Your story is your most powerful asset — but most people never learn how to tell it. In this talk from FOCUS Expo 2026, Ahmad Abdallah breaks down the craft of storytelling and how to use it to build your brand, grow your audience, and create content that actually connects.Whether you're a founder, a creator, or just someone who wants to communicate with more impact — this one's for you.Speaker: Ahmad Abdallah — CMO of Nominal & Host of @itsahmadtalks🎟️ FOCUS Expo 2026 was presented in partnership with #muslimprofessionals 📺 Subscribe for more talks, panels, and conversations from the Muslim professional community.🔗 Learn more: www.muslimprofessionals.us

Every founder, creator, and entrepreneur in this room has a story that didn't go according to plan. In this raw and real panel from FOCUS Expo 2026, five Muslim builders share what it actually looks like to get knocked down — and why they kept going anyway.No highlight reel. No fluff. Just hard-earned wisdom from people who've been through it.This is for anyone who's mid-pivot, mid-struggle, or just needs to be reminded that the fire doesn't break you — it builds you.Panelists:Farzaam Aleem — Comedian & Creator, @lifewfarzyMouyyad Abdulhadi — Founder, Pax & BeneficiaFadwa Hilili — Founder, Fadwa MasalaMaryam Ishtiaq — Founder, It's ActuallyRiaz Surti — CEO, Hearthy FoodsModerated by: Zohaib Rattu, Co-Founder of Refunnel & Muslim Professionals🎟️ FOCUS Expo 2026 was presented in partnership with #muslimprofessionals📺 Subscribe for more talks, panels, and conversations from the Muslim professional community.🔗 Learn more: www.muslimprofessionals.us

The Healing Panel: Still. Grounded. Unstoppable.What does it look like to build a life that's truly aligned — with your faith, your mental health, and your deepest sense of self? In this powerful panel from FOCUS Expo 2026, some of the most respected voices in Islamic scholarship, psychiatry, and counseling come together to help you silence the noise and find your footing.This is a conversation for anyone who's been overwhelmed, burned out, or searching for peace in the chaos.Panelists:Dr. Shahla Ali — Interventional Psychiatrist - Allen PsychiatryShaykh Mikaeel Smith — Islamic ScholarImam Suhaib Webb — Islamic ScholarShaykh Omar Husain — Islamic Scholar & Licensed Professional CounselorMadiha Ashraf — PhD Candidate in Counselor EducationModerated by: Ahmad Abdallah, host of @itsahmadtalks and CMO at Nominal🎟️ FOCUS Expo 2026 was presented in partnership with #muslimprofessionals📺 Subscribe for more talks, panels, and conversations from the Muslim professional community.🔗 Learn more: www.muslimprofessionals.us

Gain practical insight from entrepreneurs who left the 9-to-5 behind and built thriving companies rooted in passion, purpose, and faith. Featuring the minds behind Miraj Collective, Elaichi Co., Make your Life Sweeter, and Refunnel Moderated by Adham AljahmiFeaturing:Muhammed Joyo - Elaichi Co. - Co-FounderZainab Joyo - Elaichi Co. - Co-FounderYasmeen Tadia - Make Your Life Sweeter - CEO and FounderZohaib Rattu - Refunnel - COO and FounderAdham Aljahmi - Euka AI - Head of Growth

In this episode, Mehdi sits down with Musab Ali, a 28-year-old trailblazer who became the youngest Muslim elected official in the U.S. and is now running for mayor of Jersey City. Musab shares his journey from fighting stage 4 cancer at Harvard Law to shaping policies on housing, transit, and government transparency. We dive into his vision for an inclusive Jersey City, his pledge to tackle corruption, and his commitment to morally grounded leadership—even when it means taking tough stands on Palestine.This is more than a political conversation—it’s a story about resilience, representation, and what it means to lead with principle in today’s America.Learn and support Mussab Ali: https://www.ali2025.com/

Live from Valley Ranch Islamic Center, #muslimprofessionals hosts a candid conversation on faith and leadership with three voices who walk the talk. Sheikh Yasir Birjas shares a clear framework for leadership rooted in service, trust, and sincerity. Riaz Surti, CEO of Hearthy Foods, explains how faith shaped his journey from teen operator to a national brand and why values still win in the food and wellness aisle. Dr. Osama Hashmi, dermatologist and CEO of Impiricus Health, breaks down how an AI driven health startup can scale with ethics, accountability, and calm.We cover origins and purpose, leadership and values, resilience through trials, community, legacy, and practical habits that keep you sharp. Expect real stories, direct advice, and a reminder that your prayer, your word, and your character are your edge.Featuring• Sheikh Yasir Birjas, Head of Islamic Law and Theory at AlMaghrib Institute and Imam at Valley Ranch Islamic Center• Riaz Surti, Founder and CEO, Hearthy Foods• Dr. Osama Hashmi, Dermatologist and CEO, Impiricus HealthModerator• Zohaib Rattu, Co Founder and President, Refunnel, and co founder of #muslimprofessionalsWhat you will learn• How to define leadership through intention and service• How trust is built and kept in high stakes arenas• The habit stack that sustains clarity and output• Why community and collaboration multiply impact• Practical ways to carry your faith into rooms that do not understand it yetPerfect for operators, founders, community leaders, and anyone who wants to lead without losing themselves.

In this episode, Mahdi interviews Adil Abbuthalha, the CEO and founder of Boycat, an ethical shopping platform that empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions aligned with their values. Adil shares the inspiration behind Boycat, emphasizing the need for collective economic power to drive social change. The conversation explores the certification process for ethical brands, the importance of education in consumer behavior, and the challenges of boycotting in a monopolized economy. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Boycat and Ethical Consumerism01:21 The Genesis of Boycat: Empowering Consumers05:00 Building a Global Movement for Ethical Consumption06:23 Understanding the Certification Process09:48 The Educational Aspect of Ethical Shopping11:51 Changing Consumer Behavior Through Engagement14:54 The Demand for Ethical Alternatives17:10 The Challenges of Boycotting in a Monopolized Market19:18 Launching New Products within Boycat20:57 The Journey of an Entrepreneur27:44 Navigating Challenges as a Founder

In this episode of the #muslimprofessionals the podcast, Mahdi sits down with Ahmed Al-Sayeed. Ahmed shares his journey from being a college dropout to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of A3 Ventures, an e-commerce holding company. 00:00 Introduction to Ahmed Al-Sayed and A3 Ventures01:04 Ahmed's Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges04:47 Navigating College Dropout Conversations with Family08:47 The Importance of Communication with Parents10:44 Advice for Students Considering Dropping Out14:43 Returning to School: The MBA Experience17:26 Transitioning from Business Owner to Portfolio Manager18:58 Building a Diverse Brand Portfolio21:18 The Importance of Diversification23:05 Lessons from Hardship and Growth27:18 The Role of Gratitude in Business30:01 The Impact of Partnership on Success33:00 Navigating Challenges as a First-Generation EntrepreneurFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtcahmed

This episode is a live recording from our MP Mixer Fireside Chat on May 10th, 2025. Zohaib Rattu sat down with Hoda Abrahim founder of Love, Inshallah and Muslim Matchmaker to explore how she turned her passion for helping Muslims find love into a full-fledged career… and eventually, a reality TV show on Hulu.Hoda shares the backstory behind her unconventional career path, the challenges and stigmas she’s faced as a Muslim matchmaker, and how her work resonated so deeply that it caught the attention of Hollywood.If you've ever been curious about how someone turns a community need into a global platform or what it takes to make faith-centered matchmaking mainstream this conversation is for you.Join over 8000+ Muslim Professionals to network, learn, and grow together. Register for free at www.muslimprofessionals.usSUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST

On this episode of The Muslim Professionals Podcast, I sat down with Adam Ali, CEO and founder of The Uncommon Agency — a multi-channel Shopify Plus powerhouse working with global brands like Rare Beauty and Liquid Death.We got real. Adam shared his journey from growing up in a mixed-faith household in one of Liverpool’s roughest neighborhoods, to building one of the most respected agencies in the Shopify ecosystem. We talked about the power of partnerships, scaling an agency without outside funding, breaking into new markets like the GCC, and why Muslims need to stop sleeping on the CPG wave.There’s wisdom here for anyone navigating identity, building from nothing, or trying to figure out how to turn hustle into a high-impact business. This one’s for the underdogs.