In this episode of Kasa Connect, guest host Noor sits down with Malak Aldean, a comedy producer and freelance journalist whose work spans BAFTA-winning shows, BBC, Channel 4, and her Substack Conversations on Comedy.

Malak shares her unconventional journey into television, from children’s TV and Blue Peter to scripted comedy, as well as the real barriers creatives face when trying to break into the industry. She speaks candidly about gatekeeping, unpaid labour, industry snobbery, and the realities of freelance life, especially for those without traditional access or connections.

The conversation also explores:

• Why most TV jobs are never advertised
  

• Scripted vs non-scripted TV (and why moving between them is so hard)
  

• Comedy as a tool for cultural storytelling
  

• Representation, tokenism, and who really gets to decide what gets made
  

• Malak’s ambition to champion Arabic-language comedy and emerging talent

(00:00) Industry gatekeeping & interview stories

(00:00) Podcast introduction

(00:02) Family background & influences

(00:04) Choosing TV & film

(00:06) Barriers to entry

(00:07) First roles & internships

(00:08) Landing Blue Peter

(00:10) Development & scriptwriting

(00:11) Freelance work & contracts

(00:12) Script reading & scripted TV

(00:13) COVID disruption

(00:14) Breaking into comedy

(00:15) Scripted vs non-scripted divide

(00:17) Networking & comedy focus

(00:18) How TV jobs are found

(00:19) Tiger Aspect & producing

(00:19) Why comedy

(00:22) Quick-fire questions

(00:26) Egyptian representation

(00:27) Arabic-language comedy ambitions

(00:29) Career goals

(00:31) Advice for producers

(00:34) Advice for writers

(00:37) How projects get made

(00:39) Diversity & bias

(00:40) Industry stories

(00:43) Support resources

(00:45) Authenticity & patience

(00:47) Tokenism & schemes

(00:50) Where to find Malak

We sit down with Hasan Kubba — bestselling co-author of The Unfair Advantage — to unpack what really drives success in business, creativity, and life.

Hasan shares the behind-the-scenes story of landing a major book deal, going viral during the pandemic, and building a global audience with his co-author Ash. He breaks down the powerful MILES framework (Money, Intelligence, Location/Luck, Education, Status) and explains how to identify your own unique advantages — even the ones you might be overlooking.

We explore:

The role of luck vs hard work

How to turn disadvantages into leverage

The truth about traditional vs self-publishing

Why storytelling is a superpower

How to build long-term success without burning out

A must-listen for founders, creators, writers, and anyone trying to understand what really moves the needle.

(00:00) Securing a Book Deal & Early Virality

(00:01) Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

(00:03) Pandemic, Ali Abdaal & Explosive Growth

(00:06) Meeting Co-Author Ash

(00:09) The MILES Framework Explained

(00:11) Turning Disadvantages into Advantages

(00:14) Philosophy, Fate & Hard Work

(00:17) How to Find Your Own Unfair Advantage

(00:19) Passion vs Market Demand

(00:21) Rapid Fire: Habits, Books & Lessons

(00:23) Health as a Hidden Advantage

(00:25) Writing With a Co-Author

(00:26) Ghostwriting & Legacy Projects

(00:28) Using Power Ethically

(00:30) Unfair Advantages in the Age of AI

(00:32) Creating Your Own Luck

(00:35) Consistency Over Time

(00:36) Publishing Economics

(00:40) Storytelling in Non-Fiction

(00:42) Who Actually Reads Books

(00:44) Best Advice Not Taken

(00:46) Final Reflections

In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Sindre Kaupang, founder of Procubate, to explore why traditional growth tactics are failing modern businesses — and what actually works instead.

Sindre shares his unconventional journey from acting, music, and comedy into entrepreneurship, unpacking the lessons he learned from failed ventures, creative experimentation, and building businesses rooted in human connection, communication, and storytelling.

We talk about running an online incubator, the dangers of spreading yourself too thin, why quality beats quantity in content, and how focusing on one project at a time can unlock sustainable growth. This conversation is packed with practical insights for founders, creatives, and anyone navigating a non-linear career path.

🎧 Topics include:

Why traditional marketing no longer cuts through

Turning creative skills into business leverage

The power of storytelling in growth and networking

Managing multiple projects without burning out

How to stand out without copying what everyone else is doing

In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Auws Al-Gaboury, Creative Strategist and founder of Hyper Film, to unpack what it really takes to build a successful creative business in today’s fast-changing industry.

Auws shares his journey through video production and advertising — from early setbacks and emotional lows to landing major global clients like Nike, Adidas, and the BBC. He breaks down why trust, in-person relationships, and genuine human connection still matter more than algorithms, even in an AI-driven world.

We dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the myths around overnight success, and why most people aren’t cut out for business ownership. Auws also explains how advertising is evolving, why content and founder-led marketing are winning, and how creatives can build authority through authentic personal branding.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for filmmakers, creatives, founders, and anyone navigating a competitive market — covering resilience, adaptability, mentorship, and staying relevant without losing yourself.

In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Amos Eretusi, founder of The Kusp, a UK-based social enterprise dedicated to improving access for underrepresented talent across the creative industries — including film, TV, fashion, media, and beyond.

Amos shares his powerful journey from studying civil engineering to becoming a driving force for change in the creative sector. He opens up about the barriers minority creatives face, the importance of authentic networks, and his personal experiences navigating corporate spaces where representation was lacking.

We explore his mission to build real opportunities — not just token gestures — through The Kusp’s community, events, and his newly launched platform The Kusp Hub, designed to transform creative hiring through education, fair recruitment, and accessible training.

This episode dives deep into themes of purpose, resilience, identity, and the value of impact over material success. Whether you’re a creative, an industry professional, or someone passionate about empowerment and representation, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the future of the creative world.

(00:00) Authentic networking & helping others

(00:35) Introducing Amos Eretusi

(00:57) Nigerian roots & upbringing

(02:07) The Kusp’s mission

(02:54) From engineering to creative empowerment

(03:53) Industry barriers & challenges

(04:45) The Kusp’s unique approach

(05:42) Introversion in creative spaces

(05:55) Meaning of “The Kusp”

(06:47) Feeling like a “box-ticker”

(08:07) Entrepreneurship doubts & resilience

(09:23) Building strong relationships

(10:32) Sky Arts success story

(13:20) Why representation is slow

(15:42) Diversity behind the camera

(17:08) Performative diversity post-George Floyd

(18:24) Racism & backsliding

(19:38) Being labelled performative

(21:39) What makes a great connector

(22:26) Advice for underrepresented talent

(24:17) Fighting the urge to quit

(24:53) Rapid fire

(26:11) Mission over materialism

(27:25) Money, values & contentment

(29:00) Introducing The Kusp Hub

(31:59) Accessible training & social impact

(33:34) Favourite drinks

(33:54) How to support The Kusp

(35:22) Hobbies & interests

(36:02) Advice he regrets not taking

(37:01) Closing thoughts

In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit with Zane Thadani — actor, comedian, and creator known for his viral Instagram and TikTok sketches that have taken the UK South Asian community by storm.

Zane opens up about the real journey behind virality: the emotional rush of going viral, the mental crash of creative slumps, and the pressure of constantly needing to “hit” again. He shares the story of dancing to “Chaiyya Chaiyya” on the London tube, how that moment helped him overcome social anxiety, and why embarrassment became his greatest tool for confidence.

We dive deep into mental health, consistency, originality, hate comments, family reactions, networking, confidence, acting, filmmaking, and why creators often lose themselves while chasing virality. Zane also reflects on cultural identity, British-Indian representation, and his ambitions beyond short-form content.

If you’re a creator — or just fascinated by the psychology behind fame — this conversation is honest, funny, and packed with practical insights from someone who has lived the highs and lows of modern content creation.

(00:00) First viral moment & early nerves

(00:31) Intro to Zane Thadani

(01:23) Recognition in the South Asian community

(01:44) How his viral journey started

(02:44) The emotional high of virality

(03:52) How creators make money

(04:35) Creative slumps & mental health

(05:29) Why Zane creates

(06:10) Tube dance changed everything

(07:42) Embarrassment → confidence

(08:30) Tips for going viral today

(10:08) Gen Z attention spans

(10:32) Originality vs adaptation

(11:20) Hate comments & family responses

(12:18) Ambition & identity

(12:55) Networking & privilege

(14:47) Insecurity & reinvention

(17:25) Advice for new creators

(18:30) Consistency vs quality

(19:21) Rapid fire

(21:17) Misconceptions about content creation

(21:57) Emotional rollercoaster of engagement

(22:24) Perks of fame

(22:57) Filmmaking journey

(23:47) Film school vs doing

(24:23) Favourite films

(26:17) Theatre experiences

(28:34) Acting inspirations

(29:27) Acting vs content

(30:19) Family feedback

(31:13) Advice to younger self

(32:05) Authenticity vs persona

(32:35) Cultural identity

(33:09) Expanding beyond niche

(34:16) Dream brand collabs

(35:14) Networking superpower

(36:39) Connecting with Zane

(37:20) Final advice: consistency

In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Jessica Lindfield—entrepreneur, author of Play the Game, and founder of the women’s community Embrace Her.

Jess shares her journey from working in insurance in Australia to moving across the world and restarting her career in the UK. Today, she leads commercial enablement at the Financial Times, builds ambitious teams, and supports women through her book and her community platform.

We talk about confidence, rejection, leadership, burnout, career reinvention, and building your own opportunities rather than waiting for them. Jess breaks down the practical lessons behind Play the Game, discusses the DEAR Method, and opens up about the realities of finding your voice in male-dominated spaces.

Whether you’re navigating career transitions, building confidence, or redefining your professional identity, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest reflections.

(00:00) Jess’s early career & being reserved

(00:33) Intro to Jess & her journey

(01:42) Inspiration behind Play the Game

(02:01) Moving from Australia to the UK

(02:55) Building Embrace Her

(03:57) Why a book, not just social media

(04:54) How the book is structured

(05:24) Rejection, resilience & persistence

(07:14) Landing her first management role

(10:04) The DEAR Method

(11:07) Career strategy & the chess metaphor

(12:03) Her path to the Financial Times

(14:34) What FT’s culture is really like

(16:16) Community feedback & women’s challenges

(17:54) Building confidence through action

(20:50) Reinventing yourself abroad

(22:45) Leadership & revenue growth

(24:33) What makes a good leader

(29:10) Burnout & healthy boundaries

(32:03) Jess’s morning routine

(33:01) Supporting high-performing teams

(34:18) Coffee order + connecting with Jess

(36:35) Consistency over perfection – final advice

Our first ever LIVE Kasa Connect episode!

Recorded at Kasa Café London, we hosted a special fireside chat and audience Q&A with Amardeep Parmar — founder of Bae HQ, host of one of the UK’s largest entrepreneurial communities, and author of the newly released book Startups For Outsiders.

In this live conversation, Amardeep shares:

• how “outsiders” — people without industry connections, wealth, or a traditional background — can still break into entrepreneurship

• the mindset shifts required to stand out in competitive industries

• real lessons from building Bae HQ and supporting thousands of founders

• honest reflections on purpose, confidence, imposter syndrome, and building community

• tactical advice for validation, networking, and taking your first steps as a founder

The episode finishes with an open audience Q&A, where attendees ask Amardeep raw, unfiltered questions about startups, fundraising, creativity, and navigating the early days of your founder journey.

From PwC to AI entrepreneurship — Benjamin Oghene’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose.

In this episode of Kasa Connect, Benjamin Oghene, Chief Executive of The Cozm, shares how a life-altering experience led him to build an AI company focused on reducing bias in global workforce deployment.

Benjamin opens up about his transition from corporate consulting to entrepreneurship, the mission behind The Cozm, and how his team is using data and automation to make talent mobility fairer and more efficient.

He also discusses AI ethics, diversity, and the changing future of work, offering practical lessons for founders, business leaders, and anyone interested in building technology with integrity and impact.

(00:00) Mistaken arrest sparks reflection on bias

(00:23) From PwC to launching The Cozm

(00:56) How a personal experience inspired an AI startup

(02:17) AI in recruitment & promoting diversity

(03:11) The Cozm’s mission to reduce global bias

(04:34) Founder challenges & daily discipline

(05:20) Redefining success beyond profit

(06:51) Automating admin work for better efficiency

(08:06) Early struggles with credibility

(08:54) Why “The Cozm” and what it represents

(09:18) Creativity, shower pad ideas & first principles

(11:21) The Optimism–Determinism Grid

(15:10) Early supporters & building belief

(16:10) Diversity’s role in preventing AI bias

(17:06) AI risks, regulation & awareness

(19:34) Company culture at The Cozm

(21:05) Focus vs curiosity in innovation

(22:57) Dopamine & distraction in modern learning

(25:20) Trends in global mobility & remote work

(26:55) Success story: Cisco & the Paris Olympics

(28:28) Convincing enterprises to adopt automation

(29:01) Favourite drinks & connecting with The Cozm

(29:54) The co-founder lesson

(30:30) Final thoughts & advice for listeners

In this special episode, the tables turn as It’s Preeti Personal host Preeti interviews Krishana Agarwal, founder of Kasa Café & Kasa Connect, about her powerful journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship.

Krishana opens up about the emotional and practical realities of leaving a stable job, navigating loneliness, and learning to trust herself while building Kasa — a café and community hub in Fitzrovia, London, designed to bring together founders, creatives, and dreamers.

They discuss manifestation, representation, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. From almost selling the café to turning it into a thriving creative hub, this conversation explores what it really takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.

(00:00) Burnout & leaving corporate life

(00:33) Preeti introduces It’s Preeti Personal

(01:47) Shared experiences & South Asian representation

(02:20) Dreams of opening a café

(02:45) Krishana’s corporate path & Covid impact

(04:24) Manifestation & journaling her new vision

(06:13) Studying entrepreneurship at Imperial College

(07:58) Finding & transforming the Kasa Café location

(09:10) Family influence & early plans in India

(11:15) Barista training, licensing & renovations

(13:20) Team building & leadership lessons

(15:35) Gaining confidence as a solo founder

(17:04) The loneliness of entrepreneurship

(18:23) Early struggles & doubts post-launch

(20:31) Competition & emotional resilience

(22:58) Nearly selling the café

(24:34) Breakthrough: the event that changed everything

(25:15) Manifestation realised through Kasa events

(27:13) Community power & loyal customers

(28:27) Collaboration over competition

(29:43) Overcoming shyness & building confidence

(31:52) Creating Kasa Connect

(33:49) Growing the podcast into a platform

(34:10) Advice to her younger self

(36:14) Separating identity from business

(37:37) Building a home away from home

(38:03) Gratitude & closing thoughts