Épisodes

  • Build Your Moat, Build Your Brand
    Dec 29 2025

    From Kerala classrooms to Amazon's Luxembourg headquarters, what does it take to lead fashion e-commerce across three continents?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Vivek Rajukumar, CEO of 6th Street, who's mastered the art of switching between suits and casuals (literally and culturally) throughout his career. Born to two doctors who instilled fire and ice in equal measure, Vivek broke the family pattern by choosing math over medicine, and ended up revolutionizing how millions of people shop for fashion.

    This conversation goes deep. We're talking about delivering fashion in 60 minutes (yes, that's possible now), why the top 1% of customers across India, Europe, and the GCC are more alike than you'd think, and how AI won't just speed things up, it'll fundamentally change what's possible in retail. Vivek explains why brand equity matters more than the platform you sell on, how 800+ physical stores are powering digital growth, and why he believes shopping will become conversational by 2030.

    Plus, there's the story of how one eloquent speech at an engineering college changed his entire career trajectory, and why he's so careful about letting ChatGPT into his creative process (spoiler: he fixed his washing machine with it, but won't let it do his thinking).

    If you're curious about where omnichannel is headed, how to build culture while scaling globally, and what it means to be an "and" company instead of an "or" company, this one's essential listening.

    About Vivek Rajukumar

    Vivek Rajukumar is the CEO of 6thStreet, the #1 fashion and lifestyle commerce platform in the GCC. A lifelong student of marketplaces, he's led digital commerce across GCC, Europe, India, China, and Southeast Asia — from building businesses at Flipkart to scaling multi-billion-dollar ecosystems at Amazon. He blends curiosity, analytical thinking, and creativity to solve complex problems, build high-performance teams, and mentor bootstrapped founders in 20+ countries.

    About 6thStreet

    6thStreet is the omnichannel e-commerce fashion destination from Apparel Group, offering shoes, bags, clothing, and accessories from coveted brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Adidas, Levi's, New Balance, Crocs, Birkenstock, and many more. The platform provides free delivery, free returns, cash on delivery, and click-and-collect options.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta

    ⁠⁠Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape. This podcast is powered by ⁠⁠Fynd⁠⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    52 min
  • Once You Commit, You Can’t Back Out
    Dec 9 2025

    From Excel sheets to AI agents, how do you fix an industry that's been running on relationships and spreadsheets for decades?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Harsh Sajnani, CEO and Founder of Kingpin, who's building the future of B2B commerce. Coming from three generations of wholesale and retail (his grandfather was literally driving fabrics between Dubai and Al Ain in the 1950s), Harsh tried to escape the family business... but ended up rebuilding it entirely.

    This conversation gets into the good stuff. We're talking about a world where AI understands your shop's needs better than a spreadsheet ever could, where two stores on the same street get personalized assortments automatically, and where buyers finally stop juggling 20 different logins. Harsh explains why most B2B platforms miss the point, how technology amplifies rather than replaces human relationships, and the thinking behind the "Kingpin" name.

    Plus, there's an Ironman story that involves going from 20kg heavier to race-ready, with another race happening in three days. Because apparently building a tech startup wasn't challenging enough.

    If you're curious about where B2B is headed, how AI changes the game without losing the human touch, and what drives someone to tackle both business and endurance challenges, this one's worth your time.

    About Harsh Sajnani

    Harsh Sajnani is the CEO and Founder of Kingpin. Born and raised in Dubai, he comes from three generations of wholesale and retail experience. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree with a background in mathematics and statistics, he's combining deep industry knowledge with AI to solve B2B commerce challenges.

    About Kingpin

    Kingpin is an AI-powered B2B platform that helps brands find, approach, and convert retailers at scale. The platform consolidates fragmented buying processes — replacing multiple Excel sheets and logins with one unified system that connects people, products, and workflows. Processing $200 million in transactions, Kingpin is building the infrastructure for modern wholesale distribution.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta

    ⁠⁠Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape. This podcast is powered by ⁠⁠Fynd⁠⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    49 min
  • Full Speed Ahead
    Nov 19 2025

    What does it take to build a mobility company that moves with you, not just around you?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Abhinav Patwa, Executive Vice President at Zed Mobility, to talk about creating systems that move with intent. With over 15 years across mobility, tech, and retail, Abhinav shares how lean teams, clear thinking, and disciplined execution are shaping Zed’s approach to modern travel in the UAE.

    This conversation goes beyond tech and transport. Abhinav reflects on leading through clarity, scaling without losing rhythm, and finding balance between innovation and reliability — lessons that apply far beyond mobility.

    If you’re curious about where the future of movement is headed, and what it takes to lead teams that move in sync, this episode is for you.

    About Abhinav Patwa

    Abhinav Patwa is the Executive Vice President at Zed Mobility, where he leads business strategy, operations, and growth across the UAE. With over 15 years of experience in mobility, technology, and retail, he has played a key role in scaling businesses and driving operational excellence across diverse sectors.

    About Zed Mobility

    Zed Mobility is a UAE-based e-hailing company, headquartered in Dubai focused on creating efficient, reliable, and comfortable urban travel experiences. The platform leverages technology to offer real-time accuracy, transparent pricing, and user-centric design.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta

    ⁠⁠Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    34 min
  • Wisdom and Wealth
    Jul 28 2025

    What does it take to lead one of the world’s most respected fintech companies in a region that’s still defining its next decade of growth?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Daumantas Grigaravicius, Head of Middle East at Adyen, to unpack a journey that’s anything but linear — from growing up in the UK, to launching a coffee subscription startup, dabbling in crypto, and now building future-facing infrastructure across the MENA region.But this isn’t just a story about payments.

    It’s about building smart systems, spotting patterns in emerging markets, and choosing clarity over chaos — both at work and at home. Daumantas reflects on the kind of leadership that prioritizes long-term impact over short-term hype, and how he creates space for balance, family, and giving back — without compromising ambition.

    If you’re thinking about how to scale with purpose, stay sharp in fast-evolving industries, or lead with calm in the middle of complexity — this one’s for you.

    About your guest, Daumantas Grigaravicius

    Daumantas Grigaravicius, is the Head of Middle East at Adyen, leading the company’s regional strategy and growth from Dubai. With a background that spans private banking, entrepreneurship, and crypto, Domantas brings a rare mix of operational depth and strategic clarity.

    About Adyen

    Adyen is a global financial technology platform powering seamless payments for some of the world’s leading brands — from Uber to H&M. Known for its unified commerce infrastructure, Adyen enables businesses to accept payments, protect revenue, and manage financial data across channels and geographies. In the Middle East, Adyen is helping drive the future of commerce by combining global scale with local expertise.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta⁠⁠

    Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    31 min
  • Accidental Retailer
    Jul 14 2025

    What does it take to lead over 200 stores, steer a beloved family-first brand, and stay grounded in the realities of the shop floor?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Ruban Shanmugarajah, CEO of Babyshop, to talk about leadership that’s both human and high-performing. With over 20 years in retail, Ruban shares how a career he never planned for became a calling—shaped by curiosity, customer proximity, and a deep understanding of the modern parent.

    This conversation goes beyond buzzwords and trend decks. Ruban breaks down what it takes to stay relevant in the decade ahead: tuning into what parents really need, building teams that care, and resisting the pressure to digitize for the sake of it. He shares the mindset shifts, leadership habits, and cultural levers that keep Babyshop grounded and growing.

    If you're thinking about how to build brands that parents trust and teams that deliver at scale, this episode is for you.

    About your guest, Ruban Shanmugarajah

    Ruban didn’t set out to be a retailer—but two decades later, he’s leading one of the region’s most iconic family-first brands. Now CEO of Babyshop, Landmark Group’s flagship kids and baby retail concept with 200+ stores across the Middle East and Asia, Ruban brings a rare mix of operational depth, sharp execution, and deep empathy for the everyday customer.

    About Babyshop

    Founded in 1973, Babyshop is a trusted one-stop destination for children’s products, offering everything from fashion and nursery items to toys and travel gear. As part of Landmark Group, Babyshop is present across the Middle East and Asia, serving millions of parents through its omnichannel footprint.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta

    ⁠⁠Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    33 min
  • Live a Full Life
    Jun 26 2025

    What does it take to navigate three decades of consumer markets—from Delhi to Dubai, and still lead with balance, curiosity, and a sense of purpose?

    In this episode of Retail Re:Mix Stories, we sit down with Mr. Annu Gupta, CEO of Global Business at Britannia Industries, to explore the journey of an engineer-turned-business leader whose career has spanned continents, industries, and cultures. From his early days in Delhi packed with football, science, and music, to leading billion-dollar businesses across Africa and the Middle East, Annu reflects on the personal philosophies and professional choices that shaped him.

    You’ll hear how balance became a life principle, why mentorship and friendship fuel high-performance teams, and what it really takes to build relevance in unfamiliar markets. Whether it’s pivoting from engineering to FMCG, leading food companies in West Africa, or scaling Britannia’s global footprint—this is a story about clarity, adaptability, and staying grounded in the chaos.

    Curious how a football-loving, logic-driven kid from India became a global FMCG force? Hit play. This one’s honest, reflective, and full of gold.

    Enjoyed the episode?

    That’s just the beginning. Become a part of the Retail Re:Mix community — think live events, insider convos, and early drops of every episode. Plus, get direct access to our WhatsApp circle of retail game-changers. Fill this form out now:

    https://forms.gle/PfMghDho55s79r2b8

    About your guest, Mr Annu Gupta

    With over 26 years of leadership in the FMCG industry, Mr. Annu Gupta is currently driving Britannia's International Business across 80+ markets and 5 continents as CEO – International Business. His journey spans transforming businesses in the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets, where he has built a reputation for delivering sustainable growth, profitability, and innovation

    About Britannia Industries

    Britannia is a 100 year+ organization with presence in Biscuits, Breads, Cake, Rusk, Dairy, and Snacking. The company celebrated its 100th year in 2018 and has emerged as a Market Leader in the Biscuit space, while also launching a host of new products and entering new categories—inching closer to the vision of being a Global Total Foods Company.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta ⁠⁠

    Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmendra-mehta/

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    40 min
  • Legacy through Generosity
    Jun 4 2025

    What does it take to turn a family business into a lifestyle empire, one that leaves its mark on every corner of daily life in Dubai and beyond?

    In this episode of Retail Remix Stories, we sit down with Hassan Tamimi, CEO of Al Tannan Group—a retail leader whose journey spans continents, generations, and industries. From juggling school with retail launches to pioneering new concepts in kitchenware, collectibles, and lifestyle, Hassan reveals how bold ideas, relentless curiosity, and a global mindset have fueled Al Tannan’s remarkable rise.

    Discover the inner workings of Al Tannan’s evolution as Hassan shares candid stories about honouring a decades-old family legacy while embracing modern trends, overcoming generational differences, and keeping the spirit of innovation alive.

    Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply fascinated by the people driving Dubai’s retail evolution, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways from Hassan’s unique journey.

    Ready to rethink what’s possible in retail? Join the conversation now!

    Enjoyed the episode? That’s just the beginning.

    Become a part of the Retail Re:Mix community — think live events, insider convos, and early drops of every episode. Plus, get direct access to our WhatsApp circle of retail game-changers. Fill this form out now: https://forms.gle/PfMghDho55s79r2b8

    About your guest, Hassan Tamimi

    Hassan Tamimi CEO of Al Tannan Group, is a retail leader known for blending tradition with innovation. With a passion for entrepreneurship and a global outlook, he has played a key role in shaping the next chapter of his family’s legacy, championing new ideas and inspiring growth across the UAE’s retail landscape.

    About Al Tannan Group

    Founded in Dubai in 1982, Al Tannan Group has grown from a homegrown family business into a lifestyle powerhouse, shaping everyday experiences across the UAE and the wider region.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta⁠⁠

    Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    43 min
  • Balancing Disruptions: Fatherhood & Fintech
    May 18 2025

    What does it take to leapfrog from cash to cutting-edge digital payments? MENA may have the answer.

    From the dominance of cash to the rise of buy now, pay later, fintech in the region has had to navigate a fragmented market, local nuances, and deep-rooted consumer behaviour. But agility and adaptability are now the name of the game, and AI is reshaping how payments scale, save, and serve.

    To unpack this evolution, we turn to Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA at Checkout.com, whose career sits at the intersection of these seismic shifts. Through his perspective, we break down the challenges fintech players face in building trust, staying flexible, and designing systems that go beyond just processing payments, to powering business growth at scale.

    Enjoyed the episode? That’s just the beginning.

    Become a part of the Retail Re:Mix community — think live events, insider convos, and early drops of every episode. Plus, get direct access to our WhatsApp circle of retail gamechangers. Fill this form out now: https://forms.gle/PfMghDho55s79r2b8

    About your guest, Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo

    Remo is the General Manager for MENA at Checkout.com, bringing over a decade of experience in scaling digital businesses across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remogiovanni/

    About Checkout.com

    Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, Checkout.com is a global payments platform that enables businesses to accept, process, and disburse payments with a unified solution.

    About your host, ⁠⁠Dharmendra Mehta⁠⁠

    Dharmendra is the Managing Director, MEA at Fynd and a retail-tech veteran with 20+ years. From startups to global giants, he’s all about bold moves, smarter tech, and building brands that mean business.

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmendra-mehta/

    Retail Re:Mix Stories is a part of ⁠Retail Re:Mix⁠, a community of innovators transforming the retail landscape.

    This podcast is powered by ⁠Fynd⁠, an AI-first unified commerce platform that has transformed retail experiences for over helping 300+ brands.

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    40 min