In this episode of the Fluid Labs Podcast, we sit down with Saudi intrapreneur Abdulkareem Alalami to explore what it takes to spark meaningful change within large organizations in Saudi Arabia and beyond. 

Innovation, as Abdulkareem explains, is much like The Matrix. Taking the blue pill keeps you in the status quo—safe, predictable, and unchallenged. But taking the red pill leads you into the unknown: a world of uncertainty, chaos, and boundless possibility. True innovation demands the courage to take the red pill, embrace disruption, and dive headfirst into the unpredictable. 

Together, we discuss why teamwork outshines competition, how emotional intelligence fuels groundbreaking innovation, and why Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 positions the nation as a global leader in innovation.

Topics covered in this episode:

1.       The Power of Collaboration: How teamwork and intrapreneurship lead to better business outcomes. 

2.    AI as a Taskmaster: Why humans must harness emotional intelligence to thrive alongside AI in chaotic environments. 

3.      Innovators Personify Chaos: Insights into navigating the

4.        Saudi Arabia as a Hub for Innovation: How the nation’s rich history and Vision 2030 are enabling disruptive and sustainable advancements. 

5.       Building Long-Term Relationships: Why launching a startup in Saudi Arabia requires treating it like a home and investing in meaningful connections really knowing your craft.

Whether you’re curious about navigating unpredictability, fostering innovation, or understanding Saudi Arabia’s unique approach to growth, this episode offers valuable insights from a leader in innovation.

Learn more about Abdulkareem Alalami:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulkareem-alalami-0a92131b/

In this episode of the Fluid Labs podcast, hosted by Mia

In this episode, we dive into: 

The Power of Ancestral Inspiration - Alejandro shares how

The Secret Sauce of Strategic Partnerships - Alejandro

Learning from Nature and Biomimicry -  Alejandro shares lessons from Costa Rican and Mayan cultures, exploring how planetary intelligence and ancient wisdom can

Entrepreneurship and Lessons from the Seasons -   Drawing parallels between entrepreneurship

Balancing Ancient Wisdom and Future Technology -  As technology accelerates at an incredible

Training AI with Humanity and Interconnectedness  - Alejandro explores how reconnecting with our humanity and our interconnectedness with nature allows us to train AI from a place of truth and deeper awareness. By grounding AI development in these deeper values, we can ensure it serves life and fosters connection rather than

You can connect with Alejandro on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleortega/

You can connect with Mia on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miajafari/

In this episode of the Fluid Lab’s Podcast, our host Mia Jafari sits down with Michael McGlade, founder and creative director of ROVAR, a Belfast-based augmented reality startup bringing immersive experiences to visitors around the world. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of purpose-led innovation and commercial success, exploring what it takes to create solutions that inspire and resonate deeply with clients and customers alike whilst serving as a homage to our past, present and future.

Episode Highlights:

…and much more!

Let's keep the conversation going!

Connect with Michael McGlade on LinkedIn and explore ROVAR’s latest innovations on their website: www.rovar.com/

To stay updated on events, workshops, podcasts, and programs from Fluid Labs, connect with Mia Jafari and follow us for more inspiring content on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluid_labs

In this episode of the Fluid Labs Podcast, host Mia Jafari

Together, they discuss how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping our sense of identity, creativity, and humanity.

Key discussion points include:

1. The dual nature of AI as both a tool for human

2. How emerging technologies are influencing our personal

3. The ethical considerations and the importance of

4. Practical insights on how to balance technology with

Tune in for a fascinating conversation that will make you

In this episode of the Fluid Labs Podcast, Mia Jafari interviews Hashem Al-Ghaili, a science communicator, filmmaker, and future tech expert. Together, they discuss how we can nurture AI to grow and evolve with values of collaboration, empathy, and global well-being, rather than continuing down a path of individualism and greed. They explore how we can leverage AI to enhance human creativity and ideas rather than diminish it.

Podcast Takeaways:

1.       Self-awareness shapes AI development: The way we interact with AI, individually and collectively, influences its ethical framework and future growth.

2.       Ethics in AI:  Guiding

3.       Global contrasts in AI regulation:  Different countries are racing to develop AI technologies, each with varying regulatory approaches that influence the

4.       Human creativity remains essential:  Despite AI’s growing capabilities, human creativity continues to be a vital force for innovation and problem-solving.

5.       Embracing AI for the future of work:  AI has the potential to create new job roles, and by embracing its possibilities, we can explore uncharted areas of growth.

6.       Universal ethical guiding principles:  A global ethical code for AI could help steer its development toward collective benefit, particularly in sectors like agriculture.

7.       Universal basic income and AI: As AI automates more jobs, universal basic income could help support displaced workers, though secondary jobs will still be necessary for many.

8.       The future of creativity: AI will generate an abundance of content, impacting artists and AI tools should be seen as a means to enhance human productivity and creativity, not replace them.

9.       AI education is crucial: Societal adaptation requires

Stay in Touch with Us!

To learn more about Hashem Al-Ghaili, you can visit his

To learn more about Mia Jafari, you can visit the Fluid Labs

Mia Jafari’s Instagram: @fluid_labs

Mia Jafari’s LinkedIn: @miajafari

In this episode of the Fluid Labs Podcast, host Mia Jafari is joined by Dr. Hoda Al Khazami, a leading voice in AI and emerging technologies, to explore the question: Who are we becoming in the age of AI? Together, they discuss how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping our sense of identity, creativity, and humanity.

Key discussion points include:

1. The dual nature of AI as both a tool for human advancement and a potential challenge to our sense of self and creativity.

2. How emerging technologies are influencing our personal identities and the broader cultural landscape.

3. The ethical considerations and the importance of inclusive AI development, ensuring that diverse voices are part of the creation process.

4. Practical insights on how to balance technology with deeper aspects of humanity, such as intuition, creativity, and moral values.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation that will make you rethink your relationship with technology and consider who you are becoming in this AI-driven era.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, a motivational speaker and the founder of Inclusive Leadership, to discuss how inclusivity and diversity can be integrated into who we are, what we create, and how we work. We explore the business value of incorporating inclusivity and diversity within the technologies, products, and services we build.

Through hearing Anthony stories and real life examples we will discuss:

1. Diversity from Within - Internal diversity is about how much influence we allow into our life, and how the practice of inclusivity plays an Internal role in generating more inspired ideas and dynamic solutions.

2. Inclusive Design - Exploring the practical aspects of inclusive design and how designing with inclusivity at the core, including designing for extreme users, enhances our solutions for all users.

3. Rethinking Hiring Models - In practice, how do we reconsider hiring models by placing diversity at the centre of our approach, and the business sense of building with diversity and inclusion

4. Empathy as a Key Enabler for Meaningful Impact - The importance of enhancing our ability to empathize with users and building more impactful teams by fostering diversity and inclusion.

5. Swapping Validation for Vulnerability - Exploring how vulnerability improves our well-being by allowing us to be our authentic selves and enabling our teams to validate our authentic selves which in turn build trust among the people around us.

____________________________

About Dr. Anthony Giannoumis

Dr. Anthony is a motivational speaker on inclusive leadership. His keynotes showcase his signature methodology - the sins and wins of inclusivity.

He is American by birth, Norwegian by choice, and the world’s only computer programmer turned opera singer turned professor turned comedian turned co-founder of Inclusive Creation. He co-created the Inclusion Game and the mind behind the 4 Fundamental Principles of Universal Design. He is a lifetime diversity and inclusion advocate, a beloved mentor and reverse mentor, and the winner of numerous awards, including from the United Nations, for his inclusive innovations.

He is the author of 50 scientific articles and the founder of the EQUALS-EU network for gender-inclusive innovation, which represents over 24 countries. He has received over 13 million euros worth of research and innovation grants, and as you can imagine, he was the last picked for gym class.

Website: https://inclusiveleadership.solutions

This podcast session with Paul Littlejohn, Founder of Wingman Executive, will explore and discuss how, as a startup, once you secure funding to scale, you face a crucial decision—do you want to continue innovating, developing your business, and thriving in what you love doing, or be burdened by the challenges of managing your team and making the wrong hires?

Who you hire, how they align with your vision, and how you infuse your values, purpose, mission, and well-being ethos into your team play pivotal roles in ensuring your startup's success during the scaling phase.

Podcast overview:

[55 sec] How Paul has merged his learnings from being a fighter pilot in the Royal Marines into his work heading operations in a large multinational organization and into launching Wingman Executive.

[7:30] What Paul learned from the military about inspired leadership and how you incorporate this into your role in a startup.

[8:30] Building agility and momentum into startups and early-stage companies as they grow.

[17:00] How to embed decentralized leadership into your culture so people come to you with solutions rather than challenges.

[21:20] The role of diversity in leadership and how it plays in creating dynamic teams that can innovate and thrive. How to unleash the potential of every team member and give them the power to influence what we do.

[25:15] How to inspire and motivate diversity to flourish by building a culture that encourages diverse people to work for and stay with you..

[31:42] What books, podcasts, films inspire Paul’s current thinking.

_____

Dynamic and transformative leader with over a decade of diverse operational excellence, I combine high-stakes military acumen with corporate innovation to drive growth across global markets. My journey from being a fighter pilot to a C-suite executive has instilled in me resilience, agility, and a distinct approach to navigating complex business landscapes.
At the core of my leadership philosophy is the empowerment of teams to achieve remarkable results. I believe in fostering collaborative environments and leveraging strategic insights to solve unique challenges. My track record speaks volumes about my commitment to operational efficiencies, cost savings, and turning visions into actionable strategies.
My roles have always encompassed an internal consultancy element, allowing me to thrive in environments where I lead and shape high-performing teams to deliver business objectives. Whether optimizing sales at Meeting Point International or transforming operations at Emirates Group, my focus has always been on creating value and unlocking opportunities.
In 2023, I founded Wingman Executive Consulting, leveraging my blend of military and corporate experience to transform leadership practices. My approach is centered on empowering leaders to inspire proactive, engaged, and solution-driven teams, ultimately fostering organizational excellence.
I'm also a passionate mentor, transforming struggling teams into high achievers, and a management consultant, guiding leaders towards operational brilliance. My diverse training and experience in startups and AI sectors have enriched my perspective, allowing me to offer tailored solutions to unique challenges.

Connect with Wingman Executive on Linkedin Here

Connect with Wingman Executive on Instagram Here.

To spark innovation and challenge the norm, we must, as suggested by ⁠⁠Vijay

During this podcast, we will discuss this and more and cover:

[2:15] What inspired Vijay to embark on his journey towards driving responsible growth and innovation.

[4:29] How innovation and industry can thrive when we tap into our creativity, and how to nurture and let go of the fear of judgment and failure that hinders the innovation process.

[10:56] Letting go of the external image and the fear of failure that hampers the innovation process.

[15:31] Balancing the messy creative innovation process and leaping into emergence, taking inspired action.

[21:20] How innovation happens outside of frameworks and creating a safe space to allow people to feel safe to adopt this messy mindset, along with the business value of this approach.

[21:20] Moving into democratic leadership and leveraging collective intelligence to accelerate innovation and growth.

[30:01] Asking what intelligence is in the context of artificial intelligence and how this will prompt us to explore new depths and unlock new dimensions of intelligence.

[36:30] The books and podcasts that are currently inspire Vijay’s thinking.

 ___

About Our Guest Speaker:

Vijay Raju - Leading Growth through Responsible Innovation at Propel Labs

Vijay partners with leading businesses, foundations and philanthropies to drive growth and impact through responsible innovations. Vijay is also the author of an upcoming book on entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who are moving the planet towards #NetZero.Previously, Vijay was the Head of Strategy for the global #growth companies at WEF where he worked with CXOs of 300+ hypergrowth companies and unicorns on topics of sustainability #transformation and responsible use of advanced new technologies. He designed & launched a climate innovation challenge for Statkraft of Norway and led 5 editions of the 'Shaping the Better Future' social innovation challenge in partnership with Coca Cola. Several award winning ventures such as Kabaddiwalla Connect were created as an outcome of these innovation challenges.Vijay was also the Deputy Head of the Global Shapers Community where he led Shape #Sustainability, a movement launched in collaboration with UN to take the #SDG narrative from the country to the community level through a social media campaign and local actions in more than 100 cities. Vijay also designed Shaping Davos, an innovative format to bring in city level local voices into #Davos conversations.Prior to that, Vijay was a Venture Director at Innosight, an innovation strategy consultancy co-founded by Clay Christensen, the world's most influential management thinker. Vijay incubated Razor Rave, funded by P&G and was part of the core incubation team that launched several ventures including the Edison award winning 'Healthy Heart for All' for Medtronic. His innovation & venture work have been featured in books like Lean #Startup, First Mile & Little Black Book of #Innovation.

Earlier, Vijay led Pet Alien, India's first Disney style animation series that aired in Cartoon Network. Vijay led a team of 120 artists and engineers to successfully deliver 52 episodes in 14 months and laid the foundation for the successful indian animation industry. His work has won several awards including national awards and daytime animation Emmy nominations.Vijay holds a Masters in Global #Leadership offered by WEF along with INSEAD, Wharton, Columbia, London Business School & CEIBS, China. Vijay also holds an MBA from the International University of Japan with a prestigious Monbukagakhusho scholarship from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Govt of Japan. Vijay holds a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Vijay has spoken at WEF Davos, Cannes Lions, TEDx and has written for WEF Agenda, Al Arabiya, Huffpost and Forbes.

Welcome to the inaugural podcast of Fluid Labs' "Visionary Founders Mindset Mastery" series where we will be joined by Marjan Najafi, so-founder of QYRO as we delve into the interconnectedness between well-being and building successful, purpose-driven companies through our ability to take inspired action.

We dissect 13th-century Persian poet Rumi's teachings to identify three key themes that are critical for us to take inspired action:

Episode Highlights:

- Defining Well-being: We'll dive into the meaning of

- Prioritizing Founders' Well-being: As founders, innovators

We explore the significance of well-being and its crucial role in developing these skills, influencing our entrepreneurial and innovation journey.

1. Well-Being Practices: Gain a deeper understanding of

2. Shifting from Survival to a Creative Mindset: Equip yourself to navigate challenges with clarity and composure by adopting tools and practices that enhance your clarity, creativity, ease, and flow.

3. Holistic Well-Being: Discover the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

By listening you'll again a practical toolkit, enhance self-awareness, and connect with a supportive community. These resources will empower you to prioritise and boost your well-being, positively impacting both your personal life and your business.

Meet Our Guest Speaker

Marjan Najafi, CEO & Co-founder of QYRO Ltd

With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the financial industry as a private banker and wealth manager, I've honed a unique approach to business success for sales professionals.

My mission? Empower sales professionals with the right tools and techniques to fuel their journey to excellence. I help my clients increase their customer´s wallet share and outperform in the market.

Having weathered the financial world's stormy seas, I've realized that consistent growth in both business and life hinges on a growth mindset – especially during turbulent times. Today, I collaborate with leading experts to deliver cutting-edge training solutions to high-performing sales executives worldwide.

Combining my expertise with the latest research and techniques has helped many achieve transformative personal and professional growth.

As a certified executive, agile coach, and ICF member, I'm a lifelong learner who loves working with people and teams. I'm dedicated to offering multidisciplinary and holistic guidance to help clarify goals, create strategies for growth, unlock potential, and enhance resilience - no matter what challenges life throws at you.

Connect With Marjan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjan-najafi/

Connect with QYRO ltd on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qyro/