Making Things Happen

Hosted by Hanisha Lalwani

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Aug 2026

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About the show

If you have a growth mindset, want to develop your conviction, or simply want to hear people's journeys as they make things happen, this podcast is for you. A marketer by profession, I've lived, studied and worked in 5 countries. My experiences are dotted with successes, failures and lots of learning at work and in life. As a woman of color, these experiences have helped me evolve to feel confident, secure and validated. And at the bedrock of this evolution is my resolute disposition to make things happen. We don't have to figure it all out on our own. Let's listen and learn from others!

Listen to episodes

12 recent

August 1, 2026Episode 111 hr 18 min

Ep 11. Maria Adnan: A Marketer-turned-Children's Book Author, Coz Why Not?

I have someone interesting for you to meet in this episode. Maria Adnan is a marketer-turned-author who was born and raised in Dubai and currently calls Canada home. With over seven years in hospitality marketing and five years as a freelance copywriter, Maria built her career around storytelling that connects. From developing campaigns for companies like Marriott and JA Resorts & Hotels, to writing for clients such as the Visit Dubai tourism board, Maria has enjoyed the process of transforming ideas into words that inspire action. Today, Maria is the founder of ‘ Lights and Love Press ’ an independent Canadian children's book publishing imprint. This year, she has authored and published her debut children’s picture book ‘Duas in the Dark: A Bedtime Book of Duas and Gratitude ’, which is now available on Amazon , bookstores like Waterstones, Barnes & Noble as well as independent online and offline bookstores around the world. Let’s listen to Maria’s journey from being a marketer in Dubai to a self-published author in Ontario. So the next time you're feeling lost, then here's your inspiring blueprint of someone who went from feeling purposeless to re-envisioning bedtime storytelling for the little ones!

April 3, 2026Episode 1054 min

Ep 10. Rutuja Marfatia: Tackling Tough Clients & Urgency Culture as a PR Businesswoman

She is determined, loves what she does and certainly knows how to make things happen in the world of PR. Rutuja Marfatia is a PR and communications expert with over a decade’s experience building impactful narratives and shaping brands. She is the founder of Waffle Communications , a UAE-based agency known for delivering thoughtful, results-driven campaigns. Rutuja is known for her attention to detail and her ability to turn bold, unconventional ideas into meaningful impact. Her work focuses on crafting compelling brand stories, building strong media and influencer relationships, and creating nuanced strategies that help brands stand out and grow with purpose. We speak about: Pursuing a career in PR - did she choose PR or did PR choose her How did she win new clients when she started her own PR agency Waffle Communications in the UAE What is she advising her clients in the UAE with the backdrop of geopolitical tensions Her take on the PR industry bashing How she approaches difficult conversations with her clients There's speed-to-market and then there's urgency culture - is everything urgent? And how urgent is urgent? Let’s get to know Rutuja and how she makes things happen.

March 24, 2026Episode 91 hr 1 min

Ep 9. Sumaa Tekur: A Writer Documents the Single Woman's Living Experience

In this episode, you’re going to be meeting Sumaa Tekur , a writer and editor. She is the author of four books including ⁠'Table for One: A Solo Living Manual for the Curious Indian Woman' which we will be exploring in this episode. Sumaa started her professional career as a journalist working at leading Indian publications like The Times of India, Deccan Herald, Femina and DNA. She holds a Masters in International Journalism from City University, London. Formerly based out of Bangalore, Sumaa recently moved to the UAE with her books, paints and canvases. Her 4th and latest book ‘Goodbye, I loved you’ released in December and are now available on Kindle and Amazon. We talk about: Going freelance after years of working as a journalist in noisy newsrooms How she's shaped her own independent career, routine & the creative pursuits she's embarked on The four books she's written, particularly ‘Table for One: A Solo Living Manual for the Curious Indian Woman’ Living alone, the good, the bad and the ugly Moving countries, changing career trajectories And of course, you'll get to know how she makes things happen

August 11, 2025Episode 851 min

Ep 8. Yamna Naveed Khan: Being an Innovator, Entrepreneur...An 'Innovatrepreneur'

In this episode, I speak with Yamna Naveed Khan , the Transformation Lead Manager at SITA , a world-leading specialist in air transport communications and IT. Yamna leads SITA’s Innovation, Strategy and Partnerships across Middle East and Africa. For the past 10+ years, she has worked in digital transformation and with tech startups. Yamna led the first FinTech Accelerator in Saudi Arabia and has consulted and led teams with UAE and East African government entities on their digital strategies and innovation roadmaps. She founded employee benefits startup PerksPlus, and consulted and mentored many startups and SMEs in the UAE as well as ran workshops and programs (especially for women-led businesses). As a young woman in tech, Yamna has been a speaker at many stages. She’s been featured in leading magazines as a female founder and was also nominated as ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ by ArabianBusiness. Let’s get to know Yamna and how she makes things happen.

June 6, 2025Episode 748 min

Ep 7. Sally Maier-Yip: From 25 Cups of Coffee to Running a PR Business in London

In this episode, you’re going to hear from Sally Maier-Yip , the Founder & Managing Director of 11K Consulting , a China-specialist communications consultancy which she founded in 2015. Based in London and Shanghai, Sally and her team garner awareness for brands looking to target Chinese investors and high-net-worth-individuals, and her agency does so through delivering tailored communications strategies based on unique cultural and market insights. Sally lives in London with her husband and her two boys. She is an award-winning woman entrepreneur and also the Co-founder of The Chinese Mums in Business Club . Her life’s mission is to be a positive influence on people around her. Sally has an interesting story - from switching from journalism to PR and how she won the first client when she started her own agency to being a genuine cultural ambassador of China through her work and ingeniously using LinkedIn to her personal and professional advantage, you'll want to hear Sally's responses to my many questions in this episode. Let’s learn how Sally makes things happen.

November 4, 2024Episode 658 min

Ep 6. Devanjali Rishi: A Recruiter's Perspective on Navigating the Job Market

In challenging job markets, many professionals increasingly connect with recruiters as a pathway to land the job of their dreams. Yet if you speak to job seekers, most will have very mixed reviews of their experiences connecting with recruiters; some common quips are as follows: "I'm sick of being ghosted by recruiters." "You can email a recruiter or drop them a message on LinkedIn, but don't hold your breath for you'll never get a response." "I never bother with recruiters, they've never been helpful. I managed to get all my jobs without a recruiter." "All recruiters really care about is their commission." But as a marketer having worked within a global FTSE listed recruitment company for six years, I know very well that there's more to the story. There are recruiters, and then there are talented recruiters who are smart, professional and genuinely driven to help companies meet and hire the best candidates in the market. And I personally know many such recruiters. Possibly topping the list is Devanjali Rishi, Director - Executive Recruitment at Michael Page. Currently based in New York, Devanjali, became the company's first intern to progress to Director level in the MEA region. Sit back but listen closely, because how often do you get to hear straight from a recruiter on all things jobs, careers, interviews and more... this episode has me interviewing Devanjali on: What a career in recruitment is like and who makes the perfect recruiter Responding to misconceptions around recruitment companies Navigating hiring freezes during recessionary environments The biggest hiring mistakes companies make Keys to sourcing the right talent in a sea of applications Advice to job seekers feeling overwhelmed How the recruitment industry has evolved to being more inclusive Managing teams and nurturing young talent Follow Devanjali's career on LinkedIn My podcast is also available on YouTube and Apple Podcasts . If you liked this episode, drop me a 5-star rating and share it with your friends. See you next time, and meanwhile, keep making things happen!

October 5, 2024Episode 546 min

Ep 5. Rebecca How: An Executive Coach who Moonlights as a Standup Comedian

It’s been a while since my last episode… four months to be precise. Well, I’ve been busy ‘making things happen’ as I settle into a new job and home after a relocation. That brings me to presenting the next episode of my podcast. Grab a coffee and spend the next 40+ minutes listening to my chat with Rebecca How. She recently started her own company called How Consulting where through targeted coaching and training, she helps businesses unlock their employees’ potential and performance. What’s remarkable about Rebecca is that she has reinvented her career multiple times, often of her own volition. And she has successfully done so transitioning across different functions and sectors - from law to learning and development - as she identified opportunities at critical junctures. You’ll hear about how confidence and self-belief powered her multiple pivots and helped her thrive in varied roles. If you’re looking for tips on switching careers, or simply want to hear how Rebecca makes things happen in life and work, this episode is for you. Follow her journey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-how-coaching101/Check out her website: How Consulting: https://www.how-consulting.com/ My podcast is also available on ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ . If you liked this episode, drop me a 5-star rating and share it with your friends. See you next time, and meanwhile, keep making things happen!

May 28, 2024Episode 456 min

Ep 4. Asim Burney: A Man at the Intersection of Bollywood, Podcasting and Market Research

I'm excited to introduce to you my next guest, Asim Burney, a multi-hyphenate. He's the Founder and Managing Director of Digital Age Research , a London-based market research company with a client portfolio including brands like BBC, Microsoft and Nestle. As a South Asian with roots in Pakistan and Europe, Asim's lived experiences and passion for inclusivity have him to launch his second venture - Qulture Qanvas , a new agency specializing in the research of ethnic minorities. My conversation with Asim begins by exploring his upbringing in Belgium, his experience working across Europe, and then flows into how he bid adieu to his stable job to shape his love for research into an entrepreneurial adventure. We also talk about the cost of underinvesting in learning about your market and understand Asim's art of selling, and selling well. But like I said before, Asim is a multi-hyphenate, what with millions of listeners of his popular show ' Khadaan - The Bollywood Podcast '. It's a nostalgic deep-dive of the movies of the three famous Khan actors: Amir, Shah Rukh and Salman. It's how I came to know Asim. He tells me about the interesting genesis of his podcast and how his decade's worth of podcasting experience has helped him become a stronger communicator, a critical skill in running his two companies. So, I'll leave you to enjoy my chat with Asim, a clear ace at... making things happen. Follow Asim's work here: Qulture Qanvas | Digital Age Research Khandaan - A Bollywood Podcast ( Apple | Instagram | Patreon )

April 12, 2024Episode 347 min

Ep 3. Agni Skafidas: She's Putting the Heart Back into HR

Would you like to meet a no-nonsense HR leader? Let me introduce you to Agni Skafidas. Agni is an HR director with 20 years of experience and a 'roll-up your sleeves' and 'get things done' mindset. It's what I love about her, and why I wanted to interview her on my podcast. Currently the People Director for two German companies by Tinsa, a Spanish real estate firm, Agni has formerly worked in HR roles with brands such as Delivery Hero, Olam Group, Emirates and Rockwell Collins. With experience leading high performing teams across Europe, U.S., UK and the Middle East, she brings a holistic and sustainable approach to her function. Apart from having been a part time lecturer in Germany and the UAE, Agni is also an executive coach and is currently mastering her woodworking craft. Let's listen to how she makes (so many) things happen!

March 24, 2024Episode 247 min

Ep 2. Stephen King: Learning Never Ends, Even for Lecturers

A university lecturer, podcast host, digital magazine curator, saxophone player and entrepreneur, you want to hear Steve’s advice on how he goes about making things happen. Steve (Stephen King) is the professor I never had but wish I did. He's a Senior Lecturer at the Middlesex UniversityDubai where he is the academic lead on the BA (Hon) Advertising, PR and Branding programme. After almost a decade working in the PR industry, he landed a teaching job at the University, and thank God for that, for Steve is a wonderful professor making the learning experience for his students engaging and impactful. He has coached many of his students to victoryat industry awards and competitions and has also undertaken a study to propagate how awards can be integrated into the course curriculum. Steve is a constant learner, so of course A.I. piqued his curiosity, so much so, that he did an interesting experiment which culminated into a research report . And somewhere between working, learning, doing and playing, Steve and his partner have launched their new business venture based on inclusion. Here's hoping you enjoy watching and learning from this interesting and fun episode.