Are you considering expanding into Africa or the Middle East? Simply copying and pasting your current business model is a recipe for failure.

These regions, while full of opportunity, have unique rules, cultures, and expectations. In this episode, Adel Hameed sits down with Africa expert Holger Vogt and Middle East strategist Ramy Lahoud.

They break down when to partner up, how to assess a market's true readiness, and why the soft skills of trust and relationship-building are your most valuable assets. This isn't a theoretical lecture; it's a practical playbook from leaders who have navigated these markets for decades.

 Show Notes:

(14:55) The First Big Question: Joint Venture, Go Direct, or Acquire?

(21:40) How to Decide if a Market is Ready for You

(25:05) Navigating Africa's Legal Framework: The Power of a Handshake

(29:45) Debunking the "Money Grows on Trees" Myth in the GCC

(38:35) Product Customization in Regions with Varying Infrastructure

(43:30) The "Path of Least Resistance": Should You Work with Governments?

(47:20) Avoiding Burnout and the "Free Pilot" Trap in Competitive Markets

(51:05) Signature Question: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?Links:

• Adel Hameed's Profile: Adel Hameed | Founder and Managing Partner of A8 Innovation
• Holger Vogt's Profile: Holger Vogt | Fractional Chief Expansion Officer
• Ramy Lahoud's Profile: Ramy Lahoud | Fractional Chief Growth Officer
• Follow the Show on LinkedIn: Linkedin Science Warriors

The Science Warriors Show is an A8 Strategy Original Podcast

In this episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed is joined by Hussein Hammoud, a seasoned marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience in business development, branding, and strategic communication. As markets evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses face a critical challenge: how do you create marketing strategies that not only capture attention today but also build lasting brand equity for the future?

Hussein unpacks the science behind consumer behavior, revealing what truly drives brand loyalty in an era of digital noise. He and Adel explore the intersection of data, storytelling, and technology, discussing how AI-powered marketing is reshaping engagement and why authenticity remains the cornerstone of effective communication. They also dive into the importance of adaptability, innovation, and purpose-driven messaging in sustaining brand relevance over time.

Whether you're a marketing professional, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to future-proof your brand, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you craft strategies that go beyond trends and deliver long-term impact.

Want to unlock the secrets to marketing longevity? Tune in now and discover how to build a brand that stands the test of time!

Hussein Hammoud’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammoudhussein/

Fijley Talks Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@FijleyTalks

Fijley Talks Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/fijleytalks/

Invest in the art of storytelling to raise your return on inspiration by Joe Takai, Lisa Hartenberger, Paul Ichilcik, Tara Murphy: https://www.mckinsey.com/locations/mckinsey-client-capabilities-network/our-work/strategic-and-change-communications/the-communications-exchange/invest-in-the-art-of-storytelling-to-raise-your-return-on-inspiration

Why Founders Need to Focus More on Sales and Marketing: https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/10/why-founders-need-to-focus-more-on-sales-and-marketing

5  Gen AI Myths Holding Sales and Marketing Teams Back by Doug J. Chung, Candace Lun Plotkin, Siamak Sarvari, Jennifer Stanley and Maria Valdivieso: https://hbr.org/2025/02/5-gen-ai-myths-holding-sales-and-marketing-teams-back

In this episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed sits down with Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine, a renowned economist and strategist, to explore the evolving role of the private sector in driving economic transformation. From government-led economies to private-sector-led growth, this conversation dives into the critical shifts reshaping business in the Gulf region and beyond.

Dr. Kotilaine unpacks key themes such as the power of data in decision-making, the role of technology in boosting productivity, and the policies shaping a new economic landscape. He also sheds light on how businesses can navigate regulatory changes, leverage AI for efficiency, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive environment.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or executive looking to scale in a rapidly transforming market, this episode provides actionable insights to help you stay ahead of economic shifts and build a resilient business.

Ready to unlock the future of private-sector growth? Tune in and join the journey toward smarter, data-driven business strategies!

Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine’s Linkedin Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmo-kotilaine-632bab/

Trials of Resilience: How Covid-19 is Driving Economic Change in the Arab Gulf by Jarmo T Kotilaine 

Russia’s Foreign Trade and Economic Expansion in the Seventeenth Century: Windows on the World By Jarmo T. Kotilaine

The Next, and Overlooked, VC Opportunity: The Middle East by Christopher M. Schroede: https://hbr.org/2013/04/the-next-and-overlooked-vc-opp

Sustainable Prosperity in the Arab Gulf From Miracle to Method By Jarmo T. Kotilaine
How Multinationals Can Grow in the Middle East and Africa by Martina Bozadzhieva: https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-multinationals-can-grow-in-the-middle-east-and-africa

Interview link: How leaders can drive business growth in the Middle East https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/how-leaders-can-drive-business-growth-in-the-middle-east?utm_source=chatgpt.com

In this episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed sits down with Gokhan Polat, a Web3 strategist and venture builder, for a deep dive into how decentralization is reshaping business operations and creative industries. From DAOs and blockchain-based compensation models to real-world examples of brands like Nike and Gucci experimenting with Web3, Gokhan unpacks what operating executives need to know to stay ahead of the curve.

This insightful conversation explores how companies of all sizes—from startups to global enterprises—can leverage Web3 technologies for faster, more transparent, and efficient collaboration. Whether you’re curious about decentralized finance, tokenized ecosystems, or building a Web3-powered startup, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you navigate this technological revolution.

Ready to discover how Web3 could transform the way we work? Tune in and join the quest for operational excellence and innovation!

Gökhan Polat’s Linkedin Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polat/

https://www.a8innovation.com/

Articles:

How Brands Are Experimenting with Web3 by Ana Andjelic:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QMojX57ycoAk1mXYj6Wg_dCMpLz2jd7Y

How DAOs Could Change the Way We Work by Steve Glaveski

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UbO2S2IgV6L96AiKWNnYmhtqNUYzcVeR

Web3 Could Change the Business Model of Creative Work by Alex Tapscott

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qwwmuZKPlCMiLqqUVdGY09NmgnmWF_fV

Book:  The Smart Swarm by Peter Miller

In the premiere episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed welcomes Omid Akhavan, Founder and Global OKR Coach at Lucid Outcomes, to discuss the power of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). With over 15 years of experience coaching and training more than 2,000 professionals across 100+ companies, Omid shares expert insights on how OKRs can drive alignment, accountability, and innovation within organizations.

From startups to established enterprises, this conversation unpacks practical strategies, real-world success stories, and lessons from Omid’s global coaching journey across MENA, Europe, and the U.S. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategic goals or transform the way your team operates, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you achieve more.

Are you ready to rethink goal-setting and unlock new levels of performance? Tune in to kick off a season of insights, inspiration, and impact!

Omid Akhavan’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omidakhavan/

Book Reference: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-vc-john-doerr-sets-and-achieves-goals

Link to the Article: How VC John Doerr Sets (and Achieves) Goals by Daniel McGinn

https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-vc-john-doerr-sets-and-achieves-goals

Get a first look at Science Warriors, the podcast that shines a light on the “hidden generals” of business success—leaders in operations, data science, and engineering who bring strategic visions to life. Hosted by Adel, a 20-year industry veteran, this show explores science-driven solutions through insightful interviews with the minds who turn complexity into clarity. In this teaser, discover what’s to come as we dive into the real stories of operational excellence in emerging markets.

Subscribe now to be part of the journey!

Music by Anastasia Kir from Pixabay