(C) Suite Talks Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:31:15 +0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2533583 en © 2026 (C) Suite Talks yes 1c1d37cb-6740-57d6-a089-db241a61a5d0 Al Qasimi Foundation episodic false Welcome to (C) Suite Talks, a podcast bringing you insider access to the minds of some of the most influential CEOs leading businesses in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond.

Each month, hosts Janaan and Derick sit down for 15-minute power conversations with the people behind the title; to uncover the stories, strategies, and pivotal lessons that shaped their journeys.

For insights on leadership, ambition, and everything in between, follow (C) Suite Talks. It’s 15 minutes that just might change how you lead.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Al Qasimi Foundation https://storage.buzzsprout.com/fiy25owp43si0bak0nsth60b6sjz?.jpg (C) Suite Talks https://www.buzzsprout.com/2533583 Phillipa Harrison: A Global Story Rooted in Place Phillipa Harrison: A Global Story Rooted in Place 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-19590679 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0400 1268 1 12 full false Dr. Natasha Ridge: Leading with Evidence and Empathy Dr. Natasha Ridge: Leading with Evidence and Empathy 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-19454183 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0400 1358 1 11 full false Stefano Iorini: Hydration with a Higher Purpose Stefano Iorini: Hydration with a Higher Purpose 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-19278944 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0400 1312 1 10 full false Dr. Rachel Shaw: Building a Culture of Care Dr. Rachel Shaw: Building a Culture of Care 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-19122222 Mon, 04 May 2026 20:00:00 +0400 1416 1 9 full false Sameh Muhtadi: Letting Nature Set the Blueprint Sameh Muhtadi: Letting Nature Set the Blueprint 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18966273 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0400 1525 1 8 full false Anna Batchelder: Designing Education with a Bonsai Mindset Anna Batchelder: Designing Education with a Bonsai Mindset 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18794454 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0400 1284 1 7 full false Esmaeel Alblooshi: Leading Mobility Through People Esmaeel Alblooshi: Leading Mobility Through People 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18615941 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0400 1795 1 6 full false Natasha Sideris: Scaling Hospitality with Soul Natasha Sideris: Scaling Hospitality with Soul Natasha Sideris prioritizes longevity over virality. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the founder and CEO of Tashas Group reflects on building restaurants rooted in meaning: places designed for connection, consistency, and care, offering good food for any mood. 

In just over 15 minutes, she shares why repetition creates excellence, how culture beats strategy in hospitality, and what it takes to build brands that feel as relevant 20 years later as they did on day one across the UAE and beyond.

]]> Natasha Sideris prioritizes longevity over virality. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the founder and CEO of Tashas Group reflects on building restaurants rooted in meaning: places designed for connection, consistency, and care, offering good food for any mood. 

In just over 15 minutes, she shares why repetition creates excellence, how culture beats strategy in hospitality, and what it takes to build brands that feel as relevant 20 years later as they did on day one across the UAE and beyond.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18454079 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0400 1612 1 5 full false Abdallah Massaad: The Leader Behind a Global Lifestyle Brand Abdallah Massaad: The Leader Behind a Global Lifestyle Brand Abdallah Massaad leads by paying attention to people, details, and possibility. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the RAK Ceramics Group CEO shares how a company rooted in Ras Al Khaimah became a global lifestyle brand, shaping homes from the Gulf to Europe and Asia. 

In just 15 minutes, he reveals how listening drives transformation, how design details become global bestsellers, and how a homegrown RAK brand earned its place on the world map.

]]> Abdallah Massaad leads by paying attention to people, details, and possibility. In this episode of (C) Suite Talks, the RAK Ceramics Group CEO shares how a company rooted in Ras Al Khaimah became a global lifestyle brand, shaping homes from the Gulf to Europe and Asia. 

In just 15 minutes, he reveals how listening drives transformation, how design details become global bestsellers, and how a homegrown RAK brand earned its place on the world map.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18316748 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0400 938 1 4 full false Sandra Louw: The CEO Who Learned to Begin Again Sandra Louw: The CEO Who Learned to Begin Again Sandra Louw believes leadership begins with knowing yourself. In this third episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO of RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) reflects on a career that’s taken her from South Africa to Singapore, Switzerland, and now Ras Al Khaimah, revealing what it takes to lead across cultures and continents.

In just 15 minutes, she shares how adaptability, courage, and self-awareness have shaped her journey in international wealth management and why true leadership starts with the courage to grow and start over.

]]> Sandra Louw believes leadership begins with knowing yourself. In this third episode of (C) Suite Talks, the CEO of RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) reflects on a career that’s taken her from South Africa to Singapore, Switzerland, and now Ras Al Khaimah, revealing what it takes to lead across cultures and continents.

In just 15 minutes, she shares how adaptability, courage, and self-awareness have shaped her journey in international wealth management and why true leadership starts with the courage to grow and start over.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-18123699 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0400 1252 1 3 full false Raheel Ahmed: The Lifelong Learner Leading RAKBANK Raheel Ahmed: The Lifelong Learner Leading RAKBANK Raheel Ahmed argues that better questions build better businesses. In this second episode of (C)Suite Talks, the RAKBANK Group CEO frames leadership as a quest for knowledge, emphasizing the humility of learning and the value of curiosity.    

In just 15 minutes, he reveals the habits and experiences that took him from China and Zimbabwe through London to Ras Al Khaimah, serving customers from all walks of life across the UAE.

]]> Raheel Ahmed argues that better questions build better businesses. In this second episode of (C)Suite Talks, the RAKBANK Group CEO frames leadership as a quest for knowledge, emphasizing the humility of learning and the value of curiosity.    

In just 15 minutes, he reveals the habits and experiences that took him from China and Zimbabwe through London to Ras Al Khaimah, serving customers from all walks of life across the UAE.

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-17897084 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0400 1412 1 2 full false Guy Laliberté: Lessons from the School of Life Guy Laliberté: Lessons from the School of Life Guy Laliberté didn’t go to business school, he went to the school of life. In this premiere episode of (C) Suite Talks, the visionary co-founder of Cirque du Soleil and CEO of Lune Rouge shares how he turned street performance into a global phenomenon, built an empire rooted in wonder, and even traveled to space. 

In just 15 minutes, he reveals the mindset, risks, and philosophies that shaped his journey from street performing to orbiting the Earth.


New episodes every month!
Powered by the Al Qasimi Foundation

]]> Guy Laliberté didn’t go to business school, he went to the school of life. In this premiere episode of (C) Suite Talks, the visionary co-founder of Cirque du Soleil and CEO of Lune Rouge shares how he turned street performance into a global phenomenon, built an empire rooted in wonder, and even traveled to space. 

In just 15 minutes, he reveals the mindset, risks, and philosophies that shaped his journey from street performing to orbiting the Earth.


New episodes every month!
Powered by the Al Qasimi Foundation

]]> Al Qasimi Foundation Buzzsprout-17807820 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0400 1116 1 1 full false