Builders

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

Product management is one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. Everyone talks about strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, but what does it actually take to be a great product manager? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with Pooja Vithlani, a seasoned product leader who has worked at Microsoft, Expedia, and Careem, to break down the realities of product management. From how to build habit-forming products to why most PMs fail, we cover everything you need to know to level up your career.🔹 The surprising differences between product management in the West vs. the Middle East🔹 Why many PMs are just “project managers in disguise”🔹 The biggest mistakes PMs make & how to avoid them🔹 How to actually influence leadership & drive impact🔹 The power of product mindset & high-agency thinkingIf you’re a product manager, founder, or someone trying to break into PM, this episode is packed with gold! 💡💬 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest challenge you face in product management? Let’s discuss!🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on product, leadership, and strategy!📌 Follow Pooja Vithlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavithlani/📌 Subscribe to my newsletter : https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comTimeline & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Who is Pooja Vithlani?02:00 – What do product managers actually do?05:40 – The biggest misconceptions about PMs09:15 – How Pooja broke into product management at Microsoft14:30 – The shift from tech-driven to customer-driven product teams19:45 – Building habit-forming products: Lessons from Expedia24:20 – The power of data in decision-making & why most PMs ignore it28:50 – Product management in the West vs. the Middle East33:00 – Why product teams struggle with empowerment & agency37:25 – The biggest mistakes product managers make42:15 – How to actually influence leadership as a PM46:50 – How can women in product management be more assertive?51:30 – What makes a great product leader?56:10 – Pooja’s top advice for aspiring and junior product managers01:00:40 – Where to find Pooja & final thoughts

Private credit is booming—and in this episode, we dive deep into why with Johanna Krüger, Head of Investor Relations at Kilde, a Singapore-based private credit platform.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comJohanna unpacks:- What private credit really is (and why it’s not like traditional banking)- Why private credit is now the "Taylor Swift" of finance- The explosive growth of non-bank lending in emerging markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia- The opportunities and risks for accredited investors- Why Dubai is becoming a magnet for wealth creation and ambitious entrepreneursIf you're a founder, investor, or just curious about private markets and how to diversify your portfolio beyond public equities—this episode is packed with actionable insights.Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.👉 Subscribe for more episodes on investing, product leadership, and global innovation.🕒 Timeline:00:00 – Intro: Why private credit is the "hot girl" of finance02:00 – What is private credit and how does it work?05:00 – How Kilde lends to non-bank lenders like Tabby07:30 – Private credit vs. traditional banking10:00 – How Kilde structures and secures its deals13:00 – Why investors are turning to private credit15:00 – Types of investors using Kilde (institutional vs accredited)20:00 – Why emerging markets are ripe for private credit23:00 – Risks in private credit: liquidity, structure, defaults26:00 – How Kilde monitors risk and performance30:00 – Johanna's tips for investors entering private markets34:00 – How Dubai is becoming a hub for ambition and capital38:00 – Advice for newcomers in the Middle East39:30 – Where to learn more about Kilde and connect with Johanna🔗 Useful Links:💼 Kilde's Website https://www.kilde.sg/📈 Kilde’s Investor Dashboard & Stats https://www.kilde.sg/stats👩‍💼 Connect with Johanna Krüger on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-kr%C3%BCger/📖 Download Kilde's Whitepapers https://www.kilde.sg/news-and-insights/insights

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Chahwan, the founder of Sarwa, the UAE’s first licensed fintech investment platform. Discover how Sarwa disrupted the investment space, made investing accessible to everyone, and pioneered regulatory changes in the region.We dive into: ✅ The challenges of launching a fintech startup✅ Personal finance habits and investing strategies✅ How Sarwa is helping the next generation build wealth✅ The future of investing in the Middle EastMark also shares insights on building trust in fintech, navigating regulations, and the power of innovation in a competitive market. If you're interested in investing, fintech, or startup growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights!📌 Listen now and start your investing journey!👉 Subscribe & turn on notifications to never miss an episode!Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:00 – What is Sarwa & how it started05:00 – Building trust in fintech & regulatory challenges12:00 – Investment strategies & financial habits20:00 – How Sarwa differentiates from competitors28:00 – Hiring & building a strong startup culture35:00 – Future of investing in the UAE & beyond45:00 – Final thoughts & how to start investing today

In this episode, I sit down with Mirela Mus, Founder & CEO of Product People, Europe's largest fractional product management agency. We dive into:✅ Why 42% of startups fail due to a lack of product-market fit✅ How fractional product managers help companies scale efficiently✅ The real reasons companies hire fractional PMs (beyond just filling headcount)✅ Interim vs. Fractional Product Work – which one is right for your business?✅ Why mercenary product managers can actually help teams make better decisions✅ How agencies like Product People help companies scale without breaking the bank✅ The mindset shifts product managers need to quickly diagnose & improve PMF✅ Hiring fractional vs. full-time vs. freelance PMs – what’s the best approach?🎙️ If you're a startup founder, a product leader, or a PM thinking about going independent – this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!💡 Learn More About Mirela & Product People:🔗 Product People Website https://www.getproductpeople.com/🔗 Mirella on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirelamus/🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations on product leadership, startups, and innovation!#ProductManagement #FractionalPM #StartupGrowth #ProductMarketFit #ProductLeadershipTimestamps 0:00 - Intro: Why 42% of Startups Fail & What We’ll Cover0:46 - Why Did Mirela Bring a Swag Gift?1:03 - What Surprised Mirela About Dubai’s Startup Scene1:52 - What Is Product People & How Do They Help Companies?3:29 - How Product People Supports M&A, Growth, & Scaling Teams4:00 - Why a Product Manager Agency? How Does It Work?5:57 - Who Becomes a Fractional Product Manager & Why?7:03 - How Fractional PMs Drive Impact in Just 3-6 Months8:09 - What Companies Get Wrong About Hiring PMs9:39 - How Product People’s Playbook Helps PMs Succeed10:56 - Why High-Agency, Low-Maintenance PMs Are Essential12:35 - How AI Is Disrupting Product Management & Market Fit13:52 - The Biggest Cost in Tech Companies & How to Manage It14:52 - How Companies Scale Product Teams Without Breaking the Bank16:03 - When a Mercenary PM Is More Valuable Than a Missionary PM18:46 - Why Product People Focuses Only on Product Management20:55 - How Product People Handles Downtime & Knowledge Sharing23:17 - Freelancer vs. Full-Time vs. Fractional PM – Which One Is Best?25:20 - How Product People Ensures Every Client Becomes a Repeat Champion28:02 - What Product People Looks for When Hiring PMs30:45 - Top Book Recommendations for Product Managers32:32 - Why Asking Better Questions is a Superpower for PMs33:52 - How to Connect with Mirela & Learn More About Product People