I've picked passion-driven businesses where I create a concept, or produce a film, from scratch. You have to be tenacious to overcome the constant objections.

I believe that if you don't have systems, you don't have a business - you simply have a job for yourself. My challenge has been to build those systems in a new restaurant setting.

I think the standards for food service and quality keep going up, which is exciting. With my restaurant Tabun Kitchen, I wanted to give guests freshly cooked, high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price and I think we've found a way to do it.

The best moments of my working life are when I find people who are passionate about what they do. That happens a lot in film, and it's an exciting experience that creates its own energy. I think that underlying care and passion is key in any successful company.

The creative aspect is the most rewarding for me. By that, I mean seeing a concept come to life. It's the part where I sit in my restaurant Tabun Kitchen on a Friday night, listen to the buzz and see the delight on people's faces as they eat, soaking in and enjoying the atmosphere.

My grandfather was an exceptional entrepreneur and philanthropist who moved from Palestine to Jordan and created an amazing group of companies. In a world where women were expected to get married and stay at home, he encouraged me from a very young age to get involved in business and work. He always took me with him on visits and I would spend my holidays at his office, running errands for him and observing what he did each day.

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