Step into the mind of Charlie H. Cooksey, the Publisher and Director of Gulf Insider Media and Bahrain Confidential, as we explore his unique mantra for success: “Things to do, people to see, places to be.”
We also dive into Charlie’s concept of “FEW” - a powerful idea that highlights the select few who rise early, work hard, and succeed in life.
From his journey from London to Bahrain, to leading some of the region’s most renowned media outlets, Charlie shares invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and creatives alike.
Other highlights include:
• His passion for cars and how they influence his personal and professional journey.
• Awards for restaurants and their role in recognizing excellence in Bahrain’s hospitality industry.
• Thoughts on business legacy, AI in media, and navigating challenges in print publications.
• Leadership insights and the future of Gulf Insider Media.
This episode is packed with Charlie’s reflections on creating impact, his passion for media, and his enthusiasm for storytelling.
Timestamps:
0:00 Rare Rap Intro
0:41 What is “Things to do, People to see, places to be”?
2:18 What is FEW?
4:02 Idea processing without laziness
4:50 Charlie’s background with London & Bahrain Confidential
8:34 Why did you stop London Confidential?
9:15 About Gulf Insider Magazine
9:35 When did Charlie come to Bahrain, and at what age?
10:06 Social media support for Bahrain Confidential under Charlie
11:36 Where do you publish seasonal prints?
13:37 Are you a news agency?
13:40 About Fabianca’s specialization in advertising
15:30 Have you considered starting your own business instead of following generational businesses?
18:03 What’s that “oh yeah” sound?
19:12 Thoughts on business legacy and following generations
20:03 Discussion about Ambanis in India
21:12 Does Bahrain Confidential use AI technology?
22:19 Competition in print publications and challenges
24:16 Do you have old employees who need to change their work patterns?
25:08 Are you a fun boss or a Steve Jobs-kind of a boss?
27:04 About his invites to international car launches and events
29:40 Do they pay him for these promotions?
30:27 About car performance
32:18 How many contacts on your phone, Charlie?
32:53 Namsheed on e-commerce during the pandemic
33:05 Charlie on delegation
33:50 Charlie’s car fascination and promotions
35:56 Germany’s Clarkson, Top Gear, and UK-Argentina fights
39:00 Handling hate and supportive comments
40:00 Talking about offending people
42:55 Do you love Tesla?
43:57 Company environment and ESG standards
46:00 Charlie asks: How much % of carbon is there in the environment?
48:28 Recycling and sustainability efforts
50:16 Why does Bahrain Confidential feature plugs in restaurants?
53:14 Charlie asks Namsheed: What is your favorite restaurant?
54:01 Any accusations of partiality in awards?
55:10 Can anyone buy awards or doctorates?
55:36 Do institutions expect awards from Bahrain Confidential?
56:26 Next award category to launch
57:20 When did you start award distributions?
57:30 Does your father advise you?
59:00 Advice for people who have lost their jobs
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