Humans of Telecom

"I'm the son of a psychoanalyst and a psychology teacher... I thrive on every opportunity to interact with people and that's what I love about this industry!" Patrick George, Group Chief Strategy Officer at iBASIS, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Patrick talks about his experience of working with his first boss - a Belgian astronaut who went to space in the space shuttle 'Atlantis', his passion for music and his performance as part of the professional orchestra in a touring opera , how he met his wife during his time at BICS and, finally, about his turning point in life when he joined hands with Alexandre Pébereau to acquire iBASIS from KPN and Altice International Wholesale from Altice Group (all in a matter of four days in 2017!) leading to a journey of 7 acquisitions till date, including the recent addition of DIMOCO Messaging!

"I might appear very strong, independent and business-like in conferences, however, beneath that lies my human side of being a very delicate and sensitive individual!" Sarah Barakat, Deputy Director Operator Partnerships at Monty Mobile, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sarah walks us through her journey of growing up in a controlled yet pampered environment with four brothers, how life got impacted for her family when the Beirut blast of 2020 took place, her experience of signing her first deal in 2017 and, finally, how she chanced into Monty Mobile through an unexpected encounter and hasn't looked back since!

“Throughout my career journey, I have focused on creating lasting bonds and meaningful connections with friends and colleagues" says Anthony Bartolo, Chief Operating Officer at Bandwidth, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Anthony gives us a glimpse of how his life took many unexpected turns... Whether it was growing up in Australia wondering if he would ever leave his homeland but eventually living the world over, or when he thought he was in his “perfect retirement company” but ended up changing careers and conquering his fear of leaving the 'good for the better'. He also shares his secret for recharging so both his family and work lives stay energized. And finally, Anthony shares his unexpected and jaw-dropping experience of being the “attending physician” at the birth of his daughter – on April Fool's Day no less!

"I believe the essence of humanity lies in spirituality, being grounded and living in the moment!" Sinziana Dulama, Marketing Manager at ZARIOT, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sinzy walks us through her journey across Romania, UK and Spain, her multi-faceted background of being a Radio Host, an Assistant Producer in a TV Show, an events manager and even a wedding planner! She talks passionately about the experience of releasing the Cellusys Cookbook along with Dawood Ghalaieny, her fear of bicycles as well as her skills in taking off a 2-seater airplane (albeit with limited knowledge of how to make it land)!

"When I'm not around anymore, I'd like the world to remember me for my energy and the inspiration I created through my work... even my failures!" Waheed Adam, Executive Chairperson at iTouch and Global Board Member at Mobile Ecosystem Forum, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Waheed walks us through his multi-cultural ethnic mix, his accidental entrepreneurial journey into telecom, his zest for dancing and living life to the fullest and, finally, how his daughter keeps him wrapped around her little finger!

"I have once convinced a mugger to return my purse... THAT is the power of words!" Annabel Helm, Managing Director at ITW Global Leaders' Forum and BroadGroup, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Annabel walks us through her diverse origins and personal events that have 'matured' her over the years, her professional journey and a tryst with the Imposter Syndrome, her tireless love for literature, her experience of hobnobbing with the who's who of the telecom world and, finally, even about her illegal trespass into Brazil! (PS: Statute of Limitations applies! 😉)

"While I've made my impact and contribution in the telecom space, I now aspire to continue the legacy of my parents to bring a smile on the faces of special people around me!" Obaid Rahman, Head of Wholesale at Axiata Group, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Obaid opens up about his journey spanning across four continents, the challenges he faced throughout, interesting experiences including an incident of being mistakenly held at gunpoint by cops in San Francisco and - most importantly - his passion for racing and cigars!

PS: He also reveals the existence of a 'Clandestine Cigar Club' within the telecom industry, and how other aficionados can join the group!

"Having battled and successfully won over a life-threatening cancer, I now dedicate my professional journey to enriching the lives of all others around me!" Reuma Halal Shibi, Founder and CEO at Pair Recruitment, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Reuma talks about her second life and how she lives it to the fullest... Whether it is being "the queen of the snappers", sharpening her golf skills or simply being the mom to a Formula 2 driver, Reuma does it all!

"This is yet another new beginning for Kaleyra in a constantly evolving world!" Dario Calogero, Founder and CEO at Kaleyra, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Dario shares his emotions after the recently announced acquisition of Kaleyra by Tata Communications, his passion for sailing, his love for cycling and his zest for entrepreneurship!

"When I sold my first entrepreneurial venture, it was a life-changing experience at many levels... Amongst other things, my wife Bruna publicly congratulated me on LinkedIn for the first time! While the world has changed a lot in the last two decades, and it's easier now to be from the LGBTQIA+ community, there are still many challenges to conquer and mindsets to evolve!" As the world witnesses yet another successful and amazing Pride month across the globe, Stephanie Fleury, Entrepreneur and Diversity Advocate and Bruna Infurna, Head of Global Strategic Accounts Latin America at LinkedIn get into conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Stephanie and Bruna delve into their journey of self-discovery, the trials they faced, and the triumphs they have celebrated together! They highlight a few of the many initiatives they're undertaking in their respective fields to further the inclusiveness movement and also talk about their other first-love... Italy!"