The Forward Thinking People Podcast with Namita Ramani

Join host Namita Ramani on the Forward Thinking People Podcast as she interviews Nick Glover, Social Impact Director at Waste to Wonder Worldwide.  Despite battling type 1 diabetes and surviving cancer, Nick has accomplished incredible feats including a triple Everest cycling challenge and an Ultraman triathlon.  His journey spans diverse roles in learning and development, finance, and sales at notable organizations. Nick emphasizes the importance of authenticity, ethical business practices, and making a positive impact, especially for underserved communities.  He shares insights on the necessity of fostering trust in coaching, balancing intuition with critical thinking, and the power of aligning personal and organizational values for sustainable success. The conversation also covers effective management strategies, recognizing raw talent, and building a resilient workplace. Nick's compelling story proves that with motivation, community support, and a clear purpose, extraordinary achievements are possible. Follow Nick Glover: https://www.instagram.com/nick.nickglover/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peopledevelopmentspecialist/ Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Visit Above Digital:  https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode of the Forward Thinking People podcast, Namita Ramani sits down with Dr. Joy Antony, the founder and managing director of Dr. Joy Dental Clinics, to talk about his incredible journey from opening a single clinic in Dubai back in 2004 to running 13 clinics with over 350 employees and more than 80 dentists. Dr. Joy opens up about how he got into dentistry (even though his heart was drawn to business), the challenges he faced along the way, and how he expanded his practice despite financial struggles and recessions. He also shares what it takes to build a successful brand, the importance of systems and protocols in scaling a business, and the tough decisions he made to stop practicing dentistry and focus on growing his company. We also dive into Dr. Joy’s leadership style, how he manages a large team, and how he balances the demands of business with personal life. He talks candidly about taking risks, learning from mistakes, and the one decision that changed everything for him. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or just someone curious about what it takes to build and grow a business, this episode is packed with real-world insights and lessons from someone who’s been through it all. If you enjoyed this episode of the TFTP Podcast, follow our channel. Follow Dr Joy Antony: https://www.instagram.com/drjoydxb/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-antony-64645044 https://www.facebook.com/joy.antony.140/  Visit Dr. Joy Dental Clinic website: https://www.drjoydentalclinic.com/team/dr-joy-antony/ Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople  Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/  https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/  Visit Above Digital:  https://www.abovedigital.com/ 

In this episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast, host Namita Ramani converses with Antony Guss, Vice President at Casual Life Furniture International Limited. They dive into Antony's impressive 41-year career, including his transition from Olympic skiing to a leading role in the outdoor furniture industry.  Antony shares insights into growing a business, navigating international markets, and developing strategic relationships with top-tier hotels. With topics ranging from overcoming challenges in Dubai's unique market to expansion strategies in Saudi Arabia, and the importance of fitness and persistence, this episode offers valuable wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage. Follow Antony Guss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antony-guss-2193a83a/?originalSubdomain=ae Follow Casual Life Middle East  https://www.instagram.com/casualifemiddleeast/ Follow TFTP on  https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Visit Above Digital:  https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode, meet Magdalena Orzehovska, a passionate olive oil and balsamic vinegar connoisseur and founder of Aroma de Olio. Magdalena's remarkable journey features a career in project management, a battle against breast cancer, and her unique path to becoming the UAE's only certified olive oil sommelier and consultant. Discover how her personal health challenges inspired her to create a business dedicated to providing the finest extra virgin olive oil and the rigorous training and research she invested to master her craft. Learn from Magdalena's experience in networking, building an e-commerce platform, and the importance of ongoing education. If you enjoyed this episode of the TFTP Podcast, subscribe to our channel for more. Follow Magdalena Orzechowska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalenaorzechowska/ Follow Aroma di Olio: https://www.instagram.com/aromadiolio/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aromadiolio/ Visit Aroma di Olio website: https://www.aromadiolio.com/ Follow TFTP on: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forward-thinking-people-podcast Follow Namita Ramani:// https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode of the Forward Thinking People podcast, host Namita Ramani sits down with Sam Sayadan, co-founder of The Cycle Hub, to explore his inspiring journey from being a motorcyclist to creating one of the most beloved cycling brands in the UAE.  Sam shares his experiences in establishing Cycle Hub, the challenges he faced, and the importance of passion and persistence in achieving business success.  Discover how Cycle Hub has grown into a cornerstone for cyclists, offering top-notch products and fostering a community spirit.  Learn about the early days of cycling in the UAE, the importance of a good business partner, and the exciting plans Sam has for expanding Cycle Hub into new markets. Follow CycleHub: https://www.instagram.com/thecyclehub/ https://www.facebook.com/TheCycleHub/ Visit CycleHub website: https://thecyclehub.com/ Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Visit Above Digital:  https://www.abovedigital.com/

From High-Profile Project Management to Thriving Entrepreneur: Kamelia Salimi’s Journey In this episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast, host Namita Ramani talks with Kamelia Salimi, the managing partner at Zoga.  Kamelia shares her diverse background in project management and interior design, detailing her journey from overseeing large-scale projects like JW Marriott Marquis and Plaza Versace Dubai to co-founding Zoga, a leading wellness studio in Dubai.  She delves into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, offering insights on managing a successful yoga business.  Kamelia also discusses the importance of location, team building, marketing strategies, and the role of a supportive community in running a profitable wellness studio.  Join us as we explore Kamelia’s inspiring story and her dedication to fostering health and well-being through yoga and holistic practices. Your engagement matters to us! Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Kamelia: https://www.instagram.com/travellin.yogi/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameliasalimi/ Follow Zoga Studio: https://www.instagram.com/zogadubai/ Visit Zoga Website: https://zoga.ae/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital:  https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode of the Forward Thinking People Podcast, host Namita Ramani interviews Phil Bedford, a leading expert in relationship marketing, referral marketing, and business networking.  With over 15 years of experience in the UAE and GCC, Phil shares his inspiring journey from an unplanned move to Dubai to becoming a renowned international speaker and author.  He discusses crucial insights into leveraging social networks for business growth, overcoming common networking challenges, and the power of strategic relationship building.  Listen in to discover the secrets behind transforming networking into a superpower and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Your engagement matters to us! Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Phil Bedford: https://www.instagram.com/rebelnetworker/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/philbedford https://uae.asentiv.com/our_team/philip-bedford/ https://therebelnetworker.com/my-story/ https://www.facebook.com/therebelnetworker.increasesales/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode of The Forward Thinking People Podcast, host Namita Ramani sits down with Wolfgang Hohmann, known as Wolf, the visionary behind Wolfi's Bike Shop. Wolfi shares his inspiring journey from being a chef in Germany to becoming a leading figure in the UAE’s cycling community. The conversation covers his early passion for cycling, the challenges faced in establishing a business in Dubai, and the strategic decisions that have shaped his career. Wolfi emphasizes the importance of resilience, community, and responsible selling in life and business. The episode also explores his recent decision to sell a substantial part of his business and his ongoing commitment to cycling in the UAE. Your engagement matters to us! Follow TFTP: https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Follow Wolfgang Hohmann: https://www.instagram.com/wolfidxb https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgang-hohmann-11bb9218/ Follow Wolfi's Bike Shop: https://www.instagram.com/wolfis?igsh=amlkcGx0Y2Q0ZWx6 Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

Today on the first episode of The Forward Thinking People podcast, we are in conversation with the incredible Warsha Joshi, a top business strategy adviser across MENA and the Managing Director of Dare To Scale. With over four decades of experience, Warsha has scaled multiple ventures to seven-figure revenues and navigated complex family business dynamics for sustainable growth.  Her leadership earned her business a spot among the top ten Great Places to Work in the MENA region. Warsha's expertise, certified mentoring, and masterful communication skills make her a powerhouse in business strategy. Follow TFTP on https://www.instagram.com/theforwardthinkingpeople Your engagement matters to us! Follow Warsha Joshi https://www.instagram.com/warshajoshi/ https://daretoscale.com/about/ Buy her book: https://amzn.eu/d/0bzom6Tb Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this special episode, Ambreen and I answer some questions we get from business owners on making sales through digital marketing. We take you through what digital marketing is and how it can sometimes be challenging to get it right in the UAE, while also talking about the right mindset and approach one should have when doing digital marketing. We go through KPI's and expectations from agencies or people you work with, and what the foundation of all marketing should be to help you get successful sales. Things we discuss: Why digital marketing is such a buzz word Challenges of doing digital marketing in the UAE The right mindset and approach to digital marketing for small businesses Difference between social media and digital advertising What determines a successful campaign & setting the right KPI's Understanding what to invest & results to expect from digital marketing Why it's a terrible idea to chase likes & followers & the business of fake engagement Understanding and working with algorithms for digital success Digital marketing for B2B businesses How to pick the right agency to work with The future of digital marketing and avoiding overwhelm of new platforms Notable moments: (29:52) If what you're offering is not valuable to the audience, then in most cases, it's not going to work. And that doesn't just go for digital marketing, it goes for any form of marketing (31:06) Your sales cycle and your customer journey - this is the businesses responsibility, to start thinking about these things. What is my customer journey, what is my sales process? If your sales team is not equipped properly and is not trained well and does not know how to handle the buzz that the digital marketing campaign creates for you, then you're not going to get a result (39:24) Your audience targeting is the most important thing you should keep in mind, because who your ad campaign reaches out to and who starts interacting with your ads.. the algorithm is watching that (44:20) Consumers are also spoilt for choice over here in Dubai because of the fact that we're a small audience and the locality, the area is also small. The audience has a lot of options on where to go in a small vicinity, so they're picky - they can easily move from one place to the other, which makes it difficult for businesses ------------- If you enjoyed this episode of Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai, check out the show notes on: https://www.abovedigital.com/podcast/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UConc_r4xXBwflx4XN9b5zNg/ Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode, Reim El Houni, talks about the challenges she faced in the filmmaking, tv and digital industry and how she has to constantly be on top because of the evolutionary nature of these mediums. She talks about perseverance as she shares her journey which began 20 years ago as a production runner to winning the bronze medal in The New York Festival’s World’s Best Television & Films in 2018. Things we discuss: How things are changing and video content is now a MUST for everyone Pitching an online show, Dubai on Demand, back in 2014 when brands didn't see the value of being online Focusing on the social media landscape and working with influencers to help them grow Redefining the meaning of ‘influencers’ and helping content creators grow with a solid social media strategy How Linkedin and Instagram is one of the strongest social media channels in this region Learning to push back and maintaining boundaries Making mistakes and learning along the way Why maintaining business relationships are so important Understanding the market and implementing the right idea at the right time How small business owners end up spending more in the long run by choosing a cheaper option for video content How important it is to love the industry you’re working in so you can give it your best Trying to maintain normalcy in life with such a demanding career Notable moments: 15:00 - Well, I’ve made so many mistakes. The fortunate part was that I had already been in the industry for 10 years before I started my company so I had a good gauge of the market, what others were charging. So I think that's usually a good starting point. However, even with that knowledge, it was very important for me, in the beginning, to just get clients. 34:00 - When the brands started to realize: 1- We had just started and had no track record and views yet and 2- When they realized it was all online and all on YouTube. And back in 2014 most of the brands we met with were not interested on YouTube.  It's so fascinating to me now that 5 years out and everyone is on YouTube. I’ve always been a little early, you know. 40:00 - I think it’s great and terrible at the same time. I'm a big learner and I love going to conferences. I spent years going to the US. For my industry you go to different events even in Europe. I always came back very excited with a lot of ideas and wanted to implement them. As a result, I have implemented very early for this market. So, it’s just about whether or not you can keep the momentum going. I was very fortunate with Dubai on Demand. In 2014, no one was ready for that. I am fortunate to have a second coming with that in the last two years. But there was definitely a phase in the middle where it was very disheartening and I was thinking, “Am I doing the right thing?” 1:04:12 - I am a big believer in not having any regrets. I might make the wrong decisions but atleast I made the decisions.

In this episode, Roy Koyees, talks about the struggles he faced while launching his healthy snacks company, Freakin Healthy. Roy discusses how healthy snacks often come with an elitist badge and are too expensive for the common person. He talks about how he wants to break this notion and make sure that health is mainstream, affordable and delicious for everyone. Things we discuss: How a corporate job in Johnson & Johnson’s health division helped Roy realize about the importance of clean eating Fuelling his entrepreneurial bug with side projects even when he was working full time Why it is important to have a safety net and financial security before you start your own business Catering to a diverse group with a variety of products instead of sticking to a niche product How competition helps you innovate and bring out your best but has also increased the challenge to enter major retailers Sticking to a strategy that focuses on building a healthy community around the brand How consumer-facing marketing activities helped the brand grow and staying connected with the consumers Learning from fellow entrepreneurs and becoming a part of a bigger network Dispelling the myth that healthy food is only for the elitist class  Creating an affordable and accessible line of premium healthy snacks for everyone Notable Moments: 28:22 - Do you think it’s become a fad? These expensive healthy snacks. I think diets are one thing. But I think clean eating is another thing. Diets could be fads at some point, like no diet is long term. I think if you eat clean and eat whole, that’s the best way to move forward. It’s more about well being. We’ve been eating a lot of junk. Preservatives. A lot of allergies now, intolerances. So I think people are trying to clean their system. 33:00 - The first year I think I almost did everything. It was very tough and coming from a senior management position in corporate, with everything was at your beck and call, to going to a place where nobody knows you and you’re actually delivering packages. But that, for me, builds the brand in a different way. It builds a character on the brand. 40:00 - We wanted to dispel this myth that healthy food is an elitist category. It's only for those who know. For those who are into yoga. For those who are into superfoods. For those who can afford it. So we wanted to break that. And hence the name. So we also wanted to break that barrier of ‘fluffy’ health food. And resonate with people. 56:54 - I don't really believe in balance. There needs to be a balance in the long term but in the short term, you have to give your 100 percent to something. And you're gonna have to sacrifice something else. It’s just how it works. ------------- If you enjoyed this episode of Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai, check out the show notes on https://www.abovedigital.com/podcast/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/c/namitaramani Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode, Nina talks about how her passion for art and creativity led her into the world of fashion and beauty. Armed with talent and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Nina launched her own brand, The Mink Lashes, and wants to inspire other women to be fearless with their approach to beauty. Alongside Nina is her husband, Bobby who is the operational backbone of the brand. Bobby talks about why he decided to switch gears in his successful banking career and support his wife’s dream to build an international beauty empire.  Things we discuss: How Nina got inspired with photoshoots at a very young age How she started her journey with Estee Lauder and learned the basics of business Learning the signature style of each makeup brand How she built her own experience by breaking the norm Standing out from her competitors by offering additional services  How technology has made it so easy for people to put across their talent  Thinking about developing the business in a way that it doesn’t solely depend on her presence  How Bobby helped her understand the business operations on a whole new level Being encouraged by Bobby to take risks and have faith Learning to work together as a pair  Being genuine as an influencer  The importance of finding the right mentor Notable Moments:  20:24 - I’ll be honest. I didn't think to myself that this when I was freelancing, that it is just something on the side for me. I knew that I wanted to be huge. I wanted to make sure that this business is a success. And I wanted to be a lot more business savvy compared to my competitors who were out there.  That was always in my mind.  27:00 - You can't continue doing business in a way where you are not making the money. Ultimately you’re in for business, not for fun. There is a bottom line that you need to look in as well.  45:00 - I had a very strong business core DNA into me from a very young age. Because I was working in a bank, I was not able to utilize the experience that I had because I was working for someone else.  57:00 - I don't think it's often that you’ll find a husband and wife able to work with each other. I have to say, we do that pretty well. 1:27:32 - If I have got collaborations to come through paid or through social media bookings and it's something that I genuinely don't use, and there have been many, I won't do it. Because it isn't just about the money. You have to be genuine. ------------- If you enjoyed this episode of Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai, check out the show notes on https://www.abovedigital.com/podcast/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/c/namitaramani Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode, Namita talks to Dr. Natalia Weichoski on how she helps individuals stand out from the grey crowd – online and offline. The award-winning speaker shares her journey on how she found her true calling as a LinkedIn Marketing guru, a Forbes Coaches Council Member, a Top 100 Leader in Education, Bestselling Author and the Middle East's leading Edutainer.  Things we discuss: How Natalia left her passion for dance and shifted from Germany to start a career in education in Al Ain How she was extremely successful on the outside but “dead” on the inside How she decided to take a nine-month sabbatical to take ownership of her life and changing the way she thinks, speaks and acts How she unlearned everything to find a true form of expression and happiness Finding the right social platform to express herself.  Going viral and developing a new, unique training program, which combines the most successful elements out of performance coaching, personal branding and public relations How to present yourself and your careers as brands and build an authentic and professional online image. Notable Moments: 22:25 - I learnt how to meditate, I started waking at 5oclock. I learnt a lot about NLP and how much victim language I was using so I needed to change my language as well. I changed the way I eat. Stopped coffee, stopped alcohol, stopped fast food. Went more into cooking and read upto 5-6 books per week and studied all of these people from all around the world and their version of happiness, their version of success, their dream job, entrepreneurship.  56:00 - We are so much more powerful than we think we are. Our power as a human being, the mind, our visualization, our feelings, our heart. We are supernatural when we know how to tap into that. But in order to go there you really need in order to do the self work. And I believe that life turns us into an onion so you need to peel. And the closer you peel an onion, what will happen, you’ll start crying.  01:02:35 - If everyone was to work a little bit more on him or herself and reconnect to the sole source or the divine, how do you call it, it would be so much easier and so much more fun and so much more creation and less of the struggle and pain ------------- If you enjoyed this episode of Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai, check out the show notes on: https://www.abovedigital.com/podcast/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/c/namitaramani Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/

In this episode, Namita interviews her sales guru, Ramez Helou, Founder and CEO of "The Academy for Sales Excellence". After reaching the position of Business Head at Unilever in 2009, Ramez stepped away to pursue his passion for keynote speaking and sales training. Today Ramez has trained over 100,000 sales professionals in 5 continents by teaching them about authenticity and relationship-building instead of conventional sales techniques. Things we discuss: His journey of leaving a high-paying job as Business Head at Unilever to start his own sales training center  How he built a thriving business after starting as a one-man show Defining his own niche when the Dubai market was going through a recession Understanding objection is not rejection and dealing with points of objection before the client points it out Why it’s important to come across as a helper rather than a seller and living up to the promise Why time management is the most important resource for an entrepreneur Why relationship building is so important in finding your target audience How to differentiate your business from the competition & utilizing the latest tools to build authority Namita’s own personal experience and transformation after taking coaching from Ramez  His signature 10-week journey for business entrepreneurs that combines learning and a coaching session Notable moments: (12:00) - What if you train them and they leave? What if you don’t train them and they stay  (18:30) - Are you a giver of values or a taker?  (32:35) - Many people started asking me how do you do it… Packaging yourself and developing a product which allows them to free up their time so they can scale and they have a peace of mind that, God forbid, if anything happens it can provide for them later on (35:05) - You may be an expert in online marketing, but you might not be an expert in converting one to one conversation. You still have to sit down with the marketing directors of your clients and you need to be able to understand how a competitive pitch happens.  Maybe you’ve had them happen to you but now, to be on the launching side of that. Oh my God! It’s a completely different skill. (44:15) - To sell is to serve! It’s a philosophy. ------------- If you enjoyed this episode of Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai, check out the show notes on: https://www.abovedigital.com/podcast/ Follow Namita Ramani: https://www.instagram.com/namitaramani/ https://www.facebook.com/ramani.namita/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/namitaramani/ https://www.youtube.com/c/namitaramani Above Digital: https://www.abovedigital.com/