106. Rewriting the Rules: The Marketer Who Refused to Be Sidelined

Dr. Romie Mushtaq shares her insights and expertise, debunking the common misconceptions about public speaking and providing a behind-the-scenes look at the business of keynote speaking.You will learn about the importance of owning your thought leadership, developing a clear and compelling message, and building a professional speaking business. Dr. Romie also talks about the significance of image, professionalism, and strategic planning in the keynote speaking industry.Whether you're an aspiring keynote speaker or simply curious about the world of public speaking, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice from an industry expert.Episode Highlights:Being a professional keynote speaker is a business that requires significant time, effort, and investment.Owning your thought leadership and having a clear, specific message are crucial for success.Developing a professional image, including hair, makeup, and clothing, is essential.Building a team and leveraging professional training and coaching can enhance your speaking skills.Focusing on a specific area of expertise and continuously improving your content are key to standing out.Evaluating the ROI (Return on Investment) and strategic planning are vital for managing a speaking business.The speaking industry is highly competitive, and it takes time and dedication to become a sought-after keynote speaker.Fluff and generic topics won't get you hired; you need to offer value and expertise to your target audience.About This Week's GuestWith nearly 20 years of authority in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness, Dr. Romie is a leading physician on a mission to transform the brain health of companies, leaders, and organisations.Find out more about Dr Romie at https://drromie.com/Follow Dr Romie on Instagram at https://instagram.com/DrRomieFollow Dr Romie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DrRomieTake Dr Romie's free Busy Brain Score here https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test-sm/Buy "The Busy Brain Cure" book at https://www.amazon.com/Busy-Brain-Cure-Eight-Week-Anxiety/dp/1335007113/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1695991608&sr=8-2

Starting a new business comes with a whirlwind of decisions and logistics to navigate. But getting your tax and legal foundations right from the start is crucial to set your company up for long-term success and avoid costly mistakes down the line.In this episode, Jen sits down with Adela Cebotari, a seasoned tax advisor and entrepreneur who shares her firsthand experience transitioning from the corporate world to launching her own thriving practice. Adela pulls back the curtain on the unexpected challenges she faced, the pivotal mindset shifts required, and the essential tax and legal steps every new business owner must take.Whether you're just starting to explore entrepreneurship or already have a young business, this conversation is packed with practical, actionable insights you won't want to miss.Episode Highlights:- Adela's journey from corporate tax advisor to successful business owner - the pivotal moment that inspired her to take the leap- The surprising number of hats Adela had to wear when starting her own practice, and her top tips for managing it all- How Adela's focus on giving back through her charity work in Moldova is making a tangible difference- The accounting software Adela swears by to keep her finances organised and compliant- Adela's insights on the critical importance of getting your business structure and tax planning right from day oneAbout Adela CebotariAdela Cebotari, is the Founder of TARI CTA, a London base tax consultancy practice. She has almost 20 years’ experience in the Personal Tax industry. She is a Fellow of the Association of Tax Technicians and is also certified by the UK’s highest tax institution, the Chartered Institute of Taxation. In 2023 she also joined the STEP community of tax and legal advisors, by completing the Advanced Certificate in UK tax for International Clients. To date, she has provided tax compliance and tax advisory services to over 2,000 clients from the entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey to ultra wealthy, internationally acclaimed A listers. She enjoys working with clients from a variety of industries and world location, however her speciality is working with clients in the entertainment industry and those needing support relating to the UK Residence and Domicile and deciphering the impact on their worldwide tax affairs.Adela is also a passionate philanthropist. She is in process of becoming a trustee of the MAD-AID charity. Also, she is working on a tax knowledge sharing project that will offer workshops to schools, helping young people understand the tax conundrums so that they are better prepared for their journey into the world of financial dilemmasConnect with Adela Cebotarihttps://www.facebook.com/tax.tarictahttps://www.instagram.com/tari_cta/https://www.facebook.com/adela.cebotari.9/https://www.instagram.com/adelacebotari/https://www.linkedin.com/in/adela-cebotari-53791657/

Lien DePau, founder of The Big Exit, joins Jen to uncover a shocking statistic - only 1% of sold businesses are female-founded. Lien shares her insights on the gender gap in business exits and provides practical strategies women can use to beat the odds. Discover the insider tips Lien has for automating your business, overcoming gender bias in valuations, and planning a successful exit as a female entrepreneur.Episode HighlightsThe staggering gender gap - 99% of sold businesses are male-foundedPractical steps to make your business more sellable and valuableHow to use automation to free up time for growth and exit planningCombating gender bias in business valuationsLien's must-do first steps for any woman planning a business exitAbout Lien De PauLien De Pau is obsessed with business strategy, gender equality, and all things pink. Shepartners with self-made entrepreneurs to help them multiply the value of their business,achieve The Big Exit and become a soul-centered, heart-led investors. When she’s not turning entrepreneurs into investors, you can find her doing weird yoga poses or enjoying a good surf on Necker Island.Connect with LienWebsite: www.thebigexit.coLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/liendepau 

When the corporate world couldn't recognise her potential, Itziar Martos decided to rewrite the rules. Diagnosed as legally blind in her early 20s, she refused to let her disability define her, even when others did.In this episode, Itziar shares how she transformed her rare eye condition from a perceived weakness into her greatest strength. She takes us on her journey of conquering self-doubt, silencing imposter syndrome, and shattering societal limitations, showing that true vision has nothing to do with eyesight.Discover how she built a thriving content creation business and continues to inspire fellow entrepreneurs. Itziar's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Whether you're facing your own challenges or just need a boost of inspiration, her story will motivate you to see beyond limitations and create your own opportunities.Watch the full interview at https://youtu.be/0zjRYpTlWoU Key Takeaways:How Itziar Martos turned her disability into a competitive advantage by developing unique problem-solving skillsThe power of authenticity and vulnerability in building a successful personal brand and connecting with clientsStrategies for overcoming the "perfectionist" mindset and embracing a more natural, relatable approach to content creationNetworking tips for introverted entrepreneurs to make meaningful connections without the awkward pitchingAdvice for creating an inclusive work environment and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilitiesAbout Itziar MartosItziar Martos, founder of Martos Digital Marketing, brings 18 years of photography expertise and a unique perspective to the world of digital marketing. Her career began in the limelight as a model, where she earned the title of Miss Spain and discovered her passion for social media.Diagnosed with a rare disease at 21, which impaired her vision and made finding marketing jobs challenging, Itziar turned adversity into opportunity by creating her own company.Today, she helps business owners craft engaging social media content, specialising in captivating videos that drive engagement and growth.Connect with Itziar@itziarmartoshttps://www.instagram.com/itziarmartos/?hl=enwww.martosdigitalmarketing.com

Dr. Romie Mushtaq joins us to share her groundbreaking insights on the "busy brain" epidemic plaguing female entrepreneurs. Discover how to overcome the debilitating effects of burnout and shiny object syndrome, and unlock your true entrepreneurial potential.Episode HighlightsUnderstand the science behind "busy brain" and how it sabotages productivity and focusLearn practical strategies to tame your busy brain and regain control of your entrepreneurial journeyExplore the connection between hormones, nutrition, and brain health for optimal performanceDiscover how to silence your inner critic and amplify your entrepreneurial confidenceEpisode LinksTake Dr Romie's Busy Brain Test for free - https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test-sm/ Find out more about Dr Romie - https://drromie.com/ Click Here to buy Dr Romie's Book: "The Busy Brain Cure Book"Connect with Dr Romie on Instagram hereConnect with Dr Romie on Faebook hereSubscribe to Dr Romie's YouTube channel here

We are diving into the transformative experience of spending a week with Richard Branson. Jen shares the invaluable insights she gained from her experience on Necker Island, and strategies for how to apply his wisdom to your own life and business.Episode Highlights:• Making impact your driving force in business and life• Challenging the status quo, especially in areas like education• Embracing conservation and environmental responsibility• Adopting the mindset: "If not you, who?" to drive change• Being open to feedback, even when it's challengingBig IdeasRichard Branson's approach to life and business centres on embracing diversity and staying young at heart. He demonstrates that cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not just ethical, but also drives innovation and growth. This ties into his belief that age is merely a number - Branson embodies the idea of staying curious, adventurous, and innovative throughout life, regardless of age. His philosophy extends to finding joy in everything you do, both personally and professionally. This positive outlook fuels success and satisfaction, while also encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone regularly. By pushing boundaries and seeking new experiences, you gain fresh perspectives and ideas that can transform both your life and business.Imagine If…You approached each day with enthusiasm and curiosity, regardless of your age or circumstances.Your business became a powerful force for positive change, tackling global issues while still bringing you joy and fulfilment.

Join us for an exclusive peek into Richard Branson’s world as Jen unpacks 5 transformative lessons learned during a week-long retreat on Necker Island. Discover how Richard’s billionaire mindset and practices can change your approach to business, from embracing audacious "moonshot" ideas to prioritising health and the importance of telling your story. Perfect for female entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and cultivate a success-oriented mindset.Episode Highlights:• Learn how to think big with "moonshots" and why they're crucial for business growth• Discover the importance of prioritizing health and fitness in your entrepreneurial journey• Understand the power of storytelling and why every entrepreneur should write their own book• Explore Richard Branson's unique approach to employee management and criticism• Find out why embracing failure is essential for long-term success in business

Join Jen as she sits down with Maureen Hall, founder of COEGA Sunwear, to discuss the evolving world of marketing and social media. With 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, Maureen shares valuable insights on collaborating with influencers, experimenting with marketing strategies, and adapting to ever-changing social media trends.Episode highlights include:Learn how to choose the right influencers for your brandDiscover the importance of engagement over follower count in influencer marketingUnderstand the value of experimenting with different marketing strategiesGet tips on creating educational content for short-form videos like ReelsHear about the shift towards authenticity and realness in social media marketingGain insights on balancing traditional marketing methods with new digital strategiesBig Ideas Maureen’s two-decade journey in entrepreneurship offers a fresh perspective on adapting to the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Her approach emphasises the importance of authenticity and engagement in influencer collaborations, challenging the notion that follower count is the primary metric of success. By advocating for continuous experimentation with marketing strategies, Maureen demonstrates how businesses can stay relevant amidst rapidly changing social media trends. Her insights on creating educational short-form content highlight a shift towards value-driven marketing that resonates with modern audiences. Maureen's blend of traditional in-store marketing with innovative digital strategies showcases a holistic approach to brand building, proving that adaptability and a willingness to embrace new methods are key to long-term success in today's dynamic business environment.Imagine If…Brands focused on building genuine relationships with micro-influencers who deeply resonate with their values, creating a network of authentic brand ambassadors instead of chasing high-profile endorsements.Companies embraced a culture of constant experimentation in their marketing strategies, allocating resources for regular testing of new platforms and content formats, leading to innovative breakthroughs in customer engagement.Episode Links & Resources:Find out more about COEGA Sunwear at https://www.coegawear.com/Follow COEGA Sunwear on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CoegaSunwear/ Follow COEGA Sunwear on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/coegasunwear/?hl=en

How do you scale a business to 250 employees in under 10 years without any outside investment? Kidzink founder Charlotte Borghesi shares her unconventional approach to building a high-growth team through people-first leadership. From hiring fresh graduates to championing critical thinking over micromanagement, learn Charlotte's counterintuitive secrets to developing talent and fostering an innovative culture that drives success.Episode HighlightsHire for mindset, not skills - Charlotte shares how she brought on young talent and developed strengths over rigid roles  Fast feedback beats empowerment myths - Daily dialogue and transparency unlock potential over fear-based managementScale through people, not cash - How Charlotte invested in nurturing talent versus outside investmentLet teams solve problems - Why critical thinking trumps the status quo through autonomy and accountabilityFuture-proof hiring with proactive scouting - How sourcing top candidates preemptively fuels growth  Attitude over experience- Why Charlotte values adaptability and passion above credentialsEpisode Links & ResourcesFind out more about Kidzink at https://kidzinkdesign.com/ Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-borghesi-5bb4731/ Connect with Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kidzinkdesign/ Filmed and edited by Poddster, Dubai's pioneering podcast studios. Book your recording slot: https://www.poddster.com/ Connect with usInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/femalefusionnetworkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FemaleFusionNetworkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/femalefusionTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/FemaleFusionNetLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/femalefusionnetworkWebsite: https://www.femalefusionnetwork.com/

How do you build an authentic brand and connect with others without losing yourself? Jen sits down with radio host and author Helen Farmer to discuss crafting the perfect brand voice while staying true to who you are. Helen shares her experience developing a public presence through social media and building her career around being present and relatable. Episode HighlightsWhy she wrote her first book as a children’s book, and how it’s meant to support working mums with those tough conversationsMaintaining work-life balance and being honest with her community when it’s not always perfectHelen's process for developing an authentic brand voice for different platforms What it’s like to write a book, and top tips for other aspiring authors who are planning to write their ownWhat businesses need to consider when working with influencers to maximise their reachBig IdeasHelen’s book aims to simplify how working mothers discuss their careers with children by demystifying what they do for a living. Helen also touches on potential breakthroughs around normalising discussions of whole personhood at work and redefining success beyond traditional definitions that no longer resonate. Her work highlights the potential to shape a more equitable future through authentic leadership.Imagine If…Working mothers overcame guilt by demystifying careers through storytelling, helping children understand their contributions beyond traditional gender rolesAbout Helen FarmerHelen Farmer is BBC-trained broadcast journalist, juggling a career in broadcasting and writing with her main role as mum to her two daughters. She has worked in publishing and radio in Dubai for 17 years, known for her honest take on living, working and parenting, through her social media platform @_helenfarmer_, and on her show on Dubai Eye 103.08, Afternoons with Helen Farmer.Episode Links & ResourcesConnect with Helen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-farmer-6a5b9830Connect with Helen on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_helenfarmerConnect with Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themothershipdxb Order Helen's book at https://www.helenfarmerbooks.com/