(C) Suite Talks

Professor Yusra Mouzughi brings a business mindset to the world of academia. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai reflects on how her career in financial services shaped her approach to leadership, and how she bridges 126 years of academic tradition with the UAE’s spirit of innovation. 

In just over 20 minutes, she shares why knowing how to “work a room” is an underrated leadership skill, the hidden cost of losing institutional knowledge, and her vision for a global university deeply rooted in the community it serves.

Anant Singh believes the best businesses leave room to become better. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the co-founder of Mina Creamery reflects on turning a dorm-room experiment at NYU Abu Dhabi into an Abu Dhabi brand shaped by regional flavors, local creativity, and a willingness to learn as it grows.
 
In just over 15 minutes, he shares why founders should resist perfecting an idea too early, what scaling a team taught him about leadership, and how nostalgia, hospitality, and community helped turn ice cream into something people could make their own.

Fabio Piano believes excellence has a formula, and it starts with getting the first ingredient right. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the vice chancellor and chief executive of NYU Abu Dhabi explains how an exceptional founding class of students raised standards across NYU Abu Dhabi, drew in outstanding faculty, and began a virtuous cycle that has carried the institution ever since.

In just over 15 minutes, he shares what scientific research taught him about trusting teams, why he looks for curiosity over brilliance when hiring, and why he believes the best institutions engineer the conditions for excellence rather than simply chase it.

Phillipa Harrison believes a destination’s power lies in what makes it different, not what makes it familiar. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority reflects on leaving Tourism Australia to help shape the tourism story of an Emirate with 7,000 years of history, striking natural beauty, and an emerging global profile.

In just over 15 minutes, she shares why emotional intelligence and humility matter in leadership, how stepping beyond your comfort zone can transform a career, and why Ras Al Khaimah’s global appeal should remain rooted in its nature, culture, and distinctive sense of place.

Dr. Natasha Ridge believes leadership is most meaningful when it is grounded in evidence, empathy, and service. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research reflects on building an institution that connects research, education, arts, culture, and community in Ras Al Khaimah. 

In just over 15 minutes, she shares how perseverance shaped her path from teaching into leadership, why local evidence matters for better decision-making, and what servant leadership really demands when the mission, the team, and the people behind the work are all at stake.

Stefano Iorini turned a bottle of water into a brand with a heart. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the founder and managing director of Monviso reflects on building a premium mineral water brand around a simple promise: hydrate, give back, and recycle.

In just over 15 minutes, he shares how listening, resilience, and humility shaped his path from a 26-year corporate career to entrepreneurship in the UAE, and why Monviso’s legacy is about being remembered not only for water, but for the communities it helped bring together.

Dr. Rachel Shaw believes animal welfare starts with community. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO of Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi reflects on nearly 20 years of veterinary work in the UAE and the responsibility of building systems that protect animals while empowering people to be part of the solution. 

In just over 15 minutes, she shares how compassion, patience, and clear decision-making guide her leadership, from community cat care to pet registration readiness, and why the future of animal welfare depends on public awareness, practical action, and a culture of care.

Sameh Muhtadi sees property development as custodianship. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO of RAK Properties explains how designing with nature in mind can bring communities closer together while respecting Ras Al Khaimah’s ecological character.
 
In just over 15 minutes, he offers insight into how travel feeds creativity, why grit and persistence matter in leadership, and how putting customers first—every time—allows growth, sustainability, and long-term value to move together.

Anna Batchelder designs learning environments for long-term growth. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO and co-founder of Bon Education unpacks why learning works best when it’s intentionally designed—structured enough to guide people, yet flexible enough to let them flourish.
 
In just over 15 minutes, she reflects on designing programs that connect learning to real-world challenges, why understanding context matters more than grades, and how education can help the next generation find their place in a changing economy.

Esmaeel Alblooshi puts people at the center of how cities move. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority breaks down how success begins with choosing the right team, rewarding talent, and leading with clarity and purpose.

In just over 15 minutes, he explores innovation in the public sector, from smart mobility initiatives to advanced air mobility trials, and explains why strong teams are the foundation for building cities that move, connect, and grow.