with Loulou

In this special episode, Loulou Khazen speaks with Mo Gawdat about fear, uncertainty, and the psychological impact of war. في هذه الحلقة الخاصة، تتحاور لولو خازن مع مو جودة حول الخوف وعدم اليقين والتأثير النفسي للحروب. As the Gulf faces a moment that can no longer be ignored, this conversation explores what happens inside people when threat stops feeling abstract. ومع لحظة حساسة تعيشها منطقة الخليج ولا يمكن تجاهلها، يستكشف هذا الحوار ما يحدث داخل الإنسان عندما يتوقف الخطر عن كونه فكرة بعيدة ويصبح واقعاً. From anxiety and overload to risk assessment, parenting, media fatigue, and emotional regulation, this is a practical conversation about how to think clearly and stay human when the world feels unstable. من القلق وتدفق المعلومات إلى تقييم المخاطر وتربية الأطفال وإرهاق الأخبار وتنظيم المشاعر، يقدم هذا الحوار نقاشاً عملياً حول كيفية التفكير بوضوح والحفاظ على إنسانيتنا عندما يبدو العالم غير مستقر. Key Moments محطات الحلقة What you will learn ماذا ستتعلم في هذه الحلقة ✔️ Why the brain struggles so much with uncertainty لماذا يعاني العقل البشري كثيراً عند مواجهة عدم اليقين ✔️ How fear changes the way we think, feel, and behave كيف يغير الخوف طريقة تفكيرنا وشعورنا وتصرفاتنا ✔️ How media overload distorts judgment and increases stress كيف يؤدي الإفراط في متابعة الأخبار إلى تشويه الحكم وزيادة التوتر ✔️ How to assess risk without spiraling كيف يمكن تقييم المخاطر دون الوقوع في دوامة القلق ✔️ Why calm is a better way to function under pressure لماذا يعتبر الهدوء الطريقة الأفضل للتعامل مع الضغوط ✔️ How to support children emotionally during crisis كيف يمكن دعم الأطفال عاطفياً أثناء الأزمات ✔️ How not to lose your humanity in difficult times كيف نحافظ على إنسانيتنا في الأوقات الصعبة 00:00 Introduction | المقدمة 02:35 Why this conversation became necessary | لماذا أصبح هذا الحوار ضرورياً 05:00 What war does to the human mind | كيف تؤثر الحروب على العقل البشري 08:10 How social media normalized violence | كيف جعلت وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي العنف يبدو طبيعياً 11:50 How to question your thoughts in a crisis | كيف نراجع أفكارنا أثناء الأزمات 15:10 Propaganda, media overload, and fear | الدعاية وتدفق المعلومات وتأثيرهما على الخوف 18:45 Why uncertainty makes us anxious | لماذا يسبب عدم اليقين القلق 22:10 How the brain reacts to danger | كيف يتفاعل العقل مع الخطر 26:30 Real danger vs perceived danger | الفرق بين الخطر الحقيقي والخطر المتصور 30:40 How parents should talk to children about war | كيف يتحدث الآباء مع أطفالهم عن الحروب 35:10 Why compassion matters in a crisis | لماذا يظل التعاطف مهماً في الأزمات 40:15 How different people react to stress | كيف يختلف رد فعل الناس تجاه الضغط 45:00 How to stay calm during chaos | كيف نحافظ على هدوئنا وسط الفوضى 49:30 How to turn fear into clarity | كيف نحول الخوف إلى وضوح 55:40 How not to lose your humanity | كيف لا نفقد إنسانيتنا 01:01:00 What to remember from this conversation | ما الذي يجب أن نتذكره من هذا الحوار Follow Loulou Khazen تابعوا لولو خازن Instagram: /louloukhazen LinkedIn: /louloukhazen X (Twitter): /louloukhazen Also available on متوفر أيضاً على Apple Podcasts https://bit.ly/3Stm32D Spotify https://bit.ly/3H1vzHO Share your feedback شاركونا آرائكم https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/K New to With Loulou? هل هذه أول مرة تتابعون Hi, I’m Loulou Khazen, based in Dubai. I started my journey as a tech entrepreneur, and today I’m a startup investor, podcaster, and speaker. Most importantly, I’m a mom of two. مرحباً، أنا لولو خازن، أعيش في دبي. بدأت مسيرتي كرائدة أعمال في مجال التكنولوجيا، واليوم أنا مستثمرة في الشركات الناشئة وبودكاستر ومتحدثة في الفعاليات. والأهم أنني أم لطفلين. To learn more, check out my LinkedIn profile or read my latest feature in Entrepreneur Magazine: للمزيد من المعلومات، يمكنكم زيارة صفحتي على لينكدإن أو قراءة مقابلتي الأخيرة في مجلة Entrepreneur: https://bit.ly/3QLwBKs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover how Anam Khalid, co-founder and COO of Squatwolf, went from a small-town girl in Pakistan to building a global fitness brand from Dubai. In this inspiring conversation, Anam reveals the sacrifices, challenges, and truths of entrepreneurship, breaking gender barriers, and building a business with her husband. If you dream of creating your own success story, this episode will light the fire. 🌐 This episode is brought you you by:Whoop: https://join.whoop.com/us/en/loulou/ signup through this link to get an exclusive 1 month free with the Whoop device included!Bioniq: https://bioniq.com/loulou use code CWL40 for an exclusive 40% on your first order of Bioniq Go Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

لماذا علينا أن نتحدث عن المال؟ ولماذا تكون النساء أكثر عرضة للموت مفلسات؟في هذه الحلقة، نستضيف الإعلامية العالمية، خبيرة التواصل، ومؤلفة كتاب "The Brilliant Communicator"، نعمة أبو وردة، وهي أيضاً صحفية سابقة في هيئة الإذاعة البريطانية (BBC)، لنغوص في قضايا المال، واتخاذ القرار، وأهمية الحضور والتعبير عن الذات.نعمة، بخبرتها في آلاف المقابلات وتدريب مئات الأشخاص، تشرح لنا لماذا لا تقل طريقة عرض المعرفة أهميةً عن المعرفة نفسها.هذه الحلقة ليست موجهة للنساء فقط، بل لكل من يسعى لفهم النظام، وكسر الصمت، وصناعة حياة مليئة بالخيارات والكرامة 🎁هذه الحلقة برعاية XM Arabia. زوروا الموقع للحصول على مكافآت تسجيل خاصة🌐 https://www.xmarabia.net/gw.php?gid=250167 🎁هذه الحلقة برعاية Mustashar Mini MBA. زوروا الموقع وإستعملو الكود: Loulou للحصول على خصم ٤٠٪ وكمان خصم إضافي ٢٠٪ إذا سجلتو قبل ١٠ آب🌐 https://www.mustasharminimba.com?coupon=LOULOU 👇 Explore the full journey below | استكشفوا محطات الحوار الكاملة هنا 👇00:00 مدخل تمهيدي للحلقة | Episode Hook00:54 التعريف بنعمة أبو وردة ومقدمة الحلقة | Meet Nima Abu Wardeh & Episode Intro01:29 رسالة نعمة إلى المستمعين | Nima’s Message to Listeners04:36 الفلسفة والدوافع وراء تفكير نعمة | Behind Nima’s Mindset & Drive07:02 لماذا من الضروري تبنّي منظور صانع القرار؟ | The Importance of Stepping into the Decision-Maker’s Shoes08:43 كن المدير التنفيذي لخبرتك | Become the CEO of Your Expertise10:28 نجاحك يتحدد بمن يعرفك، لا بمن تعرفه | Your Success Is Defined by Who Knows You, Not Who You Know12:29 أهمية بناء الحضور خارج إطار العمل | The Importance of Building Presence Beyond the Workplace16:38 ضعف شبكة العلاقات يؤدي إلى قلة الفرص المهنية | How a Weak Network Hurts Career Opportunities17:53 وجودك على منصة هو مفتاح نجاحك | Why Having a Platform Is Key to Success21:27 تميّزك يلغي المنافسة | Stand Out by Defining Your Uniqueness25:41 كيف تحقق أهدافك؟ دليل من الكتاب | Reaching Your Goals – Insights from the Book31:19 الفيل في المقابلة: الأسئلة غير المعلنة | Addressing the Elephant in Job Interviews34:08 امتلك خبرتك بثقة | Owning Your Expertise with Confidence38:59 عبّر للعالم عمّا تريده | Communicate What You Want to the World39:30 خطوات عملية لتحقيق الأهداف | Steps to Achieving Your Goals40:10 اقترض لتبني | Borrow to Build45:00 تدرّب على عرض قيمك عبر المنصات | Practice Sharing Your Values Across Platforms48:50 لماذا النساء أكثر عرضة للموت مفلسات؟ | Why Are Women More Likely to Die Broke?56:00 الحقيقة حول فجوة الأجور بين الجنسين | The Truth About the Gender Pay Gap01:02:00 الطلاق وتحمل المسؤولية المالية بمفردك | Divorce and the Burden of Being the Sole Provider01:04:05 تكلفة المعيشة بالنسبة للنساء | The Cost of Living for Women01:06:50 الظلم الواقع على النساء حول العالم | Injustice Toward Women Worldwide01:08:15 كيف تواجه المرأة المُهمشة واقعها؟ | How Can Disadvantaged Women Stand Up for Themselves?01:11:07 هل هناك ما يُسمى بوظيفة “أقل قيمة”؟ | Is There Such a Thing as a Lesser Job?01:11:45 كسر القيود الثقافية التي لا تخدمنا | Defying Cultural Norms That Don’t Serve Us01:14:48 كلمات ختامية | Closing Remarks Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does progress mean when you start life as a refugee?In this heartfelt episode, Snapchat's MENA VP Hussein Freijeh opens up about building what his father and grandfather never had.We talk about fatherhood, the pressure to succeed, why he nearly lost his job in Big Tech, and how he's now mentoring others to find the path he once had to figure out alone.He also shares his vision for Snap as a platform that embraces simplicity, authenticity and creativity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ماذا لو كان ما نؤمن به عن النجاح والمشاعر والعمل... مجرد وهم مغلف بإتقان؟في هذه الحلقة المؤثرة، نستضيف محمد جودت — الرئيس التنفيذي السابق للأعمال في غوغل إكس، مؤلف عالمي الأكثر مبيعًا، وصوت رائد في السعادة وتطوير الذات🌐 هذه الحلقة برعاية Bioniq Go: https://bioniq.com/loulou🎁 استعملوا الرمز CWL40, للحصول على خصم 40% على أول طلب Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

شاهد الملايين برنامج “دبي بلينغ” على نتفليكس، حيث نتابع حياة الأثرياء الباذخة في الجانب الصاخب من دبي. لكن ما لا يعرفه كثيرون هو من هم هؤلاء الأشخاص خلف الكواليس، بعيدًا عن الأضواء والثراء. في هذه الحلقة، أتحاور مع زينة خوري، نجمة “دبي بلينغ”، حول الشهرة، والثروة، وما وراءهماهذه الحلقة برعاية Bioniq Go🌐 https://bioniq.com/loulou🎁 إستعمل الرمز CWL40 للحصول على خصمMillions have watched Dubai Bling on Netflix, where we follow the daily lives of the rich and glamorous in Dubai. But what many don’t know is who these people really are behind the scenes, away from the spotlight and the luxury. I sat down with Zeina Khoury, star of Dubai Bling, to talk about fame, wealth, and what lies beyond them.00:00 - 01:39مقدّمة01:39 - 03:45النشأة في لبنان 03:45 - 05:51قرار الهجرة والبدء من الصفر في دبي05:51 - 06:56من بيت الأهل إلى الاستقلال المادي06:56 - 08:03محاولات دخول الإعلام والعمل الحر08:03 - 10:49 أول فرصة حقيقية في مجال التقديم وإدارة الأعمال10:49 - 11:24إعلان11:24 - 14:02كيف جنت زينة ثروتها 14:02 - 15:29الاستثمار والتفكير المالي15:29 - 17:57الاستثمار في العقارات والوقت الصحيح للبيع17:57 - 23:14ظاهرة الربح السريع في الجيل الجديد ودورالسوشال ميديا والتأثير23:14 - 27:50استخدام الأدوات الحديثة في السوشال ميديا وأهمية وجود أساس للتأثير 27:50 - 33:30الانضمام إلى دبي بلينغ والتعامل مع الشهرة33:30- 36:50الفصل بين الشخصية الحقيقية والصورة الإعلامية36:50 - 35:36تأثير السوشال ميديا على العلاقات والمفاهيم35:36 - 41:31مفهوم زينة النجاح خارج المال والمظاهر41:31 - 43:18فلسفة زينة في السكن والمعيشة العملية43:18 - 45:52أدوات للاستثمار العقاري الحديث45:52 - 47:58مفهوم زينة للنجاح وأهمية السعي للتطور47:58 - 50:00التعامل مع المقارنة والضغط الاجتماعي50:00 - 53:11تجربتها الشخصية مع التحيّزات الجمالية53:11 - 59:17عن القلق، التمثيل، والانطباع الخارجي59:17 - 1:05:03التحرش والمضايقات في بيئة العمل وضرورة المواجهة1:05:03 - 1:06:35الإيمان بالنفس كمفتاح لكل شيء1:06:35 - 1:07:24الخاتمة Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, joins me for a fast-paced conversation recorded live at Web Summit Qatar. We talk about how he scaled a 150-person event into one of the world’s largest tech conferences, and why the same principles—imagination, naivety, and engineering serendipity—can be applied to anything you want to build. Paddy shares his thoughts on avoiding fear-driven decisions, why big ideas need a bit of “clinical insanity,” and how success often comes down to simply starting—even if you have no idea what you’re doing.We also touch on tech hype, unsanitized founders, and why he won’t let his kids near addictive apps. This episode is about thinking big, starting small, and taking action—no matter what you’re building.Support for the show comes from XM, a leading trading platform. Click here to claim your non-deposit cash bonus! Support for the show comes from Bioniq GO, your personalized supplements. Click here to take the 5 min Quiz and use the code CWL40 to avail 40% on your first order of Bioniq GO! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

في الحلقة الأولى من البودكاست بالعربي، حبيت اني أتكلم مع صديقي رائد الأعمال محمد أبو النجا المعروف في مصر ب"نجاتي". محمد عندو رؤية في مجال العمل. عندما كان موظف في فوري، قرر إنو يشتري أسهم بالشركة وأدرجت فوري على البورصة المصرية في عام ٢٠١٩. ومن بعد فوري، كان نجاتي المدير الإقليمي لشركة "كريم" في مصر. وبعدها، كان الشريك المؤسس لشركة "حالاً" وهي اليوم شركة مليارية. ولقد أدى نجاح نجاتي في العمل إلى شهرة كبيرة في مصر وهذه الشهرة فتحت له أبواب منها نجاحه في البودكاست "المال الحلال" الذي اطلقه في أخر سنة ٢٠٢٤ في هذه المحادثة، نتكلم عن الحياة في مصر والفرص المتاحة للشباب والشابات، نتكلم عن دور المرأة المصرية في تربية الجيل الجديد وعن الثقة بالنفس، الرؤية، النجاح و تأثير الشهرة و كيف نتعامل مع الفشل. انشالله تستمتعو بالحديث00:00 مقدمة الحلقة والتعريف بالضيف03:18 نجاحات وإخفاقات نجاتي في ريادة الأعمال09:36 البودكاست والشهرة11:56 أهمية الإتقان في العمل20:54 الذكاء الاصطناعي ومستقبل الأعمال24:47 التحديات والفرص في السوق المصري32:41 أهمية العائلة والتربية في حياة نجاتي01:16:07 التوازن بين العمل والحياة الشخصية01:20:44 خاتمة الحلقة والدعوة للتفاعل Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We kick off by exploring the broader implications of President Trump’s ‘drill baby drill’ policy and how it could shape GCC economies, from oil markets to capital flows. We then deep dive into the art of deal-making, from knowing when to sell, to navigating high-stakes negotiations, to creating a win-win scenario to uncovering the one thing that kills a deal. Ziad gives us a behind the scenes look into how a deal is made and what can go wrong. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just curious about the inner workings of M&A, this conversation is packed with lessons on valuing time, thinking strategically, and winning in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Philip Bahoshy, founder of MAGNiTT, for a no-holds-barred conversation on the realities of the startup world. We unpack the "Startup Valley of Death," exploring why founders fail, when to quit, and how to navigate burnout. Philip dives into M&A challenges, scarce exits, and the rising role of secondary transactions and IPO readiness. He also highlights scaling hurdles in fragmented markets, the talent crunch, and UAE-Saudi ecosystem dynamics. With sharp predictions for 2025—AI’s rise, more IPOs, and deeper ties with Southeast Asia—this episode offers critical insights for founders and investors navigating today’s uncertain venture landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we dive into the hard truth about why exits in MENA are so challenging, the role of tariffs in protecting domestic production, and how bad actors have tarnished the reputation of an entire industry. Sky also gives us a masterclass on navigating capital markets, working with your board (hint: don’t deprive them of their learning moments), and what to do when you’re stuck with an inflated valuation. From ag-tech failures to billion-dollar blunders and business model innovation at scale, this conversation is packed with insights for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the future of food production.Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform with offices in Dubai. Click herefor a chance to win AED 1m. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Rogers is a global entrepreneur who co-founded Nextel Communications, a wireless connectivity company, in 1987 and sold it for $35B in 2005. In the early 2000s, Chris came to Saudi Arabia to launch Nextel as a joint venture with Saudi Telecom. His deep connection to the region brought him back as an investor in Careem, Kitopi, and several other startups.In this episode, Chris shares what it takes to build and lead billion-dollar businesses, his perspective on Sovereign Wealth Fund initiatives shaping the MENA startup ecosystem, the challenges Venture Capital firms face in the region, and what it truly means to exit successfully.Chris also offers timeless lessons on resilience, attracting global investors, and balancing ambition with wellness. Whether you’re a founder, VC, or someone with big dreams, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale your next big thing.Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment company with offices in Dubai.Click herefor a chance to win AED 1m. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Maha Abouelenein, powerhouse communicator, entrepreneur, and best-selling author of Seven Rules of Self-Reliance. Maha shares her incredible journey—from starting as a secretary for Naguib Sawiris to building a PR empire, working with global icons like Gary Vee, and becoming a bestselling author. We dive into the lessons from her book, the importance of betting on yourself, unlearning outdated ideas, and building a personal brand rooted in authenticity. Maha’s insights are both inspiring and practical, whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or someone seeking purpose and growth. This is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and self-belief!Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment company with offices in Dubai. Click here for a chance to win AED 1m. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Talal Tabbaa, co-founder of CoinMENA, to unpack the latest in the crypto world. We dive into Bitcoin’s recent bull run and why ETFs are a game-changer for institutional adoption. Talal shares his take on altcoins, meme coins, and whether they’re worth the hype—or just a gamble. We also tackle the big question: is it too late to get into Bitcoin? Plus, we discuss how governments, particularly in the GCC, are positioning themselves in the crypto race. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this episode offers insights you can’t afford to miss.Support for the show comes from Capital.com a global investment platform with offices in Dubai. Click here for the chance to win AED 1m: https://bit.ly/3CDIT3f Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with H.E. Sheikh Fahim a member of the Executive Council of Sharjah and the Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations to talk about his marine conservation work. Sheikh Fahim a.k.a. ‘the Turtle Sheikh’ whose love for the ocean - sparked by saving ‘Farah’ a turtle stuck in a fishing net - led him to launch SeafoodSouq, a technology business that tracks the global seafood supply chain or as per his words ‘a digital passport for fish’. Our conversation covers the state of our oceans, overfishing, bycatch and outright fraud. A fascinating discussion about the need for us all to do our bit and most importantly, to ask a very simple question: where is my fish coming from?Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform with offices in Dubai. Visit (https://bit.ly/3YaWM0R) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Abdullah Mutawi, Partner and Head of Corporate at law firm Taylor Wessing and prolific angel investor as the Co-founder and Chairman of Dubai Angel Investors and Saudi Angel Investors and we unpack some of the challenges that startups founders and venture capital investors are facing as they learn how to deal with a major downturn echoing the global venture capital downturn post 2020/2021 bubble. As a prominent lawyer, Abdullah is often called upon to mitigate distress situations, those that evoke strong emotions between the parties. Abdullah shares his learnings from various situations he has managed including one of the successful restructuring deals he worked on with Fetchr, the logistics startups that was saved, only to shut down again in 2021 in a twist of fate. If you are in the startup ecosystem or a stakeholder of the ecosystem, then you will certainly enjoy this discussion. Support for the show comes from capital.com, a global investment platform with offices in Dubai. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Charlie Wright, Founder & CEO of Humantra, the fastest-growing electrolytes brand in the UAE, now eyeing global expansion after a successful UK launch. Charlie’s journey to Dubai began straight out of college, where a sales job quickly showed him that he craved more than the corporate grind. After two failed ventures, he learned valuable lessons that paved the way for something bigger. A chance encounter with the Huda Beauty investment team led him to join their incubator, ultimately giving birth to Humantra. In this episode, we explore the world of electrolytes, navigating obstacles, scaling a business, and forming international collaborations, all while unpacking the key insights Charlie picked up along the way.Support for this episode comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform with newly launched offices in Dubai. To learn more about Capital.com click here. Support for this show comes from Dubai Harbour Residences, a newly launched beachfront project. Book your apartment by clicking here. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Farida El Agamy, an entrepreneur, a lawyer and expert on the MENA family business landscape, to get a peak into the rise and challenges of the families that shaped our region from the Almajdouie and Zamil families in Saudi Arabia, to W.J. Towell in Oman, the Sawiris in Egypt and Juma Al Majid in the UAE and many more. Those family businesses grew to become multifaceted conglomerates employing thousands and creating a considerable economic and social impact across the region. Farida shared insights from her extensive research work at Tharawat Family Business Forum, highlighting the critical importance of succession planning, governance, and the role of women in family businesses. We explored the rise of single-family offices, how investment strategies are evolving across generations, and the increasing importance of sustainability. Throughout our discussion, we kept circling back to one question: how will the 3rd or 4th generation of family business owners navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world? To learn more about family businesses in MENA visit: www.tharawat.org and www.familybusinesshistories.org or connect with Farida on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faridafelagamy/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to work everyone. In this last part of the '3 part bite sized summer special', I revisit my conversations with my guests in the first half of 2024 and distill 3 trends that are shaping MENA startups. If you’re an entrepreneur you’re probably head down and ready for an eventful second half of the year! If you’re fundraising, you’re probably wondering if the VC winter will come to an end now that the US Federal Reserve Chief is signaling rate cuts? Will you be able to ‘blitzscale’ again? If you’re raising a big round of funding today, where is the money going to come from? Lastly, how big is the influence of China on our startup ecosystem? I hope you enjoy this episode and always happy to hear your input. We go back to our original programing next week! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As you gear up for back to school season, I hope you enjoy part 2 of our 3 part - bite sized - summer special. In this episode, I share with you my personal views on what makes a great entrepreneur. Having been an entrepreneur myself over the past decade, having sat with unicorn founders, and hundreds of entrepreneurs that I’ve met over the past 5 years of venture capital investing, I offer you the 5 characteristics that make a great entrepreneur. Keen to know your thoughts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I hope you’re all enjoying the summer! In this 3 part episode, I will be sharing with you a bit of my raison d’être for doing the podcast. As an entrepreneur and investor living in Dubai, I am heavily invested in our regional startup ecosystem and my wish is to get as many of you to actively participate, whether as entrepreneurs, investors, advisors or enablers. In this episode I build on insights shared by some of my guests so far in 2024 and I put forward the case of why you, our listener, should care about startups. I hope you agree!Data used in the beginning of the episode is from Clearworld (www.clear.world) I have accidentally shared the wrong url in the podcast.Support for the show comes from capital.com, a global investment platform. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Mazen Kanaan, Co-founder and CEO of House of Pops to discuss his incredible journey leading the ice cream business at Unilever in the region, to his abrupt ouster and the subsequent launch of House of Pops with his girlfriend (now wife) Marcela Sancho. Mazen recounts the challenges of starting from scratch, going all in and being self-funded, the importance of brand building and customer journeys, and the strategic decisions that led to scaling the business and regional expansion. He also recounts his Shark Tank Dubai experience and the subsequent negotiations. Mazen’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship and a playbook in how to build a regional champion.Support for the show comes from Capital.com a global investment platform. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Imad Ghandour shares his extensive experience in the private equity sector, covering essential topics such as buying, improving, and selling companies in MENA. He delves into the philosophy behind his firm, CedarBridge Capital Partners, highlighting their unique approach to operational involvement, and focus on positive management. We delve into CedarBridge’s latest successful exit ‘The Grooming Company Holding’ and how Imad and his partners were able to successfully invest in the beauty sector, grow the business internationally and grow its bottom line. Imad offers tips on management, deal making, achieving operational excellence and managing through crisis.Support for the show comes from Capital.com a global investment platform. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vadim shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete, how he learned all about mental toughness and breaking your opponent. He shares his journey beyond sports into management consulting in Germany and then becoming the youngest CEO in Groupon as he led Eastern Europe and was part of Groupon’s NASDAQ IPO. He then goes back to his roots in ‘health and sports’ to launch Bioniq in 2018, a personalized supplements company that currently sells is products globally while he lives in Dubai. Vadim talks about the multi-billion dollar supplements industry and why most supplements don’t work. He offers tips on health and wellness, shares insights from Bioniq’s large data pool and wraps up with some tips for healthy eating habits. A very insightful conversation that tackles not only Vadim’s entrepreneurial journey but also, the very important subject of health. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sit down with Courtney Powell, Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer of 500 Global to discuss her journey from entrepreneur to global venture capital leader. Courtney shares insights on expanding 500 Global into emerging markets like MENA, balancing motherhood with her career, and the evolving landscape of education and female representation in tech. She also shares practical tips for pitching and fundraising, weaving personal stories and professional insights throughout the conversation.Support for the show comes from Capital.com a global investment platform. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Ronaldo Mouchawar, the trailblazing Co-founder and CEO of Souq.com, which was acquired by Amazon in 2017 for $580 million in cash + $200m in Amazon shares. Ronaldo, a true pioneer of e-commerce in the MENA region, founded Souq in 2005 as a spin-off from Maktoob, another regional success story that was sold to Yahoo for ~$170 million in 2009.In our conversation, Ronaldo shares captivating industry insights, recounts his personal journey, and reveals his passion for music. Now heading Amazon's operations in MENA and Turkey, Ronaldo remains fervently optimistic about the future of e-commerce in the region. Don't miss this fascinating and inspiring episode!Support for the show comes from capital.com a global investment platform. Visit their website to start investing today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Jonathan Doerr, the Co-founding Partner at Antler MENAP to learn about his experience in building, scaling and exciting companies. Jonathan brings a ton of learning from his time with Rocket Internet, where he was the Co-founder and Managing Director at Jumia Nigeria, Africa’s leading e-commerce site which IPOed on the NYSE in 2019 and the Co-CEO at Daraz, the South Asian e-commerce player which was acquired by Alibaba in 2018. We discuss challenges of building e-commerce companies in emerging markets and the differences between an IPO and an acquisition. Today, Jonathan is leveraging his experience to enable the next generation of founders via Antler where he plays matchmaker and investor to 100s of founders that join Antler’s programs in Dubai, Riyadh and more to come.Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. If you are enjoying this episode, make sure you hit the ’subscribe’ button wherever you are listening to this episode and give us a rating and a review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dana Baki is the co-founder and COO at MUNCH:ON, a UAE born startup that was solving the corporate lunch problem. MUNCH:ON which started as LUNCH:ON was utilizing kitchen’s off-peak to deliver affordable meals to corporate executives. The business was experiencing high growth until Covid which posed an existential threat. MUNCH:ON was then born to cater for meals throughout the day. Careem acquired MUNCH:ON in 2022 and Dana took time off to recalibrate and figure out what she wanted to do and landed in the space exploration industry. This is a fantastic conversation about entrepreneurship, work ethic, motherhood and so much more. Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their website and start investing today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ben Harburg is the Managing Partner at MSA Capital, a Chinese VC with $2.5bn of assets under management and MSA Novo, a newly established emerging markets fund with focus on the GCC. Ben brings a decade of expertise investing in Chinese tech companies to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region and is scouting for the next MENA based unicorns. MSA capital is already an investor in regional success stories like Tabby, Homzmart, Rabbit, Baly and KASO to name a few.A refreshing conversation on Chinese tech and what we can learn from China’s startup ecosystem and why Ben believes that startups in MENA would likely be looking more East than West when it comes to innovation and business models to mimic and perhaps even exit opportunities.Ben is an entrepreneur and the co-owner of Cadiz football club, he shares tips on entrepreneurship and on having the foresight to spot opportunities before they become common knowledge and why he constantly seeks arbitrage opportunities. Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their webiste to start trading today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Huda Al-Lawati is a veteran private equity professional across emerging markets having had executive roles at companies like Gateway Partners, Savola and Abraaj. Huda has recently launched Aliph Capital, a private equity fund that focuses on the mid market segment. I sat down with Huda to get an insider’s view on the private equity industry in the MENA region, what are the opportunites, where to fundraise, how to source deals, how to create value to companies they acquire by building the right teams and much more. Also if you’re interested to work in private equity, Huda shares her tips on what she looks for and what it takes to succeed in this competitive industry.If you’re looking to gain an understanding of how the industry works then this is a great place to start!Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their webiste to start trading today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Hassan Sawaf started working on machine learning in the 90s in Germany, no one thought advancements in AI would bring us to where we are today. Not even Hassan himself! In fact, people thought the AI field was too 'theoretical'. In this conversation, Hassan talks to us about AI’s evolution and his vision for aiXplain, a company he is building out of California that aims to make AI accessible to builders and innovators and provide them with tools to prototype their ideas with low or no-code. Hassan has been in the driving seat of the AI evolution and has led AI efforts in some of the world’s leading companies; eBay, Amazon AWS and Meta, he is a serial entrepreneur, sits on several boards, has a Ph.D. in machine learning algorithms for speech translation applications and has 60+ patents and publications in the field.Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their webiste to start trading today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

'I have my termination letter framed in my office’ that is the first thing that Jihad said to me when I first met him. Jihad El Eit, is the Founder & Group CEO at Kaykroo, the region’s creator of home grown brands like Manoushe Street, the Good Bowl, Fern el Balad, the Pasta Cup and many more. Jihad has a fascinating entrepreneurial journey that started after the company he worked at i2 shut down in 2007. Immediately after, Jihad saw an opportunity to become the distributor of Nokia in Pakistan, so he packed his bags and moved from Dubai to Pakistan to pursue it! A few years later, another opportunity arose to open a Lebanse Street Food concept with friends and Manoushe Street was born. After exiting his business in Pakistan, Jihad went all in on food and beverage and expanded Manoushe Street which becase Kaykroo in 2020, a series of hybrid kitchens serving over 40 brands in the UAE & Saudi Arabia. With $50m in investments to date, Kaykroo is scaling fast. Jihad shares his story, his insights on the food and beverage industry and plenty of advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the space.Support for the show comes from Capital.com, a global investment platform. Visit their webiste to start trading today! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode shot live from the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival on February 4th 2024, Steven and I discuss the power of personal branding and authenticity. Steven is a celebrity in the world of podcasts, his podcast the Diary of a CEO gets 50million monthly downloads and is the #1 podcast in Europe! Steven is a successful entrepreneur, investor and author. Steven is remarkably humble, his passion is grounded in pragmatism and his story truly inspiring, a self-made, self-taught immigrant from Botswana to the UK who made the best out of his privileges and continues to build and be at the helm of successful ventures.This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Allen Taylor, the Managing Partner at Endeavor Catalyst to learn more about their unique approach to investing across the world. Endeavor Catalyst fund is part of the non-profit Endeavor network, the home of 2500+ entrepreneurs across 42 markets. Over the past 11 years, Endeavor Catalyst, chaired by LinkedIn Co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman, has raised $500m and deployed $2m cheques in 300+ companies. We discuss the importance and return potential of investing in emerging markets, why investors need to stick through the current macro environment, advice for founders on raising down rounds and dealing with the stigma of it and what Allen looks for in entrepreneurs. An inspiring discussion and an open invitation for both governments and the private sector to invest in the growth of the startup ecosystem.This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com To read Endeavor catalyst’s latest report click here and to connect with Allen click here. Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Elie Habib, the Co-founder of Anghami, the region’s most loved home grown brand! Anghami is a leading music streaming platform catering for the Arab world. We discuss Anghami’s much hyped listing on the NASDAQ New York on February 4th 2022 and the period that follows including the tumbling of their market cap well below their yearly revenues. We discuss Anghami’s new merger with OSN+ and Elie’s new role as CEO post merger. Elie gave me a carte blanche to ask him anything and I deeply respect that. Always leading by example! Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I chat with Philip Bahoshy, the CEO of Magnitt, about the dynamic tech startup scene in the MENA region after a turbulent 2023. We delve into how recent economic shifts affect venture capital and discuss the current trends and 2024 predictions for venture capital in MENA, including the impact of new funding from Saudi Arabia, the resulting high demand for startups and the rise of startups like Tabby and Tamara to unicorn status. We also speculate on potential 2024 IPOs and ponder if MENA startups will pivot from the first layer of digital transformation into more ‘deep tech’, similar to trends in markets like Singapore. We discuss the context behind the numbers and share a cautious optimism for 2024.This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this second part of 2023’s wrap up, we take a look at some of the year’s most practical advice. We hear from top entrepreneurs and venture capitalists about company culture, shutting down a startup, selling a startup, re-purchasing a startup after a sale and the importance of founders at various stages of the startup building. We also remember a great episode on communicating with confidence. I wish you a great start for 2024 and looking forward to bring to you insights from the world’s most brilliant humans!Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show!This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re looking back at 2023’s biggest AHA moments and what a tough year it has been. The common theme across the 19 episodes recorded in 2023 was ‘resilience’ and that is representative of the mood for the year. We saw soaring inflation, increased interest rates which led to a venture capital slow down, we also saw the collapse of several global banks including Silicon Valley Bank. We saw climate get a lot of attention especially as the UAE hosted COP28 and we ended the year with a brutal war on Gaza which continues to rage on. Entrepreneurs and business leaders have been pushed to the limit and our humanity is currently being tested. I would like to thank all of our guests who showed up and shared openly. I also extend my deepest gratitude to you, our community. I wish you all a fulfilling 2024! Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show!This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Ali Halabi, Founder & CEO of Volt Lines, a Turkish based B2B mobility platform solving for the daily work commute in Istanbul, a city of 15million people that is notorious for its traffic woes. Ali has had a fascinating journey from Lebanon to Turkey and has rubbed shoulders with failure many times. In fact Volt Lines was the re-birth of a previous startup called Volt which he had to shut down. He saw himself celebrate Volt Line’s exit to Swvl, a $1.5B regional startup, only to get his company back 6 months later. Ali’s business ingenuity has been documented in a 3 part Harvard Business School case study. This episode is raw, genuine and a masterclass in entrepreneurship.Please spend 7min to fill this anonymous podcast survey. It would really help me in growing the show!This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit: https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Dr. Ryan Lefers, Co-founder & CEO at RedSea a climate tech company founded at King Abdullah University of Science and technology (KAUST) building technologies from the desert of Saudi Arabia to make agriculture more sustainable. With $36m of funding to date, RedSea products are currently selling across the world. We discuss Dr. Ryan’s journey from scientist to entrepreneur and the process of taking big ideas through R&D in a lab, manufacturing and testing as well as fundraising to get technologies into the hands of customers. We also discuss the role of universities like KAUST as an R&D and world class talent hub as well as being the first investor in RedSea. Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey. This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Tomaso Rodriguez, CEO at talabat to learn more about his experience growing the largest food delivery platform across 8 Middle Eastern markets. Talabat was born in Kuwait in 2004 and was sold to global player Delivery Hero in 2015 for $170m.Tomaso shares insights on talabat's complex operations, technology and artificial intelligence, building a culture of innovation, creating new revenue streams as well as his thoughts on potential acquisitions for talabat.Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with GV Ravishankar the Managing Director at Peak XV (previously Sequoia India) to discus the state of growth stage investing given the current macro environment. The team at Peak XV are managing US$10bn in assets. GV walks us through Peak XV's investment strategy with a focus on MENA, what he looks for in target companies, the importance of founders as the startup matures, advice to founders in his portfolio companies as they weather the global downturn, and parallels between India, South East Asia and the MENA region.Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Dr Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of The Lighthouse Arabia (https://www.lighthousearabia.com), to understand how we can prepare better, react better recover better from rejection. No is a powerful word. Being comfortable saying no in the right situations is essential to setting healthy boundaries at work and in our personal lives. But sometimes in our professional lives hearing a no can be disheartening. Whether you are a salesperson, in negotiations, an entrepreneur seeking resources and funding, or a creative trying to pitch their vision this conversation will give you practical tips and psychological insights to help you. Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1This episode is supported by Capital.com, an award winning global investment platform. To start trading today, visit https://capital.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Dr. Ali Fenwick, Professor of Organizational Behavior & Innovation at Hult International business school, to discuss how culturally specific narratives of AI fuel fear or foster optimism and why he fully believes that AI should look and behave more like a human than a robot. An enlightening discussion about what AI means, how ChatGPT feels sentient, the predictability of algorithms and how Dr. Ali built a ~2 million social media following by creating viral content and lastly whether AI will threaten or enhance our human potential.Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sat down with Philip Bahoshy, the founder and CEO of MAGNiTT, the leading VC data platform, to unpack the most recent H1 report on the venture capital landscape and trends across MENA, Pakistan, Turkey and SEA.We discuss the macro conditions leading to the slowdown, how are investors behaving, and what it means for our nascent ecosystem. We also touch on winning industries, new and emerging industries, artificial intelligence and I get Philip’s views on Elon Musk’s ‘hardcore’ work ethic as highlighted in Walter Isaacson’s recent book and if that should be the entrepreneur’s modus operandi in these challenging times.Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar co-founded Carzaty in 2018 in Oman. Carzaty aims at transforming the customer's used car buying journey from a messy experience to a high trust, digital first journey. Carzaty followed a portfolio management approach to selecting, buying and pricing cars. The founders raised $5.9Mn since inception and exited to Mexico born Kavak in 2021. The founder's approach to building and exiting Carzaty is quite interesting as they were quite methodical and analytical. While optimizing the used car sales journey was not their passion, they were passionate about one thing, winning! From the outset, they were realistic about their exit potential and had put a target of $200Mn. How do you ideate for a startup? Should founders build companies that can fetch a realistic exit or aim for a unicorn status but take on higher risks? How would the founders' ambition impact their ability to raise funds from investors? We cover all that and more in our discussion.Please spend 7min to fill out the podcast listener survey: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mudassir Sheikha is the Co-founder & CEO of Careem, the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan's (MENAP) biggest startup success story to date with a $3.1Bn exit to Uber in 2020. After the ride hailing success, In April 2023 Mudassir announced a new entity 'Careem Technologies' that will focus on building the region's super app and provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of MENAP's 500 million+ population. Mudassir and I discuss the learnings from the various stages of Careem as well as what the future holds. A glimpse into the mind of one of the region's top entrepreneurs. This episode is brought to you by She's Next by Visa. A program designed to provide female entrepreneurs with mentorship and support as well as financial rewards! Apply to join the program by June 23rd 2023. Links to the program here:UAE: https://l8.nu/ryNe KSA: https://l8.nu/qgZA Qatar: https://l8.nu/ryNi Kuwait: https://l8.nu/ryNn Bahrain: https://l8.nu/qgZK Please fill in the podcast listen survey it takes 7 minutes: https://33s6g1ujw6w.typeform.com/to/KeVEuZe1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.