Building RAW Coffee | Kim Thompson on Entrepreneurship, Sustainability & Dubai’s Coffee Culture

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, I sit down with Kim Thompson, founder of Raw Coffee Company—one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Dubai.

We talk about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up, long before the coffee scene became what it is today. Kim shares her journey from spotting an opportunity in a market that wasn’t ready, to building a brand rooted in quality, sustainability, and consistency.

This isn’t just about coffee—it’s about resilience, backing your instincts, and staying committed when things don’t go to plan. We also get into the realities of running a business, the importance of ethical sourcing, and how Dubai’s coffee culture has evolved over the years.

If you’re building something of your own, or thinking about it, this episode is full of honest insights you don’t usually hear.

Watch the full episode here:
👉 http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

#RicePuddingProject #KimThompson #RawCoffee #DubaiEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeCulture #DubaiBusiness #StartupJourney #WomenInBusiness #Sustainability #FounderStory #BusinessPodcast #UAE #SpecialtyCoffee #Leadership #SmallBusiness

From Gong Show Winner to Full-Time Comedian: Luca Cupani on Taking the LeapWhat happens when a moment on stage changes everything?In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, I sit down with Luca Cupani to talk about the turning point that took him from performing on a gong show… to becoming a full-time comedian.We get into the reality of betting on yourself, the grind behind stand-up, and what it actually takes to turn a win into a career. It’s not just about comedy — it’s about recognising your moment and having the courage to go all in.If you’ve ever wondered when to take the leap, this one’s for you.Watch the full episode now on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project#RicePuddingProject #LucaCupani #StandUpComedy #GongShow #ComedyJourney #CareerChange #FollowYourPassion #PodcastClips #DubaiPodcast #CreativeLife #RiskTaking #FullTimeComedian #YouTubePodcast #LifeDecisions #BetOnYourself

The Woman Who Helped Make Dubai Laugh | Gail Clough

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, I sit down with Gail Clough, founder of The Laughter Factory, to talk about how she went from travelling the world as a DJ to building one of Dubai’s most iconic comedy platforms. We get into the early days of entertainment in the UAE, what it took to grow a live comedy scene from scratch, and how Gail helped bring world-class stand-up to audiences across the region. We also talk about risk, reinvention, the business of making people laugh, and why comedy still matters in a city that never stops evolving. 

Watch the full episode on the official Rice Pudding Project YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

#RicePuddingProject #GailClough #TheLaughterFactory #DubaiComedy #StandUpComedy #DubaiPodcast #ComedyPodcast #UAEComedy #DubaiEntertainment #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #ComedyScene #DubaiLife #PodcastEpisode #AminSoltani

Success isn’t built in big moments — it’s built in what you do every day.

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, Jon Marchant (Group President MENA, Memac Ogilvy) shares the habits, mindset shifts, and life experiences that shaped his journey in leadership, business, and beyond.

From the power of small daily techniques to the most underrated leadership skill — listening — this conversation dives into what actually drives long-term success. Jon also reflects on how meeting his wife became a defining moment, influencing both his personal life and the way he approached his career.

This isn’t just about advertising or business. It’s about growth, relationships, and building a life with intention.

If you're trying to improve, lead better, or take control of your direction — this episode is for you.

👉 Watch the full episode and subscribe:
http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

#JonMarchant #Leadership #AtomicHabits #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #SuccessMindset #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #Ogilvy #DubaiPodcast #RicePuddingProject #Habits #Mindset #Growth

What happens when you step away from the safe path and choose growth instead?

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, William Shintani shares his journey through finance, personal development, and the moments that forced him to rethink success, risk, and purpose.

We dive into the realities of building a career, navigating uncertainty, and learning what truly matters beyond titles and stability.

This is a conversation about reinvention, mindset, and having the courage to move when everything feels comfortable.
Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

#WilliamShintani #RicePuddingProject #DubaiPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #Success #Leadership #BusinessJourney #RiskTaking #SelfDevelopment #UAEPodcast

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, Amin Soltani sits down with Jouhayna Almheiri to explore leadership, personal growth, and the mindset required to navigate challenges in both career and life.From developing confidence and resilience to reflecting on the experiences that shape who we become, Jouhayna shares honest insights about ambition, identity, and the lessons learned along the way.This conversation dives into the reality behind success — the setbacks, the self-doubt, and the determination it takes to keep moving forward.🎙 Full episode goes live soon on the Rice Pudding Project.Watch the full episode here 👉http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project#RicePuddingProject#JouhaynaAlmheiri#DubaiPodcast#Leadership#WomenInLeadership#Entrepreneurship#Mindset#Resilience#PersonalGrowth#SuccessMindset#UAEVoices#PodcastClips

In this episode of The Rice Pudding Project, Amin Soltani sits down with Michael Becker to discuss leadership, business strategy, and the mindset required to build organisations that last.From navigating complex industries to developing strong teams and long-term strategy, Michael shares insights from years of experience working at the intersection of business, innovation, and leadership.The conversation explores what it really takes to lead people, build meaningful ventures, and stay resilient through the inevitable challenges of business.This episode dives into leadership philosophy, decision-making under pressure, and the importance of building the right culture around you.Watch the full episode here 👉http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project#MichaelBecker#Leadership#Entrepreneurship#BusinessStrategy#LeadershipMindset#EntrepreneurLife#DubaiPodcast#RicePuddingProject#FounderStories#BusinessLeadership

Watch the full episode here:
👉 http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

In this episode of Rice Pudding Project, Amin Soltani sits down with Salman Qureshi — a creative force who made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and pursue comedy and performance.

We talk about growing up in Saudi Arabia, the cultural influences that shaped him, navigating identity, and what it really takes to walk away from stability in pursuit of creativity. Salman opens up about improv, stand-up comedy, and the mindset shift required to reinvent yourself.

This conversation is about courage, risk, culture, and finding your voice.

If you’ve ever thought about leaving the safe path to build something meaningful, this episode is for you.

Subscribe and watch the full conversation on our official YouTube channel:
👉 http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

#SalmanQureshi #RicePuddingProject #AminSoltani #StandUpComedy #ImprovComedy #CorporateToCreative #SaudiArabia #MiddleEastCreators #ComedyJourney #EntrepreneurMindset #CreativeLife #PodcastUAE #DubaiCreators #Reinvention #ChasingPurpose

In this powerful episode of The Rice Pudding Project, Amin Soltani sits down with Husena Beguwala — a double lung transplant recipient who battled Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and was given a second chance at life.

Pulmonary Hypertension is a life-threatening condition that affects the lungs and heart. Husena opens up about the physical and emotional toll of living with PH, the uncertainty of being on a transplant list, and what it truly feels like to wake up with new lungs.

This is more than a medical story.

This is about resilience.
Faith.
Strength.
And what happens when life forces you to confront your own mortality.

We discuss:
– Living with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)
– The reality of waiting for a double lung transplant
– The mental battle behind chronic illness
– Gratitude after surviving the unimaginable
– What a second chance at life really means

If you’ve ever taken your health for granted, this episode will change your perspective.

🎥 Watch the full episode on the official Rice Pudding Project YouTube page:
👉 http://www.youtube.com/@RicePudding-Project

Subscribe and join the journey.

#HusenaBeguwala
#DoubleLungTransplant
#PulmonaryHypertension
#PHAwareness
#TransplantSurvivor
#OrganDonation
#SecondChanceAtLife
#ChronicIllnessWarrior
#HealthJourney
#Resilience
#MindsetMatters
#Inspiration
#Gratitude
#LifeAfterTransplant
#UAE
#DubaiPodcast
#RicePuddingProject
#AminSoltani
#RealStories
#PodcastClips

Every educator has a story — and Mike Lowery’s is one of purpose, humility, and genuine impact.In this episode, Mike opens up about the realities of teaching, leadership, shaping young minds, and what it truly means to build a community within a school.These are the conversations that remind you why education matters.🎧 Full episode with Amin Soltani — out now on The Rice Pudding Project.Subscribe so you never miss an episode #MichaelLowery #GEMSMEtropole #GEMSEducation #EducationUAE #TeacherLife #LeadershipInEducation #DubaiSchools #InspiringTeachers #TeacherStory #EducatorJourney #RicePuddingProject #AminSoltani #DubaiPodcast #PurposeDrivenCareer #EducationMatters