Zulfiquar Ghadiyali: Why Success Is All About Execution | SALT Talks #77 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Zulfiqar Gadayali, Executive Director of Directions Investment Holding Company, discusses his background in hospitality, his family business, and his current focus on impact investing and bringing companies to the UAE.

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♀️ Zulfiqar Gadayali is focused on impact investing, particularly in agriculture, emerging technologies, and female empowerment.
• 👳 He believes in investing in projects that create jobs and improve lives, with a focus on the rural and urban communities in India and the UAE.
• 🙈 Gadayali is also interested in investing in Europe, particularly in industrial projects and the pharmaceutical industry, and sees opportunities arising from the Abraham Accord.
• 💪 His background in hospitality has shaped his customer-focused mindset and professional approach to business. He aims to understand the needs of others and build strong relationships.
• 🍉 Gadayali believes in the potential for growth in the Indian market, particularly in the affordable luxury segment, healthcare, and agriculture. While there may be short-term challenges, he sees long-term opportunities for investment.
• 🚨 The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for the real estate sector, but Gadayali is adapting by focusing on emerging technologies and sectors that support sustainability and social impact.
• 📽️ He emphasizes the importance of investing in projects that address basic human necessities and create a positive impact on society.

Transcript

hi everyone and welcome back to salt talks my name is rachel pather and i'm a senior advisor to sky bridge capital which is a global alternative investments firm as well as being the m.c for salt a thought leadership forum and networking platform that encompasses finance technology and politics salt talks is a series of digital interviews with some... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you got involved in the family business and impact investing?

I studied hospitality in India, Switzerland, and the UK, and worked with various hotel chains. After gaining experience, I joined my family's real estate business in India and focused on building hotels and value-added real estate. I then moved to the UAE and became involved in impact investing, with a focus on job creation and improving communities.

Q: What sectors are you currently investing in?

I am currently focused on agriculture, emerging technologies, and female empowerment. In agriculture, I am working on projects that aim to make unfarmable land farmable and improve water storage and irrigation techniques. In emerging technologies, I am interested in AI-based companies and fintech. I am also investing in projects that support female empowerment and provide opportunities for women.

Q: How do you see the Indian market and investment opportunities in India?

The Indian market has a lot of potential for growth, particularly in the affordable luxury segment. While the real estate sector is currently facing challenges, there are opportunities in sectors like healthcare and agriculture. The recovery may take some time, but in the long term, India remains a strong market for investment.

Q: How has your training in hospitality helped you in your career and impact investing?

Hospitality training has taught me the importance of customer service and the "you attitude." I always strive to understand the needs of others and find ways to make them happy. This mindset has helped me build relationships and achieve success in business. Additionally, the hospitality industry emphasizes the importance of presentation and professionalism, which have been valuable skills in my career.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Zulfiqar Gadayali has a background in hospitality and experience in the real estate and entertainment industries. He is currently focused on impact investing, particularly in the areas of agriculture, emerging technologies, and female empowerment.

• He believes in investing in projects that create jobs and improve lives, with a focus on the rural and urban communities in India and the UAE.

• Gadayali is also interested in investing in Europe, particularly in industrial projects and the pharmaceutical industry, and sees opportunities arising from the Abraham Accord.