In this episode on She Leads the Way, entrepreneur Erika, the founder of Drink Dry, shares her journey and key lessons for fellow business enthusiasts. Erika's experience underscores the importance of hiring exceptional talent and trusting them to reshape and improve business operations. She also offers valuable insights into funding options, suggesting alternatives to the venture capital route for entrepreneurs looking to maintain greater control. This episode promises valuable takeaways for anyone embarking on their entrepreneurial journey or seeking to refine their business strategy. Erika bio: Erika Doyle is a true champion of the zero-alcohol revolution in the UAE. The Founder of Drink Dry, the GCC’s first and only premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace, Erika is a well-known and revered figure in the beverage industry. What started as an e-store, Drink Dry is now a firm mainstay in the retail and hospitality sector across the UAE, with their product offering now available in many prominent bars and restaurants across the city. Erika holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Politics from the University of Nottingham. A tenacious leader and innately passionate about pioneering the alcohol-free drinks category in the F&B industry in the UAE, Erika was included as one of the top female-led companies in the UAE by Time Out magazine in March 2021. In 2022, she won the Entrepreneur Woman SME Leaders Award for F&B Leader and was included in Arabian Businesses' ‘50 Most Inspirational Women 2022’. Erika has been interviewed several times by leading local newspapers and magazines such as Caterer Middle East, The National, Arabian Business, Time Out, BBC Good Food Middle East, Gulf News, Hotelier ME, Hotel and Catering News Middle East, Savoir Flair, Mother, Baby & Child Magazine and more.
This episode includes:
Empowering Entrepreneurial Success Erika emphasizes the importance of hiring skilled individuals who excel in their respective roles and delegating responsibilities effectively. This approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on the bigger picture and empower their teams to drive the business forward. It's a reminder that trust in your team is key to entrepreneurial success.
The Complex Nature of Funding Erika highlights the diverse funding options available for startups and shares her journey from self-funding to partnering with a private family office. Her experience underscores that the right funding choice should align with the unique needs and goals of the business, ensuring that entrepreneurs maintain control over their vision.
Embracing Change and Expertise Through Erika's experience of growing Drink Dry from a one-woman show to a 15-person team, she reveals that embracing change, even when it challenges your established methods, is vital for business growth. When experts are brought in, entrepreneurs should be open to change and willing to implement new strategies to improve their business.
Produced in proud partnership with PowerUp and Myco.
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