Let’s Talk Nova

In today's episode, I share some information I've gathered all about closing your suppliers like: I'm still in the middle of the process itself, but felt it was helpful to share the information I found out with anyone else leaving the UAE, specifically aimed more so for expats in Abu Dhabi for those companies named above. Some useful links I mentioned in the episode are listed below: Sending Luggage Home with 'Send My Bag': Click Here Facebook Group for Donating Free Items: Facebook Link Here 'The Real FreeCycle Abu Dhabi' Royal Gas Email to get Clearance: support.ad@royalgas.ae This week's song choice: WEISS - 'Ain't Me Without You' YouTube Link

In today's episode I am joined by none other than Donegal native, Caoimhe Forker. Caoimhe shares her expat experience of living in Abu Dhabi for nine years so far, her passion for traveling and how she uses gratitude as a practice each day in her life. This is SUCH a wholesome interview, where Caoimhe wears her heart on her sleeve, sharing funny stories and words of wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed our chat talking all things teaching, entrepreneurship, expat life and her love of tea! I am sure you will adore this episode! Caoimhe's Song Choice is: 'Destination Donegal' - Daniel O' Donnell Click Here for YouTube Link Caoimhe's Instagram is: @caoimheforker Click Here

In today's episode, I interview the wonderful Tara Kidd, CEO & Founder of Tara Rose Hair Salons here in the UAE. Tara, who comes from the UK, shares her expat journey of setting up her own hair salon business here in Abu Dhabi. She also shares her journey of self development and how it feeds into her own vision for her team and clients. Tara is a breath of fresh hair, sharing her own tips she has learned in business, as well as the topics of becoming a mother in the middle of opening her second salon in 2017! Tara's song choice is any song from the 90s - too hard for her to choose as she enjoys absolutely any beat from that era! Tara's Instagram is: Click Here Tara Rose Hair Salon's Instagram is: Click Here

In today's episode I share tips from my own travels around the world, more specifically focused on solo travel. Out of the 43 countries I have visited, I have traveled to 10 countries solo and let me tell you, they were home to some of the greatest experiences of my life! I go into great detail in this episode, sharing my lessons learned, top tips for women to stay safe and some helpful websites / apps to help you along the way. As always, please reach out anytime on my Instagram DM's @thenovacoach or send me an email ailish@thenovacoach.com with any questions, concerns or queries. I absolutely LOVE talking all things solo travel, so I will be happy to help you along the way! TIME STAMPS BELOW: 04:03 - Reasons Why Solo Travel is Beneficial 19:00 - Tips on 'How' to Begin Your Plan 22:45 - When I Considered Moving to Australia in 2017 / 2018 27:28 - Hostel Dorms 36:47 - Singapore 38:26 - Indonesia 42:20 - MAPS Application 43:54 - How to Plan a Rough Itinerary 45:25 - Helpful Websites 49:55 - Important Tips for Females 56:59 - Making New Friends & Practicing Solo Scenarios 58:54 - Food Market Tips 59:56 - Things to Pack, New Zealand 01:02:10 - New Zealand, Itinerary Tips 01:05:05 - Technology Tips, Gadgets etc. 01:08:24 - Runners/Trainers, Laundry 01:09:01 - Hair Tools, Make-up, Spa Treatments 01:12:38 - How To Eat Alone & Make Friends 01:15:00 - Exploring the City 01:16:43 - Last BIG Tip 01:17:29 - Answers to My Instagram Q&A 01:23:53 - Hong Kong 01:26:07 - Review, Song Choice Websites and Apps mentioned: For Travel Insurance: World Nomads - Click Here For Bus Tickets: Seat 61 - Click Here Plane Seats for the views as you land: Seat Guru - Click Here and Seat Link - Click Here Offline Map to use on phone: MapsMe - Click Here New Zealand Travel Company I went with: Stray Travel - Click Here My song choice this week is: Kah-Lo 'Fire' Click Here

In today's episode I am joined my a friend of mine and former Na Fianna team mate Victoria St. Leger, who hails from Cork, Ireland. Victoria shares her story about experiencing anxiety, moving countries and leaving teaching to pursue her career in personal training. Victoria is shares her story with admirable vulnerability, honesty and wise words along the way. I think this episode will resonate with many teachers and for anyone who is curious to make a change in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Victoria and even reminiscing on our days with Na Fianna. Victoria's song choice is: 'Zombie' by The Cranberries Click for YouTube Link Victoria's Instagram: @thechroncilesofacrossfitcoach Click Here Article mentioned in episode: Click Here

In today's second installment of Jonathan's story, we hear Jonathan sharing his about his experience of teaching and coaching in Vietnam, how he used this experience to open up to other men in a men's circle and in turn, brought much healing into his own life. Jonathan shares how he experienced lockdown in Vietnam and how he escaped (quite a funny story) to catch a flight back to Ireland in the height of restrictions. Jonathan also shares his profound experience with Ayahuasca in Peru. He describes the ceremony and learnings from it. Jonathan is now using his own healing journey to help other men, where he has now set up his own men's circle in Limerick, Ireland. Please get in touch with him if you or you know of any men in your life who may be curious about joining a men's circle. It creates a strong sense of community and belonging among men, which can only bring about huge benefits to one another. Time Stamps below: 01:39 - Arriving into Vietnam 06:00 - Joining a Men's Circle 11:26 - Teaching & Coaching in Vietnam 14:57 - Lockdown in Vietnam 21:15 - Returning to Ireland 25:30 - Reintegrating into Life with Family & Friends in Ireland 30:28 - Creating a Men's Circle 31:50 - What is a Men's Circle? 34:48 - What are you most proud of for men of this generation? - What do you wish men of this generation had more of? 39:53 - Mental Health Movement in Ireland 43:13 - Ayahuasca Ceremony in Peru 54:47 - Quick Fire Round of Questions Jonathan's song choice is: Julio Bashmore - 'Battle For Middle You' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnEnj5jZWws Jonathan's Website: https://authenticpowercoaching.mykajabi.com/mens-circle Jonathan's Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathankielycoaching/

In today's episode, I am joined by Jonathan Kiely who hails from Limerick, Ireland. Jonathan is a former corporate employee turned life coach and shares his inspiring story of how he learned to listen to his intuition to pursue his love of coaching. Jonathan speaks about many topics such as; anxiety, overcoming challenging obstacles in college/university, working in corporate life, eventually training to be a life coach and traveling to Asia. This is Part 1 of a two part episode. Tune in next week to hear about Jonathan's journey in Vietnam. Time stamps below: 06:10 - Experience in 6th Year (Leaving Cert.) aged 18 - 19 years old 11:11 - Starting College/University 16:48 - Feelings with Failure & Confidence to Speak Up 23:26 - After College Working in Corporate Life 28:29 - Introduction to Life Coaching & Trusting Intuition 35:40 - Traveling to Asia 51:02 - Vipassana - Meditation Retreat Find Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathankielycoaching/ Jonathan's Website: https://authenticpowercoaching.mykajabi.com/mens-circle

In today's episode, I am joined by the wonderful Kyla Fellner of House of Colour, Abu Dhabi. Kyla was born in Cork to British parents and grew up in Spain & Portugal. She has now been living Abu Dhabi for the last 11 years. Kyla, who is a Pilot, is now an Image Consultant and is trained within the House of Colour method to help men & women look amazing, effortlessly! Kyla shares her journey of becoming an Image Consultant, what the colour analysis and style sessions entail and the many benefits of having a session with her. Kyla also shares some advice for future brides shopping for their wedding and bridesmaids dresses. This is one you don't want to miss! Kyla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofcolour_abudhabi/ Kyla's Musical Artist of Choice: Madonna

In today's episode I chat with the wonderful Aileen McAlister from Co. Antrim, Ireland. Aileen set up Reel Robics in Dubai during the 2020 lockdown, which combines Irish dance with fitness. Aileen delves into her love of Irish dance, growing up between Antrim and Donegal and how she trained to be an Irish dancing coach. Aileen has an infectious energy, which radiates throughout this podcast episode, as she opens up how she became an expat and about the differences for her with teaching in Dubai compared to home. I hope you enjoy this listen, as much as I enjoyed recording it with Aileen. Aileen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrobicsdubai/ Aileen's Song Choice: 'Blame It On The Boogie' - The Jacksons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqxVMLVe62U

In today's episode I chat with Aliya Rajah from the UK, now living in Dubai. Aliya is a Personal & Professional Development Coach, specializing in confidence for both men & women. Aliya shares her journey of working for the NHS, building her own business and how important it is to reframe our mindset when women are jealous or envious of one another. She shares real life experiences that are relatable and some brilliant tips to put into action today. I hope you enjoy the listen, full of laughs, stories and key actionable steps to create changes in your life. Aliya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_aliya/ Aliya's Website: https://aliyarajah.com/ Aliya's Podcast: 'Women Who Flourish' https://open.spotify.com/show/2wsbylPvnNVrCzjWMcytLN?si=92f3a29fc846421c Aliya's Song Choice: 'Someone Like You' - Adele https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLQl3WQQoQ0

In this episode, I am joined by my good friend, Jasmine Navarro, who I trained alongside in my coach training in Dubai. Jasmine comes from Bournemouth, England and shares her stories of about teaching in an incredible eight different countries: Turkey, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Jasmine shares her learning from each different country she lived in, her experiences and also how she came to leave teaching and become a Family Coach. Jasmine covers so many topics in this podcast including burnout, confidence in teens, finding time for ourselves after burnout and also how she dealt with grief in her life. This is a great listen following Jasmine on her worldwide journey to find herself. Jasmine's Podcast: The Foghorn Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/the-foghorn-podcast/id1558179127?l=en Jasmine's Instagram: @withnava https://www.instagram.com/withnava/ Jasmine's chosen song: 'Physical' by Dua Lipa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HDEHj2yzew

Today I am joined by a long time friend of mine, Leah Morgan, who hails from Limerick, Ireland. Leah runs her own business, Leah Morgan Creative, helping freelancers and business brands achieve seamless web designs and creating marketing content strategies. In this episode, Leah speaks on topics such as; money mindset, building her business to where she is now working full-time and also her travels abroad. Leah has lived in Dubai, Austin and most recently has made the move to Malta. I hope you enjoy this listen as we take a trip down memory lane sharing how we first crossed paths, Leah sharing her lessons in business and her amazing achievements to date! Leah's song choice: 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZRURcb1cM Leah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahmorgancreative/ Leah's Website: https://leahmorgan.ie/ Leah's Film: 'Amy' - https://vimeo.com/218922288 Leah's Documentary: 'It Will Rise with the Moon' - https://vimeo.com/293092900

In this episode, I chat to Tipperary native, Brendan Costello about a new EduTech business, Tutor Genie. Brendan and his business partner have created this new, innovative platform for parents, students and teachers to make tutoring more accessible and stress-free here in the UAE! Brendan shares his journey from arriving in Abu Dhabi in 2012, to now co-founding Tutor Genie. He shares his wisdom on how to find website developers, using market research to create his target market and exciting plans for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Brendan to hear how he and his business partner saw an opportunity during the pandemic and decided to go all in with Tutor Genie. A truly inspirational story! I hope you enjoy this listen, as much as I enjoyed recording it. Links: Tutor Genie website: https://tutorgenie.ae/ Tutor Genie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutorgenie.ae/ Brendan's song choice: 'How To Disappear Completely' - Radiohead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W6HhdqA95w

In this episode, I share some tips on goal setting, how to create a vision board, mindset tips and also some techniques to manage that inner critic when trying to cultivate new habits. This week's song of choice is 'Want Need Love' by Prospa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHnwV5ay8-8 A real high vibe song to get you in the mood of becoming the best version of yourself. Enjoy!

My dear friend, Ashley Johnson, has joined me for the the second time round, this time to share her journey to accepting her body and absolutely nailing the body-confidence game! Ashley previously shared her expat journey in episode #4 - link here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/597AmIsIRDqcWKqaHSkdh8?si=49100e2001134a8d In today's episode Ashley shares her experience growing up in high school as a tall girl and how she came to be one of the most body confident friends I have in my life. Ashley inspires me everyday and I consider myself very lucky to call her my friend. I truly hope she inspires you when you listen. Before you listen, look at this photoshoot she did with a good friend of ours, Luke Schaller. Link to the post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWhfQ_LPI8D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Ashley shares a poem in the episode, 'Our Deepest Fear' link here: https://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/stories/williamson.ourdeepestfear.invitation Ashley's song choice is 'Conversations in the Dark' by John Legend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUD2GxTeVcI

Well now, this is by far the most requested podcast episode to date, and it has only taken me a over a year to speak about it! A topic that is so commonly discussed among expats, but rarely addressed on social media. The time is now to collectively open the conversation around expat dating, men's mental health, female empowerment and living life with more compassion for one another. I give my opinion on these topics, in the best non-biased way I can. I know not everyone will agree with what I have to share, but sure, I can't let that stop me from speaking up about this for my fellow expats - both men & women! I hope something from this episode resonates with you. Send me message if you listen and share your thoughts on wherever you get your podcasts leaving a comment. Thank You & Happy Listening! This week's song choice: Westlife - 'World of Our Own' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jal-vzO8bVE

Today is my 30th birthday and as I enter this new decade, I wanted to share with you some of my own learnings from my 20s. In some parts I am really open and honest about my journey. I hope this episode resonates with you and you get some value from it. This week's chosen song is: 'Wannabe' by Spice Girls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ

In this episode, I share 7 steps to practice how to implement what we learn from what we read, watch or listen. Often we forget what we consume and the information is stored in our short-term memory. Ever read a book and wish you had time to read it again to really grasp the concept? Well take a listen to this episode to hear my steps to help you achieve that long-term memory retention on what we consume. This week's song choice: Ewan McVicar - 'Tell Me Something Good' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8bIYKwUyPM

In this episode, I address the all important topic of mental health and well-being in the workplace. This is something I feel very passionate about and see as an integral part of our daily life. We all have a collective responsibility to improve our work environments, to encourage positive staff morale and create a safe space for people to feel valued and supported in. This episode will benefit both any employer or employee in today's society. Below are time stamps to distinguish both parts for your listening: Employer's Role implementing strategies: 07:45 onwards Employee's Role implementing strategies: 33:49 onwards This week's song choice is none other than Dermot Kennedy's 'Better Days' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gqbE9jDI1g

In this episode, I interview the wonderful Aoife McHugh, of https://www.instagram.com/aoifemchughhealth/ @Aoifemchughhealth on Instagram. Aoife hails from Lanesborough, in County Longford. Today she shares her passion for animals, how she incorporates writing into her well-being routine and raising awareness for Thrombosis Ireland. I hope you enjoy this important episode. Aoife shares her story with such care and honesty. A truly inspiring young woman!