[LEADERS OF CHANGE]
In a world saturated with visual content and fleeting messages, Lemya Soltani is a pioneer in helping brands break through the noise with audio. As co-founder of Next Broadcast Media, Lemya has redefined the role of audio in connecting brands, creators and audiences through innovative digital audio solutions.
Her journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and leadership, with roots in Tunisia, a career spanning Germany, London, and Dubai, and a mission to break down barriers.
Meet the architect of impactful connections
“Building something from scratch has been an incredible journey, I’m a passionate entrepreneur, innovator and storyteller,” Lemya begins. “At Next Broadcast Media, we’re not just following trends—we’re shaping the future of digital audio advertising.”
Leyma’s journey has taken her from corporate roles at Yahoo and OLX to building Next Broadcast Media from the ground up. Based in Dubai, her company operates globally, helping brands create meaningful connections through audio advertising.
Lemya sees innovation as an opportunity to rethink how brands engage with audiences in a crowded media landscape. “We saw a gap in the market and knew we could do something different. We built a company that helps brands connect with listeners in a way that feels authentic and personal,” she explains. With a growing team in Brazil, Canada and India, Lemya’s work bridges continents and ensures that cultural nuances resonate authentically.
What makes her journey extraordinary is not only her entrepreneurial spirit, but her commitment to inspiring others, especially women. “I’m trying to inspire other people to leave a meaningful legacy by pushing boundaries to see what’s possible in this fast-paced world.”
For Lemya, it’s not just about representation—it’s about impact. “Women bring unique perspectives to business, and when we’re in leadership roles, companies perform better. The data proves it.”
She believes the key is fostering an environment where women feel empowered to challenge stereotypes, embrace challenges, and shape the future of media and tech. This is reflected at Next Broadcast Media, where women hold key leadership roles.
“Having strong female leadership at NBM isn’t just about diversity—it’s about driving innovation with different perspectives,” Lemya explains. By championing inclusion, NBM ensures women are actively shaping the future of digital audio.
Audio: the most intimate medium?
For Lemya, audio is more than a medium—it is a movement and the foundation of Next Broadcast Media. “Audio creates a personal connection between the listener and the host,” she says. During the pandemic, as screen fatigue set in, digital audio experienced a significant boom. Lemya sees this as audio’s defining strength: its authenticity and intimacy.
“The world is already saturated with visual content—audio cuts through the noise and offers space for deeper engagement,” she says. At an industry event, she once heard: “A podcast is like your best friend that you don’t know.” That, to her, is the power of audio—its ability to create a trusted, personal space for listeners.
Why Dubai is the best hub for innovation and growth
Dubai has been Lemya’s home since 2019, a city she describes as synonymous with ambition. “What sets Dubai apart is its culture of boldness. People from different backgrounds and mindsets come together and push boundaries to create something extraordinary.”
For entrepreneurs like Lemya, Dubai’s infrastructure, openness, and multicultural vibrancy create fertile ground for innovation. The MENA region, she predicts, will play an increasingly important role in the global audio and advertising landscape. With some of the highest podcast penetration rates in the world—70% in Saudi Arabia and 62% in the UAE—the region is already a leader in audio consumption.
“The MENA region has a young, tech-savvy population that demands culturally relevant content,” notes Lemya. Next Broadcast Media is at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging AI to create audio ads that launch within minutes. “We’re not just keeping up, we’re defining what’s next.”
Redefining innovation
For Lemya, innovation is about more than technology. “It’s about challenging the status quo and finding creative ways to solve problems,” she explains. At Next Broadcast Media, that means constantly rethinking how brands and audiences engage through audio—whether it’s by crafting more culturally relevant campaigns, exploring new storytelling techniques, or using AI to streamline ad creation.
Collaboration—especially among diverse teams—is at the heart of her approach.
“When people from different backgrounds come together, ideas spark. Innovation transforms industries, businesses and lives,” she says. This mindset has been instrumental in driving Next Broadcast Media’s success and shaping the future of audio advertising.
Women leading with purpose
Being a woman leader in media and technology comes with unique challenges. For Lemya, resilience and adaptability have been key. “Every job, every industry has challenges—that’s just life. What matters is how you tackle them,” she says. By fostering authenticity and transparency with her team and clients, Lemya has built a culture of trust and collaboration.
She is a strong believer in the power of diversity. “Women bring unique perspectives to the business world. Research shows that companies with more women in leadership roles perform better,” she notes. For Lemya, diversity is a necessity to drive progress and inclusion.
Leadership is about empowering others
“Leadership is about inspiring and empowering others to be their best,” Lemya explains. By nurturing talent and ensuring that every voice is heard, she fosters a culture of trust and purpose within her team. This approach not only fosters innovation, but also builds a sense of shared ownership and vision.
When asked for advice for aspiring leaders, her message is clear: “Never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who will challenge and inspire you. And don’t be afraid to fail; it’s part of the journey.
Final thoughts
Lemya’s story is one of bold innovation, cultural connection, and transformative leadership. As she continues to amplify the power of digital audio, her vision of breaking boundaries and inspiring others remains a beacon for leaders and innovators around the world.
Through her work, Lemya Soltani is proving that audio is more than just sound; it’s a profound way to connect, create, and inspire. In doing so, she is leaving an indelible mark on the media landscape.
Thank you
A heartfelt thank you Lemya, for your time and for sharing this inspiring vision and journey with such openness and authenticity.⚡️
