Tak on the Pod

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Samer Abou Hamad to talk about his journey cycling from Boston to Beirut.

After leaving a career in corporate America, Samer set out on a three-year journey cycling from Boston to Beirut - crossing five continents, more than sixty countries, and over seventy thousand kilometers. What began as a personal challenge evolved into a deeper exploration of endurance, uncertainty, and human connection.

A recipient of TAKREEM America’s Cultural Award, Samer shares what this journey taught him about slowing down, facing uncertainty, and choosing to keep going.

We dive into life on the road, from the physical and mental demands of cycling long distances to the simplicity of carrying everything with you. Samer shares stories of navigating borders, encountering different cultures, and experiencing the kindness of strangers along the way.

From reaching the end of the world in Ushuaia to returning home to Lebanon, this conversation reflects on what it means to come full circle and how the journey reshaped his understanding of identity, purpose, and what truly matters.

Tune in for a conversation about movement, resilience, and what it means to never stop.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4oKh77SoY&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Learn more about Samer:
• Instagram: @samer.bikes
• More: linktr.ee/samer.bikes
Books referenced:
• Moods of Future Joy & Thunder and Sunshine by Alastair Humphreys

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, our host Andrea Makhlouf sits down with Dr. Shihab Kuran - a Jordanian-born inventor, serial entrepreneur, and seasoned executive in the global semiconductor, power, and clean tech sectors. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Kuran has engineered solutions that bridge technology and humanity, shaping some of the most significant technological shifts of our time.

From semiconductors that fueled the digital revolution to leading the development of some of the world’s largest solar and mobile battery projects, Shihab has consistently operated at the forefront of innovation, driven by a clear vision: a world where clean, intelligent power is accessible to all.

A recipient of TAKREEM America’s Sustainability and Environmental Leadership Award and a member of the TAKREEM America Board, Dr. Kuran represents the powerful intersection of invention, leadership, and sustainable impact.

In this conversation, we explore:
• The connection between semiconductors and the future of energy
• How AI is reshaping power grids and infrastructure
• What it takes to build resilient, equitable cities
• Leadership lessons from scaling technologies designed to truly serve people

Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on clean energy, AI, and building systems that place humanity at the center of progress.

Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuXnTjxsdNk&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, host Andrea Makhlouf sits down with Habib Kairouz, Managing Partner at Rho Capital Partners, for a conversation about long-term thinking, conviction, and responsibility.

With over three decades of experience backing founders through cycles of boom and collapse, Habib reflects on building a lasting career in venture capital while staying deeply connected to Lebanon. From his early memories of Beirut to his philosophy of going against the grain, the conversation explores what it means to invest with purpose not just in companies, but in communities.

We dive into the evolution of technology from the internet era to AI, the role of the Lebanese diaspora in rebuilding trust and opportunity, and Habib’s work with the SEAL Foundation to translate success into meaningful impact on the ground.

This episode is about patience, stewardship, and choosing the long view - in business and in life.

Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PON9cE8MdTo&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=2

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with the talented Najla Said, a Lebanese-Palestinian-American actor, playwright, and author whose powerful work in theatre and literature explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural narratives. Known for her groundbreaking solo show Palestine and her memoir Looking for Palestine, Najla opens up about her journey as an artist and the personal and cultural experiences that shaped her voice.

As the daughter of the renowned scholar Edward Said, Najla has inherited a legacy of challenging cultural narratives and redefining the portrayal of Arabs in the West. She reflects on how her father's work, especially Orientalism, influenced her own creative journey and how she seeks to continue the work of breaking down stereotypes and reclaiming Palestinian identity through art.

In our conversation, we dive into the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding, the role of feminism in her work, and her thoughts on the evolving representation of Arab-American voices in the arts. 

Najla’s insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of art, identity, and cultural dialogue, reminding us of the importance of reclaiming our stories, connecting across divides, and finding our shared humanity through the arts.

Video version also available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl8eKDEwecE&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1&t=1s

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nadine Chakar, one of the most influential voices in global finance and digital assets innovation. As the Managing Director and Global Head of Digital Assets at DTCC, Nadine has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and tokenization into the traditional financial system.

We explore how the financial industry is being reimagined - from the rise of tokenized markets to the growing influence of AI in fintech - and what it means to lead responsibly through this next era of transformation. Nadine also reflects on her Lebanese roots, drawing parallels between ancient financial practices and today’s push toward decentralization.

Together, we unpack:

• The future of post-trade infrastructure in a digital asset economy
• The geopolitical and regulatory shifts reshaping global markets
• AI’s potential to disrupt and enhance financial services
• How the Middle East is emerging as a fintech powerhouse
• What legacy financial systems like hawala can teach us about trust and innovation
• Nadine’s leadership lessons from decades at the helm of global change

A visionary with deep conviction, Nadine shares why responsible innovation matters now more than ever - and how we can all prepare for what’s coming next.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfPNLW2GiCU

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In our latest episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Micheline Nader, best-selling author of The Dolphin’s Dance and Leap Beyond Success, healthcare entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leadership visionary. From her roots in Lebanon to reshaping the healthcare landscape in the US and co-founding the Jesra Foundation, Micheline’s journey is a testament to purpose-driven leadership grounded in conscious awareness.

We explore the philosophy behind “dancing with evolution,” the foundational idea of her work, and how her career has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a desire to empower others. She shares insights from her LEAP framework, practical tools for navigating change, and why the next generation of leaders must integrate emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and ethical clarity - especially in the age of AI.

From the boardroom to the frontlines of philanthropy, Micheline discusses how to lead with intention, stay grounded in times of disruption, and leave a legacy that bridges business success with deep human impact.

Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or someone navigating your own leap of transformation, this conversation is full of wisdom, practical tools, and heart. Tune in now to discover how purpose can shape leadership - and how leadership can shape the world.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rREklq8kN20

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nayla Fahed, an educator and social entrepreneur reshaping the future of learning in Lebanon. As the co-founder of Lebanese Alternative Learning (LAL) and the force behind Tabshoura, a groundbreaking digital education platform, Nayla has dedicated her career to making quality education accessible to underserved communities.

We discuss the challenges of integrating technology in education during crises, the impact of digital learning on refugee communities, and how innovation can bridge the gaps in Lebanon’s struggling education system. Nayla shares her journey, the obstacles she’s faced, and why resilience, hope, and adaptability are essential in creating lasting change. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of education to transform lives.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci4_PFiX_7M&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Mishka Mourani, a writer, educator, and storyteller whose life has been deeply shaped by the history of the Levant. Born in Alexandria and rooted in Beirut, Mishka has lived through war, displacement, and resilience, using writing as a means to reclaim agency in the face of conflict.

We explore the themes of exile without departure, the power of storytelling in preserving identity, and the role of education in times of crisis. Mishka shares her reflections on war, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Levant—where memory, language, and cultural hybridity shape both personal and collective narratives.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on home, loss, and the strength found in words to keep moving forward.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsUnv_zUgOI&list=PL2bJze-gVzTGMT4cRrL6BQdLK7OOtmF7n&index=1

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea sits down with Noha Hachach, Managing Director of the GCC for Cedars-Sinai and a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and strategy across the Arab world.

We dive into Noha’s journey in transforming healthcare systems, the importance of international collaboration, and how she bridges leadership and impact through both her executive role and NGO work. A dedicated member of the TAKREEM Selection Committee, Noha also shares her passion for empowering women leaders and building a stronger Arab network across borders.

Join us for a powerful conversation on healthcare, leadership, and driving change with purpose.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmClLgLuK1w

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica

In this episode of "Tak on the Pod", Andrea sits down with Rima Nasser, founder of Selections Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing the richness of Arab art, design, and culture. Through Selections and initiatives like Cultural Narratives, Rima has created a space for artists to share their stories, connect with collectors, and gain global recognition.

We explore the power of storytelling in preserving heritage, the challenges and opportunities for Arab artists on the international stage, and how digital publishing is shaping the future of art and culture. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation on the intersection of art, identity, and creative expression.

Video version available on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdU6uR5NkFk&t=3s

Intro Music:
"Castro in the City" from the album "Madinatuna" by Paul Salem.

Learn more about the Foundation:
takreem.org
takreemamerica.org

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Instagram: @takreemorg @takreemamerica
• Youtube: @takreemfoundation @takreemamerica