Inspiring Conversations with Turan Özbahçeci – The Launch of UGAAA’s “Danışır Bakı” Series

At the University of Glasgow Azerbaijan Alumni Association (UGAAA), I have always believed in fostering the skills of every board member, not just my own. While I have often been the idea generator, the execution of our initiatives has been a collaborative effort, with the team leading projects as I advised them on shaping their vision.

This time, however, I decided to take matters into my own hands and personally launched “Danışır Bakı” under our existing “Talent to Light” project. This initiative aims to connect entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts with our alumni community. The ultimate goal? To create a space where great minds come together, fostering meaningful discussions and mutual growth for all involved.

On December 7th, UGAAA marked a significant milestone with the inaugural event of “Danışır Bakı”, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking conversations that inspire, educate, and connect.

The Visionary Speaker: Mr. Turan Özbahçeci

For our very first event, we were honored to host Mr. Turan Özbahçeci—an entrepreneur, investor, and visionary leader whose exceptional journey serves as a powerful testament to what is possible with ambition, innovation, and resilience.

Mr. Özbahçeci’s accomplishments are truly remarkable. As the project lead for Grandmart, Bolmarts, and Megastores, and the Chairman of Özbahçeci Invest Club, he has left a significant mark on the business world. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding Azcake LLC, alışveriş.com, Rafa Group LLC, İmex LLC, Istanbul Apteks, and iLoyal LLC.

Beyond these successes, Mr. Özbahçeci is the master franchiser of Gloria Jeans in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Uzbekistan, and Montenegro—managing over 20 companies across 11 countries with a workforce of more than 10,000 employees. His career is a testament to visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering passion for innovation.

Breakfast with Inspiration

The event was designed as an exclusive breakfast gathering, creating an intimate environment for open dialogue. Mr. Özbahçeci shared his entrepreneurial journey, his approach to overcoming challenges, and his vision for innovation in business.

Attendees were captivated by his insights into the importance of a growth mindset, the role of perseverance in achieving success, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing global market. His practical advice and personal anecdotes resonated deeply, leaving the audience with valuable lessons they could apply in their own lives and careers.

Gratitude and Collaboration

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the UK alumni who joined us, contributing their perspectives and making the discussion even more enriching. Their presence highlighted the strength of our alumni network and the collaborative spirit that defines UGAAA.

Looking Forward

The launch of “Danışır Bakı” is just the beginning of an exciting journey. As we continue this series, we are committed to hosting incredible guests who bring diverse perspectives and valuable insights to our alumni community.

This initiative embodies UGAAA’s mission to create opportunities for connection, growth, and inspiration. We look forward to announcing future events and welcoming more visionaries to share their stories with us.

Here’s to many more inspiring conversations and shared successes as the UGAAA family grows stronger together!

Stay tuned for upcoming events and follow along as “Danışır Bakı” brings the stories of exceptional leaders like Mr. Özbahçeci to life.