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

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

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

    2 DAYS AGO

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

    3 DAYS AGO

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

    6 DAYS AGO

    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
  6. EP 1004 Part 4 of 5 | Coffee Education Is Broken (Bruno Souza)

    30 APR

    EP 1004 Part 4 of 5 | Coffee Education Is Broken (Bruno Souza)

    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 episode 4 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 episode, we examine whether the coffee industry is approaching quality education the right way. Bruno shares strong views on certification systems, highlighting the gap between theoretical learning, and real-world experience. This episode challenges the idea that short-form certifications can create true expertise in coffee quality. 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

    29 min
  7. EP 1003 Part 3 of 5 | The Truth About Coffee Quality and Hype (Bruno Souza)

    29 APR

    EP 1003 Part 3 of 5 | The Truth About Coffee Quality and Hype (Bruno Souza)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.com Episode Description This is episode 3 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 episode, we explore how the coffee industry communicates quality to consumers, and whether that communication is accurate. From competitions to certifications, this conversation challenges how quality is presented and whether these systems truly reflect what consumers are experiencing in the cup. 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

    39 min
  8. EP 1002 Part 2 of 5 | Is Coffee Quality Actually Subjective? (Bruno Souza)

    28 APR

    EP 1002 Part 2 of 5 | Is Coffee Quality Actually Subjective? (Bruno Souza)

    Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Episode Description This is episode 2 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 episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in coffee: What is the difference between specialty coffee and good coffee? Bruno breaks down how scoring systems were created, why they exist, and where they fail. From historical grading systems to modern cupping protocols, this episode challenges the idea that “specialty” automatically means better. We also explore how calibration works, where subjectivity comes in, and why the industry continues to struggle with defining quality consistently across cultures and markets. If you’ve ever questioned how coffee is judged, this conversation goes straight to the core of it. 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

    27 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
  • Provider