Abstract Concepts
Abstract Concepts is a podcast hosted by Durray Shahwar, a corporate veteran and life enthusiast. She explores work, life, and everything in between, drawing on her personal and professional experiences. The show aims to put everyday challenges and career lessons into context. Inquiries can be sent to info@ladurray.com.
Episodes
No matter how much effort you put in, you will STILL need luck. | Dr. Samia Hurst
Holding two truths at the same time does not make them contradictory. Dr. Samia Hurst discusses privilege, power, and the pursuit for happiness, while sharing thoughtful advice when it comes to navigating the 'monopoly games' in our own lives.Dr. Samia Hurst is a physician and bioethicist – and the former vice-chair of the Swiss COVID19 Science Task Force. She is also currently the Directo
Two mindsets on abundance you need to know.
In this video, I discuss two mindsets on abundance that you need to know - especially when it comes to the aligned opportunities you want to welcome into your life.#personaldevelopment
Friendships standards you need as an adult.
This is my unapologetic guide on the standards you need to know when making friends in adulthood.#personaldevelopment
How to get into flow state before 2027.
There is still time to get into flow state before 2027 - and I am going to describe a relatively easy approach on how to get there.#personaldevelopment
3 things you can do to lock-in before 2027.
Do not underestimate what you can accomplish in the next 3 months - because there is still time to lock-in before the New Year. And, here are 3 things that you can do in order to help you kick-start your resolutions.#personaldevelopment
THIS is why you should understand the concept of the 'evil eye'.
Everyone should understand the concept of the 'evil eye' - not out of fear, but instead to better familiarize themselves with human nature and use their discernment accordingly.#personaldevelopment
5 signs that you are actually taking your goals seriously.
Be honest with yourself - are you actually taking your goals as seriously as you should? Here are 5 signs to know if you're doing exactly that.#personaldevelopment
Signs you are maturing as a professional in corporate.
Here are some key signs that indicate you are maturing as a professional in corporate.And for those of you looking for other ways on how you can transform your work-life, be sure to get my corporate playbook through the link here.#personaldevelopment #careeradvice
Chicken Soup for the Corporate Soul: Address Your Blind Spots.
This is 'Chicken Soup for the Corporate Soul' - inspired by the 'Chicken Soup' books I used to read growing up. In this episode, I discuss my take on the idea of a corporate career being a personal and spiritual development journey that requires you to address your blind spots.And, for other ways to transform your work-life, be sure to get my corporate playbook here: Get '9 Bas
Chicken Soup for the Corporate Soul: The Career Pivots.
This is 'Chicken Soup for the Corporate Soul' - inspired by the 'Chicken Soup' books I used to read growing up. In this episode, I discuss my takes on the inevitable career pivots that you will likely think about making at some point.And, for other ways to transform your work-life, be sure to get my corporate playbook here: Get '9 Basic Rules in Corporate'
How to cultivate celebrity energy in corporate.
In this episode, I discuss what I like to call the '3 Cs' of how to cultivate celebrity energy in corporate in order to win in the workplace. The '3 Cs' that I discuss in this episode are: Competence, Confidence, and Charisma. And for other ways to transform your work-life to win in the workplace, be sure to get my corporate playbook through the link here: Get '9 Basic Rules in
Reality checks that South Asian women need to hear.
In this episode, I discuss 5 reality checks that South Asian women need to hear to live a life with true alignment.
Things that will make you weak as a person.
Here are some things that I believe you need to watch out for and have a strong approach to address, because these things will impact your strength as a person.
Things you don't need to negotiate with others about.
In this episode, I discuss the biggest mistake that you can make, especially as a South Asian Woman, which is to negotiate with others about who you are and what you're about.
The veil is lifted when you begin to lift it.
In this episode, I discuss that in order for you to see through the misconceptions that you might have unknowingly created about your life - you need to embody both self-respect and self-interest in order to begin to lift the veil to see through those misconceptions.
Charitable Donations Are Your Best Investment in 2026.
On today's episode, I discuss the money mindset you need to have in 2026 to increase the abundance in your life - and it has to do with your approach to charitable donations.
Timeless Poetry by Mirza Ghalib
In this episode, I share more of my favourite poetry from Urdu Poet - Mirza Ghalib, and discuss the key reflections from his poetry.The poems discussed in this episode are translated in English.
The path to self-discovery is a deliberate decision.
In this episode, I share my reflections on the path to self-discovery, and how in fact, it needs to be a deliberate decision to think about the vision you want to align yourself with in terms of who you are, and what you're about.
Your self-sabotaging behaviours and how to overcome them.
In this episode, I discuss the four self-sabotaging behaviours that you might be acting on - and perhaps without even knowing it. These four self-sabotaging behaviours include: overexplaining, overapologizing, overcomplaining, and overgiving.
Chic Behaviours to Win in Corporate.
In this episode, I discuss 5 chic behaviours that will help you win in the corporate workplace.
Limiting beliefs are an abstract concept and how to overcome them.
In this episode, I discuss how your limiting beliefs are not real, and the process to tackle the limitations that you might be holding in your life.
Urdu Poetry to Lighten Your Soul.
In this episode, I share with you famous couplets from Urdu Poetry that will lighten your soul, and my interpretation of the poets' words. Because no matter the language - poetry has a way of speaking to us all.
Fear is an abstract concept and how to overcome it.
In this episode, I discuss how to begin to overcome the three common types of fears that we may face as we begin to change our life.
Comedian Mike Casa Shares Advice on Putting Yourself Out There
On today’s episode, we have with us Mike Casa. He is a professional comedian who enjoys sharing his social commentary about life in Switzerland through his stand-up comedy and relatable online skits. In fact, many people resonate with his comedic takes on work and everyday-life, as he has amassed a large social media following, and strong popularity for his in-person comedy shows. And he credits a
Fashion Photographer Anna Zulian Discusses Expert Personal Branding Advice
In this episode, we have Anna Zulian, who is a professional photographer, working with brands, creatives, and individuals to capture fashion campaigns, personal branding portraits, and editorial content that really stands out to tell a story. She shares her expert advice on creating a personal brand through your photos.If you are interested in working with Anna, or curious to see her work, please
The Collective Betrayal List of the Millennial Generation.
In this episode, I discuss three things that are most likely on the collective betrayal list of the millennial demographic.
Things About Life That Are Unfortunately True.
In this episode, I discuss some things about life that are unfortunately true - and what to do about them.
When You Don't Have The Privilege of Being Average.
In this episode, I discuss the key likely differences between those who do and do not have the privilege of being average.
More Observations About People That Require Your Discernment.
In this episode, I discuss 5 more observations about people that require your discernment when you initially meet them.
How to Honour Your Inner Child as an Adult.
In this episode, I discuss three ways that you can honour the relationship that you have with your inner child. Because - I absolutely believe that the most enjoyable part about being an adult, is the way we honour our younger selves.
The Spiritual or 'Whoo Whoo' Reminders You Need to Hear
In this episode, I share some personal stories that will remind you of the some of my favourite spiritual or 'whoo whoo' lessons out there that you need to hear.
The Workplace Fallacies Holding You Back.
In this episode, I discuss the three common workplace fallacies that might be holding you back from taking the right actions and making the right decisions that are best for your career in the long-term.
The Observations About People That Require Your Discernment.
Discernment is an essential skill you need to develop in order to read in-between the lines - both personally, and professionally. In this episode, I discuss 8 observations about people when you initially meet them that will require your discernment to determine if you will continue to keep them in your social circle.
The Impact of Impartiality in the Workplace
In this episode, I discuss the importance of maintaining impartiality in the workplace - and practical ways for you to implement this way of engaging in a professional work environment.
The Concept of Power in the Corporate Workplace.
In this episode, I discuss the concept of power in the corporate workplace, and practical ways that allow you to step into the autonomy you already have.
10 Lessons Learned as a Corporate Veteran
It has been 10 years since I started my full-time career, and as I was reflecting, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share the top 10 lessons that I have learned over the past decade.
