A Legacy Reimagined
In this episode of our podcast series, Amar shares the extraordinary journey of transforming Bokhari, a traditional rug company, into a groundbreaking social enterprise that has redefined sustainable manufacturing. After his father's passing in 2012, what started as a dormant family business has evolved into a thriving social enterprise that employs 450 people and provides free education to 1,000 children.
"If it weren't for the impact, the purpose-driven side of it, I probably would have given up a long time ago," Bokhari reflects. This commitment to social impact has been the North Star guiding every business decision, from choosing recycled materials to refusing to replace workers with machines.
Beyond Greenwashing: Real Impact in Action
What sets Bokhari apart isn't just talk about sustainability, it's the concrete actions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility:
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100% solar-powered production facility
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Exclusive use of recycled, upcycled, and natural materials
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Free education for all employees' children from preschool through 10th grade
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Employment opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated textile production
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A "people-first" approach that prioritizes jobs over automation
The company's school, established in 1996, represents a generational investment in breaking cycles of poverty. Today, Bokhari employs second and third-generation workers whose families have benefited from this educational opportunity, dramatically reducing illiteracy rates among staff.
Bridging Two Worlds
One of the most compelling aspects of Amar's story is his navigation between Norwegian design sensibilities and Pakistani production realities. Raised with a Norwegian mother and Pakistani father, he candidly discusses the challenges of operating in a system where trust must be built differently than in his Scandinavian markets.
"Norway is very much... what you see is what you get. It's rules-based," he explains. "Moving to Pakistan, it's very much about transactions... not so much what's written on paper but what is agreed offline."
This cultural bridge-building has become one of Amar's greatest strengths, allowing him to connect European markets with Pakistani craftsmanship in ways that honor both traditions while pushing toward innovation.
Lessons for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs
For aspiring social entrepreneurs, Amar offers invaluable insights:
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Think beyond your perspective: "Take a look at it from the market point of view. What difference are you bringing into the world which was not there before?"
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Balance purpose with profitability: "Whatever startup you're running needs to cover the bills. That reality hits you in the face pretty quickly."
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Stay close to your impact: "If one ends up becoming too distant from the impact, you can end up just feeling that it becomes just another job."
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Embrace flexibility: Success comes from being "open-minded enough" to seize unexpected opportunities while staying true to core values.
The Future of Business
Bokhari envisions a future where social responsibility isn't a differentiator but the norm, where companies are identified not for being environmentally friendly, but for failing to be so. This vision resonates with a growing movement of businesses recognizing that true success means creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As traditional corporations increasingly seek partnerships with purpose-driven companies like Bokhari, the model Amar has created offers a blueprint for transformation. It is proof that with courage, principle, and persistence, businesses can be powerful forces for social change while remaining commercially viable.
Listen to the Full Episode!
This conversation with Amar offers genuine insights into leadership, cultural navigation, sustainable business practices, and the courage required to transform legacy into innovation. Whether you're an aspiring social entrepreneur, a corporate leader seeking inspiration, or simply someone interested in how business can be a force for good, this episode provides both practical wisdom and motivational fuel for the journey ahead.
Notwithstanding, Amar also offers some valuable insight on how he navigated his UN Career before he embarked on his entrepreneurial adventure!
Don't miss this compelling story of how one man's leap from international development to social enterprise is helping to reshape what business success looks like in the 21st century.
Interested to know more about Bokhari, visit them at http://www.bokhari.no/en