GCC countries have become lands of opportunity for many entrepreneurs looking to open new ventures or expand in this region. Today, the Food & Beverage industry is one of the hottest yet most competitive and saturated industries. Did you know there are about 26,000 F&B establishments in the UAE, with 13,000 in Dubai alone? However, experts say the market still has potential for new outlets, not only in the UAE but also in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. In this episode, I had a great conversation with Will Odwarka, who has over 30 years of experience in the F&B industry and has developed more than 1,000 outlets in over 40 countries. Our discussion turned out to be both a guide and a secret recipe for success for those looking to establish their F&B businesses in the Middle East market.I hope you enjoy it! Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Recently, I've been hearing more and more concerns from those around me regarding the state of the world and our future. There's a common feeling that time is flying by and the world is changing so rapidly that it's difficult to keep up. Every day, we're bombarded with messages about the challenges of the future in the era of AI, distressing reports about jobs that will be outdated in the next five years, and advice to learn new skills, be empathetic, and diversify our careers. However, it can be challenging to know how to do it. How can we diversify our income? What skills do we need, and how should we adapt to competition from AI?To be honest, I've often asked myself the same questions and haven't always been able to find the answers. So, I invited Aigerim Khafizova, a traveler, entrepreneur, business trainer, and a top expert in digital education and AI integration, to gain some clarity and discuss my concerns. This episode is filled with great recommendations from Aigerim on navigating our new reality and preparing ourselves for the future. After our conversation, I felt relieved, energized, and more in control of my future. I hope this episode brings you a sense of confidence in building your forthcoming career as well.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Please welcome my new episode created in collaboration with the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers.I meet many entrepreneurs who want to enter the growing GCC retail market or expand their business within this region. In this special episode, I dived into an engaging conversation with David Macadam, a top-tier retail expert in the MENA Region with 40+ years of experience. David covered various interesting topics, including how to become a strong player in the industry, how to prepare your business for high competition, and how to succeed in the market. We reviewed the pros, cons, and specifics of the retail industry in the GCC countries.Hope, you'll find this video helpful for your business. As always, I would love to connect with you in the comments if you have anything to ask or share.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

On the eve of International Women's Day, I'm honoured to shine a spotlight on the incredible women entrepreneurs that I've had the privilege to know and work alongside. Their purposefulness, creativity, and brave spirit inspire and motivate me in life and business.In this special episode, I've collected for you their personal stories, challenges, and advice. I hope you will be as inspired as I am.And, of course, happy International Women's Day 2024! To all the women reading it: thank you for your courage, your wisdom, and your endless contributions to our world!______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

I met my incredible guest, psychologist and executive coach Hayssam Alamine, a while ago when working on one of my projects. We've been trying to arrange a podcast recording for quite some time, but it happened only now and apparently for a reason. Currently, there is a period in my life when emotions overwhelm me, and I am trying to figure out how to manage them and stay focused on what is important in life.Our conversation turned out to be incredibly enlightening and supportive for me. Hayssam shared his inspirational story of how a difficult period in life can become a source of strength; he explained how to deal with emotions and develop EQ, which is an essential trait of future leaders. I hope you will get some useful tips and insights as I did. We also prepared a summary of the whole episode, a little "cheat sheet" filled with key takeaways that can be printed out as a reminder. The link for download is available here. Enjoy watching, and please share your thoughts in the comments.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Every day, more and more people, including kids, are venturing into the Metaverse. To be honest, as a parent, I get stressed whenever I see my kids with an iPad in their hands and going online. What are they doing there? Why are they wasting their time?In this episode, along with the founder of Open MetaKids Club, Aygul Kupcova, we explore how we can transform our kids from consumers of online information into creators of online content. We discuss the benefits and positive impact of the Metaverse and have an insightful conversation with a new generation of creators, Ruslana, who is only 13 years old and already has her channel about science. She creates content that even adults can find super insightful.I hope you will enjoy this episode and find inspiration together with your kids to become creators.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Dubai market is booming and attracting more and more entrepreneurs willing to catch their own luck. When you’re driving around Dubai, you can see the offerings of new and new luxury products or experiences nearly everywhere. On one hand, it gives the impression of an opulent lifestyle and limitless opportunities to make money. However, on the other hand, “luxury" scooters, sandwiches, etc. devalue the genuine meaning of the word “luxury”. In today’s world, this word has been overused in pursuit of profits. Where are we going with that? What is the reality of luxury business in Dubai? What makes products and services truly luxurious? I discussed these questions with Antoine Massé, a retail and hospitality expert with a 25-year career in the luxury industry. ______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

In today's world, terms like partnership, collaboration, co-creation, and co-production have become increasingly common. The Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford emphasizes that partnership and collaboration must be foundational pillars of every company's business strategy to succeed in the future. But what are the ingredients for a successful collaboration? How can we translate words into actions and produce valuable business outcomes?In this episode, I am delighted to have my friend Rachel Meuleman, a Global Collaboration Strategist, who will answer these questions and provide tips for entrepreneurs seeking growth through partnership and collaboration.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

This topic holds a special place in my heart due to my own recent experience with a business partner. While my relationship with my ex-business partner ended painfully after eleven years of building a company together, I dedicate this episode to him. I am very thankful to him for the knowledge he shared with me, for all the great times we had together, and for all the difficult times when we supported each other. I still believe in partnership as a powerful tool to create a better world and better companies.To discuss this important topic, I couldn't think of anyone better suited than Fabian and Elena - exceptional business partners who have successfully run their entertainment industry company for nine years, growing and evolving side by side. I asked them to share their secrets of creating a harmonious partnership.I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. ______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

I meet a lot of business leaders, some of whom are great people who care about their employees. They are inspirational and understand the value of company culture. Unfortunately, there is still a significant number of business leaders who are solely driven by financial results. For them, people are merely a means to achieve their goals. What does the future hold for those leaders? Why are empathetic leaders more sustainable and likely to be successful in the future? What skills are necessary to be a truly sustainable leader? In this episode, I had a great discussion with Charlotte Verhaert, a strategic leadership expert with over 15+ years of experience. Her purpose is to empower and help leaders to find empathy and become high and happy performers. I hope you enjoy this episode and share it with those who need to be a bit more empathetic 🙂______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

I've noticed that in recent years, the stress of running a business has been increasing to the point where I constantly feel busy and unable to switch off. Have you experienced the same feeling? In this episode, I have invited Vic Baretto, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in helping entrepreneurs run and scale businesses without stress, to share his secrets on how to grow a company and have a peaceful life.Listen to to discover and learn how to build a sustainably scalable business.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

It's truly fascinating how life can sometimes change our plans and reshape our visions. This was the case for my new guest, Vuk Zlatarov, the founder of Poddster - a network of podcast production studios. When he started this business, his goal was to establish a stable company that relied on technology rather than people. However, along the way, people became the heart of his business vision.Watch the episode to discover how a grand vision can transform a business, inspire people to believe in you, and embrace your idea.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

When I first saw the Instagram account of this beautiful woman – my guest Anna – I was very inspired by her vision in life. She is a strong advocate for women's empowerment and a founder of the online educational platform WE University. We discussed the problems and challenges that women face today. Anna also shared her concept of a life strategy that can help people make their lives more meaningful, fulfilling, and successful.Listen to the episode to discover practical advice on building a strategy for your life.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

My fantastic guest Chris Browne was a Global Retail Director at the famous clothing brand Ted Baker for 30 years. Today his passion is mentoring startups and transferring his extensive knowledge in business and retail. Through this interview, Chris shares his practical advice to all aspiring entrepreneurs across the following topics:▪️How to work with people in a positive and productive way?▪️What is important for a modern leader?▪️What are the crucial things that startups need to know?▪️How to be open-minded in management?▪️How to take risks and experiment in business?▪️What to choose: physical or online retail?▪️How to approach the metaverse?▪️How to be innovative?We hope this episode will bring value and inspire you to move forward, experiment and innovate to change the world for the better.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Have you ever had one of those relationships with a business partner, colleague, or client that leaves you feeling drained and lacking motivation? Toxic relationships can be a real energy drain; unfortunately, they can happen to anyone. I've experienced this myself, so I reached out to my friend and business advisor, Rachel Meuleman. Rachel is an expert at helping entrepreneurs create problem-solving strategies that allow them and their companies to grow. In this episode, Rachel and I dive into an actual business therapy session to explore what makes my relationship with a client toxic and how to fix it. Rachel talks about 3 steps that can help to avoid such unwelcome scenarios. By implementing these steps, you'll be able to easily navigate tricky business relationships and focus on what really matters - growing your business and finding happiness in what you do.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

I have two beautiful kids who are my world, and as a parent myself, I know firsthand how inspiring and complicated this role can be. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to Sylvie Ebert, founder of Connected Parenting, a purpose-driven company that specialises in helping parents find balance and provides insightful parenting advice.In this episode, Sylvie will share her experience and expertise in building a strong connection with your children and creating a brand that empowers parents to be happy. Whether you're a parent or not, I believe you'll find her insights helpful and inspiring.Sylvie Ebert's company Connected Parenting: https://www.parentcoach-me.com/______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

In this episode, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Joe Foster, who, along with his brother, founded a UK family-based firm in 1958 that went on to become the world's number one sports shoe brand and remains among the top 10 sportswear companies. Our conversation is both heartwarming and informative, as we discuss the difficulties, joys, and mindset needed to achieve that level of success. It's a great episode for anyone looking to build a legacy.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

This episode is an endearing story of men who spent 28 years attempting to build a great business, having success and each time failing temporarily. His life journey turned him down from being a young millionaire to working as a cleaner at the factory for £5 an hour. Today he is building a purpose-driven community and a new type of media company – One Golden Nugget. Steven Foster is one of the wisest people I know. I hope our conversation will bring you some nuggets of wisdom and support you on your way to success.______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

This episode is not a typical Brands Through Stories podcast. It is more than just a successful business story. It is a story of a fantastic initiative called "Beat The Cyber Bully" that protects our kids. As a mother of two beautiful children, I couldn't miss the opportunity to share it with all of those who have kids. Discover the endearing journey of Barry Lee Cummings about how a crisis can become a turning point for growth and learn more about cyber safety for your children.Beat The Cyber Bully links:https://beatthecyberbully.ae  https://Twitter.com/cybersafetyuae  https://facebook.com/cybersafetyuae  https://Instagram.com/cybersafetyuae______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify

Did you know that 65% of startups fail because they don’t have the right team in place? Your people are your power in business. But how to create the right team that will make your company thrive? Listen to this episode to discover!______Visit our website Brands Through StoriesSubscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTubeApple Podcasts Spotify