What if leadership wasn’t about being loud, but about building quietly with care, clarity, and contribution?In this episode of the ALSA UK Podcast, we sit down with Marcela Shehu, recruiter, co-founder of Honest Solutions and Dental Tourism Albania. From London to Tirana, Marcela’s story is one of bridge-building, mentorship, and purpose-led entrepreneurship.We talk about creating apprenticeships that open real doors for women in tech, building trust across cultures, and why honesty is the foundation of every lasting partnership. Marcela opens up about the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, the realities of leading teams across borders, and what it truly means to invest back into Albania with intent.🎧 Whether you're a young professional in the diaspora, a founder balancing two homes, or someone dreaming of giving back, this episode is filled with grounded wisdom and heartfelt motivation.You’ll hear about:– Leading with integrity: how honesty and accountability shape every decision– Building trust across teams, clients, and countries– Creating long-term apprenticeships and empowering women in tech– Lessons from Honest Solutions and Dental Tourism Albania– What failure can teach you about clarity and resilience– Diaspora investment as a form of contribution, not escape– Advice for young Albanians who want to start something of their own📌 Chapters00:00 – Identity, Roots & What Marcela’s Building02:49 – Leading with Values: Honesty, Accountability & Boundaries05:51 – Building Trust Across Borders & Cultures08:42 – Women in Tech: Internships, Apprenticeships & Inclusion14:19 – Success Stories & Course Corrections in Early Careers16:46 – Internships from a Business Perspective19:50 – Soft Skills & Workforce Readiness in Albania22:46 – Finding Strengths & Career Alignment25:32 – Giving Back: Solidarity Day & Community Engagement28:25 – Diaspora Investment & Why She Chose Albania30:31 – Risks, Sacrifices & Lessons from Entrepreneurship32:49 – Advice for Future Entrepreneurs & Career Starters🎯 Watch this if you want to:✅ Learn what purpose-led leadership looks like in practice✅ Understand how diaspora investment can create opportunity✅ Hear honest lessons on risk, resilience, and business ethics✅ Feel inspired to bring your skills home and give back👤 Connect with Marcela Shehu🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-shehu-4a36b951/🌐 Honest Solutions: https://honestsolutions.co.uk🌐 Dental Tourism Albania: https://dentaltourismalbania.com📩 Email: info@dentaltourismalbania.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentaltourismalbania_/🔗 Follow ALSA UK🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alsauk👥 Join the ALSA UK Community: https://www.alsauk.co.uk/membership📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsa_uk_/📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSA_UK🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/76KXivrg70p7E87L2cF2wD📩 Email: info@alsauk.co.uk
