Humans of Telecom

"One of my guiding principles in life is a quote by the famous Roman philosopher Seneca 'Many discoveries are reserved for ages still to come'... Be bold and stay curious!" Jason Bryan, CEO at ROCCO Group, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of Telecom.In this enriching episode, Jason shares the incredible journey of a man who has truly lived the telecom industry — and lived across the world while doing so!

"I tend not to live in regret, because I truly believe every life experience helps shape who we are today."— Tina Donaldson, VP Strategy at netnumber, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of TelecomIn this captivating episode, Tina — an early innovator in the world of 'platform communications' — shares how a chance encounter at her mother's charity baseball game and a lost bet led her into the world of telecom!She walks us through a remarkable career that includes pioneering work like enabling text and voice capabilities for phone numbers in Google Cloud, helping birth a new era of messaging that went beyond mobile numbers. After holding leadership roles at heavyweights like Google and Twilio, Tina has come full circle and is now leading the charge in redefining how the industry can trust phone numbers across networks.A firm believer in the power of 'human connection', Tina opens up about her life beyond telecom — including managing a modest count of five children, her newfound love for floristry, and her surreal experience meeting Mother Teresa, who even tried recruiting her to the Missionaries of Charity! And yes, she still plans to visit Antarctica one day!

"If I had the power, I'd make the day 48 hours long — just to dive deeper into my passions and build even stronger human connections!” Daniel Kurgan, CEO at Arelion, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Founder of Humans of Telecom.In this engaging episode, Daniel reminisces his journey in telecom which spans over 25 years. Starting as an account manager and rising to top leadership role of CEO and Chairman, Daniel has an extremely inspiring story to share, which includes his days of overseeing the JV between Proximus Group, Swisscom and MTN leading to the formation of what we now know as BICS!Though originally from Belgium, Daniel now calls the vibrant city of Stockholm as his 'new home' from where he steers the ship of Arelion with vision and passion! Daniel is a true epitome of work-life balance, which includes his deep love for sports, movies and reading French literature! A national-level competitive bridge player, Daniel also excelled in tennis, table tennis, and field hockey during his youth! Not only that, his love for skiing in the Alpines has led to over two cumulative years on the slopes... and Daniel is far from done!Tune in to this super-inspiring episode on your preferred podcast channel and follow Humans of Telecom for more!

"Few people can say they've explored over 50 countries, earned 10 million Google views, and built a thriving career in one of the world's most dynamic industries. There's more to me than meets the eye!” Romina Kaboorani, Director at G729, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this engaging episode, Romina — a powerhouse in the telecom industry with nearly a decade of experience — shares her fascinating journey. Starting her career in the Middle East, her path took an unexpected turn after an encounter with Fernando Espada Alonso in Europe, which led her to Spain. There, she now leads a thriving team that began with just three members. As the Director at G729, Romina is respected for her leadership, strategic vision, and ability to inspire those around her. Her social media reflects a storybook wanderlust, filled with breathtaking landscapes and historic sites from around the world. Yet, beyond these images, her journey is one of determination, curiosity, and growth. She was recently ranked as one of the most influential female leaders in telecom at the Antonio Meucci Global Telco Awards. A lifelong learner with two master's degrees, she constantly seeks new horizons in her field. Beyond her professional achievements, Romina is deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare initiatives for children in need. Known for her positive energy and ability to seamlessly balance leadership demands, extensive travel, and a zest for life, Romina is truly an inspiring figure in the industry.

"From freelancing as an entertainment writer to becoming the editor of Capacity Magazine, my journey has been anything but ordinary!" Matthew Whalley, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Ilex Content Strategies, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this engaging episode, Matthew takes us on a journey through his life—from growing up in Vancouver to making his way to London, where a life-changing phone call at a club set him on a new path. He reflects on the rich blend of Canadian, Italian, and Japanese influences that shape his identity and shares his passion for collecting vintage vinyl records from every corner of the world, especially when he's out at events around the world! And if life had taken a different turn, he might have pursued a career as a Michelin-star chef! Matthew leaves us with a fitting mantra for life: an Italian quote that says, "It's better to die of drink than of thirst," capturing his adventurous spirit and zest for new experiences! Tune in to this episode right now on your preferred podcast channel and follow Humans of Telecom for more!

"I would want to be remembered as someone who didn't 'give crumbs'... To quote from a poem - joy was not made to be a crumb!" – Anzelle Robertson, Programme Director at Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF). In this engaging episode, Anzelle – an expert in Mobile Payments and Digital Content – recounts her unexpected start at a law firm specializing in road accident claims. Passionate about public speaking from childhood, she initially pursued law, but a new brief from her principle attorney brought telecom on her radar! A national cricket champion, Anzelle is a 'Jill of all trades' with interests in a medley of areas that include surfing, mountain biking, golfing and playing the guitar! Also, a self-proclaimed 'raging introvert', Anzelle shares highlights from the road that led her from a bushveld farm in South Africa's rural North-West Province, via the continent's richest square mile in Johannesburg, with stops at skateparks and cricket fields, New York's Broadway, being airlifted from Mobile World Congress Barcelona and running laps around the Emirates all the way to The Hague in Netherlands!

"A chance encounter thanks to a previous part-time job at a souvenir shop led to my entry into telecom... And there's been no looking back since!" Vladimir Smal, Co-Founder & CEO at AVISO Messaging, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this insightful episode, Vladimir - one of ROCCO IOO's top 25 influential professionals globally - shares his unique journey which began at a young age of 17. It was a seemingly random encounter that opened the doors to the world of Voice and Messaging, setting him on a path that would define his career. Vladimir reflects on his emotional departure from LANCK Telecom after 15 years, a company where he grew professionally and personally. He also discusses the challenges of transitioning from Voice to Messaging, a move that tested his resilience and adaptability! Coming from a family of four children, Vladimir shares an intriguing story about his birth and the special connection he shares with his father, from where he got his name. In a romantic twist, Vladimir reveals how he eventually married his ex-classmate, adding a personal touch to his narrative. A true explorer at heart, Vladimir has traveled to 60 countries, enriching his life with diverse experiences and cultures!

"I have always believed that the voyage through life is more important than the destination... Experiencing and conquering the most difficult obstacles enriches us with wisdom, knowledge and maturity!" Nassia Skoulikariti, Founder & CEO at Apiro Data, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this exciting episode, Nassia takes us through her remarkable journey from Greece to USA, and now the UK, with nearly three decades of experience in the telecom industry. Starting her career by 'figuring things out' at iBASIS, Nassia has since held prominent positions at Global Telco Consult (GTC) and the Mobile Ecosystem Forum, as well has started her own venture. Throughout her career, her dedication and insights have cemented her status as a thought leader, even earning her the recognition of 'LinkedIn Top Voice' in the telecom space! Nassia even recites a captivating poem during the podcast, encapsulating her life's philosophy of 'enjoying the journey'. She is a strong advocate for 'humanizing technology', believing that the true power of innovation lies in connecting people. But her interests go beyond the telecom world - Nassia is a versatile painter, a gadget enthusiast, an avid kickboxer, and a biker at heart! And to top it off, she's done some extraordinary things, including flying a helicopter and even working in a Hollywood movie!

"From trading Pokémon stickers in elementary school to revolutionizing the industry with my current startup, life has truly come a long way!" Adis Ceman, Co-Founder & COO at GramBell, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this amazing conversation, Adis shares his rich blend of cultural experiences: born in Croatia to Montenegrin parents, holding a Bosnian passport, growing up in Egypt, and now based in Dubai. His career journey is as diverse as his background, beginning with early business acumen gained through trading Pokémon stickers, moving into technology by working in an IT hardware store, and even exploring the arms and weapons industry! Adis' creative flair shines through in his current venture, which was recognized as the 'Most Innovative Startup in 2023' by industry body GSMA. A passionate photographer, he fulfilled his dream of owning a professional camera through various odd jobs, and that combined with his love for hiking helps him now reconnect with nature. Adding a thrilling twist, Adis also recounts a gripping story of being held at gunpoint by European armed forces, offering a glimpse into his extraordinary life!

"A conversation with Mountasser Hachem profoundly impacted my career when he asked if my hobby was merely collecting certificates and degrees!" Amira Akra, Product Manager (Messaging) at Vodafone Germany, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Amira shares insights into her Lebanese and German roots, her experience growing up in the Middle East, and her eventual move to Europe. A true technology enthusiast, Amira began her journey with academic pursuits, earning a Master's in Computer & Communication Engineering from Beirut and pursuing a PhD in 5G. As a voracious reader and an 'unplanned mom' who has developed a deep affinity for children, Amira opens up about her life experiences, and also reveals thrilling moments, such as skydiving at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai during her honeymoon and her love for bold hair colors!

"Anger, regret and envy... These are wasted emotions! While I've had my share of ups and downs, life has been a complete blast!" Vinod Kumar, Vice Chairman Everstone Group (former CEO Tata Communications and former CEO Vodafone Business), in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. As Humans of Telecom celebrates a milestone of completing fifty episodes, we welcome an exceptional personality to the hot seat to share his life stories, philosophies, and passions! In this episode, Vinod walks us through his exciting journey of three decades in the telecom space. Having lived and worked in seven countries across Asia, Europe, and America, Vinod's entry into telecom wasn't premeditated. In his younger days, he aspired to do 'something international' and nearly joined the FMCG sector instead of telecom. However, destiny had different plans for him, and he eventually went on to steer some of the most well-known telecom companies, including Tata Communications and Vodafone Business. Amongst other things, Vinod reminisces about some of his milestone moments, including when Tata Communications entered the 'Leader' category in the coveted Gartner Magic Quadrant! Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vinod has some intriguing personal traits, which include grooving to Sufi music in the gym during his intense workout sessions as well as learning the Spanish language currently. Ironically, despite his magnetic stage presence, he claims to be an introvert and shares his secret sauce that lets him transform into the personality that we're more familiar with! Finally, Vinod talks about his love for the outdoors, team sports, and speed, which he manages well through his passion for skiing and playing polo!

"I always dreamed of starting something of my own. What I manage today is a true extension of my passion!" says Wida Schmidt, Co-Founder of Carrier Community, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Wida shares her journey from being born in Afghanistan and raised in Russia to settling in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany today. Wida began her telecom career as a customer service representative in Frankfurt, Germany and has since had an intriguing career path that led to partnering with Andreas Hipp in London and forming a highly active event and media house, managing a community platform of over 9,000 telco members! Beyond her professional life, Wida has some surprising interests which include grooving to Indian Bollywood music, speaking over five languages, and having a passion for sports, cooking, and gardening. Despite her jet-setting lifestyle, which comes with the territory, Wida has many interesting travel stories to share with our listeners!

"For me, life is all about forging connections. We meet many people on this journey, and through these encounters, we build countless meaningful and impactful relationships," says TJ Thinakaran, Founder and CEO of CasselRoad Consulting, in a conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, TJ — a self-proclaimed 'army brat' — shares his journey from the bustling streets of New Delhi, India, to the sunny landscapes of California, USA. With a name that means 'King of the World,' TJ has indeed made his mark, launching successful ventures, advising multiple organizations as a board member, holding C-suite positions, and even serving as a lecturer. Beyond his professional achievements, TJ is passionate about yoga, which has led to some interesting encounters, including practicing alongside 'Scent of a Woman' actress Gabrielle Anwar and meeting his life partner, who was then his yoga instructor! TJ also recounts intriguing stories about founding EZ Texting with his college friends, making his first full-time offer to a man twice his age (and the ensuing events), and his remarkable experience of sleeping through an emergency landing on a flight without realizing it!

"If I could revisit my past, I'd go back to school and train to become a teacher, because this profession empowers humans to have a powerful impact on the community around them!" Nadia Habsatou, Project Engineer at Camtel Cameroon in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Nadia shares her multifaceted identity beyond the realm of telecommunications. Notably, she is the founder of a weekend school dedicated to nurturing children's power skills, such as collaboration, innovation, and creative thinking, while instilling values of peaceful coexistence in a diverse community. Additionally, Nadia actively supports NGOs aiding displaced children in accessing education, particularly in the remote northern region of Cameroon. Nadia's remarkable journey includes her selection for the prestigious "TechWomen Program", an initiative of the US Department, where she fervently champions the empowerment of women in her community. Through this platform, she passionately combats imposter syndrome, inspiring women to pursue their dreams with confidence and resilience. A mother of four, Nadia embodies a wealth of roles: an authentic leader, a relentless learner, a visionary thinker, and an ardent advocate for unleashing human potential. Her tireless efforts are driven by a profound commitment to fostering excellence and empowerment in all she encounters.

"We don't choose our orientation, but it's crucial for all of us to accept who we are and whom we love!" Carlos Aragon, Senior Director Product Marketing at Vonage, shares his sentiments in a conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. As Pride Month unfolds worldwide, Humans of Telecom engages with an inspiring individual whose life and career are anchored in authenticity and a profound belief in the power of love! In this episode, Carlos offers insights into his journey, dispelling misconceptions surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community and overcoming barriers that sometimes hindered his career progression. With unwavering love and authenticity, he navigates through challenges, fostering personal growth and professional success! Carlos also reflects on the cyclical nature of life, from his beginnings at Ericsson to his current role at Vonage (an Ericsson company), which has ties to his past. He shares unexpected experiences, from culinary adventures with snails, crickets, and grasshoppers to his passions for sci-fi and virtual piracy. Additionally, he reminisces about his time as a Spanish national TV celebrity, adding vibrant layers to his multifaceted story!

"Everything we do should have a purpose... Each day is a chance to make a small difference and leave the world a little brighter than we found it!" Tamara AL Bakri, Head of Roaming & Carrier Services at Vodafone Qatar in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this captivating episode, Tamara recounts her remarkable journey, originating from a family steeped in the medical profession in Jordan. Despite this familial backdrop, Tamara courageously forged her own path within the telecommunications realm, finding her niche at Umniah. As her ambitions soared, she embraced new horizons, transitioning to the vibrant and culturally rich Vodafone Group, nestled in Qatar – a place she now affectionately refers to as her 'second home'. With nearly 20 years of invaluable experience in the telecom industry under her belt, Tamara is a seasoned professional and on the ROCCO list of Top 25 most influential professionals. Juggling her demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood to her 'army of 3 boys', she remains tirelessly dedicated. Yet, amidst her bustling schedule, Tamara finds joy in pursuing a myriad of passions. From experimenting with diverse international cuisines in her kitchen to constantly revamping the interiors of her home, she embodies creativity in every aspect of her life. Not content with her achievements thus far, Tamara is also on the brink of releasing her debut book, a testament to her unwavering determination and multifaceted talents.

"I attribute a great deal of my success to the incredible coaches and mentors who have guided me along the way. If there's one thing I aspire to do, it's to pay forward that same level of support and guidance to those in my community!" Scott Warner, Director of Emerging Services at S and BTS in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this episode, Scott guides us through his decade-long journey in the telecom space, highlighting how life took a surprising turn when an unexpected job recommendation for Tyntec prompted his relocation from his native UK to Munich. A proponent of pursuing multiple passions, Scott enjoys immersing himself in his love for beer, sports, and coaching the local rugby team. Recognized as a true "man of the industry," he meticulously integrates his experiences from the month into his highly successful newsletter "Month in Telecoms." Lastly, Scott unveils a lesser-known secret about the 'Terminator' aspect of his personality, revealing that half of his face is made out of metal!

"I don't believe in the term 'work-life balance', for me it is all LIFE... No matter what you do, if you do it with passion, you ultimately achieve success!" Lilia Yeghiazaryan, Co-Founder & CEO at Dexatel in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this episode, Lilia walks us through her journey which started with a job in finance domain in Armenia all the way to becoming a flourishing CPaaS leader based in Estonia now. We also witness her never-say-die attitude that has earned her a position amongst the most influential women in business in Europe, winning her the Gold Globee Award for being the Female Executive of the Year as well as the Stevie Women in Business Award in 2021. And finally, Lilia walks us through other facets of her life which include her professional musical education in playing the piano (that was a serious career option for her!) as well as her love for skiing, yoga and meditation which help her focus on the positives of life!

"One of my biggest learnings in life... Take care of your people and let the people take care of the business!" Budi Purba, Chief Executive Officer at TELIN in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this episode, we feature one of the most respected and loved CEOs within our telecom fraternity! Pak Budi shares about his humble beginnings of growing up in a small village in North Sumatra, walking 5 km every day to get to school and, finally, receiving a scholarship from the Telkom group for higher studies in Australia. A truly versatile personality, Pak Budi is the quintessential 'lifelong learner' who lives his passions of being a singer, guitarist, dancer and even a soccer player! While he claims to be an introvert and sometimes gets nervous about speaking in public, Pak Budi's never-say-die attitude has made him an extremely inspirational leader for his team and all those who get an opportunity to cross paths with him!

"I call telecom the 'Club of Lost Souls' because we have such fabulous people in this industry who come from different walks of life and have such varied interests!" Gagun Gahir, Head of Enterprise Sales (Europe) at Telstra in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Revenue Officer (Enterprise) at GMS. In this episode, Gagun walks us through her rich African-Indian heritage, her early ambitions of becoming a journalist or a lawyer, and how her journey in the world of telecom has now spanned three continents! She gives us an inside preview into the passions that drive her life, why her friends call her a 'jukebox', her undying love for Shakespeare's works and her fondness for all forms of food, wine and champagne! She also throws light on her work in the area of encephalitis after a personal incident with a close family member and, finally, shares a story about her near-miss incident of winning a multi-million lottery!

"My childhood entailed growing in a post civil-war era in Lebanon with no cellular network... That enticed me into the world of telecom!" Tony Jamous, Co-Founder and CEO at Oyster in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Tony walks us through his journey which started in Lebanon all the way upto Cyprus now, creating ripples in the telecom and CPaaS industry with Nexmo and now shifting focus towards creating a global talent pool via Oyster, which he strongly believes is the future competitive edge for every organization! He also shares glimpses of his tryst with playing the guitar, raising three amazing children and celebrating two birthdays every year with an open invitation to all listeners to join the celebrations in Cyprus!

"I'm passionate about marketing and building brave brands - more than a 9-5 job, it's also an avenue to express my creativity and create business impact!" Gwen Lafage, Vice President Marketing, Global Brand and Content at Sinch in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Gwen walks us through her journey and experience of entering the world of CPaaS. A die-hard marketing aficionado, Gwen is originally from Paris, but worked all over the world, even owned an art gallery in San Francisco and is now settled in Atlanta. Beyond her profession, Gwen talks about her love for her plants, playing board games with her son and eating half a bar of dark chocolate every day!

"While Mobilesquared started fifteen years ago more as a 'lifestyle thing', we've evolved into a fully fledged data business with the best yet to come (watch out for some BIG news next year)!" Hear the dynamic duo of the messaging space - Nick Lane, Founder and Chief Messaging Officer and Jo Lane, Client Services & Communications Director at Mobilesquared in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Humans of Telecom gets an opportunity to bring this awesome twosome together on the same platform for the first time and delves deeper into their journey of falling in love thirty years ago, charting their own careers, and eventually launching a venture together! Two very diverse personalities, Nick is a leading authority in the messaging space and a passionate golfer, who brings the 'big picture' to the table, while Jo works diligently behind the scenes to execute plans for their company and, at home, indulges her hobby for all things interior design! Nick is also an ardent Star Wars aficionado and a football fan, and his love for Thierry Henry leads to naming his son after the legend! While they keep their partner status low-key within the messaging industry, we can expect to see this couple make a joint appearance very soon at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2024!

"I never thought this could happen with me... But I now live my second life to the fullest!" In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Humans of Telecom presents the story of Pinder Takhar, Director Product Marketing at Kaleyra in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Pinder acts as a beacon of positivity as she walks us through the highs and lows of her life and her recent victory over breast cancer, the drama that entails in growing up in UK with a family having roots in India, her passion for new experiences such as community choir singing and Tai Chi Gong and, finally, her reflections on two decades in the telecom industry which has included witnessing multiple rounds of acquisitions and change of guards by industry heavyweights such as Sinch, Kaleyra and Tata Communications!

"Life is all about passion... Whether it is in sports or education, what matters to me is the legacy I leave behind for future generations!" Pablo Mlikota, Senior Vice President International Mobility at Etisalat UAE in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, we uncover the various facets of Pablo (way too many to uncover in a single episode)! He is a professional martial artist who nearly made it to the Olympics, a professional goalkeeper in his youth, a motorcycle enthusiast, a private pilot (with a dream to fly his family around the US country-side) and even a radio show host! While he was born in a small town in Argentina with a family background in the agriculture industry, he chose to pave his own path by entering in the telecom space in the coveted AT&T Young Professional Leadership Programme and has now become a global citizen!

"It has been nearly two decades at Telenor Linx for me and this telecom community is now more than a family!" Maria Öbrink, Head of Sales at Telenor Linx in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Maria joins us from the Nordic lands of Stockholm and walks us through her journey of transitioning from a drab job of selling Yellow Pages to entering our industry through IDT. Destiny had telecom written in her fate when she branched into a mundane life of renting storage space after being laid off Carrier1 but unexpectedly got invited to join Deutsche Telekom within an hour after quitting her job! Maria reveals how her personal life revolves around constantly maintaining the right 'tone of voice' and body language after her mother suffered a stroke and her daughter deals with an intellectual functional disorder. And finally, she talks about blowing off steam through her passion for fitness, listening to podcasts and being the undefeated arm wrestler ever since elementary school!

"While my roots lie in Tuscany in Italy, I consider myself a global citizen with a family of friends and industry colleagues spread around the world!" Dario Betti, Chief Executive Officer at Mobile Ecosystem Forum in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, you shall hear the honest confessions of a CEO, as Dario spills the beans in a chat with his 'Board Member Anurag', demystifying his role as the leader of one of the most successful industry associations in the Telecom and CPaaS space, how his childhood passion of media and interactivity metamorphosized into a career in telecom, his experiences of working in drastically different cultures of Myanmar and Russia, his love for LEGO and, finally, his night club escapades as a dancer, DJ and entertainer!

"I take immense pride in my rich heritage of descending from the Maasai warriors and Kikuyu people of Kenya!" Wangeci Kanjama, Director Partnerships at M-PESA Africa in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Wangeci shares her interests in finance which led to her entry in Safaricom, how she has seen the company, country and continent grow through various events including taking Safaricom public in 2008, helping proliferate accessible internet in Africa through subsea cable connectivity, running the wholesale business unit at Safaricom and driving towards double-digit growth and now creating a One-M-PESA ecosystem across 8 countries in Africa! She also introduces us to her nickname 'Speedy Gonzales', how she gains life lessons while attending funerals and, finally, her experience of ranking as #1 in ROCCO's 2020 report of the most influential persons in the telecom space!

"In my youth, I studied law and dreamt of becoming a judge... but life had other plans!" Uku Tomikas, CEO & Managing Partner at Messente Communications, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Uku walks us through his diverse and multi-faceted journey entailing starting as a waiter and performer, moving onto becoming a platoon commander in the army, shifting gears into running a seafood business, further becoming a high school gym instructor, and finally entering the world of CPaaS and telecom where he has climbed the ladder to the top through his dedication and hard work! He also shares his stories about his acting stint at the Estonian National Opera as well as his two near-death experiences of drowning and getting hit by a bus!

"At a point in my life, my daily work routine entailed crossing an enclosure of monkeys and working with elephants at a zoo!" Cheryl Ruck, Associate Director at Expand Group, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Cheryl walks us through her experiences of touching lives as a leading telecom recruiter, her marriage to a national sports champion, her telco veteran mother's decade-long journey of teaching children in China and, finally, her mantra of living life with lightness and joy, uplifting others through the infectious smile on her face!

"I'm the son of a psychoanalyst and a psychology teacher... I thrive on every opportunity to interact with people and that's what I love about this industry!" Patrick George, Group Chief Strategy Officer at iBASIS, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Patrick talks about his experience of working with his first boss - a Belgian astronaut who went to space in the space shuttle 'Atlantis', his passion for music and his performance as part of the professional orchestra in a touring opera , how he met his wife during his time at BICS and, finally, about his turning point in life when he joined hands with Alexandre Pébereau to acquire iBASIS from KPN and Altice International Wholesale from Altice Group (all in a matter of four days in 2017!) leading to a journey of 7 acquisitions till date, including the recent addition of DIMOCO Messaging!

"I might appear very strong, independent and business-like in conferences, however, beneath that lies my human side of being a very delicate and sensitive individual!" Sarah Barakat, Deputy Director Operator Partnerships at Monty Mobile, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sarah walks us through her journey of growing up in a controlled yet pampered environment with four brothers, how life got impacted for her family when the Beirut blast of 2020 took place, her experience of signing her first deal in 2017 and, finally, how she chanced into Monty Mobile through an unexpected encounter and hasn't looked back since!

“Throughout my career journey, I have focused on creating lasting bonds and meaningful connections with friends and colleagues" says Anthony Bartolo, Chief Operating Officer at Bandwidth, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Anthony gives us a glimpse of how his life took many unexpected turns... Whether it was growing up in Australia wondering if he would ever leave his homeland but eventually living the world over, or when he thought he was in his “perfect retirement company” but ended up changing careers and conquering his fear of leaving the 'good for the better'. He also shares his secret for recharging so both his family and work lives stay energized. And finally, Anthony shares his unexpected and jaw-dropping experience of being the “attending physician” at the birth of his daughter – on April Fool's Day no less!

"I believe the essence of humanity lies in spirituality, being grounded and living in the moment!" Sinziana Dulama, Marketing Manager at ZARIOT, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sinzy walks us through her journey across Romania, UK and Spain, her multi-faceted background of being a Radio Host, an Assistant Producer in a TV Show, an events manager and even a wedding planner! She talks passionately about the experience of releasing the Cellusys Cookbook along with Dawood Ghalaieny, her fear of bicycles as well as her skills in taking off a 2-seater airplane (albeit with limited knowledge of how to make it land)!

"When I'm not around anymore, I'd like the world to remember me for my energy and the inspiration I created through my work... even my failures!" Waheed Adam, Executive Chairperson at iTouch and Global Board Member at Mobile Ecosystem Forum, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Waheed walks us through his multi-cultural ethnic mix, his accidental entrepreneurial journey into telecom, his zest for dancing and living life to the fullest and, finally, how his daughter keeps him wrapped around her little finger!

"I have once convinced a mugger to return my purse... THAT is the power of words!" Annabel Helm, Managing Director at ITW Global Leaders' Forum and BroadGroup, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Annabel walks us through her diverse origins and personal events that have 'matured' her over the years, her professional journey and a tryst with the Imposter Syndrome, her tireless love for literature, her experience of hobnobbing with the who's who of the telecom world and, finally, even about her illegal trespass into Brazil! (PS: Statute of Limitations applies!

"While I've made my impact and contribution in the telecom space, I now aspire to continue the legacy of my parents to bring a smile on the faces of special people around me!" Obaid Rahman, Head of Wholesale at Axiata Group, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Obaid opens up about his journey spanning across four continents, the challenges he faced throughout, interesting experiences including an incident of being mistakenly held at gunpoint by cops in San Francisco and - most importantly - his passion for racing and cigars! PS: He also reveals the existence of a 'Clandestine Cigar Club' within the telecom industry, and how other aficionados can join the group!

"Having battled and successfully won over a life-threatening cancer, I now dedicate my professional journey to enriching the lives of all others around me!" Reuma Halal Shibi, Founder and CEO at Pair Recruitment, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Reuma talks about her second life and how she lives it to the fullest... Whether it is being "the queen of the snappers", sharpening her golf skills or simply being the mom to a Formula 2 driver, Reuma does it all!

"This is yet another new beginning for Kaleyra in a constantly evolving world!" Dario Calogero, Founder and CEO at Kaleyra, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Dario shares his emotions after the recently announced acquisition of Kaleyra by Tata Communications, his passion for sailing, his love for cycling and his zest for entrepreneurship!

"When I sold my first entrepreneurial venture, it was a life-changing experience at many levels... Amongst other things, my wife Bruna publicly congratulated me on LinkedIn for the first time! While the world has changed a lot in the last two decades, and it's easier now to be from the LGBTQIA+ community, there are still many challenges to conquer and mindsets to evolve!" As the world witnesses yet another successful and amazing Pride month across the globe, Stephanie Fleury, Entrepreneur and Diversity Advocate and Bruna Infurna, Head of Global Strategic Accounts Latin America at LinkedIn get into conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Stephanie and Bruna delve into their journey of self-discovery, the trials they faced, and the triumphs they have celebrated together! They highlight a few of the many initiatives they're undertaking in their respective fields to further the inclusiveness movement and also talk about their other first-love... Italy!"

"Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with my dear friend Giovanni Benini has helped me achieve a sense of satisfaction and immense freedom!" José García, CEO at Global Telco Consult (GTC), in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, José talks about how he started his messaging career with Tyntec and kickstarted his own venture when he saw a clear unserviced demand in the CPaaS market, his experience of sharing beers with an Oscar winner, and also his childhood escapades of lizard hunting!

"I have been held at gunpoint whilst in a taxi in London!" Sarah Keller, Chief Global Enterprise Officer at Global Message Services, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sarah gets into her fun element and walks us through her journey of difficult bosses, the art of fencing, dealing with the Imposter Syndrome, and even her experience of getting bitten by a poisonous spider in Australia! If her stories leave you wanting for more, and if you're in London this week, you can catch this amazing human at Capacity Media's Messaging & SMS World 2023!

"At one stage in my career, I have seen more of my industry friends around the globe, than my own family...!" Sergio Rodrigues, Commercial Director at Annecto Telecom, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Sergio shares how he was introduced to the world of CPaaS by Kuba Rusztowicz at JT Group Limited, how it's like having a South African mom, Portuguese dad, Swiss grandfather and German tutelage, and how boxing is now helping him tide over his frustrations!

"I have once been detained in Gabon for 15 hours... An Army Officer had to intervene to have me released...!" Nikki Popoola, Sales Director West Africa at WIOCC, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode, Nikki recounts some of her roller-coaster tales from the African continent, how it feels to emerge victorious in a battle against breast cancer and what it is like being a truly outspoken Nigerian!

"For me, career implies 'LEGACY'... As I leave TELIN and move ahead, I hope that I have left my mark on the business and am remembered for it!" Nicholas Soo, ex-Senior Vice President at TELIN, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. As Nich exits out of TELIN after a stellar stint in the company, he gives us a glimpse of what has been his secret sauce for achieving breakthroughs in his career, how he keeps himself in shape through Pilates and also how he narrowly escaped a bomb blast during one of his official visits abroad!

"Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones is a powerful character I aspire to emulate!" Luanna Luna, Senior Sales Executive at China Mobile International (UK), in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode Luanna gives us a glimpse of growing up in the exotic and sunny country Brazil, what she finds most exciting about the world of CPaaS and how she creates her meditative space by solving jigsaw puzzles!

"A single hour at an Expo changed my entire life and career trajectory!" Kevin Nethercott, Managing Partner at CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode Kevin walks us through his times in the land of the rising sun Japan, living the life of a COWBOY with his Grandpa at the cattle ranches in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and his philosophy behind creating the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance.

"My childhood ambition was to become a ballerina! I came close enough by becoming a high caliber figure skater!" Isabelle Paradis, Founder and President at HOT TELECOM, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode Isabelle talks about how she has been a disruptor all her life and pushed boundaries, how she stumbled into telecom via Teleglobe (now Tata Communications) and how life compares between growing up in Montreal and now handling British humor in UK!

"I literally cried when my first potential customer withdrew his order! With creditors on my back, parents unable to understand my career choices and no clear revenue streams in my business, things didn't seem too promising..." Sam Chiwanda, Founder and CEO at Click Mobile, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this episode Sam talks about the numerous obstacles he faced to keep his (now ever-growing!) business alive, how David Vigar threw a lifeline by placing an unbelievable massive first-order and how it felt to be amongst the Top 10 ROCCO IOO most influential telecom executives worldwide!"

"Hailing from a small town in India, it is my dream to support underprivileged girls in their quest for education and sustainable careers and (Godwilling!) some day feature in the Forbes 40-under-40 list as well!" Pallavi Kudtarkar, Executive Director at Globe Teleservices, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. This episode brings us the story of an individual who has truly shattered the glass ceiling in every way possible and forged a journey that has left many around her inspired. A tough-yet-emotional Pallavi shares with us how she stumbled into the telecom space through a chance encounter with Ashutosh Agrawal, what does the word 'family' mean to her and how her first-ever flight experience took her directly to the African safari lands of Kenya!

"It's a great feeling when you work on projects that create real human impact, and I've been fortunate to be a part of many such opportunities! I'd love to be remembered as someone who changed something meaningful for people!" David Vigar, VP & GM at TruSense, a Route Mobile Company, in conversation with Anurag Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Globe Teleservices. In this milestone episode, David discusses about how his three key mentors - Ken Bodiley, Phil Holcombe and Richard Woolhouse - have had a significant impact on his life, how his journey of working with flagship brands Tele2, iBasis, Vonage, Google, Twilio and TruSense has panned out over the last two decades and, finally, how's the experience of raising an upcoming professional footballer!