We’re two friends and ex-colleagues who spent over a decade working at the same company but came from totally different worlds. Ksenia’s from Russia and moved to Dubai just 3 years ago. Anam’s from Pakistan but grew up in Dubai. Different journeys, shared challenges and a lot of things no one ever really prepared us for. That’s why we started This Wasn’t in the Manual, a podcast exploring all the things life and work no one really gave us instructions for. We’re bringing in real stories, honest advice, and the kind of conversations we wish we had earlier. Follow along, we’re just getting started. New Episode Every Monday Information about about the Hosts: Anam Amin Anam never really had a niche and that’s kind of her niche. Born in Pakistan, grew up in the UAE, and made life is as diverse as the country is. Jumping around various industries landing up as a pastry chef, then finally pivoted to marketing as her day job, while part time hosting a podcast, writing about everything no one taught us and a little more of everything in between. Ksenia Alekseeva Hi, I’m Ksenia. I left hometown at 15, earned three degrees, and built a career in advertising and marketing. Then I packed it all up and moved to Dubai — new country, new language, no roadmap. My motto? Say yes to the unknown. It’s gotten me into trouble. It’s opened the right doors. And eventually… it led to this podcast. Because when Anam said, “Let’s start one” — of course, I said yes.