This episode of Taking Care of Business features the remarkable career of Sarah Malik, an award-winning international disputes lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of Sol International. In addition to her legal work, Sarah is the creative mind behind the fashion label Sarah M and the consultancy firm Sarah M Lifestyle. With a rare ability to navigate both corporate and creative industries, Sarah offers compelling insights on maintaining authenticity across diverse ventures. The conversation explores the role of integrity, the value of genuine relationships, and the art of balancing a multifaceted career with personal purpose. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone charting their unique path.

Key Topics

• Sarah's diverse career in law and fashion
• The importance of authenticity in building genuine connections
• Balancing professional success with personal integrity
• Insights on managing multiple businesses effectively

Links

• Visit Sol International website
• Visit Sarah M website
• Visit Sarah Malik Lifestyle website
• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
• Visit Taking Care of Business's YouTube
• Listen to Sarah Straight Up on YouTube

Chapters

(00:00) - Introduction to Sarah Malik and Her Ventures

(02:30) - Early Influences and Family Background

(08:00) - Founding Sol International

(15:00) - Launching Sarah M Lifestyle

(22:00) - Embracing Authenticity in Business and Life

(30:00) - Balancing Multiple Ventures

(38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(45:00) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode, Paul Martenstyn, co-founder of Prosperant LLP shares his extensive journey in the legal sector, from his early days in law to co-founding Prosperant during the COVID pandemic. He discusses the strategic leadership he provided at Fountain Court chambers, the vision behind Prosperent, and the unique value it brings to clients. Paul emphasises the importance of trust, cultural alignment in mergers, and his leadership philosophy. He also highlights the significance of having a presence in the Middle East and shares personal insights about his charity work with Save the Children, illustrating how personal and professional lives intertwine.

Takeaways

• Paul's journey in the legal sector began with inspiration from his mother and TV shows.
• He transitioned from clerking to strategic leadership at Fountain Court.
• The importance of saying yes to opportunities for growth.
• Cultural alignment is crucial in mergers and acquisitions.
• Trust is built over time through authentic relationships.
• Leadership involves listening and investing in team members.
• The Middle East presents significant opportunities for legal practices.
• Paul's charity work with Save the Children is a major passion.

• Taking care of oneself is essential for business success.

• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Martenstyn and Prosperent

02:43 Paul's Journey in the Legal Sector

05:00 Impactful Strategies at Fountain Court Chambers

08:08 Transition to Prosperent: Founding a Consulting Firm

10:35 Vision and Growth of Prosperent

13:14 Business Model and Unique Value Proposition

15:45 Cultural Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions

18:14 Client Success Stories and Impactful Projects

24:39 Building a Brand in Hong Kong's Legal Market

25:56 The Importance of Trust and Authenticity

29:43 Leadership: Leading by Example

33:49 Strategic Importance of Dubai and the Middle East

37:44 Giving Back: The Impact of Charity Work

43:02 Finding Inspiration and Motivation

45:36 Taking Care of Business: A Holistic Approach

Social Media

• Visit Prosperant's website
• Connect with Paul on LinkedIn
• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
• Visit Taking Care of Business's YouTube

Paul's Book Recommendations:

1. What They Don't Teach You At Harvard Business School
2. Time Wise
3. Diary Of A CEO

The links in this post are Amazon Associate links; I may earn a commission if you purchase them.

In this episode, you will learn how to leverage language and non-verbal communication to advance in business, address self-limiting beliefs in corporate environments, and harness your full potential, with practical insights from Phoebe Walters, founder of Optimising Potential.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2024.

Optimising Potential website: optimisingpotential.co.uk

Follow Phoebe: @phoebewalters

Mentions:

Women & Power: A Manifesto

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In this episode you will learn about astrology readings, manifesting, meditation, and the power of journaling, as well as learn strategies for building and managing successful businesses from Dalila Salgueiro.

Dalila is also a certified astrologer, manifesting coach, tech entrepreneur and founder of The Manifesting App, a platform that combines the principles of positive psychology and astrology to elevate app users’ vibrations and helps them to manifest their desired life.

This episode is for individuals interested in personal growth, astrology, and mindfulness practices, as well as entrepreneurs and business professionals seeking strategies to build and manage successful businesses.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2024.

Follow The Manifesting App: @themanifestingapp

In this episode you will learn be a social influencer and entrepreneur from the King of Trainers, Franklin Boateng.

Franklin discusses the journey of creating his personal brand, growing his social media presence to over 100,000 followers, and collaborating with major brands like JD Sports, Puma, and Ellesse. He shares insights on how influencers and consultants can develop their businesses, offers advice on building successful partnerships, and talks about maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the fast-paced world of social media.

This episode is for aspiring influencers, social media consultants, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in building a personal brand, growing an online presence, or creating impactful collaborations with major brands.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2021.

Follow Franklin: @kingoftrainers

You will learn how to build a successful career in the luxury goods industry and establish a luxury management firm from Rosemin Madhavji.

Rosemin discusses her career journey, from working at Gucci as personal assistant to Tom Ford, to becoming European PR Director at Juicy Couture where she helped rebrand the company and secure editorial coverage in top magazines. She shares how she transitioned into founding RR&CO., a luxury brand management firm, and explains how she became a recognised leader in the industry, working with prestigious brands like Fendi, Hermes, and Tiffany&Co.

This episode is for aspiring entrepreneurs in the luxury goods sector, PR professionals, and anyone interested in the art of brand management and building a successful career in high-end fashion and luxury industries.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2022.

Follow Rosamin: @rosaminsworld

RR&CO. website: rrandco.com

In this epsiode you will learn how to launch a couture fashion label from Kaushik Velendra, founder and creative director of the UK based couture fashion label, Kaushik Velendra.

Kaushik talks about his journey to launching his couture fashion label, the inspiration behind his renowned collections, and his approach to creating inclusive designs for all genders and sizes. He delves into the business of fashion, the future of the industry, and how high-quality clothing can empower individuals, boost confidence, and improve overall wellbeing.

This episode is for aspiring fashion designers, entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, and anyone passionate about couture and innovative design. It’s also valuable for those interested in the business side of fashion, inclusivity in design, and the role clothing plays in empowering confidence and improving wellbeing.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2022.

Follow Kaushik: @kaushik_velendra

Shop Kaushik Velendra:

In this episode you will learn how to excel as a renowned plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon, specialising in face, breast, and body surgery and non-surgical facial rejuvenation from Mr Olivier Amar.

This episode is for aspiring and expereinced cosmetic surgeons and medical professionals interested in innovative treatments, and anyone curious about the art and science behind aesthetic medicine and treatments.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2021.

Follow Mr Amar: @dr.olivieramar

Visit the website: olivieramar.co.uk

In this episode you will learn how to build a global fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand development agency from Chandni Modha, founder and CEO of CJM Publicity.

This episode is for aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals in the luxury brand, fashion, and entertainment marketing industries, and anyone interested in building a career in event management or high-profile client collaborations. It’s also valuable for those curious about the evolving intersections of luxury fashion and technology, such as the Metaverse, and for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on balancing personal wellbeing while managing a successful business.

Recorded originally for #NOFILTER in 2023.

Follow Chandni: @chandnimodha_

CJM Publicity Website: cjmpublicity.com

In this episode you will learn the key steps to building a successful career in the fashion industry from Jamie Gill.

This episode is for aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to build a successful career in the fashion industry, particularly those interested in fashion, luxury, and retail sectors. It’s also valuable for those passionate about diversity and inclusion within the industry and anyone seeking to gain insights from an expert with extensive experience in high-level fashion brands and advisory roles.

Jamie Gill is an advisor and consultant in the Fashion, Luxury and Retail sectors. He is an Executive Board Member of the British Fashion Council (BFC) and Chair of the BFC Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Jamie is also CEO turned Executive Director of Luxury Womenswear brand ROKSANDA, and founder of The Outsiders Perspective, a not-for-profit development platform for People of Colour, aimed at increasing representation in Operational, Commercial and Marketing roles in the Fashion and Luxury industries.

Originally recorded for #NOFILTER in 2024.

Follow Jamie: @mrjamiegill

Website: theoutsidersperspective.org