Around the World with Joe

Redouane was born in Belgium and grew up there after his parents migrated from Morocco, surrounded by a multicultural circle of friends that shaped his worldview. Speaking five languages, he’s always been able to connect across borders, but his journey started in a very different place—engineering. Trained to think analytically, he soon realized that his true passion wasn’t just solving technical problems, but building bridges between people and ideas.

Today, Redouane is an entrepreneur and helping world-class keynote speakers bring their message to global audiences by translating across English, French, and Arabic. In this episode, he shares how embracing failure became the key to his success, why setbacks are essential for growth, and how his multicultural upbringing gave him the confidence to create a business that operates worldwide.

Meet Nesrine— born and raised in Algeria, now thriving as an IT Director in Paris. We worked together for years, bringing our teams together in Algiers, Dubai, and across the world, and I’ve watched her continually level up in both career and life.

In this episode, she shares how her Algerian roots still guide her—through family, culture, people, and of course, food—while navigating success on the global stage. It’s a conversation about ambition, heritage, and what it really means to stay true to where you come from.

I met Atuoma in Dubai while he was studying abroad and pushing himself to new levels, following the powerful example set by his parents—especially his father. His father’s journey from humble beginnings in Nigeria to earning a scholarship that brought his family to the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Atuoma carries that legacy forward with pride with his own young family, blending his international experiences with a deep connection to his roots.

Atuoma shares his love for Nigerian culture, food, and family, and the importance of returning often to stay grounded in where he comes from. Wherever he goes, he proudly represents his African heritage, inspiring others with his story. He’s also an aspiring entrepreneur and a dedicated MMA fighter—be sure to catch his next fight in the Octagon on August 23rd in Hurricane, Utah.

Carolina Martinez grew up in Bogotá, Colombia — splitting her time between the city and the countryside, always deeply rooted in her family, culture, and country. But even early on, she knew she didn’t want the typical path. In Colombia, most jobs don’t offer real freedom or financial growth, and she was determined to create something more.

She started as a coach, helping people improve both their health and their finances — and she kept stretching herself, always looking for the next level. That mindset eventually opened the door to her current role in Florida, where she’s now helping Unicity grow its global reach — especially by supporting and empowering the Latino community.

Shaimaa grew up in the lively streets of Cairo, where curiosity and resilience were just part of everyday life. She later surprised everyone—including herself—by learning Chinese and moving to China for work. That bold decision unlocked a global career path that eventually brought her to Dubai, where we worked side by side for years.

But Shaimaa’s story didn’t stop with success in the corporate world. After years of putting others first, she made a powerful pivot—choosing to prioritize her own goals, well-being, and purpose. That decision led her to launch her own company and start a new chapter that’s inspiring others to do the same.

Meet Nick Gemenetzidis, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose. Growing up in Greece, Nick was forced to mature quickly after the passing of his father, a moment that shaped his character and drive from a young age. His journey took him to the UK, where he spent years learning, adapting, and building the foundation for his future. But it was in Dubai that Nick truly discovered who he was and built a thriving business, fueled by determination and a passion for growth. We revisit our pickup basketball games in Dubai and dive into the lessons Nick learned along the way about perseverance, identity, and creating success in a fast-paced world.

With Bulgarian roots under communist rule, Vanja’s life has been shaped by bold moves and relentless drive. After her family paved the way to Sweden and packed all their belongings into their car alone to start a new life, she embraced new opportunities, chased her passion for soccer, and followed her sense of adventure—all the way to Australia, where she built a life and family.

Her biggest test came recently: a rare form of ovarian cancer. What followed wasn’t just survival—it was a mission. Now in recovery, Vanja is using her voice to raise awareness and push for change. Learn more at ocrf.com.au and connect with her on LinkedIn.

This 4th of July weekend, I sat down with someone who truly embodies the American spirit—JJ Lund. A cowboy’s cowboy and a bold entrepreneur, JJ doesn’t just work hard and play hard—he somehow does both at the same time.

From starting companies before he even knew what the business was about… to buying airplanes, ranches, and bucking bulls on the national rodeo circuit… JJ lives big, bets on himself, and never backs down from a challenge. But beneath the grit and horsepower is a man who never forgets what really matters—his family, his people, and the land he calls home. This is what it looks like to live full throttle while keeping your heart grounded.

Meet Luis. Originally from Peru, he moved to Miami as a kid, then later to Dubai after meeting his wife. That move opened the door to a decade of career success and a life built far from where he started. We met playing basketball, and in this conversation, we talk about work, fatherhood, and what it’s like to hit pause after years of going full speed. Now between chapters, Luis is taking time with his kids—and weighing the many directions his next move could take.

Ahmad is the best basketball player I know in Dubai—but more than that, he’s one of the kindest and most grounded people you’ll meet. Originally from Tripoli, Lebanon, Ahmad has built an impressive career with L’Oréal, now splitting his time between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In this episode, we talk about growing up in Lebanon, making it in the corporate world, and staying connected to your roots. Ahmad shares how he balances work, family, and his passion for the game with a Kobe-like mindset... always with a smile, and always looking for ways to give back.

Connect with Ahmad on LinkedIn or Instagram @AhmadTartoussi