Humans of Telecom

"My wow moment hasn’t happened yet — and that’s what keeps me moving!" 🌟— Mila Budylo, Chief Commercial Officer at BSG, in conversation with Anurag AggarwalFrom lecturing in linguistics to leading one of the industry’s most prominent A2P hubs…From juggling three jobs in Ukraine just to make ends meet…To stepping — almost by accident — into telecom, and never looking back…This is the story of Mila Budylo: fearless, vibrant, and impossible to miss (just look for the brightest hair in the room 💜💗💙)!In this episode of Humans of Telecom, Mila opens up about:🌍 Growing up and working in Western Ukraine during wartime, and the resilience it takes to keep building📡 Navigating 19 years in telecom — from branded content to SMS, alternative messaging, AI voice & beyond💡 Why her most “wow” career moment is still to come🐕 Finding calm in mountain walks with her three quirky Chinese-crested dogs🎬 Her second life as a movie blogger with 80k followers🎉 And why she embraces color, rebellion, and a little irreverence in everything she doesMila’s journey is a reminder that telecom isn’t just about connections between devices — it’s about courage, joy, humor, and the human drive to keep showing up.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that shape the industry and inspire the human spirit!

"Curiosity, courage and listening — that's what being human is to me!" 🌟— Eva Gildum, Managing Director at Yaana Solutions, in conversation with Anurag AggarwalFrom a chance internship at Telia during Denmark’s GSM revolution…To learning the ropes in data & financial clearing at Dan Net…From employee #1 at NeuString (building analytics where none existed)…To today leading Yaana Solutions — supporting 130+ mobile operators worldwide.This is the story of Eva Gildum — a people-first leader who turned questions into products, and products into impact.In this candid episode of Humans of Telecom, Eva explains how she:🔎 Challenged the status quo by putting autonomy and real decision-making back in the hands of telecom professionals📊 Built analytics that translate complex roaming data into actionable value (and proved customers would pay for it)💡 Gained her masterclass in customer experience from none other than Disney!Plus — the human side you’ll love:🏃‍♀️ A “meditative runner” who clears her head on the road🎷 A saxophone player who learned to perform for hundreds (and survived the stage nerves)🧩 Quiet moments: puzzles, knitting and the introvert who also lights up the after-partyEva’s story is a reminder that innovation is equal parts tech and trust — and that curiosity + courage + listening make the best product teams.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that shape the industry and inspire the human spirit!

"You can sell a company — but you can’t sell the heart you’ve poured into it!" ❤️— Andreas Felke, Board Advisor at IDM and AnyMessage, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal.From a chance encounter with mobile messaging in a Coca‑Cola sweepstake… to building IDM into one of Europe’s largest telecom aggregators!From selling it to a global player… to the rare moment of buying it back years later!This is the story of Andreas Felke — a journey of vision, grit, and coming full circle!In this episode of Humans of Telecom, Andreas shares how a non‑tech founder built a global telecom business from scratch, navigated the highs of acquisition, endured the lows of watching his vision fade, and seized the once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to take back what he started!Beyond work, Andreas opens up about his unconventional adventures and passions:⚾ Surviving a near‑fatal baseball accident during his university days🌊 Kite‑surfing as his ultimate escape and source of energy🤝 Building businesses where respect outweighs titles every single timeAndreas’s story is a reminder that business is never just business — it’s deeply human. It’s about protecting what you’ve built, staying true to your values, and finding the courage to return to where it all began.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that shape the industry and inspire the human spirit.

"Life is not a race. There is always time to grow, and always a chance to start again." 💫— Simona Maga, Head of Sales and Operations at Sparkle, in conversation with Anurag AggarwalFrom a small Italian town near the French border…To Brazil, Switzerland, the U.S., and back to Rome...From dreams of being a painter…To leading global telecom strategy at one of the most respected names in the business…This is the story of Simona Maga — and it's anything but ordinary.In this deeply personal episode of Humans of Telecom, Simona opens up about her journey across continents, cultures, and career pivots. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮 “𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱,” 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲. 💪❤🎨 From brushstrokes to business strategy🏋‍♀ From the gym to the global stage🌍 From Rome with curiosity and courageSimona’s story is a beautiful blend of strength, creativity, and self-kindness — a reminder that being human means being strong yet soft, driven yet gentle, and above all, true to yourself.🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that move the industry forward and remind us what it means to be human!

“Mentor someone so one day they can be your boss!”– Sam Evans, Senior Managing Director at FTI Delta, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of Telecom🎙 Featured two years in a row in the Capacity Power 100 List, Sam isn’t just shaping telecom strategy — he’s shaping people, communities, and careers.In this new Humans of Telecom episode, we go beyond the polished boardrooms and industry roundtables to meet the rock band member turned marathon runner, the introvert who commands stages, and the father who jams to Taylor Swift with his daughters on weekends.From the corridors of GSMA to the global influence of the ITW Leaders Forum, Sam takes us through the surprising stops along his journey —💡 His first brush with media through free CDs and university radio📺 His TV moment on The Weakest Link🏛 Breakfast in the staff canteen of the U.S. Supreme Court🥊 A quick foray into amateur boxing🧠 And the mentors who helped shape the leader he is today💬 Honest, reflective, and full of insight — Sam reminds us that passion and people always come before PowerPoint.🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that move the industry forward and remind us what it means to be human!

“When there’s no space for you — make your own! When there’s no door — build one! Neurodiverse kids don’t need pity — they need opportunity!” – Gisselle Ramirez, Sales Executive at Shred-it, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal.From the bright aisles of RadioShack to impactful roles at T-Mobile, AT&T, Altice USA, and The Telecom Company, Gisselle has walked the talk in telecom! 📶But that’s only one side of her incredible story!In this candid episode, Gisselle shares how her early love for tech and people turned into a career built on human connection and resilience. We unpack her transition from neuroscience labs 🧠 to selling copper lines and wireless bundles, and how she’s now shaping a future in information destruction and cybersecurity. 🛡️We also dive into her passion project: "Bronx Special Kids" 🌱 — an initiative helping children with disabilities unlock independence through sustainability, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.Gisselle talks about cosplaying, Caribbean dancing 💃, and the thrill of bungee jumping at the age of 10 years (much to her mom’s horror 😅). But more than anything, she speaks from the heart—about living authentically, creating space for neurodiversity, and building a more inclusive world!🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that move the industry forward and remind us what it means to be human!

“If I leave this earth tomorrow, I want people to say I was truthful and compassionate!”– Richard Kwabena Asare, CEO at We2Stars, Ghana, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of TelecomToday, we spotlight the story of man who’s lived many lives and stayed true through them all! In this candid episode, Richard shares how a childhood fascination with cars and traffic-lights led to a love for systems and communication! He talks about his time in healthcare and finance, and why telecom was never the plan—but became the passion!Giving a sneak preview into his future plans, Richard ppens up about building a VoIP app, and what it takes to break into a crowded industry with purpose! He also reflects on how farming grounds him, and why his BMW is his therapy! And, finally, he reminds us that kindness, compassion, and truth are the real legacy!Richard’s story is equal parts grit, grace, and Ghanaian spirit!🎧 Tune in to this unforgettable episode on your favorite podcast platform, and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary voices that move the industry forward and remind us what it means to be human!

Raluca Berchiu, CEO of CXM, shares her journey from Transylvania to Dubai, beginning with icy 5 a.m. swims and leading to the creation of a purpose-led business in telecom. In this episode of Humans of Telecom, she opens up about discipline, intuition, and the leap that changed everything.From childhood lessons on her grandmother’s balcony to leading CXM in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, this episode explores the inner engine that drives true transformation.Learn how storytelling, discomfort, and saying “yes” to bold opportunities shaped Raluca’s unique leadership path.🎧 Listen now and follow Humans of Telecom for more extraordinary stories behind the industry that connects us all.

"One of my guiding principles in life is a quote by the famous Roman philosopher Seneca 'Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come'... Be bold and stay curious!" Jason Bryan, CEO at ROCCO Group, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of Telecom.In this enriching episode, Jason shares the incredible journey of a man who has truly lived the telecom industry — and lived across the world while doing so!🌍 From working in the Twin Towers in NYC to living in 7 countries (including Italy, Luxembourg and now Spain — his personal 'paradise')📊 Over 250 reports on messaging and roaming, and initiatives that now partner with Meta, Google and Apple🎤 TED Talks, GSMA recognition, and a legacy of driving change through hackathons and industry working groups🎨 Outside the boardroom? You'll find him painting, doing pottery, writing, or cooking up a storm!🎉 And yes, he once cut a cake in the middle of a desert to celebrate 30 years of roaming!His fascination with the 'human side of telecom' led to the creation of #ROCCOIOO — a platform that celebrates achievements of telecom executives from all over the globe!It was an absolute pleasure hosting Jason — a thinker, a creator, and someone who’s constantly shaping what’s next for our industry!🎧 Tune in to this inspiring episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow Humans of Telecom for more such stories from the heart of the industry!

"I tend not to live in regret, because I truly believe every life experience helps shape who we are today."— Tina Donaldson, VP Strategy at netnumber, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of TelecomIn this captivating episode, Tina — an early innovator in the world of 'platform communications' — shares how a chance encounter at her mother’s charity baseball game and a lost bet led her into the world of telecom!She walks us through a remarkable career that includes pioneering work like enabling text and voice capabilities for phone numbers in Google Cloud, helping birth a new era of messaging that went beyond mobile numbers. After holding leadership roles at heavyweights like Google and Twilio, Tina has come full circle and is now leading the charge in redefining how the industry can trust phone numbers across networks.A firm believer in the power of 'human connection', Tina opens up about her life beyond telecom — including managing a modest count of five children, her newfound love for floristry, and her surreal experience meeting Mother Teresa, who even tried recruiting her to the Missionaries of Charity! And yes, she still plans to visit Antarctica one day!🎧 Tune in to this inspiring episode on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to follow Humans of Telecom for more such stories from the heart of the industry.

"If I had the power, I’d make the day 48 hours long — just to dive deeper into my passions and build even stronger human connections!” Daniel Kurgan, CEO at Arelion, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of Telecom.In this engaging episode, Daniel reminisces his journey in telecom which spans over 25 years. Starting as an account manager and rising to top leadership role of CEO and Chairman, Daniel has an extremely inspiring story to share, which includes his days of overseeing the JV between Proximus Group, Swisscom and MTN leading to the formation of what we now know as BICS!Though originally from Belgium, Daniel now calls the vibrant city of Stockholm as his 'new home' from where he steers the ship of Arelion with vision and passion! Daniel is a true epitome of work-life balance, which includes his deep love for sports, movies and reading French literature! A national-level competitive bridge player, Daniel also excelled in tennis, table tennis, and field hockey during his youth! Not only that, his love for skiing in the Alpines has led to over two cumulative years on the slopes... and Daniel is far from done!Tune in to this super-inspiring episode on your preferred podcast channel and follow Humans of Telecom for more!

"Few people can say they’ve explored over 50 countries, earned 10 million Google views, and built a thriving career in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. There’s more to me than meets the eye!” Romina Kaboorani, Director at G729, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this engaging episode, Romina — a powerhouse in the telecom industry with nearly a decade of experience — shares her fascinating journey. Starting her career in the Middle East, her path took an unexpected turn after an encounter with Fernando Espada Alonso in Europe, which led her to Spain. There, she now leads a thriving team that began with just three members. As the Director at G729, Romina is respected for her leadership, strategic vision, and ability to inspire those around her. Her social media reflects a storybook wanderlust, filled with breathtaking landscapes and historic sites from around the world. Yet, beyond these images, her journey is one of determination, curiosity, and growth. She was recently ranked as one of the most influential female leaders in telecom at the Antonio Meucci Global Telco Awards. A lifelong learner with two master’s degrees, she constantly seeks new horizons in her field. Beyond her professional achievements, Romina is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare initiatives for children in need. Known for her positive energy and ability to seamlessly balance leadership demands, extensive travel, and a zest for life, Romina is truly an inspiring figure in the industry.

"From freelancing as an entertainment writer to becoming the editor of Capacity Magazine, my journey has been anything but ordinary!" Matthew Whalley, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Ilex Content Strategies, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this engaging episode, Matthew takes us on a journey through his life—from growing up in Vancouver to making his way to London, where a life-changing phone call at a club set him on a new path. He reflects on the rich blend of Canadian, Italian, and Japanese influences that shape his identity and shares his passion for collecting vintage vinyl records from every corner of the world, especially when he's out at events around the world! And if life had taken a different turn, he might have pursued a career as a Michelin-star chef! Matthew leaves us with a fitting mantra for life: an Italian quote that says, "It’s better to die of drink than of thirst," capturing his adventurous spirit and zest for new experiences! Tune in to this episode right now on your preferred podcast channel and follow Humans of Telecom for more!

"I would want to be remembered as someone who didn't 'give crumbs'... To quote from a poem - joy was not made to be a crumb!" – Anzelle Robertson, Programme Director at Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF). In this engaging episode, Anzelle – an expert in Mobile Payments and Digital Content – recounts her unexpected start at a law firm specializing in road accident claims. Passionate about public speaking from childhood, she initially pursued law, but a new brief from her principle attorney brought telecom on her radar! A national cricket champion, Anzelle is a 'Jill of all trades' with interests in a medley of areas that include surfing, mountain biking, golfing and playing the guitar! Also, a self-proclaimed 'raging introvert', Anzelle shares highlights from the road that led her from a bushveld farm in South Africa's rural North-West Province, via the continent's richest square mile in Johannesburg, with stops at skateparks and cricket fields, New York's Broadway, being airlifted from Mobile World Congress Barcelona and running laps around the Emirates all the way to The Hague in Netherlands!

"A chance encounter thanks to a previous part-time job at a souvenir shop led to my entry into telecom... And there's been no looking back since!" Vladimir Smal, Co-Founder & CEO at AVISO Messaging, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this insightful episode, Vladimir - one of ROCCO IOO's top 25 influential professionals globally - shares his unique journey which began at a young age of 17. It was a seemingly random encounter that opened the doors to the world of Voice and Messaging, setting him on a path that would define his career. Vladimir reflects on his emotional departure from LANCK Telecom after 15 years, a company where he grew professionally and personally. He also discusses the challenges of transitioning from Voice to Messaging, a move that tested his resilience and adaptability! Coming from a family of four children, Vladimir shares an intriguing story about his birth and the special connection he shares with his father, from where he got his name. In a romantic twist, Vladimir reveals how he eventually married his ex-classmate, adding a personal touch to his narrative. A true explorer at heart, Vladimir has traveled to 60 countries, enriching his life with diverse experiences and cultures!

"I have always believed that the voyage through life is more important than the destination... Experiencing and conquering the most difficult obstacles enriches us with wisdom, knowledge and maturity!" Nassia Skoulikariti, Founder & CEO at Apiro Data, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this exciting episode, Nassia takes us through her remarkable journey from Greece to USA, and now the UK, with nearly three decades of experience in the telecom industry. Starting her career by 'figuring things out' at iBASIS, Nassia has since held prominent positions at Global Telco Consult (GTC) and the Mobile Ecosystem Forum, as well has started her own venture. Throughout her career, her dedication and insights have cemented her status as a thought leader, even earning her the recognition of 'LinkedIn Top Voice' in the telecom space! Nassia even recites a captivating poem during the podcast, encapsulating her life's philosophy of 'enjoying the journey'. She is a strong advocate for 'humanizing technology', believing that the true power of innovation lies in connecting people. But her interests go beyond the telecom world - Nassia is a versatile painter, a gadget enthusiast, an avid kickboxer, and a biker at heart! And to top it off, she’s done some extraordinary things, including flying a helicopter and even working in a Hollywood movie!

"From trading Pokémon stickers in elementary school to revolutionizing the industry with my current startup, life has truly come a long way!" Adis Ceman, Co-Founder & COO at GramBell, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this amazing conversation, Adis shares his rich blend of cultural experiences: born in Croatia to Montenegrin parents, holding a Bosnian passport, growing up in Egypt, and now based in Dubai. His career journey is as diverse as his background, beginning with early business acumen gained through trading Pokémon stickers, moving into technology by working in an IT hardware store, and even exploring the arms and weapons industry! Adis’ creative flair shines through in his current venture, which was recognized as the 'Most Innovative Startup in 2023' by industry body GSMA. A passionate photographer, he fulfilled his dream of owning a professional camera through various odd jobs, and that combined with his love for hiking helps him now reconnect with nature. Adding a thrilling twist, Adis also recounts a gripping story of being held at gunpoint by European armed forces, offering a glimpse into his extraordinary life!

"A conversation with Mountasser Hachem profoundly impacted my career when he asked if my hobby was merely collecting certificates and degrees!" Amira Akra, Product Manager (Messaging) at Vodafone Germany, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Amira shares insights into her Lebanese and German roots, her experience growing up in the Middle East, and her eventual move to Europe. A true technology enthusiast, Amira began her journey with academic pursuits, earning a Master’s in Computer & Communication Engineering from Beirut and pursuing a PhD in 5G. As a voracious reader and an 'unplanned mom' who has developed a deep affinity for children, Amira opens up about her life experiences, and also reveals thrilling moments, such as skydiving at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai during her honeymoon and her love for bold hair colors!

"Anger, regret and envy... These are wasted emotions! While I've had my share of ups and downs, life has been a complete blast!" Vinod Kumar, Vice Chairman Everstone Group (former CEO Tata Communications and former CEO Vodafone Business), in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. As Humans of Telecom celebrates a milestone of completing fifty episodes, we welcome an exceptional personality to the hot seat to share his life stories, philosophies, and passions! In this episode, Vinod walks us through his exciting journey of three decades in the telecom space. Having lived and worked in seven countries across Asia, Europe, and America, Vinod's entry into telecom wasn't premeditated. In his younger days, he aspired to do 'something international' and nearly joined the FMCG sector instead of telecom. However, destiny had different plans for him, and he eventually went on to steer some of the most well-known telecom companies, including Tata Communications and Vodafone Business. Amongst other things, Vinod reminisces about some of his milestone moments, including when Tata Communications entered the 'Leader' category in the coveted Gartner Magic Quadrant! Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vinod has some intriguing personal traits, which include grooving to Sufi music in the gym during his intense workout sessions as well as learning the Spanish language currently. Ironically, despite his magnetic stage presence, he claims to be an introvert and shares his secret sauce that lets him transform into the personality that we're more familiar with! Finally, Vinod talks about his love for the outdoors, team sports, and speed, which he manages well through his passion for skiing and playing polo!

"I always dreamed of starting something of my own. What I manage today is a true extension of my passion!" says Wida Schmidt, Co-Founder of Carrier Community, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Wida shares her journey from being born in Afghanistan and raised in Russia to settling in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany today. Wida began her telecom career as a customer service representative in Frankfurt, Germany and has since had an intriguing career path that led to partnering with Andreas Hipp in London and forming a highly active event and media house, managing a community platform of over 9,000 telco members! Beyond her professional life, Wida has some surprising interests which include grooving to Indian Bollywood music, speaking over five languages, and having a passion for sports, cooking, and gardening. Despite her jet-setting lifestyle, which comes with the territory, Wida has many interesting travel stories to share with our listeners!