From Pizza Waiter to Hospitality Mogul: Tony Aalam’s Inspiring Journey

Join us for an exclusive, one-hour conversation with Tony Aalam, a self-made entrepreneur and restaurateur whose journey from a humble waiter at Pizza Pomodoro to a powerhouse in London’s hospitality scene is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tony shares his incredible story of falling in love with hospitality, navigating the VIP nightclub and members’ club circuit in London during the golden era of Peter Stringfellow, and the highs and lows of building a career in one of the world’s toughest industries.

We dive deep into his Iranian roots, his passion for Italian food, and his unshakable belief in the power of making people happy. Tony opens up about the heartbreak of having a successful restaurant taken from him and how he rebuilt himself to rise again as a true icon in the industry.

This episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, personal triumphs, and candid reflections on life at the top of the hospitality game. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of resilience, ambition, and the art of entertaining.

Join us for a conversation with Hadi Partovi. Hadi is an inredicable Tech Leader, Serial Investor of some of the biggest companies in the world such as Facebook, Dropbox, Uber, Airbnb, and the visionary behind Code.org.

He shares his extraordinary journey from a war-torn Tehran to becoming a formidable force in the tech industry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and seizing opportunities.

Hadi's determination to restore his family's legacy dismantled by the Iranian Revolution is nothing short of inspiring, and his global mission to make computer science education accessible is transforming classrooms across the U.S with over 100 million students.

Join us as we sit down with John Parsiani a leading real estate broker and developer who has made waves in Miami’s bustling market.

From his roots in Shiraz, Iran, to the challenges he faced in Sweden, John's journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and success. Listen as he opens up about the glamor of Miami's real estate scene, the hurdles of immigration, and how he sold over $448 million in real estate in 2022, all while staying true to himself and his heritage.

John’s story is a fascinating exploration of cultural integration and identity. We unpack the contrasts between life in Sweden and the United States, and the unique experiences that shaped his professional path. Discover how he maneuvered through the intricacies of different societies, turning obstacles into stepping stones. Tune in for insights on how embracing discomfort and stepping beyond comfort zones can lead to formidable growth and success.

The Persian language save the culture and history of Iranians after the Arab conquests. The Persian language is so significant that it preserved the identity of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Join us as we uncover the profound complexities of the Persian language with our guest, Leyla Shams. This conversation sheds light on how the Iranian diaspora, particularly after 1979, has influenced Western perceptions, and why educating English speakers on this distinction is more significant than it appears.

Discover the dynamic world of franchising with Hossein Kasmai, a trailblazer in the industry who shares his invaluable insights gained from collaborating with over 700 companies. Explore how the franchising landscape has evolved beyond the dominance of fast-food giants to embrace lucrative opportunities in sectors like home services, fitness, and healthcare. Hossein uncovers the secrets to selecting the right franchise opportunity, spotlighting key considerations and red flags aspiring entrepreneurs should watch out for.

Hear how franchising has revolutionized traditional blue-collar industries by integrating sophisticated marketing strategies, providing a structured pathway to business success. We dive into the financial nuances of owning a franchise, discussing liquidity requirements, the role of credit scores, and the strategic benefits of securing loans. Huossein offers an engaging narrative of his entrepreneurial journey, from pioneering technologies to launching a successful child safety identification business, demonstrating the resilience and passion needed for entrepreneurial triumph.

Discover the riveting journey of Dr. Shohreh Ghassemi, an Iranian oral surgeon and human rights advocate, whose story is a testament to resilience and dedication.

From navigating the challenges of immigration and the travel ban to making groundbreaking strides in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Ghassemi's experiences illuminate the perseverance needed to thrive in a male-dominated field. Explore her perspectives on gender equality and the importance of teaching the next generation of surgeons, showcasing how personal grit can lead to professional excellence.

We also explore the cultural nuances of beauty ideals in the Middle East, shedding light on the rising preference for non-invasive cosmetic procedures and female surgeons. The conversation delves into the increasing reliance on safe techniques like fillers and thread lifts, while reflecting on how social media shapes modern beauty standards. By paying homage to timeless icons like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, we celebrate the fusion of personality and charm with physical appearance as the essence of true beauty.

What if you could turn your passion into a thriving career while navigating the challenges of fame and cyberbullying? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Uldouz Wallace, the Iranian-Swedish actress, comedian, and social media influencer, who has captivated millions with her unique blend of humor and authenticity.

Uldouz recounts her journey from studying marketing and advertising in Sweden to discovering her comedic talents in Vancouver, leading to viral success and recognition from industry legends like John Singleton and Marlon Wayans. Listen as she shares the highs and lows of her career, including the battle against typecasting and the emotionally draining experience of cyberbullying. Her insights reveal the often-hidden struggles behind maintaining a massive social media presence and the relentless drive required to stay ahead in the ever-evolving influencer landscape.

Experience the mesmerizing journey of Babak Amini, an Iranian guitarist and composer whose talent and resilience have transcended extraordinary challenges. From his childhood moments picking up a small guitar at age 10 to launching "Blue of the Rain," the first post-revolution guitar album in Iran, Babak's story is a testament to the power of passion against all odds. He recounts the adversities faced during the Iran-Iraq war and the cultural restrictions that couldn't deter his devotion to music, providing a glimpse into the life of an artist who never let go of his dreams.

Babak's evolution as a guitarist is nothing short of remarkable. Listen as he shares his journey from resisting the use of a pick to mastering flamenco , all while drawing inspiration from legends like Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola .

His narrative unfolds with a significant highlight—collaborating with the distinguished guitar luthier Felipe Conde, leading to his very own signature guitar line. Babak's insights into the modern era of musicianship, where technology and diverse skills play a crucial role, offer invaluable lessons for aspiring guitarists.

In our heartfelt conversation, Babak offers sage advice on music, fame, and trust. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing one's unique musical style over chasing quick fame and financial success.