Upodd UAE

EP 24 | Positivity with Juliana Khalil In this conversation, Juliana sits down with Dolly Smayra—an entrepreneur, visionary, and lifelong learner—to unpack the essentials of living with purpose and creating a life you truly love. Key highlights from this episode include: How to cultivate resilience without burnout What purposeful learning looks like in practice The mindset shifts that separate dreamers from doers This episode is for anyone ready to take charge of their personal and professional journey, lead with authenticity, and embrace growth at every step. Tune in now and begin your own transformation.

The Conscious Lawyer—Ahmad Al-KhalilA new generation of lawyers is redefining success — prioritizing purpose over profit, empathy over ego, and sustainability over short-term wins. In this inspiring conversation, Juliana Khalil (Certified Mind Mapping Trainer & Positivity Advocate) sits down with Ahmad Al-Khalil (Lawyer, Chief of Staff, and Father of Three) to explore what it truly means to be a conscious lawyer. Purpose-driven.  Humane in leadership. Empowering others. Focused on long-term impact. A refreshing perspective for the future of law and leadership.

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd Uae in conversation with Sajith Ansar is the CEO & Founder of Unlimits, a personal development platform that helps people dream, manifest, and achieve their goals through AI-driven coaching, gamification, and a global community. He is also the founder & director of Idea Spice Design, an award-winning branding and design firm that has created 2300+ brands worldwide over the past 22 years. Recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Indian Business Leaders in the Arab World (three consecutive years), Sajith is a mentor, speaker, and workshop leader for startups, CEOs, and entrepreneurs.

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Sukhada Kulkarni, founder of Elista Consultancy Services. Meet Sukhada—an HR strategist and transformation partner with over a decade of experience in driving business excellence through people-first solutions. As the force behind Elista Consulting, Sukhada empowers organizations with customized HR strategies, aligning talent with business goals to unlock real, measurable growth. From leadership development to performance management, she’s helping businesses thrive by building cultures of purpose and productivity.

In this compelling episode, Juliana Khalil sits down with Ramez Helou — Sales Conferences & Workshops Expert, Keynote Speaker, Sales Strategist, and Professor of Sales & Leadership at Hult International Business School. This is not just a conversation—it’s a masterclass in sales, resilience, and unlocking your true potential.

EP 02 | Positivity with Juliana Khalil In this premiere episode, Juliana Khalil sits down with Hana Hamzeh — Newsperson, Editorial Strategist & Futurist — to explore how clarity, mindset, and intentional planning drive real, lasting success. A power-packed conversation on financial freedom, purposeful leadership, and unlocking the mindset shifts that transform your journey.

Juliana Khalil, host of S1 EP1 : Positivity with Juliana Khalil on Upodd UAE in conversation with Nina Abou Atme. In this inspiring conversation, Juliana Khalil, a certified Mind Mapping trainer and positivity advocate based in Dubai, sits down with Nina Abou Atme, an Executive Trainer, Public Speaker, and Rapid Planning Method Specialist known for helping individuals, startups, and leaders maximize productivity and achieve their goals. Together, they explore the intersection of positivity and productivity, diving deep into how mindset, clarity, and intentional goal-setting can transform both personal and professional success. A must-listen episode for anyone looking to lead with purpose and perform at their peak!

Rashi Khanna, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Barkha Bahirwani, our inspiring guest on Upodd! About Barkha Bahirwani: Founder of YES (Your Eco Souq) and Green Majlis, Barkha is a passionate advocate of conscious living and sustainability. With over 12 years of international experience across India, the Middle East, and Africa, she has dedicated her work to building community-driven, eco-conscious businesses. A powerhouse in business development and product innovation, Barkha blends purpose with strategy—creating impact one green step at a time. Tune in to hear her journey of turning sustainability into a lifestyle and a mission!

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd Uae, in conversation with Srishty & Vikas Agarwal, founders of Nine Ventures, a bespoke hospitality products company based in Dubai. About: Vikas & Srishty Agarwal, the visionary minds behind Nine Ventures, a bespoke hospitality products company based in Dubai. Specializing in unique guest accessories and tableware, they bring creativity and craftsmanship to the hospitality industry worldwide. From concept to creation, they transform ideas into stunning, theme-based products using nine premium materials. Tune in as we explore their journey, innovation, and the art of elevating hospitality experiences!

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Juliana Khalil, founder of Juliana Khalil Lifestyle Coaching. Juliana Khalil, founder of Juliana Khalil Lifestyle Coaching, is a Tony Buzan-licensed instructor in mind mapping. She specializes in using visual learning techniques to unlock potential and enhance cognitive abilities. Mind mapping, a powerful tool of creativity and organization, is suitable for children, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. Through her interactive programs, Juliana helps individuals and organizations improve learning, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, making growth both effective and engaging.

Rashi Khanna, host of UPODD UAE, in conversation with Manju Ramanan, a Dubai-based pioneer in storytelling, editorial content, and media innovation. Manju, with a remarkable career spanning book creation, unique events, and media interactions, has mastered the art of crafting narratives that resonate across the Middle East. Her expertise has been instrumental in enhancing the reach of major events like the Saudi Film Festival and Meta Film Fest Dubai. As the former Head of Content and Editor-in-Chief at Filmfare Middle East, Manju has shaped brand stories with authenticity and innovation. Get ready for an inspiring conversation!

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Fariba Zoulfaghari, founder of Events by Fari. About Fari: Fariba has been living in Dubai since 2008, after leaving the UK, where she grew up since the age of 8. Born in Tehran with a strong love and respect for her Persian heritage, she returned to the Middle East to start her marketing agency and has found her home away from home in the UAE. With a curious attitude and positive mindset, she has followed her entrepreneurial family roots and embarked on various business ventures, of which many lessons and learning brought her to lead the Dubai Chapter of the Global Movement FUN DXB, where founders share their failure stories to inspire and empower others to remain steadfast, and from that she started a podcast whereby founders share their breakthroughs along their journey to create positive impact as changemakers.

Rashi Khanna in conversation with Aditii Handa, Chairman and Managing Director of The Forttuna Group, Dubai. Meet Aditii, the dynamic Chairman and Managing Director of The Forttuna Group, a trailblazer leading nine verticals with resilience, creativity, and vision. From her humble beginnings in Kanpur to managing billion-dollar strategies as the Chief of Staff for a $1.5B NBFC, Aditii’s journey is a remarkable story of determination and transformation. A former model, professional dancer, and award-winning global leader, she brings a unique blend of creativity, empathy, and results-driven action to her leadership. A passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Aditii is committed to inspiring others through her fearless approach to challenges and her ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. Her story is proof that with perseverance and passion, no dream is too ambitious.

Host Upodd UAE Ranjana Chhabra in conversation with Ann Thomas, Founder of The Craft Safari, on traditional Indian art forms and bringing their exquisite craftsmanship to global audiences. Ann Thomas, B.Tech, MBA, and CISA (non-practicing), is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of The Craft Safari, a leading UAE-based brand specializing in curating and retailing exclusive Indian handicrafts and art. Since 2011, Ann has been at the helm of this unique venture, successfully establishing it as a trusted name in the UAE market with a loyal and diverse customer base. With a background in Electronics and Communication Engineering, an MBA, and a certification in Information Security, she combines her technical expertise and creative vision to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage. Passionate about empowering artisans, Ann is dedicated to preserving traditional Indian art forms and bringing their exquisite craftsmanship to global audiences.

Rashi Khanna, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Nazila Zoulfaghari, founder of NZI Consulting. Meet Nazila Zoulfaghari - A visionary leader in the medical aesthetics industry, Nazila is a multifaceted entrepreneur, pharmacist, and strategic advisor with over two decades of global healthcare experience. As the Founder & CEO of NZI Aesthetic Consulting, Zedza Drug Store, and Nesla Global Commerce & Consultancy, she has revolutionized the field with innovative strategies and educational programs. With a footprint spanning 30 markets and $500 million in annual revenues, Nazila brings unparalleled expertise, mentorship, and a passion for advancing medical aesthetics to the forefront. It was an absolute honor to have her as a host on the Upodd UAE podcast!

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Ankit Baradia, founder & CEO of CURD, an app owned and marketed by Spring Technologies, which is a UAE-registered technology company in the social networking space. Ankit Baradia, the visionary founder of CURD and Spring Technologies, is set to join the UPodd UAE podcast. With over 18 years of entrepreneurial experience, Ankit will share insights on how CURD is revolutionizing social networking. From integrating referrals, social validation, and monetization, to leveraging advanced AI and data in groundbreaking ways, he'll reveal the story behind CURD’s mission to reshape the social media landscape. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of social networking with one of the UAE's leading innovators.

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Sahil Kuchhal from the fashion and retail industry. Sahil Kuchhal, a dynamic leader and Multi-Regional Retail Operations Manager overseeing UAE, Oman, and Qatar. With extensive experience at the helm of retail operations for BIBA Fashion Ltd, Sahil is known for his expertise in optimizing processes, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth in the highly competitive fashion retail industry. From managing large-scale operations to adapting to the ever-evolving retail landscape, Sahil brings a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives. Tune in as we dive into his journey, explore key trends shaping fashion retail, and discover how he’s navigating the future of retail in these regions! Don't miss this insightful conversation with a true industry expert!

Ranjana Chhabra host of Upodd UAE, is in conversation with Payal Lodha founder of CraftbyPayal. Introducing Payal, a brilliant artist whose hands weave magic into every creation, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary keepsakes. With an unparalleled passion for crafting personalized treasures, Payal captures the very essence of cherished memories, making them timeless. Whether it’s a meticulously crafted photo album, a heartfelt memory book, or a bespoke polymer clay masterpiece, each piece tells a story, imbued with love and attention to detail. Payal's artistry knows no bounds, offering custom mugs, enchanting family portraits, and one-of-a-kind gifts that are as unique as the people they celebrate. Her creations are more than just objects; they are dreams brought to life, destined to be cherished forever. With a commitment to unparalleled quality, Payal's masterpieces travel the globe, delivering joy to homes far and wide.Check her instagram page craftbypayal.

About the guest:Raul Handa, a distinguished member of the Forbes Business Council, is the visionary founder of The Forttuna Group, renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation. With a passion for empowering extraordinary experiences, Raul spearheads initiatives like The FFTB Show, ConvaLexa and the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in various fields. As a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, Raul has successfully built and managed multiple ventures, earning a reputation for his strategic insights and leadership acumen. His unwavering dedication to creating impactful experiences and fostering global excellence has positioned him as a prominent figure in the business world.

Ranjana Chhabra, host of Upodd UAE, in conversation with Silvia Sapackova, a Certified Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code Practitioner, brings over 15 years of diverse hospitality experience, having worked in roles from waitress to general manager in top restaurants across Ireland and Dubai. Now as the founder of RebornBySilvia, my focus is to help people heal chronic issues, release emotional blocks, and transform their lives through Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code healing modalities."Contact her for expert guidance and support.

Ranjana Chhabra, ,Upodd UAE, in conversation with Richa Bansal, an impactpreneur and founder of ECOBEE. With over 20 years of global and regional operations and sales experience in research and consulting, Richa brings a wealth of expertise in understanding client challenges and optimizing ROI through actionable insights. Her extensive career has honed her skills in building strong customer relationships, excelling in solution-based selling, and efficiently managing operations and leading teams. Richa's comprehensive understanding of diverse markets and her ability to drive strategic initiatives have consistently delivered exceptional results for her clients. Richa's entrepreneurial journey began with a mission to save Mother Earth, leading her to found Ecobee—a platform dedicated to fostering eco-consciousness and sustainability. Ecobee serves as a beacon for environmental advocacy, offering unique ecological products and engaging workshops designed to inspire and educate individuals and communities about sustainable living practices. Through Ecobee, Richa aims to create a significant mindset shift towards environmental sustainability, empowering people to make more environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives. As the founder of yes4us.org, Richa initially focused on broader social issues, and her commitment to positive change is evident in all her ventures. Her passion for sustainability and social responsibility seamlessly transitioned into the creation of Ecobee, reflecting her dedication to preserving the planet for future generations. Richa's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference, whether through driving sustainability initiatives or helping businesses thrive in a competitive landscape. Her multifaceted expertise and visionary approach continue to inspire those around her, fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and excellence. #podcast #podcastshow #podcasters #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner

Upodd Uae is in conversation with Vipul Suri, a Perfume Specialist, and Attar Artisan. Vipul Suri is a passionate fragrance professional renowned for his innovative problem-solving skills and creative design capabilities. With a deep-seated commitment to empowering teams for success, Suri stands out as a lifelong learner and an accomplished author. His journey in the world of perfumery is marked by a rich blend of traditional expertise and modern innovation, rooted in a family legacy that dates back to the 1950s in Lucknow, India. Suri's debut book, "Itr: A Fragrant Odyssey," exemplifies his dedication to the art of scent creation and self-discovery. Through this introspective novel, he shares the intricate process of crafting fragrances, blending his personal experiences with professional insights. His work not only celebrates the transformative power of scent but also serves as an educational guide for aspiring perfumers. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Suri's extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures have profoundly influenced his approach to perfumery. His ability to harmonize traditional attar-making techniques with contemporary practices showcases his versatility and deep understanding of the fragrance industry. Suri's innovative spirit and commitment to excellence continue to inspire those around him, making him a prominent figure in the world of scents. Reach: +971552996745 . . . #perfume #perfumeattar #uae #dubai #uae #perfumeindustry #perfumery #specialist

Upodd Uae in conversation with Lina Sadek, founder of StuDIYo Lab . Driven by a deep belief in the lifelong value of woodworking skills, Lina Sadek adapted the structure and offerings of Studiyo Lab. She navigated the changing dynamics of people's psychologies and government restrictions during an exceptionally challenging period for her homegrown startup. Lina built a team that shared her passion for hands-on making for children. She refined the offerings and programs, integrating feedback from young creators and their parents. By expanding services, she kept the young makers engaged, learning, and happy.For Lina and Studiyo Lab, this is just the beginning. There is much more to offer the young creators, and the team continues to learn, create, and evolve with them in mind.Upodd Uae Hosts: Ranjana Chhabra & Rashi Khanna

Upodd UAE in conversation with Thomas Frisetti, Regional Executive Chef at the Cafe Bateel based in Dubai , a culinary maestro with a passion for crafting extraordinary dining experiences. With a background steeped in the world of high-end restaurants and hotels, Thomas has always found his calling in the kitchen, where he delights in preparing exceptional cuisine for others. Throughout his career as a chef, Thomas has honed his skills across a diverse range of culinary landscapes, with expertise spanning French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines. His culinary training and extensive experience have equipped him with the knowledge and creativity to innovate while upholding the highest standards of quality. Thomas is known for his unique approach to cooking, infusing traditional dishes with his own creative flair to create captivating flavor combinations. He thrives on experimentation, constantly exploring new ingredients and techniques to push the boundaries of culinary excellence. Today, Thomas joins us to share his insights, expertise, and passion for the culinary arts. Get ready to be inspired as we delve into Thomas's culinary journey and the artistry behind his delectable creations. Upodd Uae Hosts: Ranjana Chhabra & Rashi Khanna