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In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with former colleague Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Astra Tech, to unpack how Botim is transforming from a simple VoIP calling app into an AI-native fintech powerhouse for the UAE and beyond. It is a conversation that weaves together policy, technology, inclusion, and leadership—anchored in one of the region’s most ambitious experiments in embedded finance.

Tariq begins by tracing his unconventional journey across investment banking, wealth management, government service and now consumer technology, and explains why the financial needs of a blue collar worker are fundamentally the same as those of a millionaire. That perspective underpins Astra Tech’s big bet on Botim: rebuilding the platform from the ground up as an AI-native ecosystem that combines communication, payments, lending, remittances and investments into a single everyday app. With over 100 million users globally and more than 3.5 million wallet customers in the UAE alone, Botim now sits at the crossroads of digital life and digital money in the region. 

Suvo and Tariq dig into what it really took to re-architect Botim from a scattered set of brands to a unified financial-services-first platform. Tariq explains how the team rebuilt the tech stack, integrated payments and lending under one roof, and used AI to simplify user journeys for customer segments that are often excluded from sophisticated financial tools. He shares how Botim’s wallet now gives many underbanked users their first virtual IBAN, enabling wallet-to-wallet, wallet-to-bank and bank-to-wallet flows at some of the lowest remittance costs in the UAE, while also building credit histories that connect them to the wider financial system. 

The episode also explores the human side of financial inclusion. Tariq talks candidly about understanding the realities of workers who still queue at ATMs for cash, and designing products that meet their real needs rather than just their “nice-to-haves.” From micro-lending and low-ticket gold investments to future features that will help families and children build savings and financial literacy, he outlines a roadmap that is commercial, but deeply social in its impact. Looking ahead, he predicts that AI-powered advice, hyper-personalised interfaces and frictionless, voice-led interactions will redefine how people across emerging markets experience money. 

Beyond the product story, the conversation covers leadership, culture and resilience. Tariq reflects on creating a culture of accountability without fear, and the leadership traits that have carried him across banking, government and tech: honesty, execution, and the discipline to “listen to understand, not to respond.” He closes with practical career advice for young professionals and his obsession with collecting Lego blocks. 

Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster 
Giving partner : Goodworld

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Dr Ranjan Banerjee brings a rare blend of empathy, intellect and visionary leadership to this XTRA episode of Money Majlis recorded in Mumbai. As founding Vice Chancellor of Nayanta University, he is pioneering an audacious experiment in Indian higher education—one that elevates inclusion, curiosity, and purpose above conventional metrics. Banerjee’s own eclectic journey, travelling from consulting and marketing to academic stewardship and institution-building, sets the stage for a riveting conversation on how universities can shape not just careers, but character and citizenship.

In this episode, Banerjee evokes the founding vision of Nayanta, a university conceived by some of India’s most influential industrialists determined to build a world-class institution—one that fuses the best of Western liberal arts with India’s vibrant social diversity. He illuminates the “four Cs” at the heart of Nayanta’s philosophy: Care, Curiosity, Confidence, and Careers. For Banerjee, true transformation happens when faculty spend meaningful time with students outside the classroom, and when learning turns from rote memorisation into a journey of discovery. His stories of personal impact—unlocking a student’s self-worth, or fostering radical approachability—reveal an ethos where every learner is seen as special, their stories respected and nurtured.

Banerjee unpacks the power of behavioural economics—how subtle changes in context can dissolve hierarchy and foster a culture of collaboration and care. Through vivid anecdotes, he shows how student achievement can be measured not with a single number, but by curiosity and ambition, and how resilience and purpose have become the most valued skills in the age of AI.

Listeners will hear Banerjee’s reflections on leadership, his insights on equipping students for a world where AI and automation are rewriting the rules, and his belief that excellence arises from pursuing what you truly care about—with money as a happy side effect. Above all, this conversation is an invitation to reimagine education—not as a conveyor belt to jobs, but a movement to inspire changemakers and contributors. You will be challenged to see learning as a lifelong adventure, and legacy as a culture of care, curiosity and impact. 

And do remember to join the giving movement of this podcast by visiting moneymajlis.com and redeeming your complimentary GiveCard for a charity closest to your heart. 

Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

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In this riveting new episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar welcomes Pablos Holman, the legendary hacker, inventor, and futurist whose creativity transforms science fiction into the fabric of our daily lives. Suvo engages Pablos in a conversation that reveals why the world’s biggest crises require not just incremental “apps,” but audacious, moonshot technologies that redefine what’s possible for humanity.

Pablos’s career is a journey across innovation’s wildest frontiers: from pioneering cryptocurrency in the early 1990s and building spaceships at Blue Origin with Jeff Bezos, to serving as chief provocateur at Intellectual Ventures Lab, where he and his teams invent everything from nuclear reactors powered by waste to laser-based systems for eradicating malaria mosquitoes. Arguing that software alone cannot feed, clothe, or power humanity, Pablos frames deep tech as the force multiplier the world needs—technologies that target fundamental human needs like energy, clean water, food, and infrastructure, not just digital convenience.

You will be enthralled as Pablos recounts his role as a go-to problem solver for visionaries such as Bill Gates, who entrusted him with some of the world’s hardest humanitarian challenges. The story of his “mosquito-zapping laser” is both bizarre and inspiring, exemplifying how radical ideas, cross-disciplinary brains, and relentless experimentation can tackle problems ignored by the status quo. For Pablos, true impact is achieved when innovation moves beyond surface-level disruption and addresses the root causes of poverty, disease, and inequality.

This episode also dives deep into the philosophy of failure—why real innovation is born from environments that encourage wild experimentation and accept that 99 ideas must fall for one world-changing breakthrough to rise. Pablos’s investment approach in “shots on goal” contrasts the short-term, market-risk pursuits of Silicon Valley, pointing instead to the vast untapped markets in shipping, energy, agriculture, and durable goods that await visionary inventors and funders.

Suvo and Pablos challenge listeners to rethink not just the ethics of invention, but the need for new frameworks of open collaboration and long-term thinking. The path to abundance, say both host and guest, lies not in regulating technologies we don’t yet understand, but in fostering curious minds and bold institutions willing to solve global-scale challenges for future generations. Tune in for a masterclass in courage, creativity, and compassion from one of technology’s great mavericks. 

And remember to visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your complimentary GiveCard for a charity of your choice.

Produced by : Poddster

Giving partner: Goodworld 

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In this captivating episode of Money Majlis, the spotlight shines on Zain Verjee, a formidable journalist, entrepreneur, and global communicator whose inspiring journey bridges continents, cultures, and industries. 

From her early days as a radio DJ in Nairobi to becoming a respected CNN anchor covering some of the most consequential global events of our time, Zain's story is one of relentless curiosity, courage, and reinvention. She candidly shares how witnessing the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi propelled her into hard news, setting the stage for a remarkable international career that saw her report on world-changing moments and leaders, including Condoleezza Rice and the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

But Zain’s journey didn’t stop at journalism. After 14 years at CNN, she redirected her passion towards entrepreneurial ventures amplifying African voices on the global stage. As founder of theZVG and pioneering platforms like aKoma Media and Amplify, she has tirelessly championed Africa’s rich, multifaceted creative economy and challenged prevailing stereotypes. Her work seamlessly integrates AI ethics and innovative storytelling, informed by her role as an Executive Fellow at Harvard’s Tech for All Lab.

Zain reflects on the evolving landscape of media in the age of social media and AI, weighing the unprecedented challenges of misinformation against new opportunities for empowerment and trust-building. She also offers powerful insights on leadership, gender parity, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in communication. With her deep roots in Africa and her vast global experiences, Zain bridges worlds — advocating for a richer, more honest narrative for the continent while inspiring women leaders worldwide.

Join Suvo Sarkar as he dives deep into Zain Verjee’s extraordinary career, her visionary media ventures, and her thoughtful predictions on the future of journalism and technology. This episode promises to enlighten, provoke, and inspire listeners eager to understand the complex interplay of media, global economics, and transformative leadership today.

And remember to visit moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. 

Produced by Sabine Achkar/ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld 

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Step into a masterclass on purpose-driven leadership and global impact with this XTRA episode of Money Majlis. Host Suvo Sarkar interviews Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, the dynamic CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, for a conversation that moves from boardroom ambition to classroom transformation on a worldwide scale. 

Tariq’s remarkable journey began in the demanding environment of banking, where he rose through the ranks of a leading national bank, absorbing lessons in discipline, strategic leadership, and people management. His career took a dramatic and uncommon turn in 2009, when he traded the security of a banking career for a mission that blends ambition with empathy—leading Dubai Cares, now a philanthropic powerhouse reaching more than 116 million children across 60 countries.

The episode delves into Tariq’s “aha” moment, the blend of personal purpose and visionary thinking that drove him to redefine success by uplifting the most vulnerable through education. He reveals how a banker’s mindset, with its focus on systems and accountability, became the foundation for scaling impact in the development sector. Instead of profits as the bottom line, Dubai Cares pursues a return on investment measured through children’s learning and well-being. 

Dr. Al Gurg unpacks the practical innovations that distinguish Dubai Cares—from pioneering integrated education and health programs in Ethiopia, to gender-transformative work for girls in the Philippines and Central America, all the way to digital inclusion pilots and the ambitious Global Education Solutions Accelerator (GESA), a framework endorsed by the United Nations and designed to rewire education for more than two billion beneficiaries. He shares why changing mindsets matters as much as marshalling resources, describing how partnering with governments, UN agencies, and local communities helps embed innovation at scale. The human side of his leadership—his belief in “no room for impossible,” empathy, and the power of bold ideas—shines throughout.

If you want to understand what it means to move money with meaning, and to shape the future by investing in people, this episode is unmissable. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg’s insights will inspire any leader, changemaker, or listener who cares about education, social progress, and building a world where every child has the foundations to thrive.

For more information on Dubai Cares, please visit dubaicares.ae. 

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Produced by Sabine Achkar/ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

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In this illuminating episode of Money Majlis, visionary thinker Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of the Stewardship Asia Center, takes listeners on a powerful journey through the future of leadership, purpose, and the pursuit of good profit. 

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Sustainable Sustainability, Rajeev argues that the global obsession with ESG metrics has reduced sustainability to an exercise in compliance rather than conviction. What the world needs, he insists, is not more measurement—but more meaning. His solution: ESL, or Environmental, Social, and Leadership, a framework that places purpose-driven leadership at the heart of sustainable business strategy.

Rajeev explains how his personal evolution from financier to steward advocate reflects the very essence of transformation he now teaches: that real progress begins with intrinsic motivation, not external regulation. In his signature candid style, Rajeev critiques greenwashing, the fetish for ESG rankings, and the folly of “rewarding A while hoping for B.” True steward leaders, he says, measure success not by quarterly returns but by their ability to create a collective, better future for society, future generations, and the environment.

From examining corporate giants like Unilever, Tata Group, Faber-Castell, and Patagonia to exposing the hollow promises of net-zero pledges decades away, Rajeev challenges the idea that doing good must come at the cost of doing well. Referencing the “naked era” of radical transparency, he asserts that in a hyper-connected world, companies can only sustain profitability by maximizing purpose. He underscores this with empirical research showing that steward-led enterprises consistently demonstrate greater longevity and resilience than competitors chasing quarterly targets.

This conversation also explores the moral energy behind stewardship—the belief that leaders must harness emotional integrity, gratitude, and forgiveness to lead authentically. We are reminded that happiness is not a byproduct of success but the foundation of it. 

Insightful, provocative, and profoundly human, this episode invites business leaders to reimagine capitalism itself: not as a zero-sum pursuit of profit, but as a moral enterprise powered by stewardship. In an age defined by crisis and short-termism, Rajeev’s message is both urgent and uplifting: leadership is not a title but a choice to leave the world a little better than we found it.

Produced by Sabine Achkar @ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld

Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free USD 50 GiveCard towards a charity of your choice.

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In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, for a rare, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From the 30th floor of Uptown Dubai’s gleaming new DMCC headquarters, Ahmed shares the inside story of how Dubai has transformed from a regional trading outpost into a global powerhouse for commodities, technology, and innovation.

Ahmed’s journey at DMCC began in 2003, when the organization counted just 28 member companies. Today, DMCC is home to 26,000 companies from 180 countries, supporting more than 90,000 jobs and anchoring the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers community. Ahmed reflects on the vision, risk-taking, and relentless drive that fuelled this exponential growth, and why Dubai’s unique blend of ambition, infrastructure, and openness cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.

You will discover how DMCC has become the world’s leading international business district, not just for gold and diamonds, but also for coffee, tea, and now cutting-edge sectors like AI, blockchain, and gaming. Ahmed discusses the evolution of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange and the Dubai Diamond Exchange, and how Dubai’s diamond trade soared from virtually zero in the 1990s to $40 billion last year. He addresses the challenges of ethical sourcing, the impact of lab-grown diamonds, and the future of traceability in the gemstone market.

The conversation also explores DMCC’s role as a catalyst for innovation, from the launch of the DMCC AI Centre and Crypto Centre to the creation of a thriving ecosystem for tech, fintech, and Web3 companies. Ahmed shares candid insights on leadership, the importance of listening and adaptability, and how social media has become a powerful tool for shaping narratives and engaging with a global audience.

From the bustling DMCC Coffee and Tea Centres to the ambitious Uptown Dubai project and the soon-to-rise Burj 2020, Ahmed reveals how DMCC is redefining what it means to be a global hub for trade and entrepreneurship. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the lessons learned from setbacks, and his vision for the next chapter of DMCC’s growth.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as candid as it is inspiring—and discover why Dubai’s story is just getting started.

Produced by Sabine Achkar @ Poddster

Giving partner : Goodworld 

Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to redeem your free $50 GiveCard for a charity of your choice. 

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In this electrifying episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar sits down with Brett King, the world’s most cited financial futurist, to unpack the seismic shifts reshaping global banking. Fresh from hosting the inaugural Dubai Futurists X Summit, Brett joins Suvo in the heart of Dubai to explore the end of physical branches, the rise of AI-powered finance, and the cultural fault lines between legacy banks and digital challengers.

Brett’s new book Branch Tomorrow forecasts that half of US bank branches will vanish by 2030, a seismic shift mirrored by trends across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

But this isn’t just about closures—it’s about a new economic logic. Brett explains why digital-first banks like Nubank and WeBank are outpacing traditional players in profitability, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency. He argues that every dollar spent on branches is a dollar not invested in customer-facing tech—and that’s a strategic misstep boards can no longer afford.

The conversation dives deep into mobile wallet dominance, AI’s transformative role in fraud detection and loan approvals, and the cultural inertia that keeps banks clinging to outdated models. Brett doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Are we excluding seniors and rural populations as branches die? Can trust survive without face-to-face KYC? And what happens when AI becomes the banker?

From “dark branches” to embedded finance, from GCC neobank economics to the shifting trust metrics of Gen Z, this episode is a masterclass in financial futurism. Brett’s rapid-fire insights are provocative, data-rich, and deeply relevant for anyone shaping the future of money.

Giving partner : Goodworld

Produced by : Sabine Achkar @ Poddster

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Episode XTRA 8 of Money Majlis welcomes the trailblazing Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female film director, award-winning producer, and relentless advocate for women in the arts. 

In this raw and revelatory conversation, Nayla shares her groundbreaking journey from a fine arts aficionado and gallery owner to a cinematic visionary whose bold storytelling redefines Emirati and Arab cinema.

Drawing inspiration from her challenging childhood, Nayla tackles societal taboos and mental health with unflinching honesty, refusing to treat these subjects as mere themes but as calls to action for dialogue and healing.

Her films, including “Three,” “Animal,” and her upcoming feature “Baab,” use psychological horror and powerful imagery to break the silence around painful realities, earning international acclaim and sparking conversations in a region where such topics have long been hushed.

Listeners will get insights into Nayla’s creative process, one that marries her painter’s eye with a filmmaker’s intuition, allowing her to “paint with light and contrast,” echoing the great masters she admires. 

She recounts the early days of building the UAE’s film industry from scratch—flying in crews, fighting scepticism, and investing every bit of commercial success into passion projects—while uplifting other women and mentoring young creatives. 

Her candid stories about navigating familial resistance, the emotional cost of leadership, and her refusal to censor authentic narratives reveal a relentless resilience and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of cinema.

The episode dives into Nayla’s pioneering use of AI for voice localization and her collaboration with music icon A.R. Rahman. Nayla's advocacy work extends far beyond film; as founder of The Scene Club, she cultivated a thriving grassroots film community in Dubai that paved the way for the region’s burgeoning cinema culture.

She reflects on the challenges of censorship, box office economics, and the urgent need for systemic support for both Emirati nationals and expats in filmmaking.

Throughout, Nayla’s signature wit and candour shine. Whether recounting surreal moments on set or the importance of volunteering and mentorship, she exemplifies courage, calm, and creative audacity in everything she does. 

For anyone seeking a deep dive into authentic storytelling, trailblazing leadership, and the transformative potential of cinema, this must-listen episode delivers.

Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster UAE
Giving partner : Goodworld
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Step into the heart of India’s banking revolution as Money Majlis welcomes Samit Ghosh, an iconic banker and the founder of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, whose name resonates with financial inclusion and the transformation of millions of lives. In this multi-layered episode, Suvo Sarkar journeys to Bangalore to sit down with his long-time mentor, uncovering a story that weaves together ambition, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of societal betterment.

Listeners are transported back to the coalfields of Dhanbad, where Samit’s early years were shaped by the Jesuit values of service and purpose. He reflects warmly on the formative education and family influences that instilled ideals he would carry through decades of banking. Samit’s journey traverses the high-stakes boardrooms of Citibank, Standard Chartered, and HDFC Bank, charting pivotal milestones like launching the NRI banking services—an initiative so impactful it became a Harvard Business School case study. Samit provides a front-row account of the challenges and triumphs in bringing modern banking to India, the significance of technology, and how nurturing talent and taking chances on youth shaped a generation of leaders.

But the conversation dives deeper than institutional success, exploring Samit’s courageous leap from corporate comfort into the world of microfinance. Founding Ujjivan Financial Services, he challenged longstanding beliefs about poor customers by harnessing technology and a vision for scale. Under his leadership, Ujjivan became a beacon for responsible lending, empowering urban poor and especially women through innovative joint liability models and careful risk management. Samit candidly addresses both the rewards and the pitfalls of microfinance in India, reflecting on the need for responsible lending, and balancing investor expectations with a social mission.

This episode also unveils the profoundly human side of Samit, from his deep personal loss to the joys and rhythms of life in Bangalore, culinary adventures, and restless explorations of the world. His leadership philosophy, grounded in respect and purpose, shines through moving stories of crisis, resilience, and empathy, offering inspiration to young leaders navigating today’s disruptive landscape.

From boardrooms to communities, from banking innovation to social entrepreneurship, Samit Ghosh’s journey is both blueprint and beacon. This episode of Money Majlis serves as an unmissable chronicle of friendship, legacy, and the enduring power of conscious capitalism.

Produced by : Sabine Achkar at Poddster UAE
Giving partner : Goodworld

Please visit www.moneymajlis.com to join the giving movement and get your free $50 GiveCard.