CURATED MIDDLE EAST

Introducing the Curated Conversations Podcast

Curated Middle East is proud to announce the launch of the Curated Conversations podcast series which is dedicated to making insightful, high-value, industry-focused information available to you on the go.

Hosted by Rohma Theunissen and powered by LFHM Middle East and Hall & Partners MENA, Curated Conversations is an extension of the Curated ME brand ethos, which explores the unique elements of the Middle Eastern retail industry and the impact that it has on a global scale. Our episodes will feature some of the region’s most prominent movers and shakers as they share stories, experiences and learnings that address real-life challenges and trending topics to help you navigate all of the changes we face in the industry today.

Real insights, real experts, real conversations.

Find us on the below Podcast directories under 'Curated Conversations':

About the Host: Rohma Theunissen

A graduate of McGill University and Parsons School of Design, Rohma has amassed over a decade of experience in the international luxury fashion industry working for brands such as Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Marchesa, Harvey Nichols, Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia and NET-A-PORTER. With an avid passion for industry and consumer analysis coupled with her love for fashion and retail trends; Rohma is at adept pinpointing the underlying societal and cultural themes that impact the industry on a regional and global scale.

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Episode 3 with Cofounders of MILLE WORLD, Myriam & Sofia

Special Episode: The Power of an Authentically Arab Perspective

“It’s about thinking globally and acting or communicating locally. The consumer knows when [the content] is authentic to them or not. So the more Arabs you are going to hire in your teams, the more creative outlets you will find because it’s a different culture, and they can bring you a completely different narrative.”

In this special episode of Curated Conversations, Rohma Theunissen connects with Sofia Guellaty and Myriam Djelouat, co-founders of the internationally acclaimed Dubai-based, Arab-first, digital luxury publication MILLE World to discuss the significance of the recent #HireMoreArabs movement across GCC, diversity within the Middle Eastern luxury industry & how championing an authentically Arab mindset can further the regional industry and economy on a global scale.

About Myriam Djelouat
Myriam is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MILLE World. She is responsible for creating the MILLE brand identity and executing its marketing and advertising strategy. While working as the CBG MEA Marketing Director for Huawei Technologies, Myriam worked closely with Huawei’s Shenzhen and London hubs to define the company’s global marketing strategy and launched the ‘Fashion Meets Technology’ projects for the Chinese manufacturer. Myriam comes to MILLE with a 15 years Luxury Retail expertise heading the MarComm departments at Hermes Middle East & South East Asia, Versace Jewellery Licensing in China mainland and the APAC region.

About Sofia Guellaty
As Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of MILLE, Sofia’s aim is to create content that truly resonates with the Arab world today. Born and raised in Tunisia, Sofia Guellaty brings her knowledge and passion for Arab culture together on a daily basis. Her career in media and fashion spans over more than 15 years as she began freelancing and styling for major publications since 2005. Her creative universe and brand expertise brought her to work with the biggest names and brands in the industry creating impactful and effective campaigns.

About MILLE World
MILLE is a 360 degree homegrown media brand featuring premium, focused and forward-thinking content in the space of fashion, lifestyle, art and culture. Cultural commentary for the Arab world and their diaspora: MILLE aims to deliver a new approach to regional media consumption, marrying an authentic editorial voice with commercial viability. MILLE will speak to high-net-worth Arab millennials in search of representation, inspiration and disruptive conversation. Omni-channel experiences: The platforms will include a website, collectible print magazine, a video channel, and a special-events strategy that ropes together the creative community in the MENA region. Extended services MILLE will offer a consultancy arm ready to tackle effective ways to reach and win the attention of millennials in the Arab world.

Episode 2 with Executive Director, H&P MENA, Chady Debs

Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on the Middle East & Strategies for Survival

“It’s going to be a very long recovery and we are expecting it to take until the end of 2022 to reach the levels [of profitability] that we had at the end of 2019.”

In this week's episode, Hall & Partners’ MENA Executive Director, Chady Debs, shares insight on the real impact that the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the region from a business and profitability perspective. Chady walks us through the GCC stats and figures and shares the details of how Hall & Partners MENA have pivoted their strategy to adapt to The New Normal.

About Chady Debs

With over 14 years of experience in research consultancy, Chady is now involved in the management of Hall & Partners MENA, part of Omnicom Group. He overlooks the full portfolio of services, which covers brand, content, and communication consultancy and the teams managing a broad roster of businesses. His client experience makes him an expert in media, fashion, automotive, banking and tech among other sectors.

Episode 1 with Curated ME Founder, Judy Daghestani

Deciphering Consumer Mindsets In Today’s Unprecedented Lifestyle

“I think it’s a huge exercise for brands, designers, influencers, consumers – and for people in general – to really slow down and think about what’s important. And this is actually is going to affect their shopping behavior.”

In the inaugural episode of Curated Conversations, we are joined by Curated ME’s founder, Judy Daghestani, who shares her thoughts and insights on the consumer mindset in the post-COVID-19 era and how brands can target each of the key generations that typically form brands’ primary target audiences.

About Judy Daghestani

A Masters graduate of University of Southern California’s MSc Marketing program, Judy Daghestani is the founder of Curated ME and Dubai-based boutique market research and brand development consultancy LFHM Middle East in Dubai. Born and raised in Southern California and having worked for high-profile luxury and retail brands such as Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren & Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols in Dubai, Judy is highly knowledgeable about our inter-cultural, Middle Eastern retail market and holds an avid passion for consumer insights and psychology. Judy partners with ESMOD Fashion Institute in Dubai to teach Luxury Brand Development and also is the Cofounder of EASTWAVE Concept, a virtual pop-up that supports MENA designers reach global audiences.

Groundbreaking Discussions & Insightful Inspiration