Abdul Razak Dawood: Founder DESCON, BARD Foundation, Columbia University & Lawrencepur | 288 | TBT

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In tonight’s conversation with our special guest, Abdul Razak Dawood. What was his life pre-partition like? What difficulties did he face while trading? How did he set up the business? What was settling in Karachi like? What was his experience with studying abroad like? When did he start to see his life differently? What was his MBA like? How did he feel about being a Pakistani student at an American University? How Pakistani entrepreneurs have evolved over time? What was Pakistan in 1968 like? How did market segmentation help the growth of his business? The takeover of the New Bangladesh government in 1971? Why did he leave Lawrencepur in 1972? Getting exposure & rebuilding business? Selling Dawood Hercules to Fatima Group? Starting up DESCON? What was after DESCON? Abdul Razak’s advice to business owners? What is the mission behind BARD Foundation? Why did he choose to expand his business in South Africa & Central Asian Republic? Did Abdul Razak Dawood ever regret his choices? How does Abdul Razak Dawood envision Pakistan in 2050? Catch this and much more in tonight's episode.
#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #business
00:00 Tonight’s guest: Abdul Razak Dawood
01:01 Abdul Razak’s early life pre-partition
02:10 Trading as a family
03:00 Establishing businesses post-partition
04:05 Settling in Karachi, Pakistan
04:30 Decision of his father & his uncle
05:37 Studying in English Public School
06:19 Growing up in England
07:39 When did he start to see his life differently?
10:48 Why did he choose to study engineering?
12:33 What was his MBA like?
14:54 How does he feel about being a Pakistani student in an American University?
16:29 What did he learn from studying in America?
19:28 What businesses did his uncles establish in Pakistan while he was in America for 18 years?
21:44 The evolution of Pakistani entrepreneurs
22:35 What was Pakistan in 1968 like?
24:20 Working in Lawrencepur
29:05 Work culture back then vs. now
31:30 How did market segmentation help the growth of his business?
33:08 The takeover of the New Bangladesh government in 1971
37:22 Why did he leave Lawrencepur in 1972?
38:48 Getting exposure & rebuilding business
41:57 Selling Dawood Hercules to Fatima Group
43:24 What did he do after leaving Dawood Hercules?
45:37 Starting up DESCON
52:17 What was after DESCON?
56:42 Getting into the agriculture business
1:00:23 Abdul Razak’s advice to the business owners
1:03:51 BARD Foundation
1:05:52 What is the mission behind BARD Foundation?
1:14:25 The concept of sports scholarship in Pakistan
1:15:28 Why have people not invested in sports in Pakistan?
1:22:20 His involvement in the education sector
1:23:57 Why did he choose to expand his business in South Africa & Central Asian Republic?
1:31:22 Problems in export growth strategy
1:40:24 The future of the export business of Pakistan
1:47:36 Does Abdul Razak Dawood ever regret his choices?
1:49:56 How does Abdul Razak Dawood envision Pakistan in 2050?
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[@sowhat9904]

what a conversation, he was reliving every moment as he speaks. great podcast.

[@Caddy804]

Great guest, great discussion. Please ask why Korea has Samsung, LG and Hyundai brands developed in last 30-40 years what brand is Pakistan other than Molana Diesel. Why is Pakistan not working on getting gas from Iran or making pipeline from Iran to India and get a cut. If we entice India with Iranigas we can get Kashmir resolved else we can make urea and sell to the world including India. Again just by leveraging Gas from Iran we can make all Arabs pee in their pants, why is Pakistan foreign policy so dull. Arabs import 10$ a day cleaner of Haram from Pakistan and same Arabs import 1000$ a day programmer from India. These Arab nations are stopping Pakistan to play at its strengths. Who is preventing development of Gawader on Dubai or Singapore model why dont just declare it as free trading province and let Balochistan develop like UAE. IK has to come throw spanner in all this regional dynamics following this saying in USA. ------> Pakistan First. Army, Arabs and all else are strategically keeping Pakistan slaves and all high paying jobs going to Indians thats true for all west and Arab countries and I have been to most. They are most racist and spread hate to push their narrow minded agendas. Please ask them when will Pakistan play on its strengths. All Pakistani youth wants to quit this country and kind of Army we have this CABAL of Sex starved Intelligence agencies all youth should leave Pakistan for countries offering passport that is respected. Even Arabs have special ways to discriminate thier Pakistani muslim brothers that are usually used as slaves and sent back to die when their youth is no more. So please ask these people when will Pakistan start taking advantage of its Geolocation rather than making it a disadvantage. That we cannot import Iranian Gas while Qatar has sold all of our gas to Germany for premium price. Why other countries are sending football teams and Pakistan is sending security guards and chaiwala stand people. If this is what Pakistani export is security guards after 75 years then its a failed state run by really dumb army with a facade of Noon league , Zardari and Diesel and this will continue for another 100 years and Generals will retire with billions and pleanty of X rated videotapes of young officers wives they are secretly taping in Govt facilities to enjoy their golden years.

[@colombia5551]

@@Caddy804 South Korea doesn't have 25,000 madrassas, 40,000 militant jihadis, Army-mulla nexus, Fauji Foundation, DHA and an over-obsession and insanity for Kashmir

[@colombia5551]

@@Caddy804 Don't compare Pakistan with India. That's an insult to Indians. The most powerful man in India is an elected person (Prime Minister) whereas the most powerful man in Pakistan is an unelected person (Army Chief). Official and real capital of India is both New Delhi whereas official capital of Pakistan is Islamabad but real capital of Pakistan is Rawalpindi. Prime Ministers of Pakistan who completed their 5-year term: No one. Army Chiefs of Pakistan who served for more than 5 years: Ayub Khan, Musa Khan, Zia ul Haq, Pervez Musharraf, Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Qamar Javed Bajwa. Prime Ministers of India who completed their 5-year term: Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vaypayee, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. Army Chiefs of India who served for more than 5 years: No one.

[@mianzafarullahsaleemi8722]

@@Caddy804 p

[@salmanirshad8474]

I have worked in Descon for 10 years. Such a great institute to work with for Pakistani engineers. It's Razzzak SB vision which gave young engineers a great global exposure. I personally got exposure of companies in middle east and Europe. Working with diverse nationalities was wonderfully. Descon gave liberty to me for new ideas always. Anywhere I went in the world got Descon trained engineers. Thanks sir for all you gave to Pakistan. There are lit of people who do business but only few who built institutions.

[@caesar9361]

13 Minutes in & I am in love with this podcast, Feels like a Wise old man giving me advice for life. Fabulous Muzamil.

[@sohaibshams8160]

One of those conversations where you don’t want the person to pause while speaking! Feeling like I’ve lived in this podcast❤

[@HasanIqbal85]

A truly visionary person. His positivity about Pakistan and the comparison he made with his brothers gave me a lot of hope. May you live long Sir and serve Pakistan.

[@gandapur123]

Well,we all have heard about 22 families residing on negative side of history,getting their version from this podcast somehow changed my perception .All together the diffrent era of life are so brilliantly explained,learnt a lot by their approach of getting big on international front,

[@Asfand901]

As an overseas Pakistani, hearing him talk and explain his ambitions lit this urge in me to do something for my nation. What's sad is this burning urge couldn't have been unleashed in Pakistan (since I am a bioengineer and a gas fermentation scientist) and as a result I had to travel abroad to accomplish it. Here's to hoping that one day my country will have the facilities and mindset to acknowledge the huge potential of the biotech industry and so I can atleast feel the bliss of envisioning myself live through the honour of teaching our young guns in establishing such an industry (maybe by 2050...). Thank you Muzamil!

[@mudassiriqbal3191]

Being a fresh engineer, this was the boost of positivity much needed.

[@sundastaj4184]

This man is a true businessman. He finds opportunity in every problem. Analyzing what's missing and doing it.

[@arsalanarshadariani3459]

What a man, Completely steal the show with his politeness.

[@maqsoodkhan2151]

I worked as Chief Internal Auditor for Dawood Group and closely worked with Ahmed Dawood. I don't have any respect and nice word for this family except Hussain Dawood who was a nice person.

[@AnasKhan-vr9sv]

Love the story, good markets like Africa identified like we talked about it in a conversation at IBA recently. His story telling is also remarkable ngl. The comparison he gave in the end about nations have seen worse and have survived so will we InshAllah

[@noumantaqi7697]

One of the most profound conversations, no doubt about that. His decision to stay in Pakistan and the way he concluded that argument with his brother is really inspiring.

[@hassaantariq4291]

Wonderful and we need more like him... generations of experience.. bless you

[@z3ro7512]

Ohhh man i have exams i can't watch it RN but the first thing after the exam will be this video.... Much respect to u muzzamil❤️

[@aliakram8065]

Same here 🫡

[@dawoodirfan5256]

In our books we've always thought that the 22 families were bad (as we've thought making money is bad) but seeing other side of the story is really interesting. I don't think it would ever be possible if this podcast isn't here. Thank you Muzamil ♥️ It all happened because of you

[@ss4904]

don't trust the rich elite of Pakistan including this man when even the foreign installed government of Imran Khan stopped trade with India after one-sided action of India about occupied Kashmir (5 August), this man advocated importing many chemicals from India because his own companies used that chemical he managed to get nod from the cabinet for the import amid total ban it was only after media hype and pressure that Imran Khan government withdrew from imports from India subsequently, he as a Federal minster was against several cases of conflict of interest for example, contract for some hydel power project was given to his company while he was a Federal Minister acquisition of Engro fertilizer through secretive gathering of shares is a unique story

[@mariamqasim2973]

So many moments of utter awesomeness! I think hands down the only podcast I have smiled through. Thankyou for bringing this Magna opus of a life journey

[@sabihmankani07]

Thank you so much for inviting him I cant get enough of your podcasts - Good job.

[@eesabkhan]

What a relaxed, classy man he is. How he controlled the conversation is pure class.

[@somiarizwan699]

What an enlightening conversation. Hve heard frm elders about the debacle of 71 n nationalization. His views gave more insights. Kudos Muzamil for this podcast. 👏

[@thealihassan]

One of the most thought provking podcasts. I've been hearing Muzamils podcasts for over 3 years. I must say this one was by far the best. I couldn't take break in between. I hope and pray that Pakistan can have more of such leaders specially from our younger generation.

[@nadirhussain752]

we're just a good policy away to be a great country. I mean look that talent and thinking. Muzzamil man i owe you a tea and thank you for bringing this gem to TBT.

[@juttcocPakistan]

Loved listening to him, great journey leading to big goals.

[@shizarabbani]

This has been one of the most eloquent conversations in the entire series. Absolutely loved it!

[@crazyfrog126]

Well done muzzammil. Great interview. I could listen for another 2 hours. Mr Dawood is an inspiration for all pakistanis.

[@ShariqQidwai]

What a visionary family! Hats off to his parent for this thought process at that time.. Amazing. Great interview Muzamil, Dawood sb is a legend personality .

[@dawers6233]

This conversation has kept me immersed in it for the whole time. Learning from our elders makes us learn a lot and correct our course. Thank you Muzammil & TBT team for making this possible.

[@UltraProMax1]

WHAT A MASTERPIECE! THANK YOU MUZAMMIL 💓💓😭

[@Mia-ge7xf]

This is HUGE . Amazing podcast. So much to learn from him

[@kaalapaisapiyar]

One of the best podcast ever 👍

[@TheSaboorAnsari]

Beautiful conversation. Really admire work from our seniors did to establish them. May ALLAH SWT give him health and longevity. As always, thank you for carrying on a superb podcast. ❤️👍🏻😃

[@arlightning274]

Such personalities are the real pioneers of evolution!! Great personality, his way of talking portrays his wisdom.

[@Ninja-zt4bb]

One of the best podcasts of this channel. What a phenomenal conversation and I love his narration style.

[@Razax7]

Goosebumps through out the episode. Loved this podcast to the last minute. The way muzamil did hosting was also very comforting. One of the top TBT podcasts so far ♥

[@Awaan123]

wow what a story and what a family. What an inspirational conversation. Pak must embrace the path of economic growth as a nation and that is the only way to come out of all troubles. We should only think, sleep, and work for better economics.

[@waqarabro100]

You're keeping the great mind alive in your podcast. Applause - please include Aitzaz Ahsan, Javed Jabbar, Syed Babar Ali & Dr. Pervez Ahmed, it would be treat for us

[@faranqamar8130]

Aitzaz Ahsan has started developing dementia now so idk how that would work or if he would be up for it.

[@WaseemSindhu]

Like many of your other podcasts, this is going to be the best one, because it’s the thought that counts!

[@sabatasleem1593]

Muzammil Real appreciation for you for putting in so much effort to bring out such gems on media ,Thank you so much for your efforts. I literally wait for 10pm to watch the podcast ,so much value you are generating for the people.

[@syedhuzaifaahmed6796]

I have seen sir's video with Azad Chaiwala, and it's never enough from this legend, looking forward to more #freepalestine

[@henrysamson01]

What a splendid conversation muzamil Bhai, I don't know about you guys but I have "The Godfather" vibes by listening to "A R DAWOOD". The way he conversate thing is exquisite, thanks muzamil Bhai for this conversation.

[@nabeelarshad7605]

Beautiful conversation.. This is what we expect from a good podcast

[@AbdulHafeez-cq6oo]

Great Man great entrpneour and ideal for all engineers many Big giants started the career in DESCON

[@muhammadshakirshabbir522]

A milestone for TBT! Amazing podcast Muzamil!

[@Altamash12]

Each Podcast is getting better and better every time you listen to it. Amazing guest. Love the way he speaks. Thank you Muzammil for bringing this to us. God Bless you, your great guests and Pakistan.

[@faysalkhanelahi]

Amazing work done by BARD FOUNDATION - I hope it start supporting Artists too.

[@asadjalal2558]

Mahajir community has greatly contributed to the development and progress of Pakistan Great intellectual wealth Pakistanis are forever indebt to them.

[@TheDigitalGuru430]

Very informative discussion. Our younger generation needs more exposure to such leaders in various fields.

[@yahyamahmood3391]

What a beautiful podcast. I really love how you interview such personalities. Successful people yet many of who arent out there known for being glamorous celeberities. These people are gold , keep the great work up. Love it. I usually here these podcasts whilst doing uber eats here in Canada 😂❤❤

[@yahyamahmood3391]

celebrities* hear*

[@ahsonmustafa3191]

such a humble person i never see in my life as part of descon i am lucky to have a conv with him multiple times pure gentle man.

[@DanishJalbani]

wow wow wow ... gem after gem, of a podcast, such brilliant discussions, so much to learn such a reality check and perspective in these last two podcasts of yours specially. Great job

[@faizanarif5703]

What a man! I postponed my meeting just to finish this. Okay, now I should chair the meeting ....😅

[@the_terrific_m]

Most awaited so far and favourite one as well. Thank you for this!

[@rafaymohsin9216]

What a great thing about Muzammil is that he knows very well how to extract maximum 😍

[@maliktaimoorkhan457]

This was probably one of the best podcasts. It was fascinating to relive and experience the memories of Sir ARD. So much to gain from it. The best thing I felt was the stern belief in learning and growing continuously despite many challenges. #respect

[@dr.zainhamdani5809]

Proud Memon ❤️

[@AnasKhan-vr9sv]

Love this podcast Honestly love this conversation with all my heart Brilliant just WOW

[@adnanali-if9wn]

Million dollar podcast for me . thanks muzamil bro more success to you

[@ArtbyWasif]

cant believe i was sleeping whilst this legendary conversation 😶

[@iqraqureshi7243]

very bad

[@sajjadmalik9365]

a sleeping man is aware of conversation around. legendary sleep may be 🤔

[@jassimsiddiqi2961]

Amazing Interview. Expecting more interview from the Business Community of Pakistan ❤❤❤

[@muhammedbilal9037]

just ended this profound conversation. I have to admit one of the best listening of my life in particular area. Goosebumps aa rhy hain.

[@asgharkhanutmankhel9468]

Inspirational & very informative podcast ever … I just imagined it just like the story of Pakistan instead of Raziq Dawood! ❤

[@MuhammadImran-vj1ji]

What an amazing interview it was... gave us so much insight to the history, business ventures and hope for the future... really enjoyed it

[@aqsacomputer4149]

Very nice man well educated , well experienced in many fields, my many friends grow up to high level in his companies

[@F-Khan491]

Thank you Muzammil for bringing in such amazing guests and the insightful conversations.

[@zafarahmedbutt3899]

Good to see this special podcast with this special and respected personality.

[@zarali2746]

What a Podcast, still not able to come up with the right words to express my thoughts about it. I have a request, if you could please invite Syed Babar Ali from Packages Group. He was one one of the founders of LUMS too. Prayers for you!

[@nomanjunaid11]

What a great man! Hats off to u sir.

[@muhammadsaadali1767]

Wow. You lighted up the hope. InshaAllah.

[@Zerotolerance1212]

The great personality of Pakistan,, loved this man, his efforts to make Pakistan industrialized are enormous. Pakistani nation is proud of him...

[@fatimaakbar6837]

What an amazing conversation! May you both live long and serve our country.

[@Arslan_Nizami]

Amazing conversation - really enjoyed listening each minute of it!!

[@MuhammadZain-nl9xd]

its one of the most motivating, well calculated and essence of a life time talk i`ve watched in a years.

[@wdym9721]

A conversation connecting generations 🤌truly great

[@neelakantpatel]

Interesting to understand the path India and Pak took, the context of the times, how our people are coping with the times, and the vision they have for their respective countries. It really opened my eyes to the good things happening in Pakistan, especially related to the encouragement to sports, how Pakistan evaluates the potential of Africa, and central Asia, and interesting insight into how Pakistan should develop its auto sector. To be honest I don't spend so much time on anything Pakistan unless it is Cricket. I find Abdul Razak Dawood an interesting Man, I dare say in the wrong country!! How I wish more Pakis were this sensible; the world would be a different place for both, India and Pakistan. All the very best to Abdul Razak Saab!!

[@tnemeganam1]

His family is from Gujarat India

[@ISLAM-SOLUTION-FOR-HUMANITY1]

Mr Razaq Self-belief and hard work will always earn his success.Survival was only hope

[@rahimahmad7259]

That was a top class interview with a top class individual. I have always admired Mr Dawood and after watching this podcast and learning more deeply about him has just multiplied the admiration.

[@MrFadi0000]

What a great conversation, so much to learn. Hats off !

[@muhammadarham7135]

A very beautiful live changing motivational podcast. One of the best 2hrs spent!

[@talhawajid5902]

One of the best conversations that i have watched so far both on this channel and other podcasts in general. May we keep getting more of these conversations.

[@ansarbaig7183]

I am piping designer in Descon. I had worked with Ansaldo (Top class Italian Co), Aramca (Top most oil company), Descon (Multinational Pakistani Orgn.) & JGC (International Japanese Co). I had worked with American, British, Italians, Arab, German & with Japanese. But the experience I had with Descon, I never have any where else. I earned, learned and enjoyed my 32 years of professional life with Descon. After retirement, I still enjoy working with Descon.

[@3eenberozgar873]

Salute to team TBT for giving valuable content

[@chsultanmehmood6324]

I realy hear each single word upto last and share this interview to my son as young man must listen

[@mohsinrazaaftab]

One of the best podcast

[@uzaad]

I don't know him but this is very interesting and I think a great man is giving us life advice. I have never seen such a good and well-spoken conversation.

[@Rockstar88879]

I love how this conversation slightly more complicated by the minute that passes.

[@ubaidurrehman7233]

Splendid Podcast. Learn so much. He is truly the mine of gold

[@aqsahameed7027]

I wanna share each and every chapter of it with different group of friends. Incredible work done, Muzammil Hassan 👌

[@mueez89]

One of the best talks ever.. So much insight!

[@zepetodancesteps4993]

Hamesha khush raho my friend...

[@faroukawan1964]

Incredible motivational very optimistic story . Dagwood razaaq living legend.Muzmil you should let guest speake more.

[@syedzainrehan]

Podcast as it should be! Very informative and interesting as usual. jazakum Allaah(swt) khair!

[@zahidbashir298]

I love this , fabulous , every body who wants to grow must listen this podcast .

[@ehtisham01]

Love the Slow pace Voice of Abdul Razak Dawood Sir. Fabulous

[@ashrafnoorwala8470]

Most inspiring and thought provoking!

[@syedqutubuddin7297]

This man is a true patriot and an institution in himself.

[@mohammadharoon9731]

What a splendid Podcast, enjoyed very single second of it, so much learned from such old gold mine, what a energy this man has hats off to him, want to learn more. Keep doing this great work Muzamil.

[@Caddy804]

Great guest, great discussion. Please ask why Korea has Samsung, LG and Hyundai brands developed in last 30-40 years what brand is Pakistan other than Molana Diesel. Why is Pakistan not working on getting gas from Iran or making pipeline from Iran to India and get a cut. If we entice India with Iranigas we can get Kashmir resolved else we can make urea and sell to the world including India. Again just by leveraging Gas from Iran we can make all Arabs pee in their pants, why is Pakistan foreign policy so dull. Arabs import 10$ a day cleaner of Haram from Pakistan and same Arabs import 1000$ a day programmer from India. These Arab nations are stopping Pakistan to play at its strengths. Who is preventing development of Gawader on Dubai or Singapore model why dont just declare it as free trading province and let Balochistan develop like UAE. IK has to come throw spanner in all this regional dynamics following this saying in USA. ------> Pakistan First. Army, Arabs and all else are strategically keeping Pakistan slaves and all high paying jobs going to Indians thats true for all west and Arab countries and I have been to most. They are most racist and spread hate to push their narrow minded agendas. Please ask them when will Pakistan play on its strengths. All Pakistani youth wants to quit this country and kind of Army we have this CABAL of Sex starved Intelligence agencies all youth should leave Pakistan for countries offering passport that is respected. Even Arabs have special ways to discriminate thier Pakistani muslim brothers that are usually used as slaves and sent back to die when their youth is no more. So please ask these people when will Pakistan start taking advantage of its Geolocation rather than making it a disadvantage. That we cannot import Iranian Gas while Qatar has sold all of our gas to Germany for premium price. Why other countries are sending football teams and Pakistan is sending security guards and chaiwala stand people. If this is what Pakistani export is security guards after 75 years then its a failed state run by really dumb army with a facade of Noon league , Zardari and Diesel and this will continue for another 100 years and Generals will retire with billions and pleanty of X rated videotapes of young officers wives they are secretly taping in Govt facilities to enjoy their golden years.

[@nnasirkhan]

One of the best stories i have heard on TBT

[@ibilalwasif]

I believe I have to say this, I've been watching podcasts for quite some time now. I've heard alot of life stories, but this one is just amazing. Whatever he said, and done is worth billions. We need young minds like his for Pakistan to go forward. Thinking ahead, we need think tanks lead by people like him for the development of our nation.

[@npkhowaja]

Loved his patience!

[@chfahadsajjad3533]

I have seen many of your podcasts, but this is indeed really one of the profound talks. Thank you so much Muzammil for all your efforts.