Inspirational lives, careers, stories and lessons of fascinating people from all walks of life who are brought together by hotels, one way or another.
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Farah Shammas Podcasts

1
Christos Bisiotis: The Greek Soul Who Cooked for Presidents
55:32
55:32
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55:32In this of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we’re joined by the inspiring Chef Christos Bisiotis. From humble beginnings in Athens, starting as a dishwasher at just 12 years old to cooking at the White House and founding Bellita Pasta, Christos shares his incredible journey of resilience, passion, and reinvention. We explore his move to New York City…
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The Power of Transformation with Hélène Alexi Ioannides
33:03
33:03
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33:03In this powerful episode, we speak with Hélène Alexi Ioannides, A Systemic Therapist, Leadership & Authenticity Coach, and founder of Empowered New You. With over 10 years of experience in women’s empowerment and therapy, Hélène shares deep insights on healing personal patterns, embodying authentic leadership, and living from a place of alignment a…
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Inspired by Nature, Motivated by Love – Meet Nataly Buggins, the Sea Moss Girl!
39:40
39:40
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39:40In this soul-nourishing episode, we chat with Nataly Buggins – a vibrant Cypriot-British woman living her best life in Cyprus and changing the wellness game through her passion for natural healing and sea moss. Nataly’s contagious positivity, commitment to healing, and belief in the power of natural food will leave you inspired to embrace wellness …
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The Vision Behind the Brand: Laura Neroulias on PR, Partnerships & Purpose
38:45
38:45
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38:45In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Laura Neroulias Bisiotis, founder of LΩRA PR, a full-service PR agency known for its dynamic approach to media relations, influencer marketing, strategic partnerships, and high-impact events. Laura is a goal-driven leader with over two decades of experience, launching …
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Marios Priamos: What Came After Survivor Greece
53:44
53:44
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53:44Episode 156 is out with Marios Priamos, one of Cyprus' most recognized TV personalities and adventurers. From his breakout fame on Survivor Greece to hosting and participating in multiple shows, Marios opens up about what first drew him to the world of television and how those experiences shaped him both personally and professionally. We explore ho…
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Vlad NCL: The Man Who Went Viral as a Woman
1:10:43
1:10:43
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1:10:43In this powerful episode of Hotel Talk with Farah, we sit down with the brilliantly complex Vladimir, also known as Vlad NCL, Nataly Oohoo and Nataly Omnarova. With millions of views across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Vlad is famous for his daring pranks and social experiments, often dressing as a woman to shed light on how women. But there’s m…
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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with internationally acclaimed Lebanese artist Zeina Nader, whose work has been exhibited in over 100 shows across the globe, from Tokyo to New York. Zeina shares her fascinating journey from a career in communication and the arts to becoming a full-time painter and author, with her pieces now housed in presti…
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Gala Grigoreva on Marketing, Well-being, and Women in Tech
31:49
31:49
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31:49Gala Grigoreva is a powerhouse of talent and leadership across multiple fields. She is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Adsterra, with over 15 years of experience in global marketing. But her impact goes far beyond that, she’s a marketing mentor, business growth adviser, and co-founder/trainer of the Integrated Professional Growth program. Gala…
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From Passion to Purpose: Inside The Mighty Kitchen with George Vou
41:25
41:25
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41:25In this episode, we sit down with George Vou, the visionary CEO and founder of The Mighty Kitchen, a plant-based company that's redefining the future of food. George shares his personal journey to becoming vegan, what inspired him to build a company centered around sustainability and taste, and how he’s on a mission to change the world one plant-ba…
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Authenticity Is Her Superpower – A Conversation with Pan Dragomir
53:51
53:51
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53:51In this special episode, we sit down with Pan Dragomir, one of Cyprus' most loved content creators. Known for her unapologetically real and ironic humor, Pan has captured the hearts of thousands through her funny and relatable videos. With over 125K followers on Instagram and 142K on TikTok, she’s not just an influencer – she’s a voice of authentic…
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Limassol2030: A cultural vision for the future with Eleana Alexandrou
36:56
36:56
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36:56In this special episode, we sit down with Elena Alexandrou, Artistic Director of Lemesos 2030, to explore Limassol’s inspiring journey toward becoming the European Capital of Culture. We dive into the vision behind the initiative, the cultural and social impact for the city, and how the community, both locals and visitors, can get involved. From ch…
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Christiana Aravi: The Spa Manager Breaking Barriers in Wellness & Communication
22:40
22:40
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22:40In this episode, we sit down with our amazing Spa Manager at St Raphael Resort & Marina, Christiana Aravi ! We’ll explore her inspiring journey, from her previous roles to how she became an essential part of our hotel team. Christiana shares the everyday challenges she faces, her deep passion for wellness, and her unexpected journey into learning s…
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The Power of Movement: Dance, Creativity & Well-Being with Lia Haraki
42:06
42:06
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42:06Lia Haraki is a Cyprus-born interdisciplinary performance artist whose work blends dance, theatre, spoken word, and music. With over two decades of experience, she has created more than fifty works presented across Europe, including at the Venice Biennale, Athens Festival, and Royal Festival Hall in London. Her artistic practice explores the body’s…
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Revolutionizing Sweets: How Marina Christoforou is Changing the Game
25:23
25:23
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25:23In this episode of Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas, we sit down with Marina Christoforou, the founder of En Healthy, a delicious and nutritious dessert lab in Pareklissia, Limassol. Marina’s journey into the world of healthy treats began when her mother faced a health challenge, inspiring her entire family to embrace a better lifestyle. Now, she crea…
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Fuckup Nights & Life Lessons: Maria Sibirtseva Tells Her Story
56:26
56:26
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56:26In this episode of Hotel Talk, we dive into an eye-opening conversation about failure, resilience, and personal growth. Our guest shares her journey from Ukraine to Cyprus, her experiences in marketing, and why Fuckup Nights is an event that celebrates the mistakes we all make. We discuss how failures shape us more than successes, the lessons learn…
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Alex Eng’s Hospitality Journey: Bringing Luxury to Lefkara
38:02
38:02
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38:02In this episode, we sit down with Aleksander Eng, the Managing Director and Owner of Agora Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel in Cyprus with a truly unique style. Alex grew up in the UK and has traveled the world with his family, gaining inspiration from different cultures before settling in Cyprus. He also spent several years in New York, where he …
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Women’s Day Special: Jessica’s Inspiring Journey
13:58
13:58
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13:58In this special Women’s Day episode, we sit down with Jessica, one of our beloved housekeeping team members at St Raphael Resort. Jessica shares her incredible journey from Ethiopia to Cyprus, opening up about the challenges she faced, how she built a new life, and why Cyprus now feels like home. We also dive into the demanding yet essential role s…
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From the Throne to our podcast: Limassol’s Carnival King Tells All
43:57
43:57
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43:57Brace yourselves because Limassol’s Carnival King 2025, Vasilis Papavasiliou, is joining our podcast! 👑🎉 We’ll dive into his incredible journey, how he earned the crown, the excitement of carnival week, the intense preparations, and the whirlwind of events leading up to the grand parade. Plus, we’ll explore his life beyond the carnival and what thi…
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From Young Dreamers to Media Founders: Nour & Fadi Samaha
40:35
40:35
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40:35Meet two young brothers who started their journey from Lebanon to Cyprus and built IY Media. We’ll dive into their life, vision, and goals, discuss marketing trends for 2025, explore how they became Meta Partners, and discover how they balance entrepreneurship at a young age while running a company! 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring story! Nour Samaha Fa…
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Healing Trauma & Addiction: A Conversation with Heather R. Hayes
57:29
57:29
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57:29In this powerful episode, we sit down with Heather R. Hayes, a renowned interventionist, counselor, and expert in trauma, addiction, and mental health. With over 30 years of experience, Heather has dedicated her life to helping adolescents, young adults, and families navigate the complexities of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and recovery.…
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Success, Compliance & Wellbeing: A Leadership Masterclass with Cleo Papadopoulou
41:23
41:23
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41:23In this episode, we’ll be joined by Cleo Papadopoulou – Partner at PwC Cyprus, Head of Connected Compliance Managed Services CoE, Chief Learning Officer, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, and leader in the shipping sector. We’ll dive into key topics like: ✅ The importance of compliance ✅ Inclusion in the workplace ✅ Why wellbeing matters ✅ Leade…
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Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientific Leader
47:29
47:29
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47:29What an amazing interview that was with Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades, a trailblazing biotech innovator and entrepreneur whose journey from Greece to Cyprus has revolutionized personalized cancer care! From her academic roots at King’s College London to founding three groundbreaking biotech companies, Marianna’s story is one of passion, resilien…
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Dr. Gemma on Endocrinology and Modern Health
49:15
49:15
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49:15Dr. Gemma Fraterrigo is a dedicated Endocrinologist specializing in diabetes management, hormone health, and achieving balanced wellness. Based in Limassol, she combines her expertise with a passion for helping individuals manage weight and improve their overall health. In this podcast, Dr. Fraterrigo shares her inspiring journey from Italy to Cypr…
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Leading with Vision: Natasa Pilides, Former Minister of Energy, on Public Service and Innovation
47:26
47:26
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47:26In this episode, we welcome Natasa Pilides, former Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry of Cyprus, to share her inspiring journey. As the first Deputy Minister of Shipping, she broke barriers, led impactful initiatives in energy and commerce, and championed innovation. We discuss her challenges in public service, her achievements, and her eff…
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A Journey of Growth and Connection with Viola Edward
42:13
42:13
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42:13In this episode, we talk with Viola Edward, a psychotherapist, social entrepreneur, and expert in mental health and breathwork. Viola shares her story of moving to a new country as a teenager, starting work at 13, and building a life full of purpose. She gives simple and powerful advice about the importance of relationships in our personal and work…
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This Festive Season, we’re thrilled to hand the mic to Parisa for a heartfelt interview brimming with festive joy and her unique holiday perspective! 🌟 From all of us at the Hotel Talk Podcast and the St. Raphael Hotel, we wish you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the company of those who matter most and a Happy New Year. Host Farah Sham…
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Life Lessons and the Magic of Christmas: A Conversation with Dr Ilona Markosyan
56:45
56:45
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56:45This Christmas week, we sit down with Mrs. Ilona Markosyan, who shares her inspiring journey from Armenia to Greece and finally to Cyprus. Ilona opens up about the universal truths that unite us, love, acceptance, and support, reminding us that, no matter our background, we are all searching for the same things in life. As a licensed counselling ps…
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Transforming Life into Art: A Conversation with Lina Husseini
20:59
20:59
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20:59In this episode, we sit down with Lina Maalouf Husseini, a French-Lebanese, self-taught artist. Lina's art bridges cultures, influenced by her life between Lebanon and France. Known for her contemporary approach, she transforms ordinary materials, particularly PVC, into stunning works of art, thanks to a unique collaboration with her husband, Rolan…
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Behind the Pages: The Journey of Anna-Maria Athanasiou
40:34
40:34
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40:34Anna-Maria Athanasiou, a Greek Cypriot author from Leeds, began her writing journey in secret, jotting down her first stories on napkins. Her debut novel, Waiting for Summer, grew from these humble beginnings into a 900-page best-seller, eventually becoming the first book in a two-part series. Encouraged by her family, especially her supportive bro…
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Journey to a Plant-Based Life: An Interview with Holly Johnson
33:54
33:54
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33:54In this episode of our podcast, we're thrilled to introduce Holly Johnson. Holly is the inspiring editor of Vegan Food & Living magazine and the host of the Simply Vegan podcast. During our conversation, Holly will share her personal journey of going vegan seven years ago, what motivated her to make the switch, and how it has shaped her life in the…
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True Hospitality and the Cypriot Spirit with Rebecca Pierides
33:25
33:25
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33:25In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Pierides, a Cypriot leader in the hospitality industry and Managing Director at Churchill Hotel Management, which operates the Crowne Plaza Limassol. With years of experience Rebecca shares her passion for delivering true hospitality and the incredible stories behind it. Rebecca takes us through her life, from…
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Taras Lozhenko’s Flavorful Journey with Octopus Microbrewery
33:20
33:20
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33:20In this episode, we sit down with Taras Lozhenko, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and one of the passionate founders of Octopus Microbrewery, a rising local favorite in Cyprus. Located in Sotira, near Ayia Napa, Octo Microbrewery is known for its unfiltered and unpasteurized beers that capture the essence of clean, aromatic flavors. Taras shares insights …
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Building Community with Christine Keeble Watson & CIWOT
31:37
31:37
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31:37In this episode, we’re so happy to introduce Christine Keeble Watson, a founding member and Past President of Cyprus International Women of Today (CIWOT). Christine has been with CIWOT since it was established in 2009, and with her extensive experience living across various countries, she understands first hand the profound need for a welcoming com…
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From Armenia to Success: Lusine Mirzoyan, Director at Vestnik Kipra!
26:43
26:43
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26:43In this podcast, we’ll meet Lusine and hear her inspiring journey from Armenia to Cyprus, filled with challenges she faced along the way. With her positive outlook and sharp mind, Lusine has achieved remarkable success in Cyprus. She is the Director at Vestnik Kipra Group, a company dedicated to serving the Russian-speaking and expat communities in…
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Unlocking Longevity with George Xydas and Swiss Medical Center
58:15
58:15
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58:15In this episode, we are joined by George Xydas, co-founder of the Swiss Biological Medical Center in Cyprus. George shares the story behind the center, which focuses on holistic health and wellness by integrating advanced medical practices with natural healing. The center aims to help people achieve longevity and optimal health through personalized…
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Baria Alamuddin on Politics, Human Rights, and Raising Powerful Women
16:05
16:05
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16:05In this episode, we sit down with Baria Alamuddin, a renowned British-Lebanese journalist and writer, whose passion for her work shines through her decades-long career. An award-winning journalist and editor of Media Services Syndicate, Baria has interviewed numerous world leaders and played a significant role in shaping political discourse in the …
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Balancing Cultures, Careers, and Motherhood with Carine Khoury
32:37
32:37
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32:37In this episode of Hotel Talk, we are thrilled to welcome Carine Khoury Niemann, the visionary director of Floral Image, a sustainable flower service based in Cyprus. Join us as we explore her unique experiences growing up in a multicultural environment, balancing different languages and traditions, her academic journey, and the challenges and joys…
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Eleni Savva is a storyteller at heart, with a background in filmmaking and coaching. Having lived most of her life in London, she’s traveled the world capturing human stories and connecting with diverse cultures. Her experiences naturally led her to coaching, where she empowers individuals to unlock their potential and believe in limitless possibil…
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Traveling the World with Richi Shah I Episode 122
25:42
25:42
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25:42Richi Shah is an Indian social media influencer, and content creator. Originally from Mumbai, Richi began her career as an accountant but soon discovered her passion for social media. Through her creative content, she started collaborating with brands and embraced her love for travel. Now, she travels the world with her partner, sharing travel tips…
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Clementine Ynna: Finding Strength in Every Challenge I Episode 121
42:51
42:51
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42:51Clementine Ynna, born in France and now living in Paphos, Cyprus, is a Muscular Dystrophy expert, a talented author, and a loving mother who has turned her personal challenges into a mission of hope. Her life changed when her young son was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This pushed her to learn more about the condition and its causes, alter her…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Kiera Chaplin - Leading with Vision, Passion, and Purpose I Episode 120
29:05
29:05
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29:05Kiera Chaplin, a businesswoman and philanthropist, is carving out her own path while honouring the legacy of her iconic family name. In this series, we will explore her journey from a successful modelling and acting career to her current ventures in business and her philanthropic efforts. As a passionate member of the Desert Flower organization, Ki…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 119 with Agni Scott - Female actor in the Netflix No 1 movie ‘Find Me Falling’
48:46
48:46
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48:46Agni Scott is the main female actor in the Netflix No 1 movie ‘Find Me Falling’ who played alongside Harry Connick Jr in this romantic and humorous film. She is even more beautiful in real life and shares with us some of her history, how she got into acting, where her name comes from, what she’s loved about her job, balancing her career and motherh…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 118 with Princess Katarina of Serbia - What it means to be Royal
26:46
26:46
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26:46Princess Katarina of Serbia shares some incredible stories with us along with inspiring insights into what it means to be Royal, with her love of the outdoors, growing up with apples and being the only daughter of the family. She is a descendent of Queen Victoria and happily gives us some tips on Royal etiquette also! A delightful episode that ever…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 117 with Amal Daraghmeh Masri - Editor in Chief and CEO of the Middle East Business News and Magazine and the founder and CEO of Ougarit Group
45:31
45:31
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45:31Amal Daraghmeh Masri is the Editor in Chief and CEO of the Middle East Business News and Magazine and the founder and CEO of Ougarit Group. She lives in Palestine and tells us honestly what life is like there on a daily basis and her hopes for the future. We are not a political podcast but this honest, real and authentic interview is an inspiring e…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 116 with Fawzi Azar - Interior architect and designer behind GOLDEN MONKEY AUTHENTIC THAI RESTAURANT
30:16
30:16
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30:16A short and sweet episode where you can smile and find out more about the concept, design and early history of our GOLDEN MONKEY AUTHENTIC THAI RESTAURANT. Fawzi Azar is not only the interior architect and designer behind this incredible restaurant but also a family friend and guest of our resort… our family now enjoyjng no less than four generatio…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 115 with Alexander Novicov - Brand storyteller, a speaker, and an author
39:10
39:10
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39:10Alexander Novicov is a brand storyteller, a speaker, and the author of a Seth Godin endorsed book called ‘Not Another Pair of Shoes’. Living in London but having grown up in Cyprus, he tells us a little about his own personal journey but more importantly the power of marketing and telling your brand’s story. We discuss some common mistakes, interes…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 114 with Simon Maguire - co-founder of Rockingham Partners and the Managing Director of the New Forest Hotel Collection
55:18
55:18
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55:18Simon Maguire is the co-founder of Rockingham Partners and the Managing Director of the New Forest Hotel Collection. He has a passion for hospitality spanning over two decades and talks frankly about the pros and cons of the industry as well as the dreaded 40’s burnout so many face, how to overcome challenges and what it means to be a father. A gre…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 113 with Stephany Piper - Certified nutrition therapist & nutritional scientist of Germany
42:44
42:44
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42:44Stephany Piper shares with us her views on weight loss, microbiome, food intolerance, calories, healthy weight apps and more. She is a Certified nutrition therapist & nutritional scientist of Germany, studying for over six years and now working for ten years in Cyprus. A very insightful episode into the world of nutrition, even touching on the data…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 111 with Maria Raporport - Marketing and Parents Relationship Director and Leadership Coordinator of The Island Private School in Limassol.
31:01
31:01
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31:01Maria Raporport is the Marketing and Parents Relationship Director and Leadership Coordinator of The Island Private School in Limassol. In this episode we discuss the vision behind this innovative school, with three different curriculums and methods of teaching on offer, the pros and cons of different academic systems, as well as delving into impor…
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Hotel Talk with Farah Shammas: Episode 110 with Mr Michael Demosthenous - Managing Director of Elpis Tourism and Hospitality Seminars Ltd and an Expert Tourism Consultant and Certified Trainer.
44:21
44:21
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44:21Michael Demosthenous is the Managing Director of Elpis Tourism and Hospitality Seminars Ltd and an Expert Tourism Consultant and Certified Trainer. In this fiery episode, many topics are discussed, different points of view raised and industry problems (and possible solutions) highlighted. It’s a very entertaining episode with lots of interesting fo…
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