Diving for Pearls

Episode #16 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Mayowa Adegoke, a foreign correspondent for Channels TV, one of Africa’s leading news stations, to discuss the issues that Nigeria and the rest of world must address, from building trust & fostering collaboration to prioritizing education & embracing innovation, in order to move towards a more equitable and sustainable path. With a push for greater transparency and accountability on the part of those charged with governance, Mayowa believes that stability and prosperity can be achieved throughout Nigeria and the rest of the Africa continent.

Moving from the old, tired, oversimplistic narrative of Africa to a more balanced and hopeful one, according to Mayowa, will ultimately require a change in thinking, culture and ethos. Adamant about shifting and reframing the African narrative, Mayowa takes an intentional approach to sharing good news stories, and challenges media personnel and others to utilize their platform to keep conversations oriented in a positive direction, so as to influence, uplift and empower.

Growing up in a country that has the largest economy in Africa, Mayowa was surrounded with a strong familial support system that enabled her to embrace the indefatigable “can do” spirit of Nigeria, an optimistic spirit that has sustained Nigerians for generations upon generations. Mayowa credits both of her parents for believing in her dreams and modeling persistence at an early age. As a result of their immense belief in her and her capabilities, Mayowa was able to define her worth and nurture the seeds of self-confidence in others.

Mayowa, who is a champion of female empowerment, challenges women to channel the power of collaboration to be more forward-thinking, more solution-focused and take greater control of their lives. As someone who has always embraced authenticity in business and in life, Mayowa stresses the importance of living in alignment with one’s personal truths. She challenges us to own who we are in order to be more deeply connected to our natural abilities, strengths, and talents and live a richer, more complete life.

Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Mayowa on LinkedIn @Mayowa Adegoke, on Instagram @theladymayowa and on Facebook @Mayowa Ogundele.

Thank you.

References and Websites:

Sacha Jafri- https://humanity-inspired.com/jafri.html

Khaleej Times-https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/kt-impact-sheikh-hamdan-comes-to-the-aid-of-nigerian-couple-with-quadruplets-in-dubai

Lovin Dubai- https://lovin.co/dubai/en/community/this-dubai-security-guard-has-incredible-musical-talent

Channels Television-https://www.channelstv.com/live/

CNN Africa- https://edition.cnn.com/africa

We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers

(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).

Episode #15 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Leeba Thomas, Director of Content for Bella and Bella Productions and one-half of the husband & wife duo for the Lee and Dawn Agency, to discuss how encouraging, supporting and empowering others, changes lives. One of two girls raised in a traditional family in Mumbai, India, Lee (as she prefers to be called), talks about how she relies on the values taught by her parents & elders and learnt via her faith, to amplify others’ voices, be of service to her community and model the way of empowerment. As someone who has actively pursued and developed an intimate relationship with God, Lee is a shining example of what it means to align your life with your core values and beliefs, and live in purposefulness.

Growing up in one of the most populous cities in the world, Lee shares how her formative years in Mumbai, India taught her the values of perseverance, hard work and resilience. What was once a love/hate relationship has become one of deep appreciation and gratitude. Lee worked on cultivating an inner state of serenity and stillness through multiple contemplative practices; it is in her current life away from city dwelling that Lee can often be found poised in prayer, studying the word of God, conversing with God and using her creative talents and skills to empower individuals to believe in themselves and in turn, empower others. Refusing to be influenced by cultural and societal expectations, Lee, a curious investigator of life, has unpacked the tenets of her faith on her own to serve as a force for good in the world.

Whether it’s setting goals that contribute to a healthier planet, or looking for small ways to practice kindness, or simply valuing and appreciating others, Lee believes that one of the best advantages to living a purposeful and impactful life is gaining a greater sense of connection and engagement with those around us. Keen on helping young girls and women create a vision of the future that is both invigorating and inspiring through her work with Bella and Bella Productions and the Lee and Dawn Agency, Lee hopes to live a life that is compassionate, kind, fulfilling and honorable and help others live a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Lee Thomas on LinkedIn @Leeba Thomas, on Instagram @leeba_dawn_ and on Facebook @Leeba Thomas. Additionally, please also connect with Lee on Instagram @leeanddawnagency.

Thank you.

References and Websites:

Better India Article on Lee Thomas- https://www.facebook.com/thebetterindia/posts/it-has-been-a-year-since-i-purchased-clothes-and-75-per-cent-of-my-wardrobe-has-/10157646906674594/

Lee as a Spoken Word Artist- https://leher.app/leeba.thomas813

Why Women Give Up on Their Dreams (Forbes Article):

https://www.forbes.com/sites/soulaimagourani/2019/07/29/why-most-women-give-up-on-their-dreams/?sh=58e186a12082

Psalms 46:10- https://biblehub.com/psalms/46-10.htm

Episode #14 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Leen Hijazi, Dubai-based singer-songwriter and Adoption & Change Management Consultant at Microsoft, to discuss why investing in girls and women is one of the most effective and powerful ways to promote the social and economic development of any nation. A native of Jordan, one of the more female progressive nations in the Middle East, Leen believes education is the premier gateway to ameliorating the status of women.

Despite the tide shifting and progress being made in social structures and women’s rights, Leen realizes that Jordan and many nations across the globe must strengthen its commitment to both gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Having grown up in a “privileged background” where educational resources were abundant, Leen advocates that we must raise awareness and celebrate the amazing capabilities of women by introducing girls to strong female figures (past and present) at a young age. A key component, Leen believes, is ensuring that young women are able to see that the success experienced by these role models is attainable and replicable. Organizations such as Microsoft, where Leen works, have taken notice of the importance of developing women leaders and are working towards adopting more inclusive, supportive policies to aid women (in particular mothers) to achieve their maximum potential at work.

Although Leen realizes that there is scope for more work to be done in the area of female empowerment, she recognizes that there is huge value in having female support made up of women at all levels. Leen regularly encourages women to go the extra mile when the opportunity avails itself to shape and encourage another woman’s career and/or lend an encouraging word of support. It was through the generous gesture of her friends a few years ago that prompted Leen’s return to the music studio, which has led to her current success as a musician and singer-songwriter; her single, Nseet, which means “I forgot” in Arabic, reached over 9,000 downloads on Anghami (the music streaming platform in the Middle East and North Africa) within the first two months. Leen hopes to continue to use her voice to uplift & inspire women and advocate for change.

Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Leen Hijazi on LinkedIn @Leen Hijazi, on Instagram @listentoleen and on Facebook @Leen Hijazi. Additionally, please also connect with Leen on Tik Tok @leenhijazimusic.

Thank you.

References and Websites:

Nseet (Official Music Video)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L11VLIYVbgQ

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

Pulse 95 Radio Station- https://pulse95radio.com/

Episode #13 of the Diving for Pearls podcast has officially launched!!! In this episode, I sit down with Yvonne Mtengwa, Dubai-based Marketing and PR Communications Strategist, Founder of Travel Essence Magazine and Reinvented Today, Owner of Narratives PR (a boutique communications consultancy), and 2020 MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) recipient, to discuss how operating from a place of faith, abundance and love has helped her surmount challenges and setbacks and emerge on the other side. Truly believing that there is no triumph without trials, and no victory without struggle, Yvonne regularly turns to the Creator for spiritual guidance and direction. She believes that every trial and tribulation that we experience in life provides us with powerful opportunities to reinvent ourselves, leveraging both the successes and failures to tap into something greater and bigger than we ever imagined.

Born in Zimbabwe and raised in a middle-income family where the spirit of ubuntu* permeated home life and community, the personal power to commit to the common good and welfare of neighbor was always at the core of Yvonne’s actions, thoughts, and deeds. It wasn’t until Yvonne moved from Zimbabwe to the U.S at the age of 18 to attend university was her notion about the intricacies of life and ethics of African traditional life and community challenged; surviving a car accident in December of 2004 in the U.S was not only a life-altering moment for Yvonne, but also became the season where she “found her spirituality”. It was during those times of uncertainty, fear and anxiety that Yvonne realized that she needed to anchor her faith in God’s faithfulness and power. Taking refuge in Isaiah 43: 18-19, Yvonne knew that no matter what trial she was facing, God was at the helm and would provide a means of protection and escape for her.

Realizing that in moments of distress and chaos, there are opportunities, Yvonne was able to see her way forward. Her tenure in the U.S taught her tenacity and drive that she needed to forge ahead. After coming to the UAE in 2013 a place that she fondly describes as a “land of opportunity and growth”, Yvonne worked in the Tourism industry as Head of Public Relations for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where she served as principal communications liaison between the park, local, regional and international media, corporate stakeholders and brand Ferrari Communications team in Maranello, Italy. Utilizing her PR and marketing expertise, Yvonne later founded Narratives Inc., a boutique PR and communications agency, and Travel Essence magazine, a lifestyle and culture magazine promoting and showcasing destinations in Africa and in the UAE. Yvonne is living testimony that you can achieve more in faith than in fear. A firm believer that every season has its purpose and that our lives should be a blueprint that illustrates God’s goodness, Yvonne advocates that we start where we are. Do what we can with what we have. It’s up to us to define what our journey will look like.

Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Yvonne Mtengwa on LinkedIn @Yvonne Mtengwa, on Instagram @quintessentially_yvonne and on Facebook @Yvonne C Mtengwa. Additionally, please also connect with on Yvonne at www.reinventedtoday.com and at www.travelessencemag.com

Thank you.

We have officially wrapped up season 1 of the Diving for Pearls (DFP) podcast. A special thank you to all of our listeners and guests for their unwavering support. A special thank you to The Skylark Collective U.K for the 2022 podcast nomination and for amplifying the voices of women across the globe. We are truly appreciative of the international recognition and nod.

In this Bonus Episode of Season 1 of DFP_UAE, I sit down with Roza Bairu, Marketing Manager at MindShift Consultants and former Marketing Executive at RBC TV in Dubai, to discuss how practicing self-reflection, developing a value system and resisting the urge to cover up our vulnerabilities, allow us to make choices about our lives and identity that are liberating and congruent with our true authentic self.

Roza shares how cultivating self-awareness and self-acceptance propelled her along her own journey of personal growth and self-discovery. No longer paralyzed by the fear of other people’s opinions, Roza began opening up about her struggles and letting go of her emotional armour. It was coping with the loss of her mother in 2019 that punctuated Roza’s spiritual journey, compelling her to look inward and ask for help. Roza found that by being genuine and real about what she needed, not only led to better outcomes, but helped restore inner peace. Roza maintains that when we develop nourishing relationships & surround ourselves with accepting, supportive people, we let go of unnecessary stress and judgment; we learn to be vulnerable, abandon ideas of perfection, vocalize our feelings & needs and learn to live more consciously in the present moment.

Please subscribe to the Diving for Pearls podcast on Apple, Spotify, Patreon, iHeart and wherever you listen to podcasts and please rate and review. Thank you in advance for your support. Please connect with Roza on Instagram @rozabairu and on LinkedIn @Roza Bairu Habtemariam.

Thank you.

@rozabairu @sarah_ham_71 @oprah @violadavis @sally_helgesen @coachgoldsmith @minsdhiftae @howwomenrise @ouraziza @linkedin @hubspot @msginapnelson @leeanddawndigital @divingforpearlsofficial @district2020 @buzzsprout

References and Websites:

MindShift-https://mindshift.ae/

Marianne Williamson- https://marianne.com/

Dr. Wayne Dyer- https://www.drwaynedyer.com/

Our Deepest Fear Quote- https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/928-our-deepest-fear-is-not-that-we-are-inadequate-our

The Journey of a Broken-Hearted Daughter- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/journey-broken-hearted-daughter-roza-bairu-habtemariam-/

Diving for Pearls Ep. 12 with Tatyana Brown-

https://divingforpearls.buzzsprout.com/1489483/8915498-tatyana-brown-on-the-power-of-love-to-heal-ourselves-our-relationships-and-our-communities

How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith

Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction by Matthew Kelly

(“Beautiful Spheres” by Aleksandra Krstic is the theme song for the DFP podcast. Please follow Aleksandra Krstic on Instagram at AleksandraKrstic_official and on FB at Aleksandra Krstic).