Nina Zandnia is one of the most accomplished women in media in the Middle East. Of Swedish descent, Nina grew up in New York and has worked across Europe, Australia, Asia, America and the Middle East. Now based in Dubai, she speaks 6 languages and holds a Masters and an Honours degree in Media Broadcasting and Media Law.
This powerhouse is a director and producer, a television and radio presenter, a Managing Partner at social media company Emiras, she writes a lifestyle column for luxury magazine Villa 88, she recently joined the United Nations (UN) as an ambassador and speaker and now, this mother of two, has plans for a project in Saudi Arabia.
G: You’ve worked across television, radio and print media for 2 decades. Why do you think you’ve been so successful?
N: I knew what I wanted to do from age 14 when I hosted a children’s tv show. From there, my career took off and everything I did was to get me to where I am today. I worked very hard, I was determined, I didn’t take “no” from anyone if it was a project I really believed in. If one network rejected my idea, I’d go to another and another. Also, I love what I do, work is my passion.
G: Did you have a role model or someone who inspired you?
N: My father. He always encouraged me with my career ambitions, even when I was studying and working abroad. Then Christiane Amanpour. As a female journalist reporting from war zones and her interviews with world leaders, she is fearless, clever, she paved the way for other women in the media.
G: Career highlights?
N: In my twenties I created a tv series called Top Dog. No one believed in it, there were no series about dogs at that time, it was a huge risk but when we finally produced it, it was sold to 36 countries around the world. Also, when I opened the first online lifestyle channel in the Middle East called LifestyleDubai.com. It had over 2 million viewers in less than 6 months.
G: Obstacles to success?
N: I didn’t have autonomy over the decision- making process, the networks did. I’ve encountered sexism my whole career but it didn’t hold me back, I went in stronger. Also, a network stole my concept for a show, it took 3 years in court to be compensated.
G: What attributes help to make a successful woman?
N: Self-esteem, self-respect.
G: What kind of person are you teaching your daughter to be?
N: Kind, respectful to others and to herself, genuine and to pursue something she loves the way I always have.
G: Pros and cons of social media?
N: Cons. Social media gives everyone a public platform to vent their anger, hatred and misinformation with no filters on what they say. Pros. It has such a great international reach, it raises awareness and connects us. I like to share my life, family and adventures and when I do post, I write from a place of kindness.
G: How do you deal with the haters?
N: I feel super sorry that they are such sad soles. Why else would you harass people on social media?
G: Tell me about your role with the UN?
N: I speak for the UN on their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 172 countries have committed to 17 goals with the aim of making the world a better place for future generations by 2030. My role is to raise awareness not only of these goals but of the consequences if we don’t achieve them.
G: We have 8 years to achieve these goals, how realistic is it that they will be achieved?
N: We aren’t saying there will be universal access to education by 2030 but we have to start somewhere. This work began years ago, we have achievable targets, we are making inroads, particularly thanks to younger people who will go on to educate future generations. There is a lot of work to do but I am hopeful. I have young children, I want them to inherit a more peaceful and prosperous planet.
G: There’s a rumour that you were interviewed for Real Housewives of Dubai…
N: Ha ha really? I was interviewed but I have a lot on.
G: What’s next for you?
N: It’s early days so I can’t say much but I hope to do a big project in Saudi. Stay tuned!
Georgina Clark 