Motherhood, tech, and personal growth intersect in this inspiring conversation with Nawal. She openly discusses how becoming a mother reshaped her definition of career success, highlighting the cultural realities faced upon returning from maternity leave. Nawal shares practical insights from establishing a supportive "Returning to Work" program at her workplace, emphasizing empathy, structure, and advocacy. The episode concludes with valuable coaching techniques, teaching listeners the essential art of active listening through three transformative levels. It’s an authentic, empowering talk about balancing life’s big roles while remaining true to yourself.

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/

In this episode, we sit down with Patricia, Head of Programmatic at Capital.com, to talk about the cultural and gender shifts shaping how we view money today. From her career journey at Amazon to her current role in fintech, Patricia shares personal stories about growing up with “gold as investment,” why women often hesitate to take financial risks, and what failure taught her that no one prepared her for. We dive into confidence gaps, cultural money habits, and the importance of financial independence.

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/

In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we dive into the world of proptech, tokenized real estate, and fractional ownership with one of the leading voices in the space.

Sarah shares what it’s like to ride the startup wave, how she knew Stake was “the one,” and why asking the rightquestions in a job interview can make or break your experience in an early-stage company. She also opens up about launching her own podcast, She Builds, born from the need to ask questions no one else seemed to be asking.

Whether you're curious about investing, contemplating a move into the startup world, or wondering how to balance ambition with well-being—this episode is for you.

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/

What does it take to turn creativity into confidence and confidence into impact?

In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we sit down with Faraz Ali, a designer, storyteller, and quiet disruptor who began his creative journey through theatre and now works at the intersection of empathy, performance, and product.

We explore:

Why confidence is a practice, not a personality trait

Navigating performance anxiety (yes, even with a balloon)

The invisible emotional labor behind creative work

How to show up in spaces not built for you and own them

This conversation is a reminder that the most powerful thing you can design is your own presence.

🎙️ Hosted by Anam & Ksenia

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/

In this episode of This Wasn’t in the Manual, we sit down with Nimrah Khan, a true Dubai kid and founder of her own independent marketing agency.

Born in Pakistan and raised in the UAE, Nimrah shares her journey from the corporate and agency world to running her own business. We talk about the realities of building in a city that moves fast, trusting your instincts, navigating unexpected pivots, and showing up when no one else will.

This episode is for anyone building something from scratch without a playbook.

Listen now and follow This Wasn’t in the Manual for more stories of growth, grit, and everything they never taught us.

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/

Redefining Growth: No one told us rest was productive: Jessica’s Journey Through Corporate Life, Identity, and Starting Over

Description:

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Moini,  Founder of The Kindness Catalogue. Sharp, empathetic leader whose career spans industries, cities, and reinventions. From building a name in corporate life to hitting burnout, and redefining her identity outside of work, Jessica shares what it means to grow without a clear roadmap.

We talk about starting over (multiple times), the cost of pushing too hard, and why growth sometimes looks like letting go. This is an honest conversation about resilience, ambition, and learning to make peace with not having it all figured out.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause.

Follow us on socials

https://linktr.ee/Thiswasntinthemanual

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thiswasntinthemanualco/

TikTok: @thiswasntinthemanualco

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/