A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER
How well do you know our team? And how well do they know themselves?
As part of our launch, we sat down with each team member get an insight into their world and dig deeper into how they ended up here.
Let’s start by introducing you to Javed, the Founder & Director of ZOLA.
So make yourself comfortable and read on.
WHY DID YOU TRAIN TO BECOME A SPECIALIST IN HEALTH?
Partly because I grew up loving sport, and partly because I spent the latter part of my youth being injured. Whilst overcoming the frustration of not playing competitively, I started to research how the body works. I became fascinated by its innate intelligence to heal and rebuild given the right attention. This insight gave me a head-start when going on to study human anatomy and physiotherapy, where a strong focus was on prevention (if only I’d known sooner!). A career in personal training, rehabilitation and massage therapy then paved the way to help others by opening Balima Day Spa which is all about RnR. Growing up with a father as a GP doctor, you could also say that the passion for helping people’s route to recovery is in my blood.
WHERE IS THE MOST ADVENTUROUS PLACE YOU’VE EVER BEEN?
A surf trip on a sailboat around the Banyak Islands off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Way out of my depth!
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT ZOLA?
I created ZOLA with the intention to add a new dimension to contemporary healthcare. Using an immersive, orchestrated approach, it is born out of a situation when there has never been a more important time to talk about health. I loved the idea of bringing together an ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ team of experts to cultivate an environment that creates meaningful change in people’s lives. The method involves connecting the body’s innate forms of intelligence (head, heart, gut, movement & rest). It is simple but bold, novel and yet all evidence based. I look forward to seeing the story unfold.
IN WHAT WAY ARE YOU THE SAME AS YOUR CHILDHOOD SELF?
A daydream believer.
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR MOST DEFINING MOMENTS IN LIFE?
Moving to Geneva with a suitcase in 2010 for a more ‘exotic’ way of life. It’s all relative considering I grew up in Yorkshire, UK 🙂 At the time I didn’t know what the future would hold but it was my first concrete experience of manifesting through the law of attraction. 11 years on I’m still here and launching my second wellness start-up based on the same principles.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF BEING YOU?
Family.
WORK IS GREAT AND EVERYTHING, BUT WHAT REALLY GETS YOU IN THE ZONE?
Kicking a football with friends. Time stands still and my mind empties, it’s like the ultimate form of meditation.
WHAT ARE 4 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Sunshine, humour, music, spicy food.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO UNWIND AT THE END OF THE DAY?
Cooking, painting, stretching, backgammon, playing the drums.
WHEN WAS THE TIME YOU FELT MOST AT YOUR ZENITH?
Travelling around the world at the age of 19. Discovering the world’s natural beauty, its people and diversity was as fascinating as it was character building. Every day was a good day.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE HERO’S JOURNEY?
Indiana Jones – an archaeologist with a whip, thirst for adventure and desire to go after whatever he truly believed in. The perfect anti-hero.
WHICH SONG GETS YOU IN THE ZONE EVERY TIME?
AC/DC – It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n’roll.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A DINNER PARTY WITH ANY FOUR PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD YOU INVITE?
Sir David Attenborough, Bruce Lee, John Lennon, Ricky Gervais (plus my father doing the cooking)
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO MASTER IN LIFE?
Time.
WHAT ARE YOUR SUPER-POWERS?
Listening, staying calm and making the best out of a bad situation.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for next week’s interview with Khalid, our Lifestyle Medicine Doctor here at ZOLA.