Ep10 – How to Build a Business with Arab Identity – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

Crossing the Desert: how businesses are setting and growing in the Emirates

Crossing the Desert: how businesses are setting and growing in the Emirates

33:58

In this episode, we delve into the concept of being "qualified" in the workplace, examining who gets labeled as such, who doesn't, and the underlying reasons. We explore "competency checking"—the practice of scrutinizing individuals' abilities—and how it disproportionately affects underrepresented groups, often going unnoticed or unchallenged. Our discussion aims to redefine qualifications in a fair, equitable, and actionable manner. Our guest, Shari Dunn , is an accomplished journalist, former attorney, news anchor, CEO, university professor, and sought-after speaker. She has been recognized as Executive of the Year and a Woman of Influence, with her work appearing in Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, and more. Her new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work , unpacks what it truly means to be deserving and capable—and why systemic barriers, not personal deficits, are often the real problem. Her insights challenge the narratives that hold so many of us back and offer practical solutions for building a more equitable future. Together, we can build workplaces and communities that don’t just reflect the world we live in, but the one we want to create. A world where being qualified is about recognizing the talent and potential that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s not just about getting a seat at the table—it’s about building an entirely new table, one designed with space for all of us. Connect with Our Guest Shari Dunn Website& Book - Qualified: https://thesharidunn.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/sharidunn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesharidunn Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 How To Defy Expectations with Dr. Sunita Sah | 271 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…

год назад 37:04

MP3•Главная эпизода

This time, Isaac interviews Raghad Murad, the founder of the Waggish sticker and merch brand. They discuss cultural references, Arab identity, suppliers, collaborations, and everything that makes Waggish a business.

Waggish stickers are so sticky that they even ended up on the cover of this episode. Check it out!

All the cool speakers, merch, and videos from that party are on Waggish's Instagram.

This podcast is presented by Fortis

We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can.

Our social networks:

Production by Hatch Up Podcasts

Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova

Host — Isaac Dalonin

Producer — Darya Sannikova

History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya

Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva

Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami

18 эпизодов

Ep10 – How to Build a Business with Arab Identity – Crossing the Desert – Fortis

published год назад

MP3•Главная эпизода

Waggish stickers are so sticky that they even ended up on the cover of this episode. Check it out!

All the cool speakers, merch, and videos from that party are on Waggish's Instagram.

This podcast is presented by Fortis

Our social networks:

Production by Hatch Up Podcasts

Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova

Host — Isaac Dalonin

Producer — Darya Sannikova

History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya

Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva

Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami

18 эпизодов

Все серии

1
Ep16 – How to Build Relationships with Suppliers – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 35:09

11 weeks назад35:09

35:09

“Australians have a way of taking a trend and making it their own. And they make it a little bit more fun, a little bit more quirky.” In this episode, Georgina Trigg shares the story of starting her business in a Dubai that many of us wouldn’t recognize today—a city that was growing so fast, maps couldn’t keep up. Back then, there were no craft coffee shops or boutique designer stores. It was in this version of Dubai that Georgina managed to create a small haven of Australian design and lifestyle, bringing a piece of her home to a rapidly evolving city. You can discover a slice of Australian soul on the Georges of Dubai website . There was a time when this haven was at risk of disappearing. But when you love what you do and know how to do it, you don’t let go so easily. Isaac and Georgina reflect on what they’ve achieved over the past year and share their hopes for the future. This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Fortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe Serhal Producer — Darya Sannikova Sound designer and Composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep15 – How to Build a Business That Fits Your Personality – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 46:57

13 weeks назад46:57

46:57

Sometimes life falls apart all at once: a business partnership doesn’t work out, the products don’t arrive from production on the day of your store’s grand opening, and you reach a breaking point where you feel like grabbing a bat and smashing everything around you. And yet, all of this can become the foundation of a successful business. In this episode, Isaac interviews Ibrahim Abudyak , the founder and creative director of Jokes Aside and co-founder and creative director of Smash Room . Discover the bold street style that Ibrahim celebrates through his brand, Jokes Aside . And if you’re looking to release some emotions, check out Smash Room ! This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Fortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe Serhal Producer — Darya Sannikova Sound designer and Composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep14 – How to Stand Out Among Tens of Thousands of Competitors – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 28:49

15 weeks назад28:49

28:49

“Every mom in Dubai knows him”—that’s how entrepreneur Galina introduced Isaac to Pavel. Pavel is the founder of Skill Kid , a school offering English classes and educational events for children. He came up with an approach that makes his school stand out from the rest. In this episode, inspired by Pavel’s example, Isaac restructures his own online English school. He devises a way to generate UGC (user-generated content) from his students, uncovers the ruthless side of his friends, and calculates the financial results. This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Sound designer and Composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep13 – How to Find the Biggest Clients’ Need – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 42:45

17 weeks назад42:45

42:45

Our guest’s business idea became so popular that she patented its name. Now, no one else in the Emirates can call a quick repair service “Quick Fix.” In this episode, Isaac talks with Hamda, founder of the interior design studio Dress My Room . She started by turning her sister’s talent for interior design into a profitable business. Hamda shares how she optimized every hour of her team’s workday, kept competitors from copying her ideas, and why her clients approve designs and sign contracts within three days—even though she has never visited the site. Her clients receive strict renovation timelines and fixed budgets that include absolutely everything—clients won’t pay a single extra fil. In fact, some clients even get part of their budget back. Hamda reveals how she built a company capable of making and keeping such promises. Check out the interiors created by Dress My Room on their Instagram page This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Fortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe Serhal Producer — Darya Sannikova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound designer – Marion Terenz Composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep12 – How to Win Clients from a Niche, Demanding Audience – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 45:53

19 weeks назад45:53

45:53

If you’ve ever been served a drink adorned with a beautiful flower, there’s a good chance it came from Greeneration’s vertical farm. This farm specializes in growing microgreens and edible flowers for high-end restaurants. In this episode, we’re joined by its founder, Roman, and Daria, the Vice President of Growth & Product. They share insights on finding the ideal location for a farm, the risks of choosing the wrong landlord, how a single flower can multiply revenue, and how to attract high-quality clients by breaking all the rules. Their clients are high-end restaurant chefs—a very narrow audience with demanding schedules and exacting standards, competing with hundreds of other suppliers for their attention. Roman and Daria explain how, within just a few months, they managed to win an impressive roster of clients. On Greeneration’s Instagram , you’ll find the farm itself, its edible flowers and microgreens, and the stunning dishes created with them. This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Fortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe Serhal Producer — Darya Sannikova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep11 – How to increase your profit making data based decisions – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 43:08

21 weeks назад43:08

43:08

In this episode, entrepreneurs launch their business based on precise calculations. They go all-in: putting in all their savings, taking out loans, selling their car — all to open a great spot and spend everything in 3 months. Will they manage to turn a profit within those three months? The hero of this episode is Rakesh Jain, the founder of Hive Board Game Cafe. He shares his calculations: how to increase ROI, how to calculate discounts, how to reduce food wastage (to just 5%!), and what it costs to create an Instagram-worthy space in Dubai. Check them out on Instagram at Hive Board Game Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/hiveboardgamecafe/ This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Fortis Consultant — Jean-Philippe Serhal Producer — Darya Sannikova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep10 – How to Build a Business with Arab Identity – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 37:04

23 weeks назад37:04

37:04

In this episode, a student project evolves into a lifelong endeavor. Stickers are revealed to have a thousand-year history. Despite attacks from critics, mutual understanding prevails. And karak flows through our veins. This time, Isaac interviews Raghad Murad, the founder of the Waggish sticker and merch brand. They discuss cultural references, Arab identity, suppliers, collaborations, and everything that makes Waggish a business. Waggish stickers are so sticky that they even ended up on the cover of this episode. Check it out! All the cool speakers, merch, and videos from that party are on Waggish's Instagram . This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep9 – How to win the competition – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 48:11

25 weeks назад48:11

48:11

You'll hear two stories. Daniel van Dooren and his partner Scott Chambers First had founded their surfing school on an empty market: no competitors, small community of surfers – and nobody else knew you could surf in Dubai. Galina Volgach started a real estate agency — to compete with thousand agencies in Dubai. In their stories businesses from being banned get to Dubai's advertising banners. They save drowning people, find sourse of avaliable state data that nobody else uses, and make useful connections right on the podcast. Daniel's surfing school (also shop and Single Fin cafe) — Surf House Dubai Galina's real estate agency — YOLO Real Estate This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners&editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Sound designer&composer – Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Season 2 – Trailer – Crossing the Desert 1:44

26 weeks назад1:44

1:44

Get ready for another thrilling journey in Season 2 of Crossing the Desert ! This time, our host isn’t just finding his footing—he’s making bold moves, taking bigger risks, and facing tougher challenges as he continues his mission to launch a business in Dubai. With new obstacles around every corner, Season 2 dives deeper into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in the UAE. Listen in as entrepreneurs share their stories, their struggles, and the secrets behind their success. Each episode is packed with real-time decisions, unexpected twists, and powerful insights that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound Engineer and composer— Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep8 – How to outsource manufacturing – With Botanist’s Simona Sotirovska – Crossing the Desert – Fortis 33:55

32 weeks назад33:55

33:55

In this episode, Isaac discovers that to own a home care products brand, you don’t need your own production, equipment, or even your own formulas. In the modern world, you can own a restaurant without having a kitchen or a dining space. You can own a bakery without buying flour or hiring bakers. Isaac talks to Simona Sotirovska. She and her partner Ruby run a brand of non-toxic, eco-friendly, and refillable home care products – Botanist. They started production in the kitchen and found a way to reach a large volume of production while maintaining the uniqueness and high quality of their products. You can find all of Botanist’s safe, natural, and nice-smelling home care products here: https://www.thebotanistdubai.com/ This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Editor — Elena Volkova Sound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep7 – How To Sell If You Are More Of A 'Product Person' – With Skin Concept’s Aisha Chishti - Crossing The Desert - Fortis 41:30

34 weeks назад41:30

41:30

Budget numbers, big sales that can ruin a business, story about scummers, and tips on how to find suppliers – in this episode Isaac talks to Aisha Chishti. Aisha runs Skin Concept, a brand of handcrafted self-care products. It is very important for Aisha that everything is made by hand and from scratch, all products are sustainable and at the same time very bright and beautiful. Her soaps and shampoos look like cupcakes and ice cream. Aisha says she is a product person. But Aisha is also good at planning a strategy. In this episode, she shares how she built a profitable business from her passion. Aisha’s yummy and all natural soaps, shampoo’s, skin care and other things you can find on the website This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep6 – How To Delegate Work To Employees: Standardization, Hiring, Control – With Arabiatee’s Lidia – Crossing The Desert – Fortis 40:06

36 weeks назад40:06

40:06

Lidia has developed her own method of teaching Arabic. It turned out to be so good that native-speaking Arab teachers invited her to teach it to them, and the students began to speak after the third lesson. In this episode, Lidia shares insights into transforming her teaching method into a thriving business, detailing her processes for hiring, onboarding, and supervising teachers, attracting students, and maintaining high retention rates. To start speaking Arabic yourself, join the Arabiatee school . This podcast is presented by Fortis We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up Podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep5 – How To Manage A Business And A Family – With Mumz And Munchkinz’ Hannah – Crossing The Desert – Fortis 36:05

38 weeks назад36:05

36:05

There was a time when Hannah’s business had three directions at once: furniture production, a clothing brand for children, and events for children and their moms. And all of it while being a mom to three kids. It’d been too much so she had to prioritize and rebuild her business. Now her family and her business are growing together in synergy.If you want to join Hanna’s weekly play sessions for children and social time for moms visit her brand Mumz and Munchkinz. This podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/ We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up podcasts Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Darya Sannikova Editors — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep4 – How To Build A Side Business While Working A Full Time Job – With Levant’s Wajda Khalidi – Crossing The Desert – Fortis 40:21

39 weeks назад40:21

40:21

In the fourth episode of Fortis’s Crossing The Desert, Isaac is joined by Levant's Wajda Khalidi. Wajda shares her journey of balancing a demanding office career while slowly building her business step by step. She discusses the importance of patience and persistence, the challenges of maintaining product quality, and how she turned personal challenges into opportunities. Tune in to learn how you can successfully manage a side business without sacrificing your day job. If you want to see the beautiful bright blue bottles we talk about in the episode, or try delicious Palestinian products – visit Levant Food This podcast is presented by Fortis: https://fortis.world/ We offer you POS and CRM solutions that we made specially for small business needs. It’s easy to start with, it combines everything you need in a small device so you save precious space, and it helps to work with clients personally – the way only small businesses can. Our social networks: YouTube Linkedin Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Production by Hatch Up podcast studio Showrunners — Alexandra Volkova, Elena Volkova Host — Isaac Dalonin Producer — Albert Olkhovikov Editor — Elena Volkova History consultant — Alyona Podnebennaya Sound Engineer — Mikhail Vasilev Composer — Ksenia Kazantseva Cover Illustrator — Dina Sami…

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Ep3 – How To Deal With People Copying Your Designs - With Tica's Omar & Dina - Crossing The Desert - Fortis 33:31

42 weeks назад33:31