This episode is a live recording from our MP Mixer Fireside Chat on May 10th, 2025. Zohaib Rattu sat down with Hoda Abrahim founder of Love, Inshallah and Muslim Matchmaker to explore how she turned her passion for helping Muslims find love into a full-fledged career… and eventually, a reality TV show on Hulu.
Hoda shares the backstory behind her unconventional career path, the challenges and stigmas she’s faced as a Muslim matchmaker, and how her work resonated so deeply that it caught the attention of Hollywood.
If you've ever been curious about how someone turns a community need into a global platform or what it takes to make faith-centered matchmaking mainstream this conversation is for you.
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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.
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Chapters
00:00 Current Events and Community Concerns
01:51 The Birth of Salam Nutritionals
05:52 Navigating the Supplement Industry
12:02 Gut Health and Nutrition
19:53 The Importance of Collagen
26:48 The Risks of Modern Medications
27:40 The Hidden Dangers of Supplements
31:54 Navigating the Amazon Dilemma
34:48 The Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Sales
38:58 The Importance of Quality Packaging
43:58 Consumer Trends and Future Predictions
49:59 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
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
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 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:
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
🎙️ Welcome to the Muslim Professionals Podcast - The go-to space for career insights, networking, and professional development tailored for the Muslim community. 🎙️ Episode Overview: In today's episode, we sit down with Unsur, the Senior Director of Finance at Home Depot. Unsur delves into the ins and outs of corporate finance, career growth, and how to navigate the professional world as a Muslim. From discussing critical financial strategies that drive Home Depot's success to sharing personalized tips on work-life balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights. What You'll Learn: 📊 The role and impact of finance in a Fortune 500 company. 🌱 Career progression tips from starting as a junior analyst to reaching a directorial position. 🕌 Balancing faith and work in the corporate environment. 💡 Unsur's personal strategies for continuous learning and staying ahead in finance.
Why You Should Listen: Whether you're a budding finance enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this episode offers a unique perspective on corporate finance, career growth, and maintaining your faith in a fast-paced environment. 👇 Don't Forget to Subscribe! 👇 Connect with Us: Official Website: muslimprofessionals.us LinkedIn: Muslim Professionals Instagram: @uslimprofessionalms 📧 For Sponsorship and Collaboration, please email us at zohaib@muslimprofessionals.us 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We hope you enjoy the show! 🌟
#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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
