ALSA UK

What if leadership wasn’t about being loud, but about building quietly with care, clarity, and contribution?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Marcela Shehu, recruiter, co-founder of Honest Solutions and Dental Tourism Albania. From London to Tirana, Marcela’s story is one of bridge-building, mentorship, and purpose-led entrepreneurship.We talk about creating apprenticeships that open real doors for women in tech, building trust across cultures, and why honesty is the foundation of every lasting partnership. Marcela opens up about the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, the realities of leading teams across borders, and what it truly means to invest back into Albania with intent.🎧 Whether you're a young professional in the diaspora, a founder balancing two homes, or someone dreaming of giving back, this episode is filled with grounded wisdom and heartfelt motivation.You’ll hear about:– Leading with integrity: how honesty and accountability shape every decision– Building trust across teams, clients, and countries– Creating long-term apprenticeships and empowering women in tech– Lessons from Honest Solutions and Dental Tourism Albania– What failure can teach you about clarity and resilience– Diaspora investment as a form of contribution, not escape– Advice for young Albanians who want to start something of their own📌 Chapters00:00 – Identity, Roots & What Marcela’s Building02:49 – Leading with Values: Honesty, Accountability & Boundaries05:51 – Building Trust Across Borders & Cultures08:42 – Women in Tech: Internships, Apprenticeships & Inclusion14:19 – Success Stories & Course Corrections in Early Careers16:46 – Internships from a Business Perspective19:50 – Soft Skills & Workforce Readiness in Albania22:46 – Finding Strengths & Career Alignment25:32 – Giving Back: Solidarity Day & Community Engagement28:25 – Diaspora Investment & Why She Chose Albania30:31 – Risks, Sacrifices & Lessons from Entrepreneurship32:49 – Advice for Future Entrepreneurs & Career Starters🎯 Watch this if you want to:✅ Learn what purpose-led leadership looks like in practice✅ Understand how diaspora investment can create opportunity✅ Hear honest lessons on risk, resilience, and business ethics✅ Feel inspired to bring your skills home and give back👤 Connect with Marcela Shehu🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-shehu-4a36b951/🌐 Honest Solutions: https://honestsolutions.co.uk🌐 Dental Tourism Albania: https://dentaltourismalbania.com📩 Email: info@dentaltourismalbania.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentaltourismalbania_/🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What if neuroscience wasn’t just about data but about place, memory and healing?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Dr Egzona Morina, a neuroscientist, educator and founder of the Xheladin and Xhufe Morina Foundation. From Prishtina to Boston, MIT to BrainCamp, Egzona’s story is one of scientific purpose, emotional honesty, and deep-rooted love for community.We talk about rebuilding after failure, finding your calling through detours, and creating space for young minds to grow, in Kosovo and across the diaspora. Egzona opens up about navigating academic pressure, grief, and self-doubt, while also building a neuroscience lab from scratch and pioneering research in environmental stress.🎧 Whether you're a young professional in the diaspora, a student figuring things out, or someone who’s ever felt like an outsider, this episode is for you.You’ll hear about:– Returning to Kosovo as healing, not just heritage– Why failure doesn’t define you—but who stays around does– Building BrainCamp, from idea to impact– Neuroscience that centres culture, context and care– Invisible stressors: what noise and pollution do to our minds– Her foundation, her father, and the legacies we choose to carry– Advice for young Albanians who want to give back📌 Chapters00:00 – Identity, Return & What Egzona Is Building Now08:45 – Diaspora Tensions: Pressure, Belonging, and Second Chances23:15 – Discovering Neuroscience (by Accident) & Getting Started in Labs31:45 – From Personal Gaps to BrainCamp: Making Science Accessible38:00 – Building a Lab from Scratch & Starting ENRI46:30 – Culture, Context & Caution in Scientific Research54:45 – Failures, Grants & Self-Worth in Academic Spaces01:03:40 – Why Her Foundation Carries Her Parents’ Names01:12:00 – Pressure vs Love: A Diaspora Reframing01:24:00 – What Success Means Now: Joy, Purpose & Building with Others🎯 Watch this if you want to:✅ Hear an honest story of academic resilience and purpose✅ Understand how science and community can serve each other✅ Get inspired to give back, even if you’re still figuring it out✅ Reflect on what it means to carry your roots into your work👤 Connect with Egzona Morina🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egzona-morina-claudi/🌐 Foundation: https://xhmf.org/🧠 BrainCamp: https://xhmf.org/braincamp📸 Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xhmfoundation/🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it mean to build a mental health platform that truly reflects who we are?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Jona Doda, founder and CEO of Bliss, a wellbeing platform designed for diaspora communities who’ve long been underserved by traditional therapy models.Jona shares the story behind Bliss, from growing up in Durrës and moving to the UK at 16, to confronting shame, burnout, and generational silence. With honesty and clarity, she walks us through what it means to lead with empathy, design with cultural sensitivity, and care without compromise.🎧 Whether you're a founder, a diaspora listener, or simply navigating the complexities of identity, this conversation is a deep breath and a clear mirror.You’ll hear about:– Building Bliss from lived experience and professional expertise– How shame, silence, and sacrifice shape mental health in Albanian families– Using tech and AI to scale culturally rooted therapy– Why returning to Albania was both strategic and soulful– The emotional language of switching between Albanian and English– What it means to care for yourself while building for others📌 Chapters00:00 Introduction & Jona’s Journey to the UK08:21 Burnout, Therapy & Founding Bliss18:51 Cultural Sensitivity & Mental Health in the Diaspora26:58 Returning to Albania & Building Community Trust35:11 Identity, Language & Expanding to Global Diasporas44:20 Leadership, Feedback & What We Deserve in Care🎯 Watch this if you want to:✅ Understand how therapy can reflect, not erase, cultural identity✅ Learn what it takes to build a care-focused startup✅ Hear real talk about burnout, AI, and breaking taboos in the diaspora✅ Feel seen in the tension between gratitude and unmet needs👤 Connect with Jona Doda🌐 Website: https://bliss.al📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bliss.al🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonadoda📩 Email: info@bliss.al🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it take to create across cultures, and stay rooted in meaning?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Sara Payman, a British Indian-Iranian artist, trained dentist, and performer who now calls Albania home. Through music, faith, and storytelling, Sara shows how creativity can honour heritage, inspire healing, and connect people across borders.From her tribute song TEN, written from her grandfather’s imagined perspective, to her beloved Albanian serenades, Sara’s work reminds us that art isn’t just expression. It’s responsibility, memory, and service.🎧 Whether you're a multilingual creative, a diaspora dreamer, or someone building a path that doesn’t yet exist, this episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and depth.📌 Chapters00:00 Identity, Heritage & Storytelling05:10 Songwriting, Emotion & Faith11:00 Spiritual Life & Moving to Albania16:38 Community & Connection in the Bahá’í Faith19:47 Music, Memory & Cultural Responsibility22:34 Everyday Life in Albania26:31 Navigating Albania and the UK29:50 Building a Personal Brand34:44 Dealing with Hate & Owning Your Identity40:34 Creative Dreams & Cultural Impact43:32 Owning Your Story👤 Connect with Sara Payman🌐 Website: https://sarapayman.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarapayman_/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarapayman🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it mean to bet on yourself. Fully, early, and without a backup plan?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Ronnie Koldashi, a creative entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Seven Media Agency in London. At just 21, Ronnie has built a career that blends creative storytelling, brand-building, and property investment.From reselling trainers in school to buying his first HMO at 19, Ronnie opens up about the decisions that shaped him, including turning down university, building a business from scratch, and redefining what success can look like for young Albanians in the diaspora.We explore how personal brand can unlock opportunity, why representation starts with ownership, and what it means to build across borders with purpose.🎧 Whether you're a creative, a first-gen entrepreneur, or just figuring out your next step, this conversation is a reminder that it's not about waiting. It's about starting.You’ll hear about:– Choosing risk over tradition: why Ronnie didn’t go to university– How he went from filming properties to investing in them– Building Seven Media and creating content that converts– Working in Albania: the mastermind retreats and new markets– Personal brand as positioning, not just visibility– What ownership means, of time, assets, and identity– Lessons in delegation, networking, and building the right team– What he’s building for his family, and what he’s building next📌 Chapters00:00 – Choosing an Unconventional Path & Early Lessons in Resilience09:00 – Creative Hustle: From YouTube Thumbnails to Building Seven Media17:30 – Storytelling That Sells: Client Work, Value, and Vision25:26 – Stepping Into Property: First Investment & Financial Lessons33:41 – Family, Freedom, and Building for the Future39:26 – Bridging Cultures: Working in Albania and What ‘Home’ Means43:51 – Personal Branding: Visibility, Positioning, and Purpose52:34 – Teams, Delegation & Trusting Your Gut in Business57:33 – Partnerships & Networking: The People Who Shape Your Path01:05:58 – Advice, Legacy & What Ronnie Wants You to Hear🎯 Watch this if you want to:✅ Learn how to turn creative skills into capital✅ Hear honest talk on risk, doubt, and betting on yourself✅ Understand the power of networks and personal branding✅ Get inspired to start, even if you don’t feel “ready”👤 Connect with Ronnie Koldashi📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronniekoldashi/🎥 Website: https://www.sevenmedia.agency/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ronniekoldashi🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnie-koldashi-651417231?originalSubdomain=uk📸 Agency Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenmedia.agency/🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it take to turn personal memories into powerful theatre?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Loresa Leka, an actress, writer, and performer whose bold storytelling has captured national stages and now, our hearts.From navigating identity in the diaspora to writing her award-winning play Teapot Troubles, Loresa opens up about her creative process, the legacy of her family’s journey, and the reality of making space in an industry that doesn’t always make room.This episode is for anyone creating their own path in the arts, and especially for those who know what it means to carry more than one home in their story.You’ll hear about: – How her family’s stories became the foundation of her art – What it felt like to see Albanian culture at the National Theatre – Translating the Kosovo war into personal, creative memory – The emotional challenges of putting on her first solo play– Advice for young creatives navigating doubt and identity📌 Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Loresa Leka01:19 – The Creative Path: From Music to Theatre04:33 – Identity and Storytelling: The Albanian Influence08:24 – The Impact of Family on Creative Expression11:22 – Navigating Identity as a Young Albanian15:18 – The Dual Role: Writing and Acting in Citizen17:31 – Emotional Depth in Performance: The Heart of Citizen21:26 – Cultural Pride and Integration: A Balancing Act24:17 – Teapot Troubles: A Milestone in Recognition29:47 – From Table Read to Production32:15 – Adapting for Audio: A Creative Challenge35:16 – Translating History into Personal Narratives39:40 – Navigating the Creative Industry: Struggles and Growth44:48 – The Importance of Community in the Arts47:22 – Embracing the Process: Advice for Aspiring Artists51:16 – Lessons Learned: Trusting the Creative Journey55:08 – What’s Next: Upcoming Projects and Aspirations🎯 Watch this if you want to: Understand how lived experience becomes theatre Learn what it takes to write, act, and produce your own work Hear real talk about rejection, resilience, and representation Be inspired by a young creative writing her own future👤 Connect with Loresa Leka📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loresa_leka/🎭 A Womans Truth: https://camdenfringe.com/events/a-womans-truth/🎭 Camden Fringe Shows: https://camdenfringe.com/🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCow0hd01cvfIJ8Cvd92n8Rg🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivr...📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it mean to come back, not just to a place, but to yourself?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Ariana Krasniqi, a communicator, strategist, and one of the most thoughtful voices in the Albanian diaspora. Ariana returned to Kosova to take part in the Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship, helping to shape how her country is seen by the world.From her early career in Denmark to working with Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ariana shares the deeply personal and strategic journey behind her return. We talk identity, media, purpose, and what it means to tell your story before someone else does.You’ll hear about:Why she left a stable career abroad to return “home”What it really means to be a citizen diplomatHow storytelling can rebrand a countryThe balance between vulnerability and strategy onlineHer message to young diaspora navigating multiple identities📌 Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Ariana Krasniqi02:42 – Returning to Kosovo: A Long-Awaited Homecoming05:07 – Navigating Professional Roots in Kosovo06:23 – Citizen Diplomacy Fellowship: Bridging Cultures08:57 – Challenges and Wins in Shaping Kosovo's Image11:05 – Moments of Inspiration During the Fellowship11:16 – Ariana's Diverse Career Path12:21 – Skills from Denmark Applied in Kosovo14:14 – Content Creation: Authentic Storytelling18:18 – Connecting with Albanian Communities Abroad25:47 – Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Content Creation27:11 – Navigating Identity in a Globalized World28:47 – Becoming a Cultural Bridge for the Diaspora31:03 – The Journey of Moving Back to Kosovo33:02 – Changing Perspectives on Returning Home39:33 – The Role of Emotion in Modern Diplomacy41:48 – Overcoming Negativity in Content Creation43:32 – Living in the Present and Embracing Change45:30 – Taking the Leap: Moving Back to Your Roots49:17 – Future Aspirations and New Opportunities🎯 Watch this if you want to:Understand what returning to Kosova feels like after 30 years awayLearn how storytelling can change political narrativesSee how identity is shaped through movement, work, and cultureHear real advice for speaking up online with authenticity👤 Connect with Ariana Krasniqi:🌐 All Links: https://lnk.bio/arianakra📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianakra/🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianakra🔗 Follow ALSA UK:🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaWithALSA🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

What does it really mean to engage the diaspora? Not just through remittances, but through identity, innovation, and long-term impact.In this episode of Tea with ALSA, we speak with Lirim Krasniqi, Co-Executive Director at GERMIN, one of the leading organisations working to connect the Western Balkans with its global diaspora.We explore how migration has shaped our collective story, how programmes like OriginAL are reconnecting second and third generations with their roots, and why the average diaspora member has more to offer than just donations.🎧 Whether you’re part of the diaspora, working in development, or curious about how we build bridges across borders, this episode is for you.📌 Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Who is Lirim Krasniqi02:40 – Why diaspora, migration and development became his purpose06:00 – Studying at CEU, time in Romania and early leadership lessons10:20 – How history of migration drives GERMIN’s mission14:10 – The meaning of diaspora as soft power18:40 – From remittances to investment, real examples of impact22:00 – How the diaspora can engage beyond sending money26:10 – Diaspora voting and why it matters more than ever32:00 – How the OriginAL Programme was created37:30 – What it means to witness the impact of OriginAL42:00 – Why sponsors support OriginAL and what they value in it47:30 – The importance of business and investment from the diaspora50:50 – Identity, generation gaps and preserving our culture56:00 – What diaspora youth misunderstand about home01:01:00 – The power of “Unofficial Ambassadors” today01:05:30 – What gives Lirim hope for the future💡 You’ll learn:✅ What meaningful diaspora engagement really looks like✅ How GERMIN is shaping policy, programmes and participation✅ Why youth-focused initiatives like OriginAL work✅ What governments can do better✅ How to build identity while living across borders👤 Connect with Lirim Krasniqi:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lirimkrasniqi/🌐 GERMIN: https://germin.org/🌍 OriginAL Website: https://origin-al.org/📸 OriginAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalbanian/?hl=en-gb🔗 Follow ALSA UK:🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaWithALSA🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

Alice Taylor: The Journalist Who Made Albania Her HomeWhat happens when a three-day holiday turns into a lifetime commitment?Alice Taylor visited Albania in 2017, and never left. In this powerful episode of Tea with ALSA UK, we sit down with the British-born journalist who has become one of Albania’s most recognisable storytellers.Now a naturalised Albanian citizen, Alice shares the deeply personal and political reasons behind her move, her career in journalism, and what it means to belong somewhere new. From raising a daughter in Albania to covering corruption, culture, and democracy, this is a conversation about roots, resilience, and rewriting the narrative from within.You’ll hear about:Her unexpected move from Malta to AlbaniaThe cultural challenges and joys of living in TiranaBuilding a journalism career as a foreigner in the BalkansPublishing Inside Albania and why it mattersWhat the diaspora needs to understand about today’s AlbaniaHer advice for others who feel caught between countries, cultures, or careers📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Who is Alice Taylor?01:42 – Moving to Albania: A 3-Day Trip That Changed Everything04:00 – Family, Identity & Reactions from Back Home07:10 – Studying Law, Working in Malta & Finding Journalism09:40 – Why Do We Talk About Diaspora So Much? (Migration History)13:00 – The Early Culture Shocks in Albania17:30 – Documenting Her Life on Social Media20:00 – Advice on Sharing Your Story Online23:00 – Journalism in Albania: Building Trust & Covering Tough Stories27:00 – Why She Created Inside Albania on Euronews30:20 – One Story That Stuck With Her33:30 – Writing Inside Albania: Process & Personal Meaning37:00 – The Role of Her Earlier Books on North Albania39:40 – How Language Transformed Her Life in Albania42:00 – Raising Her Daughter in Albania vs the UK45:30 – Misconceptions Diaspora Have About Albania48:10 – Underreported Issues Foreign Media Misses51:00 – What Albanians Themselves Don’t Realise53:30 – Advice to Diaspora Thinking About Moving Back56:00 – Final Reflections: Home, Identity & the Power of Storytelling🎯 Watch this if you want to:Learn what it’s really like to move to Albania from abroadUnderstand the complexities of identity, citizenship, and cultural belongingHear how journalism can shape national narrativesGet inspired to live boldly, even if it’s not what you planned👤 Connect with Alice Taylor:📚 Buy her new book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F9B5FQRM🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceopheliataylor/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceinalbania/?hl=en-gb🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alice.in.albania🌍 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aliceinalbania🔗 Follow ALSA UK:🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaWithALSA🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

Would you set your CV on fire in a job interview? Emir Allen did, and it worked.In this episode of Tea with ALSA UK, Emir shares his unbelievable journey from arriving in the UK with no safety net to selling his first tech company to James Caan of Dragon’s Den. We dive into his time on the trading floor at Citi during the 2008 financial crash, the infamous job interview that changed his life, and how he went on to build and scale businesses across banking, recruitment, and Web3.This is a story about risk, reinvention, and redefining success. From balancing spreadsheets in rainbow colours to building a crypto-powered vision for Albania’s future, Emir speaks candidly about lessons learned, overcoming stigma, and the power of showing up as yourself.You’ll learn:• How bold moves create life-changing opportunities• Lessons from surviving one of the worst financial crashes in history• How to stand out in cutthroat industries like banking and recruitment• What it takes to build and sell a startup with no safety net• The power of giving back and building legacy over wealth• Why Albania could become the “Dubai of Europe” in Web3 innovation📌 Chapters: 00:00 Intro – Who is Emir Allen? 02:04 From Immigrant to Investment Banking 04:50 Setting His CV on Fire at Citi 08:20 Surviving the 2008 Crash 12:10 Why He Left Banking After 6 Months 14:30 Building His First Business at Uni 17:20 Falling Into Recruitment and Field Sales 20:40 Why Recruitment Is the Toughest Sales Game 23:10 How to Stand Out in Service-Based Industries 26:30 Why He Never Overpromises (and Never Misses) 29:10 The Sale to James Caan 32:00 How Luck Meets Relentless Action 34:00 Writing His First Book: Just Us 2 36:00 Relationships, Energy, and the 33% Rule 39:00 Giving Back, Legacy, and Living With Purpose 42:00 Building a Web3 Incubator in the UAE 45:00 Why He’s Turning Albania Into the “Dubai of Europe” 48:00 Crypto, Blockchain & the Balkans Crypto 2025 Vision 52:00 Misconceptions About Albania – And the Truth 55:00 Emir’s Top Book Recommendations 57:00 What Every Person Should Do in Their Lifetime🎯 Listen if you want to:• Learn how to stand out, even in the most competitive industries• Understand how to build and sell businesses from scratch• Discover the hidden opportunities in Albania and the Balkans• Hear an unfiltered story of ambition, resilience, and impact👤 Connect with Emir Allen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emir-allen/ Balkans Crypto: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balkans-crypto/🔗 Follow ALSA UK: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaWithALSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD?si=20a217c2d9d847db Email: info@alsauk.co.uk

Is leaving a high-paying job worth it? Arta Ramaj thought so, and she did it without a finance degree.From waitressing tables on Oxford Street to founding a thriving financial strategy firm, Arta shares how she broke into finance in the most unconventional way, what financial modelling actually means, and why leaving a comfortable 9–5 was the best decision she ever made.In this episode, Arta reveals how she battled imposter syndrome, landed her first finance job without formal experience, and why discipline, not passion, is the real key to success.You’ll learn:• How to break into an industry with no traditional background• Why job-hopping helped her find her true career path• The real meaning behind financial modelling• How to spot red flags in startup businesses• Building a boutique brand without investors• Why most people misunderstand personal finance📌 Chapters:00:00 Intro – Who is Arta Ramaj?02:04 From Human Geography to Finance04:50 How Waitressing Helped Her Land a Finance Job08:20 Breaking Into Finance Without a Degree10:38 Why Job-Hopping Helped Shape Her Career13:20 Leaving a Toxic Job to Start 360 Finance16:10 What Financial Modelling Actually Means20:40 Red & Green Flags in Startup Finances26:00 Finding the Right Clients — And When to Pivot33:00 Dealing With Founder Ego38:00 What Arta Looks For When Hiring42:00 Learning Sales Without Being “Salesy”47:00 Is Crypto a Scam?51:00 Is There Hope for the UK Economy?54:00 What Social Media Gets Wrong About Finance59:00 Arta’s Top 3 Personal Finance Tips1:04:00 Book Recommendations & Final Thoughts🎯 Listen if you want to:• Learn how to leave the 9–5 and build your own business• Understand the reality of financial modelling and startup life• Get better at spotting financial risks early• Hear a real journey of entrepreneurship without a finance degree🔗 Connect with Arta:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artaramaj/Business: https://www.three6ixtyfinance.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsaukJoin the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membershipInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeaWithALSASpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD?si=20a217c2d9d847dbEmail: info@alsauk.co.uk

In this episode, Dite Gashi discusses his journey in the Web3 ecosystem, focusing on his startup Web3Wiz, which aims to simplify the development of decentralized applications. He emphasizes the importance of solving real problems in startups, the transition from tech to sales, and the significance of community building. The conversation also explores the future of blockchain technology, the role of AI, and the entrepreneurial landscape in Europe, particularly in Albania and Kosovo. Dite shares valuable insights on networking, the challenges of bureaucracy in Europe, and offers book recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Web3 and Dite Gashi02:59 The Need for Problem-Solving in Startups05:56 The Evolution of No-Code Solutions in Web308:53 Navigating the Transition from Tech to Sales and Marketing11:51 Guerrilla Marketing Tactics for Startups14:42 The Future of Blockchain: Challenges and Opportunities18:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Blockchain Transparency20:47 The Societal Impact of Blockchain and Trust Dynamics32:56 Trust and Entrepreneurship: A Shift in Perspective36:34 The Bureaucratic Burden: Challenges in Europe38:52 Innovation vs. Regulation: European Dilemma42:01 The Rise of Young Entrepreneurs46:33 The Importance of Safety Nets49:19 Opportunities in the Balkans51:46 Navigating Change in Albania54:52 Books for Entrepreneurs: Wisdom for the Next Generation

Join us in Episode 19 as we dive into the inspiring journey of Kanita , the Co-founder and CEO of Browniegod. From humble beginnings in her home kitchen, Kanita transformed her passion for baking into a successful business that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of dessert lovers across the country.In this episode, you'll hear Kanita's story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and perseverance. Discover how she navigated the challenges of scaling from a small home operation to a national powerhouse, the strategies she employed to maintain quality and authenticity, and her vision for the future of Browniegod.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone who loves a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.Links: https://browniegod.com/Tune in to learn how passion and dedication can turn a dream into a nationwide phenomenon. Don't miss it!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jasin, the founder of Naked Chips and G&G Potatoes, a thriving potato chip company that has taken the food industry by storm. Despite dropping out of university, Jasin has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success in the business world. In this episode, Jasin shares their incredible journey from uni dropout to potato chip mogul. They'll discuss the challenges they faced along the way, the importance of self-belief and perseverance, and the valuable lessons they've learned about finding success in unexpected circumstances. Key takeaways from this episode: 1. How to find success even when the odds are stacked against you 2. The importance of holding yourself accountable and taking calculated risks 3. Tips for overcoming self-doubt and proving others wrong If you're looking for inspiration and motivation to pursue your dreams, this episode is for you! Subscribe to Tea with ALSA for more inspiring stories of success and resilience.

Today we interview the founder of TIMA, Arjeta Puca. We delve into how she got her start, what made her want to go back to Albania and TIMAKS vision for the future of Albanian Vehicle Manufacturing. TIMAK is focused on production, conversion and installation of structures of various vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, water tanks, winter and summer maintenance vehicles, sewage machines, pile drivers, mobile truck solutions and other similar conversions. TIMAK’s mission is to contribute to the development of Albania by making domestic production with high quality and to create opportunities and support women in male-dominated industries. https://www.linkedin.com/company/timak/ https://www.timak.com/en

Today we interview the founder of Learnshqip, Klaudio Spirollari. We delve into how he got his start and the best practices he used to grow his social media presence. Klaudio has been a big supporter of ALSA since the beginning, so seeing him grow and having him share his journey has been a privilege. Learnshqip https://www.instagram.com/learn.shqip/ https://www.youtube.com/@learnshqip https://www.tiktok.com/@learnshqip

Welcome to Season 2 of Tea with ALSA, where we sit down with inspiring individuals from different fields to discuss their journey to success, the individual habits they rely on, and the advice they have for an entrepreneurially-minded audience. This season, we have an exciting line-up of guests, including accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts in their field. We'll be diving into their stories, uncovering the challenges they faced, and learning about the strategies they used to overcome them. So grab a cup of tea and join us as we explore the mindsets, habits, and strategies of those who have achieved success in business, across various industries. We hope that by listening to our guests, you'll be inspired to take your own journey to success, and that the advice and insights shared on the show will be valuable to you as you navigate your own entrepreneurial path.

Welcome to Season 2 of Tea with ALSA, where we sit down with inspiring individuals from different fields to discuss their journey to success, the individual habits they rely on, and the advice they have for an entrepreneurially-minded audience. This season, we have an exciting line-up of guests, including accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts in their field. We'll be diving into their stories, uncovering the challenges they faced, and learning about the strategies they used to overcome them. So grab a cup of tea and join us as we explore the mindsets, habits, and strategies of those who have achieved success in business, across various industries. We hope that by listening to our guests, you'll be inspired to take your own journey to success, and that the advice and insights shared on the show will be valuable to you as you navigate your own entrepreneurial path.

Welcome to Season 2 of Tea with ALSA, where we sit down with inspiring individuals from different fields to discuss their journey to success, the individual habits they rely on, and the advice they have for an entrepreneurially-minded audience. This season, we have an exciting line-up of guests, including accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts in their field. We'll be diving into their stories, uncovering the challenges they faced, and learning about the strategies they used to overcome them. So grab a cup of tea and join us as we explore the mindsets, habits, and strategies of those who have achieved success in business, across various industries. We hope that by listening to our guests, you'll be inspired to take your own journey to success, and that the advice and insights shared on the show will be valuable to you as you navigate your own entrepreneurial path.

Welcome to Season 2 of Tea with ALSA, where we sit down with inspiring individuals from different fields to discuss their journey to success, the individual habits they rely on, and the advice they have for an entrepreneurially-minded audience. This season, we have an exciting line-up of guests, including accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts in their field. We'll be diving into their stories, uncovering the challenges they faced, and learning about the strategies they used to overcome them. So grab a cup of tea and join us as we explore the mindsets, habits, and strategies of those who have achieved success in business, across various industries. We hope that by listening to our guests, you'll be inspired to take your own journey to success, and that the advice and insights shared on the show will be valuable to you as you navigate your own entrepreneurial path. We're happy to kick off this new season and can't wait for you to join us on this exciting journey. Let's get started!