Is My Arabic Good Enough? About Language, Identity & Growing Up Arab | Radwa Hassan
In this episode of Vision Voices - The Arabic Series, Lara sits down with Radwa Hassan to unpack the deeply personal and often unspoken question many people carry - “Is my Arabic good enough?” What begins as a conversation about dialects quickly becomes a reflection on identity, belonging, and the emotional weight that language carries—especially in a place as diverse as the UAE.
Do I Really Belong Here? Identity in UAE & the Arab World | Areej Khataybeh, Ph.D
In this episode of Vision Voices – Arabic Series, Lara sits down with psychologist Areej Khataybeh for a conversation about identity, belonging, and mental well-being in Dubai and the UAE.
Can AI Replace Marketers? The Reality in 2025 | Lillian Pierson
AI isn’t just changing marketing — it’s rewriting the rules of how teams create, plan, and grow. In this episode of Vision Voices, host Lara talks with Lillian Pierson, P.E., a Fractional CMO and AI Marketing Instructor at LinkedIn Learning, about what happens when businesses start replacing human workflows with AI systems.
Dubai reality - 2,000 Applicants, One Job - How AI Filters You | David van Lochem
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are growing fast. Organizations are transforming even faster. And careers are reshaping around a future where humans and AI work side-by-side.
Watch Time Is the New Pipeline - Why Brands Need YouTube | Valeria Korotina
In this episode of Vision Voices, Lara and Valeria Korotina (former YouTube lead and media strategist) unpack what makes channels like Alex Hormozi and Ali Abdaal work — and how their lessons apply to B2B marketing.
Why Multitasking Is a Lie | Stefania Brunori | STEP 2025
In this STEP 2025 special, Lara sits down with Stefania Brunori — Personal Branding & Social Media strategist, 2x TEDx Speaker, Wellbeing Entrepreneur, Consultant, Coach, and Trainer — to explore the rising importance of mindfulness in business, leadership, and daily life.
From “Habibi” to “Influencer” - How Arabic Language Is Evolving
Ever wondered how English words slip into everyday Arabic? In this episode of Vision Voices, we dive into the fascinating mix of language and culture — from words like “influencer,” “fashion,” “podcast,” and “video game” to timeless expressions like “habibi”. Language isn’t just about words — it’s about identity, tradition, and how cultures evolve. Join us as we explore how Arabic embraces modern terms while staying rooted in history and values.
In this special last-minute episode, Lara spoke with Dean Seddon, CEO of Maverick, right after the Epic Content Workshop in Dubai. In this very honest and straight-to-the-point conversation about content strategy, AI, and the future of long-form vs short-form media.
In this episode of Vision Voices, Lara speaks with Lucy Chow, investor, futurist, board director, and advocate for women in leadership. The conversation covers Lucy’s professional journey in the UAE, her work in supporting entrepreneurs and female investors, and her involvement in initiatives such as the Women of the Future UAE project.
From Motherhood to Forbes - Building a Career in AI
In this episode of Voices Voices, Lara Varlamova spoke with Tina Valand, Generative AI Director and Co-Founder of Women in Alliances, to talk about the realities of building a career in a fast-changing world.
Gen Z Arabic - How Yalla, Khalas & Inshallah Went Global
In the new Vision Voices podcast serial, we dive into the heart of Arabic culture, language, and identity. In this episode, join Lara and Radwa Hassan as they explore the powerful meanings behind some of the most commonly used Arabic expressions, such as Yalla, Khalas, and Inshallah.
In this powerful conversation, Lara sits down with Nancy S. Habashi from Inlight Consulting to explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) is reshaping the future of business, leadership, and branding—especially in high-pressure environments like Dubai’s startup and corporate scene.
In the new Vision Voices Podcast episode, from Step2025 serial, Lara is joined by Chetna Chada, Founder & CEO of Silver Fin Digital, to break down what it really takes to build successful products. Chetna shares why many startups fail, the importance of validating assumptions, and how to stay truly customer-obsessed.
AI Secrets Every Marketer Needs to Know | Heba Sayed
What does it take to lead in marketing, find your voice, and succeed as a woman in business in the MENA region? In the new episode of Vision Voices, Lara welcomes Heba Sayed, marketing leader with 20+ years of experience across IBM, LogRhythm, and the broader tech landscape in the Middle East.
Unlocking the Evolutionary Secrets of Empathy with Mimi Nicklin
In this insightful episode, join Lara Varlamova as she sits down with Mimi Nicklin, a bestselling author, CEO, empathy advocate, and podcaster. They dive into the powerful role of empathy in our personal and professional lives, discussing how empathy fosters authentic connections, enhances well-being, and strengthens leadership. Mimi shares her journey and expert advice on how empathy can transform relationships and create a positive impact in the workplace. Learn practical tips for harnessing empathy to build meaningful connections and drive change in your life.
Traditional TV Meets YouTube - the Future of Media
In this inspiring conversation at STEP2025, Lara was joined by Reim El Houni, one of Dubai’s most influential media voices, for a discussion on visibility, confidence, and the evolution of content in the digital age.
How to Make Your Startup Attractive to Investors & Acquirers
Are you building a startup in the Middle East? Thinking about fundraising or dreaming of an exit? In this exclusive STEP 2025 conversation, Jacopo Pichelli from FTI Capital Advisors breaks down the real story behind startup acquisitions — and what makes a company truly attractive to buyers.
Why Dubai’s Young Startup Ecosystem Has a Huge Global Advantage
In the new STEP2025 episode, Lara Varlamova spoke with Polly Dhaliwal, COO of Enterprise Nation - the UK’s largest small business community. They talked about corporate-startup symbiosis and Dubai’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.
Join Lara Varlamova at STEP 2025 as she hosts Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, for a conversation about the rise of the MENA startup ecosystem, the future of venture capital in the GCC, and what it really takes for startups to scale in 2025 and beyond.
Discover How PR Can Rapidly Boost Startup Potential
In this STEP2025 episode, Lara is joined by Clara Armand-Delille, Founder of ThirdEyeMedia — a boutique PR agency working with top startups and VCs across Europe and beyond. Clara shares insights on startup communications, building brand authority, and how founders can use PR as a strategic tool — not just a press engine.
In this STEP 2025 exclusive, Lara Varlamova talks with Kushaal Devanahalli, Co-founder of Proximity Works, to break down the evolution from Generative AI to Agentic AI and what that means for the future of business and technology.
In this insightful interview, Lara Varlamova talks with Ted Kemp, former Managing Editor at CNBC International, award-winning journalist, and media strategist, at STEPConference2025 in Dubai.
Discovering The Four Dimensions Of Your Energy with Simon Alexander Ong
In this episode, Lara Varlamova chats with Simon Alexander Ong, an award-winning life coach, speaker, and author of the bestseller "Energize." Simon shares his insights on energy management and how it can transform your life and career.
How to Build a Community and Monetize Your Content with Dave Catudal
Host Lara Varlamova sits down with Dave Catudal, Co-founder of Lyvely. With a rich background in tech and wellness, Dave shares his journey from founding a leading D2C health supplement brand in the GCC region to pioneering SocialFi at Lyvely.
Women in Business - Secrets to Early-Stage Investing | Lucy Chow | Step Conference 2024
Join Lara Varlamova in this insightful Step 2024 episode as she sits down with Lucy Chow, one of the Women of the Future Top 100 and a Women in Games Ambassador. In this powerful conversation, Lucy shares her expertise on early-stage investing, navigating the challenges of supporting startups, and the rewards of backing emerging businesses. She also tackles the pressing issue of female underrepresentation in venture capital, offering insights on how to build more inclusive ecosystems for women in business.
In Episode Lara Varlamova sits down with Lama Masri, Commercial Director at Mawdoo3 Group and former executive at Podeo, for an insightful discussion on the latest podcasting trends. They dive into effective strategies for improving podcast discoverability, share essential hacks for podcasting, and explore new platforms for podcast publishing. Whether you’re a podcaster or looking to break into the space, don’t miss this conversation packed with expert tips to boost your podcast game in 2024!
Mastering Social Media for Business Success | Lara Varlamova & Alexander D. Bare's Expert Insights
In this episode of On Speaking Terms, Lara Varlamova sits down with Alexander D. Bare, founder of Burger28, a serial entrepreneur, and social media enthusiast. Together, they explore how humor can help businesses stand out and discuss the importance of authenticity in the digital world. They also share actionable insights on leveraging social media to build your brand, promote your business, and connect with your audience. Whether you're dealing with negative comments or striving for consistency, this episode offers valuable advice for mastering modern media for success in the business world.