SEF Backstage Pass

SEF Backstage Pass

By Sharjah Entrepreneurship FestivalBusinessEntrepreneurship
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SEF Backstage Pass episodes

  • Building a women-led brand

    In this episode, Rhea and Nikita Patel share the journey of creating The Bureau — a women-focused co-working space designed to inspire, empower, and connect.

    From spotting a market gap to designing spaces where women thrive, they talk about challenges, successes, and what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business.

    🎧 Watch the full episode now on our Youtube channel and discover how The Bureau is redefining workspaces.

    #TheBureau #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneurs #CoworkingSpaces #SEFBackstagePass #PoddsterPartner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

    23 min
  • Why Structure Can Kill Creativity

    What happens when you let go of control, follow intuition, and build a life around purpose instead of profit?

    In this episode, futurist and innovation thinker Niki Skene breaks down his unconventional approach to business, creativity, and life. From working with bold ideas to launching inspiration tours across the world — he challenges traditional models and invites us to think differently about success.

    💡 If you've ever felt like you're not built for the system — this one’s for you. Watch the full episode here on our Youtube channel.

    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.

    #NikiSkene #AIHacks #ChatGPTHack #DataStrategy #FutureOfAI #SEFBackstagePass #PoddsterPartner #InnovationTools

    22 min
  • Starting a Food Brand from Scratch

    Dr. Hamad Alawar was pursuing his PhD in engineering when a late-night craving turned into a business idea. What started as a side hustle became High Joint — one of Dubai’s most beloved homegrown burger brands.

    In this episode, he breaks down what it means to take risks, start scrappy, and grow a brand that stays true to its identity. From flipping burgers to leading a creative food movement — this is a masterclass in bold beginnings.

    💡 For anyone who’s ever asked, “Can I really start from scratch?” — this one’s for you. Watch the full episode here on our Youtube channel.

    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.

    36 min
  • How to Build a Real AI Startup

    From a PhD at Cambridge to co-founding a €11M AI startup, Dr. Ahmed Ghanim Al-Ali shares what it takes to build real-world impact through technology. In this episode, he breaks down the mindset behind great tech founders, the reality of competing with giants like OpenAI, and why persistence is your sharpest edge in fast-evolving industries.

    Whether you’re a developer, founder, or future entrepreneur — this conversation will sharpen your view of where AI is heading and what it takes to lead the way.

    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.

    Click here to watch the full episode on Youtube.

    #AhmedGhanimAlAli #DeepOpinion #AIStartup #GenerativeAI #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #FoundersInTech #SEFBackstagePass #PoddsterPartner #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipInTech #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupMindset

    19 min
  • Lessons from Everest & Beyond

    🎙 A powerful episode with Mostafa Salameh, world-renowned adventurer, humanitarian, and motivational speaker.

    From summiting Mount Everest to inspiring thousands around the world, Mostafa shares his journey of faith, purpose, and resilience. This conversation dives into the mindset required to face life’s toughest challenges and emerge stronger.


    💡 A must-watch for anyone seeking clarity, strength, and motivation.

    📍 This episode is part of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, proudly produced in partnership with Poddster.

    #MostafaSalameh #GrandSlamExplorer #EverestMindset #ClimbYourEverest #NoLimits #MindsetMatters #AdventureMotivation #SelfBelief #MountainOfLife #InspirationDaily #PeakPerformance #FromZeroToHero #EverestChallenge #PodcastClips #MotivationalReel

    29 min
  • Becoming the First Female Aircraft Engineer in the UAE

    Meet Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer. In this episode, she shares how a childhood fascination with airplanes turned into a groundbreaking career.

    From overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated industry to mentoring young women in aviation and STEM, Suaad reflects on the courage, clarity, and resilience it takes to lead with purpose — both in the hangar and in life.

    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.
    📍 Listen to the full episode and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories.

    30 min
  • How to Turn Culture into Content

    How did FREEJ — a show that redefined animation in the Arab world and gave a voice to Emirati identity — become one of the region’s most iconic cultural creations?

    In this episode, Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of FREEJ, SIRAJ, and director of Rashid & Rajab, shares his journey from sketching characters in university to launching Lammtara, the studio behind the UAE’s first animated series.

    This episode is a masterclass in storytelling, risk-taking, and staying true to your roots.
    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.
    📍 Listen to the full story now

    15 min
  • How to Scale a Brand from the Ground Up

    What does it take to go from earning AED 800 as a barista to becoming the founder of a specialty coffee empire? ☕ Maria Eduarda Becker Pavani, founder of Tres Marias Coffee Company, shares her inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation.

    🎧 Whether you're a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or dreamer — this episode will move you.

    🔗 Watch till the end for Maria’s powerful message to those afraid to start.

    🎥 Subscribe for more inspiring founder stories from the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast.

    #MariaPavani #TresMariasCoffee #SEFBackstagePass #WomenInBusiness #CoffeeEntrepreneur #FromBaristaToBoss #SpecialtyCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #FounderStory #MadeInUAE #AlternativeMilk #WorldBaristaJudge #CoffeeCulture #UAEEntrepreneurs #PoddsterPartner

    30 min
  • How to Integrate AI into Everyday Products

    How does a regional super app evolve into an everything app — and what does that mean for AI, data, and product design?


    In this episode, Mohamad Charafeddine shares the inside story of Careem’s next chapter: how they’re building for convenience, simplifying experiences, and integrating AI with purpose.


    🎧 This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.


    📍 Watch the full episode now and don’t forget to subscribe.

    #MohamadCharafeddine #Careem #SEFBackstagePass #ProductLeadership #EverythingApp #SuperApp #TechStrategy #AIProductDesign #DigitalInnovation #FutureOfTech #PoddsterPartner

    27 min
  • Building a Music Brand Without a Label

    In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass Podcast — in partnership with Poddster — Canadian band Music Travel Love share their story of independence, passion, and building a global community through heartfelt music. From walking away from major labels to building a lifestyle rooted in music, travel, and love, this conversation is packed with wisdom for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone daring to go their own way.

    🎧 Watch the full episode to learn how to build a meaningful, lasting career on your own terms.

    👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from SEF 2025.

    #MusicTravelLove#SEFBackstagePass#IndependentArtists #FamilyBand #GlobalMusic #TravelAndMusic 

    21 min

About SEF Backstage Pass

From the publisher's feed

SEF backstage pass is a platform powered by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Think of this podcast as the behind the scenes pass to the festival experience, the inspiring talks from the keynote…