EP 41 - REFLECTING AND REBUILDING

What happens when the life you're building no longer looks like the life everyone expected you to have?In this episode of Let's Talk DXB, Sharon Missah sits down with Joan Mwende Kinus, personal branding strategist, entrepreneur and women's economic empowerment advocate, for a deeply honest conversation about faith, fear, career transitions, money, identity, purpose and the courage to build a life that doesn't fit neatly into one box. Joan's journey spans multinational corporate branding, entrepreneurship, personal branding, philanthropy and co-founding Jazz Loc Studio in Dubai, but behind each transition was a decision to trust what she believed was possible.This isn't a conversation about simply taking the leap. It's about what happens before the leap: the planning, the financial preparation, the identity work, the fear, the outside opinions, and ultimately the faith required to move forward when you can't see the entire path. We talk about:Leaving a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble to pursue a different callingWhy Joan planned her exit instead of simply walking away from her 9–5The role of money, financial independence and economic empowerment in creating choices for womenWhy your job, salary or title should be a means to an end, not the end itselfHow Joan moved from corporate marketing into personal branding and entrepreneurshipBuilding Youniquely Branded and helping women understand their value, identity and positioningThe story behind Jazz Loc Studio Dubai and turning a personal frustration into a businessWhy faith played such a significant role in believing that “nothing is impossible”The pressure women face to fit themselves into one identity, one career or one definition of success.Why “the grey” may be where your real life is being builtHow fear grows when you start listening too closely to outside opinionsWhat it means to pursue your calling even when other people don't understand itWhy balance may look less like a perfect schedule and more like harmony between different seasons of lifeLearning to rest, recognising overwhelm and being honest enough to say, “I can't do this right now.”And the question at the heart of it all: What if your dreams are actually valid?Whether you're considering a career pivot, building a business, navigating motherhood and ambition, questioning your purpose, or simply trying to figure out what your next chapter looks like, this conversation will give you a lot to sit with.Because sometimes, the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want isn't the lack of a plan. It's whether you believe you're allowed to pursue it.💬 What's something you've been afraid to pursue because you're not sure it will make sense to everyone else?Share it in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.🔔 Subscribe to Let's Talk DXB for real conversations with real people. 🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected] Connect with Joan Mwende Kinus:Personal Branding & Youniquely Branded: youniquelybranded.comInstagram:   / mwende_kinus  LinkedIn: Joan Mwende Kinus on LinkedInAsk

What do you do when life forces you to start over?When the career you built no longer fits…When loss reshapes who you are…When the version of yourself you once knew no longer exists…In this deeply honest episode of Let’s Talk DXB, we sit down with Dr. Neeta Bhushan, x5 best-selling author, thought leader, entrepreneur, and host of The Brave Table Podcast and Chaitonics to talk about reinvention, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life.From walking away from a “safe” career in dentistry to navigating profound personal loss, Neeta shares what it really looks like to let go of old identities and step into a more authentic, purpose-driven life.This is not just a conversation.It’s a reminder that starting over is not failure, it’s bravery in motion.Whether you’re questioning your career, healing from loss, or standing at the edge of a major life change, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.If you’ve ever asked yourself:💭 How do I reinvent myself without losing who I am?💭 Why does letting go feel so scary even when I know I have outgrown something?💭 How do I choose courage when fear is loud?THIS is the episode you need to watch.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Why reinvention often begins with discomfort03:18 – Neeta’s background & the early influences that shaped her07:10 – Leaving a “stable” career for a purpose-driven life11:42 – The emotional cost of starting over16:05 – Rebuilding after loss: what it really looks like day-to-day20:30 – The hardest mindset shift when redefining yourself24:55 – Letting go of old identities and giving yourself permission to evolve29:10 – Why vulnerability is essential for healing and growth33:40 – What authenticity actually means 38:15 – How to be brave when telling your truth feels risky42:50 – Advice for anyone paralysed by fear at a crossroads47:05 – What bravery means now — and how that definition has changed50:20 – The power of starting over in love, career, and lifeQUOTES THAT SHOULD STICK WITH YOU“When life breaks you, it can be the doorway to freedom, healing, and purpose.”“Vulnerability isn’t weakness. You can become a more authentic, something more honest.”👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations about growth, courage, and building a meaningful life.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of real talk and real transformation.GUEST: Dr. Neeta Bhushan, Founder of The Brave Table Podcast and ChaitonicsAuthor - That Sucked Now What HOST: Sharon Missah, Founder, Let’s Talk DXBFOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Let's Talk DXB, we sit down with Kofi Larbi, founder of Crypto 1.2.3 of the most passionate financial educators in Dubai. This is not a crypto hype conversation. This is a raw, honest, deeply human story about money, mistakes, ethics, and the one investment that Kofi believes gives everyday people their best shot at financial freedom.We cover:How Kofi went from earning thousands as a broker to being crushed by debtThe moment he discovered Bitcoin — mid-lesson — and everything changedWhy saving money in a bank account might actually be working against youThe truth about Bitcoin that banks and institutions don't want widely knownWhy does he only advocate for Bitcoin (and never altcoins or trading)How to get started with as little as $5The dollar-cost averaging strategy he teaches all his clientsWhy is financial literacy deliberately kept out of schools?00:00 — The Debt Wake-Up Call01:35 — Who Is Kofi Larbi?04:35 — Life as a Broker: Wolf of Wall Street Energy7:02 — Financial Trouble Hits8:33 — Rebuilding After Debt13:03 — Kofi Discovers Bitcoin Mid-Lesson19:20 — What Makes Bitcoin Different From Every Other Currency23:55 — Bitcoin vs Gold vs Property28:00 — Building Crypto 123 in Dubai37:57 — Why Ethics in Finance Matters So Much to Kofi40:39 — What Childhood Taught Him About Money45:21 — Why Trading Bitcoin Is the Wrong Move48:30 — How Crypto 123 Works (Hold My Hand and Show Me)50:36 — Final Message: Education Is the Way OutWhether you're curious about crypto, frustrated with your finances, or just want to hear a story that will make you rethink how you use your money, this episode is for you.💬 What's your relationship with money right now - saving, investing, or surviving? Drop it in the comments. We're reading everyone.🔔 Subscribe to Let's Talk DXB for real conversations with real people about money, identity, purpose, and building in your 20s and 30s.🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected] Find Kofi at crypto123live.com ‪@Crypto123live‬

Episode 41 is not just about divorce. It’s about identity. Faith. Loneliness. Growth. Single motherhood. And what it truly means to rebuild your life when everything falls apart. There was a season when Sharon was sleeping three hours a night, questioning everything, carrying shame, and wondering how her life had reached this point. Today, she sits here lighter and walking fully in her purpose.In this raw and honest conversation, Sharon reflects on:• Healing after divorce• Navigating single motherhood• Faith during your lowest season• Therapy and emotional growth• Rediscovering identity after marriage• Setting boundaries in dating• Finding purpose through painIf you are rebuilding your life…If you are in a season of loneliness…If you’ve ever felt ashamed of where you are…This episode will remind you: your story is not over.👇 TIMESTAMPS00:00 – The sleepless nights after divorce02:59 – Life three years later05:00 – When healing actually began10:06 – Becoming a single mother14:18 – Faith & therapy20:00 – Finding purpose in pain22:17 – Friendship & loneliness27:07 – Dating after divorce💬 COMMENT BELOW:What part of her journey resonated with you most?👍 Like, Subscribe & Share with someone who needs this.🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/3LMS2ug...Email: [email protected]

Let’s Talk DXB with Foghor Kagho - Founder of YutheraWhat happens when personal pain becomes a mission bigger than you? When a sister’s health struggle exposes a broken system… When women’s pain is dismissed, misdiagnosed, or ignored… When silence is no longer an option… 🤍 Real experiences and purpose-led causes are often shaped through life’s most challenging seasons. This conversation references the deeply personal experience of child loss which can be emotionally triggering.'My sister's pain became a bigger purpose.' In this episode of Let’s Talk DXB, we sit down with Foghor Kagho, founder of Yuthera, a women’s health startup born from lived experience and a determination to change how uterine and pelvic pain are treated. From witnessing his sister’s journey to building an innovation-driven solution for conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, Foghor shares what it truly takes to build in the health space with empathy, courage, and purpose. This is not just a startup story. It’s a conversation about advocacy, innovation, and finally listening to women’s bodies. If you care about women’s reproductive health, femtech, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, or impact-driven leadership, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 💭 IF YOU’VE EVER ASKED YOURSELF: • Why is women’s pain so often misunderstood or dismissed? • Why has reproductive health taken so long to receive real innovation? • How do you build something meaningful from emotional pain? • What does it take to create healthcare solutions rooted in empathy? This is the conversation you need to hear. 📌 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Pain, purpose & why this conversation matters 02:18 – Foghor’s background and the birth of Yuthera 05:50 – Her sister’s health journey and the moment everything changed 09:40 – The gaps in women’s reproductive healthcare 13:35 – What the name Yuthera represents 16:55 – Building a health startup in an emotionally charged space 21:30 – Research, partnerships & navigating the health tech ecosystem 26:10 – Endometriosis, PCOS & uterine pain explained 31:40 – Why women’s pain is often misdiagnosed 36:45 – Why Yuthera chose a wearable patch solution 41:55 – Storytelling, stigma & breaking the silence 46:30 – The future of Yuthera (3–5 year vision) 51:20 – Living well in health, business & life 55:00 – Final reflections on purpose and impact 💬 QUOTES THAT WILL STAY WITH YOU “Women don’t lack resilience — they lack systems that listen.” “Healthcare innovation must begin with empathy, not assumptions.” 🎧 ABOUT THE GUEST Foghor Kagho is the founder of Yuthera, a women’s health startup focused on addressing uterine and pelvic pain through innovative, wearable solutions. His work sits at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and advocacy for women’s reproductive health. 👉 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What part of this episode resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice helps break the silence. 👍 Like 📌 Subscribe to Let’s Talk DXB 🔔 Turn on notifications for more human stories to support your personal development, real conversations that matter. 🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Let’s Talk DXB, host Sharon Missah sits down with entrepreneur and personal development thought leader Rima Zanoun to unpack one of the most important journeys we’ll ever take — the journey to self-love.Together, they explore the following:What self-love really means (beyond the buzzwords)How past experiences shape our sense of worthThe role of boundaries, healing, and intuition in reclaiming our identityWhy self-love is the foundation for confidence, success, and aligned relationshipsRima’s personal journey and how she empowers others to find their voiceWhether you’re navigating heartbreak, burnout, or simply seeking deeper fulfilment — this episode will inspire you to choose yourself unapologetically.🔔 Subscribe for episodes on mindset, purpose, entrepreneurship, and real life in Dubai and beyond. 💬 Leave a comment below: What does self-love mean to YOU?🎙️ Guests:Rima Zanoun – Entrepreneur | Personal Development CoachSharon Missah – Host & Founder of Let’s Talk DXBJoin the conversation at: ► FOLLOW us on: Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb  TikTok:   / letstalkdxb  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lets.talkdxb ► LISTEN to us on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LMS2ug... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ►SPEAK to us on: Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

What does it really mean to live a purpose-driven life? In this episode Sharon, Host and Founder of Let's Talk DXB and Maaria Mozaffar, Legislative Attorney, Mediator, Author and Policy Maker have an honest and reflective conversation about purpose, growth, the importance of empathy, and the quiet decisions that shape who we become. A conversation that addresses alignment, self-awareness, and choosing meaning even when life feels uncertain.If you have ever felt lost, pressured to follow expectations, or unsure about your direction, this episode will feel like a conversation you didn’t know you needed. Because purpose isn’t something you find once, it’s something you grow into.👉 Watch till the end — the final moments might change how you see your journey.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction: What is a Purpose-Driven Life? 01:45 — The pressure to “have life figured out” 05:12 — Purpose vs societal expectations 09:30 — Finding clarity during uncertainty 14:05 — Growth, identity & personal evolution 19:40 — Choosing alignment over approval 24:18 — Lessons that changed everything 29:10 — The truth about success and fulfilment 33:45 — Final reflections: Living intentionally💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat does purpose mean to you right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read every one.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations on personal growth, purpose, and becoming your best self.🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected]

What does it really mean to use your voice?In this episode of Let’s Talk DXB, we sit down with Hayley Mulenda, author of Speak Up, international speaker, and change agent, for an honest conversation about courage, conviction, authenticity, and the responsibility that comes with being heard.Hayley shares how purpose shaped her voice, how internal conviction is built before confidence appears, and why speaking up is not about performance, but about legacy. From navigating visibility to setting boundaries, this episode explores what it truly takes to lead with truth in a curated world.This is not a conversation about being louder. It’s about being real, and using your voice to change environments, starting with your own.In this episode, we discuss:Finding your voice through purpose, not pressureBuilding internal conviction when confidence feels absentWhy authenticity matters more than perfection“Real models, not role models” in leadership and personal brandingVisibility, boundaries, and the courage to be seenCreating a message that outlives youIf you have ever felt unheard, overlooked, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen, reflect, and speak up.👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment on your biggest takeaway🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on growth, leadership, and purpose🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected]

What if ONE unconventional decision could change your entire life?From taking a pay cut to launching a burrito-dating project to building one of the biggest media brands in the Middle East, Richard Fitzgerald's story shows that success is never an easy straight line. This episode of Let's Talk DXB is not just a conversation. It's a masterclass in career growth, digital storytelling, risk-taking, and building something meaningful from scratch.Whether you are dreaming of entrepreneurship, stuck in the messy middle, or searching for the courage to bet on yourself, this conversation will speak to you.If you've ever wondered: 💭 When will my breakthrough come? 💭 Am I making the right career decisions? 💭 Can I really build something of my own?THIS is the episode you need to watch.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 00:00 – The burrito project that accidentally changed Richard's life04:32 – Moving from Ireland → London → Dubai: the mindset behind the risk09:15 – What 52 Burrito Dates taught him about storytelling14:48 – Career uncertainty, quitting, and the messy middle nobody talks about20:55 – How to make big decisions when emotions and ambition collide28:14 – Running Lovin Dubai as a side hustle (and the moment he had to choose)33:40 – The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur39:20 – Risk, patience, scaling, and writing down your mission47:10 – The "I can't believe this is real" moment at Augustus Media52:44 – The ONE lesson every creator and entrepreneur needs to hearQUOTES THAT SHOULD STICK WITH YOU"If you're in the messy middle, keep going. That's where identity and persistence will be built." "Sometimes that side project you are passionate about becomes the door to the life you actually want." 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders rewriting what's possible. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of real talk with real builders.🎙 GUESTRichard Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO, Lovin Dubai / Augustus MediaHost: Sharon Missah, Founder, Let's Talk DXBFOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECTInstagram:   / lets.talkdxb  TikTok:   / letstalkdxb  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxbSpotify | Apple PodcastsEmail: [email protected]

She worked in corporate for 10 years. Built her career, then lost her job in a conversation that lasted less than 10 minutes. This is how Natasha Suri went from redundancy and shame to founding Nikitasha Consultancy, a brand growth agency, with clients across the UK and Dubai, and a Forbes feature to her name. If you've ever felt lost after losing a job, started a business, and felt like no one around you gets it, this episode is for you. We talk about the parts of entrepreneurship no one posts about.CONNECT: Website: https://bio.site/nikitasha.consultanc...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikitasha.c...Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikitasha.con...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FWYp3...LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashasu...LET'S TALK DXB:🔗 FOLLOW • LISTEN • CONNECT Instagram:   / lets.talkdxb   TikTok:   / letstalkdxb   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lets.talkdxb Spotify | Apple Podcasts Email: [email protected]