CEO Unilever Pakistan Amir Paracha | 201 | TBT

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In conversation with tonight’s guest, Amir Paracha. What was his journey like? Are schools a status symbol now? Where did he go to college? How did he end up in IBA? How was his experience in IBA? Did he know what he was doing back then? How did he end up working in Shell? How can you adjust to the new company you work in? How long did he work in Shell? Why did he leave Shell? How did he get into Unilever? What made him stay in Unilever? How long did he work on Surf Excel and what was it like? What is the brand manager's role? Where did he move next? How would he differentiate working there from Pakistan? Why did he come back to Pakistan? What happened after he came back? How diverse and widespread is Unilever? How was it like taking over in the pandemic? Why and how are they working on Climate change? Has Pakistan changed over the past few years? Why is saving so important? Is Pakistan capable of producing world-class products? How does he envision the Pakistan of 2050? Catch this and much more in tonight’s episode.
#thoughtbehindthings #muzamilhasan #unilever
00:00 Tonight’s guest: Amir Paracha
00:34 Amir’s Journey!
02:57 Are schools a status symbol now?
04:29 Where did he go to college?
05:37 How did he end up in IBA?
09:42 How was his experience in IBA?
12:30 Did he know what he was doing back then?
14:09 How did he end up working in Shell?
16:30 Academic vs. Real life
20:55 How long did he work in Shell?
21:41 Why did he leave Shell?
22:48 How did he get into Unilever?
25:18 What made him stay in Unilever?
26:47 How long did he work on Surf Excel and what was it like?
27:14 What is the brand manager's role?
30:01 Where did he move next?
31:49 How would he differentiate working there from Pakistan?
35:09 Why did he come back to Pakistan?
37:12 What happened after he came back?
40:42 How diverse and widespread is Unilever?
41:53 How was it like taking over in the pandemic?
52:32 Is the GenZ affecting brand decisions?
55:55 Why and how are they working on Climate change?
1:04:55 Has Pakistan changed over the past few years?
1:11:25 Why is saving so important?
1:14:09 Is Pakistan capable of producing world-class products?
1:17:52 How does he envision Pakistan in 2050?
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[@iqrafurqan3928]

Muzammil bhai, what a podcast! Didn’t have to skip a second of it, so thought provoking. Love it.

[@badmaash100]

Met him together with Shazia and Haroon back in 2011 on their graduate recruitment. All of them were heads of their functions. I got so impressed with Unilever’s leadership. So humble and inspiring Amir Paracha..

[@smartkid1908]

A Proud Virbaijite. Must be the golden days of BVS with Mrs. Deena Mistri, Mrs. Khan, Sir Irani, Sir Azizullah, and so many others.

[@sheerazzahoor]

Muzammil, you are just spot-on on this Podcast. Being a Marketing graduate, I loved hearing Amir Paracha Sb. Best of Luck!

[@shumailasiddiqui7059]

Hi Sheraz! I would like to get connected to you! Any possibility?

[@abdullahkhalid2679]

Such a powerful episode! And what a charming personality this man possess and above all lovely thoughts! Perfect start of the season..❤

[@nazirabaz1580]

I think the most humble CEO of a reputable company. Happy to see such realistic experts working for us. good luck and cheers

[@Automobilestats]

Please don't hide fasical expressions of guest behind the mic. Not good. Hope camera angle or mic position gets better.

[@saniairshadulhaq5486]

Agreed

[@khawarabbas100]

Same mistake they did wirh Imran KHN interview.

[@Automobilestats]

@@khawarabbas100 yessss

[@tayyabbrao]

agreed.

[@fatimanaeem3993]

This is a podcast! Solely made for hearing out only. And to make the audience better its better as close as it is to the speaker

[@umer.on.youtube]

Very insightful and filled with loads of that peculiar "white-haired" wisdom! 🙂 Muzammil, as always, brilliant as well! 🌟

[@binteyousuf1701]

Good to know that your guest is a big part of my teens. Petrol pumps were actually creepy places. My mother used to drive & she only went to Aga Khan wala petrol pump because it was the safest. Shell brought neatness, one stop shop & the novelty of getting wind shield cleaned spotlessly. Surf Excel launch was huge! People got plain white bags of washing powder & then later they reviewed the product. The ad was in itself so mazaydaar, introducing reusable container with tag lines like "nut rakhein ya bolt, matar rakhein ya butter"

[@sjhassan348]

As a graphic designer myself, I noticed that you have really invested in branding your channel and your team did really well, from the intro to the overall studio ... that dedication is on point. Keep up the good work, I listen to your podcasts while working and it feels educated every time. God bless

[@afrahsaleem6142]

Muzammil, this episode made me cry, gave me goosebumps and the moments of happiness. Our country will definitely gonna make it. IN SHAA ALLAH. A huge round of applause for the guest and the host 👏

[@muzzamilasad5756]

There was no need to cry. You get excited easily

[@akashsrivastava121]

Nice Muzzamil ,well conducted. I am Akash from Lucknow, India. As a Automotive mktg personnel, quite inspiring to learn from Amir saab's journey. All the best

[@AamirA.]

A pure gem like inspiration to youth, honorable Sir Amir Paracha

[@mariamqasim2973]

Finally ticked it off my list of ‘must listen’ and boy was I more glad that I did! Absolutely inspirational, awakening and thought provoking

[@umerayubchaudhary9405]

These type of mentors literally gives you a patriotism to love and work for your company.

[@vjlogs2490]

Such delicate and powerful, aspirational what can I say... You know the words that are blooming from the heart are overwhelming. So, let's feel it!

[@vjlogs2490]

[@sikandarfarooqsaani5843]

Bro this level of content should be on Netflix simply love the way you take maximum out of guest for your viewers, listeners

[@asimjabbar8445]

👍 my mind have been completely blown away by last few minutes of the interview. The guest was spot on identifying our core issues and their solutions. As opposed to any other corporate guy, he truly loves his country and nation. If someone from establishment here then please consider this guest for our prospective future leader. I really wish him to lead our country as he has led his company across the globe. Despite being a multinational employee, his heart still beats for Pakistan and nice to see a true gentleman patriotic Pakistani in commanding position of a corporate giant. #MakeTheGuestHeadOfStatePakistan 👍😊

[@maazismail4936]

Finally Season 3😍 And this guest is just love♥️

[@yousafhassanassociates4066]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6mro6qda5mla5I

[@HarfAmratwithFaaranShahid]

What a fruitful things I'd listened ever. Always feel good while listening to practical people.

[@anumbjaffry]

Thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, haven't watched the entire show but Amir looks so humble, honest and down-to-earth!

[@mustafahmed1]

Really appreciate the professionalism of both the host and the guest, informative and entertaining throughout the whole podcast. As a teenager really impressed by the guest speaker who genuinely answered as question not just as a "CEO" but as an intellectual individual and as for the host I would say keep up the good this podcast is really underrated!!

[@wasi1963]

What a candid, frank & down to earth this gentleman is. Lovely.

[@nihaabbasi574]

Finally Season 3 is here!

[@ymalik79]

What an authentic leader. He is so open in talking about his mediocrity early on in his academics as well as career. So glad that someone as humble as him is leading the org.

[@justlearnit5417]

one of the best episodes i have watched completed so far and the last part sums it very well we really in need to work on our values and behavioral ethics...

[@PakluPapito]

BVS, Mama Parsi, St. Patricks, St. Josephs etc. - true great schools of Karachi

[@nilofer60]

Love the new look! The colours are so happy and this was the ideal guest to start off the new season. All the best for future podcasts.

[@rabiyasohail7534]

Such an amazing person.. who would have thought that CEO would be this chill and same background..

[@abdulmateen157]

What a worthy conversation ! Can't afford to skip a second of it. The best of your series.

[@daniallatif9952]

Amazing podcast very much needed people like them should be interviewed and have a casual talk so that they can inspire the future generation

[@muhammadhamzarafaqat34]

loving it man , its really amazing need more people like him its better then a university lecture learned alot

[@rukhsanahassan5471]

Salam, I normally don't listen to anyone for that long, but today suddenly came across to your Chanel and the Amir paracha has such an impressive, honest and clear mind, we need people like him to serve Pakistan, stay blessed, Ameen and keep doing good job.

[@jaweriaa.6698]

Amazing insights, especially his analysis of Pakistani's saving habits

[@harisadu8998]

What are the differences between Pakistani and Indian spending habits? Given that Mr Paracha is the CEO of Unilever in Pakistan and Unilever has a massive business in India as well, I guess he would have an idea. He spoke about how Pakistanis overspend, hence I got this question.

[@AH021]

This guy was raised well. Salute!

[@fatimatauqir5366]

It was a treat watching Amir Sir, what a warm and calm personality, i couldn’t skip even one second. So much to learn and unlearn from People like him in life. Very grateful to you for bringing him on show. Absolutely loving the season 3. Huge applause to the whole team of TBT for the amazing work and new look and feeel. Love it

[@muhammadahsanfarooqui25]

wow. All the marketing campaigns Amir talked about, I experienced all of it. Right from the initial arts festivals back in 2000s by surf excel to the latest covid campaigns. It was great to listen the thinking behind that! Amazing podcast. So much learning.

[@sidbaloch5788]

very humble guy, amazing journey, and inspiring thoughts. One of the best episodes so far

[@ammadmughal101]

By far one of the best episodes! Gem of a person! Keep up the amazing work Muzammil! 👍

[@mkazims]

Very impressive,reality-based discussion and True personality Mr.Paracha👍

[@saadhamad16]

I listened to podcast during my commute today, now watched video, it's altogether a new and refreshing experience 💯

[@ahadabidi7146]

Intresting !

[@muawiyahmemon4663]

His answer to the last question 👌 loved it♥️

[@moizmirza9179]

stamp?

[@amghazi3260]

What an incredible pakistani!!! Loved every second of it. Muzamil Bhai, hats off!

[@NomanAwan]

What a great start of Season 3. & What a lovely personality Aamir sb is. ❤️

[@foxyalien848]

Excellent conversation, Happy Learning!

[@zain2000k]

One of the most engaging and insightful podcasts i've ever seen. Kudos!

[@hafizarslan91]

I subscribed many channels and pressed bell icon BUT in this case I listened some episodes then subscribe, after listening some more podcasts then I decided to pressed bell icon because I feel energetic and pationate after listening your conversations. Keep it up! and Stay Blessed, Aameen!

[@usamasiddiqui2366]

Worth watching! What a great personality Mr.Amir Paracha ❤️

[@ShamrozeKhan]

None like him , he is only and only . You don't often see so many qualities in one person . He's a visionary leader , orator , world class business acumen and above all he is an unbelievably good and god fearing person.

[@abdulmoizkhan9812]

what an amazing hour I have just spent, I would request you to keep it up and make us meet with these great personalities. What an amazing personality!! I didn't miss a second of this Podcast.

[@KPishere]

Wow . What a wonderful guest . Really motivating to listen to Amir Paracha

[@hasandastgir17]

What an amazing episode! Thanks, Muzamil!

[@usmanumar8240]

Man!, You are doing a great job and a lot for the youth of Pakistan by interviewing such eminent personality, keep it up!👍

[@usamashahid6788]

Amazing episode, a good start to the new season!

[@farazali2835]

I didn't skip a second of this podcast. Being with Shell is really a good learning for every beginner like I had. 👍

[@aliahtishamsandhu9196]

Found him really polite.. Competent and Well aware .. 👏

[@ateeqahmed3901]

Loved it, every part of it. A very optimistic and genuine personality.

[@nasirkhanwazir2832]

This session was quite motivating and powerful ..loved it

[@harismustafa3541]

What a podcast! Absolutely loved it So much to learn from this conversation

[@raza23456]

Bro @MuzamilHasan what a great interview, after listening to this I have learn a lot. Im 40 years old actually my story is more like Amir's but never got the opportunity to work with big organisations but very happy to listen to his story. You are doing great work and God bless you brother.

[@mohammedahsan8742]

it was a great episode! Really hoocked me with it.

[@sharjeelyousaf1483]

What an amazing amazing Episode. Got me hooked all through 1:24:24. Thought behind things is the best podcast being run in Pakistan I believe, and especially the diversity of the people who come and talk on essentially THE THOUGHT BEHIND THING, AMAZING AMAZING WORK Muzammil

[@muhammadhassanali1451]

mannn! the vibe of you both is just amazingg, loved the podcast !

[@muhammadmaaz517]

One of the best episodes so far 👌

[@anushehattique8622]

Such an incredible and insightful talk!

[@owaisahmed6016]

Thanks man for uploading this.

[@hannanashrafmughal9367]

What a roller coaster ride How rare it is to watch 90 mins interview without noticing once.....

[@kabshamasroor8046]

I love the Podcast,thanks for bringing it in.

[@laibanoorkhattar]

Pure gold.

[@rabiamahmood]

This is a great channel and breathe of fresh air. Really educational and inspiring for Pakistanis.

[@avigujar2538]

This one was perfect spot on. Brilliantly structured podcast. Very engaging and can't even skip for a second. I gotta watch again because I failed to absorb knowledge from it. Also Sir Amir Parcha is extremely knowledgeable would love more guests like him on the channel.

[@marinaarif1438]

A great interview... The last part was very well said... Morality and religious extremism is something we really need to work on.... I would have liked if you had questioned him about producing a product like fair and lovely and the thought behind it...

[@aadilsohail8549]

Insighful & Informative

[@KaramatShah2M]

Great conversation❤

[@sikandarelahi8918]

Loved every second of the video. A podcast I can watch anytime in my life. God Bless!

[@shabeehhaiderjaffri9619]

When Amir paracha sir said about lifebuoy ad “ Use any soap khudara, this is not time for leveraging” I literally got goosebumps

[@khaledmahmoodqasmi]

Please make a video on your brand identity. The guy, who designed has done far amazing job that can be expected. Please do it, it definitely will help the brand as well because now you are telling the story and the philosophy of it.

[@crs39]

1:21:46 sir with due respect American economy collapsed in 2008 today they are no 1 economy China had food crisis in late 60's they are world's second economy Resilience has nothing to do with economy . Resilience should be taken as motivation for improvement

[@CoverHaven]

Love the new setup. Excited.

[@hassanraza-vb5ss]

Loved it!!!

[@Shobi342]

Great to see and hear, a treat..

[@Whatsontop1]

Muzammil, this was a really inspirational interview! Helped me in broadening my vision! Thanks

[@thewisediaries]

I Love your podcast. May your podcast keep growing.

[@BabarAli-pm7bj]

Excellent Podcast ❤

[@Rjpianist]

Wow what an Interview it is! Enjoying it

[@ahsansaleem5408]

what a personality Amir Paracha love these kind of peson may Allah Blessed him more

[@MusayyibAhmed]

The "Why saving is important?" part in the podcast is so so good. Really enjoyed the whole podcast. Thanks, Muzammil Bhai, for providing such premium content. 💕

[@umarafzal911]

same thing brother

[@munirmustafa5922]

​@@umarafzal911

[@akramtafazul6598]

Loved this talk soo much ❤

[@ibrarhussaingondal461]

Thankyou Muzamil bhai for providing us with these masterpieces❤️🙏🏻

[@sualehamaryam9233]

end twenty minutes of this podcast has nearly touched every problem Pakistan's facing and how can we get out of it. wholesome podcast

[@AaliJahRoyals]

*Very much inspirational, thought provoking interview!*

[@fizzanaqvi4219]

What an amazing session! very informative I am now fan of him when he talked about brand's philosophy. I totally agree on the last point with him we have potential but the side we are losing is moral and ethics. the more we are growing the more we are drowning which is alarming.

[@arfatamir5002]

Love to see this type of content.

[@muhammadyousuf5440]

subhanallah when he said that "mujh ko pakistan se pyar zyada ha" excellent sir

[@irfanahmad-qn4dx]

Very informative... Thanks

[@usmanazam4662]

The last few sections are revolutionizing for sure. 👌

[@fahadkhalid3983]

There is an issue that I would like to point out since I am working in the plastic sector. Pakistan plastic manufacturing company are using recycled plastic resin in their manufacturing for a long time. Client do not have such knowledge as it is not transmitted unless the client belongs to sensitive industries such as food and Pharma. Plastic companies have been collecting waste and turning it into recycled resin. That recycled resin is mixed with virgin resin to reduce cost which impacts quality at the end. Pakistan Plastic Manufacturers Association can confirm my statement as well.

[@laibashaikh657]

Best video and worth time taking alot things were been learned thankyou looking for more videos

[@usmanazam4662]

Quite an Enthusiastic and Inspirational Man he is!