Warming Up: A Light Start to a Powerful Day
Instead of jumping into speeches, the event kicked off with something unexpected — an icebreaker stretching session. It was simple, informal, and instantly relaxed the room. Founders who arrived thinking about balance sheets and cap tables suddenly found themselves loosening their shoulders and sharing laughs.
It set the tone for what the day was all about: resetting, refocusing, and reenergizing.
A Keynote on Perseverance from Byju’s Co-Founder, Divya Gokulnath
The energy went up another notch when Divya Gokulnath, Co-Founder of Byju’s, delivered a keynote speech packed with vulnerable reflections from her own journey. Her message was clear — perseverance is the backbone of leadership, and founders who learn to manage themselves are the ones who stay the course.
Her talk became the emotional anchor of the day, reminding everyone that while entrepreneurship can feel lonely, it doesn’t have to be isolating.
Panel 1: Financial Fitness — What Strong Founders Do Differently
The first panel focused on a founder’s biggest blind spot: financial discipline.
Moderated by Muhammed Shafeekh, CEO of Finanshels, the discussion featured:
- Youssef Salem, CFO, ADNOC Drilling
- Nupur Mittal, Co-Founder, OCTA
- Abhinav Gupta, CEO, CARS24 Arabia
- Chada El Islam, Founder & CEO, ENERGIX Ventures
Each panelist brought a unique lens, but the message was consistent — founders who want longevity need to master the fundamentals.
Nupur Mittal highlighted the importance of habits:
“Financial habits are the bedrock of sustainable growth. Founders must prioritize cash flow management and invest in financial literacy to guide their decisions.”
Abhinav Gupta captured it with a simple analogy:
“Just like vehicles need regular servicing, founders need to maintain their mind, body, and finances. Consistency keeps performance smooth and long-lasting.”
From an investor’s seat, Youssef Salem emphasized clarity and discipline:
“Founders who prioritize balance — in their mind, body, and finances — make clearer decisions. Discipline drives lasting business success.”
And Chada El Islam reinforced how wellbeing impacts leadership:
“Founders who take care of their well-being and financial health lead with focus and purpose. Healthy leaders build resilient companies.”
Reflecting on the conversations, Shafeekh summed it up perfectly:
“Discipline and clarity go hand in hand — in business and in life.”
Panel 2: Wellness & Performance — The Founder’s Most Underrated Advantage
The second panel, moderated by Shihab Makaniyi, Founder & CEO of ShopDoc, shifted the spotlight to mental and physical fitness.
Joining him were:
- Divya Gokulnath
- Dilip Kumar, Zerodha Rainmatter Investments
Together, they explored a truth many founders overlook: business performance is directly tied to personal wellbeing. From burnout to decision fatigue, the panel unpacked why founder longevity depends on holistic health.
This panel resonated deeply — because everyone in the room had lived these challenges firsthand.
Partners Who Powered the Experience
The event’s impact was amplified by contributions from community partners:
- Shookra offered comprehensive health checkups
- HUMD supported with creative backdrops and event branding
- FreshNow kept attendees energized with healthy beverages
The ecosystem truly came together to make the day immersive end-to-end.
Closing with a Founder-Only Workout Session
To wrap things up on a high note, a small group of founders reconvened the next morning for a private workout session led by Dilip Kumar — a fitting finish to an event built around movement, discipline, and mindset.
Why This Event Matters
With founders constantly stretched for time and pulled in every direction, holistic wellness often becomes an afterthought. Finanshels and ShopDoc created this event with one goal: to remind founders that their businesses grow only when they do.
Whether it’s staying compliant, maintaining financial clarity, managing mental health, or building physical resilience — founders need systems, support, and the right partners.
This event was a step in that direction.
About Finanshels
Finanshels is a UAE-born, tech-enabled accounting, tax, and compliance partner for fast-growing businesses. From bookkeeping and VAT to corporate tax, payroll, reporting, and regulatory compliance, Finanshels handles everything founders shouldn’t have to — so they can focus entirely on scaling.
Built for the region’s pace and complexity, Finanshels brings together local expertise, automation, predictable delivery, and founder-friendly service to give businesses the financial clarity and compliance confidence they need to grow without friction.
About ShopDoc
ShopDoc is a leading healthcare solutions provider specializing in telemedicine, wellness services, and medical consultations. Their platform connects individuals with top-tier healthcare professionals, ensuring accessible and affordable care anytime, anywhere.
