Michelle Clark

Chef Fatima, Redefining Emirati Identity Through The Art Of Pastry By Peter Davis For Chef Fatima, creativity in the kitchen begins long before flour is weighed or ovens are switched on. It begins with memory. One flavor in particular continues to guide her culinary voice, saffron. In her childhood home, it infused almost everything, tea, rice, chebab, balaleet, becoming part of daily life rather than a luxury. Today, she reimagines that same aromatic spice in macarons, éclairs, cakes, and layered desserts, exploring its balance with sweetness, spice, and tang. For her, saffron is not nostalgia alone, it is a living ingredient with limitless potential. As a certified pastry chef and a Les Roches student ambassador, Chef Fatima embodies a rare balance between emotion and precision. She believes great chefs must hold both artistry and discipline in equal measure. Emotion and imagination take shape at the very beginning of her process, inspired by nature, travel, visual art, and flavors that linger in memory. She sketches ideas before stepping into the kitchen, photographs moments that spark creativity, and allows herself to feel deeply connected to what she is creating. Once inside the kitchen, however, emotion gives way to rigor. Technique, repetition, and scientific accuracy take control. When a recipe fails, grit and perseverance become essential. For her, the kitchen demands toughness, but when discipline meets passion, something extraordinary happens. Looking at the future of pastry in the UAE, Chef Fatima sees innovation rooted not in novelty alone but in cultural fusion. She believes the next generation of pastry will be shaped by the thoughtful integration of Emirati flavors into global dessert traditions. Trends like Dubai chocolate, where pistachio and kunafa meet Swiss chocolate, are just the beginning. To her, this fusion is an opportunity to introduce local flavors to the world in a way that feels refined, modern, and authentic. Unlike many chefs who speak of signature dishes, Chef Fatima is guided by a signature philosophy. Every creation begins with visualization. She walks outdoors, revisits personal memories stored in her camera roll, sketches ideas on paper, and invites conversation by sharing her concepts with others. Fresh perspectives matter to her. Only then does experimentation begin. She follows her own style deliberately, resisting the pull of trends. If a dish does not resonate with her first, it does not move forward. She believes every chef carries a distinct voice, and expressing that individuality is what gives the culinary world its richness. If the UAE’s culinary identity were transformed into a dessert, Chef Fatima imagines it as tangy, warm, and comforting. It would feel modern and evolved, yet deeply familiar, innovative yet grounding. Above all, it would evoke unity, delivering a sense of home while embracing progress. As part of a new generation of Emirati chefs stepping into global hospitality spaces, she carries her culture with pride and intention. Every kitchen she enters becomes a place where Emirati heritage can be represented with respect and clarity. She feels a responsibility to highlight the beauty of her traditions and ensure they are understood not as static history, but as a living, evolving culture. In pastry, consistency is everything, yet creativity thrives on experimentation. Chef Fatima believes the bridge between the two is science. Once a chef understands the chemistry behind ingredients, precision becomes freedom rather than limitation. Her experience working on the Expo festival cake structure brought this philosophy to life. Collaborating closely with engineers, she navigated physics, mathematics, and material behavior, considering stability, heat, sunlight, and ingredient reactions. Only by mastering these technical realities was she able to push creative boundaries without compromising structure or safety. Failure, she says, is inseparable from growth. Every mistake in the kitchen, whether small or significant, has shaped who she is today. Sometimes the science is pushed too far, and a dish fails, not because the idea was wrong, but because it needs to be approached differently. One defining experience came in 2022 when she entered pastry school at just fifteen years old, the youngest in her class. That moment shifted her mindset completely. Surrounded by older students, she realized she had time, potential, and the ability to study pastry arts on a deeper, more technical level. Rather than a single failure, it was a series of challenges and lessons that transformed her craft and strengthened her belief in herself. In an era where social media often dictates creative direction, Chef Fatima remains grounded in authenticity. She believes growth comes from uniqueness, not imitation. Her content is deeply personal, aligned with her values, and she is selective about collaborations that reflect her vision. While she understands the mechanics of visibility and reach, she refuses to compromise her identity for the sake of an algorithm. Looking ahead, her ambition is clear and unwavering. Chef Fatima dreams of opening her own restaurant and earning Michelin stars, a journey she plans to begin within the next five years. It is a vision built not on trends or shortcuts, but on discipline, cultural pride, and a deep respect for both art and science. In redefining Emirati pastry for a global audience, she is not just creating desserts, she is shaping a legacy, one thoughtful creation at a time.

Menna Shahin, The Architect Of Purposeful Power By Michelle Clark Menna Shahin stands as a rare kind of leader, one who has mastered the art of merging vision with virtue. Her story is not just about entrepreneurship; it is about evolution. From a young woman determined to “change the world” to a global voice redefining what it means to lead with purpose, Meena’s journey is a lesson in balance, brilliance, and belief. When asked what first ignited her desire to merge corporate leadership with social impact, Meena’s response is beautifully simple: “I wanted to change the world.” But for her, change was never about slogans or sentiment. It was about structure. “I saw that true, scalable change couldn’t just come from passion; it needed to be underpinned by strategic thinking and operational excellence,” she reflects. Over the years, that understanding became her compass. What began as an emotional impulse transformed into an intellectual mission to build business models that make change measurable, profitable, and permanent. That mission gave birth to eJaby, a social enterprise that embodies everything she stands for. The Birth of eJaby The concept of eJaby was born from two intertwined passions: empowering women and saving the planet. Raised in Egypt, Meena grew up surrounded by women of strength, yet she also saw the barriers they faced. “I’ve always wanted to be a role model for women,” she says. “But empowerment isn’t just about opportunity, it’s about creating a stable, sustainable world where women can thrive.” Her environmental consciousness grew alongside her social one. She saw waste, not only as an ecological crisis but as a moral one. “To have a better world for us and for the next generation, we must address the massive issue of waste,” she explains. eJaby became her answer to this double challenge. It tackles food waste and overstock while building a business ecosystem that uplifts women through leadership and employment. In Meena’s world, doing good is not an act of charity, it is an act of innovation. Leading with Purpose Keeping purpose alive in the world of business is no easy feat. Yet Meena has done it with a clarity that borders on philosophy. “Every action we take daily is aimed at creating a better life for ourselves or the people around us,” she says. “The key is to scale that scope.” Her formula for meaningful leadership is a balance of three forces. Empathy allows her to see the needs of others. Innovation turns small ideas into scalable impact. And execution transforms vision into tangible change. “By constantly measuring every decision against its potential for positive impact,” she says, “purpose naturally becomes the guiding principle.” The Trials That Built Resilience Like any founder, Meena’s path was not free of turbulence. “Founding a startup is a daily workout for your resilience and leadership,” she admits with a smile that carries both pride and fatigue. “The most profound challenge is not the market or the technology, but the human element, leading people and maintaining a unified vision.” In those moments, Meena discovered that true leadership is not about control but about connection. “You must constantly work to keep people understanding and believing in your vision, especially when the path is uncertain.” For her, resilience is not just bouncing back, it’s showing up every day with faith, and transferring that faith to your team. “Your resolve is mirrored in the collective strength and belief of the people you lead.” The Myth of Compromise Many still believe that social enterprises cannot grow without losing their soul. Meena smiles knowingly at this idea. “That’s an old way of thinking,” she says. “At eJaby, our values are not a separate initiative, they are the very engine of our growth.” Her model is self-sustaining: the more the company grows, the more impact it creates. “Our profitability is a direct measure of our success in reducing food waste and promoting sustainable consumption.” In other words, growth amplifies impact, and impact fuels growth. “By making impact the core value proposition,” she explains, “we ensure that scaling is synonymous with scaling our mission.” Redefining Leadership for Women As a champion of gender equity, Meena is unafraid to challenge long-held systems. “The most critical change needed is to stop expecting women to lead like men,” she says firmly. “For too long, leadership has followed a masculine template, forcing women to suppress their natural strengths.” She calls for workplaces that embrace empathy, collaboration, and holistic thinking as core leadership skills. “We must empower women to lead as women,” she continues. “When we value the distinct strengths women bring to the table, we unlock a far more inclusive and effective model of leadership.” This philosophy, she believes, will shape the next era of leadership in the MENA region, a movement where diversity is not a box to tick, but a power to harness. Sustainability as a Personal Legacy Sustainability is not just a business term for Meena, it is an inheritance she wants to leave her children. “It’s about the future I want for my two sons,” she says softly. “They are three and five, and I want them to live in a better world.” For her, living sustainably means raising consciousness, educating teams, customers, and communities to make mindful choices. But she believes true progress depends on collective effort. “If we do not all work together, we will not achieve anything. Leading sustainably means building systems that make participation easy and accessible.” Through eJaby, she has done exactly that, turning personal conviction into collective momentum. The Rise of Purpose-Led Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region When speaking about the entrepreneurial transformation sweeping across the MENA region, Meena’s tone fills with optimism. “What excites me most is the fusion of ancient values with modern innovation,” she says. “This region has always had a deep-rooted sense of community and responsibility. Now, entrepreneurs are channeling that purpose through technology and business.” She believes the MENA region is on the verge of defining a new global model, one

Marina Skiba The Woman Reshaping Fashion Talent In The Middle East By Michelle Clark In an era defined by constant reinvention and the relentless pursuit of meaning, some leaders rise not through noise, but through clarity, purpose, and the ability to transform challenges into momentum. Among them stands Marina Skiba, the founder and CEO of FP Models Agency & Academy, a woman whose journey from Kyiv’s creative corridors to Dubai’s dynamic fashion scene reads like the story of a quiet revolution. Her rise is not the familiar tale of overnight success, but a layered narrative of courage, resilience, curiosity, and the unshakeable belief that people, not trends, are the true heartbeat of fashion. Today, FP Models is widely respected as one of the Middle East’s most human-driven modeling ecosystems. But its foundation was laid long before Marina occupied boardrooms or managed global clients. It began with a young student in Kyiv who stumbled into a world that would transform her future. Marina never imagined she would enter the world of modeling. She was invited to join a modeling school as a student, an invitation she accepted almost playfully, unaware of its long-term impact. With no prior experience, no clear idea of where it might lead, she stepped into a space that would unlock new dimensions of creativity and identity. “It opened a completely new world,” she recalls. “One full of expression and new ways of seeing myself.” While discovering the language of posture, poise, and presence, Marina was simultaneously immersed in another world: writing. She worked at COCKTAIL, a fashion magazine in Kyiv, serving as both a writer and sales executive. What began as a student job quickly became a masterclass in communication, persuasion, industry dynamics, and human connection. Fashion was no longer just visual; it was editorial, intellectual, and deeply personal. The magazine also became the setting where she met her future business partner—two people with parallel ambitions, complementary strengths, and a shared vision of what the fragmented modeling industry could become. Together, they imagined a space that educates talent, elevates creativity, and serves both the industry and its people with genuine professionalism. The creative world she experienced at modeling school blended with the structural insight she gained from editorial work, forming the blueprint of FP Models: a balance of heart and strategy. Long before fashion became her profession, literature shaped Marina’s worldview. Her favourite subjects in school were languages and literature, not because they were simple, but because they granted access to imagination, cultural depth, and emotional understanding. “Words shape identity. They shape culture. They shape how we understand ourselves and the world,” she says. Storytelling became her natural strength, an intuitive skill that would later define her approach to journalism, marketing, brand-building, and ultimately leadership. In her boardroom today, communication is not merely a tool but a grounding force that ties her teams, clients, and community together. Four years ago, Marina made the life-changing decision to move to Dubai. It wasn’t impulsive; it was a strategic leap toward a market undergoing rapid evolution. Dubai was emerging as a global intersection of fashion, technology, and culture city where ambition wasn’t just admired, it was expected. The regional fashion industry was flourishing. International brands were entering the market. Local designers were gaining global visibility. The ecosystem needed trained talent, creative structure, and a modernized approach. She understood the importance of timing and recognized that if she didn’t move then, the opportunity might never return. Yet her journey to Dubai was not driven solely by professional motivation. She arrived carrying deep personal loss and life changes that required her to rebuild not only her career but her inner world. That period, she admits, was the hardest she had ever faced. But it also revealed her resilience in ways she had never known before. Rebuilding from nothing taught her that adversity is not a wall, it is a sculptor. FP Models emerged not as a conventional modeling agency but as a holistic ecosystem grounded in what she calls the Triple FP Philosophy: Fashion – Profession – Passion – People. This philosophy reflects her belief that talent cannot be developed through random opportunities; it must be nurtured through structured learning, real experience, and a supportive environment. The agency provides representation for models, connecting them with brands and creative teams across campaigns, runway shows, activations, and commercial projects. But it was the academy, Dubai’s first government-certified modeling academy, that truly transformed the region. The academy offered structured training, industry etiquette, casting preparation, and confidence-building, becoming a bridge between aspiring talent and professional readiness. Alongside this came a community that grew organically: workshops, intimate meetups, creative collaborations, and a network built on support rather than competition. FP Models became more than a business. It became a movement, redefining how the Middle East thinks about fashion talent. Marina’s leadership is grounded in emotional intelligence, adaptability, and intentional focus. For her, leadership is not about hierarchy, it is about energy and awareness. Her guiding principle in recent years has been the importance of focus: “Your focus shapes your reality.” Amid market fluctuations or sudden industry changes, this principle acts as her internal compass. Balancing creativity with commercial demands remains one of the most challenging parts of her role, yet she bridges the two worlds through communication and sensitivity, ensuring both creative minds and business teams feel understood and valued. She also learned early that passion alone cannot sustain growth. Systems, processes, and reliable teams are essential foundations. Today, FP Models operates with strong internal structure because she embraced that lesson. Just as important is her commitment to maintaining team morale. She leads not from a distance but through presence, listening, and awareness of emotional cues. Marina’s approach to nurturing talent is equally intentional. She recognizes potential not simply in beauty but in discipline, resilience, and willingness to grow. She aims to create an environment that shapes talent through care rather than pressure and teaches them that real success requires commitment, patience, and emotional maturity. The

“The Story is Just Beginning” An Exclusive Conversation with Nouf Al Katheeri By Michelle Clark There are people who enter the world of media chasing fame, and then there are those who enter it because it calls to them. Nouf Al Katheeri belongs to the latter. A powerful voice in media and television presenting, she has become known not only for her eloquence but for the sincerity that runs through her every word. Living between Abu Dhabi and London, she embodies a modern blend of Arab heritage and global perspective, transforming the way audiences experience storytelling. In this exclusive feature with Magnav Magazine, Nouf opens up about her journey, her philosophy, and the vision that continues to guide her forward. Nouf often says, “I didn’t choose media, media chose me.” It was never something planned on a vision board, but a calling that she simply couldn’t ignore. From the beginning, she realized that media isn’t just about appearing on screen; it’s about creating meaning.  The true challenge and art, she believes, lie in crafting stories that don’t just fill airtime but truly resonate. “That’s the difference between being seen and being remembered,” she says. For her, impact has always been the goal, not visibility. Every story she has told and every emotion she has expressed has connected her with someone, somewhere. That awareness, that we are never truly alone, has shaped her deeply, both professionally and personally. Through her work, Nouf has discovered that media is not just a career but a bridge, one that connects people through shared human experience. If her words can comfort or inspire even one person, she knows she is doing exactly what she was meant to do. Living between Abu Dhabi and London has given Nouf a worldview grounded in openness. “Being open-minded is not just a skill, it’s a value,” she says. For her, it means being receptive to different people, cultures, and ideas without fear. That openness, she believes, is the foundation of creativity and innovation. “Innovation is never born in isolation. It’s born when differences intersect, when cultures meet, when two disciplines cross paths.” Studying political sociology in London reinforced this perspective, teaching her that understanding society requires exposure to diversity. “If Abu Dhabi grounded me in heritage and vision, London stretched my mind to think globally,” she reflects. “Together, they shaped not only how I work, but who I am.” Creativity and strategy, for Nouf, are inseparable partners. Creativity provides the spark, while strategy gives it direction. Her academic background in Integrated Strategic Communications taught her how essential it is to blend the two. Whether in media, marketing, or policy, the most powerful results, she believes, always come when creativity fuels strategy. “When you surprise people, you don’t just win attention, you leave a lasting impact,” she explains, describing how she constantly seeks that delicate balance between imagination and purpose. Despite her success, Nouf is known for her positivity and radiant smile. But behind that brightness lies resilience. “People often assume that positive people don’t have problems,” she says. “But positivity isn’t the absence of problems, it’s the way I choose to face them.” For Nouf, hope is a decision, one that keeps her moving forward. “My smile isn’t a mask, it’s me. Problems visit everyone, but what makes the difference is how you answer them.” When it comes to the question of impact, Nouf’s answer is beautifully humble. “Real impact isn’t something you declare about yourself, it’s something others feel,” she says. “It’s not about how loudly you say you’ve changed something, but about how deeply someone else feels that change.” Her goal is simple yet profound, to create meaning, connection, and honesty in all that she does. If one person walks away feeling inspired or less alone, she considers that her greatest success. In a time where digital platforms and artificial intelligence are reshaping the media landscape, Nouf remains confident about the enduring power of storytelling. “I don’t like to separate media into ‘traditional’ and ‘new,’” she says. “Media is simply a meeting point between the producer and the audience. Platforms evolve, but storytelling never dies. ” Whether through television, radio, or social media, she believes that each medium has its own audience, its own rhythm, and its own role in connecting people. “Centuries ago, we told stories around a fire. Today, we tell them on screens. The difference is only the medium, not the meaning.” Nouf’s personal philosophy of growth is rooted in her ability to let go of sadness and keep moving forward. “Sadness is a visitor, not a roommate,” she says. “If I let it stay too long, I press pause on my own life, and I refuse to live on pause.” Her words carry the wisdom of someone who has faced disappointment but chosen strength. “People will hurt you, but in the pursuit of greatness, the choice is simple. sit in the pain, or rise above it. Sadness may knock, but it will never unpack its bags.” Among the people who inspire her, one name stands out, Ahmed El Shugairi. “I love that he’s Arab, from the Gulf, because his work shows what it means to have a vision rooted in our culture,” she says. “He proved that media can be elegant, purposeful, and deeply impactful.” She admires his humility and the way he uses media not for fame but for transformation. “He doesn’t chase the lights, he chases the message. And that’s the kind of media I believe in.” As for what lies ahead, Nouf leaves it beautifully open-ended. “Stay tuned, and watch,” she smiles. “The story is just beginning.” Nouf Al Katheeri stands as a reminder that purpose and presence can coexist beautifully. Her journey reflects the power of authenticity in an age of noise and the strength of faith in one’s calling. She has proven that media, when done with heart, can become more than a platform; it can become a bridge between people, cultures, and emotions. And as she continues to evolve, one

Seif El Hakim Awakening the Alpha Within By Michelle Clark Leadership today is constantly being redefined, yet Seif El Hakim has carved out a voice that transcends trends and titles. Known to many as “The Alpha,” Seif embodies more than a name. He represents a movement built on discipline, authenticity, and purpose. From Cairo to Dubai, from the corporate boardroom to the global stage, his journey is a testament to courage and vision. For Seif, being an Alpha is not about dominance, it is about responsibility. It begins with self-mastery, discipline over the mind, control over emotions, and clarity of vision. “True leadership today isn’t about having followers, it’s about creating more leaders,” he reflects. “The Alpha is not a crown you wear, it’s a standard you live by.”   That philosophy has guided Seif through his journey of building an empire that bridges business, media, and influence. But he doesn’t see himself as simply a CEO or a creator. “I see myself as a movement in motion,” he explains. “Businesses can scale, but movements shift generations. That’s what I’m building.” With millions following him online, authenticity is at the core of his brand. He refuses to draw lines between the personal and professional, instead choosing transparency as his guiding principle. “My brand is me, and I am my brand,” he says. “People don’t want perfection, they want truth. That’s why I share both the wins and the scars. If the audience sees me fall and rise again, they don’t just follow the Alpha, they connect with Seif, the human being. That’s where trust is born.” Yet, behind the spotlight lies a story of grit. Few see the nights he spent sleeping on the floor after leaving his corporate career, or the isolation of lying in a hospital bed in a foreign country. Fewer still saw the struggles of navigating corporate politics, racism, and self-doubt while leading billion-dollar businesses. “Those invisible battles shaped me more than any spotlight,” he admits. “Success is built in silence, long before it’s celebrated in public.” Seif’s identity has been sculpted by the cities he has called home. Cairo gave him resilience and hunger, while Dubai offered scale and vision. Moscow instilled toughness, Seoul taught discipline, and Istanbul showed him how to bridge cultures. “Each city added a layer to who I am, sharpening not only my entrepreneurial instincts but also my ability to tell stories that connect across worlds,” he says. For Seif, leadership is rooted in balance, power aligned with purpose. “Power without purpose is destruction. Purpose without power is just a dream,” he explains. “Being Alpha is not standing above people, it’s standing in front of them, taking the hit first, and pulling them forward. Dominance builds fear. Purpose builds legacy.” In a world where attention is the new currency, Seif distinguishes between temporary sparks and lasting fire. “Attention is a spark. Impact is fire. The secret is consistency with depth. Influence only matters if it moves someone to act, to think bigger, to build something, to change their life. That’s how you turn noise into movement and followers into future leaders.” Perhaps the most defining moment of his journey came when he walked away from a secure, multimillion-dollar role as Regional CMO at Samsung to start from scratch. “Everyone thought I was crazy,” he recalls. “But freedom has a price, and I was willing to pay it. That was the true Alpha move, betting on myself when no one else would.” If the younger Seif could see him now, he believes the message would be simple: “You made it, but you didn’t lose yourself.” That commitment to authenticity, even in the face of success, remains his proudest achievement. And as for his legacy, Seif hopes to be remembered in one sentence, “He awakened the Alpha in others.” For him, true success lies not in building empires but in building people, leaders, and generations who will carry the torch forward. Or, in his own words, “Nobody on earth could twist his arm.” A man unshaken in principles, unwavering in values, and resolute in awakening the Alpha spirit in everyone he meets. Seif El Hakim is more than an entrepreneur, more than a media personality, and more than a leader. He is a movement, one that challenges people across the world to rise, to lead, and to live with both power and purpose. His story is not simply about success, but about resilience, integrity, and the courage to bet on oneself. Above all, his mission is clear, to awaken the Alpha within us all.