The PowerTalk Show | Business Talks Weekly

Navin Shetty
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

The PowerTalk Show is a B2B business podcast from Dubai, hosted by Navin Shetty and powered by Business Talks Weekly. Unscripted conversations with founders, investors and executives across business, finance, fintech, real estate, hospitality and technology, covering the UAE, GCC and global markets. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel. Guests share the decisions, failures, pivots and breakthroughs that built their businesses, plus practical insight founders and executives can act on immediately. You'll hear conversations on: - Leadership, coaching and company culture - Sales, marketing and go-to-market strategy - Fintech, finance and wealth - Real estate and hospitality - AI and technology in business - Entrepreneurship, scaling and expanding into the Middle East and Africa Whether you're building a company in the Gulf, expanding into the MENA region, tracking the fintech and real estate markets, or leading through disruption, The PowerTalk Show gives you a seat at the table with the people actually doing it. Hosted by Navin Shetty, B2B strategist, entrepreneur and founder of Business Talks Weekly. New episodes every week. Also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and BusinessTalksWeekly.com. Watch and browse 100+ episodes: https://businesstalksweekly.com/episodes/  Sponsor the show: https://businesstalksweekly.com/advertise/  To be considered as a guest, apply at https://businesstalksweekly.com/be-a-guest/  or contact press@businesstalksweekly.com

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Ep. 109: Water in a Can, the Anti-AI Investment with Jen Millard, Maine Love

    Jen Millard is a serial entrepreneur whose software company was acquired by Mastercard, and the founder of Maine Love, a canned water and seltzer brand sourced purely from Maine. In this episode of The PowerTalk Show, Jen explains why she chose water, how she runs a beverage startup in two-week sprints like a software company, and why she believes smaller brands win by staying regional. She also shares what she learned about innovation inside large organizations, how she handles capital constraints as a bootstrapped founder, and the advice that shaped her network. What you'll learn: - Why Maine Love started as a way for brewers to diversify revenue - Why retailers want a line of five products, not two - Why aluminum cans, and how water and sustainability fit together - How big-company innovation compares with startup speed - Why quick decisions, like changing case packs early, protect a growing business - How to compete in what Jen calls the "graveyard of beverages" - Why staying regional can beat going national - Advice for new founders: own your first 20 customers and build resilience - The habit that grows your network: two new coffees or lunches every week Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jen Millard and Maine Love 00:25 Why water? 01:33 Building the brand 02:34 Flavors and why retailers want a line of five 03:43 Is water the next oil? 04:40 Water, sustainability and aluminum 05:48 Early feedback, awards and growth 06:40 From Mastercard to founder 09:19 AI and the "non-AI investment" 09:44 Biggest challenges: capital constraints 10:48 Surviving the beverage graveyard 12:27 Vision: staying regional 13:27 Advice for new founders 14:35 Resilience and "not right now" 15:48 The advice that changed everything Memorable quote: "I never hear no, I just hear not right now." About the guest: Jen Millard is the founder of Maine Love. She is a fifth-time founder with a software background, whose earlier company was acquired by Mastercard. Maine Love launched in June 2024 and sells water and flavored seltzer in cans, with water sourced purely from Maine. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/v-KFCqJ0Mn8 Full episode page: https://businesstalksweekly.com/jen-millard-maine-love-water-in-a-can-anti-ai-investment/ About the show: The PowerTalk Show, powered by Business Talks Weekly, is a B2B podcast from Dubai hosted by Navin Shetty. It features unscripted interviews with founders, investors and operators shaping business across the GCC and beyond. More episodes: https://businesstalksweekly.com/episodes/ Be a guest: https://businesstalksweekly.com/be-a-guest/ Sponsor the show: https://businesstalksweekly.com/advertise/ #PowerTalkShow #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessPodcast

  2. Oct 8 ·  Video

    Ep. 108: Information Isn't the Problem, Application Is with Maren Perry, Arden Coaching

    Maren Perry is the founder and CEO of Arden Coaching, a certified consultant and coach who has spent 18 years developing leaders, from new managers to the C-suite. In this episode of The PowerTalk Show, Maren explains why leaders don't need more information. They need to know how to apply it. AI can pull up 75 delegation tools in seconds, but it can't tell you which one fits your style, your fears or your organization. What you'll learn: - Why the biggest leadership challenge today is preparing leaders for organizations that may look different in six months - The ARDN8: eight leadership dimensions, from emotional intelligence to strategic thinking - Why leadership development must start with an assessment, not a content dump - How AI helps with speed, and where humans remain essential - Why subscription and LMS-style training only works when information is what's missing - How to stand out in a saturated coaching market - The entrepreneurial lesson that matters most: keep going Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 The story behind Arden Coaching 01:52 Challenges facing C-level leaders and directors 03:31 The ARDN8 leadership dimensions 05:35 AI and professional development 08:12 Scaling in a saturated coaching market 10:02 Lessons from building a business 10:58 Leadership style and the value of joy 11:51 The 3 to 5 year vision 12:58 Will LMS and subscription training replace coaching? 14:22 The advice that changed everything Memorable quote: "Information is not the problem. The challenge for leaders is the application." About the guest: Maren Perry is the founder and CEO of Arden Coaching, founded in 2007. She holds a degree in cognitive science and previously worked in global event management for organizations including the Annenberg Foundation and Blackstone. Arden Coaching offers one-on-one executive coaching and the Arden Leadership Academy. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/dUGZ_ZZ9MpA Full episode page: https://businesstalksweekly.com/maren-perry-arden-coaching-information-isnt-the-problem-application-is/ About the show: The PowerTalk Show, powered by Business Talks Weekly, is a B2B podcast from Dubai hosted by Navin Shetty. It features unscripted interviews with founders, investors and operators shaping business across the GCC and beyond. More episodes: https://businesstalksweekly.com/episodes/ Be a guest: https://businesstalksweekly.com/be-a-guest/ Sponsor the show: https://businesstalksweekly.com/advertise/ #PowerTalkShow #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment

  3. Feb 25 ·  Video

    The Oil Market Truth Nobody Talks About — Abed Aish Breaks It Down

    What does it really take to run a large-scale fuel distribution and retail operation in one of the world's most regulated markets — California? In this episode of the PowerTalk Show, host Navin Shetty sits down with Abed Aish, Chief Operating Officer of Double AA Corporation — a San Francisco-based fuel distributor, wholesale operator, and retail gas station network that has been serving California and beyond for over 40 years. Abed brings a sharp, no-nonsense perspective to some of the most pressing questions in the energy world today: Why are oil prices surprisingly low despite ongoing geopolitical tensions? What does the EV revolution really mean for traditional fuel businesses? And how is a family-run enterprise using AI to stay competitive in a fast-changing market? Inside this episode: ✅The global oil demand slump and the "China Factor." ✅Why Hybrids are a bigger threat to fuel volume than EVs. ✅Navigating the "Boutique Blends" and volatility of the California market. ✅Leadership lessons: Working for a founder and leading by example. ✅Entrepreneurial advice: Building your own tools with AI. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, energy professional, or simply curious about how fuel gets from the refinery to your tank — this episode is packed with insight and real-world experience. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, founders, and industry operators. If you are interested in featuring as a guest on The PowerTalk Show and spreading your product, service, or brand across our audience, please reach out to us at press@businesstalksweekly.com #FuelIndustry #EnergyBusiness #DoubleAACorporation #CaliforniaFuel #PowerTalkShow #Entrepreneurship #FamilyBusiness #OilAndGas #EVs #AI #BusinessLeadership #WholesaleFuel #StartupAdvice

    The Oil Market Truth Nobody Talks About — Abed Aish Breaks It Down

  4. Feb 23 ·  Video

    Why Your Skincare Routine is Failing: A PhD Biochemist Explains

    Stop putting band-aids on your skin problems! 🛑 In this episode, Navin Shetty interviews Dr. Mimi Vega, a PhD biochemist and former biotech executive who is changing the way we look at skin. After 20 years in biopharma and a featured appearance on Dragon’s Den, Dr. Vega explains why the "Microbiota" is the missing link in your beauty routine. What we discuss: The difference between the gut and skin microbiota. The "Three Barriers" of the skin: Water, Oil, and Micro-flora. Why the "One Human Skin" framework applies to everyone—regardless of gender or skin type. Dr. Vega's 35-ingredient formula vs. traditional "Hero Ingredient" marketing. Entrepreneurial lessons on mindset and the "Hell Yes" rule. Dr. Vega is currently finishing a book to further simplify these complex biochemical concepts for the everyday consumer. If you’ve ever been frustrated by your skin, this is a must-watch. If you are interested to feature as a guest in The PowerTalk Show and spread your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com Collaborate with Dr Vega: https://www.instagram.com/vgambiome.ca & https://www.instagram.com/dr.mimichemistry/ Here is Dr Mimi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mireillevega/ V*GAM Biome's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vgam-biome/ #SkinScience #Microbiota #Biochemistry #HealthyAging #SkincareRevolution #DrMimiVega #PowerTalkShow

    Why Your Skincare Routine is Failing: A PhD Biochemist Explains

  5. Feb 19 ·  Video

    Why Your B2B "Book a Demo" Ads are Failing (and how to fix them)

    Is LinkedIn the "gold mine" your B2B SaaS company is missing? 💎 In this episode, Navin Shetty welcomes Anthony Blatner, founder of SpeedWorks Social. With over $100M in managed ad spend, Anthony reveals the exact frameworks used by top tech brands to lower acquisition costs and scale demand. What you’ll learn: Why "specificity" is the #1 rule of B2B marketing. How to use LinkedIn's Thought Leader Ads to triple engagement. The truth about AI-generated content and why "personal touch" still wins. How to map out a 360-degree customer journey for enterprise deals. Anthony’s "Green Light" philosophy for career and business growth. Anthony also shared a powerful piece of career advice: "Follow the green lights." Look for where the flow is, where the demand is high, and double down on what’s working. Visit SpeedworkSocial.com for more information. If you are interested to feature as a guest in The PowerTalk Show and spread your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com #B2BMarketing #LinkedInAds #SaaSGrowth #DigitalAdvertising #AnthonyBlatner #PowerTalkShow

    Why Your B2B "Book a Demo" Ads are Failing (and how to fix them)

  6. Feb 13 ·  Video

    How FLOTE is Disrupting BNPL Using Real-Time Cash Flow Data

    Is the FICO score a relic of the past? 🏛️ In this episode, Navin Shetty talks with Peter Maher, CEO of FLOTE (Ovanti), about how they are bypassing traditional credit checks to provide liquidity to millions of "debit-only" consumers. What we cover: Why the credit score is a "lagging metric" that punishes the wrong people. How FLOTE uses cash flow data to approve users in real-time. The role of Agentic AI in building a world-class risk engine with a tiny team. Navigating the "controlled chaos" of a U.S. fintech launch for an ASX-listed player. The "Affordability for Good" philosophy. If you are interested to feature as a guest in The PowerTalk Show and spread your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com #Fintech #BNPL #CreditScore #FLOTE #PeterMaher #PowerTalkShow #PaymentsInnovation

    How FLOTE is Disrupting BNPL Using Real-Time Cash Flow Data

  7. Feb 9 ·  Video

    Why You Should Give Your New Hires a Severance Package on Day 1

    Is your startup scaling or just burning cash? 🔥 In this episode, Navin Shetty sits down with April Palmer (Hot Mess Boss), a venture creation expert and sales veteran who has worked with giants like ADP and American Express. April reveals why the "founder survival mode" is the biggest barrier to growth and how to use "creative audacity" to win clients. We discuss: Why "insatiable curiosity" is a better sales tool than a pitch deck. The "Severance on Day 1" hiring strategy. How to use the "They Ask, You Answer" framework to inform buyers. April’s "Cheesecake" and "Custom Newspaper" outreach tactics. The importance of solving "unsexy" problems for real revenue. Connect with April Palmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hotmessboss/  If you are interested to feature as a guest in The PowerTalk Show and spread your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com. #Scaling #SalesStrategy #FounderTips #HotMessBoss #Entrepreneurship #PowerTalkShow #AprilPalmer

    Why You Should Give Your New Hires a Severance Package on Day 1

  8. Feb 4 ·  Video

    90% Cheaper Cloud Storage? The Power of DePIN and StorX Network

    Is the centralized cloud a ticking time bomb? 💣 In this episode, Navin Shetty speaks with Murphy Jo, Chief Growth Officer at StorX Network, about the revolution of decentralized storage. Learn how StorX uses encryption and sharding to protect data from hackers while cutting costs by 90% compared to Amazon and Google. What we cover: The 28-year evolution of the cloud industry. The dangers of "Hyperscaler" monopolies. How StorX shards your data across 30,000 global nodes. Why DePIN is the most important tech trend of 2026. The intersection of AI and data storage. As Murphy says, we are moving from "Trusting a Brand" to being "Secure by Design." #CloudComputing #DataPrivacy #DePIN #StorX #TechLeadership #CyberSecurity #PowerTalkShow If you are interested to feature as a guest in The PowerTalk Show and spread your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com

    90% Cheaper Cloud Storage? The Power of DePIN and StorX Network
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About

The PowerTalk Show is a B2B business podcast from Dubai, hosted by Navin Shetty and powered by Business Talks Weekly. Unscripted conversations with founders, investors and executives across business, finance, fintech, real estate, hospitality and technology, covering the UAE, GCC and global markets. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel. Guests share the decisions, failures, pivots and breakthroughs that built their businesses, plus practical insight founders and executives can act on immediately. You'll hear conversations on: - Leadership, coaching and company culture - Sales, marketing and go-to-market strategy - Fintech, finance and wealth - Real estate and hospitality - AI and technology in business - Entrepreneurship, scaling and expanding into the Middle East and Africa Whether you're building a company in the Gulf, expanding into the MENA region, tracking the fintech and real estate markets, or leading through disruption, The PowerTalk Show gives you a seat at the table with the people actually doing it. Hosted by Navin Shetty, B2B strategist, entrepreneur and founder of Business Talks Weekly. New episodes every week. Also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and BusinessTalksWeekly.com. Watch and browse 100+ episodes: https://businesstalksweekly.com/episodes/  Sponsor the show: https://businesstalksweekly.com/advertise/  To be considered as a guest, apply at https://businesstalksweekly.com/be-a-guest/  or contact press@businesstalksweekly.com

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