Us plus them is we: Dubai podcaster Culture Mapping champions diversity

Culture Mapping is a podcast that celebrates the cultural diversity of the UAE. It is a venture begun by two Dubai-based Russian entrepreneurs, Konstantin Koloskov and Anastasia Davydova. Their mandate is simple: it is a mission to unite 200+ nationalities in the UAE, via storytelling. They take you on a journey through the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, delving into personal stories, reflections, and insights on upbringing, travel, and personal growth. They accept — and detail how others embrace - new experiences by embracing diversity and inclusivity.

They strive to give fresh perspectives of the power of openness and cultural exchange. According to them, connecting with people leads to self-discovery, “no matter where you are in the world.” The show is created by Storm, a podcast production studio, and movingo, an all-in-one platform for business setup and entrepreneur relocation. “Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, making it an ideal setting for a podcast about multiculturalism, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” say Koloskov and Davydova. “Dubai made this podcast happen.”

On to its second season now, the podcast is #10 on Apple Podcasts MENA, with 10,000+ listeners as audience. It can be tuned into across all leading audio platforms, including, but not limited to, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Overcast, Podcast Addict, PodLink, and more. “The podcast is about how representatives of different nations coexist in the global environment,” say the hosts. “The heroes of the episodes talk about the habits they brought from their countries, difficulties, and discoveries made outside their own culture.” They hosted 11 interesting guests previously, and are optimistic about the following season.

Anastasia Davydova breaks into a smile.

Konstantin is the co-founder and Creative Director of Storm, a content studio based in Dubai and Anastasia is the co-founder and CEO of movingo, a relocation platform for businesses and talents moving to the UAE. Both bring their entrepreneurial expertise and passion for storytelling to the podcast, offering listeners insights into the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation. They open up to Gulf Today

What is multicultural entrepreneurship?

Multicultural entrepreneurship simply means creating (and running businesses) shaped by diverse cultural influences. Entrepreneurs in multicultural environments like the UAE can leverage the richness of cultural perspectives, leading to interesting innovations, partnerships, and business models. This approach is particularly prominent in global hubs like Dubai, where various cultures unite, creating cross-cultural exchange and collaboration opportunities.

What is the Culture Mapping podcast about?

Culture Mapping is a podcast that explores how individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds navigate their personal and professional lives in a multicultural environment like Dubai. The podcast features guests who share their experiences of living and working in the UAE, discussing how their native cultures shape their work, communication styles, and the way they build partnerships and teams.

How did Culture Mapping come about?

Culture Mapping emerged from the unique cultural environment in Dubai, a city that connects people worldwide. We found ourselves in the same place, i.e., Dubai, and the destination became an ideal place for these discussions. The city’s diversity inspires us, and we saw an opportunity to explore how different cultural backgrounds impact entrepreneurship and daily life. We launched Season One of the podcast in the spring of 2024. It featured interesting episodes with Ghita Bahmad, from Morocco, who does vertical farming in the UAE, and Sandhya Laloo-Morar, from South Africa, who created her brand of clothes for dancers.

Konstantin Koloskov in a contemplative mood.

Why is Dubai a significant place for the podcast?

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, making it an ideal setting for a podcast about multiculturalism, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It is home to people of virtually every nationality, making it an excellent base for exploring the intersection of different cultures. This unique environment fosters the exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights, which Culture Mapping aims to highlight.

What can listeners expect from Season 2 of Culture Mapping?

Season 2 of Culture Mapping will continue exploring Dubai-based expats’ personal and professional journeys. The episodes may also be released in video format alongside audio, offering an enhanced experience. Guests will share their diverse cultural experiences and insights on navigating a multicultural society. The podcast will continue highlighting how cultural differences shape entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

What is the criteria for guest selection?

Guests are selected based on their background as expats living in the UAE, their openness to discussing cultural differences candidly, and their engagement in meaningful work. We seek individuals who embrace the richness of living in a diverse environment like the UAE and are willing to explore cultural exchanges with sensitivity and without bias. The aim is to address cultural stereotypes thoughtfully, while promoting understanding and collaboration.

What makes Culture Mapping important for the UAE and the world?

Culture Mapping is important because it promotes openness and cultural exchange, showing how these interactions shape success stories in business and beyond. The podcast highlights the UAE’s role as a crossroads where East meets West and emphasises cultural diversity’s power in fostering creativity and collaboration. It serves as a reminder that cultural differences are not barriers, but opportunities for growth and innovation.

How does Culture Mapping contribute to multicultural entrepreneurship?

By focusing on the personal stories of entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators in the UAE, we showcase how multiculturalism impacts entrepreneurship. It emphasises that understanding and embracing cultural differences can lead to better collaboration, creativity, and business success. The podcast fosters a global mindset, encouraging listeners to explore how diversity drives innovation and enriches entrepreneurship.