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..
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”. 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.
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
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” had 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.
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.
These speakers exemplified the essence of “FUTURE SPECTRA,” demonstrating that the future is not just an abstract concept but a canvas for transformation and growth.
Their stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation offered a powerful reminder that by embracing change and pushing boundaries, we can shape a future that is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring
Westford remains committed to igniting meaningful conversations and fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration. By hosting events like TEDxWestfordUniSharjah, Westford not only provides a platform for visionary thinkers but also inspires a community eager to engage with the possibilities of tomorrow. The event left the attendees with a renewed left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision of how to navigate and contribute to the ever-evolving spectrum of possibilities that lie ahead.
The speakers exemplified the essence of “FUTURE SPECTRA,” demonstrating that the future is not just an abstract concept but a canvas for transformation and growth. Their stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation offered a powerful reminder that by embracing change and pushing boundaries, we can shape a future that is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.
Westford remains committed to igniting meaningful conversations and fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration.
