Today’s global man is juggling the pressures of work, relationships, and personal aspirations in an ever-connected, fast-paced world. Yet, amidst the grind, wellness often takes a back seat. What does it mean to be truly well in this modern age? This article redefines wellness for men, offering a fresh perspective on balancing physical strength, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
Today’s global man stands at an unprecedented crossroads of challenge and opportunity. The digital revolution has transformed how we work, connect, and perceive ourselves, creating a landscape where personal wellness is both more critical and more complicated than ever before.
Wellness is no longer a simplistic equation of physical fitness or professional success. It’s a multidimensional construct that integrates mental health, emotional intelligence, physical resilience, and spiritual alignment. The modern man must become a holistic architect of his own well-being, consciously crafting strategies that address the interconnected aspects of his life.
Physical Strength: Beyond the Gym
The cornerstone of men’s wellness has long been physical fitness, but the modern approach goes beyond biceps and bench presses. Holistic physical health includes mobility, flexibility, and endurance, alongside traditional strength. Try integrating functional fitness practices like yoga, Pilates, or martial arts to complement weight training. These activities enhance posture, prevent injuries, and increase overall agility—making you not just strong, but adaptable.
Quick Tip: Incorporate active recovery days with stretching or a brisk walk outdoors. It’s a simple yet effective way to build consistency and longevity in your fitness routine.
Mental Clarity: Mastering Focus in a Distracted World
From demanding careers to 24/7 connectivity, distractions are everywhere. Cultivating mental clarity requires intentional habits that create space for focus and calm. Practices like mindfulness meditation, journaling, or even unplugging from technology for a set period daily can sharpen your mental edge.
Neuroscientists suggest that as little as 10 minutes of meditation per day can significantly improve concentration and lower stress levels. Download an app like Insight Timer or Calm to get started.
Emotional Resilience: Breaking the Silence
For generations, men have been conditioned to suppress their emotions, equating vulnerability with weakness. However, true emotional wellness lies in embracing your feelings and building resilience. Open up to trusted friends, consider therapy as a tool for growth, or engage in reflective practices like gratitude journaling.
“Resilience isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about learning how to bounce back stronger,” says Dr. James Carter, a psychologist specializing in men’s health.
Modern wellness transcends individual experience. It’s interconnected with broader societal shifts—challenging traditional masculinity paradigms, recognizing mental health’s importance, and understanding that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
For today’s global man, wellness is a dynamic, personalized journey. It demands courage to look inward, commitment to growth, and the wisdom to understand that true strength lies in balance, not isolation.
The path isn’t about achieving a predetermined ideal, but continuously aligning with one’s most authentic, vibrant self—navigating life’s complexities with intention, resilience, and grace.
Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey—it’s about finding what works for you and committing to small, consistent improvements. Start by picking one area—physical, mental, or emotional—and make a micro-change today. True strength comes from not just building your body but also nurturing your mind and soul. As a global man, leading a life of balance and intention isn’t just an option; it’s your greatest power.
Networking is an essential part of both personal and business growth. It can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and ideas, but mastering the art of networking requires more than just exchanging business cards. At Global Man’s recent event, we had an insightful discussion on this topic, and one point stood out: the challenge of maintaining a balance between deep connections and making the most of the room full of potential new contacts.
One of our members raised an interesting dilemma—he often makes a great connection early on during networking events. Still, he spends the rest of the time with that person, fearing it would be impolite to end the conversation and meet others. While it’s great to connect, this approach might cause you to miss out on other valuable opportunities in the room.
Here’s where we need to flip the script. Networking is about creating value for all parties involved, and to do that effectively, it’s important to use your time wisely. Here are some actionable tips on how to network effectively without missing out.
3 Steps to Effective Networking
1. Acknowledge the Connection When you’ve made a strong connection, acknowledge it! Let the person know that you value the interaction and that you’re excited about exploring potential opportunities together in the future. This lays a positive foundation.
2. Respect the Networking Space Explain that you both are at the event to meet others and maximize networking opportunities. It’s important to meet a variety of people, and it’s likely they feel the same way. By taking the lead in this, you’re setting a respectful boundary while keeping the conversation open for future follow-up.
3. Commit to Following Up Make a commitment to reconnect after the event. Exchange contact information or schedule a time to continue the conversation when there’s no pressure to network. This shows you’re serious about fostering the relationship, and it allows you to meet other potential connections at the event without guilt.
More often than not, the person you’re talking to will appreciate your initiative. Closing the conversation with grace and a clear intention to follow up leaves a positive impression and frees up time for both of you to expand your networks.
What Not to Do When Networking
Now that we’ve covered effective techniques, it’s equally important to know what not to do in networking situations:
Don’t monopolize someone’s time. Once you’ve made a solid connection, lingering too long can leave both parties missing out on other opportunities.
Don’t make it all about you. Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships. Ask questions, show genuine interest in others, and focus on how you can provide value to them as well.
Don’t rush the conversation. While it’s important to move on and meet others, don’t cut the conversation short too abruptly. Always make sure there’s a natural close and a commitment to follow up.
The Importance of a Supportive Network
Networking is about more than just meeting new people; it’s about building a community. By joining a network of like-minded individuals, like the one we have at Global Man, you gain access to a powerful support system that encourages growth, accountability, and learning.
At Global Man, we offer high-quality networking and mastermind experiences that provide not just connections, but meaningful relationships with individuals who are serious about personal and business success. Being part of such a community accelerates growth, provides invaluable resources, and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Why Join Global Man?
High-Quality Networking: Connect with successful and driven individuals who share your goals and mindset.
Mastermind Opportunities: Join masterminds that offer insight, accountability, and support in tackling your biggest challenges.
Personal & Business Growth: Surround yourself with those who inspire and push you to achieve more.
If you’re looking to grow both personally and professionally, there’s no better time to invest in your network. Join Global Man today and gain access to a world-class community of like-minded individuals dedicated to success. Don’t just meet people—build lasting, valuable connections that will elevate you and your business to new heights.
Ready to take your networking to the next level? Visit us at Global Man to learn more and become part of our thriving community!
Gazmend Abrashi is a well-known entrepreneur in Kosovo, with a career spanning over 30 years, leading several successful businesses in various activities in Kosovo, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Exclusive Group is the group of companies he has established and led over the years, engaging in distribution, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and recently, investing in the entrepreneurial residential complex in Gjilan, Monopol City. A highly energetic personality, a qualified economist who, for a time, challenged himself even in politics, serving as a member of the Kosovo Parliament and Coordinator of Kosovo in the Regional Cooperation Council of Western Balkan countries. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Montenegro in Kosovo. He is well-regarded as an expert in macroeconomic development, offering necessary solutions for Kosovo’s economic development.
As a politician, a businessman, a teacher—how do all these roles align and merge within you?
For many years, my profile has been shaped around entrepreneurship. As a young person, I found myself in the business sphere, working initially as a sales agent and establishing my first business in 1989. My engagement in politics came as a call to contribute, particularly in the economic development sphere. It was a challenging and fascinating experience, demanding a lot of dedication. Being a member of parliament, despite the differing public perception, I can tell you it’s a full-time job and even beyond that for those aiming to work and contribute to the advancement of society beyond the Parliament’s halls. I performed this role with the utmost dedication. I don’t see myself as a politician. I’m an entrepreneur willing to put my knowledge and experience at the service of the country when needed and required.
What do you consider the pinnacle in your life, career, and personal journey?
Principally, one must engage and work towards their goals. The pinnacle moments differ based on the priorities at the time. I was raised in a family where education was a priority, and certainly, the attainment of education was an achievement. The successful start and development of my business have also been an achievement, which challenges me even today. Becoming a father was another pivotal moment for me, and it continues with the unique moments of witnessing my children’s growth and accomplishments. Every beautiful moment shared with family and colleagues creates pivotal points, which, together with the lesser ones, shape life’s reality.
Is it relatively more challenging to do politics or business in Kosovo?
Kosovo emerged from war, facing and continuing to face numerous difficulties. Surviving Milosevic’s apartheid and experiencing and enduring the challenges of building a new state has not been easy for any Kosovo citizen. Difficulties have been everywhere, and there are still challenges that need to be overcome. Each profession has its difficulties; doing politics and doing business are not comparable. These two professions are significantly different; their approaches, challenges, and responsibilities create the distinction.
For an entrepreneur who seems to only know success, how has this career been for you?
A lot of work, courage, and determination to achieve the set goals before oneself, and certainly, a select team of colleagues who, together, aim to achieve our aspirations. Looking back, I realize I never stopped, even when facing seemingly insurmountable difficulties. I’ve had the will and motivated my team to overcome obstacles. A career spanning over 30 years filled with a lot of work, professional and personal challenges, and satisfaction.
What do you consider your greatest pride in entrepreneurship?
My people, my colleagues with whom I’ve worked for years, some of whom are now retiring. I believe the strength of the company lies in the team—the staff that takes responsibility to achieve our set goals and believes in the leader’s vision. Today, Exclusive Group has around 600 employees, and they are the main asset making the company successful, something that makes me proud.
It seems you’ve experienced various dimensions of success. Is there still something you haven’t tasted as success?
I don’t grapple with the concept of success; what challenges me is the work and dedication to reach the set target, the defined goal. Success is never absent when you have the right commitment and necessary work towards the set goal. I consider a beautiful day spent with my children in Ulcinj a success because we all dedicated ourselves to gathering and spending time together. Success is a spiritual emotion, not material.
As a fulfilled person, do you have advice for young people who often desire to leave the country?
Follow your dreams, and seek opportunities to realize these dreams, but be aware that no one else will fulfil your dreams for you. Each goal you set for yourself must be achieved with a lot of work and dedication, knowing clearly where your destination lies. Even choosing to leave the country requires significant commitment to learn the language, have a profession, and have the determination to adapt to new circumstances without the comfort you have in your own country. I strongly believe Kosovo is a land of opportunities. Let’s hope we overcome these political difficulties and focus on the economic development of the country to ensure a land of opportunities for the younger generations, enabling them to see possibilities and a future in our country. The entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens is admirable, and with fewer opportunities, they will find their place in our economy. It remains a leadership obligation to create a favourable economic environment for this entrepreneurial spirit to flourish in the right direction.
Gazmend and family – what is your role within the family, and how involved are you at home? Are you one of those heads of the family where work ends when you arrive home, or do you continue work at home?
Despite numerous obligations at work, I try to be as close to my family as possible. I have three children: Astrit, 27 years old, Art, 21 years old, and my daughter Arba, 15 years old. I strive to be close to them, understand their world, and support them on their journey. All three have their obligations and concerns, but they know they can always count on their father. If the question pertains to whether there are “men’s work” and “women’s work,” and whether I have hesitations or prejudices? No. I was raised by my mother, Bahtije, a woman dedicated to societal emancipation, along with my sister Linda, who has been by my side throughout life, in a family where the organization of work and management of family obligations were evenly distributed among all. Only by doing so could we be successful.
Do you have a motto, a character, or a story that identifies you?
The role model in my life is my father, Aziz Abrashi, one of Kosovo’s most distinguished economists, a man with high human virtues who, at the most crucial times for Kosovo, led the Trepça Complex, which at that time employed over 20,000 people. Next year will mark ten years since my father passed away. He still enjoys the memories and respect of those who knew him for his dedication to work, professionalism, contribution, and his vision for Kosovo’s economic development. He continues to be my role model to this day. As for my motto, it stands at the entrance of the company alongside the management mottos: “There are no impregnable fortresses, only weak generals.”
Chris Reynolds is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in building and scaling online businesses that empower fellow entrepreneurs. As the co-founder of M3 Founders Community, he has cultivated a peer network of top-tier business owners, driving innovation and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the past eight years, Chris has launched 10 international business accelerators, providing crucial support to startups and established companies alike. He is also the visionary behind The Business Method Podcast, which he founded in 2015 and has since grown to over 600 episodes, featuring interviews with billionaires and founders of billion-dollar companies. Currently based in Barcelona, Chris has embraced the life of a location-independent entrepreneur for more than 11 years, living in various countries and travelling the world while expanding his ventures. His commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success globally has made him a pivotal figure in the business community. Through his work, Chris continues to inspire and guide entrepreneurs to achieve their fullest potential. With a deep passion for entrepreneurship and a global perspective, Chris Reynolds is redefining what it means to build and scale successful businesses in the digital age.
With over 14 years of entrepreneurial experience, what key principles have guided you in successfully scaling multiple businesses?
Commitment and consistency. You don’t fail when a business fails; you fail when you give up. Period. As long as you don’t give up, you’re not going to fail. It may take longer due to the business or niche you’ve chosen, but if you stay consistent and keep plugging away, you’ll make a significant impact. Business is a compound interest game—the more you compound your learnings, experience, and skillset, the more valuable you’ll become, and the more you can apply this to the business world to achieve success. Most entrepreneurs who have hit seven figures or higher have put in a decade of effort, and that’s often what stops people from truly trying to start a business or stick with it. It typically takes 10 years or more to make a million dollars.
How did your journey as a location-independent entrepreneur begin, and what motivated you to maintain this lifestyle for over 11 years?
Simply put, I read The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, which is the bible for many location-independent entrepreneurs. It inspired me to live anywhere in the world while working, making money, and building a business online. This kind of freedom is unique to our generation—previous generations couldn’t work anywhere in the world like we do today. When I read the book, I knew this was going to be my life. I first read it in 2009, and I immersed myself in its ideas. I knew I was going to build something online, travel the world, and live abroad. For about nine years, this lifestyle was natural to me. I stayed in places where other location-independent entrepreneurs gathered, like Thailand, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Bulgaria. COVID put a pause on my travels, leading me to stay in Austin, Texas, for two years. For those nine years, it never felt difficult to maintain this lifestyle—it was just natural, and I felt deeply connected to the global community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
What inspired you to co-found the M3 Founders Community, and how has this peer network evolved since its inception?
M3 started as a mastermind group during COVID-19, which we initially called the Corona Crisis Mastermind. Seventy-two people signed up, and we supported them through the challenges of the pandemic. We saw the inside of businesses as they were failing, and how these entrepreneurs needed to shift. We witnessed the raw emotions of people struggling during that time. After running that mastermind, we decided to formalize it into a more structured community, which eventually evolved into what we now call M3. The community grew as people wanted to connect more regularly and meet face-to-face. Our first live event was something really unique—a kidnapping survival course used to train the FBI, CIA, Navy SEALs, and other high-profile individuals. This experience bonded our group, and we realized we had something special. Now, M3 hosts two events per year: one adventurous, like booking a desert camp in Morocco or renting out yachts in Cabo San Lucas, and the second event focused on learning from and meeting someone who has built a billion-dollar company. We also hold monthly dinners in Barcelona, where we connect seasoned entrepreneurs and they can bond over a dinner designed to deepen the attendee’s connections.
You’ve created 10 international business accelerators over the past eight years. What are the most critical factors for a business accelerator’s success, and how do you ensure these factors are met?
The success of a business accelerator depends on creating the right environment—both physical and emotional. It’s like putting bumpers on a bowling alley or setting parameters for a child; you need to create an environment where participants can get into the right headspace to achieve significant results in a short period. This includes choosing a location that energizes and inspires entrepreneurs. For instance, we often chose Thailand—a place known for adventure and escape. Entrepreneurs love the idea of an adventurous getaway where they can focus on their business while also enjoying the local culture, like visiting elephants, climbing mountains, or exploring Buddhist temples. Accountability is key—we had participants report their results daily, work in teams, and push each other to move the needle in their businesses. The final 48 hours of these events were always the most intense, with incredible results achieved due to the hive energy, motivation, and collective effort. These experiences were incredibly rewarding, and I thoroughly enjoyed running these accelerators.
The Business Method Podcast has over 600 episodes featuring interviews with billionaires and founders of billion-dollar companies. What has been the most surprising or impactful lesson you’ve learned from your guests?
That’s a tough question because, with so many interviews, there are countless golden nuggets. But if I had to sum it up, I’d say the most impactful lessons are: do something you love, give your business time to mature, and focus on one thing. First, if you build something you don’t love just for the money, you’re going to burn out or want to exit eventually. I always ask myself if I can see myself running a business for the next 10 years. If the answer is yes, then it is much more likely it is something I truly love. Second, it takes years to grow a business. Many entrepreneurs exit prematurely and don’t give their businesses the time they need to reach their full potential. Just like a child, there are many phases in the growth of a business, and each phase compounds the last. A business that is over 10 years old can often harvest so many more rewards than a younger business. Lastly, focus is crucial—every billion-dollar founder I’ve interviewed has blinders on, focusing on one business and one business only. While some entrepreneurs are truly serial entrepreneurs and thrive on juggling multiple ventures, those who focus on one business often see it scale much faster.
How has the landscape of online entrepreneurship changed since you first started, and what emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of this space?
The landscape has changed dramatically. When I started as an entrepreneur around 2007, we didn’t even have smartphones—we were using Blackberries. The release of smartphones has completely transformed the way we do business, work, live, and travel. With a smartphone, we can access our money, book flights, find directions, and handle all aspects of travel and business on the go. This has made location-independent work much easier. Post-COVID, remote work has become the norm, and more people are working from home or other remote locations. The trend towards freelancing and entrepreneurship will only continue as people seek more freedom and flexibility. The world is moving faster than ever, and while it’s exciting, it’s also a bit daunting. But I believe we’ll adapt and thrive in this new era. More and more people will become freelancers and entrepreneurs as they pursue the freedom to live and work wherever they choose.
What challenges have you encountered while managing businesses across different countries, and how did you navigate the complexities of a location-independent lifestyle?
Managing businesses across different countries comes with unexpected challenges, often related to cultural differences. For instance, in Brazil, it was incredibly difficult to get things done on time, which drove me nuts as an American. In Peru, I sometimes wouldn’t get a response to essential emails for seven to 10 days, which was frustrating. The first time I hosted an event in Brazil, I promised myself I’d never go back, but I was convinced to return twice after that. It was a struggle, but I had to learn to adapt and accept the cultural norms of the locals I was working with. When you learn to accept and understand these cultural norms doing business there becomes so much easier and enjoyable. Thailand was fantastic to host events because the people there are very respectful and business-oriented. You need to understand that things are done differently in different places, and if you can’t be flexible and tolerant, then international business might not be for you. But if you can adapt, you’ll learn a lot and grow from the experience.
As someone deeply involved in the entrepreneurial community, what common traits or habits have you noticed among the most successful entrepreneurs you’ve worked with or interviewed?
Successful entrepreneurs are committed, capable of taking big risks, and focused on the long haul. They are value-driven and have the resilience to handle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. They also surround themselves with ethical, like-minded people who share their values. Managing and mitigating risk is essential, and so is the willingness to invest time and energy into a business for the long term. These traits, combined with a love for learning and growth, are what set successful entrepreneurs apart.
How do you balance the demands of hosting a podcast, running businesses, and maintaining a dynamic lifestyle across various countries?
For me, it’s all one thing—I call it my life. I love creating content and organizing events where entrepreneurs can connect, change their lives, and make lasting memories. I love running businesses, starting new ventures, and helping people grow their businesses. I also enjoy travelling to unique locations for business conferences, whether it’s in Estonia, Chiang Mai, or a remote part of Europe. Of course, balancing time and energy is crucial. I’m selective about the people I spend time with and very particular about my goals. Every quarter, I set four goals: mental (related to business), physical (health), emotional (relationships), and spiritual (purpose). This approach ensures that no area of my life is neglected and keeps me excited and challenged. It has kept my life in balance for a long time.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who aspire to build and scale their businesses while maintaining a location-independent lifestyle like yours?
Start yesterday, and if you didn’t, then start today. I recommend reading The Entrepreneurial Leap by Gino Wickman and The Star Principle by Richard Koch. These books will help you determine if you’re truly an entrepreneur and guide you in choosing the right business. Selecting the right business is crucial—it’s the difference between feeling like you’re pushing a boulder uphill versus having the wind at your back. Once you’ve decided that entrepreneurship is your path, think long-term. Ask yourself if you can see yourself working in this business 10 years from now and still be happy. If the answer is yes, then it’s worth pursuing.
For aspiring location-independent entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: book a ticket. Once you make that leap, the rest will fall into place. In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to fix mistakes or adjust plans. The likelihood that you will get stuck or stranded somewhere where you couldn’t get yourself out of is very small, so just go for it. When I started, I wasn’t making a ton of money, but I booked a one-way ticket to Costa Rica and figured the rest out along the way. It was the most life-changing decision I made, and something I’ll never regret. It set the stage for the incredible journey I’ve been on ever since. So, pick a destination—whether it’s Scandinavia, Africa, Southeast Asia, or anywhere else you’ve dreamed of—and just go. You’ll figure out everything else along the way!
Chef Alfred Marku has become a luminary in the culinary world, revolutionizing Albanian gastronomy by transforming traditional dishes into gourmet masterpieces. His journey began in Italy, where he honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. After gaining valuable experience and expertise, he returned to Albania and has been at the helm of his own restaurant for the past 17 years. Chef Marku’s innovative approach and commitment to excellence have brought a sophisticated flair to Albanian cuisine, earning him international acclaim. His restaurant, Rapsodia, near Shengjin Beach, has become a beacon of culinary excellence, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe. By seamlessly blending traditional Albanian ingredients with modern techniques, Chef Marku has created a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich heritage of his homeland. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent and promoting sustainable agriculture further solidifies his impact on the industry. Through his passion and creativity, Chef Alfred Marku continues to elevate Albanian cuisine to new heights, inspiring others to explore and appreciate its flavors.
Chef Marku, can you share your journey from Italy back to Albania and how your experiences in Italy influenced your culinary style?
The return was almost sudden. I went to Italy at a very young age, like all young Albanian immigrants, who crossed the sea to get to know a world that had been denied to them. I was 15 years old and I started with the most menial jobs, washing dishes and everything else I was given until I managed to work as a chef and successfully passed a Michelin inspection in the restaurant where I worked. I had discovered a new culinary world, which built my work culture and a clear vision of what I wanted and knew how to do best.
With this new luggage and with my mind towards Albania, I suddenly decided to return.
In 2006, I opened my restaurant “Rapsodia” in Shengjin. The first impact was very wild. I had returned with the thought that I was going home, but it was not the home I left and I had changed as well.
During the first 6 months, I worked without a menu at all, I cooked whatever the customers asked; I wanted to understand the tastes and preferences they had. I realized that very little, to say nothing, had changed in the food tastes of the Albanian public. I had to change the approach: the public had to be exposed to new tastes, to a new eating culture that relied on quality and not quantity. I started cooking what I liked, having in mind what a real restaurant should offer. Once I prepared an ice cream with shrimp and chocolate. As I offered it to customers to try, I asked them what they thought it was made with. I heard all kinds of thoughts, but no one identified the ingredients. I will never forget how surprised they were. I wanted to stir their thoughts on food; I didn’t mind them insulting me, but they had to engage in discussions, I wanted them to talk about my approach to recipes. When I was offering gourmet to them, it was a time when the concept wasn’t even on the table.
What inspired you to transform traditional Albanian dishes into gourmet masterpieces, and what challenges did you face in this creative process?
It has been a long but steady process of development. I started with Italian cuisine, the one I cooked in Italy, in high-end restaurants. Meanwhile, every day I was rediscovering the Albanian ingredients and the full, lively taste they had. That’s how I started to make them part of the recipes and introduce them to the menu.
However, it didn’t stop there. I delved into learning more about the Albanian culinary tradition; I was 15 years old, and I didn’t know any of our traditional recipes. I was left with the tastes and aromas I loved from my childhood. This memory awakened my interest to experiment more, and it turned into my challenge: to bring back in a new, modern form the dishes loved by Albanians. I had to bring them finer, more beautiful, but keeping the taste clean. In short: a traditional dish had to come like love at first sight.
We’ve brought the classics: pilaf and baked fish casserole, taskebab, cheesecake, stuffed peppers, cornbread, roast beef, ground-aged cow’s cheese, cauliflower pie, chicory flower, pumpkin pie, and more. This was my challenge, and I believe I succeeded, customers come because they know that in Rapsodi they find the traditional taste of the Albanian family, elegantly presented in a gourmet format.
Your restaurant, Rapsodia, has been a cornerstone of the local gastronomic scene for 17 years. What do you believe is the secret to its enduring success?
Yes, it has, and I’m so proud of it. Rapsodi has been an important cornerstone in the Albanian gastronomic offer. Because we were the first ones to have the courage to cook differently, to serve differently, introducing a standard that the Albanian environment wasn’t familiar with.
I think the secret was having the courage to offer what I liked, rather than what the clientele was known to like. Slowly the customers got used to it, they came for that taste, which they couldn’t find anywhere else. Colleagues also understood the approach: the clientele is educated to recognize quality, oriented to choose with confidence in professionals, and encouraged to try the new.
I have always been aware of what the “innovative” was in form, while in concept I have only reawakened tradition.
The Albanian culture of hospitality has traditionally been based on appetizers: a variety of cooking and tastes, which is the basis of the gourmet tasting menu we offer at Rapsodi: a variety of tastes that are enjoyed in small portions.
My great-grandfather used to wait for his friend with appetizers, the bread was served at the end. It was an insult to the friend if you offered the bread first; the friend was welcomed with good and varied food.
Isn’t this the modern concept of culinary offer after all, – gourmet food?
This approach changed the mindset of the public and its expectations of restaurants. Albania is today a paradise in the culinary offer: diverse, well cooked, with quality products and full taste.
Can you tell us about the significance of being chosen to create the “Independence Cake” for Albania’s 100 years of independence in 2012? How did you approach such a monumental task?
I didn’t expect you to have this information ☺
It was a big celebration for us Albanians: the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the state. The arrangements of the celebrations became a topic of discussion at that time. Feeling excited and with a sense of responsibility to bring something impressive to the celebration protocol, I built the concept of a giant cake, like a big mahogany for everyone. I talked about it with a colleague, and he agreed to be involved in cooking; We began to structure the concept in detail. Certain that we would achieve something beautiful, I suggested the idea to the Mayor of Tirana and he accepted without hesitation. So, we rolled our sleeves. I remember we worked for 20 days in a row to prepare a giant cake with an area of 680 square meters and a weight of 18 tons. Nothing was accidental, we took care of every detail: We used olives, as a symbol of peace and pomegranate, as a symbol of family and love. The pomegranate is also a symbol of Lezha, my city, which is a crown stone in the history of Albanians.
You were selected to cook for the official dinner of the UEFA Conference League in 2022. How did this experience differ from your regular culinary endeavors, and what did it mean to you personally?
The state protocol required a lunch that best presented the best of Albanian traditional dishes. Every region had to be represented with their typical dishes but cooked in a refined way to the height of the event. So, a very good range of flavors was needed, combined with Albanian wines. In short, a Rhapsody was needed.
I tried to elegantly include the best elements of Albanian tradition and flavors, such as marinated sea bass with green garlic cream and citrus vinaigrette; chicken in the nest, which was a chicken roll accompanied by noodles and porridge (these are typical Albanian dishes), served on a plate with two different dimensions, according to the two tribes that stand out in this tradition: Mirdita and Dibra.
It was a difficult undertaking, but we were best rewarded with the very good impressions of the diners.
As a consultant for start-ups in the cuisine industry, what key pieces of advice do you offer to budding restaurateurs and chefs?
I believe that in a global world, identity makes a difference. Every business in this field must know and develop the history of the environment where it serves, its history, and its origin. This gives you identity features, makes you distinct in this big world, connects you with the community close to you, and defines your profile in the market. You will remain anonymous if no authenticity is revealed. That’s why I always advise young people to know their traditions and respect them, not to get lost in the trends of the time, to learn to declare themselves with skill, work, perseverance, and faith. These always pay off.
Your involvement with the “Sapa Zadrima” cooperative and the “Kolin Gjoka” school in Lezhe showcases your dedication to sustainable agriculture and culinary education. How do you balance these roles with running a successful restaurant?
In Italy, I was the internal administrator of an agrotourism cooperative, it was called Alpe del Garda. I fell in love with agritourism. Franco Rossi managed to build a beautiful story in Lago di Garda, a magical place of beauty and prosperity. He entrusted me with agrotourism and from that experience I developed my dream of returning to Albania. I wanted to build a cooperative. They did not receive it well, starting with my father; I believe that the rejection of the idea was related to the bitter memory that people in Albania had of the cooperatives of the communist regime, which had sown poverty and scarcity in the Albanian countryside.
Patiently, I tried to explain the concept of the cooperative that I wanted to build and Sapa Zadrimë is active to this day, it has a winery, a factory for the production of olive oil, and it serves the villagers of the area.
Can you discuss the motivation behind creating your production line of dairy by-products and how it aligns with your overall vision for the food industry?
Baxho “Rhapsody” remains the biggest challenge I have encountered so far. I was clear about what I wanted to do, but no one, starting from my father, believed that it could succeed as a project. He raised chickens and that was the only investment opportunity he knew had a certain potential. I believe my mother influenced him to consider my idea. She could see how much I cared about her and she knew the persistence and passion I put into things. Back then, applied to an Italian project supporting repatriated immigrants, and I won.
I remember we bought the necessary equipment, and in 2008 I managed to open the dairy. For 30 days in a row, we managed to process only 20 liters of milk per day, no one believed that we would succeed.
Today we process 5000 liters of milk per day and we are present with our products throughout Albania. We introduced Napa cheese to the market, an early product in the Albanian tradition, which we managed to bring back with the same technique and taste.
Rapsodia emphasizes health and wellness in its menu. How do you ensure that your dishes cater to a variety of dietary preferences while maintaining the high standards of taste and presentation?
Cooking means working passionately all the time. You have to love what you do, and that’s the beginning. Then, this makes you take care of the ingredients/products you buy, where you buy them, how you treat them, how you process them, how you serve them… Especially the processing techniques are very important because they are directly related to the preservation of nutritional values. This is primary for us: to always be in search of innovations in techniques, technologies, the scientific discoveries related to good nutrition and the relationship of food with the human organism, even for the order of serving: how foods are metabolized better. There are many scientific updates in this direction, which often overturn even the clichés about what we believe we know or are correct.
All this in one lens: food is like love, it requires a lot of care and sweet fire ☺
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Albanian cuisine, and how do you envision your role in shaping this future?
Here we are talking about dreams, which should not be left in the drawer.
My next project is called “Stork Burger” and it marks another dream come true.
The idea has taken shape in recent years, as the rhythms of life push human society towards the “fast” concept. To me, this brought excitement about a fast food line: how could I combine my concept of cooking with food fast? Could I make fast but healthy food at the same time? As a parent, this has been a real concern for me. On the other hand, in the restaurant, I have always managed to please the children and their parents who were happy to see the child being fed healthily without the usual efforts. So I was convinced that it was time to offer a new service: healthy fast food – which remains a favorite taste for children, but completely safe as a product, where everything is prepared fresh in the kitchen, from bread to sauces.
With the childhood image of the Stork character holding food in his beak to feed the little ones, we started with the “Stork Burger”. I believe we are on the right track to mark another success story.
Another dream I am working on is a restaurant certification process in Albania, building a professional guide that will set standards for what culinary has to offer in my country. Seeing the recent boost in tourism in Albania, I think the time has come to seriously invest in this direction.
I hope that in the next interview with your esteemed readers, we will be able to share the good news about this project coming to life.
Thank you for your attention and the opportunity to have this conversation.
Dr. Kam is a renowned cosmetic dentist celebrated for his exceptional skill in enhancing smiles and his profound passion for skin health and facial aesthetics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Kam seamlessly blends the art and science of his dental background to create stunning, natural-looking results. His holistic approach to cosmetic care ensures that patients not only achieved beautiful smiles but also radiant, healthy skin. Dr. Kam’s expertise extends beyond traditional dentistry, as he integrates advanced aesthetic techniques to enhance overall facial harmony. Dedicated to staying at the forefront of his field, he continually pursues the latest innovations and technologies. Patients trust Dr. Kam for his compassionate care, personalized treatment plans, and unwavering dedication to their well-being. His reputation as a transformative cosmetic dentist and skin health expert has made him a sought-after practitioner in his community. Dr. Kam’s passion for enhancing beauty and confidence shines through in every face he rejuvenates.
Can you share the story behind your transition from dentistry to focusing solely on facial aesthetics and skin health?
During my years as a practicing dentist, my passion was always for transforming smiles and getting the joy out of the subsequent aesthetic enhancements on my patients’ confidence.
The turning point for me came when a patient, who had undergone veneer treatments, confided that while her smile had transformed, she still felt self-conscious about her skin. She joked “ now that you have given me my beautiful smile, what can you do for these wrinkles ? “. This was my “aha” moment and inspired me to explore the broader field of facial aesthetics and skin health.
I pursued advanced certifications in aesthetic medicine, attended workshops, and trained with leading experts. I began integrating traditional facial massage techniques with state-of-the-art injectable and laser treatments, crafting personalized treatment plans that addressed my clients’ unique needs and desires.
The happiness I saw in my clients as they experienced not just improved appearances but enhanced self-esteem proved this journey from dentistry to facial aesthetics was the right decision.
Today, I run 2 thriving clinics dedicated to facial aesthetics and skin health, where my background in dentistry provides a unique foundation for understanding facial structure and anatomy.
What inspired me to combine traditional facial massage techniques with cutting-edge injectable and laser treatments in my practice?
As I was essentially from a science background, I must admit I didn’t really feel facial massage techniques were particularly beneficial to long term skin health. However I was happily proved wrong when I met the incredibly talented and celebrated Yvonne Martin. Yvonne demonstrated facial massage techniques that gave amazing results – she has clients who come from all over the world to be treated by her and the results are extraordinary. The ancient art of facial massage promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and enhances the skin’s natural glow, providing a foundation of holistic wellness
On the other hand, modern injectable and laser treatments offer precise and effective solutions for a variety of skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and scarring.
By integrating these methods, I can create customised treatment plans that address both the surface and deeper layers of the skin, resulting in more profound and lasting improvements. This fusion of old and new not only maximizes the benefits of each technique but also ensures that my clients receive the most effective and up-to-date care available.
How do you ensure that each treatment at your clinics is personalized to meet the specific needs and desires of your clients?
Ensuring that each treatment at our facial aesthetics clinics is personalized to meet the specific needs and desires of our clients involves several key steps:
1. Comprehensive Consultation Process
Initial Assessment: Begin with a thorough consultation to understand the client’s medical history, skin concerns, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Detailed Skin Analysis: We use an advanced skin analysis machine to assess the client’s skin type, condition, and underlying issues, looking at 9 different aspects of the skin at every layer.
WeConsider factors such as diet, stress levels, and lifestyle in the treatment plan to enhance overall skin health and well-being.
2. Customised Treatment Plans
Tailored and modular solutions: We develop individualised and flexible treatment plans that can be adjusted based on the client’s progress and changing needs combining traditional facial massage techniques with cutting-edge injectable and laser treatments to provide a holistic approach to skin health.
3. Personalized Client Experience
Bespoke Service: We create a personalized and luxurious experience for each client, from the moment they walk in to the follow-up care.
By focusing on these elements, we can ensure that each treatment is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of our intelligent clients, providing them with the highest level of personalized care and achieving optimal results.
Could you describe the philosophy and atmosphere you aim to create at The Skin Culturist and Newhall Medical and Dental Aesthetics clinics?
At The Skin Culturist and Newhall Medical and Dental Aesthetics clinics, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that true beauty and wellness come from a harmonious blend of inner health and outer radiance. We are committed to providing an unparalleled experience that caters to the unique needs of our elite clientele, ensuring they leave feeling rejuvenated.
Our clinics are designed to be sanctuaries of serenity and luxury. From the moment clients step through our doors, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of calm and sophistication.
Every detail is meticulously curated to enhance the client experience. Aromatic diffusers fill the air with subtle, calming scents, while gentle background music provides a serene soundtrack. Our waiting areas are designed to be relaxing lounges where clients can unwind with a selection of premium teas, infused waters, and healthy snacks, all while perusing the latest lifestyle and wellness publications.
We strive to make every visit an indulgent retreat, where clients can escape the stresses of daily life and emerge feeling revitalized and beautiful. This unique blend of serene ambiance, personalized care, and professional excellence defines our clinics and sets us apart in the world of luxury aesthetics.
What are some of the most significant advancements in facial aesthetics and skin health that you have incorporated into your practice over the years?
Over the years, my practice has embraced several significant advancements in facial aesthetics and skin health to provide our clients with the best possible care and results.
Other than integration of injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, and skin boosters, we have also incorporated laser and light-based therapies, such as Fractional CO2 lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments. These technologies are exceptional for skin resurfacing, reducing pigmentation, and promoting collagen production, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion.
The introduction of microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) has been another game-changer. This technique stimulates the skin’s natural healing processes, improving texture, tone, and overall skin health by using the client’s own growth factors and for hair rejuvenation especially for menopausal alopecia.
Additionally, we have adopted radiofrequency (RF) treatments, which provide non-invasive skin tightening and lifting. RF technology helps to firm the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, delivering noticeable results without surgery.
We also employ advanced light therapy treatments with Dermalux and Intravenous treatments such as glutathione, B12 and NAD.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the field of facial aesthetics?
I stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in facial aesthetics by actively participating in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. I also subscribe to leading medical and aesthetic journals, follow key opinion leaders and professional organizations on social media, and engage in online forums and webinars. Additionally, I invest in continuous education and advanced certification programs to ensure my skills and knowledge remain cutting-edge. Networking with peers and collaborating with industry experts further enhances my understanding of emerging techniques and technologies, allowing me to offer the most advanced and effective treatments to my clients.
Why did I establish the academy?
The motivation to establish the Newhall Facial Aesthetics Academy stemmed from my deep passion for advancing the field of facial aesthetics and a desire to elevate the standard of care provided by practitioners. Over the years, I noticed a gap in the market for personalized, high-quality training that properly prepares practitioners to meet the unique needs of their clients. Generic, one-size-fits-all training programs often fail to equip practitioners with the nuanced skills required to deliver patient-centred, bespoke treatments.
At the Newhall Facial Aesthetics Academy, we offer a unique approach to training that focuses on 1-2-1 teaching. This individualized instruction ensures that each aspiring practitioner receives the undivided attention and tailored guidance necessary to master advanced techniques. Our curriculum is designed to emphasize the importance of patient-centred care, teaching practitioners how to develop customized treatment plans that consider each client’s specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Our hands-on training sessions provide real-world experience, allowing practitioners to refine their skills under expert supervision. By prioritizing bespoke treatments and personalized education, the Newhall Facial Aesthetics Academy aims to produce highly skilled, compassionate practitioners who are committed to delivering exceptional, individualized care to their clients.
Can you elaborate on your collaboration with the celebrity chef and how this unique partnership enhances skin health through diet?
Partnering with a celebrity chef brings a dynamic dimension to enhancing skin health through diet. By combining my expertise as a facial aesthetician with the chef’s culinary prowess, we create a holistic approach that addresses skin concerns from within.
Our collaboration focuses on curating nutrient-rich menus that promote skin health and radiance. We emphasize foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids known to support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and maintain hydration. Our personalized meal plans consider individual skin types and conditions, aiming to improve complexion and overall well-being.
Additionally, we educate clients on the connection between diet and skin health, empowering them to make informed choices. By integrating professional skincare treatments with tailored dietary recommendations, we offer comprehensive care that enhances results and promotes long-term skin vitality. This innovative partnership not only elevates client experiences but also underscores the importance of nourishing the skin from the inside out.
How do you balance the artistic and scientific aspects of facial aesthetics to achieve natural and harmonious results for your clients?
Balancing the artistic and scientific aspects of facial aesthetics is essential to achieving natural and harmonious results for my clients.
From my background in Dentistry, the scientific aspect involves an understanding of facial anatomy, skin physiology which forms the foundation upon which all treatments are based, ensuring safety, efficacy, and predictable outcomes.
On the other hand, the artistic aspect involves an intuitive understanding of facial proportions, symmetry, and aesthetics. It requires a keen eye for detail and a sense of proportion to enhance natural beauty while avoiding over-correction or unnatural results. This artistic skill allows me to customize treatments to each client’s unique facial structure and desired outcomes.
Furthermore, ongoing education and training in both scientific advancements and artistic techniques are crucial to allow me to stay abreast of the latest innovations in facial aesthetics, ensuring that I can offer my clients the highest level of care and achieve outcomes that are both scientifically sound and aesthetically pleasing.
What advice would you give to individuals looking to pursue a career in facial aesthetics and skin health, based on your extensive experience and expertise
Based on my experience in facial aesthetics and skin health, I would advise individuals looking to pursue this career path to prioritise education, hands-on training, and continuous learning. Start by obtaining a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and dermatology. Seek advanced certifications and training from reputable institutions to master the latest techniques and technologies in injectables, lasers, and skincare.
Develop strong communication skills to understand clients’ goals and expectations effectively. Emphasize patient-centered care, focusing on personalized treatment plans that address individual concerns and enhance natural beauty. Cultivate an artistic eye for facial aesthetics, understanding the principles of symmetry and proportion.
Network with industry professionals, attend conferences, and stay updated on emerging trends. Lastly, maintain integrity and prioritise patient safety and satisfaction above all else. A commitment to professionalism, ongoing skill development, and ethical practice will ensure a rewarding and successful career in facial aesthetics and skin health.
Getting someone’s admiration, especially a woman’s, might seem like a complex puzzle. But here’s a simple truth: women want to feel seen. Not just a glance or a compliment, but genuinely recognized for who they are. When you manage to do that, trust me, you’ve got their attention.
So, how do you make someone feel seen? It’s about setting an intention, something like, “I see you, and I recognize you.” Keep this thought in your mind when you’re talking to her, when you meet her for the first time, or even when you’re just passing by in the office. It’s not about a long conversation or a deep dive into her life story. It’s about that moment of connection, where through your eyes and your attention, you’re saying, “I get who you are.”
You can use this simple technique anywhere – at a business dinner, a casual meet-up, or even during a quick chat at work. But here’s a crucial bit of advice: keep it about recognition, not desire. In a professional setting or when you’re just getting to know someone, blending in desire can make things awkward and is definitely not the way to go.
It might sound too easy, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. This isn’t about big gestures or fancy words; it’s about a genuine moment of connection. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Now, if you’re thinking, “This is great, but I’m not sure I can pull it off,” that’s where I come in. Whether it’s getting over those jitters when meeting new people or finding that confidence to truly connect, I’m here to help. Give this approach a shot and see how it changes the game for you. And if you’re looking to dive deeper, overcome those inner hurdles, or just up your social game, drop me a message. Let’s get to work on unlocking your potential, one genuine connection at a time.
The Dynamic Identity of Motherhood in the Workplace.
As Mothers’s Day in the UK was Sunday 10th March, I thought I’d take the opportunity to talk about the role and Identity of The Mother in The Workplace. This also goes in tandem with my role as a CSW68 delegate with UN Women UK and their current drive to: Invest in Women-Accelerate Progress. Welcome aboard the wild wonderful journey of motherhood, a rollercoaster ride through good and bad and where laughter is the ultimate survival tool. Strap in, folks, as we navigate the twists and turns of the world’s most unpredictable role. Motherhood.
First up, let’s talk about the good stuff—the moments that make you want to shout from the rooftops, “I am the master of this parenting gig!” Picture this: your toddler’s first belly laugh, triggered by the silliest of antics, or the heart-melting sight of your little one asleep. Or when you stage a negotiation worthy of a UN peace treaty in order to get a sulky teenage daughter out of her bedroom. As she comes downstairs for her Quinoa and Kale salad with dramatic sighs and eye rolls that could rival a broadway diva..seeing her smile when she sees its take out Pizza for supper. These are the moments that remind you why you signed up for this rollercoaster ride in the first place—the pure, unadulterated joy of being a Mum.
But in truth being a working mum is more like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope, except the tightrope is made of spaghetti and the unicycle is missing a wheel! It’s a constant battle against time, where most mornings can feel like a high stakes game of beat the clock and the clock is winning! This is before you’ve even got to work! And so we meet SuperMum, the fearless multitasker extraordinaire who’s not just climbing the career ladder, she’s pole-vaulting over it! Armed with a can-do attitude that can move mountains, she’s on a mission to conquer the corporate world, with her eye on the prize and her heart in the right place, she’s proof you can have it all. At least thats what she’s aiming for.
However, amidst the celebration of SuperMum’s virtues, there exists a darker narrative characterised by societal expectations, judgment, and unrealistic standards. The pressure to embody the idealised image of a perfect mother often leads to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and self-doubt. How many of you reading this have experienced these feelings? From the pressure to balance career aspirations with caregiving duties to the scrutiny of parenting choices, mothers navigate a minefield of expectations that can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. So the question is:Are our businesses reflective of the needs of working mothers?
In many aspects the answer in general is no.. But by challenging stereotypes, advocating for change, and supporting one another, we mothers, leaders and bosses can redefine the narrative of motherhood, reclaiming our agency and shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world for generations to come.Let’s work towards the support of working mothers, by celebrating the myriad ways in which mothers contribute to both society in general and to business.Because despite these challenges, the resilience and strength of mothers shine through, as they navigate adversity with grace and determination, it is a testament to the transformative power of motherhood.
Let me share some of my own story about navigating motherhood with my work as a busy Costume designer in Film and TV, it goes a little like this: Imagine a film set bustling with activity, with lights, cameras, and action at every turn. Now picture me, a determined mum on a mission, manoeuvring through the chaos with the finesse of a cat burglar and the determination of a bulldozer. With my trusty sidekick, aka my son in his wheelchair, by my side. There were times, If I couldn’t get carer for him that I would have to take him to the shopping mall and load up his wheelchair with bags and bags of contemporary fashion!! To make a deadline for a fitting with an actor. My son proudly called himself my Assistant Costume Designer. As I wheeled my son onto the set, I couldn’t help but marvel at the absurdity of it all. Here I was, a costume designer with a penchant for creating glamour and storytelling through clothing, navigating the whole process while simultaneously wrangling a wheelchair through a sea of cables and equipment. But did I let that stop me? Not a chance. I would wheel him into the costume or make up rooms and let him chat up the actors. No matter how well-known they were, he would hilariously give them critiques of their performances in other shows he had seen them in! There was always laughter and acceptance around me as I got down to business, determined to prove that nothing—not even my autistic son in a wheelchair—could stand in the way of getting the job done. I have so much to be thankful for, because the industry I worked in was one that encouraged diversity and hugely tolerated, if not celebrated the unusual. Perhaps it was no accident that I stayed in that world until he was fully grown.
I make it sound far easier than it was. I didn’t have a partner for the majority of the time he was growing up. It was demanding, the hours were insane and exhausting and yet creative and fulfilling…It was ALL of it. It was a huge part of what formed my identity. I took much of what I had learned into the coaching practise I have today. I acknowledge with every high achieving woman I work with, how important her family life is and how we must integrate all parts of our lives for real harmony and better energy at work and in business.
So whether you are a partner, a friend, a colleague , a boss or a CEO and a leader yourself..I would like us all to think about how to break down those barriers that create difficulty for the working mother, shake up the status quo and unleash the unstoppable force of entrepreneurial and working mothers onto the world, because who says they can’t conquer the boardroom and the playground with style, sass and a killer sense of humour..Let’s just remember, no Mum is an island. If you’d like to know about how I work with busy woman around the subject of their image and identity in the working world, or you would like advice around creating the your image/identity for personal branding, please get in contact through IG @image_identity_coach and hit the link tree for all contacts and information about my services.
In the realm of investments and wealth management, we explore the captivating tale of Graham Rowan. Once the head of a division at Texas Instruments, he unexpectedly found himself immersed in the world of investing during the 1990s. What began with trust soon turned into a costly lesson. This journey led Graham to shift from relinquishing financial control to assuming personal responsibility, igniting his passion to empower others in navigating the intricate landscape of investments.
Graham emphasizes the utmost importance of financial education, shedding light on the complex regulations within the industry while recognizing the significance of consumer education. He advocates three key areas for investors: private equity, private debt, and private money. These potent instruments serve as drivers for both wealth creation and protection.
Looking ahead, he identifies opportunities in commodities, renewable energy investments, and the pursuit of financial independence amidst global geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties. His practical guidance focuses on starting early, making wise diversifications, and taking control of one’s financial destiny.
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What initially sparked your interest in the world of investing, and how did you embark on your journey in this field?
I’m almost embarrassed to tell you. I was running a software division of a big American company called Texas Instruments, selling multi-million dollar billing systems to telecoms companies around the world. I was making good money and I didn’t have the time or inclination to worry about investing my spare cash. On the advice of a colleague, I appointed a professional wealth manager who put my savings into the Nasdaq. This was the mid-1990s and the raging bull market meant that, every morning, I woke up thousands of dollars richer than when I went to bed. Until March 2000 when I noticed that the market had gone down by a few points. I asked if we should take some money off the table but they sneered at me and said ‘don’t be such a wimp. Don’t you recognise a temporary blip in a raging bull market?’
I left them to it and returned a year later to find that the market had crashed and they had lost me £160,000. They then took me into a room and said ‘I’m sorry, Mr Rowan, these losses take you below the net worth at which we look after clients so we’ll have to let you go.’ I was fired by my own wealth manager and realised that I hadn’t just delegated my investments to them, I had abdicated all responsibility. It was an expensive lesson, but an important one. From that moment, I took personal ownership of my financial future and vowed that I would help others to do the same.
Many individuals face challenges when it comes to constructing a robust investment portfolio. What advice do you have for those struggling to build their investment portfolios effectively?
Firstly, it’s not your fault. We simply aren’t given a financial education at school, at university or in the workplace. Money remains a taboo subject that only a minority of people engage with.
One of the things that annoys me the most is that we live in an age of ever increasing regulation of every aspect of our lives, including the financial services industry. Every year there are some new and more arduous rules to be followed, often in the name of ‘consumer protection’. But there’s never a move to increase financial education so that people can make their own informed choices. That leaves people at the mercy of an industry that does not always have the best interests of its customers at the top of its agenda.
From your extensive experience, what are some of the most common mistakes that people tend to make when investing, and how can these mistakes be avoided?
The first is the one I made – leaving the investment decisions to someone else. For example, if you are in a pension fund with your employer, do you have any idea what sectors, countries or companies you are invested in? Another mistake is that people think too parochially. Many Brits have way too much exposure to the UK stock market but far too little to the Middle East or Asia where much of the growth is happening today.
A third mistake is to assume that the next ten years will be the same as the last ten years. We’ve had a prolonged bull market which is now showing signs that it has run its course. It’s been possible to get great returns from passive funds that track the market without you having to do any thinking. The result is that firms like Blackrock and Vanguard have bigger portfolios than the GDP of many countries. I struggle to believe that this strategy will be so successful in the 2020s now that we have inflation, huge geopolitical risks and a simmering debt crisis to deal with.
How to address these problems? We focus on three areas, private equity, private debt and private money. Private equity is buying shares in companies that are not yet floated on public stock markets. We focus on providing growth equity to companies with a proven business model who are looking to grow their team, develop their products and enter new markets. This is where the most wealth is being created right now, and that’s why, if you look at the portfolio of the family offices of the ultra wealthy, there is more allocated to private equity than to any other asset including real estate. In our own portfolio we are seeing our original investment grow by anything from 4 to 30 times as the companies deliver on their plans.
Private debt includes bonds and loan notes issued by companies which can provide real, above inflation returns. The problem with private equity shares is that they are illiquid and you need to be ready to invest for anything from three to seven years before seeing a return. Private debt enables you to put food on the table and cover your everyday living costs while waiting for your private equity shares to mature.
Private money exists outside the current fiat system with the aim of avoiding the deliberate inflation and currency debasement being implemented by politicians and central banks around the world. I speak to people every week who have a million pounds or more sitting in High Street bank accounts. Not only are they earning miniscule rates of interest, not only do they have the counterparty risk of the bank going bust, but they are losing at least 10% a year in the purchasing power of that cash! One of the counter-intuitive learning points that I reinforce to our members is that cash in the bank is one of the most dangerous ‘investments’ of all!
There are three types of private money – gold, silver and Bitcoin. We believe there is a place in your portfolio for all three. In our Model Portfolio that we share with our members we suggest a 10% allocation to gold and a 5% allocation to Bitcoin.
Looking ahead, where do you believe the most promising investment opportunities will emerge in the coming years, and what should investors be keeping an eye on?
I’ve already mentioned private equity and private debt, but they are only available to people who qualify as accredited investors. In the UK that means an income of £100,000 a year or an investment portfolio of £250,000 outside of your home and pension. If that’s out of reach there are many ways you can get started including some great tax breaks. In the UK you can invest up to £20,000 a year in an individual savings account (ISA) and the growth inside the ISA is tax free. You can then research the sectors and companies that you think will do best in the years ahead.
Try to resist the temptation to jump on bandwagons like the big U.S. tech stocks which were the darlings of the last decade. Some of the biggest bargains we’re seeing at the moment are in the commodities and natural resources sector. For all our sophisticated, digital, twenty-first century lives, much of what we take for granted relies on stuff being dug up out of the ground. Competition for energy, rare earth minerals and food is going to drive these companies much higher in the years to come.
It’s always worth trying to follow the money – for example, politicians with green agendas are throwing vast sums at companies in the renewable energy space so investors can ride the wave of spending by backing the companies most likely to benefit from this torrent of cash. Some of my best sources of information on new opportunities are Money Week magazine and research by firms like Bytetree and George Gammon’s Rebel Capitalist team.
In the context of investments, what do you perceive as the most significant risks on the horizon, and how can investors mitigate these risks?
How long have you got? I recently spoke at a Beaufort live event in London on the risks to our freedom on many levels. Most people are way too complacent after eighty years of peace, prosperity and social mobility. It’s incredibly naive to assume the next eighty years will be a simple action replay. We have three situations that could trigger World War 3 – Ukraine, the Middle East and Taiwan. We have increasing threats to our freedom of movement and freedom of speech. We have the serious probability of governments introducing Central bank Digital Currencies, (CBDCs), programmable money that would bring Orwell’s 1984 to full fruition. And we have the arrival of AI and robotics threatening not just factory jobs but white collar professions in the legal, accounting and even the medical sectors.
There’s an inexorable shift of economic and political power from West to East, a realistic threat to the dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency and a rising level of taxation as fewer productive workers support an ageing population.
How do we respond to all this? As citizens, I think we have to take every legal action that we can to push back against the forces that are reducing our freedoms. As investors we have to take a leadership role in our families and accumulate as much wealth as possible to maximise the choices available to ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. And, most of all, we have to have a Plan B. And this is where most people slip up. I encourage our members to acquire at least one second residency or citizenship so that, if the country where you live becomes unbearable, you have somewhere else to go. You only have to look at Mirela’s life story to understand the importance of this.
Back in 2018, when I thought the UK was going to end up with a Marxist government led by Jeremy Corbyn, I bought property in Montenegro and obtained residency there. Boris Johnson surprised us by winning the next election, but he must have accidentally picked up Corbyn’s manifesto because the Conservatives have moved so far to the left that they might as well call themselves Socialists. So I moved again, this time to Portugal where I can enjoy more sunshine and less tax!
As individuals’ portfolios grow over time, wealth protection becomes increasingly important. Could you share some strategies or tips on how people can safeguard their wealth as their investments appreciate?
This brings us to the fundamental question, what is the purpose of wealth? Is it really just about Rolls Royces and private jets or does it go deeper than that? For me, wealth is all about choices. Living where you want to live, with the people you want and having the choice of if, how and when you work.
The two biggest threats we face today are a move towards totalitarian government and ever increasing taxation. Sadly, many of our fellow citizens seem willing to surrender their freedoms to governments who promise to ‘keep them safe’. These freedoms were bought with the blood of our parents and grandparents so it pains me to see how easily they are surrendered. People need to ask themselves what kind of country they want the future generations of their family to live in and research options on where best to go. The good news is that more and more countries are looking to attract higher net worth citizens so, as you build your wealth, more options should open up for you.
The tax burden in many countries is now at its highest level since World War 2, so tax mitigation strategies become central to wealth protection. On a simple level you can use ISAs and pensions to shelter your investments from tax. But, if you have a more sophisticated portfolio that includes property, businesses, shares and bonds, you will need the services of a tax expert to set up the correct structures in your country. It becomes even more complex when you have assets and income in multiple countries. Don’t be afraid to pay the fees but make sure you have a recommendation of the expert from a trusted source because you will be in no position to judge them yourself.
Beaufort Society plays a key role in the world of high net worth investing. Could you describe how the organization serves its members and what sets it apart in this space?
Right from the start we wanted to do things differently, mainly driven by my own appalling experience of the financial services industry! So, while our company is called Beaufort Private Equity, we operate as a private members club and refer to our investor community as the Beaufort Society. We provide lots of financial education content including videos, podcasts, newsletters and webinars. All brought together in one place, the Beaufort Academy, which is both a desktop and mobile phone app.
Most private equity firms operate as a fund, so their clients have no say in the individual investments. We provide direct investment opportunities, so that our members can choose which companies they buy into and at what level. A third difference is that we provide a unique financial planning service, the Wealth360, where I get together with a regulated financial adviser and we each take a look at your portfolio to see if it is going to meet your objectives. I am not allowed to provide advice, but I can and do express opinions!
We’ve also grown a hand-picked panel of subject matter experts to help our members in areas where we are not qualified to do so. This includes regulated financial and tax advisers, sources of property finance, specialist insurance and the world’s leading experts on second residency and citizenship by investment programmes. We now have 800 members in 37 countries and the feedback we receive is that we are very much helping our members to achieve their goals.
When thinking about a typical Beaufort Society member, what characteristics or profile traits do they tend to share, and what value does the society provide to individuals with these attributes?
Great question. By definition they are successful because, in meeting the requirements of a High Net Worth investor, they are already in the top 5% of the population. Many are business owners who have built and sold an enterprise and are looking at how to invest the proceeds. Some are professionals like doctors and dentists, others are property investors looking to diversify out of bricks and mortar. What they share is a willingness to look at alternative investments that are not available from High Street advisers, such as private equity and private debt. Like me, they are slightly ‘renegade’ and suspicious of Big Government and its increasing attempts to restrict our freedom.
They tend to be the most financially astute members of their families and take their leadership role in wealth creation, wealth protection and wealth transfer seriously. Most of all, they enjoy being able to mix with like-minded people because we are very much in the minority!
For those interested in becoming a member of Beaufort Society, what are the criteria or steps they should consider, and how can someone go about joining this exclusive network?
We deliberately try to remove as much friction as we can from the process. We don’t charge membership fees and we don’t make any charges when people invest. Our fees are paid by the companies for whom we raise capital and, where possible, we take part of our fees as equity so we can go on the journey with our members.
If someone meets the High Net Worth criteria I mentioned earlier, they can fil in the application form and self-certify their status at Beaufortprivateequity.com
In the context of your work, both as an author and a speaker, what key messages or insights do you hope to convey to your audience, and how can individuals benefit from your expertise in the realm of investments and wealth management?
Our core philosophy is that we each need to take ownership of our financial future because, as I discovered to my cost, no one else has your financial wellbeing at the top of their agenda! The financial world loves to use complicated jargon to justify their fees, but there’s no secret to building a successful portfolio. Live within your means, save some money then start investing. If you study the legendary investors like Warren Buffet or Sr John Templeton, their key messages were ‘buy cheap and diversify’. So, if you combine buying stocks when they are cheap and spreading the risk across multiple sectors, you should see significant growth in a five to ten year time horizon.
The most important point of all is to get started and make it a habit. As someone smarter than me once said, the best time to do this was twenty years ago. The second-best time to get started is today.
In the pages of Global Man Magazine, we are delighted to showcase an extraordinary individual whose impactful global speaking engagements have touched the lives of over a million people in 50 countries. This insightful figure is not just a revered speaker but also an accomplished author with 20 published books and the founding CEO of PublishU. Through his foundation, NAYBA, he exemplifies his dedication to fostering love and building community connections. In this interview, we delve into the inspiration behind his prolific writing, explore the concept of the “dyslexic superpower,” discuss finding balance between urban and rural lifestyles, and examine the transformative potential of genuine relationships in entrepreneurship and community development. Join us as we uncover a world where business, relationships, and social impact intersect.
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Your extensive speaking engagements have taken you to 50 countries and allowed you to address over a million people. Can you share a memorable experience or lesson from your global speaking tours that had a profound impact on you?
I was giving the keynote speech at a conference in Rome, Italy, for the general counsel from over 170 countries of one of the big four professional services firms. Over the years, I have picked up a tip: ask a client to introduce you to several people who will be in the audience on the day of your speech. Chat with them to understand them and their work and ask if you can reference them in your speech. I did exactly that, and so when I left the platform after my keynote, the Global General Counsel leant over to me and commented, ’Thank you so much; it’s like you know us inside out’.
You’ve written 20 books and contributed to publications like The Times newspaper. What inspires your writing, and how do you choose the topics you want to explore in your books and articles?
What inspires my writing is knowing that my words will be read by people that I may never meet in places that I may never travel. The way that creates the ability to inspire, influence, and impact excites me. I only write, speak, or broadcast about subjects that I’m passionate about, which for me is quite broad, ranging from entrepreneurship, the dyslexic superpower, authentic relationships, community transformation, local food, organic wine, and global travel!
As the Founder CEO of PublishU, you’ve helped over 100 people annually write, publish, and launch their books. Could you describe a particularly rewarding success story from your work with PublishU that stands out to you?
Yes, I remember when one of my students said, “I never thought I would write a book, let alone in 100 days, but I have. Now I am asking myself, “What else have I told myself I cannot do that I actually can?” I love helping people achieve things they never thought they could achieve. Enabling people to write a book in 100 days breaks the glass ceiling of what people often think they can do and empowers them to think bigger and better than they ever have before.
NAYBA, the global foundation you founded, is dedicated to helping churches worldwide better love their neighbours. What motivated you to establish this foundation, and how have you seen it make a positive impact on communities?
In 2010, the then-Prime Minister David Cameron gave a speech about what he called “Big Society.” He explained that his vision was for a big society in which we did not pay taxes to a big state machine that we expected to do everything for us. Rather, as citizens, we should take responsibility for our neighbours and neighbourhoods. This inspired me to start NAYBA because Jesus said, ‘Love your neighbour” (or “NAYBA” in the Belize Kreol language). I was delighted when David Cameron gave us a ‘Big Society Award’.
You mentioned the concept of the “dyslexic superpower” in your speaking engagements. Could you elaborate on what this means and how dyslexia can be a unique strength in entrepreneurship and personal growth?
For me, dyslexia is not a disadvantage; it is an advantage in life. For example, research undertaken by the company behind ‘post-it notes’ explains that your brain processes pictures 60,000 times faster than text. It is said that dyslexics think in pictures and people without dyslexia think in words. Therefore, dyslexia is a superpower that enables you to think super-fast, see the big picture, make connections between ideas, people, and places, solve problems, and lots more. So, it is hardly surprising that a disproportionate number of entrepreneurs are dyslexic.
Living between Covent Garden in London and Noto in Sicily sounds like a unique lifestyle. How do these two locations influence your work and your personal life, and what do you find most inspiring about each place?
As an extrovert, I feed off my environment, so I love both places. I love the urban energy and vibe of Covent Garden, as well as the tranquilly and pace of life in Noto. These two places reflect my love for living life fast and for living life slow. They both feed my work and my rest in different ways.
You’re known for enjoying live music, urban fashion, local food, and organic wine. How do these interests tie into your work as a business and social entrepreneur, and do they contribute to your overall well-being and creativity?
I’m aesthetic. As mentioned, my environment really matters to me. The looks, the sounds, the tastes, and the smells really matter to me. They stimulate my ideas and creativity, my energy and vibe, and my drive and determination. I shrivel in an environment that isn’t in some way beautiful and stimulating.
Your work involves helping people on both personal and community levels. What advice do you have for individuals who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities, but aren’t sure where to start?
Meaning in life is found by what you give not by what you get. I meet extremely wealthy people sometimes however they are hungry for meaning in their lives. I’m delighted to help them find greater meaning by working out the best way for them to give back to the world around them and the world beyond them.
The intersection of entrepreneurship and relationships is a topic you’ve explored. Can you share some insights on how building strong relationships can be a key driver of entrepreneurial success?
Yes. I was invited to speak at an event about networking. I spoke with the organiser to explain that while I love speaking, I hate networking because it is disingenuous, manipulative, and contrived. They immediately said, “You are someone who is into relationships.” I explained, “But I believe we should stop networking and start relationships.” The organiser invited me to speak on that subject, so I agreed. I didn’t want to become known as the anti-networking guy; it’s always bad to be defined by what you are not. So, I thought relationships were a science because we can all learn to do them better and an art because they take a lifetime to master. As I thought about the art, science, and study of relationships, the word “relationology” came to mind. So, I formed the company, bought the web domain, trademarked the name, and wrote a book on the subject based on the belief that relationships are the true currency of business.
