In this episode, Ali sits down with Sophie Smith, founder and CEO of NABTA Health, to explore one of the most overlooked areas in healthcare: women’s preventative health.
Sophie shares the story behind NABTA Health, the first women’s health tech company in the West Asia and Africa region, and explains why so many women are diagnosed late, dismissed by healthcare systems, or left without access to the care they need.
In this episode, Ali Khawaja sits down with Alaa Hamade, an ICF-certified professional coach, educator, and entrepreneur, for a practical and honest conversation about what coaching really is and what it is not.
Together, they unpack the difference between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and consulting, while exploring why coaching is not about “fixing” people, but about helping them gain clarity, shift perspective, and uncover their own answers.
Ali Khawaja is joined by Manahil Ijaz to discuss the role of authentic connection and community in supporting mental health. They explore life after COVID, the challenges of fast-paced city living, and how safe, non-judgmental spaces like Dubai Circle help people feel seen, heard, and supported.
In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by clinical psychologist Elif Adam to explore the psychological impact of ongoing uncertainty in the region, sharing practical strategies for managing anxiety, regulating information intake, supporting children, and maintaining emotional wellbeing.
The conversation explains how Bowen therapy uses light rolling movements over specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system, helping shift the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and into a parasympathetic state where healing, repair, and regulation can occur. Unlike invasive treatments, Bowen works by prompting the body to heal itself rather than forcing physical change.
Ali and Laura discuss cultural dynamics in the UAE, the role of caregivers, stigma around mental health, and the risks of waiting until crisis points before seeking support. Laura introduces the ICAN Collective as a collaborative model that empowers parents, supports schools, and connects professionals to create aligned, child-centered solutions.
Marina shares her personal journey from a corporate career in economics into holistic education, a transition sparked by personal loss and deep self-reflection. After experiencing the limitations of logic-based approaches during periods of grief and emotional distress, she discovered the transformative power of art therapy and holistic practices, both for herself and her family. This journey eventually led her to establish the Holistic Academy.
The episode explores what coaching truly is and how it differs from therapy or consulting. Coaching is described as a goal-oriented partnership that helps individuals unlock their own insights, overcome blind spots, and reconnect with their inner resources. Both Ali and Faten emphasize that coaching works best for people who are willing to be vulnerable, unlearn conditioned beliefs, and step outside their comfort zones.
Ali Khawaja hosts Rehab Shahbal, founder and CEO of DYStinct Learners, an online center that provides support for children with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Rehab shares her journey from a high-ranking corporate role to establishing a center dedicated to personalized learning support after her son was diagnosed with dyslexia. She discusses the emotional impact of navigating stigma and advocating for her child’s needs, underscoring the importance of parental involvement and research-backed educational methods.
In this episode, join us as we delve into the touching and powerful story of Sadika, a mother and caregiver to her daughter Rana, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Sadika shares her emotional journey, from confronting the diagnosis to finding strength in caregiving. Her insights into the challenges of maintaining mental and emotional health as a caregiver are both enlightening and inspiring. This episode is a tribute to the resilience and dedication of those who care for loved ones with chronic illnesses.