We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
All content for This Wasn't In The Manual Co is the property of Ksenia Alekseeva, Anam Amin and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
Designing with Purpose : Impact, Confidence & Creativity that moves people
This Wasn't In The Manual Co
55 minutes 3 seconds
4 months ago
Designing with Purpose : Impact, Confidence & Creativity that moves people
What does it take to turn creativity into confidence and confidence into impact?
In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we sit down with Faraz Ali, a designer, storyteller, and quiet disruptor who began his creative journey through theatre and now works at the intersection of empathy, performance, and product.
We explore:
Why confidence is a practice, not a personality trait
Navigating performance anxiety (yes, even with a balloon)
The invisible emotional labor behind creative work
How to show up in spaces not built for you and own them
This conversation is a reminder that the most powerful thing you can design is your own presence.
🎙️ Hosted by Anam & Ksenia
This Wasn't In The Manual Co
We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
