Muslim Professionals: The Podcast

Live from Valley Ranch Islamic Center, #muslimprofessionals hosts a candid conversation on faith and leadership with three voices who walk the talk. Sheikh Yasir Birjas shares a clear framework for leadership rooted in service, trust, and sincerity. Riaz Surti, CEO of Hearthy Foods, explains how faith shaped his journey from teen operator to a national brand and why values still win in the food and wellness aisle. Dr. Osama Hashmi, dermatologist and CEO of Impiricus Health, breaks down how an AI driven health startup can scale with ethics, accountability, and calm.We cover origins and purpose, leadership and values, resilience through trials, community, legacy, and practical habits that keep you sharp. Expect real stories, direct advice, and a reminder that your prayer, your word, and your character are your edge.Featuring• Sheikh Yasir Birjas, Head of Islamic Law and Theory at AlMaghrib Institute and Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center• Riaz Surti, Founder and CEO, Hearthy Foods• Dr. Osama Hashmi, Dermatologist and CEO, Impiricus HealthModerator• Zohaib Rattu, Co Founder and President, Refunnel, and co founder of #muslimprofessionalsWhat you will learn• How to define leadership through intention and service• How trust is built and kept in high stakes arenas• The habit stack that sustains clarity and output• Why community and collaboration multiply impact• Practical ways to carry your faith into rooms that do not understand it yetPerfect for operators, founders, community leaders, and anyone who wants to lead without losing themselves.

In this episode, Mahdi interviews Adil Abbuthalha, the CEO and founder of Boycat, an ethical shopping platform that empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values. Adil shares the inspiration behind Boycat, emphasizing the need for collective economic power to drive social change. The conversation explores the certification process for ethical brands, the importance of education in consumer behavior, and the challenges of boycotting in a monopolized economy. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Boycat and Ethical Consumerism01:21 The Genesis of Boycat: Empowering Consumers05:00 Building a Global Movement for Ethical Consumption06:23 Understanding the Certification Process09:48 The Educational Aspect of Ethical Shopping11:51 Changing Consumer Behavior Through Engagement14:54 The Demand for Ethical Alternatives17:10 The Challenges of Boycotting in a Monopolized Market19:18 Launching New Products within Boycat20:57 The Journey of an Entrepreneur27:44 Navigating Challenges as a Founder

In this episode of the #muslimprofessionals the podcast, Mahdi sits down with Ahmed Al-Sayeed. Ahmed shares his journey from being a college dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of A3 Ventures, an e-commerce holding company. 00:00 Introduction to Ahmed Al-Sayed and A3 Ventures01:04 Ahmed's Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges04:47 Navigating College Dropout Conversations with Family08:47 The Importance of Communication with Parents10:44 Advice for Students Considering Dropping Out14:43 Returning to School: The MBA Experience17:26 Transitioning from Business Owner to Portfolio Manager18:58 Building a Diverse Brand Portfolio21:18 The Importance of Diversification23:05 Lessons from Hardship and Growth27:18 The Role of Gratitude in Business30:01 The Impact of Partnership on Success33:00 Navigating Challenges as a First-Generation EntrepreneurFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtcahmed

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.Join over 8000+ Muslim Professionals to network, learn, and grow together. Register for free at www.muslimprofessionals.usSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST

On this episode of The Muslim Professionals Podcast, I sat down with Adam Ali, CEO and founder of The Uncommon Agency — a multi-channel Shopify Plus powerhouse working with global brands like Rare Beauty and Liquid Death.We got real. Adam shared his journey from growing up in a mixed-faith household in one of Liverpool’s roughest neighborhoods, to building one of the most respected agencies in the Shopify ecosystem. We talked about the power of partnerships, scaling an agency without outside funding, breaking into new markets like the GCC, and why Muslims need to stop sleeping on the CPG wave.There’s wisdom here for anyone navigating identity, building from nothing, or trying to figure out how to turn hustle into a high-impact business. This one’s for the underdogs.

In this episode of our podcast, join host Zohaib as he sits down with pharmacist and entrepreneur Dr.Saimah Arshad to explore the fascinating world of Salaam Nutritionals. Discover how nutrition and supplements play a crucial role in maintaining health, as Saimah shares her personal journey and insights on gut health, collagen, and the risks of modern medications.--------Chapters00:00 Current Events and Community Concerns01:51 The Birth of Salam Nutritionals05:52 Navigating the Supplement Industry12:02 Gut Health and Nutrition19:53 The Importance of Collagen26:48 The Risks of Modern Medications27:40 The Hidden Dangers of Supplements31:54 Navigating the Amazon Dilemma34:48 The Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Sales38:58 The Importance of Quality Packaging43:58 Consumer Trends and Future Predictions49:59 Why Choose Salam Nutritionals?

ICYMI: Recorded live at the NY FNDRS&INVSTRS MIXER on Jan 16th, 2025, host Zohaib Rattu chats with Moiz Ali, the founder of Native Deodorant. They discuss Moiz's journey from Harvard Law graduate to successful entrepreneur, the challenges of starting a business, and his transition into investing. Filled with insights and personal anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders and investors alike.Note: Our microphones died mid-way, which distorted the audio a bit. We did our best to fix the audio! A special shout to those who helped make this podcast happen: @moiz.r.ali @humandevelopmentfund @makanihomes @fridayhq.co @jamallawnyc 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:15 Inspiration Behind the Event 00:42 Journey from Law to Deodorant 01:24 Entrepreneurial Roots and Family Influence 02:36 Challenges of Being an Illegal Immigrant 04:00 Founding Native Deodorant 06:25 Bootstrapping the Business 08:35 Scaling and Early Success 11:24 Employee Growth and Customer Service 12:26 Paying Yourself as a Founder 14:01 Transition to Investing 14:35 Investment Philosophy and Strategies 18:44 Family Involvement and Personal Life 22:12 Advice for Founders 25:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Osama Hashmi shares his journey from being a dermatologist to co-founding a healthcare tech company, Impiricus. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the healthcare tech landscape, the importance of ethics in pharma, and the role of personal branding and networking in business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 05:29 The Journey of a Doctor and Entrepreneur 11:03 Ethics in Pharma and Healthcare 16:56 Raising Capital and Growth Strategies 23:08 Networking and Distribution in Business 31:22 Building Trust and Community 39:00 Navigating Identity as a Muslim Entrepreneur

On this episode of the Muslim Professionals podcast, co-hosts Ali and Zohaib are joined by Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a pioneering figure in New York politics and the first South Asian man elected to the New York State Assembly. Now running for New York City Mayor, Zohran discusses his inspiring journey from Uganda to New York, his vision for the city, his candidacy against Eric Adams, and his commitment to making NYC affordable and just for all its residents. Tune in for a conversation on politics, community, and change. Yes... it's a very NY podcast, so be ready. 01:11 Zohran's Rise in Politics 01:37 Challenges in NYC 02:59 Eric Adams' Indictments Impact 04:10 Housing Issues in NYC 05:22 NYC Code Enforcement 10:51 Public Safety and Transit 38:30 Final Takeaways and Dates 43:45 Rapid Fire Questions 41:30 Conclusion and Summary

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: ​Plan for Major Life Changes Tax Planning Retirement Planning Investment Portfolio Insurance Review Estate Planning Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement 03:24 Year-End Financial Checklist Overview 06:15 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor 09:13 Life Changes and Their Financial Implications 12:01 Tax Considerations for Year-End Planning 15:13 Retirement Planning Essentials 18:15 Investment Strategies and Review 20:52 Insurance and Beneficiary Updates 23:47 Estate and Legacy Planning 26:41 Sharia Investment Process and Q&A 31:21 Exploring Halal Investment Options 32:35 Navigating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) 34:00 The Value of IRAs and Avoiding Riba 36:25 Choosing Between Roth and Traditional 401(k)s 37:39 The Importance of Financial Education 39:53 Investment Strategies for 1099 Contractors 41:08 Understanding RSUs and Tax Implications 45:11 Strategies for Managing Equity in Acquisitions 48:33 Leveraging Professional Financial Advice 50:49 Addressing Financial Literacy in the Community

On this episode, Hana sits down with Syed Rahman, AKA Saif, Owner and Operator of Modern Wall Art, a custom Islamic Calligraphy to learn about his journey leaving the healthcare profession to start a company designing and manufacturing goods. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Modern Wall Art and Saif's Journey 01:38 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Entrepreneurship 04:23 Engaging with Non-Muslim Customers 06:18 Art as a Reflection of Islamic Values 08:02 Balancing Tradition with Modern Aesthetics 10:50 Customer-Centric Approach and Customization 13:39 Addressing Criticism and Selling Faith 16:19 Commitment to Quality and Customer Service 19:14 Charity Work and Community Engagement 21:55 Passion for Palestine and Humanitarian Efforts 23:00 Charity and Community Engagement 27:58 Facing Challenges and Biases 33:17 Digital Marketing Journey 36:02 Balancing Community Focus and Broader Reach 38:07 Advice for Young Muslim Artists 40:44 Reflections and Future Aspirations

"We need an organization that is going to support Muslim candidates." In this conversation, Zohaib speak with Ali Aljarrah, an advisor for CAIR Action, a Muslim version of AIPAC, shares his journey from political activism to his current role with CAIR Action, emphasizing the importance of political engagement within the Muslim community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ali Aljarrah and His Journey 03:07 Understanding CAIR Action and Its Mission 05:53 The Importance of Political Engagement for Muslims 09:01 The Role of Muslim Candidates in Politics 11:46 The Impact of the Muslim Vote in Elections 14:59 Evaluating Candidates: Trump vs. Kamala 18:04 The Significance of Third-Party Candidates 20:48 The Need for Political Education in the Muslim Community 24:04 Building Political Power Through Local Elections 26:48 The Role of Community in Political Activism 30:09 Future Initiatives and Hopes for Change To donate and keep up to date with CAIR Action… Donate: https://cairaction.org/donate/ Instagram: @cairaction Sign up for updates: https://cairaction.org

🎙️ 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.