Side by Side with Kazi Shafiqur Rahman

Hosted by Kazi Shafiqur Rahman

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Jun 2026

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Side by Side with Kazi Shafiqur Rahman is the podcast designed to ignite the spark of entrepreneurs.

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June 12, 2026Episode 1181 hr 39 min

Fahed Boodai: How to Think about money, Becoming Muslim Billionaire Without Losing Your Soul (EP118)

Bismillah & before we dive in, a personal request 🙏If this episode brings you value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests for conversations like this.In this episode, I sit down with Fahed Boodai, Chairman and Founder of Gatehouse Bank, for a powerful conversation on war, wealth, Islamic finance, leadership, and legacy.From growing up between Kuwait and America, to being stranded abroad during the invasion of Kuwait, joining US Military Intelligence at just 17, losing everything in the dot-com crash, and later building one of the most recognised names in Sharia-compliant finance, this is a story of resilience, risk, faith, and perspective.We also explore what money really means, whether Muslims should be wealthy, how to fund business without riba, why team is the best investment, and why happiness does not come from money.Inside the conversation we cover:– Growing up between Kuwait and America– Being stranded abroad when Kuwait was invaded– Joining US Military Intelligence at 17– His father’s final advice that shaped his life– What war taught him about intelligence and storytelling– Losing everything in the dot-com crash– Why your team is always your best investment– Knowing when to say no to an opportunity– Gatehouse Bank and its ESG mission– Whether Sharia finance is really more expensive– Funding business without riba– Whether Muslims should be wealthy– Life across continents and his wife as Kuwait’s US Ambassador– Anxiety, daily routines, AI and the future of business– Why happiness does not come from money– What legacy really meansTimestamps00:00:00 – Intro00:00:51 – Growing Up Between Two Worlds: Kuwait & America00:02:29 – Stranded Abroad When Kuwait Was Invaded00:04:04 – Joining US Military Intelligence at 1700:06:34 – His Father’s Last Advice That Changed Everything00:10:47 – What War Taught Him About Intelligence & Storytelling00:14:27 – How He Really Thinks About Money00:17:52 – Losing Everything in the Dot-Com Crash00:21:09 – Why the Best Investment Is Always Your Team00:25:25 – How to Know When to Say No to an Opportunity00:32:04 – Introducing Gatehouse Bank & the ESG Mission00:35:04 – “Is Sharia Finance More Expensive?” — Debunking the Myth00:38:22 – Advice to a 17-Year-Old Starting Out Today00:44:08 – How to Fund a Business Without Riba00:55:18 – Is It Okay for Muslims to Be Wealthy?01:02:04 – Life Across Continents & Wife as Kuwait’s US Ambassador01:08:00 – “What Still Gives You Anxiety?” — The Honest Answer01:11:22 – His Daily Routine & Morning Habits01:14:20 – AI & the Future of Every Business01:17:36 – “Happiness Does Not Come From Money”01:21:14 – What Legacy Really Means#FahedBoodai #GatehouseBank #IslamicFinance #ShariaFinance #HalalFinance #BusinessWithoutRiba #MuslimWealth #Kuwait #EntrepreneurJourney #FaithAndBusiness #BusinessPodcastUK #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #MuslimPodcast #BritishMuslimVoices #Legacy

June 11, 2026Episode 1171 hr 8 min

Suada Mohamoud: Refugee Founder — Motherhood, Ambition & The Rise of Muslim Women’s Awards (EP117)

Before we dive in — a personal request.If this episode brings you value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.In this episode, I sit down with Suada Mohamoud, founder of the Muslim Women’s Awards, for one of the most heartfelt, raw, and inspiring conversations we’ve ever had.From fleeing war in Somalia, to teenage motherhood, to building a national platform celebrating Muslim women — Suada’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and inner strength.We explore delivery room trauma, postpartum struggles, whether men belong in the delivery room, the rise of “soft men,” whether boys are being abandoned as girls advance, and how phones and social media are killing ambition.Suada also opens up about imposter syndrome, Islamic ambition, humility, sisterhood, and her vision to take the Muslim Women’s Awards global — with major institutions already attending.Inside the conversation we cover:– Why Muslim women needed their own awards platform– The delivery room debate & trauma– Fleeing Somalia and growing up as a refugee– Teenage motherhood and rebuilding from zero– Postpartum struggles & lack of women’s support– Sisterhood, networks & female friendships– Ambition vs humility in our culture– Have boys been abandoned while girls advance?– Social media addiction & killing ambition– Islam as a global thinker’s religion– Overcoming imposter syndrome– The Firnas Airways story & Channel 4 documentary– Tawakkul and trusting Allah with rizq– How the awards grew from 80 to major institutions like HSBC & Sky– The vision for global expansionTimestamps00:00:00 – Why an Awards Ceremony for Muslim Women?00:00:25 – “Men Shouldn’t Be in the Delivery Room” Debate Starts00:00:56 – Pressure Creates Diamonds: The Rise of Soft Men00:01:12 – Introducing Suada Mohamoud00:02:21 – Discovering a Gap: No Awards for Muslim Women00:02:45 – Fleeing Somalia & Growing Up as a Refugee00:03:32 – Loving School but Not Feeling ‘Smart Enough’00:04:33 – Becoming a Teen Single Mother & Starting Over00:05:48 – Dropping Out of University to Build Her Own Path00:06:12 – The Delivery Room Trauma Conversation Deepens00:07:05 – “We Forget the Pain, Men Don’t”00:09:47 – Postpartum Struggles & Lack of Support00:11:22 – The Sweet Side: Men Being Emotionally Affected00:13:34 – Why Women Need Female Friendships & Networks00:15:45 – Growing the Awards from 80 Guests to 20000:18:09 – Ambition Runs in the Family00:20:12 – Ambition vs Humility in Our Culture00:29:41 – Have We Focused on Girls & Abandoned Boys?00:36:14 – Social Media Addiction & Killing Ambition00:38:21 – Islam as a Global Thinker’s Religion00:40:35 – Self-Belief & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome00:47:52 – The Airline Dream & Channel 4 Documentary00:49:00 – Tawakkul: Trusting Allah with Your Rizq00:59:09 – From Local Event to International Vision

November 15, 2025Episode 1191 hr 6 min

Prince Abdi: From Teaching in UK Schools to Stand-Up, Somali Roots & British Comedy (EP116)

Before we dive in — a personal request,If this episode brings you value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.In this episode, I sit down with Prince Abdi. Somali-British comedian, writer, and former teacher, to explore his journey from the classroom to the comedy stage.We discuss growing up in Brixton, navigating cultural identity, finding humour in pain, and where the line between comedy and controversy truly lies.Inside the conversation we cover:– From teaching to stand-up: the transition that changed everything– Growing up Somali in Brixton and dealing with cultural expectations– The art of storytelling and audience connection– How to handle sensitive topics and find comedic balance– A hilarious cruise ship incident that went wrong– His perspective on social media and the future of comedyTimestamps00:00 — Introduction03:25 — Transition from Teaching to Comedy07:19 — Childhood and Growing Up in Brixton09:29 — Family Life & Cultural Dynamics14:00 — Trips to Somalia & Cultural Nuances20:00 — Teaching Stories & Impact on Students24:50 — Comedy Performance Techniques & Audience Engagement27:00 — Handling Sensitive Topics & Finding Comedy Boundaries34:00 — Cultural Misunderstandings & the Cruise Ship Incident53:00 — Future Goals & His Perspective on Social Media#PrinceAbdi #SomaliComedian #BritishComedy #StandUpComedy #ComedyWithoutLimits #SomaliCulture #BrixtonStories #TeacherToComedian #MuslimComedian #CreativeJourney #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #BusinessPodcastUK #BritishMuslimVoices #Storytelling #ComedyPodcast

October 26, 2025Episode 1111 hr 23 min

Yasar Ahmad: Hidden Rules of Power, Promotion, Navigating Workplace Politics & How to WIN (EP115)

Before we dive in — a personal request 🙏If this story adds value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.In this episode, I sit down with Yasar Ahmad, a Leadership Coach, Career Advisor, and VP of HR, to discuss what truly defines success in the modern workplace. We explore the psychology of hiring, the difference between performance and perception, and how to build influence without losing authenticity.From navigating multi-stage interviews to understanding Robert Greene’s Law #1: Never Outshine the Master, this episode is a masterclass in self-awareness, strategy, and career growth.Inside the conversation we cover:– How to balance gut instinct and fact-checking in hiring– Behavioral interview techniques to reveal mindset– The hidden power of competitiveness and passion– Performance vs perception: who really gets promoted– Multi-stage interviews and culture fit tests– Writing job descriptions that inspire clarity and ownership– Salary psychology and motivation: The 3+1 Effect– Building influence through exposure, values, and networking– The role of company values in leadership and decision making– Robert Greene’s timeless lesson: Never Outshine the MasterTimestamps00:01:54 – Navigating Hiring: Balancing Gut Instinct and Fact Checking00:03:01 – Interview Strategy: Using Behavioral Questions to Reveal Mindset00:05:12 – Hiring Senior Executives: Value of Passions Outside Work and Competitiveness00:08:05 – Workplace Success: Performance vs. Perception and Exposure00:09:47 – Multi-Stage Interviews: Assessing Values, Approach, and Culture Fit00:11:24 – Importance of Clear Job Descriptions and To-Do/To-Not-Do Lists00:14:22 – Psychological Impact of Salary Structures: The 3+1 Effect00:20:16 – Building Influence at Work: Performance, Perception, and Networking00:24:25 – Company Values as Navigational Tools for Hiring and Decision Making01:03:13 – Robert Greene’s Law #1: Never Outshine the Master at Work

October 9, 2025Episode 1141 hr 6 min

Aysha Mercedes: Near-Death to Islam, Dawah From Rappers, Schizophrenic Dad & More...(EP114)

Bismillah, Before we dive in, a personal request;If this story touches you, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.In this episode with Aysha Mercedes, a woman whose journey from near-death and illness to Islam will leave you speechless.She opens up about growing up with a schizophrenic father, facing the chaos of street life, and how rappers were the first to introduce her to Islam. From trauma to transformation, this is a story of struggle, faith, and humility, and the power of Allah’s mercy to rewrite any life.Inside the conversation we cover:– Surviving a near-death experience and what it taught her about Allah– Living with a schizophrenic father and broken family dynamics– Street life, trouble, and seeking belonging– Rappers as unexpected da’wah voices– The challenges and loneliness of being a new Muslim– Her father’s shocking reversion to Islam after being stabbed– The lack of support for reverts in our communities– Balancing faith, wealth, and humility after finding purposeTimestamps00:00:00 – Near-Death Revelation00:02:11 – Battling a Rare Illness00:06:09 – Life with a Schizophrenic Father00:07:57 – Street Life & Trouble00:09:33 – Rappers Introduce Islam00:12:19 – Struggles of a New Muslim00:16:07 – Father Stabbed, Then Reverts00:20:28 – Lack of Support for Reverts00:27:02 – Faith, Wealth & Identity00:53:03 – Arrogance vs Humility#AyshaMercedes #RevertStory #Islam #FaithJourney #StreetLifeToIslam #BritishMuslimVoices #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #MuslimPodcast #Transformation #SpiritualHealing #RevertSupport #WomenInIslam #FaithAndHealing #IslamicInspiration

October 3, 2025Episode 1131 hr 16 min

Rukhsana Ismail: Will Rotherham Accept a Pakistani Muslim Hijabi? Breaking Silence on Hate (EP113)

Bismillah, Before we dive in — a personal request 🙏If this story moves you, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests for conversations like this.In this episode, I sit down with Cllr Rukhsana Ismail, the Mayor of Rotherham, as she opens up for the first time about her journey, the challenges of online hate, and what it means to lead as a proud British Muslim woman. From criticism of her language to her viral “Proud British Muslim” video, she shares the raw truth about mistakes, resilience, faith, and finding peace under pressure.Inside the conversation we cover:– Dealing with online abuse and criticism– Islam’s role in leadership and decision-making– Overcoming personal and professional challenges– Cultural vs religious practices and their clash in public life– Finding inner peace while serving as Mayor– Encouragement for struggling sisters in the communityTimestamps00:00:00 – Emotional Mayor Announcement00:02:19 – Welcome and Introduction00:03:56 – Dealing with Online Abuse00:11:18 – Responding to Language Criticism00:13:02 – Making Proud British Muslim Video00:18:07 – Islam’s Role in Leadership00:22:34 – Overcoming Life Challenges00:25:36 – Admitting Mistakes in Leadership00:32:03 – Cultural vs Religious Practices00:39:04 – Finding Inner Peace00:46:12 – Helping Others and Saying No01:11:03 – Encouragement for Struggling Sisters#KaziShafiqurRahman #SideBySidePodcast #FirnasAirways #BritishMuslimEntrepreneur #MuslimPodcast #BusinessPodcastUK #BritishBangladeshiSuccessStory #AirlineStartupStory #FreshlyGrounded #BritishMuslimVoices #BritishBusinessDocumentary #HowToStartAnAirlineKazi #BuddiesLondon #Sunnamusk #KSRBuddies #BuddiesLondon #MuslimEntrepreneur #BoycottBrands #MiddleEastCrisis #MayorOfRotherham #CllrRukhsanaIsmail #Hijabi #UKPolitics #MuslimMayor #MuslimWomen

September 26, 2025Episode 1111 hr 10 min

Stairway2Freedom – The Saviour: Anti-Muslim Hate, Far-Right Threats & Pro-Israel Marchers (EP111)

Before we dive in, a personal request 🙏If this story adds value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share. Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.In this episode, I sit down with Stairway2Freedom, The Saviour (Josh) to talk about confronting pro-Israel marchers, facing online harassment, and the rising tide of anti-Muslim hate in the UK. We discuss the far-right, racism, and flag symbolism, and why building bridges across faiths is the only way forward.Inside the conversation we cover:– Josh’s background and activism journey– Facing online harassment and intimidation– Confronting pro-Israel marchers on the streets– The UK’s social and political challenges today– Tommy Robinson, far-right threats & flag politics– Racism, division, and anti-Muslim hate– The need for unity across faiths– Dialogue, bridge-building, and changing minds– Who really influences UK foreign policy– Social media growth, censorship, and street wisdomTimestamps00:01:21 – Introduction & Meeting Josh00:02:55 – Josh’s Background & Activism00:04:10 – Facing Online Harassment00:05:10 – Confronting Pro-Israel Marchers00:08:10 – UK’s Social & Political Challenges00:11:10 – Views on Tommy Robinson & Far-Right Figures00:12:50 – Racism & Flag Symbolism in the UK00:14:20 – The Need for Unity Across Faiths00:18:40 – Challenges of Changing Minds00:22:40 – Engaging in Dialogue & Building Bridges00:25:10 – What It Takes for UK to Improve00:41:10 – Influence Behind UK’s Foreign Policy00:45:50 – Social Media Growth & Censorship00:53:40 – Unexpected Wisdom from the Streets#Stairway2Freedom #TheSaviour #AntiMuslimHate #FarRight #ProIsraelMarchers #Josh #Activism #Unity #ProPalestine #UKPolitics #FaithAndUnity #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman

September 19, 2025Episode 1101 hr 11 min

Areeb Siddiqui: Hitting Rock Bottom, Fatherhood & The Kestrl Journey in Halal Finance (EP110)

Before we dive in — a personal request 🙏If this story adds value, please subscribe, hit the bell, like, comment, and share with others. Your support helps us grow and bring even bigger guests to the channel.In this episode, I sit down with Areeb Siddiqui, founder of Kestrl and host of Muslim Money Talk Podcast. From starting at rock bottom to leading one of the UK’s most talked-about halal finance startups, Areeb shares how he’s trying to change the way Muslims think about money, wealth, and opportunity.Inside the conversation we cover:– Kestrl’s dual business model and pivot into B2B revenue– The poverty challenge in UK Muslim communities– Scarcity vs abundance mindset in building wealth– Vision beyond Islamic banking and trust issues in finance– Innovative Sharia-compliant features, gold and crypto– Raising capital, customer acquisition, and scaling fintech– Founder challenges, growth pains, and market opportunityTimestamps00:00:00 – Starting from Rock Bottom00:04:00 – Kestrl’s Dual Business Model00:08:00 – Poverty Challenge in UK Muslims00:11:00 – Scarcity vs Abundance Mindset00:13:00 – Innovations from Community Events00:15:00 – Vision Beyond Islamic Banking00:17:00 – Trust Issues in Islamic Finance00:20:00 – Pivoting to B2B Revenue00:24:00 – Founder Challenges and Growth Pains00:30:00 – Levels of Islamic Finance Development00:33:00 – Innovative Sharia-Compliant Features00:38:00 – Competitive Edge: Gold and Crypto00:44:00 – Investment Opportunity and Market Potential00:50:00 – Customer Acquisition Strategy#AreebSiddiqui #Kestrl #MuslimMoneyTalk #HalalFinance #FaithDrivenBusiness #Fintech #MuslimEntrepreneurs #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman

September 12, 2025Episode 1091 hr 22 min

Aykiz Shah: Declining £108m Offer, Making Salaam Cola Global wearing a Niqaab, Mum to 3 & Wife (EP109)

Bismillah and Before we dive in, a personal request…Your support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests.If this story moves you, please subscribe, turn on the bell, like, comment, and share this episode. In this episode, I sit down with Aykiz Shah, founder of Salaam Cola, to unpack her extraordinary journey. From rejecting a £108 million offer to taking a boycott-born brand global, all while navigating life as a niqaabi, mother of three, and wife.Aykiz shares a story of courage, conviction, and vision.Inside the conversation we cover:– Turning down a £108m offer and the pushback that followed– The origins of Salaam Cola and family boycott principles– Boycotting root causes and building real alternatives– Overcoming backlash while staying true to values– Unity within the Ummah and overcoming division– Charity, legacy, and global projects from schools to orphanages– Challenges as a female founder and trademark battles– Advice for sisters and the importance of family support00:00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome – Aykiz Shah – Salaam Cola00:02:13 – Turning Down the £108 Million Offer and Facing Pushback00:07:00 – Origins of Salaam Cola and Family Boycott Principles00:09:30 – Boycotting Root Causes and Creating Alternatives00:11:20 – Overcoming Backlash and Staying True to Values00:15:00 – Unity Within the Ummah and Overcoming Division00:17:30 – Charity Work, Legacy, and Impact Projects00:24:30 – Global Projects: Schools, Orphanages, and More00:50:00 – Challenges as a Female Founder and Trademark Battles01:16:00 – Advice for Sisters and Importance of Family Support#KaziShafiqurRahman #KSR #SideBySidePodcast #FirnasAirways #BritishMuslimEntrepreneur #MuslimPodcast #BusinessPodcastUK #BritishBangladeshiSuccessStory #AirlineStartupStory #Ceocast #FreshlyGrounded #BritishMuslimVoices #BritishBusinessDocumentary #HowToStartAnAirlineKazi #BuddiesLondon #Sunnamusk #KSRBuddies #BuddiesLondon #AykizShah #SalaamCola #MuslimEntrepreneur #MumPreneur #Niqaabi #BusinessWoman #WomenInIslam #BoycottBrands #MiddleEastCrisis #HalalCapitalism

September 5, 2025Episode 1081 hr 7 min

BigFish TV: Likability, Backlash & Building Businesses Against the Odds (EP108)

Bismillah, Before we dive in, a personal request 🙏If you’ve been enjoying these conversations, please subscribe, turn the notification bell on, like, comment, and share this episode with others. Every bit of support helps us grow the channel and bring on even bigger guests for you.In this episode, we sit down with BigFish TV on his first ever podcast appearance to talk about identity, belonging, and the double-edged sword of being visible in the community. From growing up Bengali and cultural shifts, to handling backlash, racism, and social media pressure. BigFish TV shares his story with honesty and grit.We also explore his business ventures, from vape shops to food businesses, his lessons in branding, networking, and perseverance, and the launch of PFC as a family legacy project.Inside the conversation we cover:– Likability vs backlash and building thick skin– Growing up Bengali and cultural identity– Racism, dialogue, and bridging divides– From vape shops to multiple ventures– PFC’s launch and family legacy– The realities of food business, reviews, and branding– Lessons on consistency, setbacks, and perseveranceTimestamps00:00:00 – Likability vs. Backlash: The Double-Edged Sword00:03:41 – Growing Up Bengali: Language and Culture Shifts00:05:21 – Technology’s Impact on Family Respect00:07:26 – Speaking Out: Courage and Controversy00:11:58 – Britannia Hotel: Bridging Divides in Tense Areas00:16:00 – Understanding ‘The Other Side’00:21:12 – Identity, Belonging, and Ownership of This Country00:23:55 – Progress in Education and Business00:25:34 – Challenges of Integration and Outreach00:28:54 – Responding to Racism with Dialogue00:30:21 – Inspirations from the Prophet’s Example00:31:53 – Handling Negativity: Building Thick Skin00:34:09 – From Vape Shop to Diverse Ventures00:35:31 – Scar’s Story: From Streets to Entrepreneurship00:37:24 – Changing Mindsets and New Opportunities00:38:54 – PFC Launch: Family Legacy and Ambitions00:42:58 – Social Media Success vs. Real Hard Work00:44:16 – Managing Multiple Businesses and Teams00:46:18 – Food Business: Balancing Quality and Foot Traffic00:49:59 – Owning Delivery: The Push for Independence00:52:00 – Branding Challenges and Rebranding Journey00:54:17 – Networking and Growth Mindsets00:55:58 – From NHS Admin to Entrepreneurial Success00:57:31 – A Message to Youth: Patience and Perseverance01:00:34 – Business Setbacks and Investments01:01:31 – Quickfire: Cars, Food, and Social Media Choices01:04:01 – The Impact of Reviews on Food Businesses01:05:22 – The Value of Consistent Hard Work01:06:16 – Final Blessings: Protecting Against Negativity#BigFishTV #PFC #BritishBangladeshi #BusinessPodcastUK #SideBySidePodcast #KaziRahman #EntrepreneurJourney #MuslimPodcast