Talking Respect

Episode 37: Ayat Toufeeq on Clean & healthy skincare and entrepreneurship

Ayat is a leading entrepreneur in the Middle East’s beauty retail industry. A former EY investigative consultant and emerging market strategist, Ayat identified a gap in the local beauty market, after a tumultuous journey through skincare missteps after moving to the Middle East in her twenties. Fueled by an unwavering commitment to ethical consumerism, she began curating beauty products from around the world and bringing them to Dubai for her network, which eventually led to the birth of Powder Beauty. As the CEO at Powder, she applies an analytical approach to solving complex business challenges, optimizing operations and driving growth. Ayat has been based in Dubai for the past 15 years and speaks Arabic and English. Ayat graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with an MSc in Diplomacy and International Strategy and a BA in War Studies from Kings College London.

If you like to learn more about Powder Beauty head over to www.powderbeauty.com or their Instagram page PowderBeautyofficial

Alexandra shares with us her top habits on building confidence and how that can be implemented day to day. She speaks of her arrangements on finding the imperfect work/ life balance of raising 4 kids, working her NVP role at Arbonne as well as managing other working priorities. An NLP coach, Alexandra gives her expert insights on setting goals and awakening people to make plans for the future especially after kids are all grown up. If you want some tips on finding that work/ life balance, building confidence or simply want to hear a good discussion on overcoming the challenges of being a working parent then don't miss out

Marriam Mossalli is an empowered female leader and an inspirational public figure in the Middle East. A mother of two beautiful children, Marriam is also a Creative Director and Fashion Editor working with top luxury brands such as Mercedes Benz, Harvey Nichols and Fendi. She was recently ranked within 50 of most influential women in Saudi Arabia, nominated and included in the prestigious Business of Fashion 500 List, BFC New Wave and awarded in The Fashion Awards in London. Marriam's inspiring work has placed the Middle East on the map. In 2015, she was the only Arab woman to host Michelle Obama in her firm Niche Arabia.

In this second episode with Marriam, she shares with us how to manage health challenges. What she did to channel positive energy at a time when her son was diagnosed with cancer and discusses her recent projects, Kineuthorics, Powder Beauty, Niche Arabia and The Red Sea Project. You can learn more about Marriam on social media @marriammossalli or visit her website www.marriammossalli.com

Dr Myriam Francois is an award winning film maker, BBC journalist and writer.

Myriam’s award-winning, directorial debut documentary “Finding Alaa” (BBC/CBC 2023), under her production company MPWR productions, won the “Special Mention”. The film has been BAFTA Longlisted as “Best Short Film” 2024.

Myriam was nominated as one of only 14 “filmmakers to watch” in 2021. She was nominated as part of the “40 under 40” European Young Leaders (EYLs) class of 2017 and awarded ‘Woman in Media Award’ at the Muslim Women Awards 2021.

Myriam is a seasoned reporter, having reported for BBC World Service. Myriam’s writings are featured widely in the British press, including the Guardian, TIME, Foreign Policy, the Telegraph and CNN online.

On the podcast, Myriam shares with us what it's like to work in journalism, what led her into film making , creating her platform to allow others to speak and learn the truth and more on her podcast "Tea with Myriam Francois".

If you like to learn more about Dr Myriam Francois head over to her social media page

@myzfrancois or

www.myriamfrancois.com

Hanae Bennani, a Lawyer and Mentor talks with inspiring individuals who have found "fulfilment" after their accomplishments and overcoming their biggest fears. From leading professionals, entrepreneurs and health experts from around the globe. Each guest shares how they transformed their struggle into "their success" and used the global pandemic in 2020 as a time to learn and thrive in the face of adversity. Get inspired, grow stronger, more confident and create a life thats fulfilled!

Fadela Hilali, a Well-being Coach in London shares her expertise and insights on how to switch off your inner critic at a time when the world and our daily lives are faced with so much adversity.

Selma Benomar is a renowned "go-to label" for elegance and luxury caftan designs in the Middle East. Her handmade pieces are adored by Arab celebrities and high profile figures, each masterpiece is handmade in the Dubai-based designer's atelier. Born and raised in Morocco, Selma gained her education in the heart of fashion in Paris before she started her couture fashion. Fast forward 8 years later, Selma is widely recognised for her elegant, luxurious and lightweight caftan creations, for creating designs that combine both tradition and modern trends.

Faraz Shibli is a Barrister, Travel Writer and Adventurer. Having worked as a lawyer for 13 years, Faraz advised the Government of Mongolia and worked at the United Nations during his exploration. Outside the courtroom, Faraz was on a mission to cross the desert and not just any desert! He became one of the youngest to cross 1600km Mongolian Gobi Desert led by camels which carried his food and water where on a few occasions he almost ran out of water!

Ex Linklaters Lawyer, Mindset & Well-being Coach, Podcast host, Caitlin McFee shares with us how we can set boundaries in the workplace. She helpfully shares her experience of depression, anxiety and stress in a high pressured legal environment (magic circle law firm) which enabled her to pause and reflect on her life. This led Caitlin to undertake a neurolinguistics Programme and hypnotherapy then becoming a Mindset and Wellbeing coach. Leaving the law behind, she now works with top law firms and lawyers driving them to adopt a positive work environment which promotes mental health and well-being in the legal industry. Caitlin impressively tells us that she started out with a non law degree and zero legal work experience which landed her a training contract at a magic circle law firm. She further shares her tips and advice on how to have the confidence and belief in yourself in a difficult work environment. Don’t miss this very important discussion about a lawyers experience in high pressured law firm and what she did to transition her life and make it her mission to help others. To learn more about Caitlin McFee go to law-lifebalance.co.uk or her social media page @Caitlin.McFee