Namita Ramani in Conversation with Magdalena on How She Survived Cancer and Built a Unique Business

A few months ago, at a Female Fusion networking event, I had a brief but unforgettable encounter with someone remarkable—Magdalena Orzehovska. As often happens at networking events, we moved from one conversation to the next, but in those fleeting five minutes, Magdalena’s story struck a chord with me.

She spoke with such sincerity about her journey—about surviving cancer, finding solace in something as simple yet profound as olive oil, and then taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship to become the only olive oil sommelier and consultant in the UAE. Her words were filled with strength, courage, and a passion that was impossible to ignore. Even as our conversation was cut short, I knew I had to hear more from her, and I think you’ll want to as well.

I’m thrilled to announce that Magdalena is the guest on our latest podcast episode, going live this Monday morning! She dives deep into her inspiring story, sharing how she turned a life-altering diagnosis into a thriving business, crafting a path driven by knowledge, resilience, and a desire to make a difference.

Tune in to hear Magdalena’s incredible journey:

🎧 Listen on Spotify
🍏 Listen on Apple Podcasts
📺 Watch on YouTube

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a lover of unique stories, or someone looking for a spark of inspiration, this episode is not to be missed. Magdalena’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes life’s greatest challenges can lead us to our most profound opportunities.

Grab your favourite cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to be inspired!

P.S. If Magdalena’s story resonates with you, don’t forget to share it with friends and colleagues who might need a dose of motivation this week!

The Rise of Cycle Hub with Sam Sayadan and Namita Ramani on TFTP

Are you ready for a podcast episode that mixes hearty laughs with essential business insights? This week, we dive into a story that’s all about passion, pedal power, and the pursuit of a thriving community.

Join Namita Ramani at The Forward Thinking Podcast as Sam Sayadan, the co-founder of The Cycle Hub, takes us through his entrepreneurial journey in our latest episode: “From Passion to Enterprise: The Rise of Cycle Hub with Sam Sayadan.”

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

  • Humor in the Face of Challenges: Explore how Sam’s lighthearted approach, including a unique SOP for when products are out of stock, helps navigate the ups and downs of business.

  • Real-Time Business Lessons: Sam doesn’t just share successes; he opens up about the real situations and solutions that have shaped Cycle Hub.

  • Building Community: It’s not just about bikes; it’s about fostering a network of cycling enthusiasts and making an impact that goes beyond business.

Curious how laughter and resilience can fuel business growth and community bonds? Click below to listen now:

This episode isn’t just another business tutorial; it’s a glimpse into how embracing the lighter side of leadership can make a real difference. Tune in for your dose of inspiration coupled with a good chuckle!

Thank you for joining in and sharing this journey with me. If Sam’s story inspires you or brings a smile to your face, please share and subscribe to our podcast, and drop us a comment with your thoughts!

Ride on, (As we say it on Zwift ;))

sam

PS: Here is a little story from myside. I started cycling in the year 2016.

While I was still understanding the sport and exploring it, I had visited Cycle hub to checkout the Specialized bike.

Sam was there himself, showing me around and we instantly became friends.

We planned a small mountain bike ride together and we had such a blast. Sam had a lot of more hair then! 😉

Sam I hope you don’t mind me

sharing 🙂

I am confident you will enjoy our conversation. Tune in and share your feedback

Btw, I recently changed my bike and guess which one I got finally?

Namita Ramani Discussing The Inspiring Journey of Zoga’s Founder, Kamelia Salimi on The Forward Thinking People Podcast

It’s Namita! I hope you’re enjoying my emails and have had a chance to check out our podcast. 😊

I have to admit, running a podcast is no small feat! From getting guests to agree to share their stories, to researching, crafting the right questions, and ensuring each episode reaches you—it’s a labor of love.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own podcast, feel free to reach out. I’d be more than happy to share exactly how you can launch one of your own!

Now, I’m thrilled to announce that our latest episode is live! 🎉

This time, we’re featuring Kamelia Salimi, the founder of Zoga.

This episode is particularly special to me because, when I lived in South Ridge—right where Zoga’s first branch is—I was one of their yoga students. I used to dream about managing them as a client, and now, it’s come true—we handle their lead generation!

Kamelia’s journey of building Zoga is fascinating and full of unique insights, making her an ideal guest for our podcast.

In ‘Building a Profitable Yoga Studio: Kamelia Salimi’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Zoga’, Kamelia reveals:

  • The Journey: From humble beginnings to running two successful branches.

  • Challenges and Triumphs: The real struggles behind Zoga’s growth.

  • Unique Insights: A thought-provoking discussion on psychedelic retreats and their impact.

Click below to dive into the full episode and be inspired by Kamelia’s story.

👉Apple Podcasts Spotify I YouTube 

Enjoy the episode!

Your support means the world to me. Please like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and feel free to drop a question if you have one.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

To your success,

N.

Learn the Networking Secret with me – Namita Ramani with Phil Bedford on TFTP

Do you ever feel like networking is a chore? Or perhaps you’re unsure how to turn those casual connections into meaningful business relationships. I know I’ve been there.

I’m thrilled to share this episode of The Forward Thinking People podcast with you. Our latest guest, Phil Bedford, is a master at transforming networking into a superpower. His journey from a spontaneous visit to Dubai to becoming a networking guru is full of valuable lessons.

Phil arrived in Dubai in 1998 to visit a friend and got a job opportunity. Alongside his job, he pursued his passion for salsa dancing and became a salsa teacher. Little did he know, this passion would become his secret weapon in building powerful business networks. Today, he is a leading expert in relationship marketing, referral marketing, and business networking, helping countless businesses in Dubai and beyond achieve spectacular growth.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:

Have you ever wondered how you can leverage everyday interactions to build a powerful business network? In this episode, you’ll uncover:

  • The unique strategies Phil used to turn casual encounters into meaningful business relationships.

  • The one mindset shift that can transform your networking efforts overnight.

  • How Phil’s approach emphasizes genuine relationships and a balanced lifestyle for success.

Phil’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic networking and its impact on your business growth. This episode is packed with insights that could change the way you view networking forever.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting, Phil’s journey will inspire you to rethink your approach to networking and see it as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

Subscribe Now:

Apple Podcasts I Spotify YouTube 

Don’t miss out on this incredible episode. Tune in to The Forward Thinking People podcast and let Phil Bedford’s story transform your perspective on networking.

To your success,

N

PS: In 2016 my sales coach and dear friend, Ramez Helou introduced me to Phil, and Phil invited me to join his course. It was too expensive for me to afford then in terms of time and money. I also didn’t understand the power of the network then.

At the time, as I was into digital marketing I believed in getting instant return for the money spent. So I invested in our ads instead which gave us instant new business… however, in hindsight, I wish I had done it!

I have managed to build my network now but it has taken me all these years to build. Imagine if I had done it then, I am sure the business would have benefited much more.

I believe advertising is a mix of everything. You need to do it all to see the results! Or maybe not all, but quite a few things… 🙂

Would you agree?

Namita Ramani in conversation with The Cycling Entrepreneur: Why Wolfi Bet on Dubai’s Sand to Build a Bike Empire!

Hello 

Across the table on the second episode of The Forward Thinking People podcast is a man who saw potential, while others saw only challenges. He arrived in Dubai from Blackforest, Germany, with a passion for cycling and a dream to foster a community around it.

Through sheer determination, he built a cycle superstore that became the heart of a thriving cycling culture in the city. Wolfgang Hohhman’s A.K.A. Wolfi’s relentless pursuit of his passion transformed Dubai into a cycling destination.

This is a very special episode for me as I bought my first bike from Mr. Wolfi himself!

Here I am when I went to pick up my 1st bike at Wolfie’s Bike Shop in 2016. Mr. Wolfi himself sold it to me.

namita ramani with Wolfi

He was so passionate about the sport that his love for cycling kind of overflowed on me, and I think this is what he must be doing for all his customers! 🙂

He made me fall in love with Cycling. 🙂

During the interview, he got emotional as he shared stories about the struggles and challenges he faced when he opened the business and what he did to overcome them.

He also shares details on his unplanned exit from the business and how he attracted this opportunity.

Don’t miss this one 🙂

Bringing season 2 of my podcast back after a brief break gave my team and me the opportunity to dive deep into Dubai’s business world and pick out shining jewels to guide and inspire our collective entrepreneurial journey.

In Season 2, you can expect in-depth interviews that provide exclusive insights from top entrepreneurs shaping Dubai’s business landscape. The episodes will feature fresh perspectives and offer engaging conversations filled with actionable insights and innovative ideas.

Wolfi’s story about creating a legacy and inspiring a community is one of the many compelling stories I am excited to share with you on The Forward Thinking podcast.

How to Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts I Spotify I YouTube Channel

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone interested in the dynamic world of business, I am confident that The Forward Thinking podcast will bring you invaluable insights and inspiration.

Subscribe now and ensure you never miss an episode!

In the words of Wolfgang Hohhman, let’s try another day!

Namita Ramani with Warsha Joshi on How to Build A Business That Lasts

Exciting News Alert! 🎉 “The Forward Thinking People Podcast” is Now Live!

Hello

Before I get into the announcement, allow me to tell you a little story.

A 16-year old girl was told that the life of luxuries she was so accustomed to was now over. Their business had come crashing down, leaving this once-affluent family without a roof over their heads, worried about their next meal. Armed with borrowed capital and a beautician’s skill at hand, the little girl spun an empire, catapulting herself into a successful business strategy advisor.

This is not a rags to riches story. This is the story of standing strong and sure in the face of a challenge that almost no one saw coming.

And it is one of the many riveting stories The Forward Thinking People Podcast is made of. 

 

After brief hiatus following season one of my business podcast- formerly known and appreciated as Successful Marketing for Small Businesses in Dubai- I am thrilled to announce the launch of Season 2, now rebranded as The Forward Thinking People – The dreamers, the go-getters, and the leaders who never gave up.

Why Tune In?

As the Earth plates shift and the world is faced with new challenges, (read: Covid19), the world of business also continues to evolve and adapt. Keeping that in mind, each episode of The Forward Thinking People aims to uncover successful business strategies, obstacles, and triumphs from the best in the industry.

What’s New in Season 2?

  • In-depth interviews: Exclusive insights from top entrepreneurs shaping Dubai’s business landscape.
  • Fresh perspectives: Engaging conversations packed with actionable insights and innovative ideas.
  • Broader horizons: Focused discussions to cover a wider range of topics relevant to the modern business landscape.

How to Subscribe:

Youtube I Spotify I Apple Podcasts 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply someone interested in the dynamic world of business, we are confident that Season 2 will bring you invaluable insights and inspiration.

Subscribe to ‘The Forward Thinking People Podcast’ now and ensure you never miss an episode, power-packed with wisdom and practical advice.

We look forward to having you with us on this exciting journey!

Above Digital Turns 20 ?

Hello again,

I hope this email finds you well. Firstly a very very Happy New Year to you.

As I sit down to write this email, my heart is full of gratitude and my mind is bustling with memories.

Today, Above Digital turns 20, and it’s a milestone that feels incredibly personal, not just for me, but for everyone who’s been part of this remarkable journey.

above digital 20 year anniversary

From the first logo we designed to the latest digital campaign we launched, every step has been a story of collaboration, trust, and shared dreams.

You’ve been a part of this story, through conferences, meetings, projects, and every little interaction in between.

Reflecting on these two decades, I’m awed by the evolution we’ve shared.

Above Digital started with a simple belief in the power of branding and has grown into a full-service digital marketing agency, driven by a passion for helping businesses thrive online.

But what’s a milestone without the people who make it meaningful?

Whether we’ve worked together recently or crossed paths in the earlier days, your support, trust, and engagement have been the cornerstone of our success.

As we step into the next chapter, I want you to know that your partnership is cherished. Even if you just read my emails and that’s the only interaction we have had! 

The digital landscape is ever-changing, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us to explore together.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Here’s to celebrating the past 20 years and to the many more we’ll share ahead.

To our success,

Namita Ramani
CEO, Above Digital

P.S. I’d love to hear from you!

Your stories, where you are now, and how we might continue to grow together. Feel free to hit reply and catch up.

Sharing the links to my podcasts in case you are looking for something new to listen to 🙂 

?️Successful Marketing For Small Business Owners (by the way I am working on Season 2 of this podcast and we are also rebranding the podcast. If you would like to be interviewed or you know someone who you think I should interview to share their journey, hit the reply button and send me an email 🙂 )

?️Digital Dialogues with Reim El Houni and Namita Ramani

Reflect, Learn, and Leap into 2024

Hello again,

Can you believe it’s almost the end of 2023?

Just two days left! As we’re on the brink of stepping into a new year, I find myself in a reflective mood, thinking about growth, learning, and the exciting journey ahead.

In the spirit of the season, I want to share something that’s been a game-changer for me and countless others: Investing in learning and training.

Trust me, it’s the rocket fuel for growth, especially in our fast-paced digital world.

For a head start, why not dive into our podcast episodes? I’m particularly excited about our last three episodes, and here’s a little sneak peek for you:

personalization is trending

Episode 10: Personalization is Trending! What Can You Do To Get Personal?

In this episode, Reim El Houni and I explore the magic of personalization. We’re talking about the kind of personalization that turns a standard message into a meaningful conversation with your audience. Imagine skyrocketing your conversion rates by 80% just by adding a personal touch. Intrigued? You should be!

Listen Now!

social selling, ecommerce sites

Episode 11: Social Selling, E-commerce sites, Apps – What Is The Answer?

This one’s a treat for all you e-commerce enthusiasts and service providers! Reim and I delve deep into the world of online marketplaces. Are traditional websites still the gold standard, or are apps and social platforms taking over? Plus, we share some insider secrets on content creation that could totally revamp your strategy.

Listen Now!

the power of community

Episode 12: The Power Of Community To Help You Grow

Ever thought about the power of community in business? Join us as we discuss how nurturing a community can transform customers into loyal advocates. This episode is all about the strength found in connection and engagement.

Listen Now!

As you toast to the new year, I encourage you to think about how these insights can shape your strategy for 2024. Whether you’re running a service-based business or managing an e-commerce brand, there’s something in these episodes for you.

And hey, before I sign off, I just want to say, Happy New Year!  May 2024 be a year of prosperity, success, and incredible digital marketing triumphs for you.

Keep an eye on your inbox for my next email. I’ll be spilling the beans on what’s trending in digital campaigns for 2024. You won’t want to miss it!

To a brilliant new year,
Namita Ramani
Founder & CEO
Above Digital

P.S. Got any burning questions or topics you’d like me to cover in future episodes or newsletters? Hit reply and let me know. Your feedback is my guiding star!

P.P.S. Exciting things are coming in 2024, and I can’t wait to share every bit of it with you. Stay tuned!

P.P.P.S. Remember, growth begins with learning. Start your journey today by tuning into our latest podcast episodes – your future self will thank you!

 

 

Unlocking the Potential of ‘Hidden’ Marketing Channels

Hey there, Digital Mavericks!

I’ve got some fresh, hot-off-the-press episodes of “Digital Dialogues” that you won’t want to miss. Before I dive into the latest, have you caught up with the first wave of episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts? If not, now’s the perfect chance to binge on some brain-boosting content over the coming long weekend.

Traditional Marketing

EP 6 – Traditional Marketing: The Unsung Hero?

Television’s credibility, PR’s evolving role, and the unsung hero of the marketing mix: Email.

In this episode, Reim and I dissect if traditional marketing can still make hearts throb in the digital age. Discover the secret sauce to emails that get opened, read, and clicked!

Listen Now!

youtube growth strategies

EP 7 – Cracking the YouTube Code

From zero to hero on YouTube – how does it work?

Reim shares her journey while I lay down why YouTube’s SEO magic and direct traffic are essential for growth. Get the playbook for leveraging YouTube’s high-intent audience to skyrocket your brand’s visibility.

Listen Now!

whatsapp the social platform

EP 8 – WhatsApp: The Marketing Giant Hiding in Plain Sight

WhatsApp is not just for emojis and “good morning” messages!

With its massive reach, it’s a goldmine for savvy marketers. Reim and I dive into how to make WhatsApp your brand’s powerhouse for personalized customer engagement.

Listen Now!

metaverse demystified

EP 9 – Decoding the Metaverse

In this episode, we are joined by a special guest ‘Hind Sergieh’, the CEO of Arkub who demystifies Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality.

Learn how businesses thrive in Web 3.0 and why your brand needs to embrace this digital frontier.

Listen Now!

And that’s not all—3 more episodes are lined up to keep your digital marketing arsenal sharp and cutting-edge.

Transform your long weekend into an investment in learning that will echo the success of your business. So why wait? 🙂

Your feedback guides our journey. After tuning in, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What struck a chord? What’s your digital marketing challenge? Let’s make “Digital Dialogues” a two-way conversation.

If you believe in the power of continuous learning, subscribe on your favorite platform, and share “Digital Dialogues” with anyone who’d benefit—because growth is best when it’s shared.

Wishing you a weekend full of insights and inspiration.

To Digital Success and Beyond,

Namita

P.S. Your support means the world to us—it’s what fuels our mission. If you haven’t already, please subscribe, share, and spread the digital dialogue.

 

Exploring the Art of Niche Selection

Hello there

It’s me Namita again.

And this email by the way is written for you by me personally. I confirm it is not written by AI or chatGPT. 🙂

Isn’t it amazing how you can program AI and it can write in your tonality and voice?

It’s amazing how our world is changing so fast.

Creating content has become so much more easier now thanks to the AI tools available at our fingertips.

I enjoyed filming all our episodes but Fahed Bizzari’s ChatGPT episode was transformative. If you have not watched it I urge you to.

This week we have launched a new episode on whether you should have a niche or not.

Let me ask you a question.

God forbid you need to do surgery for a broken leg. Would you be comfortable letting a heart surgeon do the surgery?

No right?

Medical professionals have niche specialties and we are more comfortable going to someone who is an expert in their field.

Does it not apply to businesses as well?

To niche or not niche then?

Watch this engaging conversion of me and Reim on the pros and cons of going niche in your business. Learn from our experience and see what you can apply to your business.

I would love to hear your feedback. Please share our podcast with friends, family, and businesses you feel will enjoy listening to our show.

Leave us a comment on whichever channel you are listening on.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Until next week,

Yours Truly,
Namita

PS: If you have missed the previous episodes here is the link to the podcast page on YouTube.

PPS: Next week’s episode is my favorite one. You will know why once you see the Title of it 🙂 Can you guess what is it on? Send me the answer by replying to this email.

Let's Talk

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