DisruptEd – A Citizens School Podcast

In Episode 9, Dr. Adil sits down with Rana Nawas — corporate strategist, consultant, podcaster, and a strong advocate for women empowerment.

Together, they unpack powerful questions and insights:

💡 Why is resilience necessary for success?

💡 How do schools and parents play a role in shaping equality from the ground up?

💡 Why does gender diversity in the workplace directly drive productivity?

💡 And how should education evolve to match the needs of today’s generation?

Their insights remind us of the importance of diversifying models of leadership and rethinking what success truly means. Gender should never limit ambition — and education must adapt to the times to prepare this generation for the future.

Connect with Dr. Adil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradilalzarooni/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dradilalzarooni

Connect with Rana

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rananawas/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rananawas/

Website: https://rananawas.com

Follow Citizens

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@citizensschoolme

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizensschoolme/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizensschoolme

#DsiruptEd #podcast #futureofeducation #leadership #diversityandinclusion #womenempowerment #genderparity

Welcome to the eighth episode of DisruptEd — a podcast by Citizens School that explores the future of education through conversations with experts bridging research and real-world innovation. DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School in Dubai.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Makram Hani, CEO of Arms McGregor Realty, tech investor, and blockchain advocate. Makram shares how his biggest mistakes became stepping stones to success, and how a mindset of resilience, experimentation, and learning from failure shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

Their conversation dives into future-facing topics such as blockchain, tokenisation, and how the next few years will bring more transformation than the last 30. This episode offers a powerful reflection on the link between future thinking, innovation, and education — and the role schools must play in preparing young minds to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Connect with Dr. Adil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradilalzarooni/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dradilalzarooni

Connect with Makram

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makramhani/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makramhani/

Follow Citizens

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@citizensschoolme

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizensschoolme/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@citizensschoolme

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizensschoolme

Welcome to the seventh episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Rana Akkad, a successful social entrepreneur, mother of three, and Founder of Jad’s Inclusion, a special needs centre for children in Dubai.

Rana speaks openly and honestly about her personal journey — from parenting to founding a centre — and the experiences that led her to where she is today. Their conversation explores the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, the importance of personalised education, and the value of thinking outside the box.

Connect with Dr. Adil

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dradilalzarooni/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dradilalzarooni

Connect with Rana

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rana-akkad-64855bb2/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jads-inclusion-82784217a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadsinclusion/

Follow Citizens

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@citizensschoolme

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/citizensschoolme/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@citizensschoolme

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizensschoolme

Welcome to the sixth episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Kabeen Khadar. A successful entrepreneur, active angel investor, and one of the founding parents of Citizens School, Kabeen is a champion of Citizens’ entrepreneurship curriculum. 

Their conversation explores the journey of an entrepreneur, the future of education, and the importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies.

Connect with Dr. Adil 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dradilalzarooni/ 

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dradilalzarooni 

Connect with Kabeen

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabeen-khadar-20648389/ 

Follow Citizens

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@citizensschoolme 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/citizensschoolme/ 

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@citizensschoolme 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizensschoolme

Welcome to the fifth episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications.

The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Dr. Mohamad Hamade, a recognised thought leader in the healthcare and finance space. As the Founder and CEO of Lumio Capital, Dr. Hamade is a huge proponent for advanced technologies being used in education. 

Their conversation covers a wide range of topics including virtual reality, personalised healthcare, and the importance of experiential learning.

Connect with Dr. Adil 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adilalzarooni/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dradilalzarooni/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dradilalzarooni

Connect with Dr. Mohamade

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.hamade_official/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamadhamade/

Follow Citizens

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@citizensschoolme

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/citizensschoolme/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@citizensschoolme

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/citizensschoolme

Welcome to the fourth episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Nouhad Doughan, the Owner and Managing Director of Kids Spot Nursery (KSN) in Dubai and Board Member of Business Nursery Group. Nouhad walks us through leaving a successful marketing career to open her first nursery 11 years ago. With a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to high-quality and individual care, KSN has grown to 3 nurseries operating in the UAE.

Their conversation covers the significance of teaching entrepreneurship, instilling values, managing diversity, and the importance of the first five years in a child's education journey.

Connect with Dr. Adil

LinkedIn  / adilalzarooni  

Instagram  / dradilalzarooni  

TikTok  / dradilalzarooni  

Connect with Nouhad

Instagram  / kidsspotnurserydubai    / nouhaddoughan 

LinkedIn  / nouhad-doughan-0585005 

Follow Citizens School

YouTube   / @citizensschoolme  

Instagram  / citizensschoolme 

TikTok  / citizensschoolme  

LinkedIn  / citizensschoolme  

Welcome to the third episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Adil speaks with Samer Hamadeh, a seasoned entrepreneur in the F&B and entertainment industries. Samer shares how his unconventional career journey - from launching creative nightlife concepts like Stereo Arcade to founding the award-winning Akiba Dori - was shaped by personal passion, risk-taking, and a desire for freedom.

Their conversation dives into redefining success, embracing failure, and how today’s education can nurture entrepreneurial thinking and future-ready mindsets.

Welcome to the second episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School.

In this episode, Dr. Alzarooni sits down with Talib Hashim, Managing Director of TBH Advisory and a leader in Emiratisation. Their discussion centres on the shift from employment to empowerment, the changing dynamics of the UAE job market, and how preparing Emiratis for entrepreneurship and private sector roles is key to the nation’s future success.

Welcome to the first episode of DisruptEd, offering a look into the future of education, in conversations with experts discussing research and real-world applications. The podcast, produced by Citizens School, explores how breakthroughs in learning and teaching are shaping the way we prepare learners for the future.

DisruptEd is hosted by Dr. Adil Alzarooni, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and founder of Citizens School. In this first episode, Dr. Alzarooni sits down with Raya Bidshahri, the founder and CEO of the School of Humanity, an innovative online high school that is redefining education for the 21st century. Their discussion focuses on how reimagining education can empower the next generation, highlighting the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning in shaping a brighter future for all.

Topics Covered:

[⁠00:45⁠] Introduction of Raya Bidshahri and the School of Humanity.

[⁠01:33⁠] Raya's background and journey into education.

[⁠03:04⁠] Inspiration from alternative schools and their impact.

[⁠05:10⁠] Issues with the current curriculum and teaching methods.

[⁠07:13⁠] The industrialization of education and its impact on society.

[⁠10:19⁠] The need for continuous learning and reskilling.

[⁠12:18⁠] The importance of first principles thinking in education.

[⁠15:48⁠] The digital experience at the School of Humanity.

[⁠17:51⁠] The concept of ikigai and its role in education.

[⁠22:06⁠] Licensing and regulatory challenges for online schools.

[⁠26:26⁠] Acceptance of alternative school graduates in top universities.

[⁠31:12⁠] Preparing students for the entrepreneurial lifestyle.

[⁠35:09⁠] The importance of innovative education for the region.

[⁠39:08⁠] Raya's lessons learned.

Connect with Dr. Adil

LinkedIn   / adilalzarooni  

Instagram   / dradilalzarooni  

TikTok   / dradilalzarooni  

Connect with Raya

Instagram   / sofhumanity  

LinkedIn   / rayabidshahri  

School of Humanity https://sofhumanity.com/

Follow CitizensYouTube    / @citizensschoolme  

Instagram   / citizensschoolme  

TikTok   / citizensschoolme  

LinkedIn   / citizensschoolme