Own it With Samina

🚀 In this compelling episode of Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury sits down with Dr. Helal Al Helal, a transformative leader reshaping how freelancers and service-based entrepreneurs build sustainable, culturally aligned businesses across the Gulf region and beyond. He explains how cultural understanding and systematized frameworks can boost long-term success. Dr. Helal also elaborates on his creation of Zia Freelancers Canvas and its role in organized project management. The conversation touches on balancing tradition and modern business practices in the Gulf region, leveraging storytelling in branding, and the impact of AI on future businesses.

🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury

👤 Guest: 🏡 Dr. Helal Al Helal – Coach, Marketer, Creator of Zaria Freelancers Canvas

Dr. Helal Al-Helal is a Kuwaiti marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Zawya Community, a platform empowering freelancers and solopreneurs across the Gulf. With over 17,000 hours of coaching experience, he created the Zawya Freelancers Business Canvas to help individuals build sustainable, purpose-driven businesses. Dr. Al-Helal is the recipient of the 2025 Solopreneur Coaching Excellence Award and is recognized for reshaping how freelancing is perceived and practiced in the region.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How culture, identity & upbringing shape professional paths

✔️ The story behind the 15-block Zaria Freelancers Canvas

✔️ The growing psychological impact of AI on society

✔️ How generational shifts (Millennials → Gen Z → Alpha) will reshape marketing

✔️ How to balance tradition with modern business expectations in the GCC

🎵 Whether you're an entrepreneur, agent, or coach—this episode provides deep cultural, strategic, and psychological insight.

💼 Connect with Dr. Helal:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/helal-al-helal-345920215/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this inspiring episode, Samina Chowdhury speaks with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Asma Khan, founder of the iconic Darjeeling Express in London. Asma shares her journey from Kolkata to Cambridge to culinary stardom, how she empowers women through her all-female kitchen, and why food is deeply personal and political. This is more than a food story—it’s a movement of culture, sisterhood, and resilience.

🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury

👤 Guest: 🏡 Asma Khan – Chef, Restaurateur & Author

Asma Khan is a renowned Indian-born British chef, restaurateur, and advocate for gender equality in the culinary world. The founder of Darjeeling Express in London, Khan celebrates authentic Bengali and Mughlai cuisine, led by an all-female, self-taught kitchen team. She made history as the first British chef featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. A passionate voice for empowering women in food, Khan was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People and continues to break barriers, challenging industry norms and creating a space for diversity and inclusion.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Asma transitioned from law to world-renowned chef

✔️ The mission behind her all-female kitchen

✔️ Food as a tool for storytelling and social change

✔️ The importance of honoring one’s roots and family recipes

✔️ How she built Darjeeling Express from home cooking to global acclaim

🎵 Whether you're a foodie, entrepreneur, or advocate, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Asma Khan:

🌐 Website → https://www.darjeeling-express.com/

👻 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/p/Asma-Khan-100077447815664/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/asmakhanlondon/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury welcomes longtime mortgage partner Faisal Khan of Mortgage Affiliates. With over 20 years of experience serving South Asian and diverse communities, Faisal brings unmatched insight into how to navigate home financing—whether you're a first-time buyer, a self-employed borrower, an investor, or a foreign national. They explore creative solutions like renovation loans, business-owner lending strategies, and using gift funds the right way.

🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury

👤 Guest: 🏡 Faisal Khan – Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Affiliates

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why you should start with the lender—not the home search

✔️ The three key pillars of a successful loan: income, credit, down payment

✔️ Renovation loans as a strategy to bridge affordability gaps

✔️ Lending options for self-employed, new immigrants, and foreign nationals

✔️ How gift funds work—and how to avoid disqualifying mistakes

🎵 Whether you’re upgrading, investing, or buying from abroad—this episode is a must-listen for mortgage clarity.

💼 Connect with Faisal Khan:

🌐 Website → https://www.affiliates.mortgage/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MortgageAffiliatesInc

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fkhan71/

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisal-khan-580a982b0/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of  Own It with Samina, host Samina Chowdhury sits down with Pat Hiban to discuss his journey from the early days of real estate to building a successful team that prioritized fun and growth. Pat shares how his unconventional approach, including challenges and playful team-building activities, created an atmosphere where team members thrived. They also dive into the importance of mentorship and leadership in fostering success in real estate.

🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury

👤 Guest: 🏡 Pat Hiban – Real Estate Mentor and Team Leader

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to build a successful and fun real estate team

✔️ The value of mentorship in shaping top producers

✔️ Using challenges to foster team spirit and growth

✔️ Why personal growth and fun lead to business success

✔️ Tips on transitioning from solo agent to team leader

📇 Connect with Pat Hiban:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/pathiban/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pathibangroup/

🌐 Website → https://www.hiban.com

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathiban

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury –  Own It with Samina:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode, host Samina speaks with Mehmet Bayram, a seasoned real estate expert from the UK with over 22 years of experience. Mehmet shares his journey from working with major real estate chains to building his own brokerage. He provides valuable insights into the thriving UK real estate market, particularly in London, offering advice for investors on rental demand, property types, and financing options. From rental properties to student housing, discover why the UK remains a top investment destination.

🎧 Hosted by: Samina Chowdry

👤 Guest: Mehmet Bayram – Real Estate Expert and Broker

Mehmet Bayram is the founder and principal agent of HomeRare Real Estate, a boutique agency specializing in luxury properties across London. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mehmet transitioned from a corporate estate agency to establish HomeRare in 2018, aiming to provide personalized, client-focused services. His deep knowledge of the Bromley and Southeast London markets, combined with a commitment to integrity and bespoke service, has earned him a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Mehmet is also an active community advocate, contributing to local initiatives and supporting charitable causes through his business.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why London remains a prime investment location for real estate

✔️ Key differences between buying new developments and older properties

✔️ How student housing and Airbnb can offer strong returns

✔️ The financial considerations when investing in the UK real estate market

✔️ How to choose the right location for investment: central London vs. the outskirts

✔️ Practical tips for overseas investors and how Mehmet helps them navigate the market

🎬 Whether you're looking to invest in central London or exploring opportunities in the outskirts, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge on real estate investments in the UK — tune in to make informed investment decisions and find the right strategy for you!

📇 Connect with Mehmet Bayram:

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iammehmetbayram/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehmet-bayram-9aa80141/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/mbayramkw/

🌎 Website → https://iamrealestate.co.uk/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/
💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate

In this inspiring episode of Own It with Samina, Jacopo lasiello shares his incredible journey from Napoli, Italy, chasing a professional soccer dream to overcoming setbacks and building success in real estate and entrepreneurship. Jacopo reveals how passion, resilience, and meditation transformed his life, guiding him to create abundance and freedom through real estate investing. Discover his practical strategies, mindset shifts, and his unique MPB method—Meditation, Morning Prayer, and Walking—that fuels his daily motivation and success.

🎙 Hosted by: Samina Chowdry

👤 Guest: Jacopo lasiello – Entrepreneur, Real Estate Investor & Author

Jacopo Iasiello is a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert who has built a multi-million-dollar real estate empire from scratch. From creating a jewelry franchise in Italy to founding Miami Italy Int. Brokers Realty and LuXury & Wealth Group, Jacopo has used his expertise in both business and personal well-being to thrive in multiple industries.

As the author of Healthy, Rich, and Happy, Jacopo shares his MPBE Method, a proven approach to achieving success in both life and finance. His approach focuses on balancing business success with health and happiness, making him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and investors.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Jacopo’s personal journey from aspiring soccer player to business and real estate success

✔️ How overcoming life’s setbacks fueled his drive to create abundance

✔️ The power of meditation and mindful daily rituals (MPB method) in achieving goals

✔️ Real estate investing strategies: flipping, cash flow, and land anticipation

✔️ Leveraging globalization to live where you want while building wealth elsewhere

✔️ The immigrant mindset and using unique opportunities in the U.S. market

✔️ The importance of mindset, health, happiness, and wealth balance

✔️ Why creating personal abundance starts from within before manifesting outside

✔️ Practical advice on building a real estate business with integrity and purpose

🎬 Watch now for actionable insights on transforming passion into lasting success and living a rich, fulfilled life on your own terms!

📇 Connect with Jacopo Iasiello:

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jacopoiasiello/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-iasiello-50936244/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/jacopoiasiellorealestate/

🌎 Website → https://www.jacopoiasiello.com/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/ 
💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate

🚀 In this episode of Own It with Samina, Samina is joined by Tyler Mount, her Brand Strategy Manager, to discuss the importance of personal branding for real estate agents and entrepreneurs. Tyler shares his journey from a small town in Texas to Broadway, and ultimately, how he became a leading expert in digital marketing and personal brand strategy. They dive deep into the crucial elements that go into building a strong personal brand, including social media strategies, lead generation, the power of press, and the significance of having a press kit. Tyler also explains why every entrepreneur, especially real estate agents, needs a hero video to stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're new to branding or looking to elevate your current strategy, this episode offers invaluable insights.

🎙 Hosted by: Samina

👤 Guest: Tyler Mount – Brand Strategy Expert & Founder of Henry Street Creative

Tyler Mount is a recognized expert in personal branding, corporate marketing, and digital strategy. As the founder of Tyler Mount Ventures, he has led award-winning campaigns and advised executives, entrepreneurs, and global brands on how to elevate their visibility and impact. His insights on authenticity, strategic growth, and digital influence make him a standout voice in the marketing world—and an ideal guest for an engaging and inspiring podcast episode.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Tyler’s unique journey from small-town Texas to Broadway and digital marketing

✔️ The importance of creating a personal brand as a real estate agent

✔️ How to build a successful social media presence and lead generation strategy

✔️ Why a press kit and speaker kit are essential for real estate agents

✔️ How to effectively use AI tools for marketing and business automation

✔️ The significance of consistent messaging and visibility across multiple platforms

✔️ Why every agent should have a "hero video" and how it can boost brand recognition

✔️ The power of personal storytelling and leveraging your unique selling points

✔️ The importance of having a mentor and investing in your business to grow

🎬 Watch now to learn from Tyler Mount, one of the leading experts in brand strategy, and take your business branding to the next level!

📇 Connect with Tyler Mount:

🌎 Website → https://tylergmount.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tylergmount/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylermount/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/
💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate

🚀 In this episode of Own It with Samina, Samina is joined by Gina Sharma, an accomplished real estate leader in North Atlanta, Georgia. Gina shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home mom to becoming a top producer, leader, and business coach at Keller Williams. With over 17 years of experience, Gina discusses the key strategies for success in real estate, including building a referral-based business, creating disciplined daily activities, and the importance of having a mentor or coach. Whether you're a new agent or an experienced professional, this episode offers valuable tips to help you take your business to the next level.

🎙 Hosted by: Samina

👤 Guest: Gina Sharma – KW Leader & Business Coach

Gina Sharma is an accomplished Associate Broker, Team Leader, and Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty North Atlanta. With a proven track record in the highly competitive Atlanta market, Gina is known for her strategic leadership, market expertise, and commitment to client success. As the head of a top-producing team, she consistently ranks among the top agents in her office and has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results across residential, luxury, and investment properties.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Gina’s journey from stay-at-home mom to successful real estate leader

✔️ How to build a referral business from scratch

✔️ The importance of discipline and consistency in real estate

✔️ How to choose the right lead generation pillars for your business

✔️ Why having a mentor or coach is crucial for new agents

✔️ Tips for staying focused and hitting your business goals

✔️ The value of shadowing top producers to fast-track your growth

✔️ How to leverage daily activities to build a sustainable business

✔️ The difference between a door opener and a true real estate professional

🎬 Watch now to gain actionable insights and strategies to level up your real estate career!

📇 Connect with Gina Sharma:

🌎 Website → https://www.atlantayourhome.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/gina.sharma

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ginasharmaatl/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginasharma/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Chugani, a top real estate agent with Keller Williams in Miami. Mike shares his journey from the jewelry trade to real estate and discusses how Keller Williams has supported his growth. We also dive deep into the current real estate trends in Miami, including investment opportunities in both luxury and non-luxury condos. Mike provides valuable insights into the growing demand for properties in Miami, the potential of new developments, and how international clients can benefit from investing in this thriving market. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to Miami real estate and the luxury market's booming future.

🎙 Hosted by: Samina Chowdhury

👤 Guest

🏡 Mike Chugani – Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams, Miami

Mike Chugani is a top-producing Realtor® with Keller Williams, serving the Metro DC and Central Pennsylvania markets. Known for his multilingual expertise in English, Spanish, and Hindi, Mike delivers a personalized and accessible experience for a diverse clientele. With over a decade of experience, he’s been recognized as the #1 Top Agent in Gross Commission Income (GCI) within his network. Mike leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic marketing to consistently exceed client expectations, whether working with first-time buyers, luxury sellers, or investors.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✅ Mike’s journey from the jewelry industry to real estate and the role Keller Williams played in his success.

✅ How Keller Williams’ education programs support new agents to build a real estate business.

✅ The Miami real estate market: How prices are evolving post-election and the rise in demand for investment properties.

✅ Investment opportunities in Miami: Pricing ranges for townhomes, condos, and luxury units, and rental income potential.

✅ The EB-5 Visa program and how international investors can obtain U.S. residency through real estate investments.

✅ Luxury condo developments like the Mercedes Benz and Porsche buildings in Miami, and why they are hot investment opportunities.

✅ The tax benefits of investing in Miami, including no state income tax.

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

📇 Connect with Mike Chugani:

🌎 Website → https://mikechugani.kw.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MikeChugani/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mikeusa03/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-chugani-422230186/

🎙 Follow Samina Chowdhury:

🌎 Website → https://saminasells.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate

📌 #RealEstateSuccess #RealEstateTeamBuilding #RealEstatePodcast #CommunityBuilding

👨‍💼With Special Guest:  Ariel Sassoon

In this episode, host Samina chats with Ariel Sassoon from Surhand, her coach and accountability partner, about their journeys in the real estate industry. Ariel shares his unique background as a second-generation immigrant with roots in Tokyo and discusses the influence of Japanese culture on his family's values and his own real estate business. They explore the importance of simplicity in achieving success, the significance of connecting with more people, and the role of storytelling in real estate marketing. Ariel offers practical tips for real estate agents, including strategically pricing listings and the value of thoughtful content and staging. The episode highlights the blend of cultural heritage with modern real estate practices and emphasizes the power of genuine connections in driving business growth.

#RealEstateJourney #RealtorLife #ResidentialRealEstate #RealEstateTips #MarketKnowledge #RealEstateSuccess #WorkLifeBalance #RealEstateInsights #LocalMarketExpert #ContinualLearning #RealEstateChallenges #RelationshipFocused #RealEstateImpact #TeamBuilding #RealEstateAdvice

🗣️Notable Quotes:

“    if you want to do more, all you have to do is connect more. It sounds simple, but like anything else, starting is the hardest part. “ 

📇Connecting with Ariel Sassoon :

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariel_sassoon/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-sassoon-71306176/

Website: https://serhant.com/agents/ariel-sassoon

🎙️Connecting with Samina Chowdhury :

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobLucidoTeamSaminaChowdhury/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schowdhury/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samina-chowdhury-a9b35b2/

Website: https://saminasells.com/  
⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/