Snippet from the full episode with sisters and co-founders Lydia and Amelia Miller on building a personal brand.
Full episode link here: https://youtu.be/sDABortrHWY?si=k2NmBiFm1uH3UmCP
Peter Jones called it the best pitch he’d ever heard in the Den, but this story starts at home.
This week’s Muse is a double one with sisters Lydia and Amelia Miller, co-founders of Ivee , the platform rethinking return to work after career breaks.
Within a year, they went from idea to investment, from Techstarts and Balderton Capital to BBC's Dragon's Den, where Peter Jones called their pitch the best he’d ever heard. They walked in asking for £75,000 for 3% equity, and walked out with two Dragons: Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden - investing £87,500 for 8%, plus office space in Steven's penthouse.
We talk about life before Ivee, the moment that sparked it, and what it takes to turn empathy into technology. We also unpack the data behind the gender pay gap, the role of AI in fair hiring, what really happened behind the scenes in the Den, and how the sisters are navigating visibility, leadership, and purpose.
This is a conversation about ambition, sisterhood, and building something bigger than yourself.
LINKS:
Follow Amelia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia--miller/
Follow Lydia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-miller-/
Check out the Ivee Platform here: https://ivee.jobs/
Follow Ivee here: https://www.instagram.com/ivee.jobs/?hl=en
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemusepodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week’s Muse is Alessandro Palazzi acclaimed head bartender and enduring face of Dukes Bar, one of London’s most iconic institutions and the birthplace of James Bond’s legendary Vesper Martini.
For nearly five decades, Alessandro has embodied old-world hospitality - from the George V in Paris to The Savoy in London and since 2007, at the helm of Dukes. A place that feels like a private club without needing to be one, Dukes is a world built on legacy, ritual, and trust.
We talk about what defines true service today, the story behind the Vesper Martini, how Ian Fleming’s imprint still shapes the bar, and the quiet details that make Dukes unlike anywhere else.
Alessandro opens up about the emotional intelligence behind great hospitality — how to sense when to lean in, when to give space, and how to connect with guests beyond the drink. He reflects on the balance between presence and distance, the thinking behind the famous two-martini rule, and what it means to protect an institution’s soul while keeping it alive in the modern world.
And beyond the bar, we touch on his unexpected film cameo alongside Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in the movie Another Simple Favor, a moment where he simply played himself.
This is a conversation about legacy, ritual, and the humanity behind timeless craft.
LINKS:
Follow Alessandro here:
https://www.instagram.com/alessandro_palazzi/?hl=en
Follow Dukes Bar here:
https://www.instagram.com/dukesbarlondon/?hl=en
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemusepodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week’s Muse is Laurel Tchitembo, General Manager of The House of KOKO in London.
Laurel and I first met years ago at Folie, where he worked in the restaurant before moving into the world of private members’ clubs. Today, he runs the food and beverage operations at one of the most exclusive venues in the city.
In this episode, we trace his journey in hospitality and unpack the difference between running a restaurant and orchestrating a members’ club. We go behind the scenes of his role - what it actually means to oversee The House of KOKO, and how he manages the countless details that make the operation run smoothly.
We then dive into the members dynamic: how to keep things professional while building genuine relationships, and what it takes to create seamless experiences for a diverse and discerning community. Finally, Laurel shares tales from the floor - from the craziest requests to the most touching moments that remind him why he chose this path.
Through his story, we get a rare glimpse into the world of private clubs, and the human side of hospitality that keeps it all alive.
LINKS:
Follow the Club here: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofkoko/?hl=en
Discover the Club and apply for a membership here: https://www.thehouseofkoko.com/
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemusepodcast/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week’s Muse is Carolina Gawronski, conversationalist, human behaviour expert, and founder of No Small Talk - a platform that turns the simple act of gathering into something far richer.
A few months ago now, I walked into a dinner expecting small talk and social niceties - instead, my phone was taken away, and I was handed a single card with a question. No titles, no bios, no filters - just strangers leaning into depth. That was the No Small Talk experience.
In this episode, Carolina shares why she created No Small Talk and how questions can be used as tools for intimacy, trust, and connection. We discuss why loneliness is rising even in crowded cities, what’s lost when we default to surface conversation, and what’s gained when we choose to go deeper. Carolina also reveals how she designs her evenings that gradually move strangers from awkwardness to vulnerability.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of loneliness in a crowded room, or wondered how to build more meaningful conversations in your life, this episode will make you rethink the way you connect.
LINKS:
Follow NST here: https://www.instagram.com/nosmalltalk.world/
Book a dinner experience here: https://www.nosmalltalk.world/
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemuse/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
Snippet from Episode 2 with Olive Oil Sommelier Mazen Assaf.
This week’s Muse is Francesca Inglima, who spent eight years at top tier U.S. investment banks before stepping into the Art world. After studying at Sotheby’s she founded Bianca Arte, a cultural salon for the next generation of art collectors.
In this episode, we explore the leap from finance to art, the skills that translate across both worlds, how she found the courage to leave, and how her definition of success evolved from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Francesca also shares a few artists she loves and what a new client can expect at Bianca Arte: beginning by discovering artists together through exhibitions and studio visits, and developing a shared eye.
This episode invites you to take ownership of your path, choose meaning over certainty, and do the work you love.
LINKS:
Follow Bianca Arte here: https://www.instagram.com/bianca_arte_/?hl=enExplore Bianca Arte and become a client here: https://www.biancarte.com/
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemuse/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week's Muse is Hady Chehlaoui, the owner of 16mm, a bar in the heart of Beirut's liveliest district Gemmayzeh.
In this raw conversation, Hady takes us through his incredible journey of resilience, navigating some of Lebanon's most difficult challenges. From the upheaval of revolution and the global COVID pandemic to surviving the devastating 2020 Beirut blast, Hady shares how these events shaped both his business and personal life.
But it’s not just about surviving, it's about thriving. Hady opens up about the importance of community, the hurdles of building a business in such a volatile environment, and the unbreakable spirit that has kept him moving forward.
This is a powerful testament to the determination required to keep a vision alive in a city that constantly challenges you.
LINKS:
Follow 16mm bar here: https://www.instagram.com/16mm.beirut/?hl=en
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemuse/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week's Muse is Farah Dagher, co-founder of Origin Circle, Beirut's first social wellness club.
What started as a conversation between two best friends on holiday quickly became a sanctuary for movement, recovery, and human connection. In this episode, Farah shares the full behind-the-scenes of launching Origin Circle with her co-founder Michelle - from diving in headfirst with no team, to navigating the unexpected realities of building a business in Lebanon.
Origin Circle has since become the most talked-about wellness club in Beirut, with a regional spotlight that grew even brighter after a collaboration with Alo Yoga ahead of the brand’s store opening. Farah reflects on the lessons, surprises, and intentional choices that brought the space to life.
LINKS:
Follow Origin Circle here: https://www.instagram.com/origincircle/
Explore the space and classes here: https://www.origincircle.org/
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemuse/ https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week’s Muse is Yasmin Khalil, the founder of KŌDŌ - a clean fragrance brand where scent becomes ritual, and perfume smells like your favorite indulgence.
Trained in interior design, Yasmin shifted from shaping physical spaces to curating invisible ones - through smell. Her journey began in Florence, where she signed up for an Airbnb perfume workshop just for fun - and left knowing she wanted to build a life in fragrance. KŌDŌ is built on the belief that perfume can be more than floral or musky - it can be gourmand. Think espresso, matcha lattes, chocolate and cardamom - comforting, familiar, and crave-worthy notes that blur the line between food and feeling. Each scent is clean, non-toxic, and rooted in wellness.
In this episode, we explore her creative and entrepreneurial path: the early scrappy days of being a founder, the behind-the-scenes of scent formulation, and how she’s tapping into scent marketing to create deeper emotional connections between people and their spaces.
This is a story of where entrepreneurship meets emotion, and where perfume smells like something you’d actually want to eat.
LINKS:
Follow the journey here: https://www.instagram.com/kodo.london/
Indulge in KŌDŌ here: https://kodolondon.com?sca_ref=9115597.8emQiJ7wuGJ8UMLO
Use code "MUSE" at checkout for special discount
Follow Seat of the Muse socials here:
https://www.instagram.com/seatofthemuse/
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourhostcarine
This week’s Muse is Mazen Assaf, the mind behind The Olive Oil Guy, a brand on a mission to elevate olive oil from everyday ingredient to craft product.
What began as a personal passion soon became a lifelong pursuit of excellence: Mazen has since judged at international olive oil competitions, taught at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute, and worked with some of the top Michelin-starred chefs. Today, his products are stocked in iconic destinations like Harrods, Selfridges, and Zapp.
In this episode, we dive into the making of The Olive Oil Guy - from the craftsmanship behind great olive oil, to the business of building a niche brand, and the quiet confidence it takes to carve out your own space in a traditional industry.
It’s not just Olive Oil. It’s a masterclass in craft, serendipity, and building something unforgettable.
This week's Muse is Katia Nounou Boueiz, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's Middle East.
After joining Sotheby’s London in 2008 to grow its Middle Eastern client base, Katia moved to the UAE in 2015 to establish the auction house’s first office in the region. Since then, she’s helped cement Dubai’s position on the global art map - leading strategy, exhibitions, and regional engagement for one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
In this episode, we talk about Katia’s journey into the art world, what it means to lead with intention in a global institution, and how she’s navigated that path while raising a family.
It’s a conversation about leadership, art, and building something lasting - both professionally and personally.
This is my first solo episode as I close out what has been an incredible Season 1.
Thank you to all the guests who came on to share their stories and agreed to be part of my journey in hosting this podcast.
Thank you to all the listeners who were here every other Tuesday waiting for the drops.
Thank you for your feedbacks, follows, ratings and for just being here. SO thankful for you all and for making this first season such a fun experience.
Stay tuned for Season 2 where I already have exciting guests lined up for you. Until then, stay curious!
This week's Muse is Andrea Kazan, founder of clean baking mix brand Good Mess.
In this episode, Andrea opens up about her health journey, and how almost 5 years ago, her life turned upside down when she fell seriously ill and had to rethink everything she ate, which led her to create a baking mix free from refined sugars and processed ingredients.
We dive into her story - how she turned a challenge into a business, the truth about food labels and ingredients in store-bought mixes, and the early struggles of launching a food brand as an outsider to the industry.
Shop Good Mess mixes here and follow the journey on Instagram here.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week's Muse is Wael Al Qadi is a Jordanian football executive and the president of English football club Bristol Rovers.
Since becoming owner in 2016, his leadership has been marked by incredible milestones, including two promotions: one in May 2016, with a dramatic last-minute winner on the final day of the season, and another in 2022 with an unforgettable 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United.
In this episode, Wael takes us behind the scenes of his journey, from the pivotal moment he decided to buy a football club to his emotional farewell as he announced the sale of his remaining stake. We dive into the business side of football, exploring how clubs are valued, how player transfers work, and what it takes to manage a team with diverse personalities.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week's Muse is Alex El Khawaja, commercial pilot for the Middle East Airlines.
In this episode, Alex takes us behind the cockpit doors to uncover the realities of a pilot’s life, from the rigorous training and discipline required to reach the skies to the rare experiences that come with navigating the world from above.
Whether you’re an aspiring aviator or simply fascinated by the intricacies of flight, this episode promises a blend of inspiring stories, technical insights, and answers to the questions you’ve always wondered about when flying.
Follow us on Instagram: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week's Muse is Dr. Nicole Nasr, counseling psychologist and founder of Journey, a platform that connects clients with practitioners through personalized matchmaking.
This episode is of two halves where we first explore what it’s really like to work in therapy - how therapists process the emotions of their clients, whether they themselves seek therapy, and much more. We then switch gears and focus on Nicole’s leap into entrepreneurship, building Journey with no prior startup experience. She shares insights into the highs and lows of launching a platform that’s changing the way people approach mental health.
You can follow Journey on social media here and visit thewebsite here, whether you are a practitioner looking to join the network, or a client seeking a match.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week's Muse is Anthony Yukio, head Sake Sommelier at Kioku Bar in London's OWO Raffles hotel.
In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of Japanese Sake. In the first part, I put Anthony to the test with 10 fun, rapid-fire questions to uncover the secrets behind this iconic drink. Then, we get personal - Anthony shares his journey, from his first encounter with Sake to becoming a Sommelier and what life is like in this unique and exciting role.
Get yourself a booking at the Kioku Bar here.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week’s Muse is Lea Karam, consulting director atBehave (Total Media), and one of the most sought-after and disruptive experts in consumer behavior today. Recognized as a top global expert by Inside Behavioral Economics, she’s also a Campaign Media Week 30 Under 30, and Management Today 35 Women Under 35 honoree, underscoring her significant industry impact.
In this episode, Lea delves into the fascinating world ofwhat truly drives people - the often overlooked 'unsaid.' We explore both the theoretical and practical sides of her work, including a real-life example of how she shaped TikTok’s marketing and product strategy across the EU. On apersonal note, Lea then shares how she blocked out all the noise to land her dream job, and how she’s now paying it forward by mentoring young talent to help them achieve their professional goals.
You can find more about Behave here.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud
This week's Muse is Maya Bhyer, 3x founder who knows firsthand the power of resilience and alignment in the entrepreneurial journey. From building a key exchange platform for Airbnb hosts to a venture at the intersection of neuroscience and mental health, Maya has courageously pivoted each time to follow her true calling.
In this episode, I fully hand over the mic to her to share her story uninterrupted, with all the challenges she faced along the way. She shares how the hardest decision in her life turned into the best and triggered her whole awakening. Now, as the co-founder and CEO of World of Enlighten, she’s on a mission to connect people with wellness practitioners for holistic healing and personal growth.
You can find Maya on social media here and visit her digital playground for self-discovery World of Enlighten.
Seat of the Muse IG: @seatofthemuse
Music produced by Yossif Mahmoud