Theme: Subtract

In a world overflowing with choices, distractions, and the relentless pursuit of more, we often find ourselves overwhelmed—constantly doing, achieving, and consuming. But what if true clarity, fulfillment, and progress come not from addition, but from subtraction?

Join us on February 12th at GEMS New Millennium School as we explore the power of less—the art of decluttering our minds, refining our actions, and focusing on what truly matters. Through thought-provoking talks and transformative ideas, we’ll uncover how subtracting the unnecessary can lead to deeper connections, greater creativity, and a more meaningful life.

Zayed Hall
Al Khail Road
Dubai, Dubayy, 47F4+GX
United Arab Emirates

Ali Khawaja

Senior Instructor - Dept. of Management, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at AUS

Ali Khawaja is a faculty member at the American University of Sharjah, bridging academia and industry through teaching, advising, and startup mentorship. With expertise in entrepreneurship, technology, blockchain, and AI, he consults for startups and serves on the board of Baytukum, a real estate crowdfunding platform. He also co-founded Mental Health AE, a mental wellness platform where he hosts a podcast featuring expert insights. A lifelong learner, he holds certifications from institutions like London Business School, Stanford, and Caltech.

Krystyna Larrave

Executive Success Coach | Member of Forbes Coaches Council

Krystyna Larrave is an emotional intelligence expert, executive success coach, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Fluent in five languages and with experience across ten countries, she trains leaders worldwide in EQ, helping them build trust, resilience, and transformational leadership. Holding three master’s degrees, she is dedicated to making emotional intelligence a core part of education to equip future leaders with high EQ.

Manaswi Madichetty

Broker at Marsh | Food Influencer

Manaswi Madichetty is a finance graduate from AUS and a reinsurance broker at Marsh, but beyond the corporate world, she’s madicheffy—a food enthusiast proving that plant-based eating can be both delicious and exciting. Balancing a fast-paced career with her passion for cooking, she shares recipes, caters events, and explores the endless possibilities of flavor. When she’s not in the kitchen or at work, she’s reading, hitting the gym, or dancing her heart out.

Meenakshi Renjith

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

Meenakshi Renjith is an aspiring astrobiologist at GEMS New Millennium School with a passion for public speaking, believing in the power of words to connect, lead, and inspire. She has earned top rankings at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Competition and received the Outstanding Speaker award at the NMS Debate League. As a leader, she co-founded Sweet Tooth, a homemade bakery, and now serves as Chief of Edupreneurs on the Senior Leadership Team. She also spearheads The Millennials' Entrepreneurship Boot Camp and is a keen target shooter and archer.

Mehar Azmi

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

Mehar Azmi is a high school student at GEMS New Millennium Dubai with a passion for public speaking, debate, and storytelling. Along with excelling in academics, Mehar enjoys exploring new activities like swimming, music, and reading. With a curious mind and a love for meeting new people, she aspires to pursue a career that allows for global exploration and connection.

Navid Nathoo

Founder of The Knowledge Society

Navid Nathoo is a Canadian entrepreneur dedicated to empowering young people to shape the future. He founded TKS (The Knowledge Society), a global innovation program that equips young minds with cutting-edge skills in AI, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Before TKS, he co-founded Airpost, a Silicon Valley cloud security startup acquired by Box (NYSE:BOX). His passion for impact has taken him across the world, working to improve the quality of life for underserved communities in Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Kenya.

Rakshita Saravanan

Student - GEMS New Millennium School

Rakshita Saravanan is a ninth-grade archer in the UAE, already making her mark with gold medals in the Emirates Cup (Indoor) and multiple stages of the UAE National Archery League in the Compound Under-15 Women’s category. With aspirations to set record-breaking scores and represent India on the international stage, Rakshita sees archery as more than a sport—it’s a journey of patience, discipline, and resilience.

Sonakshi Ruhela

Assistant Professor Psychology - RIT Dubai

Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela is a psychologist, educator, and TEDx speaker with 15+ years of experience in teaching, research, and counseling. A Harvard-certified expert, she helped establish psychology programs at universities in Dubai. She is a Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy and a consultant psychologist at Open Minds Psychiatry. Named among Asia’s 40 Under 40, she has received global awards, published research, delivered 300+ talks worldwide, and authored Counseling Interventions for Millennials, archived at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

Swarashri Shridhar

Kathak Dancer-Choreographer

Swarashri Shridhar is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of Aneka - Identities Dancing Within. Trained under Dr. Pali Chandra at Gurukul Dubai, she blends Kathak’s expressive and technical elements to illuminate lived experiences and advocate for social and mental wellness. Her works explore Dance Movement Therapy for Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, anxiety, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability. She recently toured India in 2024 with a dance-drama on Dissociative Identity Disorder.