In this episode of Upside, Ali & Zamir blend personal stories with global business lessons as they broadcast from their brand‑new studio (big thanks to Leon’s tech magic!).

Fresh from a trip to South Africa, they share the emotional experience of reconnecting with their roots - including Zamir’s reflections on his father’s journey as an early ANC member in exile. Between Springbok rugby, vibrant local culture, and a few laughs along the way, this wasn’t just a business trip - it was a homecoming.

Alongside the stories, the duo dive into the realities of international expansion: why face‑to‑face interactions with remote teams are irreplaceable, how to navigate the challenges of global e‑commerce, and why managing time zones and cultures requires more than Zoom calls and Slack threads.

Whether you’re dreaming of global growth or simply love a mix of travel, culture, and business insight, this episode will leave you inspired - and prepared to tackle remote collaboration with a new perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• Face‑to‑face trumps virtual: Building trust with remote teams is faster and stronger in person.
• Time zones are tricky: Managing international operations takes planning and empathy.
• Culture matters: Immersing yourself locally strengthens relationships and team alignment.
• Personal stories fuel business: Reflecting on history and roots can spark creative, strategic insights.
• Global growth is human first: Scaling internationally is as much about people as profit.