Dream, Design and Execute with Intentionality

On Sunday, I witnessed an awe-inspiring one of its kind event celebrating our Independence Day under the auspicious of Emirates Loves Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan Association Dubai. A spell binding, star-studded, full day event showcasing our culture, diversity, to a packed audience.

Our emotional bond with Dubai started 27 years ago when we moved from New York and took an assignment with Pepsico/Yum Brands. I can say without any hesitation that Dubai is now our second home. A heartfelt thank you to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Government for providing us with great comfort, safety and security and above all opportunities to flourish and prosper in a very unique, diverse and welcoming environment.

The leadership philosophy that contributed to our huge business success in this region is solely attributed to His Highness’s motto, Dream, Design and Execute, on which this Great Emirate has been built as a role model and a beacon of light for not only this region but arguably rest of the world.

This motto, though very simple, encapsulates the genesis of leadership philosophy that works for individuals, families, societies and nations. Very succinctly, it means. It follows a three-step process for bringing major projects to life, emphasizing the importance of dreams, design, and execution. It begins with a dream — a vision powered by passion and imagination that serves as the foundation for creativity. The next phase is design, where ideas are refined and developed into actionable plans through brainstorming, research, and collaboration. Finally, execution transforms these dreams and designs into reality through determination, hard work, and resilience. Each step is interconnected and essential in turning visions into tangible outcomes.

At the heart of this demands absolute mental toughness, robust health, unsatiated desire, compassion and empathy.

A good ruler understands that Mental health and wellbeing are key components of a strong and healthy society. By investing in mental health resources, we can build a healthier, happier, and more prosperous nation. For me, this proved to be the catalyst behind setting up TASKEEN, a non-government organisation on mental health, seven years ago in Pakistan.

Taskeen was setup as a pioneering initiative to promote and prevent the advent of mental health challenges through education, expression and advocacy. Our philosophy is based that a Sehatmend individual, emotionally, physically and spiritually translates into a Sehatmend family, and a Sehatmand society and eventually the nation.

It comprises three pillars. Public awareness campaign reaching out 35 million people through our through digital media awareness campaigns through a very rich video content. Through a wellness programme we have conducted over 25,000 free sessions with over 13,000 patients. Through our last pillar Advocacy we have made major strides collaborating with our partners to regulate and professionalise dispensation of mental health services at provincial and national levels.

In that context what an uplifting and wonderful gift we received from Arshad Nadeem, our javelin throw hero, on the heels of our Independence Day. An extraordinary individual effort that is serving as an inspiration and a shot in the arm for the nation. We wish him more glory and medals. Let us make sure the Arshad and his feat does not go into oblivion after photo shoots. He can truly be a catalyst for the youth as mentor and a coach to build a Sehatmand and happier Pakistan.

As an unabashed ambassador of Pakistan for four decades at global forums, for Pakistan, glass has always been half-full having showcased Pakistan as an enviable investment opportunity. It is truly a hidden gem that sadly we do not value, as some of us do not hesitate to bash it publicly, forgetting that we owe our identity, our success to our homeland and this is where we belong. We have a lasting commitment to our homeland with investments in family owned business ventures, social and community sectors.

In Dubai under the umbrella of The Food Lab DMCC, a Dubai based entity, I advise and consult in Food Retail and coach existing and aspiring CEOs on leadership and personal impact with a customised mentoring program. I also host a social media platform, Dil Se Sochiye in Pakistan to raise the conscience of the powerful elite and galvanise the youth. Helping our leaders to realise our Quaid’s vision of an independent and prosperous Pakistan through short video messages.

On this auspicious occasion, I have a message for our overseas brothers and sisters and our leadership back home.

To our brothers and sisters, please be very, very mindful of what you post and what you forward on social media. Make sure you fact check it because if you don’t, then you may be spreading fake and false news that can damage our country in more ways than one. It is an obligation and our duty to embrace this.

I urge you to let us stop bedroom discussions and lamentations about our homeland and let us be serious about helping and contributing some of us are doing. If we are serious about helping and contributing, then let us come forward and do it in kind. This is the time to do it, throw the gauntlet. Please be model residents of Dubai and UAE and conduct yourself responsibly and professionally, respecting the ethos, culture and laws of this great country which has given us so much that we must give back, by demonstrating discipline and tolerance.

Irfan Mustafa is an entrepreneur, a social activist, senior global executive and an unashamed ambassador of Pakistan with a distinguished career spanning over four decades across four continents and four multinational Including UniLever Pakistan, Pepsi Cola International and YUM! Brands – parent company of KFC, Pizzahut and Taco Bell.

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