Meet Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat | Leader in Finance, Tech & Entertainment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zaheer, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in South Africa during a time of oppression and inequality, when racism was the law, and oppression was just the way it was. I experienced firsthand struggles and hardships no being should endure. But, I also had the privilege of living through a revolution and transition to democracy and not many people can say that.

It was an incredible time of hope and change. The air was thick with anticipation as we worked towards creating a new, inclusive society. For about a decade it was the most exciting place to be. However, as our young democracy took shape, corruption and fascism began to rear their ugly heads. It broke my heart to see the dream of equality slip through our fingers.

That’s why being here in the USA feels like such a blessing. I’ve witnessed the power of democracy and the freedom it can bring. I’m grateful for the opportunities and rights that I have as a citizen of this great nation. There’s not a day that goes by when I’m not grateful to be here, and for the abundant opportunities. I wish more Americans would realize how privileged we all are and how we can work together to be a beacon of hope in the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our integrated marketing services company stands out due to its unique blend of creativity, strategic insight, and a deeply personalized approach to each client. Unlike larger, more impersonal agencies, we take the time to truly understand the intricacies of each brand we work with, crafting bespoke marketing strategies that not only reach but resonate with their target audiences. This tailor-made approach, combined with our team’s diverse expertise spanning sports, food, finance, entertainment, and media, enables us to deliver innovative solutions that drive real results.

What I’m most proud of is our ability to remain agile and adaptive in a rapidly changing industry landscape. We’ve successfully navigated the shift towards digital and social media marketing, leveraging emerging technologies and platforms to keep our clients ahead of the curve. This adaptability is something that excites me every day, as it opens up new avenues for creativity and impact.

My journey to where I am today was far from easy. Transitioning from roles in finance and entertainment/media to founding a startup was fraught with challenges, from securing initial funding to building a client base from scratch. There were moments of doubt and countless obstacles, but what kept me going was a steadfast belief in the vision I had for the company. Overcoming these challenges involved a combination of resilience, a willingness to learn and adapt, and the support of a fantastic team who shared my vision.

The key lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of adaptability, the value of building a strong team culture, and the need for continuous learning. In this fast-paced industry, resting on your laurels is not an option. We’ve cultivated an environment where innovation is encouraged, and learning from failures is just as important as celebrating successes.

What I want the world to know about our brand and story is that at its core, our company is about more than just marketing. It’s about building meaningful connections, telling compelling stories, and helping brands not just reach, but truly engage with their audiences in authentic and impactful ways. We’re passionate about what we do, and this passion drives us to go above and beyond for our clients every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d aim to create an itinerary that balances iconic L.A. experiences with some hidden gems that only locals might know about. Here’s how we’d make the most out of the week:

**Day 1: Downtown L.A. Exploration**
– **Morning:** Start the day with coffee and breakfast at Grand Central Market. Afterward, take a walk to see the stunning architecture of the Bradbury Building.
– **Afternoon:** Visit The Broad museum for contemporary art, followed by a stroll around the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
– **Evening:** Dinner at Bestia, a trendy Italian restaurant in the Arts District. Finish the night with cocktails at The Varnish, a speakeasy-style bar.

**Day 2: Hollywood and Highland**
– **Morning:** Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and a closer look at the Hollywood Sign.
– **Afternoon:** Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill for some old Hollywood charm. Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and street performers on Hollywood Boulevard.
– **Evening:** Catch a show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre for some live comedy.

**Day 3: Santa Monica and Venice Beach**
– **Morning:** Breakfast at Urth Caffé in Santa Monica, followed by a bike ride along the beach path to Venice Beach.
– **Afternoon:** Explore the Venice Canals, then have lunch at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Spend some time browsing the unique shops in the area.
– **Evening:** Watch the sunset from the Venice Beach Skate Park, then head to The Otheroom for drinks.

**Day 4: Culver City and West L.A.**
– **Morning:** Start with breakfast at the Culver Hotel, then explore the art galleries in Culver City.
– **Afternoon:** Visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology, a unique and somewhat mysterious place that’s unlike any other museum you’ve visited.
– **Evening:** Dinner at n/naka for an exquisite Japanese dining experience. Reservations required well in advance.

**Day 5: The Pacific Coast Highway**
– **Day Trip:** Rent a convertible and drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. Stop for a hike at Point Dume and have lunch with ocean views at Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe.
– **Evening:** On the way back, stop for dinner at Nobu Malibu if you’re feeling fancy, or enjoy some casual beach vibes at Neptune’s Net.

**Day 6: Arts District and Little Tokyo**
– **Morning:** Breakfast at The Pie Hole in the Arts District, followed by a graffiti and murals tour.
– **Afternoon:** Explore Little Tokyo – visit the Japanese American National Museum and snack your way through the Japanese Village Plaza.
– **Evening:** Dinner at Daikokuya for some of the best ramen in L.A., followed by drinks at the Angel City Brewery.

**Day 7: Relax and Enjoy**
– **Day:** Spend a relaxing day at El Matador Beach or explore the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden for a more laid-back vibe.
– **Evening:** End the trip with a farewell dinner at Perch in Downtown L.A. for French-inspired cuisine and breathtaking city views.

This itinerary includes a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and, of course, fantastic food and drink options that show the diverse and vibrant spirit of Los Angeles. It’s designed to give a taste of everything that makes L.A. special, from its stunning natural beauty and historical landmarks to its cutting-edge art scene and culinary excellence.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate the interview to my fiancé. Her support, encouragement and desire to live life to the fullest with me is central to our lives. For us it’s all about living lives of joy, inspiration, connection and community. Having a partner that’s aligned and working together to build the lives we want to live make the challenges all worthwhile.

Website: Realmoxy.com and highmagic.io

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaheergb

Image Credits
Can I send these later?