In a world constantly evolving through technological advancements, societal changes, and cultural shifts, the journey toward the future remains unlimited and untapped. The second edition of TEDxWestfordUniSharjah’s 2024 embraces this ethos of quintessence.
On July 7th, at the Dubai Knowledge Park Auditorium, TEDxWestfordUniSharjah 2024 unfolded under the theme “FUTURE SPECTRA,” exploring the vast and uncharted possibilities of the future. This year’s event delved into the far-reaching impact of advancements in technology, transformative cultural shifts, and the evolving dynamics of society. Bringing together visionary speakers, thought leaders, and innovators from diverse fields, the event promised to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite visions for a future shaped by innovation and societal shifts. The event began with an evocative performance by a saxophonist, setting a vibrant and reflective tone for the day. This musical introduction seamlessly transitioned into a series of thought-provoking talks by visionary speakers, each offering unique insights into different facets of the expansive future spectrum.
Munira Rahman, Director, Brand Ambassador, and Chief Marketing Officer at Al Haramain Perfumes, presented “Empowering Women: Redefining Cultural Mindsets and Prioritizing Support at Home for Professional Success.” Rahman’s innovative marketing strategies and leadership drove Al Haramain Perfumes to global prominence. As a notable travel influencer and the only woman in the perfume industry to face and overcome exceptional challenges, Rahman’s journey inspired women worldwide to follow their dreams and achieve remarkable success. Munira Rahman’s talk, “Breaking Barriers: My Journey from Restriction to Empowerment,” was a powerful narrative of resilience and self-discovery. Growing up in an Orthodox family, Munira faced stringent societal expectations and restrictions that sought to confine her ambitions and limit her opportunities. Despite being prohibited from pursuing her passions and subjected to severe control, Munira’s determination to live authentically drove her to defy these constraints. Today, Munira uses her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, both within her community and globally. Her message resonates with anyone striving to overcome obstacles and assert their identity and dreams in the face of adversity.
Transitioning from personal empowerment to leadership in a shifting world, Avinash Babur, the Founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, discussed “Building Tomorrow: Leadership in a Changing World”. He highlighted his transformative impact on the insurance sector in the UAE. His platform simplified the process of comparing and purchasing insurance, offering a comprehensive range of products from motor to home insurance. A graduate of the Chartered Insurance Institute in the UK, Babur’s expertise and visionary approach made insurance more accessible and consumer-centric. Avinash Babur’s talk vividly illustrated the evolution from a young Monopoly strategist to the founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, reflecting on how early life lessons shape leadership. Babur shared how playing Monopoly with his grandfather taught him the art of strategic thinking, which he applied to his business ventures. His journey from a modest start-up in Dubai to leading the largest insurance platform in the UAE was marked by strategic pivots and personal growth. Babur emphasized that leadership involves a blend of passion, creativity, and self-awareness, using his experiences to underscore the importance of knowing oneself and embracing one’s true passions for success.
Mona Ataya’s presentation, ” The Road Less Travelled: The Path to Fulfillment,” then explored the intersection of entrepreneurship and personal sacrifice. Mona Ataya, a pioneering female entrepreneur, shaped the Middle East’s digital landscape through her ventures, including Mumzworld.com, Pharmaciaty.com, and Bayt.com. As the first female digital entrepreneur in Dubai Internet City, Ataya built and grew leading digital businesses, leaving a legacy for both female and digital entrepreneurs. Recognized by Forbes among the top leaders, Ataya’s contributions consistently transformed the business world in the Levant, making her a formidable force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ataya’s story began in a moment of doubt and introspection, sitting on the bathroom floor in 2011 with a fledgling business plan for “Mumzworld” and a deep sense of uncertainty. Despite being at the peak of her career with a successful tech business, she chose to take a different path, driven by a desire to make a significant impact and add value to the world.
Shifting from technological innovation to culinary arts, celebrity chef James Knight-Paccheco explored “The Vesuvius Effect.” As the co-founder of Group JKP, Paccheco brought over two decades of culinary expertise to the stage. Having worked with renowned chefs such as Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay, Paccheco’s accolades included being named “Executive Chef of the Year 2019” and “2020 Chef of the Year.” His co-founding of the Dubai Chefs Collective and the Chef JKP Podcast further showcased his dedication to innovation and mental health support within the hospitality industry. James delivered an evocative talk titled “The Vesuvius Effect: Confronting Trauma in the Hospitality Industry.” Knight-Paccheco’s narrative was a profound exploration of personal trauma and its impact on professional life. He recounted his challenging experiences from a young age, including immigration, familial upheaval, and early parenthood, and how these shaped his journey in the high-pressure environment of the hospitality industry. He described his struggles with mental health and the often-unspoken pressures within the culinary world, culminating in the creation of the Dubai Chef’s Collective—a safe space for industry professionals to openly discuss their mental health challenges. Knight-Paccheco’s talk highlighted the need for a supportive community and the importance of addressing trauma openly, aligning with the theme by showcasing how personal adversity can be transformed into a powerful force for change and support within professional settings.
From the realm of technology to the world of accessibility, Emirati inventor Reem Al Marzooqi shared her journey in “From Doubt to Discovery: Navigating the Journey of Innovation.” Al Marzooqi’s significant strides in engineering with her patented “Lower Extremity Vehicle Navigation Control System” allowed individuals with disabilities to drive using their feet. Inspired by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, Al Marzooqi’s invention gained global recognition and underscored her influential role in promoting STEM fields for women. Al Marzooqi shared her inspiring personal journey from an uncertain student to a successful inventor. Despite initial scepticism and a non-traditional academic background, she pursued her passion for innovation, leading to the development of groundbreaking projects such as “Mozo,” a learning robot for autistic children, and “Mayar,” a laser testing machine for Dubai customs. Al Marzooqi’s talk emphasized the power of perseverance and belief in one’s dreams, aligning with the event’s theme by demonstrating how personal passion and resilience can lead to transformative societal contributions.
Lastly, Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, the Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim, delivered an engaging talk titled “Funding vs. Finding Purpose.” Abu-Sheikh, an Emirati serial entrepreneur, shared his journey in navigating the tech industry and his efforts to create the all-encompassing BOTIM Ultra-platform. He introduced the concept of bubbles as social or economic phenomena that shape industries and personal experiences. Abu-Sheikh emphasized that understanding these bubbles – such as the funding bubble in startups or the pursuit of superficial success – can lead to more meaningful and impactful lives. He explored the balance between securing funding and finding genuine purpose, and how Botim addresses ‘platform fatigue’ and simplifies consumer experiences. His insights perfectly aligned with the theme ‘Future Spectra’ by demonstrating how strategic innovation can break through the noise and contribute to a more streamlined future.
Together, these speakers embodied the essence of “FUTURE SPECTRA,” each contributing their unique perspective and pioneering work to inspire and guide the audience toward a future rich with possibilities. Their stories of innovation, leadership, and empowerment served as beacons of what can be achieved when the boundaries of what is known are pushed and the vast spectrum of the future is ventured into. By pushing boundaries and redefining norms, the speakers illustrated how we can collectively advance toward a future rich with possibilities and deeper understanding. Explore our previous program, ‘Westford DBA Research Bootcamp 2024,’ which introduced students to the world of professional research.
