Diving for Pearls

Episode #20 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Sandra Martinho, Dubai-based international author, health consultant, spiritualist and storyteller to discuss how practicing the art of surrender and yielding to the natural unfolding of our lives can serve as key to us being anchored in peace and freedom. A colon cancer survivor and mother of two, Sandra chronicles her healing journey in “The Dance of Life”,  a book she wrote as a guide to help others reconnect to self and reclaim their personal power. It was in reconnecting with her essence, returning to who she was before cancer, that allowed Sandra to heal her body, mind and soul. In making a conscious decision to live, she reminds us to breathe through changes, feel the pain, cry the tears, and let the changes that will happen, happen.  As we are unable to “disaster-proof” every area of our lives, Sandra encourages us to focus on what we can control- our responses to what’s happening to us and what we can change within to become the person we want to be. She urges us to tap into our core nature, our true essence to uncover joy, happiness and purpose no matter our life circumstances. Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Sandra http://sandramartinho.com/Additionally, please connect with Sandra on Instagram @sandra.c.i.martinho on Facebook @ Sandra Martinho, on Linked in @Sandra Martinho and Twitter @SandraMartinho3. Thank you. @sandra.c.i.martinho@csillagszem_@tombilyeu@msginapnelson@impacttheory@divingforpearlsofficial@district2020@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:Sandra Martinho -http://sandramartinho.com/R.A.C.E (Raise Awareness of Coaching in Education)- https://coaching4education.com/Man’s Search for Meaning by Vicktor FranklImpact Theory Podcast with Tom Bilyeu- https://impacttheory.com/The Self-Determination Theory- https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

We have officially wrapped up season 1 of the Diving for Pearls (DFP) podcast. A special thank you to all of our listeners and guests for their unwavering support. A special thank you to The Skylark Collective U.K for the 2022 podcast nomination and for amplifying the voices of women across the globe. We are truly appreciative of the international recognition and nod. In this Bonus Episode of Season 1 of  DFP_UAE, I sit down with Roza Bairu,  Marketing Manager at MindShift Consultants and former Marketing Executive at RBC TV in Dubai,  to discuss how practicing self-reflection, developing a value system and resisting the urge to cover up our vulnerabilities, allow us to make choices about our lives and identity that are liberating and congruent with our true authentic self. Roza shares how cultivating self-awareness and self-acceptance propelled her along her own journey of personal growth and self-discovery. No longer paralyzed by the fear of other people’s opinions, Roza began opening up about her struggles and letting go of her emotional armour. It was coping with the loss of her mother in 2019 that punctuated Roza’s spiritual journey, compelling her to look inward and ask for help. Roza found that by being genuine and real about what she needed, not only led to better outcomes, but helped restore inner peace. Roza maintains that when we develop nourishing relationships & surround ourselves with accepting, supportive people, we let go of unnecessary stress and judgment; we learn to be vulnerable, abandon ideas of perfection, vocalize our feelings & needs and learn to live more consciously in the present moment.  Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Roza on Instagram @rozabairu and on LinkedIn @Roza Bairu Habtemariam. Thank you. @rozabairu @sarah_ham_71 @oprah @violadavis @sally_helgesen @coachgoldsmith @minsdhiftae @howwomenrise @ouraziza @linkedin @hubspot @msginapnelson @leeanddawndigital @divingforpearlsofficial @district2020 @buzzsproutReferences and Websites:MindShift-https://mindshift.ae/Marianne Williamson- https://marianne.com/Dr. Wayne Dyer- https://www.drwaynedyer.com/Our Deepest Fear Quote- https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/928-our-deepest-fear-is-not-that-we-are-inadequate-ourThe Journey of a Broken-Hearted Daughter- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/journey-broken-hearted-daughter-roza-bairu-habtemariam-/Diving for Pearls Ep. 12 with Tatyana Brown-https://divingforpearls.buzzsprout.com/1489483/8915498-tatyana-brown-on-the-power-of-love-to-heal-ourselves-our-relationships-and-our-communitiesHow Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall GoldsmithOff Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction by Matthew Kelly(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

Episode #21 of the Diving for Pearls (DFP) podcast has officially launched!!! In this final episode of Season 1 of  DFP_UAE, I sit down with Mucha Nyandoro,  Founder and Principal of Manelith, a Dubai-based management consultancy,  and Founder and Chief of Tribe of Professional Tribes, to discuss how we can use amplification to improve equity, inclusion and dignity for all. Mucha contends that when we look for opportunities to deliberately amplify the stories and voices of others, especially women, we benefit everyone and help overcome status deficits. A Zimbabwean at heart, Mucha posits that when we serve as mentors to share knowledge and connections, we create unity amongst groups and shift away from dominant and mainstream narratives that are harmful and hurtful. A  mentor with the Dubai Business Women Council, Mucha is on a mission to reshape conversations so that not only are women’s voices throughout Africa and the globe heard and heeded, but a different story about the African continent is told.Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Mucha Nyandoro on Instagram @mucha_nyandoro and professional_tribes, on Facebook @Professional Tribes, on LinkedIn @Mucha Hazel Nyandoro and Professional Tribes.  Additionally, please connect with Mucha at https://professionaltribes.com/Thank you. @mucha_nyandoro@quintessentially_yvonne@theladymayowa@professional_tribes@_manelith@uae_africa_networking_group@pan_africa_collective@africaunion_official@ouraziza@dbwc_uae@msginapnelson@divingforpearlsofficial@district2020@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:Professional Tribes -https://professionaltribes.com/Dubai Business Women Council- https://www.dbwc.ae/Dubai Chamber of Commerce- https://www.dubaichamber.com/Agenda 2063- https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overviewUnicef 2019 Report- https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/UNICEF-annual-report-2019_2.pdfUAE in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math- https://www.uaeusaunited.com/story/uae-women-lead-stemDiving for Pearls Ep. 12 with Tatyana Brown-https://divingforpearls.buzzsprout.com/1489483/8915498-tatyana-brown-on-the-power-of-love-to-heal-ourselves-our-relationships-and-our-communitiesDiving for Pearls Ep. 13 with Yvonne Mtengwa-https://divingforpearls.buzzsprout.com/1489483/9221040-yvonne-mtengwa-on-leaning-into-faith-in-times-of-uncertaintyDiving for Pearls Ep. 16 with Mayowa Adegoke- https://divingforpearls.buzzsprout.com/1489483/9807129-mayowa-adegoke-on-the-power-of-story-to-transform-lives-hope-for-a-more-prosperous-africaSupport the show

Episode #19 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Brandt, Dubai-based author, food writer, content creator, speaker and feminist, to discuss how dogged perserverance, cultivating a mindset of grit and finding your tribe can make a marked difference in both your  personal and professional life.  The author of fourteen novels, four of which were published in 2020, and the Founder of A to Za’atar, a platform showcasing culinary and hospitality experiences from the UAE and beyond, Courtney inspires excellence and maintains that sustained, consistent effort toward a goal on a daily basis will enable us to adapt well in the face of change and adversity. Courtney’s commitment to the process of getting better without becoming emotionally attached to the results, has allowed her to parlay opportunities and take advantage of serendipity when it occurred. In addition to being a prolific writer, Courtney is a staunch advocate of equity in education, stressing that education be the backbone for nation building.  Courtney upholds that providing a universal quality education for young girls and women in particular, is fundamental to the economic growth and development of all nations and that everyone should be promoting it to the greatest levels.  Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Courtney @https://atozaatar.substack.com/Additionally, please connect with Courtney on Instagram @_courtneybrandt_, on Facebook @AtoZa’atar,  Linked in @Courtney Brandt and Twitter @CourtneyBrandt. Thank you. References and Websites:A to Za’atar - https://atozaatar.substack.com/Hello 7 Podcast- https://helloseven.co/podcast-page/Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell K 9 Friends- https://www.k9friends.com/Tresind Studio- https://tresindstudio.com/Boca- https://boca.ae/Hi Joint- https://www.instagram.com/high.joint/(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

Episode #18 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Andrews, Wealth Advisor and Wealth & Mindset Coach, and Founder of Love Yourself Financially to discuss fundamental steps you can take to build wealth for the long-term, attract life-changing abundance and foster growth where you need it most. As someone who has had to analyze her life from both a macro and micro level, Lydia recommends tapping into every aspect of our experiences to help us process events, clarify our thinking and hone in on what truly matters. With discipline and intentionality, she believes that we can lean into kindness and compassion everyday to shift our awareness, connect with others in authentic ways and experience the success, wealth and prosperity we all deserve. Imbued with a desire to help and make an impact during some of her more formative years, Lydia, a native of Ghana, worked on supporting the disadvantaged and vulnerable through philanthropic work both in high school and college. It was her parents’ teachings about “lending a hand” to enable individuals and communities achieve positive outcomes that deeply resonated with her. Anchoring herself to some of the family’s core values, Lydia continued to focus on ways in which she could have real and sustainable impact on others. Through a series of career iterations and a journey of self-discovery, Lydia eventually moved to the financial sphere, focusing her efforts on providing economic development opportunities to women. Via workshops and coaching sessions, Lydia teaches women how to nurture and manage the money they have earned and grow it.  In a similar vein, Lydia encourages our listeners to make courageous choices in career opportunities and relationships that will help them earn wealth, build wealth and eventually go on to preserve wealth. It is working from these three pillars (earn wealth, build wealth and preserve wealth) that Lydia believes that you can start your true wealth creation journey. Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Lydia on Facebook, on Instagram & Twitter @lydialydzzz and on LinkedIn @Lydia-Elim Andrews. Additionally please connect with Lydia at https://www.loveyourselffinancially.com/Thank you. References and Websites:Love Yourself FinanciallyFor the Love of Money by the O’Jays FOPO (Fear of People’s Opinion) Hello 7 PodcastWhy Women Won’t Ask for a Pay Raise The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. ClasonWe Should All Be Millionaires  by Rachel RodgersRedefine Wealth for Yourself: How to Stop Chasing Money and Finally Live Your Life’s Purpose by Patrice C. WashingtonThink and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillWho You Were Meant to Be: A Guide to Finding Or Recovering Your Life’s Purpose by Lindsay C. GibsonThe Lean Startup by Eric Ries Start With Why by Simon Sinek(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

Episode #17 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Alhyari, Academic Cluster Manager for Abu Dhabi Public Schools and Acting Chief Financial Officer for Bella & Bella Productions, a platform dedicated to lifting, nurturing and empowering strong communities of women across the globe.  We engage in dialogue about allowing core values to serve as guiding forces in one’s life, making intentional choices “to be” rather than “do”, connecting more deeply with the things & people who matter, and the importance of acknowledging & celebrating small wins and successes. An eternal learner committed to learning, growing and developing, Nancy has found ample opportunities to practice stewardship and help others understand their vision and purpose. Noting that a leader’s most powerful ally is his/her example, Nancy chooses to lead with the heart. She fervently believes that both empathy and compassion can be a powerful antidote to exclusion, divisiveness and conflict in our schools, communities and world. She believes that if we strengthen our own empathy skills, we can help others do the same.  A native of Amman, Jordan where women have been increasingly emerging as leaders and visionaries, Nancy is using her voice to ensure that young women live a positive and self-empowered life and make full use of their talents and abilities. An electrical engineer by trade and training, Nancy remains keen on raising awareness about female leadership and changing social norms about women in the workplace. Adopting her parents’ belief that women can achieve anything they set their mind to, Nancy encourages women to tap into their potential and leverage their innate talents and strengths to become fully, contributing and participatory members of their communities.  It is Nancy’s hope that women avail themselves of opportunities in underrepresented fields and support & mentor their fellow female colleagues. Adopting as a personal credo the notion of  “leaving things in better shape than when you first got there” and understanding that in order to lead others you must lead yourself first, Nancy is making a conscious effort to create a safe space for individuals to have deep, meaningful and honest heart-to-heart conversations. It was her parents who fostered an ethos within the home for discussing the “undiscussable”. Following in her parents’ footsteps, Nancy has created authentic spaces for her students and colleagues alike to hold courageous conversations with shared respect and openness, thus enabling positive change and growth.   Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Nancy on LinkedIn @Nancy Alhyari and on Instagram @nancyalhiyari. Thank you. References and Websites:Jordanian Women Have Come a Long Way, but Much Work Remains to be Done-https://www.arabnews.com/node/1821501/middle-east12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. PetersonThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleby Stephen R. CoveyHow to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale CarnegieThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie MackesyQuote by Ralph Waldo Emerson- https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7213675-to-laugh-often-and-much-to-win-the-respect-ofLocked In SyndromeSupport the show

Episode #16 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Mayowa Adegoke, a foreign correspondent for Channels TV, one of Africa’s leading news stations, to discuss the issues that Nigeria and the rest of world must address, from building trust & fostering collaboration to prioritizing education & embracing innovation, in order to move towards a more equitable and sustainable path. With a push for greater transparency and accountability on the part of those charged with governance, Mayowa believes that stability and prosperity can be achieved throughout Nigeria and the rest of the Africa continent. Moving from the old, tired, oversimplistic narrative of Africa to a more balanced and hopeful one, according to Mayowa, will ultimately require a change in thinking, culture and ethos. Adamant about shifting and reframing the African narrative, Mayowa takes an intentional approach to sharing good news stories, and challenges media personnel and others to utilize their platform to keep conversations oriented in a positive direction, so as to influence, uplift and empower.Growing up in a country that has the largest economy in Africa, Mayowa was surrounded with a strong familial support system that enabled her to embrace the indefatigable “can do” spirit of Nigeria, an optimistic spirit that has sustained Nigerians for generations upon generations. Mayowa credits both of her parents for believing in her dreams and modeling persistence at an early age. As a result of their immense belief in her and her capabilities,  Mayowa was able to define her worth and nurture the seeds of self-confidence in others. Mayowa, who is a champion of female empowerment, challenges women to channel the power of collaboration to be more forward-thinking, more solution-focused and take greater control of their lives. As someone who has always embraced authenticity in business and in life, Mayowa stresses the importance of living in alignment with one’s personal truths. She challenges us to own who we are in order to be more deeply connected to our natural abilities, strengths, and talents and live a richer, more complete life.Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Mayowa on LinkedIn @Mayowa Adegoke, on Instagram @theladymayowa and on Facebook @Mayowa Ogundele. Thank you. References and Websites:Sacha Jafri- https://humanity-inspired.com/jafri.htmlKhaleej Times-https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/kt-impact-sheikh-hamdan-comes-to-the-aid-of-nigerian-couple-with-quadruplets-in-dubaiLovin Dubai- https://lovin.co/dubai/en/community/this-dubai-security-guard-has-incredible-musical-talentChannels Television-https://www.channelstv.com/live/CNN Africa- https://edition.cnn.com/africaWe Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

Episode #15 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Leeba Thomas, Director of Content for Bella and Bella Productions and one-half of the husband & wife duo for the Lee and Dawn Agency, to discuss how encouraging, supporting and empowering others, changes lives. One of two girls raised in a traditional family in Mumbai, India, Lee (as she prefers to be called), talks about how she relies on the values taught by her parents & elders and learnt via her faith, to amplify others’ voices, be of service to her community and model the way of empowerment. As someone who has actively pursued and developed an intimate relationship with God, Lee is a shining example of what it means to align your life with your core values and beliefs, and live in purposefulness. Growing up in one of the most populous cities in the world, Lee shares how her formative years in Mumbai, India taught her the values of perseverance, hard work and resilience. What was once a love/hate relationship has become one of deep appreciation and gratitude. Lee worked on cultivating an inner state of serenity and stillness through multiple contemplative practices; it is in her current life away from city dwelling that Lee can often be found poised in prayer, studying the word of God, conversing with God and using her creative talents and skills to empower individuals to believe in themselves and in turn, empower others. Refusing to be influenced by cultural and societal expectations, Lee, a curious investigator of life, has unpacked the tenets of her faith on her own to serve as a force for good in the world.Whether it’s setting goals that contribute to a healthier planet, or looking for small ways to practice kindness, or simply valuing and appreciating others, Lee believes that one of the best advantages to living a purposeful and impactful life is gaining a greater sense of connection and engagement with those around us. Keen on helping young girls and women create a vision of the future that is both invigorating and inspiring through her work with Bella and Bella Productions and the Lee and Dawn Agency, Lee hopes to live a life that is compassionate, kind, fulfilling and honorable and help others live a meaningful and purpose-driven life.Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Lee Thomas on LinkedIn @Leeba Thomas, on Instagram @leeba_dawn_ and on Facebook @Leeba Thomas. Additionally, please also connect with Lee on Instagram @leeanddawnagency. Thank you. References and Websites:Better India Article on Lee Thomas- https://www.facebook.com/thebetterindia/posts/it-has-been-a-year-since-i-purchased-clothes-and-75-per-cent-of-my-wardrobe-has-/10157646906674594/Lee as a Spoken Word Artist- https://leher.app/leeba.thomas813Why Women Give Up on Their Dreams (Forbes Article):https://www.forbes.com/sites/soulaimagourani/2019/07/29/why-most-women-give-up-on-their-dreams/?sh=58e186a12082Psalms 46:10- https://biblehub.com/psalms/46-10.htmSupport the show

Episode #14 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Leen Hijazi, Dubai-based singer-songwriter and Adoption & Change Management Consultant at Microsoft, to discuss why investing in girls and women is one of the most effective and powerful ways to promote the social and economic development of any nation.  A native of Jordan, one of the more female progressive nations in the Middle East, Leen believes education is the premier gateway to ameliorating the status of women. Despite the tide shifting and progress being made in social structures and women’s rights, Leen realizes that Jordan and many nations across the globe must strengthen its commitment to both gender equality and women’s empowerment.Having grown up in a “privileged background” where educational resources were abundant, Leen advocates that we must raise awareness and celebrate the amazing capabilities of women by introducing girls to strong female figures (past and present) at a young age. A key component, Leen believes, is ensuring that young women are able to see that the success experienced by these role models is attainable and replicable. Organizations such as Microsoft, where Leen works, have taken notice of the importance of developing women leaders and are working towards adopting more inclusive, supportive policies to aid women (in particular mothers) to achieve their maximum potential at work. Although Leen realizes that there is scope for more work to be done in the area of female empowerment, she recognizes that there is huge value in having female support made up of women at all levels. Leen regularly encourages women to go the extra mile when the opportunity avails itself to shape and encourage another woman’s career and/or lend an encouraging word of support. It was through the generous gesture of her friends a few years ago that prompted Leen’s return to the music studio, which has led to her current success as a musician and singer-songwriter; her single, Nseet, which means “I forgot” in Arabic, reached over 9,000 downloads on Anghami (the music streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa) within the first two months. Leen hopes to continue to use her voice to uplift & inspire women and advocate for change.  Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Leen Hijazi on LinkedIn @Leen Hijazi, on Instagram @listentoleen and on Facebook @Leen Hijazi.  Additionally, please also connect with Leen on Tik Tok @leenhijazimusic. Thank you. References and Websites:Nseet (Official Music Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L11VLIYVbgQBuilding a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald MillerPulse 95 Radio Station- https://pulse95radio.com/Support the show

Episode #13 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Yvonne Mtengwa, Dubai-based Marketing and PR Communications Strategist, Founder of Travel Essence Magazine and Reinvented Today, Owner of Narratives PR (a boutique communications consultancy), and 2020 MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) recipient, to discuss how operating from a place of faith, abundance and love has helped her surmount challenges and setbacks and emerge on the other side. Truly believing that there is no triumph without trials, and no victory without struggle, Yvonne regularly turns to the Creator for spiritual guidance and direction.  She believes that every trial and tribulation that we experience in life provides us with powerful opportunities to reinvent ourselves, leveraging both the successes and failures to tap into something greater and bigger than we ever imagined. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in a  middle-income family where the spirit of ubuntu* permeated home life and community, the personal power to commit to the common good and welfare of neighbor was always at the core of Yvonne’s actions, thoughts, and deeds. It wasn’t until Yvonne moved from Zimbabwe to the U.S at the age of 18 to attend university was her notion about the intricacies of life and ethics of African traditional life and community challenged;  surviving a car accident in December of 2004 in the U.S was not only a life-altering moment for Yvonne, but also became the season where she “found her spirituality”.  It was during those times of uncertainty, fear and anxiety that  Yvonne realized that she needed to anchor her faith in God’s faithfulness and power. Taking refuge in Isaiah 43: 18-19, Yvonne knew that no matter what trial she was facing, God was at the helm and would provide a means of protection and escape for her. Realizing that in moments of distress and chaos, there are opportunities, Yvonne was able to see her way forward. Her tenure in the U.S taught her tenacity and drive that she needed to forge ahead. After coming to the UAE in 2013 a place that she fondly describes as a  “land of opportunity and growth”,  Yvonne worked in the Tourism industry as Head of Public Relations for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where she served as principal communications liaison between the park, local, regional and international media, corporate stakeholders and brand Ferrari Communications team in Maranello, Italy. Utilizing her PR and marketing expertise, Yvonne later founded Narratives Inc., a boutique PR and communications agency, and Travel Essence magazine, a lifestyle and culture magazine promoting and showcasing destinations in Africa and in the UAE. Yvonne is living testimony that you can achieve more in faith than in fear. A firm believer that every season has its purpose and that our lives should be a blueprint that illustrates God’s goodness, Yvonne advocates that we start where we are. Do what we can with what we have. It’s up to us to define what our journey will look like.Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Yvonne Mtengwa on LinkedIn @Yvonne Mtengwa, on Instagram @quintessentially_yvonne and on Facebook @Yvonne C Mtengwa.  Additionally, please also connect with on Yvonne at www.reinventedtoday.com and at www.travelessencemag.comThank you. Support the show

Episode #12 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with New York University Abu Dhabi student, Tatyana Brown, to discuss how operating from a philosophy of abundance and embracing a love ethic could bring about much-needed change in our relationships and in our communities. A social research & public policy major and a recent recipient of the Harry S. Truman scholarship (a scholarship awarded to undergraduates based on their records of leadership, public service, and academic achievement), Tatyana has focused her research on systemic injustices faced by Black women and gender-marginalized people. Heavily influenced by some of the guiding ideologies of Black Feminists such as bell hooks, June Jordan and Alice Walker, Tatyana firmly believes that when concern for the collective good is rooted in love and when we extend ourselves for the purpose of nurturing others, we are learning how to live in solidarity and begin the process of healing ourselves, our relationships and our communities.Raised in San Antonio, Texas in a household where “extended family” included everyone from the “cafeteria women” to the older women at church to her grandparents and great grandparents, Tatyana was tuned into the importance of a supportive, loving community at an early age. Not only did these “elders” assist in the passing on of cultural teachings and traditions, but encouraged a sense of belonging and were a key source of emotional and moral support for Tatyana during her formative years. Tatyana credits all the women who appreciated and nurtured her with showing her how loving communities could serve as tool for social transformation. She posits that when we learn to operate as brothers and sisters by working with each other, showing care, love, respect for ourselves and others then it is possible to experience the joy of community. It was this quest to explore the true meaning of community that led Tatyana to developing AZIZA (which means “beloved” in Arabic), a student led organization in Abu Dhabi that focuses on self-care and healing as change agents. Understanding the critical need to focus on self-care to be of service to others, Tatyana co-founded AZIZA in 2019  with fellow NYU undergrad, Waad Abrahim, with the intention of creating safe spaces for Black women and gender marginalized individuals to share their collective experiences. As she embarks on her senior year at NYU AD, Tatyana remains deeply committed to bringing people into meaningful conversations about creating greater equity, inclusion and social justice and plans to continue collecting ideas and stories on how communities can foster relationships from a place of love.Thank you. @aziza.beloved@bonhamacademy@nyuniversity@#newyorkuniversityabudhabi@bellhooks_@bellhooksbooks@theblackfeministproject@junejordanarchive@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:AZIZA Community-https://www.instagram.com/aziza.beloved/Tatyana’s NYU Abu Dhabi Story- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd8DtTCERGIJames Bonham Academy (San Antonio, Texas)- https://schools.saisd.net/page/107.homepageAll About Love: New Visions by bell hooksFreedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela DavisFinna by Nate MarshallAlice Walker-https://alicewalkersgarden.com/Support the show

Podcast Episode Notes:In this episode, I sit down with Dubai-based ICF (International Coach Federation) coach, Mihoko Kobayashi, to discuss how setting the intention to tune into your inner voice and choosing what excites and lights you up, can lead to a path that is emotionally gratifying and uplifting. Mihoko believes that if we start on the journey of knowing ourselves, discovering who we really are, then we can passionately go about fulfilling our unique destiny. Currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President of Nissan Motor Company in the UAE, Mihoko hopes to utilize her coaching expertise and her Zen approach to living to help “leaders and achievers” conquer their dreams and be the hero of their own lives. Living with the spirit of Zen has always been a way of life for Mihoko, who was raised in Yokohama, Japan. Using the language of intuitive wisdom, Mihoko has let her inner voice act as a powerful compass in guiding every decision that she makes. Choosing to let joy lead, instead of relying on data and logic, Mihoko continued on her personal journey of self-discovery and self-leadership while assuming senior-level management positions in Egypt, India and now the UAE. These roles have allowed Mihoko to meet and connect with many well-respected female and male leaders and hone her skills as a “maximizer” and collaborator.  An advocate of diverse workspaces to drive innovation, Mihoko is doing what she can to ensure that her colleagues are intensifying their efforts to embody and embrace the power of differences while redefining workplace culture.Understanding that we are the ultimate creative force in our lives, Mihoko recommends setting the intention of adopting a hero mindset every day to “stay in positive energy” and live fully. Mihoko firmly believes that if we’re committed to developing ourselves, facing our inner voice, taking ownership of our decisions and identifying what matters most, then not only will we have a life well-lived, but will have served a greater purpose in making the world a better place. Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Mihoko on Instagram @mihoko.coach, on LinkedIn at Mihoko Kobayashi and on Facebook @Mihoko Kobayashi. Additionally, please also connect with Mihoko at https://mihokokobayashi.com/Thank you. @mihoko.coach@nisaanmotorcompany@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:Mihoko Kobayashi- https://mihokokobayashi.com/Benjamin Franklin-http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/Sample Strengths Finder- https://high5test.com/strengthsfinder-free/(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Dubai-based Neo-Classical singer and performing artist, Ranti, to discuss how gaining a breadth of experience and taking on pursuits of all kinds helps us become more creative and agile, leading to improvements in both skill and performance over time. Combining knowledge from a diverse range of fields is what Ranti believes, enables us to expand our vision of what’s possible. An eternal optimist, Ranti maintains that if we each practice using the “light within”, to connect and honor the light within others, we are living with purpose and with power.  Initially, an engineer by trade and training, Ranti has come to value the importance of knowing a little bit about everything as a way of expanding her knowledge, tapping into her full potential and connecting with others. As someone who has derived pleasure from reading sheet music at a young age, dabbled in Italian, French and German and sung on some of the world’s largest stages, Ranti has learned the art of capitalizing on opportunities, leading her closer to achieving “the impossible”. Now performing in what she classifies as a “perfectionist” field, Ranti hopes to find innovative ways to attract and expose a younger demographic to classical music and inspire new ways of thinking and creating. It is her desire that all ages come to experience the beauty and depth of this incredibly rich, art form. Relentlessly pursuing her dream to sing in every opera house in the world, Ranti encourages us to find the fire within, go after our biggest aspirations, and do our best to live full and die empty.  Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Ranti on Instagram @rantimusic, on Twitter @rantimusic and on Facebook @Ranti. Additionally, please also connect with Ranti at www.rantimusic.com Thank you. @rantimusic@otibx@malcolmgladwell@joycemeyer@official_ngozi_okonjo_iweala@amymorinauthor@donald.george1@dubaiopera@musonng@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsprout@freedomhalllive@ruchianand26 References and Websites:Ranti-https://rantimusic.com/Malcolm Gladwell- https://www.gladwellbooks.com/Joyce Meyer- https://joycemeyer.org/The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations by Joyce Meyer13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy MorinMaster Singers: Advice from the Stage by Donald George and Lucy MauroRange: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David EpsteinThe Musical Society of Nigeria- https://muson.org/(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode, Dubai-based creative, entrepreneur, host, entertainer and motivational author of self-help workbook, ‘I Am What I Say I Am’, Kai Charles, discusses how identifying your gifts, leaning into and leveraging your strengths, can help you find new ways to unleash your maximum personal potential and use it for the good of others. A self-love guru who firmly believes in loving oneself without conditions, Kai shows us how operating from a place of love helps us tap into our strengths, take ownership of our lives and see things from a grander perspective. A creative who came to Dubai with “two bags and a hope”, Kai is a prime example of someone who has found powerful answers to “What is my gift?” and utilized that gift to inspire and empower others. Kai realized that when she aligned herself with her true nature, a super-connector with the gift of the gab, she was able to build on her career and position herself for success. She utilized her innate skills and talents to co-found and launch several organizations and platforms in the UAE, namely Black Girl in Dubai, Bite Club Dubai, Mind Over Matter Talks Podcast and the Black Economic Collective.  As someone who has achieved tremendous success in a relatively short period, Kai reminds us that achieving goals and reaching milestones should not be the prerequisite for loving oneself. She advocates that we cultivate and protect self-love, not simply by indulging in luxurious self-care treatments, but by sometimes learning to say “no”, taking control of the dialogue in our heads, and protecting ourselves from the opinions, expectations and priorities of other people. Kai ultimately shows us how building a practice of self-love helps us get in touch with ourselves, push through our limiting beliefs, and affirm that we are already enough.  Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Kai on Instagram @iamsimplykai, @blackgirlindubai and @#mindovermattertalks,  on Twitter @iamsimplykai and on Facebook @Kai. Please also connect with Kai at www.iamsimplykai.com, www.blackgirlindubai.com and www.blackeconomiccollective.com Thank you.  @iamsimplykai@blackgirlindubai@blackeconomiccollective@#mindovermattertalks@yogabydionne@therealkiyosaki@rhondabyrne_thesecret@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsprout References and Websites:Kai Charles-www.iamsimplykai.comBlack Girl in Dubai- http://blackgirlindubai.com/The Black Economic Collective- https://www.blackeconomiccollective.com/Bite Club Dubai- http://biteclubdubai.com/Mind Over Matter Talks Podcast @Spotify and @Apple PodcastsI Am What I Say I Am: A simple guide to overcome self-doubt, reveal & affirm your true potential (and live your best life!) by Kai CharlesThe Secret by Rhonda ByrneRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode, UAE-based Educator, Leadership Development Specialist, Coach, Visionary and Founder of R.A.C. E (Raising the Awareness of Coaching in Education), Beatrix Henkel talks about how approaching life with curiosity and without assumption, as if we have everything to understand and learn, will help us lead a more fulfilling, joyful and impactful life. Additionally, Beatrix shares how coaching can become an effective tool for harnessing and supporting personal and professional learning and development. On a global mission to transform our educational system, one educator at a time, Beatrix reminds us that change begins by delving deep within.Fully believing that curiosity is the key to personal growth and that life is a joyful and gratifying experience, Beatrix advocates that we take the time right now to learn as much as we possibly can about ourselves and others. She suggests that make it a daily habit of working on ourselves so we can bring less judgement and more curiosity into our lives. She encourages us to find the leader within, bring more empathy and understanding into our conversations, stay curious by asking questions, and focus on deepening our “being”, rather than “doing”. Beatrix believes that cultivating a sense of “being” will help us reside in the present moment with an open heart and help us bring awareness to every possible moment. Fully embracing 2020 as a real blessing, Beatrix firmly believes that 2021 can be the year of unconditional love and a year of inspiring and empowering others. Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Beatrix Henkel on LinkedIn @ Dr Beatrix Henkel, on Facebook @Beatrix Henkel and at www.beatrixhenkel.com. Please support R.A.C.E (Raising the Awareness of Coaching in Education) by going to www.coaching4education.comThank you. @coachingforeducation@coactiveleaders@jamesclear@stevenkotler@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:R.A.C.E (Raise Awareness of Coaching in Education)- www.coaching4education.comBeatrix Henkel-www.beatrixhenkel.comDesign Thinking-www.interaction-design.orgCo-Active Teaching Model-www.coactive.comThe Art of Impossible- by Steven KotlerAtomic Habits- by James Clear(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode, UAE-based businesswoman, entrepreneur, and Founder of Thowby (“your original abaya”), Houda Abdulrahman, discusses how we can cultivate calm and positivity amid the uncertainty. On a mission to become of the leading companies producing cultural abayas in the world, Houda reveals how relying on faith and family has enabled her to deal with the challenges of running and growing a business and navigating life.  As someone who has always trusted that everything happens for a good reason,  Houda sees challenges as opportunities, opportunities to grow, learn and improve. While Houda acknowledges that challenges are inevitable, she believes that we all can develop the personal and interpersonal skills to embrace and welcome challenges in our lives. She cautions us not to be engulfed in a spiral of negativity, but rather take the time to listen more, trust in God and be thankful. Houda firmly believes that when we make the choice to be open to positivity, master the delicate balance of working hard and being kind to others, amazing things will happen. Thus, enabling us to have a compelling vision of the future. Please support Houda Abdulrahman by going to www.thowby.com and please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Houda Abdulrahman on Instagram @houda_a_rahman and @thowby, on Facebook @ Houda Abdulrahman, on Linked In @ Houda Abdulrahman. Additionally, please support Thowby by going to www.thowby.comThank you. @houda_a_rahman@thowby@nakheelmallpalm@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsproutReferences and Websites:Thowby, www.thowby.comNakheel Mall, www.nakheelmall.ae(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode, UAE-based educator, businesswoman, entrepreneur, and Founder of Out and About Magazine (the region’s first audio visual magazine), Marsha Fry, discusses how pushing boundaries, putting in the work and possessing an iron resolve to stay the course, has provided her to seize opportunities when they arise and move closer to her goals. Attributing her mother and other strong women in her family with teaching her the values of hard work, determination and perseverance, Marsha shares how being committed to the hustle mentality and an unrelenting pursuit of one’s goals will enable you to attain the success you seek.Marsha firmly believes that when pivot your mindset, lean into challenges, and seek out opportunities to learn and grow, you’ll set yourself up to succeed beyond your wildest dreams. No stranger to hard work herself, Marsha has proven that she’s willing to show up every day, put in the hours and go the distance in any undertaking. A true go-getter, Marsha is on a mission to “take over the world” and become a millionaire by the end of 2021. Please support Marsha’s millionaire challenge by going to Paypal.me/MarshaFry and please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Marsha Fry on Instagram @themarshafry and on Linked In @MarshaFry. Additionally, please support Out and About Style magazine by going to www.outandaboutmag.com and Yard Style by going to www.yardstyleme.comThank you.   @themarshafry@outandaboutmagofficial@yardstyleme@hub71ad@dubaiexpo2021@buzzsprout References and Websites:Out and About Style Magazine, www.outandaboutmag.comYard Style, www.yardstyleme.comHub 71, www.hub71.comDonna Benton, www.thebentongroup.comJames Altucher, www.jamesaltucher.com(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode Dubai-based entrepreneur, businesswoman, Founder and CEO of The Camel Soap Factory, Stevi Lowmass, discusses her entrepreneurial journey in the UAE and how living with authenticity and purpose has enabled her to find joy, fulfilment and live an impactful life. Crediting her father for showing her how to live with integrity, loyalty, respect and compassion, Stevi has refused to make choices for her family and business based on fear or financial pressure. With the determination to serve as a role model for her daughter and the current generation of women, Stevi discusses how being tenacious, living with purpose and putting people at the center may be the greatest attributes of leaders today.A sterling example of what it means to be in alignment with one’s core values and stay true to one’s enduring beliefs, Stevi prompts us all to examine the ‘why’ behind everything we do in our professional and personal lives. Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Stevi Lowmass on Linked In @ Stevi Lowmass. Additionally, please support The Camel Soap Factory by going to http://bit.ly/PEARLS_GET20 (DFP listeners will receive 20 % off products) and www.naturalskinrescue.comThank you. References:Leap! Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business and Set Yourself Free by Ian SaundersDubai Exports- www.dedc.gov.aeDubai Chamber- www.dubaichamber.comEntrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) UAE- www.eonetwork.orgAl Maktoum Foundation- www.almaktoumfd.ae (“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode Dubai-based model and “grey ambassador”, Caroline Labouchere, is on a mission to debunk the myth that individuals in their 50’s and beyond, are “old”. She wants individuals to pay closer attention to the language they use to label others and engage in meaningful discourse to understand each other. An advocate of ageless living, she remains curious about learning and life and hopes to shine a positive light on “the middle years”.  As someone who has suffered from depression for the last fifteen years, Caroline advocates that women are proactive about their health and get to know their bodies.  She encourages young women in particular, to engage in open, candid conversations with their mothers about menopause and aging. This discussion is honest and frank, but Caroline hopes that it will inspire everyone to be the best version of themselves, embrace what is around the corner, and to get excited about life and its myriad of possibilities. To connect with Caroline Labouchere, please go to www.carolinelabouchere.com.(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show

In this episode Dubai-based adventurer, explorer, motivational speaker, author, leadership specialist and coach, Julie Miles Lewis, discusses what you can do for your mental, physical and emotional health to improve your well-being and live your best life. An advocate for getting out in nature (to look and learn from it), she discusses how tapping into nature’s intelligence can boost resilience for tough times. She shares tips for letting go of the past and stepping into new ways. She advocates focusing on yourself via self-love and self-care routines, exploring your “backyard”, and moving daily to stay out of autopilot mode.Throughout this episode, Julie reminds us that we can push boundaries and challenge norms, that we can be trailblazers and pioneers, that we can live a full and fulfilling life, while inspiring others along the way. She firmly believes that we are meant to live our wildest dreams. To connect with Julie Lewis, please go to www.julie-lewis.com.(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).Support the show