Is your path too messy for success? In this episode of The Messy Parts, Maryam talks to Rafat Ali, founder of Skift and one of the most quietly influential figures in digital media. This feels like a personal conversation, Rafat opens up about the parts of his journey most people never hear: stuttering as a teenager, feeling like an outsider in America, breaking down during intense life changes, and rebuilding through resilience. Maryam guides Rafat through the unexpected threads that connect his life — curiosity, delayed gratification, instinct, and the belief that nonlinear careers often lead to the most meaningful destinations. From surviving the collapse of his industry to navigating the COVID shutdown and a banking crisis, Rafat offers real insight for anyone struggling with uncertainty.
Show Notes:
✍️ Stammering to Storytelling: How Writing Became His Superpower
The childhood stutter, expanding vocabulary, and discovering writing as expression.
🌍 From India to Indiana: Culture Shock, Baywatch & Belonging
Rafat’s honest story of early loneliness, identity, and adjusting to America as a Muslim kid.
🎙️ Why Push Through? Rafat on Life Phases & the “Two-Year Rule”
How he decides when to persist vs. pivot — a core framework for careers and reinvention.
💼 B2B Influence > Fame: Choosing a Niche and Owning a Sector
Why Rafat sought influence over money—and how niching down fueled his career strategy.
🧭 Contrarian Thinking & Global Lens: Seeing What Others Miss
How being an outsider shaped his instincts, travel philosophy, and entrepreneurship.
🔁 Career Compounding: Staying Put to Accelerate Growth
His philosophy on long careers, loyal teams, and why job-hopping kills momentum.
🌐 Influence Over Money: Why Rafat Chose Impact, Not Income
Rafat reveals the driving force behind his entire career: the pursuit of influence—not wealth
👨👩👧 Family, Legacy & Belonging: The Emotional Skift India Forum
The powerful story of bringing his mother to his Delhi conference and finally being “seen.”
💥 When Everything Breaks: COVID, SVB Collapse & Leading Through Panic
Inside the near-death business moments—money running out, tears, resilience, and action.
🧠 Mental Health, Compartmentalizing & the Breakdown That Changed Him
Rafat opens up about his recent mental health crisis, adopting a baby, and learning limits.
Email us: hello@themessypartspodcast.com
To stay up to date with The Messy Parts and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and review on Apple or Spotify or where ever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for listening.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.