In our first interview with a CEO, Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan kindly joined us in the studio to share his beginnings in Al-Futtaim, his illustrious career with Panasonic, and how he built Nia Limited into the family-like business that it is today. Spanning from the business landscape of the UAE in the 1990's to the impact Japanese corporate culture has had on his ethos as a leader, Mr. Khan is full of wisdom and anecdotes that shaped him and his business into the leaders they are today. Mr. Khan also delves into the wellness aspect of plastic-free living, sharing with us insights on how removing plastics from hotels and sporting events goes beyond erasing a recycling issue but also removes microplastics from our biological systems. The conversation ends with some sage leadership advice on how to build a company culture that fosters happiness and growth; a fact that led Nia Limited to sponsor the Taqdeer Award, Dubai government initiative that recognizes companies who demonstrate a profound commitment to workforce care, employee happiness, and prosperity. Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation along with some great book recommendations. Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes. Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners. Show notes: Sustainability Kiosk: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/podcast/s1e38-kamran-birjees-khan-ceo-nia-ltd-bluewater/ Kamran Birjees Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamranbirjeeskhan/ Nia Limited: https://nia.me/ Bluewater: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/brand/nia-limited/bluewater/ The Desert Vipers cricket team: https://www.thedesertvipers.com/sustainability/partners/bluewaterResponsible Hoteliers Summit: https://sustainabilitykiosk.com/responsible-hoteliers-summit-successful-event-dubai/Taqdeer Award: https://taqdeeraward.ae/faqsGood to Great by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Good_To_Great_9780712676090 Built to Last by Jim Collins: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Built_To_Last_9781844135844 The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Monk_Who_Sold_His_Ferrari:_A_Fable_About_Fulfilling_Your_Dreams_And_Reaching_Your_Destiny_9780061125898 The 5am Club by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_5_Am_Club:_Own_Your_Morning._Elevate_Your_Life._9780008312831 The Greatness Guide by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Greatness_Guide:_One_Of_The_World'S_Top_Success_Coaches_Shares_His_Secrets_To_Get_To_Your_Best_9780007242870The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma: https://www.magrudy.com/product/The_Leader_Who_Had_No_Title:_A_Modern_Fable_On_Real_Success_In_Business_And_In_Life_9781849833844Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford: https://www.magrudy.com/product/Last_Place_on_Earth_9780375754746HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources by David Ulrich: https://www.magrudy.com/product/HR_from_the_Outside_In:_Six_Competencies_for_the_Future_of_Human_Resources_9780071802666
