Vision Voices

Join Lara Varlamova at STEP 2025 as she hosts Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, for a conversation about the rise of the MENA startup ecosystem, the future of venture capital in the GCC, and what it really takes for startups to scale in 2025 and beyond.

From his early days at STEP in 2014 to mentoring and investing across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Michael shares powerful insights on:

- The evolution of Dubai’s innovation scene over the past 11 years 🌍
- Why corporations need startups to survive
- The real challenges founders face — from fundraising to hiring
- The role of mentorship in building successful ventures
- How AI, fintech, and deep tech are transforming emerging markets

Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or just curious about the future of innovation in the region, this conversation is extremely valuable.

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes with Lara Varlamova

*****************************************************

Connect with us 👇🏻 

🌐 Website: https://www.visionvoices.me/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laravarlamova
📸 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/visionvoicespodcast/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@visionvoicespodcast
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vision-voices/id1606730600
🎧 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0A5UJzAORQtD9ib3q410ZL

Thank you for tuning in!

#laravarlamova #larisavarlamova #b2bpodcast #arabpodcast #dubaipodcast #dubaimedia #dubailife #VisionVoicesPodcast

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this STEP 2025 episode, Lara is joined by Clara Armand-Delille, Founder of ThirdEyeMedia — a boutique PR agency working with top startups and VCs across Europe and beyond. Clara shares insights on startup communications, building brand authority, and how founders can use PR as a strategic tool — not just a press engine.

If you're a founder, marketer, or comms lead looking to grow your brand and get media coverage that actually moves the needle, this one’s for you.

Topics covered:

- PR strategy for startups: what works, what doesn’t
- How to pitch media and get real coverage
- The role of storytelling in brand building
- Common PR mistakes founders make
- Cross-border communications: tips for international visibility

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

🎙️ In this STEP 2025 exclusive, Lara Varlamova talks with Kushaal Devanahalli, Co-founder of Proximity Works, to break down the evolution from Generative AI to Agentic AI and what that means for the future of business and technology.

Kushaal shares insights into how Generative AI laid the foundation for the next wave of autonomous systems — Agentic AI — capable of reasoning, executing tasks, and transforming how enterprises operate.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

- What is Agentic AI and how it builds on Generative AI
- Key differences between Generative AI and Agentic AI
- Real enterprise use cases (Disney+, ESPN, NASDAQ)
- How AI is reshaping product development, operations, and customer experience
- The biggest adoption challenges for businesses
- Why Agentic AI is the future of scalable, intelligent work

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations from STEP 2025 and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this insightful interview, Lara Varlamova sits down with Ted Kemp, former Managing Editor at CNBC International, award-winning journalist, and media strategist, at #STEPConference2025 in Dubai.  📺

With decades of experience across the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East, Ted shares his perspective on:

🔹 How AI is disrupting global newsrooms
🔹 The death of commodity content & the need for deep, contextual journalism
🔹 Managing multinational teams and navigating geopolitical risk
🔹 Why startups and media creators must adapt or get left behind
🔹 Lessons from his book The Ragged Edge and how it relates to founders and entrepreneurs

💡 Whether you’re in journalism, content creation, tech, or entrepreneurship, this conversation is a reminder of how curiosity, adaptability, and original thinking can help us stay ahead in a world that’s changing faster than ever.

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations from STEP 2025 and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

👉 Discover Ted’s book “The Ragged Edge” – a powerful true story of leadership, resilience, and building against the odds:

https://www.amazon.com/Ragged-Edge-Marine%C2%92s-Account-Battalion/dp/1613738412

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this insightful conversation, Jessica White, Global Growth Leader at Honeywell, joins Lara to discuss the evolving role of human connection in a digital-first world. 🌍

🔹 How do face-to-face interactions impact global business growth?
🔹 The role of AI & technology in shaping corporate culture
🔹 How businesses can balance digital transformation with human connections
🔹 The Circles methodology – fostering authentic relationships in the workplace
🔹 The future of work, innovation, and leadership

Jessica shares her unique experiences working in tech, corporate growth, and strategy while emphasizing the power of people-first leadership. She also provides insights into how organizations can create meaningful employee engagement, drive innovation, and navigate digital disruption.

Don't miss this episode if you want to learn how technology and human connection can coexist to drive success!

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes Lara Varlamova

*****************************************************

Connect with us 👇🏻 

🌐 Website: https://veelamedia.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laravarlamova
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionvoicespodcast/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veelapod
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://tr.ee/E8F9VSnIl9
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A5UJzAORQtD9ib3q410ZL.com/ae/podcast/veela-media/id1606730600

Thank you for tuning in!

#laravarlamova #larisavarlamova #b2bpodcast #arabpodcast #dubaipodcast #dubaimedia #dubailife #VisionVoicesPodcast #arab #arabic

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this episode of Podfest 2024, host Lara talks with Mo Khaldi, Podcast Host and creator of a new Arabic podcast exploring the history of the economy in the MENA region.

What we discover in this conversation:

✅ Why there’s a gap in Arabic content on history & economy
✅ The challenges of independent podcasting & finding an audience

🌍 With a fast-growing podcast scene in the region, Mo shares insights on creating a digital legacy and the power of storytelling in Arabic.

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes Lara Varlamova

*****************************************************

Connect with us 👇🏻 

🌐 Website: https://veelamedia.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laravarlamova
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veelapodcast
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veelapod
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://tr.ee/E8F9VSnIl9
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A5UJzAORQtD9ib3q410ZL.com/ae/podcast/veela-media/id1606730600

Thank you for tuning in!

#laravarlamova #larisavarlamova #b2bpodcast #arabpodcast #dubaipodcast #dubaimedia #dubailife #VisionVoicesPodcast

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this episode, Tamara (Zubatiy) Nelson, CEO & Co-Founder of Barometer, joins host Lara to dive deep into how AI is reshaping the podcasting industry. From content creation to brand safety, advertiser trust, and monetization strategies, we explore how artificial intelligence is making podcasting more scalable, accessible, and profitable for creators and brands alike.

Key topics in this episode:

✅ How AI is helping podcasters streamline content creation
✅ Why advertisers struggle with podcast ad placements (and how AI solves it)
✅ The future of programmatic advertising in podcasting
✅ Brand safety and content vetting – how AI ensures advertisers trust podcasting
✅ How to monetize the "long tail" of podcasters and reach new audiences
✅ The centralization vs. decentralization debate in podcasting

🎧 Whether you're a podcaster, advertiser, or AI enthusiast, this discussion is packed with insights on the future of audio marketing.

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes Lara Varlamova

*****************************************************

Connect with us 👇🏻 

🌐 Website: https://veelamedia.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laravarlamova
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veelapodcast
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veelapod
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://tr.ee/E8F9VSnIl9
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A5UJzAORQtD9ib3q410ZL.com/ae/podcast/veela-media/id1606730600

Thank you for tuning in!

#laravarlamova #larisavarlamova #b2bpodcast #arabpodcast #dubaipodcast #dubaimedia #dubailife

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

Join the new Dubai #podfest2024 episode where Lara interviews James Cridland, Editor at Podnews, to explore the rapid growth of podcasting in the Arab world. Discover how Saudi Arabia’s video podcast became the most-watched globally and the trends shaping Arabic podcast content. 

James shares insights on the importance of high-quality, consistent content, leveraging video and audio effectively, and strategies for creators and brands to thrive in this evolving industry. 

A must-watch for podcast enthusiasts, media professionals, and anyone interested in the future of digital storytelling!

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content! Hit the bell icon to stay updated with our latest episodes.

*****************************************************

Connect with us 👇🏻 

🌐 Website: https://veelamedia.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laravarlamova
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veelapodcast
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veelapod
🍎 Apple Podcast: https://tr.ee/E8F9VSnIl9
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A5UJzAORQtD9ib3q410ZL.com/ae/podcast/veela-media/id1606730600

Thank you for tuning in!

#laravarlamova #b2bpodcast #arabpodcast #dubaipodcast #dubaimedia #dubailife

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

Join Lara as she chats with Mohamed Helmy, a stand-up comedian and social media sensation with over 1 million followers on Instagram and 2.4 million on TikTok.

In this episode, Mohamed shares his journey from live stand-up comedy to building a massive online family, all while staying authentic and consistent.

He talks about:
✅ How he grew his audience through relatable humor and daily posts
✅ The secrets to creating content that resonates with millions
✅ How brands can collaborate with creators for authentic advertising
✅ Why the Middle East is a growing hub for podcasting and media

If you’re curious about content creation, social media growth, or how comedians are shaping the digital world, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

#laravarlamova #podcast #mohamedhelmy

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me

In this episode, Lara Varlamova sits down with Mais Mohammad, a TV host and podcaster, to talk about her journey from television to creating a podcast that’s uniquely her own.

Mais shares how she keeps her episodes short and impactful, what it takes to connect with an audience, and why breaking the “rules” of podcasting can sometimes lead to the best results.

You’ll hear about:
✅ How podcasting feels different from traditional media
✅ The power of telling stories that stick
✅ Tips on being authentic and consistent as a creator
✅ Why podcasting is a great space for brands to connect with people

This is a conversation for anyone curious about content creation, storytelling, or the future of podcasting.

Visit website: www.visionvoices.me