How did Talabat become the Middle East’s leading delivery platform, valued at $10B?In this episode, I sit down with Yi-Wei Ang, Chief Product Officer at Talabat, to unpack how he scaled the product and engineering org 7x, why local insights outperform global playbooks, and how Talabat continues to innovate across food, groceries, fintech, and AI.Newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comYi-Wei's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productwithyiwei/Yi-Wei's Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/yiweiangSpotify Link:Itunes Link:We cover:- Building hyper-local products in MENA - Using AI for personalization and operations- Why Talabat still experiments like a startup- How product managers can drive real business impactIf you're into marketplaces, emerging markets, or product leadership at scale — this episode is a must.✅ Timestamps00:00 – What makes Talabat unbeatable in MENA02:10 – The toothbrush story: Yi-Wei’s first Dubai insight04:30 – Talabat’s evolution into a $10B tech company10:45 – How Talabat personalizes food, grocery & postpaid UX18:20 – How Talabat uses AI across ops, logistics & CX33:00 – Advice for product managers & builders in emerging markets

In this episode, I sit down with Khalil Alami, CEO of Telr, one of the oldest and most innovative fintech companies in the UAE. We dive into the bold decisions that transformed Telr into a regional payments leader, why they shut down a successful product, and how they’re tackling the #1 problem killing startups in MENA—opening a bank account.From customer-centric product strategy to building a full-stack fintech ecosystem, Khalil shares lessons on scaling, innovation, and staying humble as a leader.Whether you're a founder, product manager, or fintech enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world insights from the frontline of payments in the Middle East.📌 Topics Covered:- How Telr became the Middle East’s PayPal- The hidden startup killer: bank account setup- Shutting down a popular product (and why)- Building for Instagram sellers, freelancers, and corporates- Open finance vs BNPL: what's hype and what's here to stay- Localization, customer obsession, and innovation at scale- UAE vs Saudi fintech ecosystems🔗 Learn more about Telr: https://telr.com📲 Connect with Khalil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilalami/⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 – Intro1:05 – Why starting a business in Dubai is harder than you think3:12 – How Telr became the Middle East’s PayPal5:44 – Serving everyone: from soap makers to unicorns8:55 – Shutting down a working product10:47 – The #1 problem killing startups in MENA13:20 – Building a fintech ecosystem, not just a payment gateway15:38 – Hyperlocal product strategy (120+ languages)18:11 – UAE vs Saudi: Surprising fintech differences20:42 – Open Finance vs BNPL: What’s the real bet?23:50 – Why Telr owns its entire tech stack26:14 – Building for flexibility and scale29:02 – Risky decisions that paid off31:19 – Embedding culture and values in a fintech startup33:01 – What the future of Telr looks like34:45 – Advice for startup founders and fintech builders

In this episode I sit down with Vitalii Duk, founder and CEO of Dynamic, to explore how AI agents—from voice assistants to back-office automations—are revolutionizing businesses. Vitalii explains how Dynamic’s low-code platform enables developers and product managers to build and deploy AI agents in hours instead of months. You’ll hear real-world use cases (customer-facing chatbots 2.0, internal copilots for HR/legal, a cancer research agent, and government document verification) and learn why voice agents are the most underrated trend in AI.Whether you’re a founder, engineer, product manager, or simply curious about Gen AI, this episode delivers fast-paced, insight-packed takeaways on what’s actually working in the AI agent space.Key Topics:- AI agents, AI voice assistants, Gen AI trends- Low-code AI development, LLM, RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)- Customer-facing chatbots, internal copilots, back-office automations- Voice vs. text-based agents, dynamic platform overview- Healthcare AI (cancer research), government efficiency (40-person ops replaced)- Avoiding LLM fine-tuning pitfalls, feature bloat, verticalized AI agentsNewsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.com🔗 Connect & Learn More:Vitalii Duk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-d/Dynamic Platform: https://www.getdynamiq.ai/👍 Enjoyed this episode?• Subscribe for weekly insights on AI, product management, and startup strategy• Like and share to help more people discover how AI agents can transform workflowsChapters (Clear & Concise):makefileCopy00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 01:08 Dubai Impressions: Safety & Tech Scene 01:47 What Is Dynamic? Platform Overview 03:01 Building AI Agents in Hours, Not Months 04:36 Customer-Facing Agents & Chatbot 2.0 06:07 Internal Copilots for HR, Legal & More 07:36 Back-Office Automations & Efficiency Gains 09:04 Agent Examples: Sales, Support & Beyond 10:00 Voice vs Text: Integrations & Use Cases 15:43 RAG Explained: Ingesting Unstructured Data 30:06 Healthcare Use Case: Cancer Research Agent 34:00 Government Docs: 40-Person Ops Team Replaced 37:35 Common Misconceptions About AI Agents 41:50 Verticalization: Niche AI Agents & Market Strategy 46:08 Learning from Failed Bets: LLM Fine-Tuning 47:36 Roadmaps in a Fast-Moving AI Landscape 49:23 Underrated Trend: Why Voice Agents Matter 53:24 Closing Remarks & How to Get Started

In this deep, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the business of dating, Dubai's hidden loneliness crisis, the paradox of dating in a city full of singles, and how modern matchmaking is evolving. - Why dating apps fail 80% of people- The myths and truths of dating in Dubai- Emotional readiness vs. relationship goals- Matchmaking vs. online swiping- Financial expectations in modern love- How to build meaningful, lasting connectionsNewsletter:- https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comJay Larik - https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jaylarikNashwa Tantawy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashwatantawy/- https://www.instagram.com/nafsologybynt/?hl=enXcris- https://www.instagram.com/xrissofficial/?hl=enAhmed Odeh- https://www.tiktok.com/@lawbyodeh?lang=en- https://www.instagram.com/ahmedodeh_/- https://ae.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-odeh-615a9740Matchify- https://www.matchify.ae/Nasfology- https://nafsology.ae/Video Chapters:00:00 - Cold open: "All women are gold diggers..."?00:30 - Intro: Why this episode is different01:00 - Jay shares his motivation for building a matchmaking startup03:00 - Why dating apps fail most people05:00 - Nashwa on how relationships are central to mental health08:00 - Why couples therapy has a low success rate10:00 - Dating in big cities: global vs. Dubai-specific issues12:30 - Dubai's fast pace and the loneliness epidemic14:00 - The transient nature of Dubai and its impact on intimacy16:00 - Why many singles come to Dubai in their 30s18:00 - Are people here looking for fun or for forever?20:00 - Matchify's approach: anti-swipe, pro-connection22:00 - Real stories: from confident women to nervous men24:00 - Why Matchify charges men but not women25:00 - Are looks overrated? What really makes relationships work27:00 - The prenup conversation and financial expectations29:00 - The return of old-school matchmaking31:00 - Intention matters: dating for companionship vs. distraction33:00 - The importance of alignment in values and goals35:00 - Premarital conversations: money, roles, children37:00 - Financial fights that mask deeper issues40:00 - Should men share financial stress with their partners?43:00 - Connection vs. communication: what partners really want45:00 - Does your partner need to be your best friend?47:00 - Why relationship skills should be taught in schools48:30 - Nashwa on why most people come to therapy too late50:00 - Where to find Matchify and Nafsology Psychology Center

What happens when two startup veterans decide to challenge the consumer goods playbook in the Middle East?In this episode, I sit down with Walid Daniel Dib and Hass Anver, co-founders of Better, a self-care DTC brand doing $50,000/month in revenue—run by just two people.Newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comBetter Website: https://itsbetter.app/Walid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wdanieldibHass LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanain-anver-54171126/They share:- How they pivoted right after raising $530K- The customer research hacks that helped them find product-market fit- Why 60% of their buyers were women, despite launching a men’s brand- The exact performance marketing and WhatsApp tactics they used to scale🔥 If you're building a DTC brand, a lean startup, or just want to hear what obsessive customer feedback and smart execution can do — this one's for you.Add social link here and Better website and video chapters

Are AI agents the beginning of the end for websites, apps, and even jobs? In this explosive episode, Silicon Valley tech analyst and investor Jeremiah Owyang joins us to reveal why AI agents are not just another tech fad—but the biggest shift since the internet.From Uber drivers already reporting to algorithms, to billion-dollar LLMs, to the post-website internet—this conversation dives deep into:- How AI agents will replace search, websites, and customer service- The new AI tech stack startups must understand- Why founders need viral and network effects to survive- What a 3-person startup running 250 agents looks likeAnd why Silicon Valley is boiling over with 100+ AI events per month🚀 Whether you’re a founder, investor, or AI-curious, this is your blueprint for the agent-powered future. Don't miss the frameworks, predictions, and startup secrets from someone at the center of the AI revolution.🔗 Follow Jeremiah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jowyang/📍 Learn more about Blitzscaling Ventures: https://blitzscalingventures.com🎟️ Join Llama Lounge: https://lu.ma/llamalounge00:00 – “Don’t tell me I report to an AI now!” — cold open01:02 – Why AI agents are as big as the .com boom03:04 – When will AI agents go mainstream?04:18 – The AI tech stack explained: data to agents06:01 – What makes an agent different from a bot?07:12 – Real use cases: Crew AI in Fortune 500 companies09:12 – What Jeremiah looks for in AI startups11:47 – Viral loops, network effects & the Blitzscaling scorecard13:30 – Red ocean warning: customer care and sales agents14:49 – Will every person have 100 AI agents?17:15 – How startups will run with 3 humans and 1,000 agents18:07 – From co-pilots to autonomous agents: what’s next?19:37 – The post-website internet: your agent will Google for you21:12 – What happens to advertising when agents skip search?23:01 – Is building LLMs still worth it?24:03 – Falcon AI: Why UAE built its own LLM26:30 – Which industries will be disrupted first?28:04 – Selling to AI agents: the new customer experience29:40 – Sponsored sentences and the future of ads31:07 – Salesforce, HubSpot & the AI agent platform war33:04 – Know Your Agent (KYA): the new KYC35:04 – AI as a threat or a teammate: what should knowledge workers do?36:49 – Reporting to agents: Uber drivers already do38:14 – Will autonomous orgs run businesses?39:08 – The privacy vs. convenience dilemma40:19 – “Live like a billionaire” with AI agents41:38 – Mistakes AI startups make42:50 – Building defensible AI moats43:38 – Regulation as a moat in AI45:04 – Bill Gates: “Whoever wins the agent wins the internet”47:22 – How consumer brands should prepare for the agent era49:25 – New interfaces: APIs over websites50:45 – Guardrails for AI decision-making51:25 – What life will look like in 2030 with agents52:46 – Inside Silicon Valley’s red-hot AI scene53:16 – Llama Lounge: the #1 AI event in Silicon Valley56:13 – The secret to fast, viral, zero-budget community building58:50 – Final takeaway: AI agents should give us time to do what we love59:36 – Where to find Jeremiah and Blitzscaling Ventures

In this episode we unpack the hard truths behind building successful tech products. From busting the “Steve Jobs genius myth” to breaking down the $300K product flop, Mahmoud shares behind-the-scenes insights from working with top founders and scaling digital products used by millions.If you’re a founder, product manager, or just someone building in tech — this episode will change how you approach product strategy, MVPs, and usability forever.👉 Don’t build another feature no one needs. Watch this first.✅ What You’ll LearnWhy most MVPs fail before launchThe 4 biggest risks in product developmentHow to validate before you buildThe danger of skipping usability testingReal stories from startups that got it wrong (and how to avoid it)⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Who is Mahmoud Khodor?01:10 – Why Web3 needs better UX02:20 – Top 3 myths about product building04:30 – Steve Jobs wasn’t a genius?06:15 – The real reason you’re not releasing fast08:50 – The $300K personal trainer app failure11:00 – MVP vs Prototype: What’s the difference?13:45 – The 4 Product Risks That Kill Startups17:30 – Testing for usability on a $0 budget20:10 – Why great products still fail post-launch22:00 – Teresa Torres, Continuous Discovery & weekly testing23:20 – Final thoughts + where to follow Mahmoud📚 Books & Tools MentionedClean Code by Robert C. MartinScrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the TimeContinuous Discovery Habits by Teresa TorresTools: Figma, WhatsApp Groups, Low-code MVPs🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives on product, startups, and tech leadership.Got questions for Mahmoud? Drop them in the comments👇

Discover the revolutionary approach to product development in this exclusive podcast with Jason Fried, co-founder of 37signals. In this episode, Jason reveals why 37signals ditched traditional roadmaps in favor of the “Shape Up” methodology—a strategy that empowers small teams to build profitable, lovable products without chasing enterprise giants.Learn how building products you love, prioritizing design-led development, and imposing smart constraints can transform the way you work. Whether you’re a startup founder, product manager, or software developer, these actionable insights will help you create products that truly resonate while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Key Topics Covered:• The no-roadmap philosophy and its benefits• Building for yourself: why passion drives innovation• The Shape Up methodology explained• How small, focused teams outperform big, bloated ones• Pricing strategies and avoiding enterprise pitfalls• Balancing remote collaboration with high-intensity in-person workDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for more expert tips on agile product development and building a culture where “work isn’t war.”00:00 – Intro: Why Jason Fried matters01:45 – Building Basecamp without investors05:30 – “We didn’t want to grow big, we wanted to grow right”08:20 – Remote work before it was cool12:10 – Why most startups are burning investor cash15:50 – Meetings are toxic: Jason’s philosophy on productivity20:40 – Why they ditched live chat for async25:15 – The real cost of interruptions28:00 – “We don’t chase trends — we question them”31:00 – Thoughts on AI, hype cycles, and real value36:10 – Advice for founders who want to build calm companies39:00 – The future of 37signals and what’s next42:00 – Final thoughts: What Jason regrets (or doesn’t)

In this unfiltered, must-hear podcast episode, we dive deep into the raw stories behind our journey from rock bottom to building a multi-million-dollar sales training empire. Discover how tough love, unwavering faith, and a no–BS approach to leadership transformed our business, marriage, and personal lives. We share powerful lessons on overcoming betrayal, embracing risk, and the importance of family values—plus actionable tips to help you lead with heart and purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, sales professional, or simply looking for inspiring real-life transformation, this episode is packed with strategies, hard truths, and the underdog mindset that can change your life.Keywords: sales training, leadership, tough love, underdog success, marriage millionaires, business transformation, personal growth, faith, entrepreneurship, life coaching00:00 – Intro & why this episode is different02:15 – Andy’s journey: from broke to $100M brand07:40 – The moment Jackie grabbed his fat & saved his life14:12 – Why they lost clients for being “too real”19:50 – Self-worth, leadership, and betrayal26:30 – “You’ll never out-earn your self-worth”31:17 – Quitting corporate life to bet on themselves38:45 – Why Jackie’s intuition runs the business45:20 – From chaos to culture: building a team of underdogs51:00 – Firing high performers who cheat55:42 – FBI investigation, faith, and second chances1:02:10 – Raising kids while building an empire1:08:37 – Why most people wait for disaster to change1:15:55 – Surviving a near-death Harley crash1:24:18 – Faith, God, and finding peace1:34:30 – Communication, conviction & telling your story1:43:55 – Being broke, eating beans, building discipline1:52:00 – The legacy: underdogs, marriage, and comeback kids1:59:00 – Final message: build yourself, love harder, be the light

In this episode, I sit down with Christophe, the ex-CPO of Property Finder, who played a pivotal role in transforming the company into the industry leader in the region. We dive deep into:- How Property Finder won the marketplace battle and beat competitors like Dubizzle and Bayut.- Why trust is the #1 currency in marketplaces and how they solved the fake listing problem.- AI’s role in real estate marketplaces and why most portals aren’t ready for the future.- The biggest mistakes product managers make and how to focus on outcomes over outputs.- How to build a data-driven culture and why many companies get it wrong.Whether you're a product leader, a founder, or just curious about how tech unicorns scale, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comChristophe's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-de-rassenfosse/📌 Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro00:00 - No Trust, No Trade: Why trust is the foundation of marketplaces00:19 - Christophe’s background and entry into digital marketplaces01:22 - First impressions of Dubai's decision-making speed02:15 - Leading transformation at Property Finder03:16 - Building trust through Super Agent and agent responsiveness06:14 - Why Property Finder focuses on leads, not features08:10 - Consumers first: balancing B2B vs B2C priorities08:29 - Homepage is dead: shifting to a searchless experience13:32 - How AI is reshaping the real estate journey17:02 - Fighting fake listings with AI and data18:21 - SERP as the real battlefield in marketplaces20:03 - Building internal trust across product, marketing, and engineering26:02 - Outcomes over outputs: shifting product culture30:48 - Creating a culture of experimentation and learning34:02 - Aligning roadmaps to company strategy and focus36:53 - Go-to-market is part of the product manager’s job39:41 - Advice to founders: create value, focus, and stay IP-driven42:29 - Christophe’s call to action for founders in MENA