In a world where innovation, resilience, and leadership define success, a select group of visionaries continues to push the boundaries of their industries. These trailblazers are not just building businesses—they are redefining markets, transforming industries, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
From the realm of digital marketing to strategic procurement, real estate, and execution-driven business models, these ten leaders—Özgür Başlılar, Manuel Nelson Bouças, John Graham Harper, Divakar Pandian, Mike Jobling, Shafeek Sainlabedeen, Rameez Raza, James Augustin, Dr. Wa'il Al-Shafie, and Hamid Kerayechian—embody excellence across diverse sectors. Whether it's scaling global brands, leveraging AI-driven solutions, pioneering sustainable business practices, or revolutionizing hiring and operations, each of them brings a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Their journeys are a testament to perseverance, strategic foresight, and the ability to turn vision into reality. As you explore their stories, you’ll uncover the challenges they overcame, the milestones they achieved, and the transformative impact they continue to make.
Join us as we delve into the insights and experiences of these extraordinary leaders—visionaries who are not just keeping up with the future but creating it. Read the full article to discover how they are shaping the business world in 2025 and beyond!
Özgür Başlılar
In the fast-paced world of snacks, Özgür Başlılar has emerged as a visionary leader dedicated to innovation and sustainability. As the Vice President of Bite&More, he has seamlessly combined a “people first” philosophy with a forward-thinking approach to transform the industry. Under his leadership, the company has embraced ethical practices and consumer-centric strategies, setting new standards in quality and sustainability.
Özgür’s journey is marked by his unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and driving impactful results. With a track record of leadership roles across prominent organizations, he has honed expertise in strategic planning, business development, and market-driven solutions. At Bite&More, he has elevated these skills, ensuring the company not only meets but exceeds consumer expectations while remaining deeply rooted in ethical principles.
His efforts to enhance sustainability and product quality have not only solidified Bite&More’s position as a market leader but have also reshaped industry norms. By prioritizing responsible sourcing and reducing environmental footprints, Özgür exemplifies how businesses can thrive while contributing positively to the planet.
For Özgür, leadership transcends business metrics—it’s about empowering people. He fosters a culture of trust, inclusivity, and innovation, ensuring every team member feels valued and heard. His human-centric leadership style inspires creativity and drives collective success, making Bite&More a workplace that nurtures talent and encourages bold ideas.
Özgür’s vision extends beyond organizational success. He is determined to lead a global movement toward a healthier, more sustainable snack industry. By championing initiatives that prioritize consumer health and environmental sustainability, he positions Bite&More as a trailblazer in reimagining how the world snacks.
As Özgür continues to lead with purpose and innovation, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. Through strategic partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives, he is building a legacy that underscores the importance of aligning business success with meaningful impact.
Manuel Nelson Bouças
Manuel Nelson Bouças’s illustrious career in the automotive industry began in 2001 in his home country, Portugal. Over 11 years, he honed his expertise in automotive parts, immersing himself in the complexities of Dealer Management Systems and the implementation of OEM programs, including Inventory Management Software, OEM Workshop Chemicals, Paints, and Tires. This period laid a solid foundation for his profound understanding of operational excellence and innovation.
In 2013, Manuel transitioned to a global stage, joining BMW AG in Munich as an Aftersales Consultant - Parts. This pivotal role took him to diverse markets across South America, North Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The exposure to varying business methodologies and cultural dynamics broadened his perspective and equipped him with invaluable insights into international markets. These experiences not only enhanced his adaptability but also solidified his reputation as a leader who thrives in multicultural and challenging environments.
After an enriching tenure at BMW, Manuel relocated to Doha to serve as the National Parts Manager for Mercedes-Benz Qatar. Over the course of 3.5 years, he navigated the distinctive business landscape of the Middle East, leading a diverse and dynamic team. Under his leadership, the organization achieved remarkable growth, both in terms of revenue and operational efficiency.
In 2019, Manuel’s journey brought him to Saudi Arabia, where he worked with leading automotive brands like Hyundai, Nissan, and currently Honda. His strategic vision drove the successful implementation of Inventory Management and Warehouse Management Systems, Loyalty Programs, and leveraging Market Intelligence to boost competitiveness. These initiatives consistently delivered quarter-on-quarter revenue and profit growth, showcasing his ability to merge strategy with execution seamlessly.
Looking ahead, Manuel envisions revolutionizing processes through synergy and robotics integration, driving greater efficiency and profitability. With his wealth of experience and innovative mindset, he continues to inspire the automotive industry and set benchmarks in after sales excellence.
John Graham Harper
John Graham Harper is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Lumaflex, a groundbreaking health and wellness company transforming recovery and performance with red light therapy. With a background in competitive sports—including rugby, CrossFit, and boxing—John understands the physical toll these high-intensity activities can take. Years of injuries and the challenges of recovery led him to discover the life-changing potential of red light therapy, igniting his passion to make this technology accessible to all.
Under John’s leadership, Lumaflex has developed the world’s first fully portable, flexible, and waterproof red light therapy device. Designed to enhance recovery, optimize performance, and improve overall well-being, the device offers a science-backed, non-invasive solution for athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking improved health outcomes. Lumaflex’s innovation has earned global recognition, including prestigious awards such as Time Magazine's Best Invention of 2023, LifeSpan Certification (2024), Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Award for Sports and Recreation (2024), ISPO Award Winner (2023), MUSE Design Award for Healthcare (2024), American Good Design Award (2024), and the European Product Design Award (2024).
Lumaflex is more than just a product—it’s a game-changing mission to redefine how the world approaches recovery, performance, and overall health. By leveraging cutting-edge red light therapy technology, Lumaflex aims to make this powerful, science-backed treatment accessible to everyone. The devices are meticulously designed with portability, durability, and user-friendliness in mind, ensuring they seamlessly fit into any lifestyle. Whether it's aiding athletes in achieving peak performance, supporting individuals managing chronic pain, or empowering wellness enthusiasts to enhance their quality of life, Lumaflex is at the forefront of a health revolution.
John’s mission is to revolutionize health and wellness through the power of light therapy. At Lumaflex, this vision extends beyond creating innovative products—it also involves fostering education and awareness about the benefits of light therapy for pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.
Lastly, Lumaflex is not only innovative in its technology but also in its ability to combine accessibility with effectiveness. The devices represent years of research, design refinement, and a commitment to delivering tools that make a real difference in people’s lives. This focus on empowering individuals—from professional athletes to everyday wellness seekers—is central to what Lumaflex does, driving its mission to inspire a global movement toward non-invasive, natural health solutions that transform lives.
Recently, John attended the MAHA Ball in Washington, D.C., an event honoring RFK Jr.'s inauguration. There, he connected with influential leaders in health innovation and explored opportunities to collaborate with the MAHA organization to promote the transformative potential of red light therapy.
Through his work with Lumaflex, John Graham Harper is shaping a future where light therapy becomes a cornerstone of daily health routines, empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Divakar Pandian
In a world defined by disruption and rapid change, Divakar Pandian emerges as a symbol of resilience and visionary leadership. With ventures spanning Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality, Real Estate, and Wellness, Divakar has established himself as a dynamic entrepreneur in global markets, with the Middle East at the core of his success story.
A self-made entrepreneur with a net worth exceeding $18 million, Divakar epitomizes the power of determination and purpose-driven innovation. His journey from ambitious beginnings to becoming a key figure in multiple industries demonstrates the impact of unwavering focus and entrepreneurial foresight.
At the heart of Divakar’s portfolio is BCM Next, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance organizational resilience. By equipping businesses to navigate crises, manage risks, and ensure operational continuity, BCM Next addresses the complexities of today’s volatile global landscape. Divakar’s contributions in the fields of Crisis Management, Business Continuity, and Enterprise Risk Management have earned him numerous accolades, shaping industrial standards and influencing federal regulations across the Middle East and Global markets.
Beyond AI and business resilience, Divakar’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in ventures like the Jackuline School of Thought, an eco-social hospitality initiative. This project harmonizes sustainability with memorable experiences, reflecting his dedication to environmental stewardship and community value creation. In addition, he co-founded Pinch Reality, a wellness platform aimed at fostering emotional resilience and mindfulness among younger generations. This initiative underscores Divakar’s commitment to nurturing mental well-being and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
Looking ahead, Divakar plans to expand his influence in the AI domain with Crumple Paper, an enterprise focused on enabling AI architecture. This venture aligns with his vision to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and societal impact.
Since 2014, the Middle East has been central to Divakar’s entrepreneurial success. His close collaborations with government entities have shaped frameworks to address the region’s evolving challenges, making him a key player in the Gulf’s economic and innovation landscape.
As a father, mentor, and entrepreneur, Divakar’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, purpose, and innovation. Through his ventures and thought leadership, he continues to inspire future generations and leave an enduring legacy across the Middle East and beyond.
Mike Jobling
With over three decades of experience in the compression industry, Mike Jobling has carved an exceptional path as a dynamic and results-driven leader. From his early successes with Hoerbiger Service to his role in establishing and building EGS Services FZE for Euro Gas Systems SRL, Mike has consistently demonstrated a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight. Now, as the Managing Director of Rotaspec Equipment Services, headquartered in Dubai, he is poised to redefine the standards in the rotating equipment field service industry.
Mike’s career highlights include leading the introduction of the Engines Division for Hoerbiger Middle East and successfully turning around underperforming divisions into thriving business units. His ability to oversee the complete product cycle—from solution development to maintenance and team training—has been pivotal in driving profitability and fostering organizational growth. Armed with certifications such as Baker Hughes Nuovo Pignone Compressor Trainer and Engine Specialist, he seamlessly combines technical acumen with commercial expertise to deliver innovative solutions.
At Rotaspec Equipment Services, Mike is steering a dedicated team of highly skilled engineers and technicians to provide world-class maintenance, repair, and optimization services for compressors and engines. His vision is to make Rotaspec a force to be reckoned with across industries like Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Manufacturing. By leveraging his extensive knowledge and leadership skills, Mike is committed to driving efficiency, reliability, and long-term value for clients while ensuring sustainable growth for the organization.
Mike’s passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to innovation position him as a transformative leader in the industry. As he continues to champion advancements in the rotating equipment sector, Mike Jobling exemplifies the qualities of a visionary professional, inspiring others to pursue innovation and excellence.
Shafeek Sainlabedeen
Shafeek Sainlabedeen is an accomplished Facilities Management professional with over 18 years of experience in the Housekeeping and Facilities Management - Soft Services Industry. His career has been defined by a commitment to business improvement, employee engagement, and fostering a strong safety culture. Holding a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Information Technology (HR & IT), and numerous industrial & professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager CFM, NEBOSH, IOSH, and LEAD Auditor for ISO14001, Shafeek is a well-rounded leader in the his field. He is a past Member of the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) and the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) and an Active member of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) and Toastmasters International.
A strong believer in continuous learning, Shafeek has dedicated his career to personal and professional growth. He started his journey as a HK Attendant in Hotel industry back in 2006 and worked his way up through various supervisory, managerial and C-level Job roles up to his Entrepreneurship currently as the CEO & Managing Director of Tafawut Environmental Services LLC (Https://Tafawut.ae )- a UAE based Facilities Management firm which he launched earlier in 2024. Shafeek's educational background includes a Masters's degree in Business Administration and a Diploma in Hotel Management and Tourism Studies, serves as a foundation for his holistic approach to people management, service performance, and safety culture.
He is passionate about motivating his team to excel both personally and professionally while aligning their goals with the broader business objectives. Shafeek’s approach is rooted in building strong customer relationships, improving service performance, and instilling a culture of safety across the organizations he manages.
As a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) since 2021, and being one of the youngest CEOs in FM sector in the region at the age of 39yrs, Shafeek continues to be a driving force in Soft services management in the Middle East. His dedication to creating excellent health and safety standards in every environment he works in coupled with his expertise in Quality & Environmental Management systems has earned him recognition and respect among his peers. Shafeek’s career is built on the philosophy that learning and growth never stop, a belief that he continues to instill in his team and his industry. Shafeek’s journey from a Cleaner 18 years back to becoming an Owner of an FM company which employs up to 200 full time employees successfully within the first year of launch itself is an inspiration to the young and aspiring Entrepreneurs and FM Professionals and is equally a testament to having Learning & Growing as a career moto.
Rameez Raza
As the Founder and CEO of Advisible, Rameez Raza has established himself as a leading force in performance marketing. With a vision to revolutionize user acquisition and digital advertising, he launched Advisible in Bangalore, India, in 2021. Under his leadership, the company quickly expanded its operations, entering Dubai three years ago, where it experienced exponential growth. Today, Advisible is recognized as one of the top performance marketing agencies in the world, delivering high-impact campaigns across diverse geographies, including the UK, USA, Russia, LATAM, GCC, and India.
Specializing in user acquisition and digital engagement, Advisible partners with global brands to enhance their online presence and customer reach. With a workforce spanning India, UAE, and China, the company leverages cutting-edge strategies and data-driven insights to drive measurable results for its clients. Rameez’s expertise in performance marketing and international business has played a pivotal role in Advisible’s success, making it a preferred choice for businesses seeking innovative digital solutions.
Beyond Advisible, Rameez is an entrepreneur with a diversified portfolio. His ventures, including City Engineers and Builders in India and Fabrizio in China, showcase his ability to scale businesses across industries and geographies. With a strong educational background, including a Master’s in International Business from Middlesex University London, he brings a global perspective to his enterprises.
As a visionary leader in the digital space, Rameez continues to push boundaries, helping brands navigate the evolving landscape of performance marketing. His relentless pursuit of innovation, strategic expansion, and commitment to excellence make him a name to watch in 2025.
James Augustin
James Augustin is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to building systems that enable businesses to scale effectively. His journey began at university during the COVID-19 pandemic when he founded One Consulting, a student-led consultancy that provided operational and strategic growth support to charities – working with over 90 to date. This early experience in problem-solving and impact-driven work set the foundation for his future ventures.
After relocating to Dubai, James immersed himself in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, quickly making a mark as COO of YP Club, the UAE’s fastest-growing professional members’ club – growing the organization from 0 to over 800 members in just 18 months. This success reinforced his ability to drive rapid growth and led him to co-found Startly, an AI-powered hiring platform that streamlines talent acquisition for startups and SMEs. However, James soon recognized that hiring the right people was only part of the equation - execution remained a challenge for many businesses.
To bridge this gap, he launched Particle Execution, pioneering the concept of Execution-as-a-Service (EaaS) to enable businesses to increase productivity, reduce costs, and execute on their visions with ease. Unlike traditional consultancy models that stop at strategic recommendations, Particle Execution works with businesses strategically to design tailored operational workflows and then embeds trained Executors, expert delivery managers, directly into businesses. These specialists ensure operational alignment, manage workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and drive real-time execution, enabling companies to operate with agility while their leaders focus on growth. At the core of this model is the ParticleEx Framework, an operating methodology focused on fast execution, communication, and data-driven accountability. The framework integrates deep operational understanding, scalable system design tailored to a business’s unique needs, and the role of an Executor, to enable companies to perform at their highest level.
By merging Startly’s AI-driven hiring capabilities with Particle Execution’s operational expertise, James is creating a transformative business ecosystem that helps organizations not just plan, but execute. His philosophy is clear: Scaling isn’t about working harder - it’s about building systems that bring clarity, efficiency, and impact.
As Execution-As-A-Service gains momentum, James Augustin is at the forefront of redefining how businesses translate strategy into scalable success. His innovative approach is proving that true leadership isn’t just about big ideas - it’s about executing them effectively at scale.
Dr. Wa’il Al-Shafie
Dr. Wa’il Al-Shafie is redefining the role of procurement in today’s business landscape, transforming it from a cost-saving function into a strategic driver of sustainability, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation. As a Senior Project Procurement Manager, he has demonstrated exceptional expertise in procurement strategy, stakeholder engagement, and ethical sourcing, ensuring that procurement is not just about transactions but about building resilient and responsible supply chains.
Sustainability has become a key priority in modern procurement, and Dr. Al-Shafie has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices into large-scale projects. His approach goes beyond regulatory compliance, fostering transparency, ethical sourcing, and resource efficiency. He firmly believes that sustainable procurement is essential for long-term business success, ensuring both environmental and financial benefits. "Sustainable procurement isn’t just about meeting environmental goals; it’s about securing long-term business viability," he explains. "By working closely with suppliers, we enhance ethical standards, improve efficiency, and create a resilient supply chain." His efforts have not only aligned with corporate environmental and social responsibility goals but have also resulted in reduced costs, minimized risks, and an agile procurement strategy.
Beyond sustainability, Dr. Al-Shafie understands that procurement is fundamentally about relationships. He cultivates trust-based collaborations with suppliers, ensuring that partnerships extend beyond negotiations and evolve into long-term strategic alliances. His proactive approach with stakeholders ensures procurement strategies are seamlessly integrated into broader project objectives, leading to efficient service delivery and enhanced project outcomes. "Open communication with suppliers creates an environment where innovation thrives. This allows us to anticipate challenges early, co-develop solutions, and optimize project outcomes," he notes.
In an ever-changing global supply chain landscape, Dr. Al-Shafie takes a forward-thinking approach to procurement. By leveraging data-driven market analysis, risk management, and scenario planning, he ensures that procurement decisions are not just reactive but strategic. His expertise in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, and process optimization enables organizations to navigate market volatility while maintaining operational efficiency. "Procurement is a continuous improvement cycle. Each project presents an opportunity to enhance processes, refine strategies, and set new benchmarks for excellence," he emphasizes.
As procurement continues to evolve into a more strategic function, Dr. Wa’il Al-Shafie is leading the charge in redefining its impact. His ability to balance strategy, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement positions him as a key player in shaping the future of procurement. With his commitment to innovation and excellence, he continues to drive procurement efficiency, ensuring long-term value for organizations and stakeholders alike.
Hamid Kerayechian
Hamid Kerayechian is the CEO and Founding Partner of Ayana Holding, a globally recognized organization headquartered in the UAE. Ayana Holding stands as a trailblazer in providing end-to-end industry solutions for governments and real estate developers worldwide. Under Hamid’s leadership, the company has established a diverse portfolio of businesses, encompassing real estate investment, architecture, interior design, entertainment, proptech, and more. With ongoing projects spanning the Middle East, Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, Ayana Holding reflects Hamid’s mission to build a network of influential companies on a global scale.
A graduate of the University of Southern California with a Master’s in Engineering, Hamid relocated to Dubai in 2008 and quickly rose to prominence in the luxury development sector. With over 17 years of expertise, his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering integrity, and innovative approach have set him apart as a leader. Hamid’s ability to empower his team, foster collaboration, and align their contributions toward shared goals exemplifies his compassionate and people-centric leadership style.
Hamid’s achievements are widely celebrated, earning him numerous accolades, including ‘CEO of the Year,’ ‘Young CEO of the Year,’ and recognition as one of the ‘Most Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East.’ His organization, Ayana Holding, has been lauded for its ingenuity, winning awards for diversified portfolios, innovative designs, and exceptional real estate projects.
Guided by a commitment to excellence, Hamid continues to redefine industry standards by integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. His vision extends beyond business success, aiming to create a positive global impact by delivering transformative solutions and inspiring a culture of innovation.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the journeys of these ten remarkable leaders, one thing becomes clear—their impact goes far beyond their industries. Özgür Başlılar, Manuel Nelson Bouças, John Graham Harper, Divakar Pandian, Mike Jobling, Shafeek Sainlabedeen, Rameez Raza, James Augustin, Dr. Wa'il Al-Shafie, and Hamid Kerayechian have not only built thriving enterprises but have also set new benchmarks for innovation, resilience, and visionary leadership.
Their stories remind us that success is not just about reaching the top but about challenging the status quo, adapting to change, and creating opportunities that inspire others. Whether through groundbreaking business strategies, sustainable initiatives, or transformative leadership, each of them continues to shape the future in meaningful ways.
As the business world evolves, these trailblazers serve as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with determination, strategic vision, and a passion for progress, anything is possible. Stay inspired, keep innovating, and let these leaders’ journeys fuel your own path to success!
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