What happens when a woman at the top of corporate life walks away from a prestigious title, a comfortable paycheck, and a high-stakes role managing over 5,000 people—only to find her voice, her purpose, and her true power on the other side?

In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Marisa Kamall, former Managing Director at HSBC and founder of Gaia—a leadership platform designed to support and empower women across the Middle East and beyond. But this conversation isn’t just about career shifts. It’s about motherhood, identity, mental health, feminism, and the radical decision to align your life with your values.

At the height of her corporate career, Marisa was leading global teams and checking every box of success. Then, within months, she gave birth, experienced postnatal depression, was hospitalized with pneumonia, and faced a career-altering restructure. The physical, emotional, and existential toll nearly broke her—but it also set her free.

What follows is not a collapse, but a rebirth. With disarming honesty, Marisa unpacks the hidden struggles of high-achieving women and the moment she realized that power and peace could finally coexist. She shares how Gaia was born—not as a reaction, but as a purposeful stand for female leadership that is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and community.

Luca and Marisa delve into the tough stuff—unconscious bias in the workplace, the isolation of motherhood, financial insecurity, and the privilege of speaking out. They challenge old-school definitions of leadership and explore what it looks like when women stop performing and start leading on their own terms.

This isn’t a polished "girlboss" tale. It’s the real story of a woman who went through the fire—professionally, personally, politically—and emerged grounded, vocal, and awake. From the symbolism of mangoes to the shocking gender bias behind car safety design, no topic is too small or too big. The result is a compelling exploration of patriarchy, power, purpose, and what it means to truly live a values-aligned life.

Marisa Kamall doesn’t just speak about change—she lives it. And in doing so, she offers every listener the rarest kind of invitation: to question the systems we serve, to lead with integrity, and to remember that real success only matters if it feels right on the inside.

We are -
- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner
- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total views

Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SC
Lebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my eye-opening conversation with Henri Arslanian, an award-winning crypto author, CNBC presenter, and co-founder of a crypto hedge fund here in the UAE. 

In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I took from my chat with Henri; how uncertainty around Crypto & negative PR are major power weapons to keep centralized and financial control, why there remains plenty of room for both education & courage in our financial decision making, and why common sense still should play the overriding role in our investments.

In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

What happens when one of the world’s most respected crypto minds meets one of the most thoughtful voices in media? In this electric episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Henri Arslanian—global crypto authority, author, hedge fund founder, and relentless educator—for a conversation that moves far beyond hype.

Henri Arslanian is no ordinary guest. A former PwC partner, adjunct professor, CNBC co-host, best-selling author, and co-founder of Nine Blocks Capital Management—one of the world’s largest institutional crypto hedge funds—he brings a rare combination of academic rigor, practical insight, and human warmth to one of the most misunderstood industries today: crypto.

But this isn’t your typical blockchain jargon-fest. From Bitcoin’s role as “digital gold” to the explosive rise of meme coins, from the inner workings of stablecoins to the real purpose behind central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), Henri breaks it all down with energy, clarity, and zero ego. He explains why Bitcoin was a Nobel-worthy breakthrough, how the double-spend problem was solved, and why decentralization isn’t just technical—it’s a civilizational shift.

The conversation also covers the harsh realities: the scams, the regulatory failures, and why “crypto bros” damage the industry’s public image. But Henri brings more than criticism—he brings solutions. He advocates for financial literacy for all, shares the vision behind his children’s book Decoding Crypto, and passionately explains why even a $10 purchase of Bitcoin can change how people see money and value.

What makes this episode truly special is the balance between global finance and personal reflection. Henri shares his Armenian roots, the multigenerational immigrant journey that shaped his perspective, his law and banking career across Asia and North America, and the mindset he adopted to lead in an industry that is still being defined. He speaks five languages, reads economic history for fun, and takes time every month to reflect—asking, “How am I being disrupted?”

From why the UAE is becoming the Silicon Valley of Web3, to how digital assets can empower someone born in an underbanked country, this episode is a masterclass in crypto, economics, and global citizenship. If you think crypto is only about getting rich, you’re missing the bigger picture—and Henri helps you see it.

Whether you’re crypto-curious or deeply skeptical, whether you’re a startup founder, investor, policymaker, or student—this episode will challenge your assumptions, educate your mind, and energize your worldview.


We are -
- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner
- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total views

Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SC
Lebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my open and frank conversation with Hikmat Wehbi, an award-winning photographer and podcaster who has recorded over 230 episodes.

In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on just 1 insight that I took from my chat with Hikmat - how influencers, hosts, and guests all have an important choice to make: share your true opinion on important subject matter, or play it safe and opt to keep everything status quo. With the added context of the news about Charlie Kirk, speaking your opinion can come at the heaviest price. For those that are willing to share their unique voice, it provides the opportunity to help others to open their minds - something of real value to all of us. 

In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

What happens when one of the Arab world’s most beloved podcast hosts finally trades seats and becomes the guest? In this captivating episode of Luca’s Insight Track, the mic is flipped on Hikmat Wehbi—a renowned visual artist turned podcasting legend—whose 225+ episodes and 40M+ views have reshaped the art of storytelling across the Middle East.


But this isn’t just a look back on his success. This is a deep, vulnerable, and often humorous masterclass in creativity, psychology, and authenticity. Luca explores Hikmat’s evolution from a broke student with a dream and a camera to becoming a household name, trusted by celebrities, brands, and everyday listeners alike.


They unpack everything: from the pivotal photography competition that launched his career to producing soulful exhibitions across Europe, from turning quiet moments into viral podcast clips to navigating language, identity, and self-worth in a city like Dubai. Hikmat reflects on what makes a good host (“It’s not the voice—it’s the silence”), why visual storytelling is more than lighting and lenses, and how he found peace during 12 hours in a Saudi airport jail.


This episode challenges industry norms. Why does podcasting still receive less than 1% of ad budgets in the UAE and Saudi despite explosive listener growth? What do real stories offer that scripted influencer content doesn’t? And can podcasting truly shift the future of brand communication?


We also go personal: Hikmat opens up about self-doubt, imposter syndrome, the loneliness of creators, and why he avoids watching himself on screen. He speaks about reading people, building trust, protecting guests over chasing virality, and the sacred responsibility of hosting someone’s truth.


Whether you’re a budding podcaster, a brand strategist, a fan of Middle Eastern media, or simply someone navigating identity in a hyper-digital age—this conversation is essential listening. Rich with insight and grounded in emotion, Hikmat’s journey reminds us that good content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be honest.


If you’re curious about the intersection of visuals and voice, art and algorithms, fame and feeling, this episode will stay with you long after the credits roll.

We are -
- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner
- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total views

Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SC
Lebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my incredible conversation with the Nelly Attar, the mountain climber who has summitted over 30 peaks, including Everest and K2.


In this raw and improvised ‘Off Track’ episode, I share 4 insights that I took from our conversation; how lacking relatability can lead to loneliness & isolation, the dangerous and different roles that fear & complacency play in blocking our personal growth, the widening gap of perception vs. reality and how inspirational people/ things aren’t how they seem, and how prioritizing mind development vs. body enhancement is what separates the good from the great in not just extreme sports.  

In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my personal insights that continue to shape who I am. If you’re wanting to listen to a real person that shares honest and common-sense views on important subject matter - these weekly Off Track episodes are for you. 

What happens when one of the Arab world’s most fearless adventurers sits down to share the risks, triumphs, and raw truths behind her record-breaking climbs? In this riveting episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca is joined by Nelly Attar—the first Arab woman to summit K2—whose journey from dance studio founder in Saudi Arabia to conquering some of the world’s deadliest peaks is nothing short of extraordinary.


But this isn’t just about mountains. It’s about mindset, grief, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Nelly opens up about losing her father to COVID-19, and how that heartbreak became the catalyst for her most ambitious challenges. They dive into the razor-thin margin between life and death at 8,000 meters, the stolen oxygen bottles that almost ended her climb, and why fear—handled right—can keep you alive.


They unpack it all: the birth of Saudi Arabia’s first female dance studio at a time when music in public spaces was banned, building a community for women’s fitness against the odds, and pivoting her life’s focus after closing her business. Nelly reflects on Everest vs. K2, the mental tricks that keep her going in the “death zone,” and how to spot the moment complacency becomes dangerous—on a mountain or in everyday life.

This episode also tackles bigger questions. How can sports be a tool for social change? What does it take to turn physical suffering into emotional healing? And why do so many of life’s biggest rewards come from calculated risks?


We also go personal: Nelly shares her views on marriage as a “risk,” the advice her parents gave her about never settling, and her ambitions to shape sports policy in Saudi Arabia. She talks about surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, using gratitude as fuel, and learning to slow down long enough to enjoy the view before chasing the next summit.


Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, dreamer, or someone navigating your own mountain—literal or metaphorical—this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom and contagious energy. Nelly’s story is a reminder that the highest peaks aren’t just climbed with muscle, but with mindset, courage, and purpose.


If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stand on top of the world and still keep climbing, this episode will leave you inspired to take your own leap—no matter how steep the ascent.

We are -
- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner
- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total views

Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SC
Lebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my conversation with the now former CEO of OSN, Joe Kawkabani. Joe was the perfect guest to share insights on how media keeps evolving, the bleak state of linear television, and the cluttered world of content. With podcasting now increasingly becoming mainstream, I challenged him on the role podcasting has in the content mix and its emerging relationship with advertisers. 

In this raw and improvised ‘Off Track’ episode, I talk about the importance of why we need to support local brands as local heroes vs their global competitors, how to differentiate these brands through clever marketing & positioning, and that exporting our regional content vs. importing global content, has a much longer lasting benefit to us all. 

In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my personal insights that continue to shape who I am. If you’re wanting to listen to a real person that shares honest and common-sense views on important subject matter, - these weekly Off Track episodes are for you. 

What happens when a private equity investor steps into the media world and takes charge of one of the Middle East’s most iconic entertainment brands? In this unmissable episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Joe Kawkabani, former CEO of OSN, for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about the battles, lessons, and transformations that defined his leadership.

Joe isn’t your conventional media executive. A financier turned quasi-entrepreneur, he was handed OSN at a moment when many predicted the company would collapse. Instead, he led bold moves—launching OSN+ as a premium streaming service, acquiring Anghami to expand into music and tech, and reshaping the balance between local Arabic content and global Hollywood hits.

In this episode, Joe opens up about the pressures of stepping into an industry as an outsider, the skepticism he faced, and why authenticity—not polish—became his leadership style. He reveals what it took to rebuild trust, why piracy was his biggest threat, and how deals worth millions nearly fell apart before finally crossing the line.

They also unpack the big questions shaping the future: Is linear TV dying? Can podcasts become the region’s next media frontier? Why do Saudis and Emiratis lead the world in podcast listening while brands still ignore it? And how do you balance personalization with data privacy?

This isn’t just about media—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and leadership under pressure. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or strategist, Joe’s reflections will inspire you to think differently about risk, change, and the future of storytelling in the Arab world.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the MENA region's number 1 telco guru, the former CEO of Du, Osman Sultan. Osman was the perfect guest to kick off season 4, with insights on leadership, the telco industry, and most importantly, - life lessons from someone that has amassed incredible experience and wisdom.

In this raw and improvised ‘Off Track’ episode, I talk about the role of virtue and balance in leadership and our lives, how surrendering influence, just like Osman is the key to gaining deeper wisdom and knowledge, and that accountability and responsibility remain the hallmarks of a great leader - something that remains absent on the global political stage. Talking to people like Osman only reinforces why I set up this podcast in the first place, there has never been a more important time to ask the right questions, to listen intently on the information, and to open up the pathway that can lead to deeper fulfillment and personal development.

In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I also share my personal insights that continue to shape who I am. So, If you’re wanting to listen to a real human sharing honest and open views on important subject matter, these weekly Off Track episodes are something to keep a look out for.