TURBAN THINKER

Turban Thinker, talks to Reem Abukhayal,  Media & PR Manager at Alwaleed Philanthropies, a charitable and philanthropic organization founded by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia.   The foundation goes back to more than 40 years with a mission to help alleviate suffering and transcend international borders globally.  Centered around a holistic approach on developmental, cultural, educational and health investments through its humanitarian work partners and community institutions  focusing on women and children in particular.

Part Two of our Turban Thinker episode talking to the inspiring Mia Morikawa, Co-Founder of 1111 Clothing Brand as we continue discussing sustainability from seed to stich.

Turban Thinker Talks, to Mia Morikawa, Creative Director and Co-founder of 1111 clothing brand, Mia is a Graphic Design graduate from Central Saint Martin’s University of the Arts, who established 11.11 eleven years ago.  11.11 / eleven eleven has consolidated its roots in the luxury space, with an emphasis on creating links between farmers, weavers, vegetable dyeing and block printing traditions. This has resulted in the formation of a brand that has created grounds for ethical products while ensuring sustainability of local strengths. The khadi way is the 11.11 / eleven eleven vision to build meaningful / beautiful products by tracing the supply chain story from seed to stitch.

Turban Thinker talks to Padmaja Bommareddy VP, Strategy and Business Development, Apparel at Walmart.  A multi talented C suite Executive with a track record of launching and building global brands in luxury, jewelry and retail. Padmaja's international experience in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and India has earnt her a coveted expertise in  e-commerce, digital marketing, strategic planning & creative production, alongside an equally impressive background in M&A, Capital Markets and Consulting. Padmaja’s is known to be a collaborative and strategic thinker building high performance teams and to top it all off she has an MBA for Harvard.

Turban Thinker talks to Wayne Puglia PhD.  on Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Technology.  Wayne has an extensive and impressive background in new product development, innovation, and entrepreneurship and has led the commercialization of over 1 billion dollars worth of new products.  He led Product, Packaging, Process development and Quality at Life Savers, Planters, and Nabisco, identifying technology and commercializing products. Whilst at Kraft Foods he led the Corporate Innovation function, instituting global innovation events and  training creativity, and served as Chief Technology Officer for Godiva Chocolatier.  Wayne earned a BS in Biology and an MBA in International Marketing and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC.

Turban Thinker talks to Chris Igwe, founder of Chris Igwe International, on commercial real estate and strategic advising. We talk about a post Covid world where tough times call for tough measures. Chris runs his own international retail advisory firm, providing services to luxury and premium brands, as well as shopping center owners and high street landlords. His advice is both strategic and implementational and given his vast knowledge of, and experience within, global retail he is the perfect individual to interview. Chris is also a coach and mentor, with a shared passion for making a difference.

Turban Thinker debates Women Empowerment vs Women Enablement in a pre and post COVID world.  Two slightly different definitions both hugely influential.  Turban Thinker also covers the challenges that women face in employment, career development and pay grades to name a few.  Joined by the wonderful Debbie Kristiansen a familiar face on Turban Thinker, Debbie is the empowered and inspirational CEO of Novo Cinemas and Nima Abu Wardeh, an award winning broadcast journalist - the face of BBC World’s Middle East Business Report. Nima is the founder of SHE strategy, enabling brilliant women to raise their profile, sustain their (version of) success, and earn more.

Turban Thinker talks to award winning designer, Karishma Shahani Khan, founder of Ka-Sha, a clothing & textile label.   The label focuses on sustainability and craft delving on ideas of promotion of an entire body of handicrafts from India.  A graduate of the London College of Fashion and the recipient of various design awards she has earnt a position on the 30’s-Under-30’s Forbes India 2016 list. Karishma is also the Co-founder of Change by Design and Together - a foundation that focusses on Livelihood Generation & Skill Development Activities across India.

Turban Thinker talks to the beautiful and dynamic Olivia Igwe, Fashion stylist and founder of the "Legendary London Experience".  Olivia has been described once as “an unusual nomad”, born in Cambridge in the United Kingdom. she spent her early childhood traveling from East of France, Strasbourg, to Germany, to The Netherlands, going back to France,  then moving to Italy now back to London.  Olivia is a qualified personal shopper and image consultant who has worked with some of the worlds leading luxury brands, Christians Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Emporio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few.  Olivia is a creative entrepreneur whose work centers around empowering women to dictate their story with class, owning and claiming their crown with their personal signature style and walking with excellence.

Turban Thinker talks to Divya Thakur, a designer, curator, entrepreneur and found of Design Temple, whose work and passion are dedicated to retaining the soul of Indian Culture in a contemporary voice.  Design Temple was founded In 1999, an award winning multi-disciplinary design practice, founded in response to the post liberalization environment of India and the altered possibilities of the internet age.  In 2006 it went from being a services brand to being a retail brand.

Turban Thinker talks to the beautiful and talented Nadine Kanso.  An inspirational individual, a creative talent, an entrepreneur, an empowered woman, a noted photographer and award winning Haute jewellery designer and founder of Bil Arabi.  We talk about her journey, the challenges, lessons learnt and future ambitions.

Turban Thinker talks  fashion and technology and what makes the perfect blend with Kuntal Malia & Arti Gupta co-founders of Style Nook, a personal styling service that combines technology with human stylists created for the urban woman curating clothes for her body type and job profile. Style Nook was founded in 2016 and promises to provide you with personalized curated service facilitated by data and the touch of a passionate stylist, its an exciting time for such platforms and a great space to be in.

Turban Thinker Talks to Jean-Baptiste Andreani, the Managing Director of the fashion school, IFA Paris. Jeans impressive backgrounds boasts 15 years experience in Fashion and Business academia across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the USA, and has seen him spearhead the development of exclusive higher education programs featured in Forbes and  Huffington post and France first fashion tech and innovation postgraduate diploma amongst undergrad programs in fashion sustainability.

Turban Thinker talks to Kriti Tula, an inspiring sustainability driven fashion designer, creative director and cofounder for Doodlage. Kriti has worked in the global apparel industry for more than 10 years, with a masters in Design management from the London college of fashion.  Doodlage champions sustainability in fashion and contributes towards Upcycled, Recycled and Ethically made fashion which has been acknowledged by several national and international platforms.

Turban Thinker talks to Sarah Hughes, Co Founder of Datitude, a data capture platform that gives clients easy and timely access to their own data. We speak to Sarah about Empowered Women in the Tech Space especially as AI and data are the main focus and priorities of every businesses strategy today.

Turban Thinker is joined by Marsha Fry,  Founder of Out and About STYLE Magazine.   Marsha holds a masters degree  in Inclusive Education and throughout her career has been a  teacher, an education consultant, school leadership trainer, vice-principal, and most recently, leading training and implementation in an artificial intelligence-based company.  Marsha is a self-confessed fashionista and Out and About STYLE Magazine is one of the few, if not the only Middle East-based magazine that produces celebrity-free and gossip-free content. Instead, it focuses on everyday heroes.

Turban Thinker talks to Mohamed Attia, Chief Executive Officer at Sala Entertainment,  a leader in Saudi Arabia's family entertainment sector. Mohamed has built an impressive 15 year career in leisure and entertainment and talks to us today about the continued potential of this sector despite the set backs faced with covid.

Turban Thinker Talks to the dynamic Ginger Puglia,  CEO of Ginger Finds, about "Seizing The Moment" highlighting the career opportunities that came her way and that shaped her to who she is today.   Ginger Finds is a premier global talent search, career and brand development consultancy that specializes in trend intensive industries and has presence in New York, Paris &  London

Turban Thinker talks to award winning Saudi Fashion designer Effa Al Dabbagh known for her luxurious handcrafted modern abayas,  every piece is created with the intention of making a woman, not only look good, but feel beautiful and confident. Effa’s vision is to enrich women's lives with beauty,  empowering them by drawing their strength from their femininity.

Turban Thinker shares her personal thoughts on what Empowerment means to her along her 28 year journey in the business of fashion.

Turban Thinker talks to Julia Booth about the possibility of living in a selfless and conscious world.   Julia has 25 years of experience in the development and management of projects in the private, government and NGO sectors, her field of expertise is project creation, strategy and management.  Julia is founder of Mummita, a brand that provides parents with products which enhance their lives and is also currently a Director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation and consults for non executive directors  working with start ups in Australia and the USA.

Turban Thinker talks to Abeer Al Khaja, a level 3 personal trainer. Lululemon ambassador and co-founder of an all ladies community and running club, Ana Gow (I am strong) running club who is passionate about health and fitness and aims to train and educate women on the benefits of active living.

Turban Thinker talks to Tara Sillery who has been hailed as the Middle East's “Fashion PR Empress” by IN Magazine, Irish born and raised Tara has resided in the Middle East for eight years.  Tara is the founder of Public Relations and Media Company “PR Passion” and she shares her passion about giving back and being kind.

Turban Thinker talks to Duarte Ramos, a global talent acquisition, HR executive and certified coach on what businesses and groups should be looking for when it comes talent acquisition and new hiring.

The Turban Thinker shares her thoughts on matters that are relevant and important from a personal perspective, especially around mental health

Turban Thinker debates "The True Definition of Sustainability" and is joined from India by  Sustainability and circular economy focused business man Vishnu Vardhaan, owner of Cerclex and Peppa, two businesses dedicated to creating an ecosystem with a vision to enable brands to go zero waste to landfill and Janey Hughes from New York,  a business choreographer, translating  ideas into rewarding and sustainable strategies.

Turban Thinker talks to Marta Rozsa, founder of the recently launched Modern Muslim Marketplace, Noor & Zafir.  We discuss her vision, ambition and why she chose to launch this platform at this particular time.

Turban Thinker Thoughts, my latest addition to Turban Thinker, where I share my personal journey and thoughts throughout my 28 years in the business of fashion, brand and retail

Turban Thinker Debates, is joined by Satyendra Shukla, Tavis Stewart and Hana Nemec, discussing the infuriating subject of "Bullying" ,why does this still exist today even though we pride ourselves as living in a free world, bullying continues to be a disgraceful reality for many people because of ignorance and hatred, whether it is racism, classism, sizeism, you name it, it exists in many forms and we simply cannot understand why, Bullying must stop.

Turban Thinker talks to her Royal Highness, Sheikha Intisar Al Subah, founder of Intisar's fine jewellery brand,  whose passion for using her knowledge, experience and personal discoveries to inspire people to look, feel and do better are at the forefront of her priorities, using her brand to contribute to empowering women all over the world and helping women by positively impacting their lives

Turban Thinker introduces,  "Turban Thinker Debates",  where industry professionals come together and debate current subjects relevant to todays ever changing world and the pace in which we live. I am joined by Lenka Matthews, Director and Founder of Matthews & Partners, a retail consultancy business based in Prague,  Harveen Gill,  founder and Joint Managing Director of HGA Group - the UK's leading international boutique recruitment and consultancy operator within fashion and retail and Sami Alpark,  a fashion entrepreneur and luxury retailer.

Isabel Tapp,  a Communications Specialist with over 30 years’ experience and owner of  AllDetails, PR agency, talks to us about PR specifically in travel and tourism in today's world. AllDetails represents luxury hotels such as the St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and global travel company Expedia  alongside representing some of the most exclusive private islands and resorts in the world.

Turban Thinker talks to Professor Alessandro Brun, an Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano with 23 years of teaching experience on the topics of Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Distribution and Retailing, Service Management.  Professor Alessandro has supervised over 300 Master and Diploma Thesis on the same topics and over 200 papers published he has a great deal of insight to share on the business of luxury in today's new world.

DEBBIE STANFORD-KRISTIANSEN – CEO, NOVO CINEMAS joins Turban Thinker, to talk about Inspirational and Engaging Leadership during these hard times.  With 30 years of leadership in entertainment and events, Debbi took on the role at Novo in 2013, transforming it from a simple venue showcasing cinemas  to the state of the art destination, an empowered woman leading her teams to success through her inspiring leadership style.

Dariush Soudi came to Dubai ten years ago with only a $1000 dollars in his pocket and today he runs a multi million dollar group of companies employing over 100 people working in marketing, recruitment, training and an online media agency to name a few, a man who wears his heart on his sleeves he joins Turban Thinker to share some of his moments with us,

Turban Thinker talks to Athier Mousawi, a remarkable acclaimed and accomplished artist.  A British born Iraqi, a graduate of Central St Martins and a visual artist and educator, whose work over the last 13 years has centered around his passion for his foreign homeland, Athiers art is is about scale, color and composition, weaving through layers of organic geometric Islamic forms, it is breathtaking to say the least and his ability to translate his inspiration into artistic expression is truly inspiring,

Turban thinker talks to CEO of Wedding Sutra & Wedding Sutra Engage Mr, Parthip Thyagarajan, who established his business 20 years ago, a powerful platform that brings together the best in luxury events. With the US wedding market at 70 Billion dollars, India following closely at 50 billion dollars and destination weddings at 6 Billion dollars, this is an industry that will see changes in its near future, with the restrictions on travel and social distancing.

Turban Thinker speaks to  Ayesha Siddequa  the Founder and Creative Director of  Future Fashion; a Pioneering Ethical Fashion platform located in the Middle East. Future Fashion Provides a voice and a channel for high-end ethically produced fashion brands that do not compromise on quality and style, championing the Fashion Revolution as their UAE ambassador.

Turban Think speaks to the empowered entrepreneur Ghadi Ali, CEO of the Saudi International Fashion Council & Luxury Destination KSA and Brand consultant about the Saudi Arabian business and brand landscape and future outlook following the Pandemic.

Turban Thinker talks to Consuelo Blocker,  a Brazilian global blogger and journalist who has lived in Florence, Italy for the last 30 years and active in social media for the last 10 years with over 300K followers.  Consuelo shares her perspective on how social media will change after the pandemic.

Turban Thinker welcomes a very special guest, industry veteran Mr. Darshan Mehta, President and CEO of the Reliance Brands Ltd, part of Reliance Industries Group in India, Darshan has been listed in the business of fashions top 500 index for changing the fashion luxury landscape in India. He started Reliance Brands Limited 12 years ago and the organization now has an enviable portfolio of 56 international fashion brands partnerships. He speaks to Turban Thinker about having a positive outlook and an optimistic future post the pandemic.

Good friend and Industry Expert Satyendra Shukla, a dynamic sourcing and manufacturing expert with 20 years expertise in India and the Global markets talks to the Turban Thinker about his view on the Global standstill, the challenges facing the industry and his take on consumer behavior post the crisis.

I am delighted to be joined by Wahid Omer, a Digital media planning expert, diversity advocate and digital monetization strategist, who has worked with the likes of Google, Adidas, L’Oreal to name a few.  Wahid talks to us about Digital transformation and how this pandemic will change business and organizations strategies.

Asil Attar is the “Turban Thinker”. With a 28 year career in the business of Fashion, Retail, Brand and Strategy. Attar’s journey has enabled her to meet some of the most inspiring creatives, industry shapers and business men and women. Turban Thinker invites them to share their stories, experiences and insights, empowering, inspiring and motivating her audiences.