What I Did Next

On our members-only bonus episode, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, Middle East and Africa at the Intercontinental Hotel Group tells me about his work as Senior Advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

On our bonus episode Her Royal Highness Nourah Al Faisal tells me about the inspiration behind her first jewellery collection, and how her company, Nuun, navigated the pandemic. Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Hazem Barakat, co-founder and Chairman of B Investments, joins me on the show to talk about the personal turning points that shape how he leads and lives, and the realities of private equity in Egypt. On Part 1, we talk about moving to the US at 16, returning to work with his father in the family firm and the importance of ethics and hard work. On Part 2 coming up next week, we’ll dive into the world of private equity and investor interest in sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! (00:00) - On this episode... (03:10) - Moving to the US (08:58) - Working with his father (13:37) - The move to private equity (22:12) - Lightning Round Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

Award-winning anchor, journalist and author Hala Gorani returns to the show to talk about returning to field reporting and the future of journalism & independent media. Hala also catches me up on what she’s been up to since I first spoke to her in 2023, right after she had finished writing her book But You Don’t Look Arab. This episode is part of Encore, where I check-in with your favourite WIDN alumni. We’ll continue this segment with more of the show’s alumni, so stay tuned. (00:00) - Coming up (02:20) - Reporting: Truth, opinion and now Substack (24:25) - Future of independent media (37:52) - Lighting Round Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

We’re continuing my conversation with multidisciplinary artist Ghada Amer. On this bonus episode, Ghada tells me about her artistic process, and what’s in her creative inbox. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with entrepreneur Mohamed Al Fayed, founder of Grubtech. On this bonus episode, we’ll talk a bit about his early years, and the launch of Ounass, the region’s premiere luxury marketplace. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation from last week with pioneering environmentalist Dr. Mounir Neamatalla. On our bonus episode, Dr. Mounir tells me about EQI’s micro-finance program and how the ground-breaking eco-lodge and restoration work in Siwa led to their involvement in a sustainable development project in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with CNN’s Becky Anderson. On this bonus episode, we talk about her role as Managing Editor and how our region fits into the larger CNN programming agenda worldwide. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation from last week with Malak El Baba, Country manager for VISA in Egypt. On this bonus episode, Malak tells me more about the digital payments industry, and Visa’s own evolution since it was established by Dee Hock in 1958. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with award-winning design & entrepreneur Hatem Alakeel. On this bonus episode, Hatem tells me how he began supporting the creative community in Saudi Arabia, and his cultural life. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation from last week with bespoke artist Janan Shihadeh. On this bonus episode, Janan talks art techniques, how she had to adapt to living and honing her craft in Cairo, and we unpack her cultural life. Links Maison825 by Tala Shalaby and Sara Kalo Samo Shalaby’s website This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with Suzanne Zeidy and Rawah Badrawi, he co-authors of a new book Egypt: Recipes and Stories from an Ancient Land. On this episode, Suzanne and Rawah tell me about their life’s pivots, marriage, children and friendship. We also talk about being the sandwich generation, and whether we can really have it all. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Fallahy Kaf Earrings, the Mamluki Kaf Bangle and the Gold Roman Chain Ring. Suzanne Zeidy is wearing Azza Fahmy’s T-Lock Necklace and Gold Rosette Necklace, the Joyful Ring and the Endearment Gold Ring Rawah Badrawi is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Mabrouka Earrings and Filigree Kaf Ring. Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

We’re continuing my conversation with His Excellency Amr Moussa, the former Foreign Minister of Egypt. On this bonus episode, he tells me more about his early life and attending law school. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Last week, I spoke to mega star Youssra about the roles that shaped her iconic career, and the secrets to balancing her stardom and her private life. On this week’s bonus episode, Youssra tells me how different the film industry is today compared to when she started out in the 80s, and her thoughts on the future of the Egyptian and regional film industries. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Last week, entrepreneur and investor Ramy Adeeb told me how his appetite for risk played a pivotal role in shaping his career. On this bonus episode, Ramy shares his insights on the venture capital market, and his entrepreneurial experience with Snip-It and 1984 Ventures. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Last week, fitness entrepreneur Amina Naguib told me how a pivotal moment in 2020 has radically changed her approach to life. On this bonus episode, I talk to Amina about how her brand, B-URN, has evolved to offer a holistic health approach to drive happiness. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with Mohamed Hefzy, award-winning film producer and screenwriter. On this bonus episode, he tells me how his creative process has evolved to bring other people’s screenplays to life under his company, Film Clinic. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with Sir Magdy Yacoub, ground-breaking cardiologist and founder of the Chain of Hope charity. On this bonus episode, we talk about how AI could transform the healthcare sector, and how Chain of Hope is building a sustainable healthcare platform. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art d’Egypte. On this bonus episode, we talk about the planning and operations behind Art d'Egypte and how it has evolved after their first edition. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with fashion entrepreneur Imran Amed in front of a live audience at Egypt Fashion Week earlier this year. On this bonus episode, Imran weighs in on the hot topic of 2023, AI and its application to fashion, and answers some of the insightful questions from the audience. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

I’m joined today by Suzanne Zeidy and Rawah Badrawi, the co-authors of a new book Egypt: Recipes and Stories from an Ancient Land, which is part travelogue and part culinary journey. They also happen to be two of my closest friends! On Part 1 of our conversation, Suzanne and Rawah tell me how they came together to write this incredible book, and how they peeled away the fears and uncertainties of local communities to reveal a vibrant and rich culture not seen before by the outside world. We’ll continue the conversation in Part 2 next week, where Suzanne and Rawah tell me about their life’s trajectories and take on our signature lightning round. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Fallahy Kaf Earrings, the Mamluki Kaf Bangle and the Gold Roman Chain Ring. Suzanne Zeidy is wearing Azza Fahmy’s T-Lock Necklace and Gold Rosette Necklace, the Joyful…

We're continuing my conversation with Chef Hussein Hadid. On this members-only bonus episode Chef Hussein tells me why he chose to put down roots in Lebanon and how that changed his perceptions about dining. I also ask him a bit more about his aunt, the incredible, award-winning internationally renowned architect, Zaha Hadid. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We're continuing our conversation with poet, author, and radio host Salma El-Wardany. On this bonus episode, Salma tells me about the impact of her work including her book, These Impossible Things, and how her mother continues to play a key role in her life. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing my conversation with Fares Akkad, Regional Director at Meta. On this bonus episode, Fares and I dig further into some learnings from his time as an entrepreneur, and more about the Metaverse. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We're continuing my conversation with the sisters behind luxury fashion brand Okhtein, Mounaz & Aya Abdel Raouf. On this bonus episode for our members, Mounaz and Aya, tell me about their creative process, and how the pandemic impacted their business and the fashion industry. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Last week, I sat down with comedian and actor, Ramy Youssef. On this bonus episode for our members, we talk a bit more about his inspiration, cancel culture and his upcoming work. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We're continuing my conversation with architect and heritage conservation specialist, Omniya Abdel Barr. On this bonus episode, we've got a few more details about her projects, and what’s in Omniya’s cultural inbox. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We're continuing my conversation with businessman, investor, author and commentator, Ali Shihabi. On this bonus episode, we have a bit more about Ali Shihabi's involvement with Arif Naqvi of Abraaj Group fame, his views on building the region's intellectual class, and what's in his cultural inbox. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

Last week, I spoke to broadcaster and journalist, Hala Gorani, about her life's pivots and her upcoming book. In addition to our main episode, we also have a members-only bonus episode with each guest where we dig deeper into their careers and the future of their industries. On this bonus episode with Hala Gorani, she shares the differences she sees between being an anchor and a reporter, the future of journalism and what's in her cultural inbox. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation Neveen El Tahri. On this bonus episode, Neveen shares more about her professional journey, especially how she started out in banking at a time when it was very much a man’s world. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation ad-man Tarek Nour. On this bonus episode, we look at some of the recurring themes through his life—how he’s very much a product of time and place, his thoughts about the future of technology & AI, and the advice he has for creatives. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Caroline Louca, an art consultant and ex-Managing Director of Christie’s in the Middle East. On this bonus episode, we’re taking a closer look at the Middle East art scene and Caroline gives us her take on digital art and NFTs. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Ayman Mohyeldin, host of Ayman on MSNBC on weekend evenings. In today's bonus episode we discuss Ayman's career in more detail but we also get his take on the divisive cultural winds sweeping the United States. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, founder of Proximie. I talk to her about how Proximie operates around the world, and she also shares an example of how they were able to help someone during the pandemic via the NHS. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X, host of the podcast Slo Mo, author and founder of the One Billion Happy movement. I spoke to Mo about his second book, Scary Smart, about the future of humanity in the context of an AI-driven future. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Amy Mowafi, co-founder of the MO4 network. We dig into MO4’s plans to lead the Web3 space in the region, and how she feels about her kids being on social media. We’ll have more content like this through-out the season with our guests. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

We’re continuing our conversation with Fadi Ghandour, the co-founder of Aramex, Wamda Capital and the NGO Ruwwad. On this bonus episode exclusively for members, Fadi shares how proud he is of Aramex completing 30-years, and his identity continues to be entwined with the company. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

I’m continuing my conversation with Kito de Boer for this special bonus episode about his role with the Quartet, a group tasked with mediating between Israel and the Palestinians. As Head of Mission of the Quartet, Kito brought his considerable business and negotiating acumen to the table to try and address this problem essentially from an economic perspective.

This week, I'm sitting down with my producer Chirag Desai to reflect on a whirlwind first half of the year—from interviewing iconic figures and taking the show international to the importance of reclaiming our narrative. We talk about what drives the show, the magic of the MENA region, and what it truly means to create space for our own stories. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery Chapters: 0:00 Coming up... 1:44 WIDN goes international 4:30 Reclaiming our narrative 13:25 An updated lightning round 18:12 What's next for Malak Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

This week, we're continuing the conversation with Karim Mekhtigian and Mohamed Fares, where they tell me about their design philosophy, and their new destination in Downtown Cairo, Tamara Haus, which is where we recorded the episode. Karim & Fares, alongside Emy Hussein, are the visionary architects behind Cairo's premier design firm, Alchemy Architecture. Together, they have spent years shaping the architectural landscape in Egypt, setting new standards of quality, style and craftsmanship. On our previous episode, we talked about how they joined forces to create a partnership that spans two decades. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! (00:00) - Coming up (03:43) - Local aesthetics, global influence (14:57) - Building the Alchemy ecosystem (18:00) - Tamara Haus Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

This week, I’m sitting down with Karim Mekhtigian and Mohamed Fares, two of the visionary architects behind Cairo’s premier design firm, Alchemy alongside Emy Hussein. Together, they have spent years shaping the architectural landscape in Egypt, setting new standards of quality, style and craftsmanship. In the first of two episodes, we talk about how they each came to architecture and design, and then joined forces to create a partnership that spans two decades. On part two next week, Karim & Fares tell me about their design philosophy, and how they built a brand that became a movement. Our conversation took place at Tamara Haus, a new destination by Alchemy Experience, in the heart of Downtown Cairo. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! (00:00) - On this episode (01:41) - Karim’s cosmopolitan childhood (03:46) - Fares’ sporting upbringing (12:01) - Meeting of minds (17:14) - Drawing by hand vs AI (22:34) - Building…

Ramy Adeeb, founder & managing partner of 1984 Ventures, is back for an Encore episode to talk about what he’s been upto since 2023. He talks about why he’s excited about AI in legacy sectors but worried about unemployment. He also takes on our signature lightning round. This episode is part of Encore, where I check-in with some of your favourite WIDN alumni. We’ll continue this segment with more of the show’s alumni, so stay tuned. (00:00) - Coming up... (08:10) - Who captures value? (15:47) - AI, wars and regulation (27:15) - Guiding the Next Generation (30:26) - Small companies taking on Big Tech (34:38) - Ramy's mentor (40:49) - Lightning Round

We’re continuing my conversation with Dina H. Sherif, talking about the shift from aid to agency, AI and regulation, and entrepreneurship as a national competitiveness strategy. Dina has served as the Executive Director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship since 2019. You can catch the first part of our conversation in your podcast app or on our website. I’ll be back next week with an Encore episode with founder of 1984 Ventures, Ramy Adeeb on everything he’s been up to since 2023. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Lotus Choker, Lotus Bouquet Cuff, Love Tribal Ring and the Lotus Bouquet Earrings. Dina is wearing Nizar Qabbani Necklace, Bouquet of Blessings Earrings and the Filigree Kaf Ring. (00:00) - Coming up (01:16) - From aid to agency (11:17) - The importance of entrepreneurship (14:35) - The sovereignty question…

I’m joined by Dina H. Sherif about entrepreneurship and ecosystem building in growth markets. Dina has served as the Executive Director of the MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship since 2019. She also talks about her own entrepreneurship journey with Ahead of the Curve, and her personal experiences with loss. We’ll continue the conversation in Part 2 about the shift from aid to agency, AI and entrepreneurship as a national competitiveness strategy. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Lotus Choker, Lotus Bouquet Cuff, Love Tribal Ring and the Lotus Bouquet Earrings. Dina is wearing Nizar Qabbani Necklace, Bouquet of Blessings Earrings and the Filigree Kaf Ring. (00:00) - Coming up (10:03) - Focus on growth markets (12:32) - Egypt’s entrepreneurial future (16:07) - Dina’s entrepreneurial journey (23:25) - Adult Bullying at…

I recently moderated a panel about how AI is being applied across different sectors like media and finance, how investors are looking at AI companies and the role of telecom in enabling AI adoption. My panelists was made up of a number of the show's alumni including Ahmed Alfi (Chairman, Sawari Ventures), Amy Mowafi (Co-founder & CEO, MO4 Network), Mounir Neamatalla (Founder & CEO, MNT Halan) and Karima El-Hakim (Partner for Africa, Plug and Play Tech Center), and Head of Cloud Software and Services for Ericsson North Middle East, Amer Sakkijha. This panel was part of our partnership with The Shift by e&, powered by The Narrative Summit. The event was a prelude to the annual Narrative Summit's gathering in Soma Bay in October. Chapters: 0:06 Summit AI Introduction 3:30 Ahmed Alfi on investment criteria 7:40 Mounir Neamatalla Fintech meets AI 12:58 Amy Mowafi on creativity in the age of AI 22:55 Amer Sakkijha on the role of telecom in AI adoption 27:00 Karim El-Hakim on private sector success Music ID:…

Today I’m bringing you a special episode with our sponsor EFG Holding. I recently interviewed Karim Moussa, Co-CEO of EFG Hermes Buy-Side, Head of Private Equity & Asset Management & CEO of Vortex Energy. Karim tells me how he got started in private equity, and how the thesis of investing with purpose led EFG to expand renewables, education and healthcare. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! I’ll be back with a new guest in a couple of weeks. But before that, we’ll be airing the panel discussion on how AI will continue to impact Egypt and the region that I moderated in May. The panel was part of The Shift by e&, organised by the fantastic team at The Narrative Summit. Chapters: 0:00 On this episode... 2:12 Hustling in Berlin 6:48 First Steps in Deutsche Bank 9:23 A detour to Dubai 11:29 Moving into Private Equity 17:46 Building Vortex Energy 24:01 Egypt’s renewables potential 26:56 Investing in education 35:00…

On the second part of my conversation with Youssef Salem, we’re talking about AI, energy security and the future of the region. Youssef also tells me why the younger generation needs to prepare for greater competition in the AI age and how he's working to inspire them. Youssef Salem is the CFO of ADNOC Drilling. ADNOC is the UAE’s primary oil company and 12th largest in the world in terms of production. You can also watch the first part of our conversation where we talk about his personal and professional pivots in your podcast app or our website. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! (00:00) - Coming up... (05:06) - War and energy security (09:30) - Crisis management (12:27) - Building impact (14:16) - Can we integrate the Middle East (15:43) - Podcasting on faith and finance Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

I‘m delighted to be joined by Youssef Salem, CFO for ADNOC Drilling. ADNOC is the UAE’s primary oil company and 12th largest in the world in terms of production. I’ve followed Youssef for quite some time now and in addition to his many professional accomplishments, he’s a wonderful role model for the younger generation entering the corporate world. On this first of two episodes, we talk about his personal and professional pivots that brought him to where he is today, and the impact of the recent war on the UAE in particular. We’ll continue the conversation next week on Part 2, where we talk about the oil & gas sector specifically, and how companies like ADNOC handle crisis management in times like these. This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! (00:00) - Coming up (09:00) - Unity and resilience (14:51) - Getting married at twenty (19:15) - From finance to the startup world (21:30) - The importance of saying ‘yes’…

We’re continuing my conversation with Nabila Abdel Nabi, Senior Curator of International Art at Tate Modern and Lead of the Hyundai Tate Research Centre: Transnational. On this episode, we talk about what those specialisations really mean, the paradigm shifts happening in the art world, and how a curator like Nabila collects feedback from the Museum’s audience. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On this episode, Nabila is wearing Azza Fahmy’s: Lotus Bouquet Earrings Blossom Lotus Ring Winged Scarab Cuff Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s: T-Lock Love Necklace Gold Floral Tribal Earrings Gold Roman Chain Bangle Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

I’m joined today by Nabila Abdel Nabi, Senior Curator for International Art at Tate Modern and Lead of the Hyundai Tate Research Center: Transnational. When Nabila and I first met a few years ago I was immediately impressed by her sincerity and depth. She is thoughtful and intentional in how she interacts with the world and those qualities make for deep and interesting conversations. We talk about her curatorial work, in particular her focus on transnational and transcultural approaches to art history and the importance of better institutional support for parents. On Part 2 of our conversation coming out next week, Nabila and I talk about the evolution of the museum-artist dynamic and drill down into something that is especially interesting to me—the idea of repatriating art to its country of origin. This episode is brought to you by: EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today! Azza Fahmy Jewellery On this episode, Nabila is wearing Azza Fahmy’s: Lotus…