In this episode, we sit down with Ami to explore the evolving role of data in business—from being a background player to sitting at the very heart of decision-making.

With over two decades of experience in transformation and leadership, Ami shares how data has reshaped strategy, leadership, and people management across industries.

We dive into the misconceptions that hold leaders back, why asking the right questions matters more than having endless dashboards, and how to balance hard numbers with the very human element of gut instinct. 

Along the way, we cover the rise of AI as an enabler, the challenges of organizational change, and the untapped potential of internal mobility to retain and grow talent.

If you’re a leader, data professional, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you use data to transform your business.

In this phenomenal Season 3 opener, we sit down with Waseem Sayegh to unpack the real drivers behind career success — and spoiler: it’s not just about the job.

We explore how culture shapes business, why the first few hires can make or break a company, and how personal foundations like family support and life balance directly fuel professional growth.

Waseem shares behind-the-scenes stories from launching Google and TikTok in the region, building teams with hunger and adaptability, and navigating leadership in high-growth environments.

We also tackle the big one: AI. Is it a threat, an opportunity, or just the next step in an unstoppable tech evolution?

Waseem offers his take on embracing change, adapting quickly, and focusing on what truly matters.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or just curious about the intersection of people, culture, and technology, this conversation delivers inspiration, practical insights, and a very human perspective on success.

• Hani Weiss shares his rise from trainee section manager to CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasizing the value of perseverance and learning from both great and challenging leaders.
• He highlights the importance of humility, accountability, and fostering a people-centric culture where trust and team empowerment drive success.
• Hani reflects on leading Carrefour's e-commerce journey, integrating online and offline operations, and overcoming resistance to change, especially during the pandemic.
• We discuss building career pathways, creating training programs, and empowering employees to explore their passions and roles within the organization.
• We underscore the need for leaders to embrace lifelong learning, adapt to challenges, and evolve with their teams.

• Karim shares how RemotePass enables businesses to manage global teams seamlessly, offering services like onboarding, payroll, tax compliance, and perks in over 150 countries.

• Hear the inspiring story of how RemotePass pivoted from a travel industry solution to a remote workforce enabler during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• We discusses the importance of trust, commitment, and due diligence in building successful remote teams and the hurdles businesses face in adopting remote work.

• Learn how a customer-centric approach drives RemotePass’s growth, with Karim emphasizing the role of client feedback in shaping their solutions.

• Gain insights into the UAE and KSA’s growing appeal for talent and founders, and Karim’s perspective on fostering collaboration within the region’s startup community.

• Discover our views on purpose-driven leadership, managing growth, and the humility required to build strong teams and impactful businesses.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable insights on remote work, leadership, and the startup journey!

• Esther, a seasoned HR leader, shares her transformative journey through coaching, self-discovery, and personal growth.
• We explore the critical distinction between self-worth and self-esteem, emphasizing that self-worth is intrinsic and not reliant on external validation.
• Esther delves into the parallels between parenting and leadership, highlighting the importance of nurturing others while also focusing on self-improvement.
• Our conversation touches on cultural influences, conflict resolution, and the power of choice in overcoming adversity.
• Throughout, Esther advocates for intentional living, embracing vulnerability, and making purposeful steps toward personal and professional growth.

• Hussein Wehbe discusses his transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of first building a solid foundation in the corporate world.
• He highlights the value of learning from multinational corporations to shape successful startup practices.
• The conversation explores the startup ecosystem's challenges, stressing the need for greater support and collaboration.
• People-centric leadership, driven by empathy and accountability, plays a central role in motivating high-performing teams.
• Shared values are critical to building and sustaining strong corporate cultures and successful organizations.
• Hussein underscores thought leadership and authenticity as essential components of long-term success.

• Muhammad Chbib reflects on his journey from childhood ventures in Germany to success in the Middle East tech scene.
• He highlights the impact of McKinsey’s structured problem-solving and mentorship on his entrepreneurial approach.
• Chbib stresses continuous learning, humility, and learning from failure as keys to success.
• He notes the Middle East's growing startup ecosystem, driven by increased capital, talent, and market maturity.
• He underscores the government's role in fostering innovation, particularly in AI and space.
• Chbib advocates for heart-centric leadership, strong team cultures, and empowering teams for long-term success.

• Hanan takes us through her extensive 25-year career covering marketing roles in consumer insights, advertising, and strategic planning, with key positions at McCann, Nielsen, and Schweppes, before transitioning to hospitality at Atlantis Dubai.
• We delve into her shift from FMCG to lead marketing for Atlantis Dubai and her role as VP of Marketing for Atlantis The Royal and Atlantis The Palm, embracing the unique challenges of Dubai's market.
• Hanan advocates for hiring talent from diverse industries, prioritizing potential and attitude to infuse fresh perspectives and drive innovation.
• Hanan underscores the value of leading by example, inspiring others, and differentiating between leadership and management.
• We discuss her emphasis on brand equity, consistency in marketing communication, and the importance of maintaining in-house marketing expertise to stay agile and cost-effective in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

• Mohammed shares his career journey and insights into the consulting industry.
• We explore how taking risks and making career pivots lead to broader impact and growth, highlighting stepping out of comfort zones.
• The conversation highlights digital transformation revolutionizing the customer journey in consumer and retail, stressing the need for technological advancements.
• We examine growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, noting the region's economic potential.
• Mohammed highlights that providing impactful advice and being open to feedback are crucial for consulting success, emphasizing adaptability and improvement.
• We discuss the importance of human-centric leadership and employee well-being for attracting and retaining talent, emphasizing a supportive work environment.

• Karl Tlais' career journey highlights the importance of pivoting, innovation, and building strategic partnerships, emphasizing their role in achieving professional success.

• We discuss the significance of reflecting on failures and learning from them, underscoring their crucial role in personal and professional growth.

• The conversation stresses the necessity of staying aware of industry changes and trends, recognizing this awareness as essential for success in a rapidly evolving market.

• We explore the region's significant leadership and innovation in the digital and fintech sectors, noting the transformative impact of these advancements.

• Karl emphasizes the critical role of collaboration between the government and private sector in driving the growth of the digital economy, showcasing successful partnership models.

• We highlight the value of mentorship and advisory support for startups and entrepreneurs, discussing how becoming an advisor can happen organically through various engagements and successful projects.

• The conversation delves into the importance of surviving and reassessing market opportunities during challenging times, identifying these actions as crucial for business growth.

• We examine the readiness of infrastructure as an essential factor for the digital economy to thrive, emphasizing the need for robust systems and support.

• Karl discusses how technology should give back time to humans and enhance human-to-human interaction, advocating for tech solutions that improve quality of life.

• The conversation underscores the value of empathy in leadership, highlighting it as a key trait for effective and compassionate management.