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with messages about the challenges of the future in the era of AI, distressing reports about jobs that will be outdated in the next five years, and advice to learn new skills, be empathetic, and diversify our careers.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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Stories Subscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify

All you need to know about personal branding for entrepreneurs.  In this episode, Maria Azarenok – a great expert with 1k+ successful cases in the field of personal branding and a top YouTube business blogger with 170k+ subscribers – will explain how to build a personal brand, even if you don’t want to share your personal life. This episode will hopefully provide you with fresh perspectives and the inspiration to push yourself and your company to greater heights. Enjoy! By the way, it’s...

Do you know this fear of failure when you start an enterprise: what if it doesn't work out? However, business and personal development are impossible without new beginnings and experiences. Watch the new episode, get some entrepreneur motivation, and learn from our guest who has gone from his own company to employment and again starting a business. ______ Visit our website Brands Through Stories Subscribe on platforms to get new episodes early: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify

The recall of the most helpful business tips and insights from the previous episodes: ▪️ Being a Businesswoman in the Middle East with Bayan AlOtaibi ▪️ Brand Strategy is Your Power in Business with Wael El Barbary ▪️ How to Succeed in Luxury Business with Ksenia Ternyuk ▪️ How to Differentiate Your Product with Daniela Rossi ▪️ The Story of a Purpose-Driven Brand with Katerina Papatryfon Take a look at business development from the Middle East perspective. Please enjoy and give me your...

Every business starts with an idea. But it is just an idea. Unless you get the right team, the right action around it, and the right story for your brand – nothing will happen.  In this episode, you will find a story of a truly purpose-driven brand from the Middle East – SPROUT. Is it hard for a startup to attract investors? What kind of people to take on the team? What mindset does the entrepreneur need for success? SPROUT Co-Founder & CMO Katerina Papatryfon will share her...

Many businesses today face challenging times—the market is oversaturated with supply, and, therefore, strong competition exists. A product is just a commodity, so there is always a substitute for it. How to make your product stand out in the market and drive sales? What can help you create an emotional connection with the customer? In this episode, you will find answers from Daniela Rossi – Buying & Merchandising Retail Consultant with more than 20 years of experience.