The Forward Thinking People Podcast with Namita Ramani

In this episode, in a conversation with Bijay Shah, the Master Franchisee of Business Network International (BNI) in the UAE and the person behind one of the most successful business networking ecosystems in the region. Bijay shares the entire journey, starting from the moment he first encountered BNI to building a thriving community that now spans hundreds of members across the UAE. He talks abou...

In this episode, we wrap up an incredible season 2 of The Forward Thinking People by discussing the 7 traits that define forward-thinking businesses. After interviewing 12 entrepreneurs this season, we’ve identified the core qualities that separate businesses that grow with purpose from those that falter. Here’s a glimpse of what we discuss: ✔️ How clarity in organizational values drives smarter d...

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at an unforgettable Season 2 of The Forward Thinking People Podcast. 12 Episodes. 12 Takeaways.  The Forward Thinking People Podcast brings you the stories of people who redefine what’s possible. We uncover the lessons that drive innovation, inspire bold ideas, and prepare you for the future of business. Whether you’re dreaming big or building something...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Brian Kurtz, a direct marketing legend who has had two remarkable careers spanning over four decades. Brian Kurtz shares his extensive experience from his 34-year tenure at Boardroom Inc. where he sold over 1.3 billion pieces of direct mail via direct response television (infomercials) and as the founder of Titans Marketing. Entrepreneurs, especially in...

In this episode of the Forward Thinking People podcast, Namita Ramani sits down with Fahed Bizzari, a renowned AI consultant, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur.  Fahed shares his extensive journey, starting from his upbringing influenced by his serial entrepreneur father to his education and various business ventures, including the launch and growth of an SMS marketing company in the early...

In this episode of the Forward Thinking People podcast, host Namita Ramani welcomes Kelly Lundberg , an international keynote speaker, personal brand strategist, and bestselling author, with over 20 years of experience. Kelly shares her remarkable journey from Scotland to Dubai, emphasising the importance of personal branding for entrepreneurs and CEOs. Throughout the discussion, Kelly highlights...

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 no...

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...

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, an...

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 creat...

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 busines...

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 Vers...

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 int...

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 Du...

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 ea...

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 o...

A week ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to be featured on Dhiren Bhatia' s Elevated Entrepreneur Podcast - an exceptional series that invites successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders to share their insights and experiences on what it takes to run a profitable business. In this episode, Dhiren and I had an in-depth discussion on everything from how you can market your business using differ...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 Na...

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-buildin...

Manish talks about how he stumbled upon yoga when he was struggling to meet deadlines during his job as copywriter in an ad agency. Today, Manish runs Total Yoga in Pune, California, Dubai, Derby, and Auckland. Together with his partner, they’ve also launched the Yomaste Yoga retreats where they take yogis on a yoga-inspired adventure. Manish’s aim is to strive and create a yoga style that caters...

In this episode, Deepak Lalwani talks about how he challenged a fitness giant like Fitness First by offering a one-on-one fitness experience in his 1500 square foot boutique group exercise studio. He also talks about how he took a major risk when building the TRIP studio, a virtual reality immersive spinning class in Dubai. Deepak further discusses how GFX stands out from its competitors, by offer...

Matt Farr talks to us on how he left a high-paying banking job to follow his real passions of mountaineering and exploration that finally led him to establish his own adventure travel company, Mountain Quests. He shares how being open to ideas and being a risk-taker helped him convert his true passion for adventure travel into a profitable business. Things we discuss How a holiday plan to Thailand...