'Be brave and trust that all will fall into place': Elena Weber

Former fashion model and current CEO and founder of Icons Coffee Couture on why we should all get out of our comfort zone

The number one item on your wish list.
To be able to bring happiness to millions and reduce poverty.
If you could move to any place in the world for free, what place would that be?
I have already moved to that place, and it's called Dubai. I'm in love with all the opportunities, the people, the sunshine and its positive vibes!
The biggest learning point or experience in your life.
One of the most influential times of my life was when I spent a month in Argentina as part of a charity programme. When you come from the glamorous modelling industry and suddenly go into living without running water, air conditioning and even beds - that's a life changing experience. I'm thankful for that because it showed me just how kind and hospitable people can be despite having so little for themselves. I also learnt that life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
If you won a million bucks tomorrow, what would you do with the money?
I would just open more Icons stores! And finally start our Icons Charity Foundation to contribute to the people we work with and the farms where we source our coffee and teas from.
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Just breathe, relax and follow your intuition! Take one step at time, be brave and trust that all will fall into place in wonderful ways. Everything you need is either within you or will come along the way. Learn to enjoy the journey.
The most interesting app you've come across - that's not the usual social media suspects.
Audible. It enables me 'read' a whole book while being stuck in traffic jams.
Your greatest fear.
A day without coffee.
If you could trade lives with one person - dead or alive - for an entire day, who would it be and why?
Bill Gates, or Howard Schultz. Why not learn from the best?
Favourite movie character of all time - and why.
Don't laugh but I love the magic of Disney and the stories and values they communicate through their movies to this day. So, one of my favourite movie characters of all time is Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Her kindness, humility and drive to look for the beauty underneath someone's surface are great things to strive for in today's world!
If you could have your pick of superpowers, what would you choose and why?
Superman's ability to fly - no more being stuck in traffic during peak hours!
- Staff reporter