MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

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

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• https://mapitforward.coffee/workshops

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This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

In this episode of the podcast series, Purity, On, and Ran discuss how their careers in the coffee industry have evolved in the Middle East, the rapid growth and innovations in Dubai's coffee scene, and the challenges and opportunities they face.

Learn about the unique cultural melting pot in Dubai's coffee community and how Raw Coffee Co. stands out as a remarkable example of long-term success.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the coffee industry, especially in the dynamic environment of the Middle East.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

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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 first of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast, with Purity Wangare (Customer Experience Manager), Sai On (Visual Storyteller), and Ran Gurung (Roaster) from RAW Coffee Company in Dubai, UAE.

In this series, Purity, Ran, and On, together with Map It Forward Founder and podcast host Lee Safar, explore how a coffee career in the Middle East changed the lives of these coffee professionals and what that journey was like for them.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Why Have a Career in Coffee? - https://youtu.be/VS9X7vXK2w0

2. A Coffee Career in the Middle East - https://youtu.be/9qY5PGXVlqQ

3. A Multicultural Coffee Community - https://youtu.be/3OvgIdGplNM

4. The Complex World of Coffee Competitions - https://youtu.be/R9dzXGemWOg

5. Paving a Career Path in Coffee - https://youtu.be/1WPbKktRF4E

In this first Episode of the podcast series, we delve into the inspiring journeys of Purity Wangare, Sai On, and Ran Gurung from Raw Coffee Company.

Hear how they transitioned from various professions into the world of coffee, the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way, and how the vibrant coffee scene in the Middle East has transformed their lives.

This episode highlights their individual paths, from starting as waitresses or baristas to becoming key figures in customer service, roasting, and visual storytelling.

Discover the human connections and cultural shifts that make coffee a powerful force in their lives and in this fast-evolving market. Don't miss their motivational stories and invaluable insights in this must-watch series.

Connect with Purity Wangare, Sai On, Ran Gurung, and RAW Coffee Company here:

Purity: https://www.instagram.com/just.purity

Ran: https://www.instagram.com/dpoogurunq

On: https://www.instagram.com/0nvision/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/saion/

RAW Coffee Company: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/

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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

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This is the 5th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In the final episode of the podcast series with Lee, Valeria, and David deep dive into the dynamics of the global coffee industry, the challenges faced by coffee farmers, and the evolving consumer behavior towards specialty coffee.

The conversation addresses the impacts of climate change, succession planning in coffee farming, and the technological advancements in the industry.

The episode also explores the future trajectory of coffee and tea consumption and the potential automation in coffee shops.

Tune in to understand why building a business like Kurasu, with a focus on customer experience and specialty products, can provide a competitive edge in the volatile coffee market.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

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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

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This is the 4th of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria delve into issues such as customs complications, merchandise delays, and the impact of the coffee crisis on the industry.

The conversation also touches upon the matcha craze, the importance of water filtration for quality coffee, and the broader implications for the coffee trade.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the hurdles of starting a coffee business in a new market.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David, and Valeria discuss the challenges, the unexpected viral success, and the emotional and physical toll of opening their first store.

Learn about their experience of building a dedicated team and the importance of being hands-on owners.

Join us for insights into the hard work and rewarding moments that come with bringing a beloved coffee brand to the UAE.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]

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This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, David and Valeria discuss the critical steps of team building, including hiring criteria focused on experience, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for the Kurasu brand.

The conversation also explores the challenges of finding the right location in a competitive market like Dubai, the unique aspects of the Dar Wasl area, and Kurasu's distinct culture of minimalistic and high-quality customer experience.

Additionally, David and Valeria share their personal experiences, fears, and inspirations in bringing Kurasu to Dubai.

For more insights and details, watch the full episode.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 first of a 5-part series on the Map It Forward Middle East Podcast with David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia, owners of the Kurasu UAE franchise.

In this series, David and Valeria help us understand the process they went through bringing a globally recognised franchise from Kyoto, Japan, to Dubai and the wider UAE.

The five episodes of this series are:

1. Bringing a Global Coffee Brand to Dubai - https://youtu.be/8MeB02Wlbfk

2. Preparing To Launch a Coffee Franchise in Dubai - https://youtu.be/YAR_78VpKWM

3. Launching the First Kurasu in Dubai - https://youtu.be/C1hT-njJJT8

4. Unexpected Challenges Launching in Dubai - https://youtu.be/zEoKxHNg2DM

5. The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UAE - https://youtu.be/sTwXkqCs08g

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee, Valeria, and David discuss how their admiration for the Japanese coffee brand Kurasu led to their venture of bringing it to Dubai.

From discovering Kurasu on YouTube to making the first contact with the founder Yozo Otsuki, and eventually visiting Kyoto to solidify their partnership, David and Valeria share their journey in detail.

Topics include the saturated coffee market in Dubai, the couple's background, and their steps in opening the Kurasu franchise in the UAE.

Stay tuned to learn the intricacies of navigating a new coffee business in a competitive environment.

Connect with Kurasu DXB/UAE as well as David Zabinsky and Valeria Garcia here:

https://www.instagram.com/kurasudxb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-garcia-16a266176/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidzabinsky/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 5th of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - https://youtu.be/NoIyvxIEKHY

2. Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/1B5XZbBgfoo

3. Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/848P1bhuVsk

4. The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - https://youtu.be/a_SWpLql0FU

5. The Future Technology of Coffee - https://youtu.be/7XaTBVLiNpo

In the final episode of this podcast series, Lee and Reza explore the future of the coffee industry and impact of advancing technology on roles like baristas, Q graders, and cuppers.

They also touch on the emergence of brands like Luckin in the U.S. market and how social media could redefine coffee quality.

With insights on technology, industry trends, and business advice, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what's ahead for coffee professionals.

Connect with Reza Kosar and Slick Coffee Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_/

https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rezakosar/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 4th of a 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - https://youtu.be/NoIyvxIEKHY

2. Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/1B5XZbBgfoo

3. Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/848P1bhuVsk

4. The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - https://youtu.be/a_SWpLql0FU

5. The Future Technology of Coffee - https://youtu.be/7XaTBVLiNpo

In this episode of the podcast, Lee and Reza delve into the complexities of quality assessment in the coffee industry.

They critically analyze the new Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) and its impact on the industry, questioning whether it resolves issues relating to centralized power, inequality, and the focus on the consumer side over producers.

The conversation also touches on sensory science, the disparity in pay within the coffee supply chain, and the challenges posed by dynamic perceptions of quality.

Tune in to explore these pressing issues and their implications for coffee producers and industry professionals.

Connect with Reza Kosar and Slick Coffee Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_/

https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rezakosar/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 5-part series with Reza Kosar, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Slick Coffee Co. in Oman, on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward.

In this series, host Lee Safar and Reza (originally from Iran) explore what quality is in coffee.

The 5 episodes in this series are:

1. The Tools That Assess Coffee's Quality - https://youtu.be/NoIyvxIEKHY

2. Defining Quality in the Coffee Industry - https://youtu.be/1B5XZbBgfoo

3. Coffee Competition and Coffee Quality - https://youtu.be/848P1bhuVsk

4. The CVA Isn't Solving Problems - https://youtu.be/a_SWpLql0FU

5. The Future Technology of Coffee - https://youtu.be/7XaTBVLiNpo

In this episode of the podcast series, Lee and Reza discuss the intricacies and impact of coffee competitions on the industry.

They delve into how these competitions influence perceptions of quality, the limitations and challenges they introduce, and the bias that can occur during judging.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications for baristas, the significance of these events within the industry, and why some professionals dedicate their resources to competitions.

Additionally, the episode explores the controversial aspects surrounding the business side of these competitions and their actual benefit to the coffee community.

Join us for an insightful discussion about the dynamic world of coffee competitions.

Connect with Reza Kosar and Slick Coffee Co. here:

https://www.instagram.com/rezakosar_/

https://www.instagram.com/slickcoffeeco/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rezakosar/

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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]