This Wasn't In The Manual Co

From building campaigns across channels to understanding how brands think beyond media plans, this episode dives into what really changes when you move from servicing clients to becoming one. We talk about the realities of the agency-to-client transition, performance vs brand marketing, leadership, navigating fast-paced industries, and how the media landscape continues to evolve across the region....

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...

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...

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 right questions in a job interview can make or break your experience in an early-stage company. She also opens up abo...

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 trait Navigating perf...

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, a...

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 arou...

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...

Redefining Growth: No one told us rest was productive: Jessica’s Journey Through Corporate Life, Identity, and Starting Over Description: 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...