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Thought Behind Things
By Syed Muzamil Hasan ZaidiSociety & Culture
Thought Behind Things episodes
- 483| Khazanay Founder: I Met Sam Altman & He Loved Our Startup | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we sit down with Usman Saleem, Co-Founder & CEO of Khazanay, Pakistan’s biggest used sneaker and thrift brand.
Usman shares his journey from losing his father at an early age, working graphic design jobs for just ₨8,000 a month, to building one of Pakistan’s most disruptive retail startups.
We talk about:
- How Khazanay sold its first pair of shoes
- Meeting Sam Altman at Y Combinator
- How they refurbish branded sneakers
- Tapping into leftover clothing
- Khazanay’s scale & Growth
- Long-term growth, Islamic finance, and Pakistan’s 2050 outlook
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Usman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhdusmansaleem/
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 29 min - 482 | Manto Founder: Pakistan’s Fashion Brands Don’t Make MONEY!! | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Salman Parekh, Founder of Manto, Pakistan’s most distinct fashion brand redefining local identity through design, storytelling, and craftsmanship. From launching limited hand-drawn collections to sustaining a premium yet local brand in a low-growth economy.
We explore:
- How Manto built its own supply chain & scaled sustainably
- Why Pakistani fashion is stuck in a cash cycle
- The real cost of building exclusivity & identity
- Why Manto avoids mass production to stay premium
- What the fashion scene could look like by 2050
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Salman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maansals/
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
2 hr 10 min - 481 | Maha Shahzad: We’re Doing 6.5 MILLION Dollars Revenue ANNUALLY!! | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Maha Shahzad, the founder & CEO of Buscaro — Pakistan’s first tech-enabled bus-sharing startup that’s making everyday commuting safer, smarter, and more affordable for thousands of Pakistanis.
From doing odd jobs to fund her education, to building a profitable transport startup without a degree, Maha’s story is pure resilience. She shares how her experiences at Careem, Foodpanda, and SWVL shaped her understanding of Pakistan’s mobility problems — and how a confusing global model inspired her to build something truly local.
We Explore:
- How SWVL’s confusing model failed to connect with Pakistani commuters
- The story behind Buscaro and how it was born during the downturn
- How she raised her first investor cheque and built a profitable startup
- Buscaro’s 6.5 million-dollars annual revenue and 70-member team
- How the platform ensures safety for women & school children
Maha also opens up about investor trust after 2022, navigating bias as a young female founder, and her long-term vision for Pakistan’s urban mobility.
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Maha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-shahzad-88878b220/
Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 39 min - 480 | Jerjees Seja: Ary launching ZAP to DESTROY Netflix! | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Jerjees Seja, CEO of ARY Digital Network, one of Pakistan’s most iconic media leaders. From shaping the country’s TV and drama landscape to building ARY into a powerhouse of entertainment, Jerjees shares his journey of transforming Pakistan’s media industry.
We discuss:
- How Pakistan’s private TV revolution began
- The economics behind news, dramas, and entertainment Production
- Why premium Pakistani content is now free on YouTube
- Why global giants like Netflix don’t invest in Pakistan
- The future of OTT and local streaming platforms
- Why filmmaking still isn’t profitable here
- The evolving audience behavior and the road to 2050
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Jerjees's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerjeesseja/
Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 59 min - 478 | 40 Branches in 7 Cities But Do Pakistanis Take Loans Seriously? Ft. Arif Lakhani | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Arif Lakhani, Co-Founder of QistBazaar, Pakistan’s fastest-growing fintech platform making anything, from bikes to fridges, available on easy installments.
We explore:
- How QistBazaar gives access to credit without traditional banking
- Why 90% of startup funding never enters Pakistan’s economy
- Are easy installments driving consumerism and debt?
- The rise of Pakistan’s emerging middle class and fintech revolution
- IPO dreams, PSX’s broken perception, and what real innovation looks like
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Arif's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariflakhani
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 46 min - Uplift AI Co-Founder: We're Pakistan’s 6th Startup In Y COMBINATOR!! | 471 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Muhammad Bin Sabir, Co-Founder & COO of Uplift AI, a Y Combinator-backed Pakistani startup building AI voice models for every regional language of Pakistan. From Urdu to Punjabi, Sindhi, and Balochi, Uplift AI is on a mission to make sure language is never a barrier to knowledge.
We explore:
- The collaboration with Khan Academy and their vision for AI tutors
- How they’re training voice models for Urdu, Sindhi, and Balochi
- The rise of regional-language AI in Pakistan
- How they’re making AI affordable and inclusive for developing markets
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Sabir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-sabir/
Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 18 min - Uplift AI Co-Founder: Our AI Model SPEAKS Every Pakistani Language!! | 471 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Muhammad Bin Sabir, Co-Founder & COO of Uplift AI, a Y Combinator-backed Pakistani startup building AI voice models for every regional language of Pakistan. From Urdu to Punjabi, Sindhi, and Balochi, Uplift AI is on a mission to make sure language is never a barrier to knowledge.
We explore:
- The collaboration with Khan Academy and their vision for AI tutors
- How they’re training voice models for Urdu, Sindhi, and Balochi
- The rise of regional-language AI in Pakistan
- How they’re making AI affordable and inclusive for developing markets
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Sabir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-sabir/
Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 18 min - 475 | Myco Founder: SPORTSMEN BLAME FANS For Not Watching Sports! | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.org
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Umair Masoom Usmani, the Founder of Myco, a rapidly growing OTT and creator-monetization platform redefining how people consume, fund, and earn from content across emerging markets.
After leaving Dubai’s corporate comfort, Umair built one of Pakistan’s fastest-scaling digital ventures with 30M+ registered users, exclusive Premier League streaming rights, and operations across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.
We explore:
- Why Umair left “too-good-to-be-true” job in Dubai to start Myco
- How the global media system is broken and what Myco is fixing
- The $25 million raised in equity & debt funding
- Why creators don’t make money and how Myco plans to change that
- The future of sports, digital content, and monetization in Pakistan
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Umair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umair-masoom-usmani-b12ab025/
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
2 hr - 474 | Scents N Stories CEO: We Have 40+ OUTLETS Across PAKISTAN! | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.org
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Saad Afridi, the Founder & CEO of Scents N Stories, Pakistan’s leading fragrance brand with over 40 outlets, 300+ employees, and one of the top 5 players in the country’s perfume market.
From starting with men’s grooming products to building a nationwide perfume empire, Saad shares the story of how Scents N Stories grew from a small e-commerce experiment into Pakistan’s most recognizable fragrance brand.
We explore:
- Moving from beard grooming to online perfume sales
- Building 40+ outlets across Pakistan using e-commerce data
- Why Pakistan’s perfume market is more advanced than Indonesia & Bangladesh
- Local manufacturing vs import, and how they keep costs low
- Why luxury perfumes cost 30x more than theirs
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msaadafridi/
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
2 hr 7 min - 473 | Saad Riaz: How Kickstart Became Pakistan’s LARGEST Coworking Space | TBT
Find out more about Endeavor: https://pakistan.endeavor.org
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Saad Riaz, Co-Founder of Kickstart Pakistan, the country’s one of the largest coworking network powering thousands of professionals and businesses every day.
Saad opens up about how Kickstart survived Pakistan’s toughest economic years, scaled sustainably, and redefined what “workspace” really means.
We explore:
- How Kickstart's coworking model actually makes money
- Why Kickstart doesn’t prefer to work with unstable startups
- Renting vs Coworking — Which gives better yields for landlords?
- Why employee retention is about value, not just salary
- Why experience design is everything for the next generation
Socials:
TBT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/
TBT’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamil
TBT’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthings
TBT Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@tbtpodcastclips
Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Saad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-riaz-/
Special thanks to Kickstart for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://kickstart.pk/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid
1 hr 36 min
About Thought Behind Things
From the publisher's feed
TBT is Pakistan's fastest-growing podcast show covering conversations around Art, Culture & Technology. Tune in thrice a week to be a part of our community!
We upload every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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