In this episode of The Expats in Dubai Show, Amber Waheed hosts an honest conversation about building a legal career in Dubai without a perfect academic start, flawless CV, or the traditional advantages often assumed in law.

The discussion moves beyond titles to explore competence over credentials, confidence over grades, how women are perceived by clients, the psychology of authority, burnout at senior levels, the impact of social media on professional credibility, and why Gen Z may quietly reshape the profession. It’s a grounded look at law as a long game — and proof that success doesn’t require a flawless beginning.

Joining Amber are Fiona Robertson (General Counsel, OSN), Marie Chowdhry (Partner, Pinsent Masons), Chrissie Wolfe (Partner, Nexa), and Charlotte Songwiqi (Al Tamimi). Four women with very different journeys, all now working at the top of Dubai’s legal profession.

📺 To watch the full video version, visit AmberWaheedOfficial on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9wlP0kUus&t=3015s

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In this episode, we chat with Fiona Robertson, OSN’s Chief Counsel and a dynamic media lawyer in Dubai, with almost 20 years’ experience handling high-stakes legal and reputational risks in the UAE’s fast-moving media scene.

Fiona’s journey spans private practice and in-house roles, advising on everything from defamation to digital media crises. She shares candid insights on the evolving legal landscape and the unique challenges media law faces today.

Topics include:

• Why Dubai became home
• Dealing with hate mail and tough cases
• Private practice vs. in-house - her honest take
• How she selects external counsel
• The future of media law and AI’s growing role
• Advice for young legal professionals

Whether you work with media clients, aspire to a global legal career, or just love legal stories, this episode is packed with real talk, practical advice, and some behind-the-scenes gossip.

Listen in for an insider’s look at the challenges and opportunities shaping media law in the UAE.

Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on hello@wizbizla.com

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426

What do a Netflix creator, a professional basketball coach, and a leadership mentor all have in common?

In this episode of Expats in Dubai, host Amber Waheed is joined by Hernando Planells, a man who has lived all three lives — and is now using his unique experience to guide the next generation in Dubai through the power of storytelling, sport, and mentorship.

Together, they explore:

• The complexities of growing up as a third-culture kid
• The importance of understanding your cultural heritage in shaping identity
• How parents can help children navigate dual identities in multicultural settings
• The role of empathy, communication, and authenticity in great leadership
• Whether the “Dubai bubble” is raising soft leaders, and how to build resilience in young people
• What it means to lead with purpose in a city built on global ambition

From navigating international careers to mentoring youth in a rapidly evolving city, Hernando Planells shares powerful insights on identity, leadership, and belonging that resonate far beyond the basketball court or the screen.

Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or simply someone in search of clarity and connection — this conversation is for you.

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Thank you for listening!

Questions/Feedback or to receive a copy of our 'stories across the emirate' newsletter, please email us on hello@wizbizla.com

Follow the show, subscribe on Apple Podcasts to be reminded whenever a new episode arrives https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/expats-in-dubai-podcast/id1569143426