This Wasn't In The Manual Co
This Wasn't In The Manual Co
Podcast Description
We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes of personal growth, career transitions, and cultural adaptation, with episodes focusing on relatable topics such as managing performance anxiety, the pitfalls of entrepreneurship, and redefining personal identity. Specific episodes include conversations with guests like Faraz Ali on designing confidence and Nimrah Khan on the leap from a 9-5 job to entrepreneurship.
We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds.
Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for.
That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for.
We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier.
Follow along, we’re just getting started.
New Episode Every Monday
Information about about the Hosts:
Anam Amin
Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is.
Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between.
Ksenia Alekseeva
Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing.
Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap.
My motto? Say yes to the unknown.
It’s gotten me into trouble.
It’s opened the right doors.
And eventually… it led to this podcast.
Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.
Motherhood, tech, and personal growth intersect in this inspiring conversation with Nawal. She openly discusses how becoming a mother reshaped her definition of career success, highlighting the cultural realities faced upon returning from maternity leave. Nawal shares practical insights from establishing a supportive “Returning to Work” program at her workplace, emphasizing empathy, structure, and advocacy. The episode concludes with valuable coaching techniques, teaching listeners the essential art of active listening through three transformative levels. It’s an authentic, empowering talk about balancing life’s big roles while remaining true to yourself.
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YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thiswasntinthemanualco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thiswasntinthemanualco/
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