On a crisp evening in Parramatta on Tuesday 1 July 2025 more than 50 guests gathered at Western Sydney University to hear from one of Australia’s most recognized Muslim entrepreneurs, Izhar Basha, the founder of EHPlabs, a global supplements brand with customers in over 140 countries.
Organized by the Salaam Institute, the event offered more than a business success story. It was an intimate and honest conversation about identity, ambition, and the strength it takes to lead without compromising your values.
With Amal Wehbe as MC, the evening guided the audience through Izhar’s journey, from his beginnings in corporate law to creating a fitness and wellness brand that is now internationally recognized. What stood out was not just the scale of his success but the mindset and principles behind it.
“I didn’t build EHPlabs to be a hype brand,” Basha told the room. “It was created to help people, to serve. And when your purpose is pure, you’ll work differently.”
He spoke about faith as a framework, discipline as a daily practice, and mental clarity as a tool for leadership. He also reflected on growing up in Western Sydney and the way his environment, community, and beliefs have shaped the way he leads today.
For attendees, many of them aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, the conversation offered both inspiration and practical wisdom. It also offered representation in a space where stories like Basha’s are often left out of mainstream leadership narratives.
The Work of Salaam Institute
This event is part of Salaam Institute’s growing portfolio of programs designed to amplify Muslim leadership across business, culture, and public discourse.
An initiative of Salaam Australia, the Institute exists to shift the conversation from tokenism to transformation by platforming voices who lead with integrity and building spaces where ideas can grow without compromise.
The Institute’s work spans thought leadership events, leadership development, research, and education. It is built on the belief that the community deserves more than visibility. It deserves influence, credibility, and lasting impact.
Acknowledgements
Salaam Institute extends its thanks to Western Sydney University, KPMG Australia, Tender Loving Care Disability Services, 
Rehman Sheriff Group, Media Diversity Australia, and EHPlabs for their generous support of this event. Their partnership made it possible to create a space where purpose-led leadership could be explored in depth.
In a time where success is often measured by visibility or virality, this conversation reminded us that real success is measured in alignment, with values, with service, and with self.
Comments