“We need to stop setting these unattainable precedents for what it means to be successful - happy in love, the perfect business, the ideal bank account. All of these things, they don't last. They are just stories.”

I won't lie, as I mentioned to Dana, preparing for this episode was quite challenging. The more I researched and learned about her, the more I realized how similar our wavelengths were - how much fun is a podcast interview where we just agree with each other?

But I was floored. Dana embodies so much more than I naively expected.

She has accomplished a lot, in a short amount of time. I was eager to learn how I can do the same, and she did not disappoint in inspiring me!

Dana has worked in the branding industry for nearly 14 years. She started in brand design, then shifted into strategy, and was later appointed to run a multinational agency's regional office. Seven years ago, she co-founded her creative firm, Beattie + Dane, in Kuwait. The firm has been globally recognized and has won awards at shows like Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx. It was ranked as one of the top three independent agencies twice. In 2022, Dana sold her shares and left the company to pursue a new passion. She now resides in Dubai, where she runs a strategic consultancy for CEOs called Bark & Berg. Dana also hosts a podcast called ‘Something to Consider.’

Dana is a creative that wants to tell stories from her region. She wants to engage in deep conversations and create things that will push conversations and storytelling forward, as you’ll hear in this episode.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation (EO Series #8 of the My First Business Podcast): ▶️ Introduction ✨ The story behind the most viral campaign Dana has produced 🤔 How ‘wanting different’ contrasts with ‘wanting more’ ❌ Why it’s healthy to start saying NO to clients 💼 The art of working with partners 🎙️ The mission of her podcast called “Something To Consider” 👩‍💻 An interesting take on the 3 different types of entrepreneurs - the rational, the ambitious and the commander 😣 Burnout, and what it means to be in a constant chase and much much more!

Dana calls it like it is, and I love that we didn’t have to sugar coat ourselves in this conversation. She has a wonderful way with words - she makes you think for yourself without giving you step-by-step advice.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did, I was left with many things to consider after our chat! Please do share this episode with people you love.

Where to find the podcast: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrbr87_ZSPICaDoTcCebyw 🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6B5JdkAWrGSd927rZquJz7?si=4802c936a51f418c⁠ 🎙 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/my-first-business-with-naeem-parvez/id1615535576 🎙 Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xOTE1MjA1LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjk_8SnuPD5AhUBGRoKHZ-DAxMQ9sEGegQIARAC⁠

Where to find Dana: 💼 LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/danaalhanbali 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dalhanbali/ 🎧 Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-to-consider/id1674861838 ▶️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@danaalhanbali5621/about 🌐 Business Website - https://barkandberg.com/

Where to find me: 📸 IG: http://www.instagram.com/the.naeem.parvez⁠ 📸 IG: http://www.instagram.com/myfirstbusinesspodcast⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nparvez⁠ 🖥 Website: https://www.nparvez.com

My First Business is a podcast based in Dubai, hosted by Naeem Parvez. In each episode, Naeem (co-founder of Digitalina) interviews successful, but under-the-radar entrepreneurs in the city. The guests share valuable lessons they've learned on their entrepreneurial journeys, making each episode feel like a conversation with a mentor you never had.

Love From My First Business, a Dubai Podcast.