Most of us grew up going to Sinbad but have you ever wondered what it actually takes to run a business like that?
In this episode, Sana sits down with Sidra Nadeem, the powerhouse behind Sinbad’s family entertainment centres, to unpack the business behind the fun. From the money math to managing massive teams, this conversation is equal parts nostalgic and business gold.
We explored how family entertainment centres actually make money (and where they lose it), what it really costs to set one up, and how customer loyalty data quietly drives long-term growth. Sidra breaks down why weekends are critical for survival, how she keeps Gen Z staff engaged, and what it means to lead a legacy family business in today’s fast-changing world.
Whether you’re a founder, an operator, or someone obsessed with how things really work — this one’s packed with insight.
00:00 Sidra Nadeem - CEO, Sindbad’s Wonderland02:09 The Journey of Sinbad03:31 Family Entertainment Centres vs theme parks05:59 Cost and profitability insights of family entertainment centre07:47 Planning and expansion strategies15:10 Customer loyalty and data insights19:30 Acquisition vs retention in entertainment business21:49 What’s the market potential for FECs?24:57 Business of selling joy26:23 Challenges and adaptations post COVID27:59 Home entertainment vs. location-based entertainment29:19 The rise of competitive socialising30:08 AR/VR in entertainment31:49 Why Family Entertainment Industry?33:08 Staying relevant in a changing market35:07 Challenges with hiring young talent41:45 Family business dynamics and succession48:10 Adapting to changing family structures49:45 Need for inclusive spaces in entertainment centres52:29 Relationship with money and investment strategies
Connect with:Sidra Nadeem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidra-nadeem-b9533540/Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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Imagine the best leader you’ve ever worked with. What made them exceptional? Was it their ability to inspire? Their vision? Their decision-making? Now think about the best business, product, or project you’ve ever been part of. What made it stand out?
In this episode of She Talks Business, Sana Khalid sat down with Grace Clapham, former Director of Community Partnerships, Product & Programs at Meta, and a powerhouse in business, leadership development, technology, and social change to explore the biggest challenges we are facing today with building communities, and the growing tension between self-worth and external validation in leadership. We also dive into the future of connection are micro-communities and in-person experiences making a comeback, or is digital convenience here to stay?
This episode is packed with insights on rethinking success, self-awareness, and the future of communities in business. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or just someone questioning today’s business norms, this conversation is for you!
00:00 Meet Grace Clapham
02:19 Experience as Tech, Growth and Community Expert
06:24 Is community just a buzzword?
09:13 The biggest challenges in building communities today
12:57 Why businesses need to rethink their value beyond profit?
14:57 Are we measuring business success the wrong way?
21:43 How to build self-worth as a leader?
27:37 Leading with self-worth vs. self-esteem
32:16 Does self-worth shape the products we create?
34:13 Why we feel more isolated than ever and what does this mean for the future of work and community?
40:07 What makes a strong, engaged community?
45:57 Why businesses struggle to justify community in our region?
48:47 Should community be the core product, or should it support a brand?
Connect with:Grace Clapham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceclapham/Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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#selfworth #leadership #futureofwork
Does talking about money make you uncomfortable?Do we have enough conversations about saving, budgeting, and investing? What shapes our relationship with money? And what’s your own money story?In this special episode of She Talks Business, Misbah Naqvi, Sarah Munir, Halima Iqbal, and Sahar Habib get real about their money stories. They are diving deep into our relationship money through personal stories and professional insights. The guests discuss a variety of topics, including financial independence, savings, investments, and how early life experiences shape our financial behaviours. Through their diverse backgrounds and experiences, the conversation touches on the cultural and generational aspects of financial management, the importance of financial literacy, and the role of women in financial decision-making. A must-watch for those interested in financial empowerment, especially for women in Pakistan.00:00 Meet our guests02:43 Halima’s personal journey with money10:38 Sarah’s financial story15:10 Sahar’s perspective on money21:51 Misbah’s relationship with money25:09 Why don’t we talk about money? Is it cultural or generational?29:56 How to rewrite your money story?38:12 Money habits: saving, budgeting, and investment strategies52:17 Safety net & disposable income59:26 Advice for people coming from generational wealth01:05:50 Can financial planning reduce money anxiety?01:08:43 The debt dilemma: is borrowing always a bad thing?01:11:58 Personal finance stories from Oraan01:16:29 Women & money: redefining their role in financial decision-making01:21:24 Women, business, and the financial literacy gap01:23:46 Why women are overlooked as investors (and how to change that)01:28:03 The best financial advice you need01:33:02 When should you start thinking about investing?01:38:52 Key takeawaysConnect with:Misbah Naqvi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misbahnaqvi/Sahar Habib: https://www.instagram.com/saharthetherapistHalima Iqbal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halimaiqbal/ Sarah Munir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-munir-0b1b0b38/
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don't forget to like, share, & follow!#money #moneymindset #investing
Choosing the right partner for your business is one of the most critical decisions for any entrepreneur. In this episode of She Talks Business, we sit down with Vladimira Briestenska, co-founder of Neem, to talk about how she found the perfect business partners and how their dynamic shapes their startup.
We also explored how choosing a co-founder is a lot like picking a life partner, it’s all about finding the right fit. We discuss the idea of a co-founder agreement and why it helps startups stay on track. We also cover how to handle conflicts, work with different personalities, and build strong leadership. Plus, we point out warning signs to watch for when picking a co-founder. In the end, what does success comes down to? Tune in to know!
Connect with:Vladimira Briestenska: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimira-briestenska-8ba2986/Khizra Munir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khizra-munir/
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#Cofounder #startupsuccess #businesspartner
First-time founders often don’t think about legal protections - until it’s too late. Handshake deals and gentleman’s agreements might feel like enough in the early days, but when things go wrong (which they often do), a missing contract or unclear equity structure can become costly mistakes for founders.
In this episode of She Talks Business, Sana Khalid sat down with Daria Bolshakova, a legal expert with over 15 years of experience helping founders, startups, and businesses navigate the legal side of growth. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the biggest legal mistakes founders make—from early-stage agreements to co-founder conflicts, investor negotiations, fundraising, and scaling legally.
00:00 Meet Daria Bolshakova 02:43 Common legal mistakes founders make 04:52 Why legal structures matter from day one? 07:07 Fundraising laws and investment instruments 16:15 Crypto tokens 18:20 Startup legal issues: Facebook example 22:19 Legal risks & structures for startup accelerators 25:00 Key learnings from corporate to startup law 27:30 Key legal considerations for investors 33:25 Why fundraising is getting harder 39:54 How founders can legally protect themselves
Connect with: Daria Bolshakova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dasha-bolshakova/ Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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Whether we’re cooking it, eating it, or talking about it - food is at the centre of all our lives - food is universal. With all the buzz around organic food, superfoods, and sustainable eating, we were thrilled to meet Tassa Agustriana, founder of Thrive Food Consulting and a food technology expert who’s determined to bridge the gap between quality standards, sustainability, and ethical sourcing in Southeast Asia’s fast-growing food and beverage industry. The discussion covers the impact of global events on supply chains, the meaning of organic certification, and the importance of transparency in labeling. Tassa also highlights the evolving trend of functional beverages and the challenges of maintaining product quality through sustainable practices. Whether you’re interested in food trends, sustainability, or starting a business in the F&B sector, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. 00:00 Meet Tassa: Founder of Thrive Food Consulting
04:23 Food and beverage industry
07:44 What does organic mean in the food industry?
11:18 Is organic food worth the price?
15:54 Red flags on the food labels
21:15 What are the loopholes in food testing process?
25:36 South Asian spices in modern packing
31:35 What are functional beverages?
34:25 Things we do in Kitchen that are not healthy
36:55 Deși ingredients in beauty products
41:07 From farm to table: What’s the product journey?
49:39 Sustainability in the food & beverage industry
54:43 Beyond sustainable packaging: What’s changing in food industry?
57:59 Is overconsumption the cause of all food related problems?
1:00:17 What’s the market size of F&B industry?
1:10:19 Biggest challenges in starting a food business
01:12:37 How important localisation is in marketing your product?
01:20:03 Production and sourcing challenges in F&B industry Connect with: Tassa Agustriana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tassaagustriana/ Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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#food #beverage #foodtechnology
Meet Fauzia Kerai Khan, Advisor to Executive Committee & CEOs at Gaditek. She's the go-to person when it comes to turning old-school talent strategies into future-ready solutions. With an approach that blends neuroscience, AI, and leadership development, she’s built high-performing teams and transformed organisational culture in ways that go beyond the typical playbook.
The landscape of human resource and talent management has evolved with AI but are we still biased in performance reviews? Are we still hiring based on likability? What are the red flags in an organisation and how can we intervene them? How can we build a culture that focuses on employee growth and well-being? How to build human first values? Tune in to hear from Khizra Munir and Fauzia Kerai Khan in this episode of She Talks Business. 00:00 Meet Fauzia Kerai Khan, Advisor to Executive Committee & CEOs at Gaditek 01:28 Evolution of HR management: Appraisals and Evaluation 04:21 What is a timely feedback loop in an organisation? 10:28 How do leaders balance timely accountability with avoiding micromanagement? 11:48 Managing change in bigger companies 14:02 How to measure performance in remote/hybrid environment? 16:19 How companies decide on lay off? 17:44 How to reduce bias in performance reviews? 21:19 Are promotions based on how likeable you are? 23:54 Are personality hires a better way to recruit? 24:38 Who keeps the leadership accountable? 26:00 How to identify and curate growth for future leaders? 29:33 What are the red flags in an organisation? 31:20 Cost of having a toxic leader vs retaining talents 33:56 How to intervene when you see toxic practices? 35:40 Organisational values: From mission driven to more human centric 36:51 How to incentivise employees beyond money? What is 9 box grid method?: https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/9-box-grid Peacocks in the land of penguin: https://www.bkconnection.com/static/A_Peacock_in_the_Land_of_Penguins_3rd_EXCERPT.pdf How Deloitte is evaluating employees: https://www.performyard.com/articles/deloittes-radically-simple-review Connect with: Fauzia Kerai Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fauziakeraikhan/ Khizra Munir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khizra-munir/
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#culture #toxicculture #performancemanagement
Billions are being spent on space but how is it relevant to life on Earth? In this episode of She Talks Business, we sit down with Ann Cammaro, a space advocate and expert, to explore why space is gaining so much attention. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just curious about the future, this episode is for you. Discover the importance of space exploration, the opportunities for emerging markets, and how advancements in space impact life here on Earth. 00:00 Meet Ann Cammaro: Founder & CEO, Antarexxa Space Global 01:06 How diverse experiences come together in space? 11:01 Why space advocacy is important? 15:10 How space is more than just satellites? 20:50 Why space is getting so much attention now? 25:10 Are we moving to mars anytime soon? 33:07 How space is directly beneficial to our life here on Earth? 38:42 Is space our plan B? 42:30 How Indonesia is strategically located in equator? 47:08 What are the opportunities for emerging markets to leverage in space? 50:46 Is space the right career for you? 01:00:37 Why are the environmental concerns of space activities? 01:10:32 How space is highly relevant? 01:15:05 Why making space education accessible is needed? Read more on space economy here: - https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-mars-launches-2026-elon-musk - https://spacenews.com/how-countries-can-increase-their-participation-in-the-global-space-economy/ - https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/space-economy-technology-invest-rocket-opportunity/ Connect with: Ann Cammaro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncammaro/ Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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#space #spaceadvocacy #spaceeconomy
In this episode, we are exploring digital transformation beyond technology in large companies, the technologies CIOs should invest in, the impact of AI on the CIO role, and strategies for advocating change and automating key business areas. Whether you’re stepping into a CIO role or looking to understand the future of tech leadership, this episode covers everything from risk assessment to the first 90 days as a CIO. 00:00 Meet Khizra and Sadaf 01:08 What is the role of CIO? 06:08 What is digital transformation like in big companies? 13:31 What CIO needs to be successful? 21:56 Which technology to invest in as a CIO? 28:50 How to do risk assessment for any technological change? 33:10 How to navigate technological change: Startups vs big companies 39:20 Which areas in business are most beneficial to automate? 45:40 How to advocate for change within an organisation? 48:57 How the role of CIO will evolve with AI? 52:55 What are the current issues tech industry is facing? 58:29 FIRST 90 days as a CIO!
Read more insights on digital transformation and industry trends here: + https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/articles/technology-industry-outlook.html + https://backlinko.com/digital-transformation-stats + https://explodingtopics.com/blog/digital-transformation-stats Connect with: Sadaf Shaikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafshaikh/ Khizra Munir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khizra-munir/
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#digitaltransformation #technology #womeninbusiness
Leaders—are you keeping up? Shifting consumer behaviours, cultural changes, and the rise of AI have made one thing clear: the strategies that worked yesterday won’t cut it today. This week’s episode of She Talks Business is especially exciting as Sana Khalid joins the brilliant Nafinia Putra in Bali to explore why the traditional marketing playbook might be obsolete. Nafinia, who has scaled startups, B2B and B2C businesses, led growth at Indonesia’s unicorn fintech Xendit, and currently serves as Fractional CMO at Livit, shares invaluable insights into modern marketing and leadership. We learned how simplifying your messaging could unlock higher conversions, and why relying on a single channel no longer works—success lies in layering the right ones. Nafinia explains how to show senior leadership the true ROI of marketing by linking it directly to business outcomes and how hypothesis-driven experimentation leads to faster, more effective strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into why fractional roles are redefining leadership with their agility and specialised impact. If you’re a leader navigating today’s fast-changing business landscape, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing and growth. 00:00 Quick Overview 01:01 How is the marketing playbook evolving? 03:43 Convincing leadership on ROI 05:52 What is a fractional executive role? 09:11 Marketing activities in the funnel 11:21 What does a growth-led function mean? 13:11 Maximising customer acquisition 18:41 Key advice on building community - short vs. long-term 24:43 Tips for creating effective marketing experiments. 26:26 What are the questions to ask when validating your data hypotheses? 29:11 How to grow your mailing list? 31:56 How AI is transforming marketing roles and workflows? 34:08 Key skills to future-proof your team in an AI-driven world 37:37 Using ChatGPT and AI effectively
Nafinia Putra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafinia/
Sana Khalid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanakay/
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#shetalksbusiness #womeninbusiness #marketing
In this episode of ‘She Talks Business’, we sit down with Maria Carolina, an experienced early-stage investor with a rich journey spanning Colombia, France, and Switzerland. Maria delves into her reasons for becoming an angel investor, the challenges of raising funds in emerging markets, and the key elements that define successful angel investing. She also shares profound insights on the importance of community, planning for exits, and the role of sustainability.
From understanding the start-up lifecycle to navigating investor-founder relationships, Maria provides a masterclass beneficial for both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned investors. Tune in to learn about the evolving dynamics of the global startup ecosystem, and Maria's vision for a more inclusive, sustainable future.
00:00 Maria and Saniya in their element
01:29 How does early-stage investing work?
03:32 How do investors make money?
07:22 How to choose a startup to invest in
10:43 How to manage your investment portfolio
11:55 How to manage returns on your investment
12:22 Why does everyone want a unicorn?
16:07 Building a sustainable ecosystem
22:09 How is investment different across regions?
27:18 When is a founder ready for investment?
32:13 Mistakes founders make
38:03 How can founders find investors?
42:54 How to plan an exit strategy
45:51 What’s the future of angel investing?
47:23 What role does community play in investing?
49:20 Which industries is Maria interested in investing in?
50:21 What’s next for Maria?
Maria Carolina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mc-romero/
Saniya Zafar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saniya-zafar/
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#shetalksbusiness #womeninbusiness #investment
In this episode, Nida Siddiqui, GM of Ecommerce at Alkaram, takes us on a deep dive into the dynamic world of Ecommerce. We explore the journey of becoming a successful General Manager in this space and the impact of digital transformation on the industry. Nida discusses how COVID-19 served as a catalyst for Ecommerce growth and the strategies businesses employed to adapt to rapid changes. Tune in to learn how to attract more customers, both online and offline, and how Pakistani Ecommerce was positioned to handle this sudden shift. Nida shares practical insights on reducing cancellation rates, adopting new technologies like AI and augmented reality, and implementing innovative tactics like shoppable lookbooks and live shopping. We also touch on the importance of digital marketing as part of the Ecommerce strategy, testing ideas effectively on websites, and how to foster a creative and resilient team. Whether you’re building an Ecommerce department from scratch or fine-tuning your strategies, Nida’s top tips on influencer marketing ROI and brainstorming for Ecommerce brands are invaluable for any business leader looking to thrive in this space. 00:00 Khizra Munir and Nida Siddiqui in their element 01:09 Nida Siddiqui, GM Ecommerce at Alkaram 02:55 The role of General Manager Ecommerce 04:00 Digital transformation for Ecommerce business 07:31 COVID 19: A blessing in disguise for Ecommerce businesses? 10:29 Customer acquisition and Omnichannel in Ecommerce 12:44 Was Pakistani Ecomm industry ready for rapid growth during COVID? 15:25 How to keep the cancelation rate below 10% for COD orders 19:13 New technologies and decision making 21:28 AI-based recommendations in Ecommerce 23:46 Augmented reality in Ecommerce 25:09 Shoppable lookbooks 25:50 Live shopping in Ecommerce 27:19 Gamification in Ecommerce 28:11 Performance marketing and Ecommerce 30:28 How to come up with innovative ways to do the same thing? 33:24 How to test an idea on website? 35:56 How to build the right team? 36:24 Brainstorming ideas for Ecommerce brand 38:55 Upskilling for an executive role 41:01 Top 3 things to setup an Ecommerce department 42:55 How effective ROI is in influencer marketing?
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#ecommerce #ecommercetrends #business
In this episode of She Talks Business, Andrea Prazakova, CEO of Andrea Now and renowned expert in responsible AI, shares her insights on the evolving role of AI in society. With a strong focus on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable technologies, Andrea discusses her passion for AI systems that prioritise people over profits. She explores diverse topics such as unconscious bias in AI, AI's involvement in the space economy, and the potential for AI to revolutionise sectors like healthcare and sustainability. Andrea also emphasizes the importance of empowering women to engage with AI technologies. Join the conversation to understand how AI can drive positive change and learn strategies for navigating the rapidly advancing tech landscape. Delve into Andrea's journey from banking to tech and discover how she's using her expertise to foster a responsible AI future.
00:00 Andrea Prazakova 01:29 Andrea's journey and vision for AI 04:16 AI in economic inclusion and investment 08:16 Future of Work and AI's impact on jobs 15:19 Governance and ethical considerations in AI 33:43 The Future of Healthcare and AI 37:12 Web3 Explained: Beyond the buzzword 39:33 Parenting in the age of AI 48:06 Space and AI: A new frontier 57:24 Longevity and personal well-being 01:02:46 Conclusion and final thoughts
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She Talks Business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
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#AI #web3 #technology
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Visual Effects (VFX) and animation with Eleyna Haroun, a VFX Line Producer at Framestore, who’s worked on blockbuster films like The Little Mermaid. Eleyna shares her unique journey in the industry, offering insights into the evolving landscape of film production, the role of emerging technologies like AI and Web3, and the management side of working in VFX. Eleyna’s journey began at SOC Films, working under two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Starting out in documentary filmmaking, she quickly found herself drawn to the possibilities of animation, especially as a way to tell important stories in a new, creative form. Her work on Sitara, Pakistan’s first 3D animated short film released on Netflix, was a turning point for her. Whether you’re curious about how animation happens, want to know how VFX production works behind the scenes, or are looking for advice on how to break into the industry, Eleyna provides personal anecdotes that make this episode a must-watch. We also touch on overcoming imposter syndrome and making an impact in an ever-changing creative field.
00:00 Introduction: Eleyna Haroun
01:02 Understanding VFX: What It Really Is
03:26 The Role of a Line Producer in Film Management
05:27 Who Can Thrive in Film? Exploring Opportunities for Different Roles
09:52 Navigating Cultural Nuances with Animation
12:30 Behind the Scenes of The Little Mermaid
19:32 The Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies in Film
22:14 Web3: Changing How We Consume Content
25:20 Career Advice for Aspiring VFX Producers
27:03 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Making an Impact in the Industry
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She talks business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don’t forget to like, share, & follow!
#littlemermaid #film #vfx
In this episode, we sit down with Zara Basharat to explore key topics at the intersection of sustainability, public policy, and career development. From how organisations approach sustainability across sectors to the critical role of public policy at companies like TikTok, Zara shares her insights on navigating complex challenges in these fields. We also dive into her diverse career journey, discussing the value of global experiences, the impact of life changes on professional growth, and key skills for those considering a career transition. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship, setting personal standards of excellence, or debating the necessity of an executive MBA, this episode offers valuable takeaways for mid to senior-level professionals looking to thrive in a dynamic world.
00:00 Zara Basharat: Head of Public Policy Programs and Partnerships at TikTok 01:08 Sustainability communications: How organisations approach sustainability across sectors? 04:46 The importance of impact in your work 05:42 Public policy at TikTok: Why it’s important for organisations? 07:17 Challenges in Public Policy 09:25 Measuring the impact of public policy programs 12:24 Is entrepreneurship for everyone? 13:21 Diverse careers: Benefits and challenges 16:51 Career transitions for senior executives 19:44 How life changes impact your career? 21:39 Global careers: Exploring international opportunities 22:18 Lessons from different sectors: preparing for diverse challenges 24:44 Key skills for career change 26:28 Pursuing personal standards of excellence 30:11 Lifelong learning: Curiosity and continuous improvement 32:08 Executive MBA: is it necessary for career advancement?
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She Talks Business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don’t forget to like, share, & follow!
#tiktok #globalcareer #leadership
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Manson, the visionary founder and leader of TerraWater Indonesia, to discuss how the company is tackling one of the world’s most pressing issues: safe drinking water. Christine shares her insights on leading a social enterprise, scaling innovation, and balancing profit with purpose. From the technology behind TerraWater’s filters to the economic, environmental, and social impacts they’re creating, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of running an impact-driven business.
00:00 Christine Manson: CEO & Founder at TerraWater
00:59 TerraWater’s mission: Safe drinking water for all
03:06 Innovative tech: Simple solutions for big problems
07:20 Why TerraWater’s tech can’t be easily copied?
11:06 Filter production & quality control
14:49 Overcoming customer adoption challenges
20:15 TerraWater’s profitable business model
22:31 How COVID-19 impacted TerraWater?
25:14 Future impact: TerraWater's 5-10 year vision
29:03 How to prepare for entering new markets?
33:10 Balancing social impact & business sustainability
36:04 How to build the right team for impact?
38:28 Beyond safe water: TerraWater's broader impact
39:26 Economic impact of Terra filters
40:15 Environmental impact of Terra filters
42:36 Social impact of Terra water
44:03 Tracking & measuring TerraWater’s impact
45:54 Lean startup: TerraWater's growth strategy
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She talks business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don’t forget to like, share, & follow!
In this episode of She Talks Business, Jane Austin, SVP at Contentsquare, shares her journey from leading digital transformations at Telegraph, Moo, and Babylon to building and managing global design teams. Jane dives into the connection between great design and business success, the importance of understanding human psychology in product design, and managing imposter syndrome. She also discusses the impact of AI on design and why designers must understand the business side of their craft. Tune in for insights on leadership, product design, and AI’s role in shaping the future of the industry! 00:00 Jane Austin 00:54 Breaking down Jane’s LinkedIn profile 03:04 How Jane transitioned into product design 04:49 Why Jane chose Contentsquare 07:06 Jane’s learnings: From Web 1.0 to Web3 09:29 Why designers should understand business 12:04 The role of human psychology in product design 14:26 Creating products from scratch: The journey from Zero to One 17:22 Exploring Jane’s diverse career: Telegraph, Moo, Babylon 20:53 Key insights on managing design teams 22:03 Building a strong personal brand 23:41 Imposter Syndrome 26:03 What Jane is excited about at Contentsquare 27:25 The impact of AI on design: Enhancements or Complacency?
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She talks business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
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In this episode of She Talks Business, Zara Zaman, Head of Platform at Emerge Education, dives into how EdTech is reshaping the future of education. She discusses building strong communities of educators and founders, what investors look for in startups, and the challenges of being an EdTech founder. Zara also touches on the impact of technology on learning, retention strategies, and how the EdTech space is evolving to meet today’s educational needs. Join the conversation for valuable insights into startup growth, investment, and the transformative role of EdTech! 00:00 Intro to Zara Zaman and Emerge Education 01:39 The platform function in the venture capital industry 03:12 What determines the success of a startup ecosystem? 05:48 What makes a founder investable? What do investors look for? 08:19 Venture capital is not for everyone and alternatives to VC funding 11:04 Considerations for a good edtech founder 12:35 Getting inputs from learning scientists early on 13:08 Challenges of being an edtech founder 14:54 Effective retention strategies in EdTech 17:08 The edtech landscape today 22:45 Non-linear careers and AI-driven solutions 25:20 Why is now a good time for edtech? 29:46 What problems is Education Technology really solving 32:03 Is Edtech an alternative to formal education in social settings 34:11 Are edtech startups competing with Netflix and Tiktok? 38:35 Important metrics for edtech startups 42:03 Key data points for startup growth 45:15 Early-stage support needed by founders 47:28 The role of investors in startup growth 49:42 Can anyone be an Investor? 50:37 Identifying a good investment deal
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She talks business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don’t forget to like, share, & follow!
In this episode of She Talks Business, Saniya Bilal Doni CFA, CEO of YAS Real Estate, shares her journey from selling airports to advising high-net-worth clients on luxury real estate investments. She provides insights into building diversified real estate portfolios, the importance of trust in real estate, and navigating compliance challenges. Saniya also discusses risk management, fraud prevention, and whether you need millions to start investing in property. Tune in for expert advice on excelling in the luxury real estate industry and gaining a competitive edge in portfolio management! 00:00 Saniya Bilal Doni, CFA 00:59 From selling airports to selling houses 03:08 Building diversified portfolio 09:46 Luxury Real Estate advisory 12:21 Trust: The Real Estate multiplier 13:38 Exploring investment opportunities 18:48 Do you need millions to invest in property? 23:13 Becoming a luxury property seller 28:17 Gaining a competitive edge 32:04 How is luxury property valued? 35:46 Risk management and fraud prevention 37:14 Navigating compliance challenges 39:17 Economic indicators and Real Estate impact
At Minerva, we’re building a space for meaningful conversations that condense learnings and insights from experts, so leaders and executives can do their best work.
That's why we're proud to present She talks business, a podcast where every episode is a deep dive into the playbook of an expert. Across 20 conversations, four hosts from around the world are leaning into their curiosity to bring you interesting insights that will leave you wiser inspired and curious.
For more meaningful conversations, visit: www.minervites.org
Stay tuned as we change the face of leadership. Don’t forget to like, share, & follow!
