In this Solo episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks about the idea of building character outside of social media, the importance of  figuring out who who are, the dangers of becoming a social clone and finally she gives three tangible takeaways as to how you can navigate social media and ultimately use it to your advantage.

Enjoy xx

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PR virtuoso Lamia Kamel graces our latest episode with our founder Nour Hassan, sharing her wisdom on brand building and cultural curation. Listen as she unpacks the essence of creating a reputable brand image and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones for personal and professional growth. Lamia’s insights, drawn from her extensive experience with influential figures and initiatives like CC+ and the Narrative Summit, highlight the vital role of storytelling and collaboration in shaping Egypt’s narrative and the broader Arab world.

Join us as we celebrate the power of mentorship and community engagement. Lamia and I discuss the evolution of public relations in Egypt, the challenges of bridging government and private sectors, and the triumphs of women in the industry. From fashion and personal branding to sustainability and global recognition, perfect for anyone eager to learn from a pioneer in PR.

• Importance of lifelong learning in personal growth
• Misconceptions about PR and its true purpose
• CC+ as a pioneer in the Egyptian PR landscape
• Narrative Summit's role in shaping Egypt's story
• Collaboration between public and private sectors in tourism
• Balancing professional commitments and family life
• Advice for young people on finding their passions
• Significance of personal branding and authenticity

For more PR insights follow @loomykamel and for more information on the Narrative Summit follow @narrativesummit.

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Are you ready to become the girl of your dreams? Break free from societal norms and trends as we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal style. Our founder Nour Hassan guides you through cultivating a unique aesthetic that speaks to your individuality. Forget TikTok trends; let's focus on building a wardrobe and lifestyle that align with your genuine self. Whether you're drawn to patterns, block colors, or minimalism, we’ll emphasize living authentically and independently in a world that's constantly connected.

• Importance of detachment for individuality
• Curating a personal style that reflects your true self
• The Artist's Way: nurturing creativity through self-dates
• Journaling with morning pages for clarity
• Waking up early to set the tone for your week
• Power of silence and listening
• Curating life by surrounding yourself with inspirational people
• The necessity of being your authentic self over societal expectations

For more curated content follow @the.curation.pod.

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What if you could transition from managing a leading coffee brand in Dubai to introducing a groundbreaking matcha concept in Cairo? Join our founder Nour Hassan as we uncover the inspiring journey of Reem Hassan, a fearless entrepreneur who has done just that. Reem opens up about her exhilarating leap from being the country manager of Seven Fortunes to launching Matter, a postmodern matcha venture that brings high-quality matcha to the Egyptian market. She candidly shares how the pandemic reshaped her career path and reinforced her commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship.

• We discuss the transition from pharmacy to coffee
• Highlighting the evolution of her morning routine
• Reem describes the creation and concept of Matter
• Emphasizing the importance of staff management and communication
• We talk about blending culture with innovative offerings
• Sharing life hacks focused on risk-taking and friendship and of course "What's in your bag?"

For more matcha and coffee discoveries check out @matterbrews.

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Dara Ghosheh took the ice cream scene by storm, at the very first shop opening the line was endless and the Egyptian sweet industry was transformed by the brand’s infectious and creative concoctions! This week our founder Nour Hassan speaks Dara Ghosheh herself on the podcast, a mother, creative, entrepreneur, ice cream specialist and so much more.

Dara shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as a Palestinian family, to becoming an entrepreneur in Cairo and becoming a mother. Throughout the episode, she discusses the challenges of maintaining quality, the power of branding, and the importance of balancing personal and professional life while navigating the magical world of ice cream and treats.

• Discusses early life and cultural influences in Jeddah
• Shares her transformative experience at AUC and in Cairo
• Explores the entrepreneurial leap that led to creating Dara's Ice Cream
• Highlights the importance of quality ingredients and branding
• Reflects on expansion, success, and returning to her roots with the opening of the Riyadh store a full-cirlce moment 
• Addresses the impact of mental health and seeking support in entrepreneurship
• Emphasizes the balance between professional ambition and family life

The perfect episode for the Holidays, to watch with the family and to get inspired for the new year 🍨🍦✨🤎🍪🎙️🎧🤍 #thecurationpod

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Heba Shunbo is an entrepreneur, interior designer, author, podcast host and so much more. Heba along with her sisters founded The Four Fat Ladies, and exited the company after 10 years, in parallel Heba navigated becoming a mother at 40, writing her tell all book “Mommy’ Happy Hour”, and her soaring interior design career. Heba with her sister Nira Shunbo host the "Who Said What Podcast" a hilariously unfiltered show on the realities of dating, family, sisterhood and everything else in between.

This episode is packed with funny anecdotes, wise words of wisdom and unapologetic truths from someone who’s lived all over the world but still calls the cozy Cairienne island of Zamalek home. Subscribe on YouTube for the full video episode and listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧🤎☕️🎙️

- Discussing the personal journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship
- Examining the importance of morning routines and self-care practices
- Exploring the founding story of Four Fat Ladies and the challenges of family businesses
- Unpacking Heba's approach to interior design and home aesthetics
- Sharing insights on mental well-being and managing motherhood alongside careers
- Navigating the creative process behind podcasting and the power of authentic conversations
- Reflecting on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive energy and art

Check out Heba's latest project and her podcast 'Who Said What' with her sister Nira which will feature our founder Nour Hassan next season for more inspiring and funny conversations!

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Prepare to be captivated by the insights of Maya Allison, the Executive Director and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, as she reveals the fascinating journey that led her from the RISD Museum to the vibrant art scene of the UAE. Discover her unique perspective on the evolving role of curators, who not only educate but also engage as public intellectuals and creative practitioners. This engaging conversation uncovers the layers of curatorial work, from managing ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, and highlights the joy of connecting art with audiences in meaningful ways.

Finally, explore the dynamic evolution of the UAE’s arts and culture scene, from its participation in the Venice Biennial to the influence of South Asian art. We navigate through pivotal moments that shaped this region's rich art history, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural exchanges. Listen as Maya outlines the future developments at NYU Abu Dhabi Art Galleries, spotlighting their commitment to supporting emerging and mid-career artists. Through substantial exhibitions and publications, these efforts not only elevate individual careers but also contribute to a broader global art discourse.

Ishara Art Foundation
Ishara Art Foundation was founded in 2019 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to presenting contemporary art of South Asia. Located in Dubai, the Foundation supports emerging and established practices that advance critical dialogue and explore global interconnections.

Ishara signifies a gesture, a signal or a hint, and is a word common to several languages including Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, Swahili and Urdu.

Ishara Art Foundation is presented in partnership with Alserkal.
For more information visit www.ishara.org.

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Ever felt the morning rush sets the wrong tone for your day? I get it. I used to jolt out of bed straight into a whirlwind of caffeine and chaos until I discovered the magic of slowing down. My unscripted solo session takes you through my journey of transforming mornings from manic to meaningful. Picture this: setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier. That gentle nudge into wakefulness can pivot your entire day. We'll chat about the power of "vision board points" as an alternative to daunting resolutions, aligning your morning routine with the dreams you truly cherish for the New Year.

Curious about what happens when you swap your morning coffee for something different? I’ve dabbled in alternatives inspired by Dr. Andrew Huberman's wisdom, and wow, what a difference it makes! From warm water with lemon to the occasional cold-pressed juice, these simple shifts have revolutionized my mornings. In this episode, you’ll hear about my trial and error process of crafting a routine that resonates with balance and well-being. Join me on this journey of intentional mornings, where small changes set the stage for a harmonious and fulfilling year ahead.

Make sure to follow @the.curation.pod for more.

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In this episode our founder Nour Hassan speaks to Zaina Deesi, Marketing at the Dubai Future Foundation, about the mesmerizing experience "Our Future(s)." Get ready to be intrigued by how this installation intertwines light, sound, and scent to pose thought-provoking questions inspired by the DFF Global 50 Report. Imagine contemplating a future where learning while you sleep becomes a reality? Our conversation delves into how this extraordinary project, showcased at Alserkal Avenue during Alserkal Art Week, challenges visitors to reflect on tomorrow's uncertainties, offering a sensorial journey that truly engages all five senses.

Zaina shares insights into the bold vision of the Dubai Future Foundation, a government entity not afraid to step outside conventional boundaries. Discover how the installation employs the signature scent from the Museum of the Future to evoke memories and deepen the immersive experience.

For more information visit Dubai Future Foundation.

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In this episode our founder Nour Hassan is joined with Bangladeshi artist Ayesha Sultana, and Curator Sabih Ahmed, who is the Director of Ishara art Foundation, as they explore the exhibition "Fragility and Resilience" during a talk hosted at the Ishara Art Foundation.

Ayesha shares her experience of witnessing her art in a larger context, revealing new facets of her journey and the nuanced dance of body-environment interactions. Sabih provides a behind-the-scenes look at the thoughtful curatorial process, highlighting the importance of presenting a solo exhibition from a South Asian artist outside of India.

We take a closer look at the rich interplay between art, breath, and the environment, focusing on the concept of porosity. The conversation uncovers the layers of unfinished art, where the boundaries of inside and outside blur, and Ayesha's conscious decision to pause her Breath Count series during the pandemic.

We filmed the full talk for you to enjoy on YouTube and Instagram. Make sure you follow Ishara art Foundation for more exhibitions and future programming. 

Ishara Art Foundation
Ishara Art Foundation was founded in 2019 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to presenting contemporary art of South Asia. Located in Dubai, the Foundation supports emerging and established practices that advance critical dialogue and explore global interconnections.

Ishara signifies a gesture, a signal or a hint, and is a word common to several languages including Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Bengali, Swahili and Urdu.

Ishara Art Foundation is presented in partnership with Alserkal.
For more information visit www.ishara.org.

Support the show