If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the disconnect between coffee shop owners and their staff in the UAE.

Saeed shares stories about successful staff development, including the inspiring journey of Jerry from cleaner to barista.

They also touch upon the importance of communication, vision, and investment in employee growth.

Additionally, they discuss the unique staffing and cultural challenges in the UAE coffee industry and how fostering a good team culture can transform a business.

The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into the final episode of this series, focusing on the role of trends in the coffee industry.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the challenges faced by cafe owners in the UAE's coffee industry.

They explore the lack of involvement from owners in their businesses, issues arising from poor supply chain understanding, and the impact of inconsistent sourcing decisions.

The episode highlights the importance of understanding the coffee supply chain, building strong relationships with suppliers, and involving staff in the business for long-term success.

Tune in to learn more about the complexities of managing a coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber or join our Patreon:

• https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

• https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list:

• https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the coffee crisis in the UAE.

They explore the booming demand for quality coffee and the intense competition in the market.

Saeed shares insights on starting and growing a coffee business, the importance of clear identity and long-term vision, and the challenges around staffing and green coffee supply.

This episode is part of a five-part series focusing on building a successful coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at [email protected]

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Saeed Al Blooshi, the Emirati founder of El Matador Coffee Roasters and Lama Cafe, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Saeed explore the insights of what it is to build a coffee business in the UAE.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Changes in the UAE Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/UKxM0ITYqI0

2. The UAE and the Coffee Crisis - https://youtu.be/myibyDphWkc

3. Business Owners and the Coffee Supply Chain - https://youtu.be/mkJs_QL_VLs

4. Owners and Staff in the UAE - https://youtu.be/z3dhuEBFqxA

5. Trends in UAE Cafes - https://youtu.be/to3gfPmTiko

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Saeed discuss the evolution of the coffee industry in the UAE, emphasizing the shift from commercial to specialty coffee cultures, the rise of local roasters, and the increasing consumer knowledge and expectations.

Saeed shares his journey, from starting with a small coffee roasting setup to operating successful cafes and a roastery.

They also set the stage for future episodes in the series by hinting at upcoming discussions on the coffee crisis in the UAE.

Join us for an insightful look into the craft of coffee and the challenges of building a coffee business in the UAE.

Connect with Saeed Al Blooshi, El Matador Coffee Roasters, and Lama Cafe here:

https://elmatadorcoffee.com/our-story.php

https://www.instagram.com/elmatador.ae/

https://www.instagram.com/lamacafe_ae/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this final episode of the series, Lee concludes an enlightening conversation with Isabela from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

They delve into the historical and ongoing issues of colonization and exploitation in the coffee industry, the significance of the Q grading system, and the importance of quality in ethical coffee production.

Isabela shares her personal journey and insights as a barista and Q grader, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for producers.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of coffee quality metrics and a heartfelt closing message from Isabela.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

This episode is brought to you by Raw Beverage Trading - Your hospitality supply chain partner. Connect at [email protected]

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 4th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Isabela discuss the current state and future of the Brazilian coffee market.

They explore topics like the health benefits of coffee, the need for increased investment in Brazil’s coffee industry, the challenges in converting Brazilian consumers to specialty coffee, and the impact of Brazil's taxing policies on coffee businesses. Isabela also shares her insights into how associations like the SCA can better support the industry and the critical need for coffee education.

Additionally, the episode covers the importance of setting clear quality standards and the broader implications for the global coffee supply chain.

Don't miss this insightful conversation that touches on everything from business strategy to the social impacts of coffee production.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 3rd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Isabela discuss the significance of specialty coffee to the Brazilian economy, environment, and social well-being.

They discuss the need for consumer education, the challenges in shifting from staple to high-quality coffee, and the economic dynamics within the coffee industry.

Isabela provides insights into how specialty coffee is viewed in Brazil, both from producing and consuming perspectives, and emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships and educating consumers to drive the specialty coffee movement forward.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 2nd of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Isabela discuss the intricacies of Brazil's internal specialty coffee market, sharing stories about the challenges and successes of building fair and sustainable trade relationships with coffee producers.

Isabela talks about how paying fair prices and establishing long-term trust can positively impact producers and the coffee ecosystem.

The episode also sheds light on the importance of specialty coffee for Brazil's economy, the environment, and the social dignity of Brazilian coffee farmers.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the first of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with 25-year coffee industry veteran Isabela Raposeiras from Coffee Lab in Brazil.

This series first aired on the Map It Forward Global Podcast in June 2025.

In this series, Lee and Isabela explore the lesser-discussed aspects of Brazil as a coffee-producing country.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. Misconceptions About Brazil's Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/NAn14_81A1E

2. Brazil's Specialty Coffee Market - https://youtu.be/Hfy24ikMnlM

3. The Role Of Specialty Coffee In Brazil - https://youtu.be/Ph4IiAV30LM

4. Converting Brazilians to Specialty Coffee Drinkers - https://youtu.be/CowcRniNhUQ

5. The Sins of the Past for Brazilian Coffee - https://youtu.be/WsMz_n7-2XU

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Isabela explore insights on the complexities of the Brazilian coffee industry.

Isabela sheds light on misconceptions about Brazil as an origin country, the challenges faced by small coffee producers, and the importance of cupping and quality to make better decisions.

The discussion also touches on the exploitation of producers by traders and cooperatives, and how Isabela's journey in the coffee world began.

A must-watch for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the realities of coffee production in Brazil.

Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-raposeiras-coffee-lab/

https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]

If you love what we do, become a premium YouTube Subscriber for early access to the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward

Check out our on-demand workshops here: https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

Consider joining one of our Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Join our mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This is the 5th of a five-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.

In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.

The five episodes in this series are:

1. Becoming a Japanese Coffee Entrepreneur - https://youtu.be/6N6dEoLdFsQ

2. The Japanese Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/o2AV2fE1dp4

3. Building a Coffee Concept - https://youtu.be/kP1Sf88qzyI

4. Growing Kurasu Beyond Homewares - https://youtu.be/1LPOy8U8QyA

5. Expanding Kurasu Globally - https://youtu.be/x2mDZkAfUYk

In this final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Yozo deep dive into the significance of maintaining integrity and values while expanding a global brand.

Yozo shares insights on the holistic approach that drives Kurasu, emphasizing customer experience, partner relationships, and the importance of staying true to one's core values.

They discuss the challenges and considerations of global growth, the impact of franchise models, and the complexities of integrating investors.

The episode concludes with reflections on past journeys and advice to future selves, encapsulating the essence of intentional business growth in the specialty coffee industry.

You can find out more about Map It Forward Japan at https://mapitforward.coffee/japan and https://instagram.com/mapitforwardjapan

Connect with Yozo Otsuki and Kurasu here:

https://kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.instagram.com/kurasu.kyoto/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yozo-otsuki-84a13047/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Connect with Map It Forward here: Website | Instagram | Mailing list

💡Support this podcast on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward

📽 Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ouyFYW

🎙 Check out the audio version of our podcast here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

🧐 Find out more about Map It Forward Mastermind Groups here: https://mapitforward.coffee/groupcoaching

Looking for a business advisor for your established coffee business or startup? Email us here

📧 email: [email protected]