The Calling Code with Mina Salib

Lessons From A TEDx Speaker & National Geographic Photographer | Tony Manias (Belovedful)

In this episode of The Calling Code, host Mina Salib sits down with Tony Manias—TEDx Speaker, National Geographic Contributor, and Adobe Artist-in-Residence—also known globally as Belovedful. Tony shares his remarkable journey from medical school to becoming a world-class visual storyteller, revealing how faith, purpose, and lived experience shaped his creative calling. From growing up in Egypt to witnessing the Arab Spring firsthand, and from medical missions across the globe to capturing deeply human stories through photography, this conversation explores what it truly means to create with intention. A powerful part of this conversation centers on Tony’s distinction between traveling and vacationing. He explains that true travel isn’t about comfort or sightseeing—it’s about immersion. By learning the language, respecting local customs, and embedding yourself within a culture, you gain a deeper understanding of people and places. This mindset has been foundational to Tony’s work, allowing him to capture stories with authenticity, empathy, and depth rather than as an outsider passing through. Tony also opens up about the pivotal moments that led him to leave medicine, how storytelling became his language of love, and why photography is more than art—it’s a responsibility to reflect truth, beauty, and hope in a broken world. This episode is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone wrestling with the tension between expectation and calling. Takeaways - Tony Manias transitioned from medicine to photography, driven by a desire to capture beauty. - The Arab Spring significantly influenced Tony's perspective and creativity. - Traveling allows photographers to capture the essence of cultures beyond tourist attractions. - Faith plays a crucial role in Tony's life and work as a photographer. - Tony emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in local cultures while traveling. - Stagnation in creativity can lead to reflection and personal growth. - Tony's proudest moments include selling out an art show and being featured in National Geographic. - Photography can tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences. - Tony aims to create a directory for mental health resources within the Orthodox community. - Future aspirations include publishing a book and engaging in public speaking. Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Tony Menias: A Visual Storyteller - 02:42 The Journey from Medicine to Photography - 08:42 Capturing Moments: The Impact of the Arab Spring - 16:53 Finding Purpose: Transitioning to a Creative Career - 25:17 Exploring Cultures: The Art of Travel Photography - 28:41 Exploring Authenticity in Travel - 31:31 The Essence of Travel vs. Tourism - 34:46 Traveling with Intention - 38:20 The Role of Language in Cultural Immersion - 39:04 Ego and Unity in Travel - 43:24 Navigating Stagnation in Creativity - 50:27 Future Aspirations and Philanthropy

Weight Loss Secrets: It’s Not About If You Lose Weight - It’s About How You Do It

In this episode of The Calling Code, host Mina Salib sits down with Mina Estafanous, a fitness coach and wellness creator whose discipline and authenticity have inspired thousands to pursue strength with purpose. Mina unpacks his inspiring transformation, digs into his own personal struggles, and how he used his own experiences to build a thriving coaching business rooted in care and consistency. Takeaways - Discipline and resilience are key to personal transformation. - Fitness journeys are filled with peaks and valleys. - The importance of mental health in fitness cannot be overstated. - Success in fitness is about sustainable lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. - Building a relationship with clients is crucial for effective coaching. - Mindset plays a significant role in achieving fitness goals. - You must meet clients where they are in their journey. - The journey of fitness mirrors the journey of life. - Investing in personal development is essential for growth. - Caring for clients is more important than just coaching them. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mina Estfanous and His Journey 03:53 The Foundation of Discipline and Resilience 06:43 The Birth of MeFitness and Personal Transformation 09:49 The Evolution of Fitness Coaching 12:44 Challenges in the Fitness Industry 15:42 The Importance of Mental Health in Fitness 18:33 Building a Sustainable Fitness Journey 21:30 Understanding Client Relationships and Accountability 24:36 The Role of Mindset in Fitness and Life 27:38 Overcoming Setbacks and Relapses 29:44 The Cycle of Restriction and Relapse 32:19 Mindset and Lifestyle Changes 34:41 Personal Development and Scaling Business 42:56 Taking the Leap: Leaving the Corporate World 49:53 Praying for Wisdom and Skills 56:43 Lessons Learned and Closing Thoughts

Building a Timeless Business Through The Lens of a Photographer | Chadi Mansi, CEO of Mansi Studios

In this special edition episode of The Calling Code, Entrepreneur's Corner, host Mina Salib sits down with Chadi Mansi, NYC-based wedding photographer and founder of Mansi Studios. Chadi shares his remarkable journey from working as an electrical engineer to becoming one of New York’s most sought-after photographers. Through this conversation, Chadi opens up about the role of mentorship, continuous learning, and relationship-building in shaping his craft and business. He discusses how he scaled Mansi Studios by prioritizing quality over quantity, how AI is transforming the creative process, and how faith and integrity remain central to his vision of serving couples with timeless, heartfelt imagery. This episode is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship, discipline, and calling, reminding us that excellence begins with purpose. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Chadi transitioned from engineering to photography after discovering his passion for capturing moments. * Mentorship plays a vital role in refining skills and creative perspective. * Scaling a business successfully means prioritizing quality over quantity. * AI can be a valuable tool for efficiency without replacing artistic vision. * Strong relationships with clients and team members drive long-term success. * Lifelong learning fuels growth in an ever-evolving creative industry. * Personalization deepens client trust and elevates the experience. * Chadi’s style is timeless, elegant, and true to life. * Investing in education and self-development compounds over time. * Integrity and service are the foundation of any purpose-driven business. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction to Chadi Mansi and His Journey 05:03 – Transition from Engineering to Photography 10:34 – The Power of Mentorship 19:53 – Scaling the Business: From Quantity to Quality 25:53 – The Role of AI in Photography 36:43 – Future Aspirations and Growth 43:40 – Building Relationships with Clients and Team 50:49 – Advice to His Younger Self & Closing Thoughts

Why Everyone Needs to Think Like an Entrepreneur in the Age of AI | The Calling Code with Mina Salib

The rules of work have fundamentally changed. AI isn't just automating tasks, it's commoditizing skills that took years to develop. So what's left? What can't AI replicate about you? In this episode, Mina Salib breaks down why everyone—whether you're building a business or building a career—needs to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to survive and thrive in the age of AI. This isn't about quitting your job or becoming a "hustle culture" entrepreneur. It's about something deeper: knowing your value, owning your differentiation, and building with purpose. The episode walks you through the three pillars that will determine whether you thrive or just survive: * Your Brand – How you make your unique value visible in a world where technical skills are becoming table stakes * Your Differentiator – The intersection of experiences and perspectives that only you bring (and that AI can never replicate) * Your Community – Why genuine relationships are your ultimate career insurance and how to build them intentionally For faith-driven listeners: this conversation goes beyond career strategy. It's about faithful stewardship of your gifts, living out your calling, and building something that matters. Whether you're anxious about AI or just trying to figure out your next move, this episode will give you clarity, practical frameworks, and the confidence to build your future intentionally. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * AI is transforming work faster than any technology in history—ChatGPT hit 100M users in 2 months vs. the internet's 7 years * 73% of companies already use AI; workers using AI see 40% quality improvements—but only strategic users truly benefit * Personal brands receive 7x more visibility and 5x more opportunities than those without * 85% of jobs are filled through networking; relationships predict success more than credentials * For faith-driven professionals: entrepreneurial thinking = faithful stewardship of your unique gifts * The future belongs to those who know their value, own their differentiation, and build real community Chapters 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ] The Age of AI and Its Impact on Employment 07:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ&t=461s] The Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Necessity 09:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ&t=587s] Building Your Personal Brand 16:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ&t=985s] Identifying Your Unique Differentiator 21:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ&t=1296s] The Importance of Community in the Age of AI 26:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3EU9X7SAoQ&t=1583s] Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit for Future Success

What it Takes to Build a Purpose-Driven Company | Joseph Atala, Founder of A-Train

In this special Entrepreneur's Corner episode of The Calling Code, host Mina Salib interviews Joe Atala, founder of A-Train, a community-focused sports organization. They discuss the vision behind A-Train, its impact on youth, and the importance of accountability and personal development in sports. Joe shares his journey of starting A-Train, the challenges faced, and the shift in focus from financial gain to community impact. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and fostering a sense of community through sports, as well as the feedback from parents and the community regarding the positive changes in their children. Takeaways * A-Train is more than a business; it’s a movement empowering communities through fitness, discipline, and purpose-driven living. * Building relationships through sports is essential for personal development. * Accountability is a key component in helping kids grow and mature. * Joe emphasizes the importance of focusing on the kids rather than financial gain. * The challenges of entrepreneurship include staying motivated during slow periods. * Joe's commitment to the kids drives him to show up, even when turnout is low. * The future of youth sports is changing, with increased competition and the need for proper training.