Talks with T

Varun Khemaney (VK) is a co-founder at VKD Hospitality, which has launched multiple experiential dining concepts to the UAE.

VK has always had a knack for F&B and entrepreneurship, but the road to success hasn't always been smooth sailing. Through his journey, he's had to navigate one restaurant failure, COVID and more ... but he's still found a way to come out on top.

Sami Khoreibi is one of the most curious people I've met.

By the time he was in his mid-thirties, he had already launched and sold two energy companies. His escapades started in Canada and took him to Abu Dhabi, where he eventually exited his last venture where Masdar was a strategic partner.

Sami is truly passionate about driving environmental sustainability. He's currently working on his latest venture, Wisewell, as part of a broad effort to ensure that everyone has access to clean and sustainable drinking water. I left the conversation feeling encouraged about the prospects of solving climate change if we have people like Sami leading the charge.

During our conversation, I heard Sami:

• Recognize macro trends early and be an early mover not once, but twice (and I think he's doing it again!)

• Use passion and a higher purpose to drive him constantly

• Be curious and humble enough to always admit what he doesn't know

Maaz Sheikh is the co-founder and CEO of Starzplay, a regional media streaming platform. Maaz discusses how he became a millionaire at a young age (only to lose it all), worked his way up the OSN hierarchy and follow his entrepreneurial ambitions in his forties. I heard Maaz say:

- Have a purpose

- Respect every interaction because everybody has a story

Mustafa Koita is the CEO & Founder of Koita Milk, a leading organic milk brand globally.

Mustafa shares challenges he faced growing up with high expectations from his community, and how that shaped his resilience in becoming an entrepreneur.