Welcome to the sixth episode of The Middle Ground, a new talk show and podcast, not on politics, but on the people of Brussels.Few people inherit a stock from their grandparents, and even fewer manage to grow that capital over time.Ailbhe Finn did just that. Despite a rough start and graduating during the financial crisis, she learned to embrace risk, not only in her career but also in her financial life.In this episode, Alva shares her journey from being a legal asylum seeker in Cairo to becoming a political visionary in Brussels. She opens up about the unspoken rules that shape professional success, and the right and wrong ways to treat rivals if you hope to win them over.Alva also makes a compelling case for why everyone should start investing, offering her most valuable insights and practical links for beginners.Caution: After this episode, you might find yourself rethinking your Christmas budget and channeling it into investments instead.The episode is hosted by Valeriya Izhyk.Check out Alva's recommended readings:- The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing- The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt- How to FIRE in Belgium (Financial Independence, Retire Early)Don't miss the beautiful café in Forest called Honest Roastery Brussels, owned and run by Alva's wife.🔵 About The Middle Ground
We’re Valeriya and Viktorya, two immigrant best friends who came to Brussels from Ukraine and Armenia. We bonded over war, visas, jobs, and endless receptions, and eventually built a home together – with a blue couch overlooking the Belgian capital and the heart of the EU. That couch has become the place where we laugh, vent, and try to make sense of this city we’ve learned to love. One night, we realised Brussels was missing exactly that: a cosy, human space for honest conversations.
That’s how The Middle Ground was born: a mix between a talk show and a podcast for all the people of Brussels – not just those with titles and badges, but also those who keep the city alive with their work, love, stories, frustrations, victories, and humour. We want to show a Brussels where everyone belongs, and where you can build a beautiful, happy life even before you’ve “made it.”
Every week, we invite someone onto the couch to talk about their journey, their lessons, and the truths we usually only share over coffee or beers. It’s funny, warm, sometimes cheeky, and always real.
👉 Join our community: We need you to make this project work. You are the soul of Brussels, your life and your stories keep this city alive. Subscribe, comment, share your thoughts, and let’s find our middle ground together.
If you are interested in being a guest, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you.
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📧 Get in touch with us: themiddleground.bxl@gmail.com
🔗 Connect with the producers and hosts:
Valeriya Izhyk → Instagram | LinkedIn
Viktorya Muradyan → Instagram | LinkedIn
