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Today’s episode from “The Sara Shabana Show” is all about one question I been pondering the past couple of years … which is what success really means. Just like many of you, when I was born, I was given a checklist and been told that once you strike off these items … you will be happy. I can already feel some of you might be smiling … because you been there, and you ticked the list … only to realize happiness and fulfillment were not guaranteed as promised, and you are left with this emptiness and lack of guidance. Is there a universal definition of success, or each one should define it for themselves? So that’s why I’ve decided to interview great minds, daring people who decided not to only take the path less travelled, but to carve a path of their own, take the responsibility of their choices, and live the life they designed for themselves. and in this episode, I have compiled the responses from my last year interviews regarding this question. However, if any answer makes sense to you, or if you feel you would like to listen to more, just look for that guest name in my podcast episodes and enjoy listening to the full interview.  The guests included in this episode are: Allaoa Gaham Dr Saliha Afridi Ibrahim Albadawi Jessy El Murr Osama Natto Eman Askar Hatem AlAkeel Sara Almukaimy And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

In this episode of the podcast “The Sara Shabana Show” I shared my experience of going to a 10 days of silent Vipassana meditation course.   Below are the key highlights from the episode:  -       Why I decided to try 10 days of silent meditation.  -       The philosophy behind this ancient technique and its significance in our mental wellbeing. -       Laws of the universe and how we are in charge of our own happiness and misery.  -       How to re-program our deeper levels of the mind.  -       The magic of silence, mindfulness, and solitude.  -       The lessons learned from this experience and my key takeaways.   About Vipassana About S.N. Goenka About the center and the coursesUnited Arab Emirates Dhamma Center  And don’t forget to say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana_), I always love to hear from you. 

In this episode of the podcast “The Sara Shabana Show” I discussed “Inspiration”   Below are the key highlights from the episode: What inspiration really is. Where does inspiration come from. Why a busy mind is the enemy of inspiration. What the world’s most creative people do to get inspired. The simple steps that one can take to cultivate creativity and find inspiration.   And don’t forget to say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana_), I always love to hear from you.

This is the first episode from “The Sara Shabana Show” in 2022, and I wouldn’t have found a better topic than discussing “The Power of Setting Clear Intentions” – A powerful practice you may like to use instead of creating new year’s resolutions. Below are the key highlights from the episode: What an intention really is, and what it does? What is the level of influence an intention has on my life and others around me? The law of cause and effect. Why setting intentions are not the same as setting goals. The consequences of not setting an intention. How can one turn things around and create a different life and opportunities? Don’t forget to say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Today I am happy to bring you a new interview with a very creative talent that I hope will spark your creations and inspire you for the new year to come I am happy to bring you a new interview with a very creative talent that I hope will spark your creations and inspire you for the new year to come. My guest for today is a creative enthusiast and an award-winning fashion designer He chose to leave his safe corporate job to follow his passion. He had to smash his own limiting belief in the process and learn from the challenges he faced along the way. His philosophy is there are no shortcuts to success, and if you are going to face the ups and downs that come with it, then you better be enjoying what you do. He elevated the landscape of the thobe market (the traditional formal men wear in GCC) by creating his very own fashion label “Toby” by Hatem Alakeel, and he was among the first Saudi designers to place the thobe in luxury retail outlets such as Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue & others. He Designed for global icons and his designs have been featured in internationally recognized songs. Living by the values of Authenticity, self-expression and passion, he launched a consulting agency called Authenticite; dedicated to showcasing and supporting the Saudi creative talent to the world and bridging the cultural gap   In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show we discussed: His entrepreneurship journey from corporate banking to fashion design. Self-expression and Individuality in the Arab culture. The different hats of a creative entrepreneur in the Middle East and how is this different from the European ecosystem. The value of authenticity in creative expression and design. The new progressive Saudi generation and how to bridge the cultural gap with the world. Connect with Hatem:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticite_by_hatem_alakeel/ Website: https://authenticite.me/   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Baraa ElSabbagh is a beautiful soul who found her passion in motivating people to start healthy habits, teaching them how to do it right and how to enjoy themselves in this process of change. Born to a family of entrepreneurs, she didn’t resonate with the 9-5 corporate world and started her own business right off the bat. She is a registered Dietician, Personal Trainer, & Sports Nutritionist who inspires her audience through her social media videos and her very own podcast show “B for Better Health”. So if you are looking for some solid tips and fitness inspiration, make sure to stay with us till the end. In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: What are the easy habits one could adopt to live an active life. How being born to a family of entrepreneurs influenced her perception of entrepreneurship. Why one should not link their self-worth with what they do. How she learned so much by listening to podcasts and what inspired her to start one. Connect with Baraa:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baraaelsabbagh/ Website: https://linktr.ee/baraaelsabbagh    And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

My guest for today is a storyteller, an innovation catalyst, and a cultural adaptor. He is the founder of 01Gov - a Dubai born startup that aims at inspiring and enabling leaders of the public sector across the Middle East, and the broader Global South to design governments of the future. His work has been trusted by leading organizations like the United Nations, The Open Data Institute in the UK, and other government and non-government institutions in Australia, Singapore, Estonia, and others. While he is a strategist at heart, he never had a job with a pre-defined title which we discussed in today’s episode. In 2013, he took the leap to design the life of his dreams, the “Tale of Two Cities” … between Sydney and Dubai. He is a cultural adapter and finds special joy in enabling conversations between people and businesses from different cultures. We both share the same love for intellectual intriguing conversations, and he is a dear friend who I go to when I am looking for answers to untypical questions, or even when looking for an untypical answer to a typical question.  In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: The key principles for growth and development. How coding changes your perspective on the world around you. What is lifestyle design, and why it matters. Cultural narratives, the making of nations, and the significance of strategic thinking. Why you should question and research what has been given to you as an “ultimate truth” Connect with Ibrahim:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibadawi?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibadawi/?hl=en Website: https://www.ibrahimelbadawi.com/ The principles of growth Ar: Part 1/ Part 2 / Part 3 And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

My guest for this episode is a live example of how you can bring magic in your life if you listen to your heart and have the courage to switch lanes and embrace the unknown. We have all been experiencing a lot of ups and downs with the uncertainty and chaos in the world, and I couldn’t think of a better guest to give us some perspective and guidance on navigating adversity than him. He has a very unconventional journey himself. While he’s born and raised in France, he has also explored and lived in diverse cultures between China and Dubai. After a prestigious MBA’s and after over ten successful years in corporate finance and entrepreneurship, he decided to discontinue his blooming, but a stressful career to explorer the unknown. You will learn today that embracing uncertainty can take you to places you never thought of for yourself. From a warrior at heart with a high-performance mindset to finding peace and balance not only in fitness but in life. He built a robust personal brand in his new path, and if you are practicing yoga in Dubai, then you most probably came across his name before.   In this podcast episode we discussed: The philosophy of yoga and what entrepreneurship and yoga have in common. How we can regulate our emotions and the way we feel using our breath. How do our body stores emotions, and what can we do about them. Why finding balance in life is very crucial and why it’s a journey and not a destination. What can we learn from ancient wisdom that we can apply in our modern life today. Connect with AllaouaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaouayoga/?hl=en Website: https://allaouayoga.com/home   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

My guest for today is someone you most probably came across before. How? From her viral video, her viral song to be specific that broke the Internet – the song of “The Story of Palestine” that got more than 11 million … yes with M … 11 million views till date on Instagram ALONE! Not to mention it was translated to many other languages including Arabic, Turkish, German and many others. Today I spoke with her about her feelings when this happened, what is the recipe for creating viral content, and how this incident changed her mindset in so many ways. In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: What is the recipe for creating viral content. Where one can find inspiration and how to cultivate creativity. Understanding and embracing self-love as a woman. How content creators can overcome fear of judgment and online bullying. The magic that happens when you focus on the journey and not the outcome. Connect with Eman Askar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmasworld.101/?hl=en   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Happy anniversary my beautiful friends, It’s been a YEAR! We have been on this journey together for one year now. I had to pinch myself every time I think about it.     Below are the key highlights from the episode: ·       I revealed my birthday fear challenge for this year. ·       Why designing your own life will require you to make difficult conversations. ·       Why ignoring challenge is not a strategy and what you can do about it. ·       Martha Beck's analogy for bold decisions and the two possible outcomes from taking the leap.  ·       How our reality is formed from the decisions to make, and why we should always make conscious decisions.   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Dr Saliha Afridi is a leading psychologist and an entrepreneur with a mission to lead the way in promoting mental wellbeing in the Middle East. Born and raised in completely different cultures like many of or generation, we discussed individuality and the struggle of understanding where do we belong. As an entrepreneur herself she shared her story founding the lighthouse, and how fear and self-doubt were part of this experience especially as the 1st women entrepreneur in her community. I loved chatting with her about her journey to finding this personal balance between conventionality and difference. And how it's absolutely ok to be multi-passionate and why you should listen to this whisper that comes from within you. Not to mention, she impressed me with her book recommendations!   In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: Identity struggles and sense of belonging in a multicultural upbringing. Why it’s ok to be multi-passionate and how can you listen and follow your intuition. The best mental health external and internal resources in dealing with adversity. The self-doubt and fear that comes with entrepreneurship and taking risks. How having a community-driven mission gives a purpose and meaning to your business. How building a personal brand online helps you amplify your mission in impacting thousands and millions of people.    Connect with Dr Saliha:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsalihaafridi/?hl=en Website: https://www.lighthousearabia.com/ And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Today’s episode is highly highly demanded. If you only know how many times I been asked where can one find a summary of the book recommendations from the guests interviewed on this podcast ;-). So …. Considering that world book day is coming this week, I thought it will be a good reason to finally create this compilation.  I typically ask my guests about their favorite books because I personally love to get book recommendations. I read A LOT and nothing gives me more joy than a book that helps me see a new perspective in life. You can find the full list of recommendations on my website.  And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you ;-)

My guest for today is  A REBEEEL   While she grew up in a very traditional Kuwaiti family, she did not accept to fit in the mold.     She is a dreamer, a storyteller, and sometimes, an imaginary world creator where everyone in this world has equal rights.   Her journey in discovering herself and her individuality led her to realize that being different especially in a society that puts women in frames & expects them to fit in is not always welcomed or supported.    She rebelled, she opposed the norms, she objected to the laws and still objecting …    From a very young age, she wrote on her closet mirror with lipstick " Why should we settle for something less than WE think we deserve “and she still lives by this statement till date,  In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: ·       Our individuality and how to navigate our way without conforming to the social norms.  ·       The journey of discovering who you really are.  ·       The power of imagination and its impact on our creative skills.  ·       How to show up for yourself and handle fear of judgment. · Women's rights in Kuwait and Arab societies.  ·       How personal branding helps you have a platform to express yourself and help others.     Connect with Sara:Twitter: https://twitter.com/salmukaimy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salmukaimy/?hl=en   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

As today is a special day (International Women's Day), today’s episode is also a special interview with an exceptional woman.  Jessy El Murr is a powerhouse filled with kindness, knowledge, unparalleled energy and so much fun.  She is a seasoned field journalist and former BBC and Sky News Arabia, correspondent. During her time as a correspondent, she specialized in military news coverage and filed several exclusive stories.   Jessy also interviewed leading international personalities like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Georges Clooney, and many others. As worrier as she always been, she jumped into entrepreneurship and its unknowns and now she is an independent certified public speaking trainer and media consultant working with leading organizations in the middle east and around the world.  In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: ·       How childhood struggles can help you discover your skills.  ·       How we should always question authority and never take “No” for an answer.  ·       The upside and downside of entrepreneurship.  ·       Public speaking and our fear of judgment.  ·       Why we should cultivate creativity and how it can help us transform our presence.  ·       How personal branding is a necessity and not a luxury anymore.     Connect with Jessy:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessytrends Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessyelmurr/ Website: https://jessyelmurr.com/   And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Maha Abouelenein is such a powerful blend of both soft and strong. Soft with an empathetic heart, and super strong at what she is capable of delivering to the businesses and the people she works with. She led the communication strategy not only for the biggest brands in the middle east but globally and worked directly with their executives and she is going to share with us today her key take ways working with the greatest leaders around the world. We are talking from regional leaders like Orascom telecom and Careem to global giants like Google, Netflix, even leading governments …. You name it. And last but not least let’s add to this powerful mix managing the global PR strategy for one of the biggest personal brands in the world GARY VEE. In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: What she learned working with the best executives in the world.  How is it like to stand up for yourself in case of unequal pay The evolution of communication and the agility required to survive in this real-time world.  What personal branding really is.  Why understanding how you are adding value can help you differentiate yourself. What personal branding really is.   Connect with Maha: Instagram: @MahaGaber Website: http://digitalandsavvy.com/  And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Osama Natto is a serial entrepreneur who embodies, and in-fact develops “the live your purpose” philosophy.   He created the first public startup accelerator program in Saudi Arabia that run by a private company and has long been involved in the entrepreneurial scene in the kingdom. Over the years he mentored and coached thousands of entrepreneurs and been a key contributor in many established organizations that supports startups in the region.  He championed to get 36 R&D grants and 31 filed patents for his mentee. . As a serial entrepreneur himself, he will share with us today his very unique and interesting journey, not only for creating success for himself but for the thousands of students who learn from him. It’s not a coincidence, that his current programs attract thousands of people from more than 36 countries around the world.    In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: What most people get wrong when it comes to money. The power of personal branding in multiplying your financial income.  How we all have superpowers and how they can help us discover our purpose in life.   How understanding the human behavioral patterns can help us replicate systems that deliver results at scale.   The power of setting intentions.     Connect with Osama:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osamanatto/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/osamanatto?lang=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osamanatto/?originalSubdomain=ae Website: www.withosama.com    Have something to share?  say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

This is the first episode from The Sara Shabana Show in 2021, and I wouldn’t have found a better topic than discussing “The New Beginnings”   Below are the key highlights from the episode: ·       Why new beginnings are exciting and why we find it a good time to set goals and resolutions.  ·       Why we fail to achieve our new year resolutions. ·       Why it’s crucial to understand and be aware of our limiting believes in order to transform our lives.  ·       What is the secret behind achieving our goals? ·       Why we should close the old doors before we open the new ones.  Don’t forget to say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana_), I always love to hear from you. Know more about the Path to Transformation BOOTCAMP. 

Spencer Lodge is a brilliant businessman who been voted as one of the top 100 most influential people in Dubai. He is also a motivational speaker, a podcaster, and a sales educator In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, we discussed: What is takes to be an entrepreneur and follow your dreams.  Misconceptions about sales and why many people struggle with it.  How the approach to business sales is now very different than a few years back.  Why personal branding is critical in the digital age.  What are the life skills we all need to survive in this new connected world.   Connect with Spencer: Instagram: @Spencer.Lodge And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

Andreea Zoia is a confidence and public speaking coach; she has trained many world leaders, CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs. In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show, she shared her battle and journey to self-confidence, and how she managed to embrace it and build a business based on her learnings and talents.    We discussed:   ·       What confidence really is and why many people are struggling with it.  ·       How we can fuel our energy when having role models to help us see the possibilities and believe in our dreams.  ·       Why it’s good not to follow the familiar path or play by the rules.  ·       What confidence really is and why many people are struggling with it.  ·       How entrepreneurship is a lonely place and a form of a spiritual journey in which one can rediscover himself and start work on the environment and psychology.  ·       Tons of book recommendations!    Connect with Andreea:  Instagram: @Andreeazoia    And don’t forget to connect with me and say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana.me), I always love to hear from you.

In this episode from The Sara Shabana Show I discussed self confidence and how many of us specially have false believes about it.  Below are the key highlights from the episode: What confidence really is.  Why self-love and self-acceptance is a foundation for self confidence.  The competence/confidence loop and how to break this with the beginner's confidence.  Negative self talk and how thoughts influence our actions.  The impact of our tribe and our environment on our self confidence. Don’t forget to say “Hi” on Instagram (@SaraShabana_), I always love to hear from you. Know more about the Personal Branding Academy.