What happens when your business no longer needs you?

In this episode of the Sheconomy, Alexandria sits down with Surabhi Shenoy, serial founder, self-funded entrepreneur, and two-time business seller. To talk about building systems, detaching from hustle culture, and designing businesses that run without their founders.

– What really happens behind the scenes during an exit
– Her views on productivity, ownership, and women in tech
– How she’s approaching her next business differently

#sheconomy  #femalefounders  #womenintech  #startuplife  #businessstrategy  #entrepreneurship  #dubaibusiness  #businessexit  #selffunded  #founderjourney

Join me for a conversation with Erika Doyle, the founder who brought a zero-alcohol revolution to the GCC. 

After moving to Dubai in 2019, Erika turned her UK market insight into Drink Dry. This multimillion-dirham business convinces consumers, hotels, and supermarkets to raise a toast without the booze. 

In this episode, she shares:

🔹 How perfect timing and relentless research created a brand-new category
🔹 What it takes to fund and scale a start-up from your family savings
🔹 Why B2C momentum can unlock B2B doors across hospitality and retail
🔹 The systems, mentors, and mindset that keep Drink Dry ahead of the curve
🔹 How “celebrate every day” became a premium lifestyle, not just a slogan

Press play for the strategies, stumbles, and standout wins that built a market leader, and then steal a few tactics for your own venture.

In this episode, former BBC news anchor Louisa Preston shares powerful strategies to communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact—whether in the boardroom, on stage, or in everyday business conversations.

🔹 Master the art of presence – How to command attention and own the room.
🔹 Speak with impact – The secret to structuring your message for maximum influence.
🔹 Confidence hacks – How even pros overcome nerves (yes, even TV presenters!).
🔹 The Richard Gere Moment – How Louise stayed composed when the Hollywood star unexpectedly hijacked her live broadcast.
🔹 The "Sasha Fierce" Effect – Why even Beyoncé needed an alter ego—and how you can use the same trick to boost confidence in meetings and presentations.
🔹 The power of the pause – Why slowing down makes you a more compelling speaker.
🔹 Women in business – How to ensure your voice is heard, not overshadowed.

Whether you're pitching, presenting, or leading a meeting—this episode is your playbook for powerful communication.

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq?si=2c59c197dd6d49c0
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW LOUISA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-preston-82a35a157/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/

Mary Ghobrial helped redefine the Middle East’s tech landscape—from bringing the first Arabic tech company to NASDAQ, to guiding Souq’s $580 million acquisition by Amazon.

In this insightful episode, she reveals how big visions, data-driven strategies, and authentic leadership can break barriers and transform entire industries.

Discover her powerful tips on thinking globally, embracing risk, and thriving as a woman leader—don’t miss it!

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq?si=2c59c197dd6d49c0
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW MARY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryghobrial15/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/

Meet Rima Faour, founder of a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai – MyCore! Discover why Pilates is more than just a trend, how it strengthens both mind and body, and why it’s transforming lives.

From her bold leap from the tech world to building a thriving boutique studio, Rima shares her passion for creating a space where movement meets empowerment. Ready to rethink everything you know about fitness?

Tune in for inspiration, innovation, and the revolutionary impact of Pilates!

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq?si=2c59c197dd6d49c0
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW RIMA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rima-faour-a09b156/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rimafaourz/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/

Step into the world of sustainability with Maryam AlMansoori, General Manager of Rebound Plastic Exchange. In this captivating episode, Maryam reveals how Rebound is redefining the global recycling game, creating smarter supply chains for used plastics—all backed by the UAE government and IHC Abu Dhabi.

From breaking barriers in male-dominated industries to tackling misconceptions about sustainability, Maryam’s bold insights and real-world stories will leave you inspired and ready to take action. Whether it’s leadership, innovation, or creating impact on a global scale, this conversation has it all.

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq?si=2c59c197dd6d49c0
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW MARIAM:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-almansoori-45302815b/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/

In this episode, Nikita and Rhea Patel, sisters and co-founders of The Bureau, share their entrepreneurial journey of launching Dubai’s most stylish co-working space.

From the dynamics of working with family to taking risks on bold business decisions, Nikita and Rhea reveal the challenges and rewards of building a business together. This conversation offers a deep dive into the value of community, adaptability, and finding a work-life balance within Dubai’s rapidly growing landscape.

Key topics include:

- The unique experience of building a business with a sibling and the dynamics of sisterhood in entrepreneurship.
- Insights into Dubai’s evolving business landscape and opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
- The impact of community in a co-working space and the rising importance of third spaces.
- Practical advice on work-life balance, personal growth, and embracing the flexibility needed to thrive as an entrepreneur.
- Join us for an inspiring conversation packed with valuable insights on sisterhood, community, and creating your own path in business!

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW NIKITA & RHEA ON LINKEDIN:
Nikita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikitapateldxb/
Rhea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-patel-bureau/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/

In this episode, María Rubert, a distinguished Spanish-American arbitrator and lawyer registered with Dubai's Ruler’s Court and the DIFC Courts, shares her fascinating journey through the legal world. From balancing passion and career to navigating the complexities of marriage contracts—especially for expat women—this conversation delves into personal growth, leadership, and the importance of protecting family interests through law.

Key topics include:
The significance of marriage contracts and legal rights for expats.
The driving force of passion in legal careers and leadership.
María’s experiences as a female leader in a male-dominated industry.
Practical advice for aspiring female professionals in law and beyond.

Join us for an insightful discussion packed with valuable lessons on law, leadership, and life!

In this episode, host Sophia Bhatti sits down with Maitha Alblooshi – electronics engineer, Scrum Master at Emirates NBD, founder of "Be You," and youth leader. Maitha shares her journey in male-dominated fields, her life rules, and the inspiration behind her book.

Key Highlights: 🔹 Embracing authenticity 🔹 Overcoming stereotypes 🔹 Balancing passion and profession

Tune in for an empowering conversation packed with insights and inspiration.

👉 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

In this episode of Sheconomy, we dive deep with Yasmin Carey—a Dubai-based blogger, entrepreneur, and mother of three boys—who shares the real, unfiltered side of balancing business and motherhood. From learning to say no and setting boundaries, to building a personal brand that stays true to her values.

If you’re struggling with juggling it all, setting boundaries, or just looking for some relatable real talk about business and life, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how Yasmin stays authentic, prioritizes what matters, and finds her unique groove in both entrepreneurship and parenting.

LISTEN ON:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nzAOSlKIEaHK17p2oRswq?si=2c59c197dd6d49c0
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-sheconomy-with-sophia-bhatti/id1745065025

FOLLOW YASMIN CAREY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmin-carey/
Indtagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasmincarey/

FOLLOW SOPHIA:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiabwealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiabwealth/

FOLLOW SHECONOMY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheconomypodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheconomypodcast/