MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

MAP IT FORWARD
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The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast explores the business of coffee across the Middle East, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, producers, and professionals building the future of the region’s coffee industry. Hosted by Dubai-based Map It Forward founder Lee Safar, each five-episode series highlights one guest's journey, offering practical insights, regional context, and candid discussions that reflect the evolving global coffee landscape. Episodes are released daily at 6 am local UAE time. The video version of the podcast can be found on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward Our website https://www.mapitforward.coffee/middleeastpodcast

  1. EP 1012 Part 2 of 5 | The Reality of Running a Coffee Business (Jan-Cort Hoban)

    7 HR AGO

    EP 1012 Part 2 of 5 | The Reality of Running a Coffee Business (Jan-Cort Hoban)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more. Episode Description This is episode 2 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban’s Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we’re discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business and challenging many of the assumptions around growth, success, and sustainability in the coffee industry. In this episode, Lee and Jan-Cort talk openly about the reality of running a coffee business and why so many people underestimate how difficult this industry really is. The conversation explores the pressure that comes with trying to scale, the financial realities of operating in specialty coffee, and why social media often creates a distorted picture of what success in coffee actually looks like. Jan-Cort shares why he deliberately chose not to build a large company, why outside investment changes the relationship a business has with its values, and how growth often introduces pressure that ultimately impacts staff, producers, quality, and personal wellbeing. The episode also examines the growing influence of venture capital in specialty coffee, the emotional pressure business owners feel to constantly expand, and why many operators are beginning to rethink whether growth at all costs is really worth it. This is a conversation about redefining success before the industry forces you to. Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban’s Coffee Roastery here: • https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    22 min
  2. EP 1011 Part 1 of 5 | The Myth That’s Driving People Into Coffee Business (Jan-Cort Hoban)

    1 DAY AGO

    EP 1011 Part 1 of 5 | The Myth That’s Driving People Into Coffee Business (Jan-Cort Hoban)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523 Episode Description This is episode 1 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban’s Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we’re discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business, why so many coffee entrepreneurs are chasing growth at all costs, and whether running a smaller, leaner business may actually be the smarter path forward in today’s coffee industry. In this first episode, Lee and Jan-Cort explore what motivates people to get into the coffee industry in the first place, and whether those motivations have fundamentally changed over the past two decades. Jan-Cort shares his journey from working in traditional coffee sales to building a values-driven coffee roasting business rooted in simplicity, direct relationships, and sustainability. The conversation dives into the rise of image-driven coffee businesses, the influence of social media and “coolness” culture in specialty coffee, and why so many business owners still misunderstand the connection between the café experience and the realities at origin. Jan-Cort also explains why he intentionally chose not to build a café empire, why he and his wife still run their roastery alone after more than 13 years, and how staying small has allowed them to remain connected to producers, customers, and their own quality of life. This episode also explores the growing movement of younger coffee producers building businesses at origin, the importance of running lean, and the tension between hyper-growth business models and more values-led approaches to coffee entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever wondered whether bigger really means better in coffee, this series is going to challenge a lot of assumptions. Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban’s Coffee Roastery here: • https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    21 min
  3. EP 1010 Part 5 of 5 | How to Survive the Next 3 Years in Business (Frida Deguise)

    4 DAYS AGO

    EP 1010 Part 5 of 5 | How to Survive the Next 3 Years in Business (Frida Deguise)

    Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved: • Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from it Episode Description This is Part 5 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida’s Pies in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we’ve been talking about what no one tells you about running a small business. In this final episode, Frida shares her advice for small business owners trying to navigate the next three years, and it’s not theoretical. It’s practical, blunt, and based on what she’s already seeing happen. From rising costs and shrinking margins to shifting consumer behavior, Frida explains why the next phase of small business will require owners to become more disciplined, more aware, and far more strategic than before. She talks about the importance of understanding your numbers, cutting unnecessary costs, and not being fooled into spending money on tools, systems, or equipment that don’t actually serve your business. One of the strongest takeaways from this conversation is this - you don’t need everything, you need what works! This episode is about stripping business back to what matters, and making decisions that allow you to survive, not just grow. Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here: - https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/ - https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    22 min
  4. EP 1009 Part 4 of 5 | What’s Coming for Small Business (& Why Most Don’t See It Yet) (Frida Deguise)

    5 DAYS AGO

    EP 1009 Part 4 of 5 | What’s Coming for Small Business (& Why Most Don’t See It Yet) (Frida Deguise)

    Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry. Episode Description This is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida’s Pies in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we’re talking about what no one tells you about running a small business. In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what’s happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior. Frida shares what she is seeing in real time: • Suppliers changing how they operate. • Relationships being replaced by automation. • Credit tightening. • Stock shortages becoming more common. What’s striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven’t caught up yet. That gap matters. Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile. This episode is a grounded look at what’s happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn’t paying attention yet. Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here: - https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/ - https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    23 min
  5. EP 1008 Part 3 of 5 | The Reality of Staff, Stress, and Survival (Frida Deguise)

    6 DAYS AGO

    EP 1008 Part 3 of 5 | The Reality of Staff, Stress, and Survival (Frida Deguise)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more. Episode Description This is Part 3 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida’s Pies in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we’re talking about what no one tells you about running a small business. In this episode, we get into the hardest parts of owning a business, and this isn’t theoretical. Frida talks about the reality of managing people, the emotional toll of leadership, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for everything—especially when things go wrong. What stands out in this conversation is how much of the difficulty isn’t the product or the customers. It’s people, expectations, and the constant tension between trying to do the right thing and protecting your business. This episode is a direct look at what wears business owners down over time—and why so many don’t make it through. Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here: - https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/ - https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    27 min
  6. EP 1007 Part 2 of 5 | The Reality of Running a Small Business (Frida Deguise)

    5 MAY

    EP 1007 Part 2 of 5 | The Reality of Running a Small Business (Frida Deguise)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523 Episode Description This is Part 2 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida’s Pies in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we’re talking about what no one tells you about running a small business. In this episode, we move from the story of starting a business into the reality of running one. Frida shares what she expected business ownership to be, creating products, serving customers, and building something meaningful, and how quickly that expectation collided with reality. What she didn’t expect was everything else. Managing staff. Navigating regulations. Dealing with accountants, contracts, and compliance. Learning to trust people, and then dealing with what happens when that trust is broken. This episode is about the part of business no one prepares you for. Not the work, but the weight of responsibility, the emotional toll, and the constant pressure of being accountable for everything. Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here: - https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/ - https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    26 min
  7. EP 1006 Part 1 of 5 | How Frida Built L.A Donuts from Nothing (Frida Deguise)

    4 MAY

    EP 1006 Part 1 of 5 | How Frida Built L.A Donuts from Nothing (Frida Deguise)

    Advertising SponsorNeed help with your business? Email us: support@mapitforward.org to learn more. Episode Description This is Part 1 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida’s Pies in Sydney, Australia. In this series, we’re talking about what no one tells you about running a small business. In this episode, Frida shares the journey that led her to becoming a small business owner, from working as a chef, to running a clothing business for over a decade, to accidentally discovering the idea that would become L.A Donuts. What makes this story different is how unplanned it was. Frida didn’t set out to build a donut business. She followed instinct, took risks, learned everything from scratch, and built something that resonated with customers almost immediately. From buying second-hand equipment to flying to the US to learn how to make donuts, this is a story about figuring it out as you go, and what happens when something actually works. Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here: - https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/ - https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    22 min
  8. EP 1005 Part 5 of 5 | Who Do Coffee Associations Really Serve? (Bruno Souza)

    1 MAY

    EP 1005 Part 5 of 5 | Who Do Coffee Associations Really Serve? (Bruno Souza)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more. Episode Description This is episode 5 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee producer, educator, and co-founder of Academia do Café and Zinho Café, Bruno Souza. In this final episode, we examine the role of coffee associations and whether they are serving the industry or themselves. Bruno shares firsthand experiences with cooperatives, certifications, and global organizations, challenging how power and financial incentives operate within the coffee ecosystem. Connect with Bruno Souza: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandebruno/ Academia do Café: https://www.instagram.com/academiadocafe Zinho Café: https://www.instagram.com/zinhocafe.torra If you found this episode valuable, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains. *************************************** About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain. Website: https://mapitforward.coffee Mailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglist Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/ Contact: support@mapitforward.org

    35 min
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About

The Map It Forward Middle East Podcast explores the business of coffee across the Middle East, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, producers, and professionals building the future of the region’s coffee industry. Hosted by Dubai-based Map It Forward founder Lee Safar, each five-episode series highlights one guest's journey, offering practical insights, regional context, and candid discussions that reflect the evolving global coffee landscape. Episodes are released daily at 6 am local UAE time. The video version of the podcast can be found on our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward Our website https://www.mapitforward.coffee/middleeastpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    MAP IT FORWARD
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 MAP IT FORWARD | All Rights Reserved 512477
  • Show Website
    MAP IT FORWARD Middle East