Hand Me The Mic

In this episode, I sit down with Hala Al-Ajil to talk about what it really takes to step away from corporate companies like Google and TikTok and build something of your own. She now runs her own  consultancy, helping brands, agencies, and creators scale across multiple platforms using AI-assisted workflows. Listen as she shares her journey through big tech, how she navigated through life’s most challenging lessons, and taking the leap into solo business ownership and so much more.

After building a successful career in tech, Devika Brij faced the unthinkable: being unjustly terminated from a role she had poured everything into. It was a moment that could have defined her but she didn’t let that be the final chapter. Devika shares how she transformed a career-defining challenge into a mission-driven business — and why she’s now helping others lead with authenticity, strategy, and power.

This week, I’m handing the mic to Nina Rappaport Rowan — the powerhouse behind the hit movie series, Despicable Me. Yes, that Despicable Me. From idea to major studio deal, Nina shares the wild ride of how she brought one of the biggest animated franchises to life.

We talk about:

• The spark that started it all
• How she sold the idea to a major studio
• All of her learnings as an Executive Producer and founder of her own company

If you’ve ever wondered how ideas become blockbusters, or what it’s really like to pitch to a major studio — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

This is the story of how I found my voice in rooms where it felt hardest to use it. I’m sharing one of the hardest moments in my career when I was publicly criticized right before a big presentation and how it became a turning point for me. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak your truth especially in the workplace, this one's for you.

(00:00) – Growing up as a kid
(02:23) – The moment at school that changed everything
(04:15) – My dream fell apart
(05:29) – Pivoting without a plan
(07:19) – Hitting rock bottom & the book that saved me
(08:17) – Manifesting my dream job
(10:06) – Saying no to my dream job
(17:05) – Dealing with a toxic manager
(21:11) – Speaking up at work and finding my voice

Welcome to Hand Me the Mic— a podcast where I’ll hand the mic to someone with an extraordinary story to tell. From everyday heroes to the unexpected trailblazers, we’ll dive into the experiences that shape us and mine the moments that ultimately change the trajectory of our lives.

I’m your host Zynara Ng, and I believe that everyone has a unique story to share.

www.zynarang.com

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