In this conversation, I’m joined by Sali Zein, founder of Siella Beauty, one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the region.​

Sali shares how her love for beauty started long before Siella existed, and how that passion became the foundation for a brand that now sits on the shelves of major retailers like Faces. We talk about what it really takes to build in a competitive industry where trends move fast and trust is everything.​

One of the most powerful moments in her journey was COVID. While many businesses slowed down, Siella accelerated. We unpack why that period became a turning point and how her marketing approach made this happen.​

We also discuss the milestones that shaped the company:​

• Getting into Faces and what that validation meant for the brand​
• The role of family and external support while building​
• How she navigated growth without losing brand identity​
• The operational decisions that helped Siella scale sustainably​
• What it takes to build a beauty brand that competes regionally​

Beyond products and retail expansion, this conversation is about building something that lasts. Sali breaks down how consistency, positioning, and sharing a powerful message through your brand can turn a small idea into a category player.​

Whether you’re building a product brand, scaling in retail, or navigating growth during uncertain times, this episode offers practical lessons and real insight from someone who has done it.​

If you’re serious about building a brand that stands out in a crowded market, this conversation is worth your time.​

Subscribe for more honest conversations with founders building real businesses in the region.​

In this online conversation, I’m joined by Eddie Maalouf, who built a predictable and scalable business that generated $18M in the last 12 months with a 35% net margin.

This episode goes beyond the numbers. We break down the real levers behind sustainable scale and why branding, personal branding, and people matter more than most operators are willing to admit.

One of the key themes in this conversation is how strong branding simplifies everything. When your brand is clear and trusted, sales become easier, pricing power increases, and growth becomes more predictable. We also discuss how personal branding compounds business growth by attracting the right clients, partners, and talent before a sales call even happens.

Another critical insight is why hiring high-caliber talent matters more than systems. Systems only work when the people running them are exceptional. Eddie shares why investing in A-players, even at a higher cost, creates leverage, speed, and stability that no process alone can replace.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why branding is a growth and margin lever, not a design exercise
• How personal branding builds trust at scale
• Why top talent beats perfect systems every time
• How hiring the right people reduces complexity across the business
• The balance between structure, leadership, and execution

These principles apply to any business. Agencies, ecommerce brands, service companies, and startups all face the same challenge: how to scale without losing control. This conversation shows what actually works.

If you want to build a business that attracts opportunities, talent, and customers instead of chasing them, this episode is for you.

Doran Davies and his partner Ross Milton founded Bounce Middle East almost a

decade ago. Since then, it has grown into the region's leading entertainment

venue welcoming over 1 million visitors every year.​

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Their story is proof that hard work, risk-taking, and a people-first approach can

pay off and help you create the life you're dreaming of.