Podcast Power and Nicholla Henderson-Hall
Podcasts can be simple and short soundbites or lengthy and informative discussions – on practically any topic under the sun! Nicholla Henderson-Hall is an entrepreneur who has made it her mission to share the compelling stories of other women entrepreneurs, via her podcast The Learning Curve which focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She shares her passion with Tempo…
Tempo: Who is podcaster Nicholla Henderson-Hall?
I grew up in the UAE; it’s in my blood and it’s a large part of who I am today. I think I am outgoing, friendly and relatable and so my current role as Podcast Hostess for my own show ‘The Learning Curve’ and the creator of the community ‘Muscat – Where Can I find’ and ‘Abu Dhabi- Where Can Find’ Facebook Groups all fit well into my personality. All of this together has made me an adaptable, community and social entrepreneur.
Tempo: What is the Podcast “The Learning Curve” about?
The Learning Curve Podcast is awesome! We are a young show aimed at sharing the stories of engaging Arab and expat women working and living in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa). Each week we share their business stories and find out about how they achieve their goals and what kept them going. We find out what has inspired them and where their business ideas come from.
Tempo: Was this a “gap” that you saw? How did you get started?
It started very much as a hobby. I offered up a suggestion to my friend who was a radio DJ at a local station in Muscat to start a ‘Mums show’. He thought it was brilliant idea. The show went on for two years until we left in the summer of 2013. When I moved back to Abu Dhabi I really missed that connection. One part of my show was about Omani women entrepreneurs. It was my favourite part and I loved hearing how these ladies achieved their dreams both professionally and personally. I did some research into podcasting in the Middle East and found that it was very much in its infancy. It was good because there is a need to educate people about podcasting as some still don’t quite know what it is and how it can be used or see the potential it has to communicate to your audience across the internet. The show started last year and over the last few months it has gone from strength to strength as we try and reach out to the MENA region.
Tempo: How do you create your podcasts?
My main topic is always the entrepreneurial journey of the women I interview so I do my research to see what they have done and what they have achieved before I approach them. I look for the ‘hook’. Something that sets them apart. Many guests recently have come through word of mouth as past interviewees love the show and what I am doing and want to help spread the word about my show and share more amazing women.
Tempo: Your podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the MENA. Why MENA?
In the podcast listing there are many shows about entrepreneurial woman but I wanted to focus on MENA region. There is a lot of news coverage about women in the region but there isn’t much ‘voice time.’ So much is done by women entrepreneurs in this region. So this is a way of raising the awareness of what they are doing to a more global audience.
Tempo: What has the reaction been to the podcast?
My podcast has been well received. Guests and listeners loved it and love that I am focusing on this region. They want more. They offer up guests and ideas which is wonderful. This is my way of giving back to the region which I have been a part of all my life.
Tempo: Which podcasters inspire you and why?
There are many. But my ‘go to’ podcasters are ‘Entrepreneur on fire’ – a podcast by John Lee Dumas who interviews some amazing entrepreneurs. My other favourite show is ‘BizwomenRock’ – a podcast by Katie Krimitsos who interviews even more amazing women, and is so inspiring.
Tempo: What is your podcasting routine?
I start my day early: at 4.50am. I exercise for an hour before taking my daughter to school. I then get on with the daily tasks of the day that can range from research, interview question writing, web page editing, social media management, community management, podcast listening, podcast editing and much more.
Tempo: How would you like to grow all this?
Firstly I want to interview more amazing women and help raise the profile of my show. Long term, this podcast is just one of a collection I would LOVE to do. I would love to have a podcast collection covering all my favourite topics and become a ‘go to podcast’ for the region. It’s a big dream but you have to dream big, right?
Tempo: What advice would you give to someone starting a podcast?
Do it. Just get yourself a microphone, and start talking. If you need some inspiration, head over to iTune the world’s biggest library of podcasts, and you will find so many topics that people are talking about. It really is a fantastic medium to be using.
Get in touch with Nicholla:
Website: www.thelearningcurvepodcast.com www.facebook.com/thelearningcurvepodcast
By Neil Bie
