable business in a cash-burning fashion industry.We dive into:The origin story behind FittedHow to build a brand without big capitalSourcing quality fabric locally in PakistanChallenges of retail vs onlineCAC, marketing strategy, and automationIf you've ever dreamed of starting your own brand, or are curious about the reality of building a fashion startup in Pakistan — this episode is for you.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Muneeb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muneebzafar1Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Jawwad Hasan, CEO & co-founder of Agrilift, and Salar Malik, Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer at FFC. Together, they unpack how corporate partnerships are attempting to transform Pakistan's outdated agriculture sector through farmer-friendly technology, data, and modern infrastructure.We dive into:Why Pakistan's agriculture is so inefficientHow timely data insights are reshaping farming practicesThe Agrilift x FFC partnership modelWhat's next for this partnershipWhy agri startups often leave Pakistan to scale globallySocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Jawwad's LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jawwad-hasanSalar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salar-malik/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Saad Farrukh, founder of EVEE, Pakistan's fastest-growing electric scooter company. Coming from a conventional motorcycle spare parts business on McLeod Road, Saad transitioned into the EV space after years of importing parts from China and setting up local assembly.We dive into:The origin story of EVEEWhy Saad chose scooters over bikesComparing innovation in China vs PakistanGovernment policies, localization challenges, and B2B market potentialSocials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-farrukh-038b3a198/Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanDaftarKhwan: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Muhammad Omer Khan, Founder & CEO of PostEx, Pakistan's largest e-commerce logistics & cashflow solutions provider — operating across Tier 1 to Tier 3 cities with over 11,000 employees and handling 3x more COD cash than any competitor.This episode answers:Why PostEx skipped the traditional franchise modelWhat goes into delivering to Pakistan's most remote townsHow tech, data, and credit scoring drive modern logisticsWe also talk about team scale, investor interest, data monetization, and what it really takes to operate in low-trust, high-cash economies like Pakistan.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Guest's LinkedIn: pk.linkedin.com/in/muhammadomer56Endeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanDaftarKhwan: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/Credits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.orgIn this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Adnan Shaffi, Co-Founder of PriceOye — Pakistan's leading online tech marketplace that's processing over 5% of the country's total mobile phone purchases.This episode answers:What makes Pakistan a high-risk, high-reward market for startupsHow to attract global VC interest in a volatile economyThe early hustle, exit, and reinvention of Adnan's personal journeyWe also discuss venture funding, consumer behavior, the stigma of buying online in Pakistan, and the massive opportunity still left to unlock.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adnanshaffiEndeavor's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-pakistanCredits:Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiAssociate Producer: Saad ShehryarPublisher: Talha ShaikhEditor: Jawad Sajid
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Dr. Saira Siddique, Founder & +CEO of medIQ Smart Healthcare, a digital health platform revolutionizing healthcare access in Pakistan. Before founding medIQ, Dr. Saira led several major health initiatives with the Government of Pakistan until a tragic road accident left her paralyzed from the neck down. But that wasn't the end, it was the start of a bigger mission.This episode answers: How a life-threatening accident changed her mission Why she left government to build something bigger What medIQ actually does, and how it's scaling globallyWe also explore the tension between staying small vs fundraising, the reality of equity dilution, and what it takes to build Pakistan's first digital health startup Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsTBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclipsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Guest's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-saira-siddique-62130b1ab/Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.org/DaftarKhwan: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we're joined by Miral Sharif, the Country Head of Yango Pakistan, who previously held leadership roles at Swvl, Daraz, and Zong. Miral shares her personal journey, the challenges of working in male-dominated industries, and the future of ride-sharing in Pakistan.This episode answers:What is Yango doing differently in Pakistan?Can we actually build a one-app-for-everything solution here?How does ride-sharing help everyday Pakistanis?Will we see delivery, logistics, and rides merge into one ecosystem?Make sure to watch till the end for a deep dive into the startup ecosystem and tech adoption in Pakistan.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Miral's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miral-sharif-3b5976a2/
Joining us today is Jahanzeb Burana, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Pakistan's first American-affiliated university launching in 2025. With an MBA from Harvard and a decade of experience in public policy, investments, and education reform, Jahanzeb shares the vision behind building a globally competitive, student-centric university in Pakistan.In this episode, we dive deep into how traditional universities are failing students, why NIT is offering an entirely new model, and how they've partnered with Arizona State University to deliver a modern, globally aligned curriculum. We explore course quality, the 3+1 international transfer program, and how Pakistan can solve its talent redundancy crisis amidst global AI disruption.This episode answers:Why is Pakistan's current university system outdated?How will NIT ensure job-ready graduates?What is the future of global education?Can we fix the skill gap in the Pakistani workforce?Watch till the end to hear about NIT's collaboration with Arizona State University, student career pathways, and the future of education in Pakistan.Don't forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch more future-facing conversations.Socials:TBT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Jahanzeb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahanzebburana/
Joining us today is Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the current Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, with decades of experience leading Pakistan's education reform. Dr. Mukhtar offers an unfiltered view on the gaps in our current system and what needs to change.In this episode, we dive deep into why Pakistan's degrees are becoming irrelevant, how outdated policies are killing innovation, and what steps HEC is taking to fix this broken system. We also explore future plans for AI, local internet infra, EdTech, and what a truly skilled youth could look like by 2050.This episode answers:Why are our degrees not helping us build careers?How does HEC plan to bridge the talent gap?What's the future of higher education in Pakistan?Is EdTech the answer?Stay till the end to understand how Pakistan's education system can evolve and what's holding it back.Don't forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch more unfiltered conversations like this!#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #hecpakistan #pakistanieducation #degrees Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Dr. Mukhtar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mukhtar-ahmed-046408247/
Joining us today is Jonathan Mark Tatti, the Co founder & CEO of Begin Watch, a new Pakistani OTT platform competing with global giants like Netflix and HBO. With over 20 years in the media industry, Jonathan played key roles at Zee TV, CNBC Pakistan, and SAMAA TV, launching some of the region's most iconic content and channels.In this episode, we dive into the real story behind Pakistan's streaming challenges, how Begin Watch was started, the legal and content roadblocks, and how the team plans to build a platform that can rival global players. We also explore sports distribution, E-sports, content licensing, and what it really takes to build a media business in Pakistan today.This episode answers:Why build a streaming platform in Pakistan?How does Begin compete with Netflix, HBO & others?What's the biggest challenge in acquiring content rights?Can subscription-based platforms survive here?What does Pakistan's future look like?Stay till the end to hear about Shark Tank Pakistan, Pakistan Idol, and Jonathan's vision for Pakistan in 2050.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Jonathan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mark-t/
Joining us today is Ivana Bajamic, Chief People & Corporate Reputation Officer at National Foods Limited (NFL). She has a global background across adidas, Chalhoub, and BRF, and brings over a decade of experience in talent strategy, organizational culture, and people transformation.In this episode, we explore Pakistan's talent pool, what's working, where the gaps are, and how global standards can be adapted locally. Ivana shares her honest perspective on hiring in Pakistan, building accountability systems, the impact of AI on legacy companies, and why diversity and culture are no longer soft topics. This episode answers:What are the real strengths in Pakistan's talent pool?Why do companies struggle with accountability?How can legacy companies adapt to AI?What's needed to prepare agencies for global work?Where does Ivana see Pakistan in 2050?Watch till the end for book recommendations from Ivana.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Ivana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-bajamic-2781579/
Joining us today is Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senior Minister in the Government of Punjab and a leader in PMLN, also an associate of Maryam Nawaz. She has a background in economics and environment from King's College London, and has held major portfolios including Information, Planning & Development, Climate Change, and Education.In this episode, we unpack the Punjab Budget 2025, what it really means for the average Pakistani, and how the government plans to fix key issues like female education, public transport, water distribution, digitization, and more. This episode answers: What are the focus areas in Budget 2025? How is PMLN approaching reform this time? Is Maryam Nawaz focused on education? What is being done for water and smog? Can digital governance actually work in Pakistan?Watch till the end for a glimpse into what Pakistan might look like by 2050.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Marriyum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marriyum/Marriyum's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriyum_aurangzeb/
Joining us today is Abdul Rehman Najam, a value investor and the Founder & CEO of ARN Financial Advisors, where he helps individuals and businesses navigate financial markets. He has a background in Economics from the University of Warwick and deep expertise in wealth management.In this episode, we dive into why most Pakistanis don't invest smartly, the myths around getting rich, and what real financial literacy looks like. We also explore the mindset of long-term investing, how to ignore noise in the market, and why emotions are the biggest enemy of smart financial decisions.This episode answers:Why do most people never build wealth despite earning well?How can young Pakistanis start investing the right way?What are the most common investing mistakes?Why is long-term thinking rare in Pakistan?How can financial advisors actually add value?Watch till the end to understand more about Stock Market.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Abdul Rehman's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AbdulRehman0292/Abdul Rehman's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abdulrehmannajam
Joining us today is Qumber Hussain, the Founder and CEO of Virtue Xolutions, a growing tech company he has built over the past 10 years. Under his leadership, Virtue Xolutions has expanded from a startup idea into a trusted business working with clients across industries.In this episode, we explore why many Pakistanis think small, how language barriers hold people back, and what it really takes to build global businesses. We also talk about the power of networking, how to structure a business for global clients, and why AI will reshape marketing and communication in the years ahead.This episode answers:• Why do so many Pakistanis struggle to dream big?• How does poor English block opportunities?• What stops Pakistanis from building global businesses?• What do international clients expect that most don't deliver?• How is AI already changing the marketing game?Watch till the end to understand more about Pakistan's Future.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasanMuzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasanQumber's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qumber-hussain-991b457b/
Joining us today is Danish Khaliq, a key figure behind HUBCO's entry into Pakistan's EV ecosystem, and a former Canadian government policy expert.In this episode, we discuss the true economics of electric vehicles in Pakistan, HUBCO's partnership with BYD, and why EVs are the future. We explore the broader impact on fuel imports, air quality, and government policy, while breaking down whether Pakistan can localize EVs or even become an exporter in the future.This episode answers:• Are EVs really 3x cheaper than fuel cars?• How much can Pakistan save in fuel import bills?• Is BYD the Tesla of Asia?• Can we build EV infrastructure fast enough?• Will EVs impact Pakistan's AQI & urban health?Watch till the end to understand more about Pakistan's EV future.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasanDanish's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danish-khaliq
Join Kamyabi Network: https://kamyabinetwork.comJoining us today is Ali Asghar Jamali, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC), the official assembler and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan. Jamali breaks down Toyota's localization, the flaws in Pakistan's automotive policy & what's really going on in Pakistan's auto industry. This video answers the following questions: What really went wrong in Pakistan's auto sectorIs the used car market killing local auto manufacturing?The tax burden on the Auto SectorWhether electric vehicles are actually viable hereAre local cars lower in quality than imports?Can Pakistan ever manufacture and export its own cars?Watch till the end to hear Jamali's vision for Pakistan's automotive future in 2050.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan Ali's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-a-jamali-4004ba69/
Join Kamyabi Network: https://kamyabinetwork.com/Guest Introduction: Joining us today is Shayan Shabir, the Founder and CEO of Strategic Pulse, a company helping businesses grow using AI, cybersecurity, and digital tools. Shayan has over 20 years of experience working across the UK, Australia, and South Asia.Before this, he was the CIO and CSO at Nova Systems, where he led a $35 million digital transformation and built a $7 million cybersecurity program. He has worked in defence, energy, and healthcare, and handled many real cyber attacks in his career.Shayan is certified in CISM, CRISC, and CDPSE, and is focused on helping businesses become faster, safer, and more future-ready.Do not forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch on to some amazing conversations coming your way!Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan Shahyan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahyan-s-6994261a3/Podcast Links:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf
Join Kamyabi Network: https://kamyabinetwork.com/Guest Introduction: Joining us today is Zeeshan Sikander, the Founder & CEO of Zenkoders, a cutting-edge software company he's been passionately building since 2019. With over 10 years of experience in Software Development and Project Management, Zeeshan has grown Zenkoders from a solo venture into a team of 80+ talented individuals. His background also includes experience as a Product Development Engineer at Habib Bank Limited, where he focused on designing and developing HBL's mobile apps. At Zenkoders, they specialize in turning ideas into tangible success, offering services ranging from Mobile Apps and Web Development to Cloud Services and E-commerce. Zeeshan's vision is to lead Zenkoders to the forefront of the global software landscape, and he's always open to innovative collaborations.Do not forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch on to some amazing conversations coming your way!Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan Zeeshan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzeeshansikander/Podcast Links:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf
Join Kamyabi Network: https://kamyabinetwork.com/Guest Introduction: Joining us today is Shajee Aijazi, a Toronto-based designer with over 10 years of experience crafting impactful digital products and design solutions. As the Founder of Design Garage and with previous experience as Sr. Lead UX Designer at Autodesk and Senior UX Designer at OPENLANE, Shajee focuses on creating user-centric designs that address both user and business needs. His expertise spans UX design, user research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver strategic UX solutions. Shajee also shares his knowledge as a UX Design Mentor at the Institute of Emerging Careers and holds a Bachelor's in Design from the Indus Valley School of Art and ArchitectureDo not forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch on to some amazing conversations coming your way!#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #ui #graphicdesign #shajeeaijaziSocials:TBT's Official Instagram: / thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: / muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: / muzamilhasan Shajee's LinkedIn: / shajeeaijazi Shajee's Instagram: / shajeeaijazi Podcast Links:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf
Join Kamyabi Network: https://kamyabinetwork.com/Guest Introduction: Joining us today is Yasir Rafiq, a results-oriented leader with over 20 years in BPO operations and talent strategy, currently a Director at ibex. Starting on the operations floor and rising to lead Talent Acquisition, Yasir brings a uniquely practical and people-centric approach to building scalable teams and systems. At ibex, he designs hiring systems and partners with operations to create high-performing teams. His expertise includes leading large-scale hiring, improving recruitment efficiency, and developing strategic partnerships within the business. Yasir's experience in building training frameworks and scaling service teams demonstrates his ability to connect people strategy with tangible results, always seeking smarter systems and stronger, more sustainable growthDo not forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch on to some amazing conversations coming your way!#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #ibex #yasirrafiqSocials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan Yasir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaser-rafiq-42b6911b/Podcast Links:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf
Guest Introduction: Joining us today is Jahangir Munawar, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of RONiN, a bootstrapped Pakistani tech company. Since 2014, Jahanagir has led RONiN in its mission to deliver high-quality, internationally competitive products while maintaining its roots in Pakistan. Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth, now distributing 600,000 products monthly. Jahanagir's driving vision is to make a substantial contribution to both Pakistan's economy and society. He is known for his unwavering principles, commitment to fulfilling promises, and a practical approach to decision-making.Do not forget to subscribe and press the bell icon to catch on to some amazing conversations coming your way!#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #ronin #jahangirmunawarSocials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan Jahangir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir-munawar-4779b8237/Podcast Links:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z1cE7F Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/2S84VEd Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3cgIkf
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