What does it take to reinvent yourself time and again? In this extraordinary episode of the SIG Learning Series, Rajan Lall—Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Garment Trims and Accessories (GTA)—shares his remarkable journey of resilience, reinvention, and strategic foresight. Moderated by Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta, this session takes a deep dive into the life lessons of a business leader who has navigated industries, continents, and personal challenges with unwavering determination.

Born in Karachi and raised in Mumbai post-Partition, Rajan’s journey is anything but conventional. From a successful career in Bollywood to dubbing Hollywood classics like Schindler’s List into Hindi, to moving to Dubai at 53 to build a global business empire, his story is a testament to adaptability and vision. Since founding GTA in 2000—now operating under Mainetti, a world leader in hanger production—Rajan has led an enterprise that employs over 500 people across multiple countries, setting new standards in the garment trims and accessories industry.

In this candid conversation, Rajan reflects on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of strategic relationships, and his philosophy of innovation in niche markets. He also shares insights from his upcoming autobiography, I Did It My Way (March 2025), a deeply personal account of love, loss, betrayal, and wisdom.

Join us for an inspiring discussion filled with personal anecdotes, business insights, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Rajan Lall’s extraordinary legacy.

What if education could break free from traditional boundaries and truly prepare students for the future? In this forward-thinking episode of the SIG Learning Series, Russell John Cailey—CEO and Founder of Elham Studio—takes us on a journey through the future of learning. Hosted by Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta, this session explores the power of project-based learning, interdisciplinary education, and real-world application in transforming how we teach and learn.

As the former principal of THINK Global School—the world’s first traveling high school—Russell co-created the groundbreaking Changemaker Curriculum, a model that reimagines education beyond the classroom. His passion for transformative learning has led to the founding of initiatives like the Hakuba Forum and EduVue.ai, pushing the boundaries of innovation in education. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Global Visionaries in Education by GFEL in 2021, Russell continues to shape the future of learning through cutting-edge strategies and experiential education.

In this compelling conversation, Russell shares insights on how education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. From fostering creativity and critical thinking to integrating AI and real-world problem-solving, he offers a bold vision for the next generation of learners and educators.

Prepare to challenge conventional education models as Russell unpacks the skills, mindsets, and innovations that will define the future of learning.

What if mastering communication could transform every aspect of your life? In this dynamic episode of the SIG Learning Series, Su Bridgman, JD—founder of SpeakFluence Global and a Forbes Books-recognized authority on Communication Intelligence—unpacks the science behind authentic, impactful communication. Moderated by Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta, this session explores the key to unlocking your “communication edge.”

With a unique background as a commercial litigator and a deep passion for psychology, Su has developed science-based methods that empower individuals to communicate with confidence, build stronger connections, and breakthrough communication barriers. Having worked with leaders, professionals, and youth across the globe, she brings a wealth of expertise on how communication shapes success in personal and professional relationships.

Whether you’re looking to refine your leadership voice, strengthen personal connections, or simply communicate with more confidence, this session promises to be a game-changer.

What if true healing extends far beyond the physical? Renowned osteopath and holistic health practitioner Dr. Geoffrey Montague-Smith invites us to explore the deeper dimensions of wellness in this thought-provoking episode of the SIG Learning Series, hosted by Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Montague-Smith has pioneered an integrative approach to health, blending cranial osteopathy, bio-resonance therapy, and vibrational medicine to unlock the body’s natural healing potential. Inspired by the life-changing impact of osteopathy on his father’s health, he has dedicated his career to bridging conventional and alternative medicine.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Montague-Smith delves into the multidimensional nature of health, revealing how subtle energy fields, vibrational frequencies, and cranial adjustments can enhance our physical and emotional resilience. He shares profound insights on the mind-body connection, the power of sound therapy, and practical ways to integrate holistic healing into everyday life.

Prepare to rethink your understanding of wellness as Dr. Montague-Smith unpacks the science and soul of healing beyond the physical.

“When we are young, we are gifted with short-sightedness, which gives us bravery. As we age, we gain insight, which gives us wisdom.” Award-winning actor, author, and supermodel Lisa Ray reflects on her extraordinary journey in this powerful and intimate episode of the SIG Learning Series, hosted by Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta.

From her meteoric rise to fame as a 16-year-old supermodel gracing the cover of Gladrags magazine in a pre-globalised 1990s India, to her poignant performance in the Oscar-nominated film Water, and her courageous fight against cancer in 2009, Lisa Ray’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Now an accomplished author, businesswoman, mother, and cancer survivor, Lisa offers an unfiltered glimpse into her remarkable life.

In this raw and real conversation, Lisa shares insights from her memoir, Close to the Bone, delving into the traumatic aftermath of a car accident that left her mother wheelchair-bound, her long battle with eating disorders, and the deeply personal journey of being the first Indian celebrity to publicly disclose a cancer diagnosis on the red carpet. She speaks candidly about her path to self-healing, embracing self-love, and finding purpose beyond the spotlight.

"Ultimately, I found that the real impact comes from creating a new education system and a new model of schooling,” says Raya Bidshahri, global education thought leader and founder of the award-winning School of Humanity, on creating an educational model that addresses the global challenges we face today.

In this episode, SIG Learning Series Programme Head Karishma Bhansali Mehta talks to award-winning educator, BBC Top 100 Women of the Year honoree, and global thought leader Raya Bidshahri about her innovative alternative education model, the School of Humanity. The School of Humanity is a high school that operates on a project-based learning model, without traditional exams and subjects, where children learn by tackling real-world problems that impact our society today.

Raya discusses the urgent need to revamp and restructure education to build schools that equip younger generations to address the challenges of today, such as climate change and sustainability. She highlights the importance of teaching modern-day skills, including systems thinking, AI ethics, spirituality, and mindfulness, in our AI-driven digital world, which is facing an acute climate crisis.

"I love the idea of culture evolving within spaces. I love the idea of intimacy in these spaces." Award-winning Emirati artist Lamya Gargash discusses how her cultural heritage inspires her photography, which captures and explores the human experience in abandoned spaces.

In this episode, SIG Learning Series Programme Director Karishma Bhansali and Lamya Gargash discuss her journey as a local Emirati artist in Dubai. Lamya shares insights into her early education, her Emirati roots and values, and how being the first artist to represent the UAE at the Venice Biennale shaped her career.

Her work explores the concepts of space, time, and tradition, highlighting the value of old-school art forms like analog photography in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven digital world.

“The most important thing for your child to do is play. Not on the Screen but embodied real life very, sensory experiences where they use their five senses and interact.” Child Development Expert Dr.Alison Burrows on the effects of screen time on kids in our digital age.

In this episode, Karishma talks to Dr Alison Burrows about her research related to technology use and screen time in young children. Dr Alison, a two-time merit scholar and fellow from John Hopkins University talks about the pros and cons of technology and how apps should be used to positively affect academic outcomes and child development at the age-appropriate milestones. She also flags the effects of phones and social media on child and adolescent mental health.