If you think that only a few people are creative, you are wrong. If you also think that some people are born to be leaders and the rest are followers, you are wrong again. If you still think that some people can have an impact but the majority cannot, keep reading. In “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World,” you will find out how to boost your creativity and you will also learn how to identify original ideas and predict which ones will be successful.
Adam Grant, who is recognized as one of the world’s 25 most influential management thinkers, admits that when he declined to invest in the Warby Parker company, it was the worst decision he ever made.
But what the founders of Warby Parker were trying to do seemed impossible. Back in 2008, four students wanted to make eyeglasses more affordable. They had noticed that items purchased online were much cheaper, so why not sell eyeglasses on the Internet?
People have always paid a hefty price for eyeglasses as they are considered a medical purchase. Dave Gilboa, one of Warby Parker’s co-founders, wanted to know why eyeglasses were so expensive. He soon discovered that 80 percent of the eyewear industry was dominated by a European company called Luxottica, according to the book. Luxottica, taking advantage of its monopoly status, was charging up to 20 times the standard cost of a pair of eyeglasses, according to the book. Gilboa realized that things could be done differently.
Despite being told that their idea was impossible to realize, the founders quit their jobs to start a company. They wanted to offer eyeglasses that cost $500 in a shop for $95 online and for every purchase, a pair would be donated in the developing world. After GQ Magazine called them “the Netflix of eyewear,” they reached their target for a year within a month. They were selling so many eyeglasses that at one point, they had 20,000 customers on a waiting list. Over a period of five years, the company made $100 million in annual revenues and donated more than a million pairs of eyeglasses. Warby Parker is now worth more than $1 billion.
“Originality itself starts with creativity, generating a concept that is both novel and useful. But it doesn’t stop there. Originals are people who take the initiative to make their visions a reality. The Warby Parker founders had the originality to dream up an unconventional way to sell glasses online, but became originals by taking action to make them easily accessible and affordable,” Grant wrote in the book.
Another characteristic of being original is rejecting the accepted norm and looking for a better option. Economist Michael Housman was working on a project to figure out why certain customer service agents stayed longer in their jobs than others. He discovered that employees who used Firefox or Chrome Internet browsers stayed longer than those who used Internet Explorer and Safari. He conducted a survey that showed that two thirds of the customer service agents interviewed used the default browser on their computer and never thought of trying a better one. The customer agents who accepted the built-in browsers — in this case Internet Explorer or Safari — followed standard operating procedures for dealing with customer complaints, saw their jobs as fixed, became unhappy, missed days of work and eventually quit.
The employees who decided to change their Internet browsers to Firefox or Chrome took a different approach to their jobs. They, for the most part, looked for new ways of dealing with customers, took the initiative, enjoyed working and stayed in their jobs.
The author also debunks the myth that originality requires you to take big risks. The movers and shakers of this world are also gripped by fear and doubt and would rather avoid taking big risks.
The book tells readers that of the entrepreneurs who established highly successful companies in the US, many did not quit their jobs or education. Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin figured out how to improve Internet searches in 1996 but they continued their graduate studies.
“We almost didn’t start Google because we were too worried about dropping out of our PhD program,” Page said.
Pierre Omidyar built eBay as a hobby and kept on working until his online job brought him more money than his job as a programmer.
For his part, Bill Gates also did not take major risks. After selling a software program in his sophomore year, he waited a whole year before leaving his studies. Even then, he did not drop out but took a leave of absence approved by the university.
“Having a sense of security in one realm gives us the freedom to be original in another. By covering our bases financially, we escape the pressure to publish half-baked books, sell shoddy art or launch untested businesses,” Grant wrote.
“Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” explains how you can stand up for a new idea without risking your reputation and your career. This captivating book is full of surprising advice that will not only change the way you see the world but will also change the way you live your life.
Book Review: How to be a bold entrepreneur without risking your career
Book Review: How to be a bold entrepreneur without risking your career
Ian McDiarmid, Hideo Ishikawa to headline Middle East Film & Comic Con 2025
DUBAI: Scottish actor and director Ian McDiarmid, known for his portrayal of Emperor Palpatine in the “Star Wars” saga, has been announced as the first confirmed celebrity guest for the Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025.
The region’s largest pop culture event will take place from April 18 to 20, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
In addition to his role as the “Star Wars” saga, McDiarmid is also known for his performances in films such as “Sleepy Hollow” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” as well as his extensive work in theater, including his Olivier Award-winning role in “Faith Healer.”
Anime fans are also in for a treat with the announcement of Japan’s leading voice actor, Hideo Ishikawa, best known as the voice of Itachi Uchiha from “Naruto.”
His notable roles include Toyotomi Hideyoshi in “Samurai Warriors,” Kyo-ya Onizuka in “Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero,” Ray Penber and Hideki Ide in “Death Note,” and Squall Leonhart, Auron, and Cait Sith in the “Final Fantasy” series.
Loy Pinheiro, show director of MEFCC said in a statement: “MEFCC 2025 is set to be our most diverse and engaging event yet. From casual fans to devoted collectors, we’ve created an experience that celebrates every aspect of pop culture with something for everyone.”
The event is organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi.
Review: ‘Unstoppable’ is a predictable, feel-good outing
- Story of Anthony Robles, championship-winning wrestler born with one leg, makes for a satisfying biopic
LONDON: It is easy to forget that, sometimes, all you want from a movie is a healthy dose of good vibes — and few genres are better suited to that than the sports biopic.
The film “Unstoppable” tells the real-life story of Anthony Robles, an American wrestler who won the 125-pound (57 kg) US National college wrestling championship in 2011 despite being born with one leg.
Directed by William Goldenberg (a storied screenwriter and editor, making his directorial debut here), “Unstoppable” stars Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight,” “When They See Us”) as Robles, with Jennifer Lopez as his mother Judy and Bobby Cannavale as his stepfather Rick.
Already a talented high-school wrestler, Robles misses out on his dream college scholarship, but opts instead to pay to attend Arizona State University and win a place on their feted wrestling team.
Despite dealing with Rick’s abusive behavior at home, Robles continues to win over his teammates. And, backed by his mom’s unending belief, and that of his high-school coach (played by Michael Pena), he proves himself not only worthy of his spot, but an athlete capable of performing on the national stage.
Here is the thing with sports movies (or the good ones, at least), you have to really lean into every single cliche and embrace all the heartstring-plucking tropes. Because, if you do — and if the film has a decent cast doing an earnest job — the payoff is worth it.
And so it is with “Unstoppable,” a movie that is as determined as its real-world protagonist. Sure, there are a few story beats that get teased and then dropped. Sure, the by-the-numbers buildup to the climactic showdown is beyond predictable.
But this movie has a stellar lead performance from Jerome (helped by absolutely seamless effects and stunt work, which sees Robles himself performing some of the wrestling sequences), and an immensely talented supporting cast.
Lopez, Cannavale and Pena are all great, but Don Cheadle also deserves his share of the plaudits for his turn as Robles’ college coach and mentor.
Is this the most sophisticated exploration of the world of collegiate wrestling? Nah. But is it a heartwarmingly decent movie that will make you feel good? Absolutely.
A celebration of Saudi Arabia’s artisanal heritage
- The Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as The Year of Handicrafts. Here, Arab News highlights some of the Kingdom’s most significant traditional crafts
Al-Khous
While palm trees are famed for providing dates, which play such a significant role in traditional Khaleeji hospitality, the plants themselves are equally important in Arabic heritage. The tree trunks and leaves were commonly used to create temporary or permanent accommodation, and Al-Khous — the weaving of palm fronds — is one of the oldest regional handicrafts. Bedouins would use the technique to create baskets, bowls, mats, tablecloths, brooms, and bags to be carried by their camels. The palm leaves are dried out in the sun, then cut (to ensure all thorns are removed) and soaked before being dyed, if required, and then sewn together. It’s a painstaking process, that requires great attention to detail and a steady hand.
Bisht
This traditional long cloak, traditionally made from wool, was originally worn by Bedouins in winter, but is now an important part of the regional wardrobe for special occasions including weddings, graduations, and Eid. These days, most bishts are machine-made, and a high-quality, hand-tailored bisht is seen as something of a status symbol, having become the formal wear for politicians and other high-ranking individuals in the Gulf and beyond.
Al-Ahsa, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province is renowned for its bisht tailoring, and many of the products are known by the names of the families who have made them for generations, including the Al-Qattan, Al-Kharas, Al-Mahdi, and Al-Bagli. Each tailor has their own thread (zari) design.
Speaking to Arab News a few years ago, one Al-Ahsa tailor, Abu Salem, said: “Black bishts with gold stitching are the most popular. In the early Nineties, new colors were introduced to the bisht market. Blue, grey and maroon are mostly worn by the younger generation. The older generation sticks to the traditional black, brown and cream.
“Tailoring bishts is an art that requires accuracy and skill. The gold embroidery requires patience and takes many hours,” he continued. “Hand-making one of these bishts could take from 80 to 120 hours and four tailors, each with one specific task.”
Sadu weaving
This ancient tribal craft dates back centuries. Bedouin Sadu weavers would create tightly spun tent awnings, rugs and more in a variety of colored patterns for their tribes using dyed wool, hair or fur woven on a floor loom. These days, Sadu patterns are commonly seen on clothing and interior décor. Speaking to Arab News in 2021, Mohammed Khoja, founder of clothing brand Hindamme, said that Sadu and its range of patterns “reflects an element of storytelling because it says so much about the livelihoods of the early Arabs. It comes in many forms in various colors, so it’s incredibly inspiring. I knew that I wanted to reference it in my designs. I wanted to reflect its beauty in a more contemporary format.”
Dr. Delayel Al-Qahtani, director of the studies and research department at Atharna, a social enterprise dedicated to Arabian culture and handicrafts, told Arab News: “Al-Sadu is a craft that requires innovative skills and a lot of effort, as the weaver has to work hard to transform the raw material into something new. It is an intricate craft that requires precise hand movements. The final product is always a beautiful design.”
Henna tattooing
The practice of applying henna — a reddish-brown dye made from dried, powdered leaves of the henna tree — to the body was recently added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, thanks in large part to the efforts of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission. Henna has been used to dye skin, hair and fingernails since for millennia, dating back at least to the time of the ancient Egyptians.
A report from the Saudi Press Agency at the time henna was added to the UNESCO list stated: “Henna has great cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, with the art mastered by women and passed down through generations. It represents ‘joy and optimism’ and is a social tradition that strengthens community bonds.”
Pottery
Midianite pottery dating back more than 1,500 years has been discovered in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and it’s clear that pottery has a long and distinguished history in the Gulf in general. Cooking pots, cups and utensils are among the most common items crafted by traditional potters, and clay pots, especially, play a vital role in the region’s culinary heritage. As a recent Saudi Press Agency report stated: “The slow and even distribution of heat enhances the dishes cooked in (them), such as madhbi and mandi.” Local authorities in Jazan and other regions have been organizing workshops and courses to encourage the younger generation to keep this tradition alive.
Sword and janbiya making
The crafting of weaponry is another centuries-old skill that is being preserved in various areas of the Kingdom. The Najran region, in particular, is famed for producing some of the most stunning ornamental swords and janbiya (short, curved daggers). What were once necessities for desert tribesmen are now generally for decoration only, but the artistry required to produce them remains the same and is a source of great pride in the Kingdom and the wider Arabian Gulf. The daggers are generally “made from iron, with handles of animal horn, often adorned with silver or gold,” according to a recent SPA report. Carvings on the hilts and sheaths are often used to depict the owner’s tribal background. The finest examples can cost thousands of dollars.
‘Dubai Bling’ season 3: A rollercoaster of drama, fashion and unfinished business
DUBAI: Here we go again. It’s season three of “Dubai Bling,” featuring jaw-dropping opulence from the extravagant lives of the rich and sort-of famous. And from the very first episode, the drama is ramped up with the kind of intriguing revelations that keep viewers hooked.
The new season features returning cast members Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, and Marwan Al-Awadhi (aka DJ Bliss) and his wife Danya Mohammed. Media personality Mahira Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim are new faces, bringing fresh energy and conflict, particularly as the latter already has history with a couple of the regulars.
One of this season’s standout moments is Safa’s quirky farewell party for her car. She also showcases her playful personality by bringing her daughters to her office and setting up a ball pit. Mother and daughters all wear coordinated outfits, complete with matching heels.
Safa’s humor and charisma once again shine through, making her one of the most entertaining personalities on the show.
This season also delves deeper into DJ Bliss and Mohammed’s journey to improve their marriage and wraps up a few long-running conflicts, including Khoury, Safa and Bodi’s ongoing tensions, and Adada and Karim’s years-long fight. Although it then leaves viewers hanging on a few other issues, so it’s safe to assume we’ll see a fourth season.
Often, though, the show’s emotional arcs feel overly staged (even by reality TV’s standards). It’s not always clear that these people are really friends, rather than unconvincing actors playing friends. Al-Samadi’s hijacking of a pregnancy announcement, for example, seems wholly contrived in order to provoke a reaction.
Visually, at least, the show remains stunning, showcasing high-end fashion, striking makeup, and sculpted hairstyles. Every frame is luxurious.
Ultimately, “Dubai Bling” offers entertaining escapism. Fans will once again enjoy the glitzy aspirational glamor, but those seeking authenticity should look elsewhere.
Saudi author Samya Al-Harbi discusses new book ‘Not Like Other Women’
- The Saudi entrepreneur has compiled the inspirational stories of 12 Arab women
DUBAI: Dubai-based Saudi entrepreneur and author Samya Al-Harbi tells the stories of resilient Arab women, including herself, in her new book “Not Like Other Women.”
“The women around me have inspired me. Friends, colleagues, family, women I met in my work, in my troubles. I believe every woman has a story,” Al-Harbi tells Arab News.
“(My book) talks about women who have struggled in life and faced so many difficulties, and they overcome those struggles and difficulties, and they become wiser. These are women who have really challenged themselves to become stronger.”
“Not Like Other Women” features 12 stories of such women interspersed with Al-Harbi’s own experiences of balancing her personal and professional life. One of the most emotional and challenging chapters to write, she says, was “Munifa.”
“The story was very emotional for me because I always thought Munifa was my friend’s mother and never doubted it. But on the night of her funeral, I found out she wasn’t his real mother; she was actually his mother’s neighbor and best friend. What touched me the most was the strong friendship between the two women and the loyalty they showed to each other. It’s a bond that truly moved me.”
When asked if there was any pushback when it came to telling these personal stories, Al-Harbi is quick to point out that, in fact, the opposite happened.
“There are women who want to tell the world their story. Society doesn’t accept discussion of sensitive issues when it comes to women and their feelings, especially in the Arab world,” she says. “So, they always need women who have the ability to take their stories to an audience and tell them that there are women who face these problems, but fight to overcome them.
“As a woman, as a mother — as a grandmother now — I believe that, with the position I have now, it's my responsibility to talk about these issues.”
While putting the stories together for “Not Like Other Women,” Al-Harbi noticed a common thread. “I have traveled a lot, and I have seen so many women in different cultures and countries,” she says. “I noticed that we share most of these issues. If I'm talking about a lady in China, she has the same problems as a lady in Africa. We have certain problems in common, whether it is finance, respect, passion… These problems remain the same no matter where we are from.”
As an example, Al-Harbi pointed out Indian-American author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s “The Palace of Illusions,” a retelling of the Indian epic “Mahabharat,” from the point of view of Panchaali, the wife of the legendary Pandava brothers.
“The message I got from her book is that women are facing the same problems they did 3,000 years ago. Still. We are being treated the same way. So, will that change? I don't think so. Yes, it's not like before, and yes, it will take time. But still there are women afraid to come out and express their feelings or talk about their issues. In fact, when I gave these stories to the publisher, there were three that they deleted. They said, ‘No, you cannot publish these stories because they’re very sensitive, and society will not accept this kind of story yet.’”
The Makkah-born businesswoman, who also acts as a mentor to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, said she has one piece of advice for all the young women she speaks to, including her daughters.
“They have to keep on dreaming, but, at the same time, they have to work on their dreams,” she says. “They should not listen to anyone if they believe that what they are doing is right for them and for other people — without crossing the line, especially here in the Arab world.”
