# Ali Khawaja

> Ali Khawaja is an ICF-certified executive coach, educator, TEDx speaker, author, and founder based in the United Arab Emirates. He works with founders, executives, and leaders on clarity, transitions, and growth, and trains other coaches through ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs.

Ali's work spans six interconnected practices: educator, coach, advisor, speaker, writer, and builder. The unifying thread is helping people and organizations think clearly, grow deliberately, and build better things.

## About

- Based in the UAE.
- ICF-certified coach (ACC level).
- Faculty at the American University of Sharjah.
- TEDx speaker, podcast host, and author of *Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones*.
- Founder and operator across F&B, software, and civic-tech ventures.
- Contact: ali@khawaja.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/

## Educator

Faculty at the American University of Sharjah. Beyond the classroom, Ali designs and delivers learning experiences for organizations on:

- Strategy
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Startups
- Blockchain
- AI

## Coach

Two practices:

### One-on-one coaching
ACC-level ICF-certified coach with 1,500+ hours of coaching. Working with high-performing executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals. Focus areas: executive, ADHD, founder, and leadership coaching.
- Book an intro call: https://calendly.com/k2labs

### Coaching training (1Mind Academy)
ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs for coaches deepening their craft and credentialing path. Delivered through 1Mind Academy.
- Flagship program: Core Competencies in Practice, 10-hour ICF-approved CCE.
- https://1mind.ac/

## Advisor

Strategic support for founders turning ideas, momentum, and opportunity into clearer execution. Areas:

1. Startup strategy
2. Business model design
3. Product strategy
4. Go-to-market and growth
5. Fundraising and pitch advisory
6. AI integration

Selected engagements:
- Baytukum, board / advisor, crowdfunding real estate platform, https://baytukum.ae/
- Bookends, advisor, UAE's largest used book platform, https://bookends.ae/
- Several other engagements under NDA.

## Speaker

A safe space for honest conversations about life, work, learning, entrepreneurship, and mental health.

### Podcasts
- **Mental Health AE** (host), UAE-based podcast normalizing honest conversations about mental health through human stories. https://mentalhealth.ae/ · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4glwaRBrEv2EBKzxKqNiCQ · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalhealthae
- **Talk to Ali** (host), conversations with people across entrepreneurship, startups, incubators, and the wider business ecosystem. https://talktoali.com/ · Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FCYFM5rZQELehIjgyNX41 · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talktokhawaja

### TEDx talks
- *The Art of Slowing Down for a Fuller Life*, TEDxGEMS New Millennium School. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD8RoZHixJA
- *Equitable and Accessible Access to Education*, TEDxYouth@DPSS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcnxIBkXURA

## Writer

Writing that brings clarity, empathy, and practical understanding to ADHD, mental health, growth, work, and relationships.

- **Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones**, a short, relatable guide for partners, parents, friends, colleagues, and anyone trying to better understand ADHD. https://understanding.guide/

## Builder

### F&B brands
- Sushi Now, fresh handcrafted sushi, paired with boba and iced coffee. https://sushinow.ae/
- Big Ali Diner, bold comfort food. https://bigalidiner.com/
- Broba Boba, playful boba brand. https://broba.ae/

### Apps (iOS)
- xList, collaborative task manager with AI voice input. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xlist-collaborative-tasks/id6763904740
- xRiderGPS, GPS speedometer for riders, with Convoy Mode and offline maps. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xridergps/id6762152478
- xBricker - Lego Collector, LEGO collector's app with barcode scanning and BrickLink integration. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xbrick-lego-collector/id6765486855
- xLibrary by Bookends, home library organizer. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ae/app/xlibrary-by-bookends/id6765608753 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.xlibrary
- Prayer & Qibla, minimal prayer times and Qibla direction app with on-device calculations, an e-ink aesthetic, 6 themes, and full offline use. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prayer-time-qibla-finder/id6768221459 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.prayerqibla
- xLife, a daily piece of wisdom on your iPhone home screen, with 8 curated advice collections, custom lists, 10 themes, and 40 fonts. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xlife-advice-for-life/id6769053071
- Red Dial Timer, a visual focus timer with a bold red dial that winds down as your session runs. https://apps.apple.com/ae/app/red-dial-timer/id6776783244
- xClassTracker, visual attendance for teachers with tap-to-mark seating charts and exportable history. https://apps.apple.com/za/app/xclasstracker/id6778525469
- Bookends Loyalty, digital punch card for Bookends with in-store scanning and reward redemption. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/bookends-loyalty/id6777265545 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.k2labs.bookendsloyalty
- SpeedyGPS, GPS dashboard for riders and drivers with dual speedometers, offline maps, and Convoy Mode. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/speedygps/id6773472952
- xGridUp, turns an iPad or iPhone into an always-on ambient dashboard of live widgets. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xgridup-dashboard/id6785068574
- xFileCrypt, private AES-256 encrypted vault for photos, videos, and documents, no account or server. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xfilecrypt-encrypted-storage/id6787506955

### Ventures and projects
- xPrep, open-source Raspberry Pi device that creates an offline WiFi network with maps, books, guides, and learning resources. https://xprep.co/
- Expat Prepper, urban preparedness framework for expats, travelers, and globally mobile families. https://expatprepper.org/
- Dig Well, clean water project funding reliable hand pumps and safe water access for communities in need. https://digwell.org/
- Wheel of Balance, a self-assessment tool for creating, tracking, and visualizing life balance. https://wheelofbalance.org/
- SKNR, AI-powered receipt scanning platform for modern restaurants. https://www.sknr.cc/
- CamGrader, grading tool for educators to scan paper-based quizzes and review results quickly. https://camgrader.com/
- AI Web Readiness, free scanner that grades how well a website speaks to AI agents and explains exactly how to fix what is missing. https://www.aiwebreadiness.com/

## Credentials

### Certified by
- International Coaching Federation, ICF Certified Coach (ACC level)
- CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium, Blockchain (C4)
- Inthrface, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
- Industry certifications from IBM, Microsoft, Google, and HubSpot

### Studied at
- American University of Sharjah, BS, MBA
- London Business School, Executive education
- Princeton, Stanford, Caltech, Advanced courses
- University of Nicosia, Blockchain

## Canonical links

- Website: https://alikhawaja.com/
- Coaching training: https://1mind.ac/
- Book: https://understanding.guide/
- Mental Health AE: https://mentalhealth.ae/
- Talk to Ali: https://talktoali.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha/
- Email: ali@khawaja.org

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Ali Khawaja?
Ali Khawaja is an ICF-certified executive coach, educator, TEDx speaker, author, and founder based in the United Arab Emirates. He works with leaders, executives, and founders on clarity, growth, and transitions, and trains other coaches through ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education programs delivered via 1Mind Academy.

### What does Ali Khawaja do?
Ali Khawaja works across six interconnected practices: teaching at the American University of Sharjah, one-on-one executive coaching, startup advising, public speaking, writing, and building ventures. The common thread across all his work is helping people and organizations think clearly, grow deliberately, and build better things.

### Where is Ali Khawaja based?
Ali Khawaja is based in the UAE. He works with clients locally across Sharjah and Dubai, as well as remotely with founders, executives, and coaches internationally.

### Is Ali Khawaja ICF certified?
Yes. Ali Khawaja is an ACC-level ICF-certified coach, credentialed by the International Coaching Federation. He also delivers ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs through 1Mind Academy for coaches working toward or maintaining their ICF credentials.

### What type of coaching does Ali Khawaja offer?
Ali Khawaja offers one-on-one coaching for executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals. His focus areas include executive coaching, leadership coaching, founder coaching, and ADHD coaching. He also delivers ICF-approved coach training programs for practicing coaches through 1Mind Academy.

### Who is executive coaching for?
Executive coaching is for leaders, senior professionals, founders, and entrepreneurs who want to think more clearly, lead more effectively, and navigate complex decisions and transitions with greater confidence. It is most valuable during periods of growth, change, or increased responsibility.

### What is the difference between executive coaching and life coaching?
Executive coaching focuses on professional performance, leadership, decision-making, and organizational impact. Life coaching addresses broader personal goals and lifestyle. Both are forward-focused and non-therapeutic. Ali Khawaja specializes in executive, founder, and leadership coaching for high-performing professionals in the UAE and beyond.

### How do I book a coaching session with Ali Khawaja?
You can book an introductory coaching call with Ali Khawaja through his Calendly page at calendly.com/k2labs. The intro call is the first step to exploring whether coaching is the right fit before committing to an ongoing engagement.

### Does Ali Khawaja coach remotely or in person?
Ali Khawaja coaches both remotely and in person. In-person sessions are available in the UAE. Remote coaching is available internationally via video call, making his coaching accessible to founders and executives regardless of location.

### What is ADHD coaching and who is it for?
ADHD coaching helps individuals with ADHD build structure, improve focus, manage routines, and navigate work and relationships more effectively. Ali Khawaja offers ADHD coaching for adults, particularly professionals and entrepreneurs, drawing on both his ICF coaching training and his authorship of Understanding ADHD.

### What does ICF-certified mean?
ICF stands for the International Coaching Federation, the globally recognized professional body for coaches. An ICF-certified coach has completed accredited training, logged verified coaching hours, and passed a credentialing exam. The ACC credential held by Ali Khawaja is the first level of ICF professional certification.

### What is Continuing Coach Education (CCE)?
Continuing Coach Education, or CCE, refers to ICF-approved training hours that credentialed coaches complete to maintain and renew their ICF certification. CCE programs focus on core coaching competencies, ethics, and advanced practice. Ali Khawaja delivers ICF-approved CCE programs through 1Mind Academy.

### How do I earn ICF CCE hours?
ICF CCE hours are earned by completing training programs approved by the International Coaching Federation. Ali Khawaja's 1Mind Academy offers ICF-approved CCE programs, including Core Competencies in Practice, a 10-hour program designed for coaches deepening their craft and working toward credential renewal.

### What coaching programs does Ali Khawaja offer through 1Mind Academy?
Through 1Mind Academy, Ali Khawaja offers ICF-approved Continuing Coach Education programs for practicing coaches. The flagship program is Core Competencies in Practice, a 10-hour CCE program focused on deepening coaching skills and supporting coaches on their ICF credentialing path. More information is available at 1mind.ac.

### Who is the Core Competencies in Practice program for?
Core Competencies in Practice is designed for coaches who are already practicing and want to deepen their skills, strengthen their understanding of ICF core competencies, and earn CCE hours toward their ICF credential renewal. It is delivered through 1Mind Academy and approved by the International Coaching Federation.

### What is Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones about?
Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones is a book by Ali Khawaja that helps partners, parents, friends, and colleagues understand what ADHD feels like from the inside. It replaces frustration with empathy and offers practical guidance on supporting focus, routines, and relationships without blame or confusion.

### Who is the Understanding ADHD book written for?
The book is written for anyone who loves, lives with, or works alongside someone with ADHD, including partners, parents, friends, and colleagues. It is not a clinical text. It is written with clarity and care for everyday readers who want to better understand and support someone with ADHD.

### Where can I buy Understanding ADHD by Ali Khawaja?
Understanding ADHD: A Short Guide for Loved Ones by Ali Khawaja is available at understanding.guide. The website has information on the book, its contents, and how to purchase a copy.

### What topics does Ali Khawaja speak on?
Ali Khawaja speaks on executive coaching, leadership, entrepreneurship, AI and technology in education, mental health awareness, and personal growth. He has delivered two TEDx talks, one on slowing down for a fuller life, and one on equitable access to education, and is available for events in the UAE and internationally.

### How do I invite Ali Khawaja to speak at an event?
To invite Ali Khawaja to speak at an event, you can reach him by email at ali@khawaja.org or connect via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha. He speaks on topics including leadership, entrepreneurship, AI in education, mental health, and personal growth.

### What is the Mental Health AE podcast?
Mental Health AE is a UAE-based podcast hosted by Ali Khawaja that creates a safe space for honest conversations about mental health. The show features guests from all walks of life sharing simple, human stories with the goal of normalizing mental health conversations across the region. Available on Spotify and at mentalhealth.ae.

### What is the Talk to Ali podcast about?
Talk to Ali is a podcast hosted by Ali Khawaja featuring conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, and people from across the startup and business ecosystem. The goal is to learn from real experiences, stories, and lessons. Available on Spotify and at talktoali.com.

### What kind of founders does Ali Khawaja advise?
Ali Khawaja advises early to growth-stage founders working on strategy, business model design, product direction, go-to-market planning, fundraising, and AI integration. He has advised ventures including Baytukum, a crowdfunding real estate platform, and Bookends, the UAE's largest used book platform.

### How can I work with Ali Khawaja as an advisor?
To explore an advisory engagement with Ali Khawaja, you can book an introductory call at calendly.com/k2labs or reach out directly at ali@khawaja.org. He works with a select number of founders at any given time, with several engagements currently under NDA.

### How do I contact Ali Khawaja?
Ali Khawaja can be reached by email at ali@khawaja.org. You can also book an introductory call at calendly.com/k2labs, connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha, or follow him on Instagram at instagram.com/aliabuzoha.

### Where can I follow Ali Khawaja's work?
Ali Khawaja's work is available across alikhawaja.com, his two podcasts (Mental Health AE and Talk to Ali), his book at understanding.guide, and his apps on the iOS App Store. He is also active on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/aliabuzoha and Instagram at instagram.com/aliabuzoha.