Philip is passionate about helping e-commerce entrepreneurs realize the full value of their brands. He is the co-founder and co-CEO of Opontia, the only digital-first consumer goods group in EEMEA. Opontia was one of the fastest companies in MENA to raise over 40 million dollars in under 9 months. The company was featured as #12 on the Forbes Top 50 Most Funded Startups list in 2021. Prior to founding Opontia, Philip worked for 2 years at McKinsey in their Dubai office on e-commerce strategy, pr...
Jan 03, 2023•27 min•Ep. 74
Khalid has a passion for breaking things and moving fast. He is an experienced entrepreneur reshaping the tutoring industry in the Middle East. Khalid founded AlGooru in 2018, after just graduating from his business bachelor’s degree, raising over 2 million dollars in seed investments to date and his startup was recently recognized as the “EduTech Business of the Year” during UAE’s regional SME Awards for 2022-2023. He is currently leading a team of over 50 employees across various locations and...
Dec 20, 2022•25 min•Ep. 73
Christophe Zoghbi is an experienced software engineer and entrepreneur focused on building the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem and democratizing AI education in MENA. Chris founded Beirut AI in 2017 which grew to become the largest applied AI community in Lebanon, and enables participants to explore impacts of AI, explore employment opportunities, engage with others, and develop projects. To take things to the next level and on a broader scale outside Lebanon, Chris founded Zaka in 2019, ...
Dec 13, 2022•25 min•Ep. 72
Saadallah Sarkis is an entrepreneur and strategy consultant focused on building a people-centric venture and culture. His experience in Strategy& across clients in the MENA region, has enabled him with the needed skill-set to launch LAZE, a global rolling papers brand with a community invested in art, creativity, and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Saadallah discusses his story in launching the disruptive “People Beyond Papers” brand and encourages young aspiring entrepreneurs in taking t...
Dec 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 71
Peggy Van de Plassche is an author and international speaker focused on microdosing for mental health and personal transformation. In her memoir, “Paris, Mushrooms, and Me” as well as her speaking engagements, she shares her experience from being a banker and venture capitalist for 20 years in the financial services and technology industries, as an executive, investor, board member, and entrepreneur to becoming an author of narrative non-fiction. Her audience acquires a first-hand understanding ...
Nov 29, 2022•27 min•Ep. 70
Jasmine Navarro is an award-winning family & youth coach, the author of the creative confidence program, and the founder of Nava, a coaching company focused on helping teenagers and adults flourish. Jasmine is on a mission to teach the key tools and techniques that prepare teens and adults to manage the pressures of modern life. She considers her international career in education a great influence on her work today, and is wary of the challenges youth are undergoing today, especially from th...
Nov 22, 2022•19 min•Ep. 69
Omar Al Busaidy is a Fulbright Scholar, Best-Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, and the founder of Global Possibilities, the leading boutique agency for business and government leaders to access the UAE & GCC markets. Omar worked in both the public & private sectors in various industries like banking, media, tourism, and diplomacy. At only 21 years old, Omar was the first Emirati to work at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.He also worked at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ...
Nov 15, 2022•29 min•Ep. 68
Rafael Marimon, MegaLaunchers, has focused on making the world a better place. His Web3 experience delves into connecting with others through empathy and emotional intelligence. He talks about the impact his family had on him and the power of curiosity, as well as the ability to lead and guide others with empathy. Rafael discusses diversity and awareness of cultural diversity. His experience in the military allowed him to develop discipline which he has leveraged into other aspects of his life. ...
Nov 08, 2022•24 min•Ep. 67
Kevin Shah AKA, Captain Empathy, is focused on creating a world where people seek to understand one another by making empathy a daily habit. He believes empathy is the superpower we all can learn and become superheroes. His experience navigating toxic spaces in tech as a product leader and facilitating inclusive spaces workshops led him to create the world’s first and only Empathy Gym app and program called Jaago. He has led global product teams and delivered impactful and successful first-of-ki...
Nov 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 66
Safwan is a husband, and a dad with a passion for living life to the fullest through family, volunteering, and fitness.Nearly 17 years of managing and developing FMCG and Technology businesses in the Middle East & North Africa region. With a broad skill set, he executed effective sales and marketing practices for Coca-Cola, Nestle, Nespresso, and Samsung.- About Ally Salama Forbes 30 Under 30: https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lists/30-under-30-2021/ally-salama/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin...
Oct 25, 2022•19 min•Ep. 65
The headline says it all...---About Ally Salama: 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 ( Impact ): https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lists/30-under-30-2021/ally-salama/ Ally's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysalama/ DM me with your thoughts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysalama/For 1:1 Leadership/Entrepreneurship/ Personal Branding Consultations email me at allysalama@gmail.com ---Website: https://www.allysalama.com/---Support the show by dropping us a rating and review on Apple ...
Nov 21, 2021•12 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, I highlight 7 ways you can set better boundaries and spend less energy people-pleasing. It's a critical skill to have. Hope this helps.---About Ally Salama: 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 ( Impact ): https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lists/30-under-30-2021/ally-salama/ Ally's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysalama/ DM me with your thoughts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysalama/For 1:1 Leadership/Entrepreneurship/ Personal Branding Consultations email me at...
Nov 13, 2021•11 min•Ep. 63
In this episode I highlight 3 major characteristics you will find in the most youth influential leaders in the world. I can guarantee that by working on all 3 you will become an iconic individual with very little that can stand in your way. --- Books Mentioned: Start With Why - Simon SinekThe Power of Your Subconscious Mind - Joseph Murphey--- Podcasts Mentioned: The Journal - ( publisher: Wall Street Journal )--- About Ally Salama: 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 ( Impact ): https://www.forbesmiddleeas...
Nov 07, 2021•14 min•Ep. 62
For me, there's nothing quite more important than self-care. And it starts by recognizing the effects of burnout. I hope this episode helps. ---My 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Listing ( Impact ): https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/lists/30-under-30-2021/ally-salama/My Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysalama/DM me with your thoughts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allysalama/For 1:1 Leadership/Branding Consultations email me at allysalama@gmail.com --https://www.allysalama.com/-...
Oct 31, 2021•14 min•Ep. 61
A recent report ( May, 2021 ) from Indeed found that employee burnout is on the rise: 52% of all workers are feeling burned out , up +9% from a pre-COVID survey. Employees of all ages and types are experiencing the impact of stress, fatigue, and mental health challenges.For me, there's nothing quite more important than self-care. And it starts by recognizing the effects of burnout. I hope this episode helps. --Watch it here on Youtube: ---My 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Listing ( Impact ): https://ww...
Oct 22, 2021•14 min•Ep. 60
I still can't believe it. But here it is ( link below ). Beyond the fact that I had it written on my bathroom mirror since 2020, day in day out, to focus on achieving this MEGA Goal - visualization and all that good stuff... Well, it doesn't really really work without a solid plan of action. Listen to this episode to learn exactly what I've been doing over the past few years. My Linkedin is proof that this isn't just a stroke of luck. It's science. And it's no longer a secret. It's all yours to ...
Oct 15, 2021•15 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, I chat with my friend who's in the final stages of being certified as an Art Therapist by the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. We talk about the power of art and the perception of Art from one person to another. How can it be that Art may have the power to heal individuals from trauma and emotional wounds? Let's find out, exclusively on EMPWR's podcast, Empathy Always Wins!----Click To join the conversation join the EMPWR Podcasting Network:🌍 On FB: https://www.facebook.com/gro...
Jul 02, 2021•32 min•Ep. 58
Today, I speak with my colleague and friend, Scott Armstrong, the editor in chief of MENA's leading business magazine, ArabianBusiness.com.Scott brings more than 30 years of experience as a journalist, editor, and strategic communications consultant. He is convinced more than ever that quality content is king, both for the media and brands.----Click To join the conversation join the EMPWR Podcasting Network:🌍 On FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theempwrpodcastingnetwork🌍 On Linkedin: https:...
Jun 30, 2021•35 min•Ep. 57
Today I'm joined by my good friend, Flex.Ahmed Flex Omar is a network builder. From humble beginnings working at the West Side Health Authority building computer labs for under resourced communities, to his current role as co-founder, Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer at the Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA), Flex is committed to leveraging technology to build networks in the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors.Flex’s approach to social enterprise combines his consulting ...
Jun 25, 2021•29 min•Ep. 56
تبرز ميرنا عارف في هذه الحلقة من التعاطف طريق الفوز مع علي سلامة، أهمية التعاطف ودوره في بناء فريق عمل متكامل ومبني على الثقة والتوازن. كما أنّها تتحدث عن تجربتها في التعامل مع حياتها الشخصية والمهنية منذ بداية جائحة كورونا، وكيف أثر هذا الفيروس على منظورها الشخصي للحياة. ميرنا عارف قوية الاندفاع والحماس ، تحمل من الخبرة 18 عاما، مع سجل حافل بالانجازات، قائدة مكينة ومتحدث بارعة هي المديرة العامة لفرع مايكروسوفت بمصر، تقلدت مناصب قيادية بارزة في شلومبرغر وايمرسون و ب اش جي اي، بالإضافة إلى كونها ...
Jun 04, 2021•29 min•Ep. 55
Joze Piranian is a lifelong stutterer turned International Speaker helping people who hold back turn fear into action so that they overcome their “inner stutter” and unlock their true potential in life. After avoiding speaking almost entirely for more than 25 years due to a debilitating stutter, Joze won the Inspirational Speaker of the Year award in 2017 and has performed stand-up comedy in 3 continents and 3 languages. He now delivers inspirational keynotes on inclusion and resilience at organ...
May 10, 2021•39 min•Ep. 54
Today I speak with Helen Farmer on Dubai Eye 103.8 highlighting one of my favorite Radio Appearances. We talk about the issues around mental health data and COVID, and my work in Canada and in the United Arab Emirates.----Click To join the conversation join the EMPWR Podcasting Network:🌍 On FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theempwrpodcastingnetwork🌍 On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13903682---- Support the show by dropping us a rating and review on Apple Podcast! Music: “Daydrea...
Apr 15, 2021•21 min•Ep. 53
Yaron Engler delivers 1:1 and group coaching programs for men who want to upgrade their life from good to great. His clients are often entrepreneurs who despite their success feel disillusioned, not good enough, angry and stuck in the hamster wheel of life. His passion is to help his clients let go of everything that is holding them back and create a healthy transition to a life with more freedom, connection and fulfilment. Through this work Yaron has helped many men reduce significantly the lev...
Apr 08, 2021•41 min•Ep. 52
After being awarded a BSc in Business Management from King's College London and having worked as a PricewaterhouseCoopers Strategy consultant for Mergers and Acquisitions in the MENA region, Nazli shifted careers to the special educational needs and disability field. With an MA in Special & Inclusive Education from University College of London, Nazli is a learning support specialist in Cairo American College's elementary school Learning Support Services department and a learning skills devel...
Apr 02, 2021•51 min•Ep. 51
Robb Kelly, PhD is a renowned addiction consultant who believes in treating the problem of addiction, not the symptoms. He has worked for many years helping addicts and alcoholics to recover their lives from the disease of addiction. Based on his own experiences working with addicts and alcoholics over the last 20 years, a PhD in Psychology from Oxford University and as a recovered alcoholic himself – he is a triple threat against the disease of addiction. Dr. Kelly was the CEO of a thriving tel...
Mar 25, 2021•27 min•Ep. 50
Zain Kamal Masri is the Head of Brand & Reputation at Google MENA. Zain launched "Maharat min Google", a digital skills program that trained over 1,000,000 people, of which 50% are women and 54% found a job or grew in their business/career as a result. She also launched “YouTube Batala,” a content hub featuring more than 400 female creators from across the Arab world. Masri and her team help Google select the doodles for the region, at least 50% of doodles in the Arab world have celebrated w...
Mar 19, 2021•36 min•Ep. 49
Maha Abouelenein is an Egyptian American communications consultant specializing in strategic communications, public diplomacy, and campaign management. An executive and entrepreneur -- Maha is one of the most experienced and connected communications specialists in the Middle East, with more than 22 years of experience, advising global corporate giants, high growth tech startups, top governments, and high net worth individuals.She specializes in helping big tech companies launchpad into the Middl...
Mar 12, 2021•30 min•Ep. 48
Richard is CEO and Founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company in the UAE and KSA, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, and Smash. He has worked in the media advertising space since 2006 at agencies in Ireland, England, and the UAE. He successfully built a regional Social Media department at Mindshare MENA before becoming the Managing Director of a creative technology start-up. In 2015 he launched Augustus, a ‘new media’ company, which was recognized as Best SME Company i...
Mar 04, 2021•52 min•Ep. 47
Sarah is the CEO of Coconut Media for advertising and social media marketing and is the founder of the IG Academy online course, where she helps more than 5000 students develop their social media pages with the aim of increasing their sales.Sarah's mission is to help Arab entrepreneurs convert their social media accounts to grow their business online.Instagram: @sarah.refai-Join the Tethr App, The world’s first online, peer-to-peer support community connecting men for open and honest conversatio...
Feb 23, 2021•36 min•Ep. 46
Dr. Nicole LePera was trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University and the New School for Social Research. She also studied at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Nicole LePera often found herself frustrated by the limitations of traditional psychotherapy. Wanting more for her patients— and for self— she began a journey to develop a united philosophy of mental, physical, and spiritual health that equips people with the tools nece...
Feb 10, 2021•35 min•Ep. 45
