Future Now

A highlight from Money, Machines and the Future of Investing, the first episode of Future Now’s new season, with Ziad Melhem, CEO of CFI Financial Group.

If AI is giving every investor more information and insight, what still gives you an edge? Ziad on the fundamentals, human judgement, and the discipline to protect what you’ve built, not just grow it.

Watch the full episode:
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W17Gi9dnlw
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/money-machines-and-the-future-of-investing-ziad/id1896942076?i=1000793980709
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1blugEBGqNaIjD9P7V5P3n

This conversation is for general information only and is not financial or investment advice.

#FutureNow #AI #Investing

What is AI actually changing for investors, and what isn't it? Ziad Melhem, CEO of CFI Financial Group, on money, leadership and the future of investing.
In the first conversation of Future Now's new season, Ihsan Anabtawi and Ziad talk about how technology has opened up access to investing, why the fundamentals haven't changed, why the final judgement still needs to be human, and what he's learned about leading without having every answer.

ABOUT THE GUEST
Ziad Melhem is CEO of CFI Financial Group.

ABOUT THE HOST
Ihsan Anabtawi is a technology executive and advisor, and the host of Future Now. He was previously Managing Director and Regional Head for AI & Cloud at AWS, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of Core42 (G42), and spent 19 years at Microsoft, including as COO and CMO for the Gulf and UAE.
🌐 https://ihsananabtawi.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi/  

ABOUT FUTURE NOW
Conversations shaping tomorrow. 
Future Now is focused on how leaders and the businesses they run are shaping our future, through the decisions and bets they're making today. Hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi, in partnership with Gulf News.
LISTEN
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-now/id1896942076
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aGkXuPk7TQ7KFmB17clEs
🌐 https://futurenowpod.com

FOLLOW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurenowpod
X: https://x.com/futurenowpod

This conversation is for general information only and is not financial or investment advice.
#FutureNow #AI #Investing #ConversationsShapingTomorrow

“Making money is one art. Protecting it is something else.”

“Always go back to the fundamentals.”

“The final judgement still needs to be human.”

Three things I’m still thinking about from my conversation with Ziad Melhem, CEO of CFI Financial Group, on money, leadership, and what AI is actually changing for investors and markets - and what it isn’t.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Full conversation drops Thursday. Follow @futurenowpod to catch it. Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, link in bio.

#FutureNow #ConversationsShapingTomorrow

Future Now is back, with an expanded media partnership with Gulf News.

Conversations with the leaders shaping our future, and the decisions and bets they're making today. Hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi.

Featuring: Khaled Al Huraimel, Adel Alfalasi, Ziad Melhem, and more.

The first episode of the new season drops this week. 

Subscribe so you don't miss it.

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/future-now/id1896942076
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aGkXuPk7TQ7KFmB17clEs
🌐 https://futurenowpod.com

#FutureNow #ConversationsShapingTomorrow #Podcast

In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Kürşat Ceylan, Co-Founder of WeWALK, the company behind the award-winning smart cane that is transforming mobility for people with visual impairments. 

Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of the Year, WeWALK is redefining how assistive technology can empower millions to live more independently.

Born blind, Kürşat shares his remarkable personal journey-from overcoming everyday challenges to building a global startup dedicated to improving accessibility through technology. 

He explains how WeWALK combines smart hardware with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, real-time navigation, and data analytics to create a connected ecosystem that helps users navigate their surroundings with greater confidence and independence.

Together, they explore the role of AI and cloud technologies in assistive innovation, the importance of designing technology with accessibility at its core, and how data can help cities become more inclusive for people with disabilities. 

Kürşat also shares why technology is about more than solving problems-it is about creating opportunity, independence, and a more accessible future for everyone.
Tune in to discover how innovation, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies are changing lives and building a more inclusive world.

#FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #KursatCeylan #WeWALK #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CloudComputing #Innovation #Inclusion #PeopleOfDetermination #SmartCities #TechForGood #DisabilityInclusion #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfTechnology #InclusiveDesign #gulfnews 

Gulf News social accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/
https://x.com/gulf_news
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/

The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi

The Guest, Kürşat Ceylan social accounts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kursatceylan/

Poddster social accounts:
https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Olivier Crespin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zand, the UAE’s first fully digital bank serving both retail and corporate customers.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience in banking and fintech across Asia, Latin America, the United States, and the Middle East, Olivier shares his vision for building a truly digital-native bank. He explains how combining the foundations of traditional banking with the agility, customer-centricity, and innovation of digital platforms is reshaping the financial services industry.

Together, they explore the differences between traditional banks and cloud-native digital banks, the role of cloud infrastructure in accelerating innovation, the importance of cybersecurity and data-driven decision-making, and how emerging technologies such as blockchain, digital assets, and decentralized finance could transform the future of financial services.

Olivier also discusses why the UAE has become a global hub for fintech innovation, the opportunities created by the country’s digital ecosystem, and the leadership qualities required to drive transformation in rapidly evolving industries.

Tune in to discover how technology is redefining banking and creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

#FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #OlivierCrespin #Zand #DigitalBanking #Fintech #BankingInnovation #CloudComputing #CyberSecurity #Blockchain #Web3 #DigitalAssets #DecentralizedFinance #FintechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Technology #FutureOfBanking #UAE #GulfNews

Gulf News social accounts:
 https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/
https://x.com/gulf_news
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/

The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi

The Guest, Olivier Crespin social accounts:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-crespin/

Poddster social accounts:
 https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Miguel Villalonga, CEO of e& enterprise cloud, to discuss the evolution of one of the region’s most recognized technology organizations and its transformation from a traditional telecommunications company into a technology powerhouse.

Miguel shares insights from his six-year journey leading cloud and digital initiatives, highlighting the rapid growth of cloud adoption across the UAE, the importance of strategic partnerships with global technology providers, and e&’s role in supporting the nation’s ambitious digital transformation agenda.

Together, they explore the evolution of cloud infrastructure, the impact of digital transformation across industries, the importance of talent development and change management, and why cybersecurity remains a critical foundation for innovation. Miguel also discusses the company’s vision for future growth, regional expansion, and the opportunities that lie ahead as organizations continue their digital journeys.

Tune in to learn how technology, cloud services, cybersecurity, and strategic transformation are helping shape the future of business and society across the region.

#FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #MiguelVillalonga #eand #eandenterprise #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation #Technology #CyberSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #CloudServices #Innovation #BusinessTransformation #TechLeadership #DigitalEconomy #FutureOfTechnology #UAE #EnterpriseTechnology #GulfNews

Gulf News social accounts:
 https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/
https://x.com/gulf_news
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/

The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi

The Guest, Miguel Villalonga social accounts:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelvillalonga/

Poddster social accounts:
 https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

In this episode, host Ihsan Anabtawi sits down with Nada Taryam, Managing Director of Civil and Architectural Projects at BEEAH, one of the UAE’s leading environmental management organizations, and Co-Founder of Architecture and Other Things.

Nada shares how BEEAH is redefining the future of sustainable development through smart buildings, AI-powered workplace experiences, and cutting-edge digital technologies. She discusses the vision behind BEEAH’s award-winning headquarters, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and explains how technologies such as AI, Digital Twins, IoT, and renewable energy systems are helping organizations drive sustainability while enhancing employee experience.

Together, they explore the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility, the importance of transparency in sustainability initiatives, and how both individuals and organizations can take meaningful steps toward a greener future.

Tune in to discover how innovation, smart infrastructure, and collective action can help build more sustainable communities for generations to come.

#FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #NadaTaryam #BEEAH #Sustainability #SmartBuildings #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DigitalTwin #IoT #GreenBuildings #ClimateAction #Innovation #Technology #FutureCities #SustainableDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #Architecture #UAE #GulfNews

Gulf News social accounts:
 https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/
https://x.com/gulf_news
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/

The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts:
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi

The Guest, Nada Taryam social accounts:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-Taryam/

Poddster social accounts:
 https://ae.linkedin.com/company/poddster

In this episode, Ihsan Anabtawi, an experienced tech executive and entrepreneur, is in conversation with Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of  BEEAH Group Under Khaled’s leadership, BEEAH has grown from a waste management company into a leading force in sustainability and digital innovation across the MENA region. 

Ihsan and Khaled discuss BEEAH’s remarkable achievements, from launching the region’s first commercial-scale waste-to-energy plant to advancing sustainable development through AI and cutting-edge technology. 

Khaled shares how BEEAH’s early adoption of AI-driven strategies is setting new standards for environmental impact and digital transformation. 

Tune in to explore how technology and AI are shaping the future of sustainability and learn from Khaled’s journey leading BEEAH’s mission to drive environmental change.

 
 #FutureNow #Podcast #IhsanAnabtawi #KhaledAlHuraimel #Beeah #Sustainability #AIinSustainability #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact #TechForGood #MENA #GulfNews
 
 Gulf News social accounts: 
 https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ 
 https://x.com/gulf_news
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/
 
 The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts: 
 http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
 https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi
 https://www.instagram.com/ihsananabtawi/
 
 The Guest, Khaled Al Huraimel social accounts:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaledalhuraimel/
 
 BEEAH Group social accounts:
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/beeahgroup/

This episode is hosted by Ihsan Anabtawi, a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and advisor, sits down with special guest Adel Alfalasi, Partner and UAE CEO of Oliver Wyman, a leading global management consulting firm. 

Adel shares his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, focusing on his last seven years in consulting, where he has worked closely with government entities on economic and social development plans, digital transformation, and organizational restructuring. 

Together, they explore how AI is transforming the consulting industry and its impact on delivering tangible results to clients. 

Tune in to gain insights from Adel’s impressive journey and to learn how technology and innovation are driving the evolution of consulting practices today.

#FutureNow #Podcast #Ihsan_Anabtawi #Adel_Alfalasi #OliverWyman #AIinConsulting #DigitalTransformation #Consulting #Industry #Business #Innovation #TechTrends #PodcastSeries #TechTalk #IndustryLeaders #GulfNews

Gulf News social accounts:  
https://www.instagram.com/gulfnews/ 
https://x.com/gulf_news
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gulf-news/

The Host, Ihsan Anabtawi social accounts: 
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ihsan-anabtawi
https://x.com/IhsanAnabtawi

The Guest, Adel Alfalasi social accounts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfalasi/

Oliverwyman social accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/oliverwymanconsulting/