Advertise on podcast: Bangladeshi Trailblazers

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Elius, serial entrepreneur and one of the founding forces behind Pathao, to unpack what it really takes to build companies from Bangladesh, and beyond. From starting Pathao in 2015 with no experience and no ecosystem, to navigating the realities of ride-sharing markets, Elius reflects on why many startups hit a ceiling in Bangladesh and why scale often demands a global mindset. He shares candid thoughts on why market size matters, why timing and luck can be engineered, and why hunger beats talent every time. The conversation also dives into Elius’s post-Pathao journey, building Wind, a cross-border stable coin payments company that was later acquired by a US firm, and its evolution into Fin.com, an international fintech focused on enterprise-level global payments. This episode is a must-listen for founders, builders, and professionals who want an unfiltered look at startups, talent, ecosystems, and what it means to build something world-class.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, we sit down with Taneem Taldar, a seasoned product leader who spent a decade at Amazon and has worked across Microsoft, BlackBerry, and multiple startups. From growing up across African countries to studying at the University of Waterloo, and eventually breaking into some of the world’s most competitive tech companies, Taneem shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a career in Big Tech. We dive deep into: How he landed interviews at Amazon and Microsoft What tech interviews actually test (and how to prepare for them) Why startup experience can outperform MBAs The reality of product management inside Amazon Why curiosity, resilience, and fundamentals matter more than job titles or programming languages How AI is reshaping the future of tech careers, and why humanities may matter more than ever This episode is a must-listen for students, early-career professionals, and anyone questioning conventional career paths, especially Bangladeshis navigating global opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sat down with Anil Wasif, Co-Founder of BacharLorai, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Bangladeshi diaspora. With a strong record of cross-sector leadership and a lifetime of community service, Anil balances roles as a senior civil servant in the Ontario Government and serves on boards at University of Toronto and McGill University. Anil takes us behind the resume to reveal his journey, sharing how he overcame the challenges of being an international student to become a sought-after voice in public policy, governance, and community leadership. Together, they unpack the personal battle between external expectations and internal aspirations, redefining resilience as "intellectual humility." Anil challenges the diaspora to move beyond traditional charity, advocating instead for a "supply chain of ideas" where global citizens engage as active partners in co-creating impact. Tune in to discover how the Bangladeshi diaspora can rally for a modern renaissance.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/ Are you struggling to balance your health with your busy lifestyle? Dr. Rayhan Shahidullah shares how he transformed his journey from a medical student to a fitness advocate! Discover how small lifestyle changes can lead to big health benefits.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/ In this episode, Tasnim Hasan was joined by Dr. Syeda Maria Adnin (Dr. Maria), a leading clinical and aesthetic dermatologist and the creator of @skinfix.maria, one of Bangladesh's most trusted skincare platforms. With a Master's in Clinical Dermatology from King's College London, Dr. Maria practices at Este Aesthetic Hospital in Dhaka, where she combines science and empathy to help people feel confident in their skin. Here they talked about Bangladeshi skin, the most common skin issues we face, and the skincare routines that actually work. Dr. Maria cuts through the myths and viral trends to share honest, science-backed advice that's practical and empowering. Whether you're struggling with acne, pigmentation, or skincare confusion, this conversation will help you understand and care for your skin better, because real glow starts with self-care and confidence, not filters.

Bangladeshi Trailblazers introduces the Health & Fitness series in collaboration with Nutrition Depot. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is an authorized distributor of high-quality sports supplements. They've made it their mission to provide 100% authentic, safe, and effective products, directly sourced from world-class brands. They're not just selling supplements; they're promoting a healthier lifestyle by offering expert guidance and education on nutrition and fitness. Nutrition Depot Bangladesh is offering a flat 10% discount on all their products. All you have to do is use the discount code BTH10 at checkout on their website: https://www.nutritiondepot.com.bd/ In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, host Tasnim Hasan sits down with Nayma Hasan, a Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach on a mission to empower the South Asian community through holistic wellness. Nayma bridges the gap between modern nutrition science and traditional Bangladeshi food wisdom to create sustainable, culturally rooted health practices. From understanding women’s unique nutritional needs across decades, to tackling common health concerns like anemia and Vitamin D deficiency, this episode dives deep into the Deshi Diet — debunking myths like “rice is bad” and celebrating the power of mindful eating, balance, and lifestyle harmony. Tune in to uncover how small, intentional changes can help you lead a more nourished and energized life.

In this episode, meet Jahnnobi Rahman, the visionary behind Relaxy, who is redefining what mental wellness means for today’s generation. In this episode, she opens up about her path from burnout to building a mindful movement for the people of Bangladesh. We talked about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the courage to slow down in a fast world. Listen to the episode to know more!

Urmi Hossain — an Italian Bangladeshi finance professional in Montreal — joins the Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast. From being a third culture adult to hosting Stories Beyond Borders, she shares how identity and belonging shape her journey.

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Monoshita Ayruani — founder of SHAPE, Bangladesh’s very own body-positive, inclusive innerwear brand. From redefining what comfort means in women’s innerwear to challenging societal norms around body image, Ayruani shares the inspiration behind SHAPE and her mission to help women embrace their bodies unapologetically. Tune in for real talk on entrepreneurship, self-love, and what it means to build a brand with purpose. 🔊 Whether you’re a founder, fashion lover, or feminist — this episode is for you.

Kashfy Ahsan’s story is one of evolution, creativity, and passion. Starting with a foundation in literature, Kashfy honed her ability to weave intricate tales and capture human experiences through words. This literary background became the springboard for her career in advertising, where she learned to blend storytelling with strategy, creating campaigns that resonated with audiences far and wide. Her love for narrative didn’t end there. Kashfy channeled her insights into two remarkable books: Small World of Women and Priya Bole. These works dive deep into the complexities of relationships, emotions, and the little moments that define us—showcasing her unique voice and perspective. Inspired by her own life and the world around her, Kashfy’s writing has touched readers and solidified her as a storyteller at heart. Today, Kashfy has taken her talents to new heights in media production. Combining her literary roots with her advertising expertise, she now crafts compelling visual stories that captivate and inspire. In this podcast episode, Kashfy opens up about her journey—sharing the challenges of transitioning between industries, the skills that have carried her through, and the creative spark that keeps her going. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a media enthusiast, or simply someone who loves a good story, this episode is for you. Expect candid reflections, practical tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Kashfy continues to evolve as a creative professional. 🎧✨ #LiteratureLover #PodcastEpisode #CreativeMinds #Storytelling Podcast Description

In this episode, Tasnim Hasan spoke to Asad Sattar about on ARKA Collective, a creative platform founded by him in 2023. ARKA aims to shift the narrative from "Made in Bangladesh" to "Designed in Bangladesh," empowering local designers and promoting cultural preservation. Known for its flagship event, Arka Fashion Week, the collective highlights sustainability and innovation in Bangladeshi fashion. Asad, with a background in the RMG sector, envisions ARKA as a bridge between generations, fostering local creativity. Tune in to discover how ARKA is redefining fashion and design in Bangladesh.

Nerissa Nashin is redefining beauty standards in Bangladesh—one flawless, true-to-skin makeup look at a time. As a makeup artist at Studio Salon and co-founder of Freya Makeover & Salon, she champions true-to-complexion beauty with every brushstroke. Her work goes beyond brushes and palettes; it’s a bold stand against colorism, proving that every shade deserves to be seen, celebrated, and served. Through her artistry and entrepreneurship, she’s not just building a business, but a movement—where makeup becomes a tool for empowerment and radical inclusivity. In this powerful conversation, Nerissa opens up about her journey as a makeup artist and entrepreneur. We dive deep into the history of colorism, its lasting impact on beauty standards, and how her work challenges systemic bias—one foundation shade at a time. Nerissa shares her vision for a purpose-driven beauty industry, where makeup isn’t just about artistry, but representation and empowerment for all skin tones.

In this episode of Bangladeshi Trailblazers, we sit down with Rash Cotts, the Bengali barber based in New York City. From perfecting his craft in barbershops to building a clientele, Rash shares his journey of perseverance, and redefining the barbering experience.

In this episode, I sat down with the main brain of Dhaka Flow, Shazia Flow. Listen to this episode to find out how Dhaka flow started with its mission to make wellness, and mindfulness the core of its conception.

In this episode, I got into a conversation with Maliha Bhuiyan about wearing your WZN. The brand focuses on heritage jewelry and plans on expanding with clothing line to celebrate body positivity too! Listen to this episode to know more about the brand and her 2025 plans.