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Description
We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
8 Episodes
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Motherhood, tech, and personal growth intersect in this inspiring conversation with Nawal. She openly discusses how becoming a mother reshaped her definition of career success, highlighting the cultural realities faced upon returning from maternity leave. Nawal shares practical insights from establishing a supportive "Returning to Work" program at her workplace, emphasizing empathy, structure, and advocacy. The episode concludes with valuable coaching techniques, teaching listeners the essential art of active listening through three transformative levels. It’s an authentic, empowering talk about balancing life’s big roles while remaining true to yourself.
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
In this episode, we sit down with Patricia, Head of Programmatic at Capital.com, to talk about the cultural and gender shifts shaping how we view money today. From her career journey at Amazon to her current role in fintech, Patricia shares personal stories about growing up with “gold as investment,” why women often hesitate to take financial risks, and what failure taught her that no one prepared her for. We dive into confidence gaps, cultural money habits, and the importance of financial independence.
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we dive into the world of proptech, tokenized real estate, and fractional ownership with one of the leading voices in the space.Sarah shares what it’s like to ride the startup wave, how she knew Stake was “the one,” and why asking the rightquestions in a job interview can make or break your experience in an early-stage company. She also opens up about launching her own podcast, She Builds, born from the need to ask questions no one else seemed to be asking.Whether you're curious about investing, contemplating a move into the startup world, or wondering how to balance ambition with well-being—this episode is for you.
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
What does it take to turn creativity into confidence and confidence into impact?In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we sit down with Faraz Ali, a designer, storyteller, and quiet disruptor who began his creative journey through theatre and now works at the intersection of empathy, performance, and product.We explore:Why confidence is a practice, not a personality traitNavigating performance anxiety (yes, even with a balloon)The invisible emotional labor behind creative workHow to show up in spaces not built for you and own themThis conversation is a reminder that the most powerful thing you can design is your own presence.🎙️ Hosted by Anam & Ksenia
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we sit down with Nimrah Khan, a true Dubai kid and founder of her own independent marketing agency.Born in Pakistan and raised in the UAE, Nimrah shares her journey from the corporate and agency world to running her own business. We talk about the realities of building in a city that moves fast, trusting your instincts, navigating unexpected pivots, and showing up when no one else will.This episode is for anyone building something from scratch without a playbook.Listen now and follow This Wasn’t in the Manual for more stories of growth, grit, and everything they never taught us.
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
In this episode, we talk to Shreya, who left New Zealand to build a new life and career in Dubai’s tech scene.
From job hunting in a new country to navigating cultural shifts, we dive into what it really takes to start over somewhere completely unfamiliar. We talk gap years, networking, adjusting to new norms, and finding your place, professionally and personally... especially when everything around you is new.
Listen now and tag a friend who’s dreaming of a move or needs the push to take the leap
Follow us on socials
https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/
TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
In this episode, we dive into the story of someone who built a career without a traditional degree and did it across three continents. From Australia to the UK to Dubai, this conversation is all about what it means to take the road less traveled. We talk about self-belief, resilience, and how moving across the world became its own kind of education. If you’ve ever questioned the conventional path or felt like you were figuring it out as you go, this one’s for you.
He also happens to be our EX Boss ;)
Follow us on socials
https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/
TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
Redefining Growth: No one told us rest was productive: Jessica’s Journey Through Corporate Life, Identity, and Starting OverDescription:In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Moini, Founder of The Kindness Catalogue. Sharp, empathetic leader whose career spans industries, cities, and reinventions. From building a name in corporate life to hitting burnout, and redefining her identity outside of work, Jessica shares what it means to grow without a clear roadmap.We talk about starting over (multiple times), the cost of pushing too hard, and why growth sometimes looks like letting go. This is an honest conversation about resilience, ambition, and learning to make peace with not having it all figured out.Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause.
Follow us on socialshttps://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualcoYouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualcoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
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