SEF Backstage Pass

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
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SEF backstage pass is a platform powered by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Think of this podcast as the behind the scenes pass to the festival experience, the inspiring talks from the keynote speakers, the thought-provoking conversations, and a glimpse into the magic that makes the festival truly special. Here, you will be joining our exceptional guests as they share their personal journeys; the changemakers who abandoned the limitations that others set for them and let only their ambitions dictate what is possible. This is not just a place to get inspired, it’s a community that you will relate to and a platform that will share real strategies and tools to get you closer to answering the question. “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Sharjahef.com

  1. 3d ago

    The Confidence Paradox | Asmaa Al Kuwari

    What if confidence isn't about becoming someone else—but reconnecting with who you've always been? In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we sit down with Asmaa Al Kuwari—Leadership Coach, author of Back to THAT, and Founder of the "You're Not Alone" community—to explore the confidence paradox and what it truly means to lead with authenticity. Asmaa shares her journey from being a lifelong people-pleaser to helping women reconnect with their authentic selves. Together, we discuss quiet confidence, self-awareness, people-pleasing, boundaries, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, and why the strongest leaders don't seek validation—they lead from within. Whether you're navigating a career transition, questioning your purpose, or looking to build confidence that lasts, this conversation offers practical insights into leading yourself before leading others.  Chapters * 00:00 From people-pleasing to authenticity * 00:44 Meet Asmaa Al Kuwari * 01:20 What is the Confidence Paradox? * 02:17 Culture, identity, and confidence * 04:07 The moment everything changed * 06:05 Breaking free from societal expectations * 07:12 Why so many women lose themselves * 08:08 Returning to your authentic self * 10:00 The power of quiet confidence * 11:30 Validation, fear, and self-worth * 13:52 Boundaries and the "good girl" syndrome * 15:33 Why you need to fill your own cup first * 16:44 Perfectionism and unconditional self-worth * 18:38 Impostor syndrome and authentic leadership * 19:42 Building the "You're Not Alone" community * 21:26 One message for every woman * 22:22 Daily practices to reconnect with yourself * 23:31 Where to connect with Asmaa Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers from across the region. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    The Confidence Paradox | Asmaa Al Kuwari

  2. 3d ago

    We Did Everything Right. We Still Weren't Financially Secure. | Malu Marsault

    What if doing everything society tells you to do still doesn't lead to financial security? In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we sit down with Malu Marsault, Founder of This Mama Invests, to discuss financial education, investing, and building generational wealth. Malu shares how an unexpected pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic became the turning point that transformed her family's financial future. She explains why traditional education rarely teaches us how money works, why investing isn't only for experts, and how financial literacy can create lasting freedom for families—especially women. Whether you're just beginning your investing journey or looking to build long-term wealth, this conversation offers practical insights that can change the way you think about money. Chapters 00:00 The pregnancy that changed everything 00:45 Meet Malu Marsault 01:18 Why financial security became her mission 02:40 Why schools don't teach us about money 03:55 From financial struggle to financial education 05:07 Building an emergency fund and investing basics 06:20 Why women invest differently 09:08 Marketing, money, and financial psychology 10:18 The biggest barrier to financial independence 11:02 Do women outperform men at investing? 12:27 How Malu started investing 14:00 Her first investment and surprising returns 15:44 Building generational wealth 16:36 Stocks vs. crypto investing 18:18 How much should you invest each month? 20:58 Planning for retirement and financial goals 22:03 Why every couple should have "money dates" 24:01 Malu's mission to empower women financially Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, investors, and changemakers from across the region. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    We Did Everything Right. We Still Weren't Financially Secure. | Malu Marsault

  3. Jul 29

    You're Not Lazy. Your Nervous System Is Overloaded. | Dan Stoker

    Why do so many people feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and creatively blocked—even when they're doing everything "right"? In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we sit down with Dan Stoker, Polarity Performance Coach and Sound & Light Therapist, to explore how our modern environment affects the nervous system. Dan explains how constant screen time, artificial light, digital overload, and chronic stress quietly disrupt our natural rhythms, impacting sleep, creativity, focus, and overall well-being. He also shares practical ways to regulate your nervous system, improve sleep quality, reduce burnout, and create healthier daily habits. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, leader, or simply feeling constantly switched on, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on performance and recovery. Chapters 00:00 Why we're constantly feeling switched on 00:43 Meet Dan Stoker 01:06 What does it mean to reset your nervous system? 02:19 How sound and light therapy works 03:01 Understanding brainwaves 04:12 What stress really is 05:13 Relaxation is a choice 06:46 How to unwind during stressful times 08:42 What is digital pollution? 10:10 How light affects your brain and sleep 11:35 Better sleep habits for burnout 12:58 Creativity begins with recovery 13:55 The nervous system is designed to self-regulate Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers from across the region. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    You're Not Lazy. Your Nervous System Is Overloaded. | Dan Stoker

  4. Jul 28

    Every Great Brand Starts With a Story | Amal Al Beiti

    How do you build a brand people never forget?In this episode of SEF Backstage Pass, we sit down with Amal Al Beiti, Creative Director and Founder of Tiny Toaster Design Studio, to explore the intersection of creativity, branding, and storytelling.Amal shares her journey from working in design agencies to founding her own studio, why every great brand starts with a story rather than a logo, and how meaningful design creates emotional connections that last.She also discusses building brands across the hospitality, F&B, lifestyle and government sectors, the importance of purpose in branding, supporting young creatives, and why the UAE is becoming one of the region's leading creative hubs.Chapters00:00 What is creativity?00:43 Meet Amal Al Beiti01:24 From designer to founder03:30 Why every great brand starts with a story04:50 What actually makes a strong brand?06:35 The story behind Tiny Toaster08:55 Building memorable F&B brands10:18 A branding project that changed everything12:23 Branding founders vs. corporate clients14:18 How do you measure a brand's success?15:39 Advice for young designers18:00 The rise of the UAE's creative industry20:40 Building a studio with purpose21:49 Final thoughtsSubscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers from across the region.This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster.Follow SEF:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahefTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahefLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festivalWebsite: https://sharjahef.com

    Every Great Brand Starts With a Story | Amal Al Beiti

  5. Jul 27

    هل نرث الصدمات أم الصمود؟ | د. رنا الدجاني

    هل نرث الصدمات... أم نرث القدرة على الصمود؟ في هذه الحلقة من SEF Backstage Pass، نستضيف د. رنا الدجاني، عالمة وناشطة اجتماعية، وأستاذة في الجامعة الهاشمية، للحديث عن رحلتها في البحث العلمي، والفضول الذي قادها إلى الاكتشاف، وأبحاثها التي تتحدى المفاهيم التقليدية حول الصدمات المتوارثة والمرونة الإنسانية. كما تتحدث عن أهمية القراءة، ودور الفضول في بناء أجيال قادرة على التعلم، وكيف يمكن لفكرة بسيطة أن تُحدث أثراً يمتد إلى ملايين الأشخاص حول العالم. في هذه الحلقة: 00:00 هل نرث الصدمات أم الصمود؟ 01:23 التعرّف على د. رنا الدجاني 03:00 كيف بدأ شغفها بالعلم والفضول؟ 05:04 لماذا درست اللاجئين وعلم التغيرات فوق الجينية؟ 08:00 الاكتشاف الذي غيّر نظرتها إلى الصدمات المتوارثة 12:00 لماذا يجب أن نتجاوز عقلية الضحية؟ 16:00 الهوية والثقافة ودورهما في بناء الإنسان 19:20 كيف بدأت مبادرة "نحب القراءة"؟ 22:00 كيف تصنع القراءة جيلاً من صناع التغيير؟ 26:00 فكرة صغيرة... وأثر وصل إلى الملايين 27:15 رسائل أخيرة اشتركوا في القناة، وفعّلوا جرس التنبيهات، ولا تنسوا مشاركة الحلقة مع من قد يجد فيها الإلهام. تم إنتاج هذه الحلقة بالشراكة مع Poddster.

    هل نرث الصدمات أم الصمود؟ | د. رنا الدجاني

  6. Jul 23

    How Great Companies Scale | IBM's Shukri Eid

    What separates companies that scale from those that stay stuck? In this episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, Shukri Eid, Vice President and General Manager for IBM across the Gulf, Levant and Pakistan, shares decades of leadership experience helping organizations navigate growth, transformation, and technological change. From scaling startups and building resilient organizations to AI, leadership, delegation, and institutionalizing a business, Shukri explains what founders must do to grow beyond themselves—and why the best leaders eventually make themselves unnecessary. Whether you're building a startup or leading an established business, this conversation offers practical insights on scaling with clarity, purpose, and long-term impact. Chapters 00:00 Why founders must make themselves redundant 01:00 Meet Shukri Eid 03:08 Why scaling a startup is harder than it looks 05:03 The transition from founder to scale-up leader 07:20 What should—and shouldn't—scale 08:40 Mentoring founders through growth 10:42 Managing complexity as your business grows 15:07 Expanding products and serving customers better 18:28 What corporates can learn from startups 23:28 AI, business models, and competitive advantage 26:47 The one piece of advice every founder needs 31:27 Final thoughts The SEF Backstage Pass Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, innovators, and changemakers from the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    How Great Companies Scale | IBM's Shukri Eid

  7. Jul 22

    From Dentistry to Comedy with Maha Jaafar

    Can you build a successful career doing what you truly love? In this episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, comedian and content creator Maha Jaafar shares how a viral video changed the course of her life—from studying and practicing dentistry to building a career in comedy and content creation. Maha opens up about choosing an unconventional path, staying authentic online, balancing creativity with commercial work, and why purpose matters more than chasing numbers. She also shares practical advice for aspiring creators looking to build sustainable careers on social media. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Meet Maha Jaafar 02:01 From dentistry to content creation 04:00 Choosing comedy over a traditional career 05:16 The power of authenticity on social media 06:54 What makes creators succeed long-term 08:24 The biggest mistake creators make when monetizing 08:50 Balancing creativity with commercial work 10:32 Advice for aspiring content creators 11:38 Maha's first impression of SEF 12:28 One final piece of advice for creators Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or simply considering a different path, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning passion into a profession. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers on the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    From Dentistry to Comedy with Maha Jaafar

  8. Jul 21

    How Shahzad Younas Built Muzz Into the World's Leading Muslim Marriage App

    Shahzad Younas left a successful investment banking career to build Muzz, now the world's leading Muslim marriage app. In this episode of the SEF Backstage Pass Podcast, Shahzad shares the realities of leaving a six-figure salary, building a startup from his bedroom, creating a product for millions of Muslims worldwide, navigating criticism from different communities, and the legal battle that forced Muzmatch to become Muzz. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:08 Leaving Investment Banking to Become a Founder 08:21 Building Muzz & Early Growth 11:41 Designing a Product for Modern Muslims 17:57 19 Million Users Across 190 Countries 20:50 How Muzz Makes Money 24:34 Building Trust & Safety on the Platform 30:11 Lessons from Scaling a Global Startup 36:18 When Match Group Tried to Acquire Muzz 37:17 The Trademark Lawsuit That Changed Everything 43:49 Rebranding from Muzmatch to Muzz 46:08 Advice for Entrepreneurs The SEF Backstage Pass Podcast brings you conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, founders, creators, and innovators recorded at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. This episode was produced in partnership with Poddster. Follow SEF: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharjahef TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharjahef LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sharjah-entrepreneurship-festival Website: https://sharjahef.com

    How Shahzad Younas Built Muzz Into the World's Leading Muslim Marriage App
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About

SEF backstage pass is a platform powered by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Think of this podcast as the behind the scenes pass to the festival experience, the inspiring talks from the keynote speakers, the thought-provoking conversations, and a glimpse into the magic that makes the festival truly special. Here, you will be joining our exceptional guests as they share their personal journeys; the changemakers who abandoned the limitations that others set for them and let only their ambitions dictate what is possible. This is not just a place to get inspired, it’s a community that you will relate to and a platform that will share real strategies and tools to get you closer to answering the question. “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Sharjahef.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
  • Show Website
    SEF Backstage Pass