Bargoyles Ep 147 NaNa from Dubai

From Canada to Dubai: Tales, Culture Shocks, and Global Hospitality with Nana Sechere

📍 This episode is part of our special Tales of the Cocktail 2025 series, recorded on location in New Orleans.
Join hosts Isaac Ignacio Bennett @misterignacio and Nick Meyer @blacklipgallagher as they sit down with hospitality professionals, industry legends, and rising voices to celebrate the grit, passion, and chaos of bar life—past and present.

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Nana Sechere—Business Co-Chair of Tales of the Cocktail and a major force in shaping the event’s global educational programming.

Nana tells the story of how he left Canada to follow a friend to Dubai, expecting a short-term adventure—and ended up building a life and career there for nearly a decade. From his time at the now-closed West Lodge to his current work with Monin Arabia and Hostmasters, Nana shares what it takes to build longevity in this industry—internationally.

We talk about:

How Americans misunderstand Dubai—and what the city is really like

Why Tales of the Cocktail continues to matter for the industry

An unexpected reunion at the Chandelier Bar in New Orleans that led to this very episode

Lessons on the Arab Emirates, cultural humility, and saying yes to the right opportunities

Funny, thoughtful, and packed with perspective, this under-40-minute episode is perfect for anyone dreaming about where a hospitality career can actually take you.

📲 Follow Nana Sechere on Instagram: @nanasechere
📲 Follow your hosts: @misterignacio + @blacklipgallagher