Protecting data is crucial in the digital age. That's why experts Sam Itani, Srijith Nair, and Mossab Hussein took center stage to discuss the importance of data security, shedding light on the protection of private data, and the responsible utilization of public data. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/ _____________________ HIGHLIGHTS (0:20) Understa...
Sep 11, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 16
AI has become a pivotal topic in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Its impact spans across various industries, from healthcare to finance and marketing. In this podcast, Ali Aboukhreibe, an expert from Boopin, shares valuable insights on how AI is shaping the future of marketing and advertising, shedding light on its role in data-driven decision-making and its ability to leverage both rational and emotional aspects of human intelligence. Sign up for Step events https://stepconfer...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Coffee, the global brew that awakens senses and fuels conversations, served as the backdrop for an enriching discussion featuring prominent speakers Paul Papadimitriou, Ali Al Ebrahim, Rashid AlFalasi, Mohammed Bostaji, and Amna Almansoori. In this caffeinated conversation, they stirred insights about the rapid growth of the coffee industry, its technological evolution, and the art of blending data with beans, all while savoring the notion that coffee isn't just a drink; it's a lifestyle, a jour...
Sep 01, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Exploring the complex journey of navigating product-market fit in the early stages of startups, this panel discussion features seasoned entrepreneurs from diverse industries. Abdelrazak Al Sharif of Sheraa , Zohare Haider of Jalebi.io , Jumana Al Darwish of Made For You global , and Helal Tariq Lootah of Lune Technologies discuss their experiences and challenges in finding the delicate balance between market demand, solution development, and customer validation. Sign up for Step events https://s...
Aug 24, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 13
The concept of the Metaverse—a vast virtual realm—paired with the revolutionary potential of NFTs is captivating the tech world and creative thinkers alike. In a recent conversation that delved into the fascinating realms of the Metaverse and NFTs, industry experts Zeina Akkawi, Atul Hedge, Craig Borthwick, Jimi Ibrahim, Jeremy Denisty came together to shed light on these rapidly evolving concepts. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for ...
Aug 22, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In today's digital age, the value of authentic human connections often gets overshadowed. However, there are individuals who understand the power of forging meaningful relationships, both online and offline. Peter Shankman, renowned entrepreneur, author, and speaker, highlights the importance of genuine connections in our interconnected world. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news http...
Aug 10, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Initiatives, challenges, and opportunities linked to attaining sustainability goals through inventive startups and projects took center stage. Aby Sam Thomas, Elodie Robin, Deniz Tekerek, Zain, and Tarawneh engaged in a discussion about climate tech entrepreneurship and sustainability endeavors in the UAE. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/ __________...
Aug 08, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 10
The gig economy, remote work, and the changing landscape of talent acquisition in the modern world have transformed the way we think about employment and work arrangements. Colin McDonagh explores this shift based on conversations with friends and colleagues seeking new job opportunities. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/ _____________________ HIGHLI...
Aug 02, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Corporate governance is not just an overhead, but an essential part of building a startup that protects shareholder interests in the long term. Suraya Turk, Rawan Baddour, Ravishankar GV, Rayan Alsharif, and Abdallah Mutawi discussed the importance of corporate governance in the early stages of startups in a panel discussion. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.step...
Aug 01, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Branding is an essential element that can make or break a business, shaping its identity and market presence. But there is much more to it than meets the eye. Experts Daniela Rossi, Bassem Saber, Nader Amiri, and Nina Seredia, with their extensive experience and expertise, engage in a compelling discussion on the challenges and strategies of building successful ventures within the branding landscape. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter fo...
Jul 25, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 7
How does an artist from Trinidad revolutionize the music and tech industries while embracing change and diversity? Join Chris Leacock, aka Jillionaire, a renowned artist and tech visionary, on an inspiring journey that breaks cultural barriers. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/ _____________________ HIGHLIGHTS 1:57 - Creating the Tools Creators Need ...
Jul 19, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Innovation and uncertainty go hand in hand when it comes to building or managing a startup. Mohamed Amine Merah, Ahmed Arif, Mohammed H. Khashoggi, and Rayan Alsharif discuss the challenging process of entering unregulated markets, but also highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/ _____________________ H...
Jul 13, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Dubai, a vibrant city in the United Arab Emirates, has rapidly emerged as a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and forward-thinking vision have attracted entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the world. Racha Ghamlouch of Digital Digest, Diplomat Meghan Gregonis, US Consul in Dubai, and Saeed Al Nofali of In5 explore the key factors that have contributed to Dubai’s rise as a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity an...
Jul 06, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Andrew Gazdecki, founder of Acquire.com , shares key highlights from his entrepreneurial journey with Zubair Paracha of Refunnel, including starting the marketplace for internet businesses, making acquisitions, and expanding the customer base, as well as mistakes made, the importance of hiring smart individuals, and offers advice for internet entrepreneurs. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & busi...
Jul 03, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Do you ever wonder about the emotional journey entrepreneurs go through after an exit? Join Khaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital, Ali Halabi of Voltlines, Ziyaad Ahmed of Spotii, and Tammer Qaddumi of VentureSouq as they explore the emotional changes, post-exit depression, and the pendulum swings that founders experience as well as the relief of paying back investors, the potential pitfalls of going public, and valuable advice on protecting oneself during an acquisition. Sign up for Step events https...
Jun 26, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Can you strike a balance between scale and profitability? In a debate between investors Laith Zraikat of Arzan VC and Yana El Dirani of Modus Capital, and founders Mohannad Ali of Hotjar, Nida Sumar of 60 Day Startups, Lloyed Lobo of Traction Ventures, and Yousef Albarqawi of Alfii, moderated by Shubham Yadav of Strategy Connect, they delve into the definition of profit from the standpoint of investors and entrepreneurs. They also discuss the difference between scale and growth, the rule of 40 f...
Jun 23, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The number of Fintech is continuously growing and becoming the latest talk of the town. Fintech speakers Shafique Ibrahim of Walvat, Ihsan Al Hayek of DAPI, Danny Abla of Bankiom & Narendra Nandal of Nym Card spill all the details about the growth of the fintech in a fragmented market, the role regulations play in the Fintech space and the effective strategies recommended for fintech to get into the MENA region. _____________________ QUOTES ''With open banking now coming full force in the re...
Nov 24, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Diving into long-term and short-term effective solutions can be really impactful in reducing the carbon emissions in the MENA region. Anne Marie Thodsen of The Umbrella Institute, Jeremy Crane of Yellow Door Energy, Vielham Hedberg of ekar and Cornelius Mattes of Dii Desert Energy discuss the process of transitioning into renewable energy sources, the hard challenges that come along with it and their own strategies to change the future of energy. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.co...
Nov 15, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 41
What is the right talent in the startup space? How can we keep and secure talent in a company? Christian Eid of Ducklife, Nathalie Spree of True Search, Adel Khalil Hemdan of Talabat, Tymour Fisher of Nomad homes, and Shubham Yadav of Startegy Connect are leading tech experts and are here to talk about the sources of these issues and provide effective solutions to close the talent gap while discussing the contributions of resignations happening in the companies due to the pandemic in the MENA re...
Nov 03, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 40
With the amount of data that we're putting out there, it's becoming easier to get hacked, especially when UAE is one of those leading on the digital government in the world. Mossab Hussein of SpiderSilk, Rudy Shoushany of Dxtalks, Mohammed Amine Belarbi of Project Cypher and Multimedia Journalist Salim Essaid discuss the the threats to personal data, educating companies on the need for cybersecurity, as well as its costs and regulations, and what is needed in the future to protect our data. Sign...
Sep 26, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Mental fitness and physical fitness are related without a doubt, but how? The interplay of thoughts, emotions, and actions has been studied, and there are common practices that proved to have a positive effect on mental well-being. Nadine Chammas of The Life Director, Suna Zoabi-Othman of Tawazon, Viktorija Aksionova of Mindtales and Rima Bazzi reveal healthy habits and exercises people should maintain and the importance of mindfulness, meditation and awareness. Sign up for Step events https://s...
Sep 20, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 38
ESG is a 40 trillion industry worldwide. Many think executives should be looking into incorporating ESG principles in their organizations. Ahmed Al Naqbi of Emirates Development Bank, Abdullah Mutawi of Al Tamimi, Jihad Sadiq of FortyGuard and Shaker Zainal of MBRIF talk through the process of adopting ESG, governments' and startups' roles, self-regulation, and incentivizing ESG practices. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily r...
Sep 15, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 37
With the MENA region adopting BNPL faster than Europe and the US, new payment models are on the rise, affecting everything from retailers' strategies to consumers' behaviors. Paul Carey of Al Futtaim (IKEA), Hosam Arab of Tabby, Miljan Stamenkovic of Mambu, Remo Abbondandolo of Checkout.com, and Megha Merani discuss the steps it takes to move to a cashless society, how to incentivize customers, the impact of BNPL on customers' spending patterns, the challenges new payment methods are posing, tou...
Sep 13, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Streaming in the MENA region is becoming more and more popular, especially with new content paving the way. With our panelists heading leading media companies in MENA, Richard Fitzgerald of Augustus Media, Alaa Fadan of Telfaz11, and Butheina Kazim of Cinema Akil, the future of the industry is revealed, including digital content, production, technology, subscription, and streaming platforms. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily...
Sep 08, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 35
How can startups and corporates work together and create more profit? Many processes differ between startups and corporates, decision-making and risk-taking to name a few. Shafika Houcine of Etisalat, Caroline-Carmen Neubauer of Fero.AI, Elodie Robin of Hub71, and Roberto Croci of Microsoft for Startups discuss the opportunities each has to gain from this relationship and important factors that could facilitate or disrupt it. Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/ Subscribe now to t...
Sep 05, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 34
The first artists in the MENA region to jump on the NFT train are here to talk about the new era for creatives: the mash of concrete art with NFTs. Rami Kadi of Rami Kadi Maison de Couture, NFT Artist Amrita Sethi, Kristel Bechara, the first woman in the MENA region to launch an NF T collection, and Sarah Trad of Step Feed talk about the process of introducing NFTs to concrete art, maintaining the balance, the sustainability aspect behind it and protecting artists' rights. Sign up for Step event...
Sep 01, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 33
EV adoption is rapidly increasing, more than 50%, year by year. With this huge trend, cities need to prepare the right electricity grid and infrastructure to support this demand. Cezanne Maherali of Uber, Haider Al-Zaabi of Mays EV, and Samar Ibrahim of EY talk policymaking and charging infrastructure and look into EV's integration with new technologies and its eco-friendly aspect. _____________________ HIGHLIGHTS 3:03 - Technology & EVs 6:09 - Changes in policymaking 11:22 - Startups' role ...
Aug 30, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 32
With the integration of technology, access to mental health care becomes easier, affordable, more effective and provides more solutions, but some believe that social media and increased use of technology is to blamed for the increase in mental health issues. Inas Shashieh of Takalam, Ivan Palomino of Bessern and Daniela Rossi of Unlimited share their opinions and the challenges in onboarding consumers to trust such solutions. _____________________ HIGHLIGHTS 5:20 - Technology - positive or negat...
Aug 25, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 31
The pandemic forced people to shop online, but many loved it and continued to do so even after it was over, and apparently, MENA is outperforming Europe in adopting emerging technologies. Mo Yusuf of Checkout.com explains the factors involved in transitioning to digital payments, the challenges they face, their impact on startups and crypto's future in this digital economy. .______________________ HIGHLIGHTS 1:05 - How Checkout.com is deploying their billion 3:44- Changes in businesses during di...
Aug 22, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 30
The evolution of the P2P solution has changed the financial system, influencing the underbanked and encouraging financial inclusion. Sujoy Ghosh of Datacultr, Faisal Toukan of Ziina, Padmini Gupta of Xare, Faisal Al Haroun of Tap Payments, and Mohamed Khairy of Strategy& look at the current state of the space with the rise of crypto and the challenges that are yet to be solved. _______________________ HIGHLIGHTS: 2:38 - Bridging the gap between banks and lenders 7:02 - Advantages of P2P paym...
Aug 18, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 29
