Who knew that a Canadian Air Force helicopter mechanic with a well-worn copy of Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing could transform the swimwear fashion industry in Dubai? ✨ Say hello to Maureen Hall - the Founder, CEO, and Head of Design for COÉGA Sunwear. Realizing a need for protective sunwear in Dubai (especially for her kids), she leveraged her sewing and design expertise to create the Pool Shoe, which marked the beginning of COÉGA's success. 🏊‍♀️👙 After more than 19 years, COÉGA has become a highly commendable company in the fashion sector, collaborating with major international brands like Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros, and Masha & the Bear. 🌟 In this episode, Maureen shares her insights as a business owner, emphasizing the importance of organization and time management. She discusses the role of templates and checklists in streamlining operations and offers tips on balancing rigidity and flexibility in business processes. Maureen also highlights the significance of meditation and mindfulness in maintaining a calm and focused mindset. 🧘‍♀️📋 Here are some of the key points Maureen and I talked about: 00:00 Introduction 21:12 Tips for planning an effective work week (how to prioritize tasks and set deadlines) 📅 24:58 Why streamlining processes is crucial and what happens if they're not followed 📈 52:40 Experiences from hiring friends and having to let them go 🤝 1:31:17 Celebrating 20 years of success 🎉 1:37:37 Using creativity to make the business future-proof 🌍 - And much more... It was a pleasure meeting and nerding out about processes with Maureen. Her contagious laugh, energy, and genuine passion for what she does shine through in this episode. 😊 --- This episode is brought to you by Entrepreneur’s Organization – Dubai. The organization also offers a mentorship program that pairs members with experienced business leaders who can provide guidance and support as they grow their businesses. So if you are a business owner, tired of taking on your challenges all alone and are looking for unique networking opportunities along with structured support through accountability groups and mentors, this community is for you. To learn more on how to become a member, visit https://eodubai.com/ or reach out to EO Dubai Administrator adminsupport@eodubai.com. Details about the EO membership: https://eodubai.com/member-benefits-new/apply-for-membership-new/ -- Where to find the podcast: ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrbr87_ZSPICaDoTcCebyw 🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6B5JdkAWrGSd927rZquJz7?si=4802c936a51f418c⁠ 🎙 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/my-first-business-with-naeem-parvez/id1615535576 🎙 Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xOTE1MjA1LnJzcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjk_8SnuPD5AhUBGRoKHZ-DAxMQ9sEGegQIARAC Where to find Maureen: 💼 ⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-coega/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureen_coega_/ 📸 ⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureen.hall.5205 🌐 ⁠Business Website: https://www.coegawear.com/ Where to find me: 📸 IG: http://www.instagram.com/the.naeem.parvez⁠ 📸 IG: http://www.instagram.com/myfirstbusinesspodcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nparvez⁠ 🖥 Website: https://www.nparvez.com My First Business is a podcast based in Dubai, hosted by Naeem Parvez. In each episode, Naeem (co-founder of Digitalina) interviews successful, but under-the-radar entrepreneurs in the city. The guests share valuable lessons they've learned on their entrepreneurial journeys, making each episode feel like a conversation with a mentor you never had. Love From My First Business, a Dubai Podcast.