Racha Makarem – Founding Partner, Director of Operations @ Four Pillar Communications Racha Makarem is a professional translator with nearly 20 years of experience in Lebanon and the UAE. She received her MA in Translation and Languages from St. Joseph University in Beirut, where she worked as a translator for some of the biggest pan-Arab TV networks while also managing her own translation agency. She moved to Abu Dhabi with her family in 2009 where she held the position of senior translator at The National newspaper for 6 years before founding Four Pillar Communications. Ms Makarem is involved in several writing and translation projects with government and private entities in the UAE. She has worked on research and translation projects for the Tourism and Culture Authority, The Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Deloitte among others. As a simultaneous interpreter, she has had the opportunity to work at dozens of high-profile conferences and festivals in the UAE, including the Knowledge Summit, the World Government Summit, Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the International Festival of Falconry and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to name but a few. She is fluent in French, English and Arabic, and conversational in Spanish.
Liliane Nakad – Founding Partner, Managing Director @Four Pillar Communications
Liliane Nakad – Founding Partner, Managing Director @Four Pillar Communications Liliane Nakad is a communications professional and an established interpreter with over 20 years of experience in Lebanon, London and the UAE. She received her BA in Communications Arts and Theater from St. Joseph University in Beirut where she worked for several years as a communications specialist with the Ministry of Tourism. From there, she moved to London where she honed her skills in communications and conference interpreting. Ms. Nakad moved to the UAE in 2008 to assume her position as a Global Account Manager at GPI, a leading multinational translation company. In 2012, Ms. Nakad joined Four Pillar Advisors in Copenhagen, Denmark where she worked as Director of Sales, helping the organization expand its footprint in MENA region. In 2016, she founded Four Pillar Communications to be a boutique communications and content provision agency servicing the UAE and other GCC markets.
Nicole Eid Mallah
Founder of Nutriform Clinic, Nicole Eid Mallah is a Masters Degree holder in Clinical Nutrition, and works together with a highly-skilled physiotherapist, to customize your diet and fashion your shape. Our growing list of satisfied clients frequently report increased energy, firmer skin, a more youthful appearance, better overall health and a happier life. She created her Clinic to help people take charge of their health and shape, through personalized care, revolutionary technology and sophisticated dietetics. Keeping it cost-effective, Nicole adheres to a holistic, whole-body approach that is guaranteed to revitalize her patient’s life through tailored and scientific programs, which support a unique biochemistry and complement needs, lifestyle and tastes. Based on leading research and practical experience, she has formulated an exclusive and all-inclusive program that sculpts you into the best possible shape and health in just two months ! Because your wellbeing is her main concern,
Nutrition and mental health… any relation?
Few people are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression. Depression is more typically thought of as only biochemical or emotional. On the contrary, nutrition can play a key role in the onset as well as severity and duration of depression. Many of the easily noticeable food patterns that occur during depression may include: Poor appetite, skipping meals, and a dominant desire for sweet foods.Nutritional neuroscience is an emerging discipline shedding light on the fact that nutritional factors are linked with human cognition, behavior, and emotions. The most common mental disorders currently prevalent in numerous countries are: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They are associated with: Deficiencies in neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) . The dietary intake pattern of the general population in many Asian and American countries reflects that they are often deficient in many nutrients, especially essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have indicated that daily supplements of vital nutrients are often effective in reducing patients symptoms. The amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and methionine are helpful in treating many mood disorders including depression. Tryptophan, is usually converted to serotonin (the happy hormone) therefore induce sleep and tranquility. “Previous research has revealed the link between nutritional deficiencies and some mental disorders.” The most common nutritional deficiencies seen in patients with mental disorders are of omega–3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are precursors to neurotransmitters: CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates affect mood and behavior. Consumption of diets low in carbohydrate tends to precipitate depression, since the production of brain chemicals serotonin and tryptophan that promote the feeling of well-being, is triggered by carbohydrate rich foods. B. PROTEINS Many of the neurotransmitters in the brain are made from proteins (amino acids). The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are made from the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan respectively.A low synthesis of those neurotransmitters is associated with low mood and aggression in the patients. C. ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS Omega-3 fatty acids The brain is one of the organs with the highest level of fats. Gray matter contains 50% fatty acids that are polyunsaturated and supplied through diet. Lowering plasma cholesterol by diet and medications increases depression. sufficient omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids may decrease the development of depression. D. VITAMINS B-complex vitamins Mood improvement is particularly associated with improved vitamin B2 and B6 status. In women, baseline vitamin B1 status was `linked with poor mood and an improvement in the same after 3 months was associated with improved mood. Vitamin B12 Clinical trials have indicated that Vitamin B12 delays the onset of signs of dementia. Adolescents who have a borderline level of vitamin B12 deficiency develop signs of cognitive changes. Vitamin B12 is mainly present in meat, fish, eggs, milk and cheese. Vitamin B9(Folate) It has been observed that patients with depression have blood folate levels. A study has shown that 500 mcg of folic acid enhanced the effectiveness of antidepressant medication. It is not clear yet whether poor nutrition, as a symptom of depression, causes folate deficiency or primary folate deficiency produces depression and its symptoms. Folate is mainly present in green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, lentils and fruits. E. MINERALS Chromium Many studies on the association of chromium in humans depression have been recorded; Main food sources: broccoli, potatoes, green beans, whole grain products. Iodine Iodine plays an important role in mental health. The iodine provided by the thyroid hormone ensures the energy metabolism of the cerebral cells. Main food sources: Seaweeds, fish, iodized salt, eggs. Iron Iron is necessary for oxygenation and to produce energy in the brain and for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin. Research findings pointed out that twice as many women as men are clinically depressed. This gender difference starts in adolescence and becomes more pronounced among married women aged 25-45, with children. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with apathy, depression, and rapid fatigue when exercising. Main food sources: Red meat, chicken, fish and eggs, as well as beans and wheat germs. Lithium The role of lithium has been well known in psychiatry. The therapeutic use of lithium is mainly in depression, schizoaffective disorder, aggression, impulse control disorder, eating disorders, and in certain subsets of alcoholism. Main food sources: crustaceans, mollusks, fish, legumes (beans, peas, lentils…) Selenium Intervention studies with selenium with other patient populations reveal that selenium improves mood and diminishes anxiety; Main food sources: Nuts, fish, beef, turkey and chicken. Zinc Studies have shown that zinc levels are lower in those with clinical depression; Furthermore, intervention research shows that oral zinc can influence the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy. Main food sources: Oysters, red meat, nuts, whole grains and beans. Current research in psychoneuroimmunology and brain biochemistry indicates the possibility of communication pathways that can provide a clearer understanding of the association between nutritional intake, central nervous system, and immune function thereby influencing an individual’s psychological health status. These findings may lead to greater acceptance of the therapeutic value of dietary intervention among health practitioners and health care providers addressing depression and other psychological disorders. By; Nicole Eid Mallah.
5TH ANNIVERSARY !
Yes, we made it through out all the limitations, Challenges & Hard Time ! #withwomen #bywomen #forwomen … A special Thank You for the Startup Team, Marie-Christine Tayah Oliver Kattan sylviekastoun, who accepted the challenge launching Executive-Women.me on this very same date 5 years ago, combined with the efforts of their colleagues ! Would like to thank all our Respectful Strategic & Business Partners, as well as all the Events Organizers for their continuous support and collaboration… To our “Loyal Friends” & esteemed community members, who believed in us & stood still with their care & concerns … Thank you ! couldn’t have made it without your TRUST ! UPGRADES are on the way…We Promise you many NEW exciting chapters…
How many roles do you play in life?
I am sure you heard this question many times and if you start counting your roles, you will be surprised that every time you find a new role, additional roles will be added to your life. So why count? When i graduated from the University with a degree in acting and performing arts, I was so excited to start my career in TV, Cinema and Theatre, whether it was acting, singing or presenting. I wanted to do anything that puts me under the spotlight or behind a camera. My life was so busy and it was a lot of fun. I was playing many roles and enjoying all the stress of the rehearsals, long hours of filming and sleepless nights. All that because i was in love with what i was doing and passionate about exploring my talents in different areas. I was playing the role of an actress that plays different roles, in different places, with different audiences and i was so happy, energized and On Fire! What’s the secret that moves you to do lots of things at the same time and stay focused, balanced, fulfilled, satisfied and happy? And what are factors that can sabotage your happiness and passion? The actor says: I am anything and everything, I am anywhere and everywhere, I am Universe, I am ALL. In other words, I am open to opportunities, I am flexible, I am ready, everything is possible, I can do it, I accept. Those are the beliefs that we want in our life, we want to be the actor who knows how to get in and out of each role without being attached to any of those roles. In fact, what we are doing in our life, is playing all our roles at the same time and we feel overwhelmed, not in control, stressed and unhappy. The actor takes the script and studies the character very well before performing it and even if he or she will perform the same play for 100 times, the acting will remain the same. How many times we don’t know what we are doing? How many times we ask ourselves for what purpose am I doing this or that? It is as if you are in an improv and the director pulls you from the audience and gives you a role and asks you to do it on the spot, it might come out amazing or it might be a disaster. But a good actor who knows how to play will always find ways to blow the audience’s mind. “So why don’t you be the actor in your life?” What if you learn those skills and apply them in your day to day life? How easy and enjoyable would your life be? How happy and fulfilled would you feel? How many hidden talents do you have that you don’t know about and if you knew about you will be On Fire? How many times you stopped yourself from getting on stage and surprising yourself? Being the actor and the director of your life, is being responsible for your dreams and future. Have you ever seen a director allowing anyone to give his or her opinion and change the direction of the play or the movie he or she is working on? Have you ever been in a theatre and saw a random person from the audience stepping on stage and performing on scene? How many times have you allowed that person to change your story and change your dreams? Be the director of your own life-script, chose your players, let them audition for the roles that you have assigned for them and be the actor that masters the art of living! By, Nadine Chammas Bekhaazi, Positive Lifestyle Specialist & Hypnotherapy Trainer
Nadine Chammas Bekhaazi
Nadine Chammas Bekhaazi, Positive Lifestyle Specialist & Hypnotherapy Trainer Known as The Life Director, she received an invitation from the UAE National Program of Happiness and Positivity to take part of their new initiative #1millionactsofgiving that is aligned with the year of giving. The goal of the initiative is to reach 1 Million acts of giving by the end of 2017. Nadine’s influence in the community during recent years made her a leading, positive and influential figure throughout her engagement via different platforms such as her Positive Lifestyle on live TV show, corporate workshops, empowerment talks and Pay It Forward events. Her plan is to encourage schools, corporations, associations and individuals to be part of this initiative by spotting or doing an act of giving and sharing it on social media using the #1millionactsofgiving to inspire others to do the same. Nadine has developed a detailed plan of talks, events and activities on how to reach the 1 Million acts of Giving. She believes that if everyone will do 1 act of giving and ask the receiver to do the same for someone else, the circle of kindness will grow so fast and the 1 Million acts will be achievable. Get in touch with Nadine to know more on how you or your organization can be part of this initiative. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
How to become the architect of your life!
An Architect by profession, actor, dancer and speaker, Priya Telavane is a passionate entrepreneur. She believes in the power of dreams and work towards it to fulfill them to make them reality. After completing her architecture in India, she specialized in interior designing with over 15 years of work experience so far around the globe. Priya founded 361 degrees design solutions to create a design centric commercial interior that truly reflects a client’s brand, style and design 8 years back in Dubai.Having full support from her husband Amol who is also an Architect and partner in the same business and both have been working closely together to grow 361 degrees design solution globally. Her dedication and determination help fuel their drive to transform commercial spaces across UAE. Being a mother of 18 months old son Aaryan, I jugglebetween the roles of being a mother, wife, business owner and networker. To perform all roles successfully with excellent quality of lifeshe willshare her secret …how to be an architect of your own life. “We can’t control the past and future so focusing on present will allow us to achieve many more things in life.” Architect designs and builds the structures while doing this with perfect planning, designed timeframe, desired budget, good quality material, design creativity and unique elements to have a better identity for structure. The end product is good and acceptable by client. Likewise by following above points in day today life we can design life beautifully. Planning– For personal as well as professional goals plan and write it on a paper. Make the perfect planning to follow it day today activities. When you follow the designed layout of your works the goals are easy to reach. I had decided my goals for next 5 years and written in the beautiful book that I love to see every week. Unconsciously my brain, mind, every muscle of my body works towards achieving them. it’s a slow walk towards it and will get there with my hard work, determination for sure. Timeline – for each goal there should be timeframe to be aligned and followed. Always plan your weekly schedule for day today operations. Decide work hours and personal hours with delegation of works very important. Don’t forget to add hours for eating and sleeping. This will help to utilize your day productively. I design my day and week as per the allocated timeline for each activity. Delegating the works I can’t do it works perfect to stick to my timelines. Budget/Finance– Business, work, home functions on the money indirectly. To design your finance well which will help you to build strong base for your future life and take care of your present needs. Profit, loss, savings, future expansions if there is a business mention it on sheet or use software to track it with my partner I make it a point to design our all finances. We take external expert help to plan it better and follow it. Good quality of life– having perfect balance or maintaining balance between work and personal life, me time and time for kids, healthy eating high thinking will give you good quality of life. Remove all negativity around and consistence exercise very important part. I feel this is essential for everyone to have good quality life. Me with my family we follow all the rules to achieve this and try to get there as close as possible. Creativity – Be creative in all works you do…house work, professional work, for your kids, for yourself. The touch of creativity will give different dimension to all things around will make you happy and cheerful. People around you will start appreciating you and will like to be with you for this one trait. As our field of work allows us to be creative at work I try to be creative in the smallest things I do day to day, to be close to your femininity will make you creative and experiment a lot in day today life. Unic element– ladies don’t forget unic you within yourself. Don’t hide your passions and what you are good at for this element of yours people will recognize you…. this will give you own identity .I have been dancing on stage from age of 3 and started acting on stage at the age of 6 years …I do it till date. Have been doing design presentations for multinational companies, which made me develop as a speaker and explain things in a better way. Having said that I love to help other women and believe in women empowerment movement. “Everyone can be Architect of their own life by building it how they wish and it will become wonderful…” Priya
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
Be Realistic: Creating a resolution that’s too big sets you up for failure. The first key to success is zeroing in on one goal, not more. Then do a quick reality check. Share your resolution with other people: We’re more likely to achieve our resolutions when we make them public. Tell your best friend about your New Year’s resolution, and check in with her on the reg to chat about it and make sure you’re on track. Better yet, get her on board so you’re both working toward the same goal. Do not ignore the small successes:it’s crucial to recognize and reward the smaller successes along the way. Rather than waiting until you’ve shed all 10 pounds, give yourself a mini “Yay, me!” celebration each time you drop 2. After each small success is achieved, reward yourself with a good book, new music, or a night out with friends. Forgive yourself when you slip up: If you’ve faltered, know that you’re in good company: “Having a lapse is common. What really matters is how you handle it. Remind yourself why you want to make the change: Identify an important reason why you are resolving to change something in your life, and every time you feel like quitting, think of that reason.
Top 5 Reasons for Dressing Unique
These are the five reasons why you should ditch the fashion trend and step outside the “clone fashion” industry. It’s time to be unique and even actively take part in designing your own fashion. With all these new technologies, this is starting to become a reality. 1. Individualize. Choosing a unique dress allows you to express your personality fully. There are not a lot of places where you can change what fashion artists design but this is a great startup you may want to check out. 2. Avoid the embarrassment. Never again be upset when going out and seeing your dress on another woman. Stop buying mass-produced clothes and eliminate the risk or being “cloned.” Having your own style gets rid of all those awkward silences. 3. Create your own style. It is tough to go to endless shops just to find the same fashion line that you want. Always finding something you would slightly change but having no choice in the matter. Now you can do that online. Take a base dress, tweak it here and there and make it perfect. You can check it out here. 4. Get your significant other’s attention. That tingly feeling when your loved one is amazed by you. Choosing the right clothes is essential in making their hair stand up. Don’t miss the opportunity to add your style to the clothes you buy and mix it right. 5. Expand your creativity. Making a small effort every day to create a harmonious image for yourself, will rewire your brain. You will be more inclined to find beauty all around you, and you will be more creative. In time you will be more refined and elegant, making people wonder how do you do it. “It all starts with one step, becoming a designer for yourself.” The world has changed. All around us we see gadgets that didn’t exist five years ago, these are fantastic advances, but we continue to dress like 200 years ago, mass-produced factory fashion has not changed. Millions of copies for every item, this is embarrassing. It is time to respect us more and change the way we dress. Cloths are, in the end, part of us. Support unique fashion, where you have the power. Jon Barack is the founder of SecretBrand. It’s all about fashion, art, technology, software, branding, and e-commerce. He holds a master’s degree in economics and developed niche markets for the last 25 years.