Spark! with Shereen

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Spark! gives you behind-the-scenes access to MENA’s innovation ecosystem. Access the region’s latest and most relevant startup, tech, and innovation stories directly, and conveniently, with whichever device you have on hand. You can listen to our podcast episodes or read our show notes and newsletters.​ Hear us discuss the latest trends during our guest interviews and receive behind-the-scenes exclusive content on the making of an innovation ecosystem.

Shereen Abdulla


    • Jun 23, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Spark! with Shereen

    BONUS EPISODE: The Content Marketing Blueprint That's Doubling My Clients' Audience And How You Can Apply It To Your Business In Less Than 30 Mins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 52:33


    In this webinar replay, I'll teach you how to create a winning strategy to grow your brand using high-impact content without any marketing experience.I'll take you through my three secrets to making this happen.For more hands-on guidance from us, join our upcoming program where we will help you Strategize, Create, and Publish Winning Content With No Media Experience in Just 4 Weeks.Learn how to engage and grow your audience through organic marketing by actually creating and publishing content throughout our program. In addition to classroom learning, you'll also create winning content through the program during office hours.Our first cohort starts July 4, 2023, and ends July 28, 2023. You can enroll and learn more about the program here.Want more Spark?Subscribe to receive our newsletters.Want us to make custom content for you? Let's co-create.​Interested in leveraging our content expertise? Let's feature you.​ Get 1:1 feedback on your content. Let us coach you.​Want to read more about content marketing? Visit our blog.​Want more guides to help you make content? Access our resources.​Want to discuss how content can help you grow? Book a call.​Feedback? We'd love to hear from you!​Follow and engage with us on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.​Produced by Spark! Studios. We are a creative brand studio that helps companies tell their story and grow their audience through content. We specialize in business, finance, and tech written and visual storytelling for digital multi-platform campaigns. Our production suite offers end-to-end services, including strategy, production, hosting, and distribution. We also offer storytelling training and coaching.

    Short-form videos are long-term

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2021 4:32


    Did you know that about 50 million people consider themselves creators? In this episode, I cover the topic of social platforms battling it out to get creators creating their cooking, dancing, and even stock advice tips on their platform.I run through:TikTok,YouTube and Shorts,Short-form video consumption stats,What other platforms are doing to compete (the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and so on).Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    Grab a coffee, kick back, and read a newsletter

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 3:54


    In this episode, I cover the topic of newsletters being on-trend. In fact, many business-savvy writers and platform enablers are jumping on the opportunity!I run through:Facebook and Bulletin,Twitter and Revue,Substack and Letter,My latest podcast with Kef Connect on the topic of gaming,My latest podcast with akhbaraka on the topic of athleisurewear.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    Can you make a living creating content?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 7:42


    In this episode, we discuss the topic of content platforms being in a bit of a tiff over luring creators in. In addition to offering “winning” features and functionalities, another (and most obvious) incentive has proven to be good old cash *cha-ching*.In this episode we discuss:Platform incentives = payday (YouTube and Facebook vs. Patreon),Recurring payments from fans (features by Substack, Tumblr, Twitter, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Quora),Grants from Platforms,My latest podcast with Kef Connect on the topic of the tech startup scene in the Middle East.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    Gen Z and the creator economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 6:10


    In this episode we discuss the topic of the creator economy changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    Not all “audio” is equal, when it comes to content

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 5:53


    In this episode we discuss:The topic of the retail and fashion industry changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast,Clubhouse's collaboration with TED podcasting network,Twitter's Spaces feature,Spotify's Green Room feature,Facebook's Live Audio Room feature,Discord's  Live Stages feature,#socialcommerce's billion dollar opportunity,TikTok and Shopify's recent partnership,My latest podcast hosting gig on Kef Connect on the topic of citizen journalism.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    How big is the podcast industry and what about the content creation process?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2021 6:04


    In this episode we discuss:The topic of the financial industry changing to target Gen Z on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast,Our latest project: a motion graphics educational series about crypto,Spotify's Q2 2021 ad revenue growth,Substack's business move with Booksmart Studios,A content creation queue from NBA's new NBA Jams show with iHeart Media,The role of newsletters for podcasting a la WordPress, Tumblr, Automattic, and Pocket Casts,Netflix's publishing plans,My latest podcast hosting gig on Kef Connect on the topic of NFTs and crypto.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    How do creators fund themselves and their businesses?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2021 5:33


    I've received an overwhelming amount of support from you all towards my relaunch of the Spark! with Shereen and the fresh Season 2 format — thank you all for being super fans!In this episode we discuss:Cybersecurity on the baraka akhbaraka deep dive podcast,Karat Financial as a line of credit for creators, Augustus Media as a regional content creator raising funds through peer-2-peer lending, Beehive as a regional FinTech player enabling alternative financing solutions, My podcast hosting gig on Kef Connect, What I think of my Whoop data.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    Aaand we're back for Season 2!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2021 5:06


    It's been about a minute since I last wrote to you. After a much-needed Season 1 break, we're back with a makeover, and I can't wait to share with you what's up.In this episode we discuss:Spark Studios, Hello Sunshine, A24, SpringHill Entertainment, Netflix, The Co-Dubai, Mal O'Brien.Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst you're on our site.Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkwithshereen.comWe're a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.

    How to structure and market B2C marketplace apps

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 20:40


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Kerem Kuyucu who's the co-founder of JustMop, a platform that connects home dwellers with at-home service providers. Kerem has extensive experience building and scaling startups as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Rocket Internet and Country Manager at Foodonclick.Together we discuss:Aspects of marketplace apps to considerB2C marketing strategiesOperational complications of working with third partiesA bunch of tech startup mentionsWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Building HealthTech startups in Egypt

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 19:54


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Rasha Rady who's the co-founder and COO of Chefaa, a pharmacy platform that helps patients order, schedule, and have medicine delivered to consumers' doorsteps. Rasha is a pediatrician, by background, who got out of her comfort zone and into the entrepreneurship world to serve more patients and have a larger impact on the community.Together we discuss:Benefits of building online apps to serve your customers betterHow to retain customers through subscription modelsUnderstanding and applying consumer preferences to e-commerce platforms Dynamics of the Egyptian ecosystem to consider when building a local startupI'm working with a fab team from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to help refine Spark!'s value proposition and marketing strategy. We've set up a short survey that takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, check it out here.Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Finding new markets for existing products

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 16:42


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Lamya Al Shammary who's the founder and CEO of MWJ, the first marketplace to buy new and pre-loved certified luxury watches in the MENA region. Lamya is a watch and jewelry connoisseur and industry expert with over 10 years of experience. Combined with expertise in e-commerce and an understanding of the market, she delivers the best experience to shop for watches and jewelry. Together we discuss:The dynamics of the second-hand watch marketBuilding trust with customers and the role that content plays to achieve thisE-commerce in KSA and consumer preferencesWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Digitizing and collecting retail data

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 12:53


     In our latest episode, we sit down with Myriam Awad who's the founder and CEO of PotPay (formerly Bakala), a startup on a mission to digitize offline retail data. As an organization that digitizes offline retail data, PotPay's business model is B2B2C. They work with retailers and brands with their main audience being Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). Myriam has led the creation of long-term strategies, crafted marketing and sales agendas, grew products, and built winning teams — all resulting in best-in-class management and a proven track record of delivering value.  Together we discuss:How to appeal to your target audienceThe process of collecting demographic dataThe sales process to find B2B customers in the retail industryExpanding into technologically developed marketsWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    A more diligent approach to tackling bugs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2021 12:11


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Toghrul Samad who's the founder and CEO of Buglance, a crowdsourced testing platform that utilizes the power of the people to revolutionize the software testing industry. Toghrul is a serial entrepreneur, problem solver, and Chief Executive with 15 years of experience in promoting e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and games.Together we discuss:The reasons why software bugs go unnoticedHow to leverage the power of the masses for software bug testingHow to ensure employees are equipped to communicate with employeesFounder leadership stylesWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Building platforms based on data

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 18:44


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Bedy Yang, Managing Partner at 500 Startups. Bedy oversees 500’s ecosystem development programs including investor education courses (in partnership with top institutions such as Stanford, Berkeley, and INSEAD), has helped launch strategic partnerships and accelerator programs across the globe, and leads 500’s corporate-startup innovation and consultancy.Together we discuss:Unlocking market access in the startup ecosystemDifferent types of mentors Working with governments to build startup programsCurrent startup trends in the MENA region

    A decade of evolution in MENA's startup ecosystem

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 24:17


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Bedy Yang, Managing Partner at 500 Startups. Bedy oversees 500’s ecosystem development programs including investor education courses (in partnership with top institutions such as Stanford, Berkeley, and INSEAD), has helped launch strategic partnerships and accelerator programs across the globe, and leads 500’s corporate-startup innovation and consultancy.Together we discuss:Unlocking market access in the startup ecosystemDifferent types of mentors Working with governments to build startup programsCurrent startup trends in the MENA regionWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Build winning ventures with corporate partners

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2021 24:17


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Leen Nabulsi who is a Venture Lead at Rainmaking Innovation. Leen focuses on corporate venture building, where she works on scoping, validating, building, and launching new ventures with large corporations. Leen was also the Managing Director of Dubai Smart City Accelerator (a Startupbootcamp program) and is an active member of the startup community in the UAE. Together we discuss:The process of venture building with corporate partnersStrategies to build ventures that cater to corporate objectivesThe importance of relationship building and partnerships (in the business world)Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Win professionally and personally through support systems as a working mom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 19:48


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Julie Nguyen who is the founder of Crunchmoms. Crunchmoms is a community and networking platform for working moms to connect with like minded-women and boost their career ambitions. Crunchmom is now available as a web-based community. There are weekly online sessions where moms discuss all sorts of different topics, such as, job searching, self-confidence, and creating CVs. Together we discuss:The benefit of support systems for working momsBalancing work and home lifeImproving female business participation in the MENA regionWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Employee satisfaction equals customer satisfaction - how not to overlook wellness

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 17:35


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Ben Safra and Mila Nehme who are co-founders of Sensate. Ben & Mila are seasoned retail and customer experience professionals with a demonstrated history of working within the international luxury goods and jewelry industry. Ben has worked with powerhouses in the industry such as LV, Burberry, D&G, Tiffany & Co, Carolina Herrera, and Selfridges, whilst Mila has worked with Burberry and Cartier. Together we discuss:Reasons to engage with your employeesInitiatives to improve employee wellbeingThe role that interiors have on employee creativityWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Grow your ventures with a global mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 32:11


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Basil Moftah to discuss the global mindset amongst entrepreneurs. Basil is an experienced venture builder and partner at Global Ventures, a growth-focused VC that invests in disruptive startups with an enterprise technology focus in the Middle East and North Africa region.Together we discuss:The importance for businesses to have a global mindsetKeeping guard of competitors from abroadThe difference between marketing a B2B vs. B2C businessExamples of two up-and-coming tech startups with a global mindsetWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Do business mindfully to receive more wins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2021 19:40


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Sagi Melamed to discuss mindful investing. Sagi is the author of Mindful Fundraising as well as a resource development consultant. Together we discuss:Applying mindfulness when fundraisingBenefits of being mindful when doing businessMeasures of business impactHow to measure business impactWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    How to set up a startup of startups and tackle several opportunities at once

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2021 24:25


    In our latest episode, we sit down with Faris Mesmar to discuss venture building. Faris is a serial entrepreneur as well as the founder and managing partner of Hatch & Boost, which is a venture builder. Hatch & Boost is all about creating value in MENA's consumer space by tackling key problems, by introducing interesting solutions. Together we discuss:The evolving definition of venture buildingHow venture builders operateImportance of making an impact with venturesCommunicating venture performance to investorsWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Maximize your performance, fitness and sleep quality using wearables

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 35:59


    In our latest episode, we dig deep with Marcus Smith on the topic of wearables. Marcus is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, fitness coach, and extreme athlete. He is the founder of InnerFight and takes on "extreme challenges," such as, running 30 marathons in 30 days. Together we discuss:The various wearables available in the marketHow to select the best wearables for your specific fitness needs How to make use of the data you gather from wearablesThe realities of the effectiveness of wearablesWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Navigating Saudi's business culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 20:37


    In our latest episode, we had an engaging conversation with Nouf Alharthi. Nouf works for Monsha'at, which the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). She is an enabler in the ecosystem and works very closely not just with other ecosystem players but also with entrepreneurs in order to assess what they need in the market and to make sure that it is provided to them.Together we discuss:Preferred language of communication in Saudi ArabiaHow to communicate with Saudis when doing business within the KingdomMannerisms to adapt during business meetingsSaudi's unique startup demographicsWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Applying 3D printing, VR, and gamification in healthcare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2021 26:12


    In our latest episode, we sit with Mohamed Dhaouafi to discuss how he is bringing 3D printing, VR, and gamification technologies to healthcare. More specifically, through his company CURE BIONICS, based in Tunis, he builds bionic prosthetics and therapeutic solutions using these technologies. Mohamed is a 2020 FORBES Middle East 30 Under 30, a 2020 MIT Technology Review 35 under 35 Innovator, and a 2019 Obama Foundation Africa Leader - super impressive, right? To top it all off, he started his business from scratch.Together we discuss:How to launch a hardware-based product from MVP to market3D printing, VR, and gamification applications in the prosthetics marketDistribution models to scale hardware-based businessesVarious uses of 3d printing in healthcare and beyond!Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Building mental resilience through community

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2021 23:34


    In this episode, we’ll be talking about how to keep your mental health intact as an entrepreneur. We had a meaningful discussion with Areije Al-Shakar, who has guided startups throughout her career in the area of funding (debt, equity, and VC), and along the way has learned about effective coaching and mentoring whilst appealing to the human side of the entrepreneurs across the table from her. Together we discuss:Building a strong network of connections to aid start-up growthImportance of acknowledging loss and admitting to mistakesHow cultural barriers prevent us from discussing mental healthHow to find a mentor and build the basis for a strong win:win relationshipWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Exploring new models of the publishing industry, with John Lillywhite

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 20:07


    In this episode, we’ll be talking about the digitization of media in the Middle East. We sit down with John Lillywhite, who has a wealth of experience in this industry having undertaken several publication-focused roles both at corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Together we discuss:Media consumption habits of Arabs in the Middle EastDifferences between the publishing industry in the West & the Middle EastMachine learning advancements with the Arabic languageNew models in the publication industry (e.g. Blockchain)Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Win at hosting virtual experiences, with Ali Rifai

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 16:03


    In this episode, we’ll be talking about events and how the event management industry has changed over 2020. We sit down with is Ali Rifai, who has spent over 10 years organizing events of all scales in the Middle East whilst working for one of the largest live entertainment event management companies in the region. Together we discuss:How the music and sports industries have been adapting to virtual experiencesKey takeaways what others can learn from thisWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    How to sustainably run a farm in the desert, with Dr. Majid Al Qassimi

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 34:13


    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, who is a founding partner for the Middle East's only food & agricultural sustainability consulting company, SOMA MATER. We discuss the following aspects from farm to fork:The importance of food securityThe UAE’s efforts towards ensuring food securityAgriculture technology trends that support farmingBusiness aspects of commercial farmingMethods to reduce food wasteWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Monetize your media and grow your audience, with Richard Fitzgerald

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 30:25


    In this episode, we sit down with Richard Fitzgerald, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Augustus Media, which owns the Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, Smashi TV platforms. We discuss:News platforms- what it means to the public and how they prefer to access and interact with itThe media industry in the Middle East vs. global marketsHow to monetize and promote media platformsWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    How to produce and consume within the booming podcast industry, with Leila Hamadeh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2020 27:24


    In this episode, we sit down with Leila Hamadeh, who is the CEO and Co-founder of a Podcast network in the United Arab Emirates - Finyal Media. We discuss:Overview of the podcast market in the Middle East.Review of consumer audio consumption trends in the region.How to create, promote, and monetize a podcast in the region.Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Consider apprenticeships for experiential learning this fall, with Mehrad Yaghmai

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 24:10


    In this episode, we sit down with Mehrad Yaghmai, who is an active entrepreneur and investor in the EdTech industry in the Middle East. We discuss:Education models to learn through practice (internships and apprenticeships) Who is best suited for apprenticeships and how to make the most of itInnovations in university business modelsAdapting lecturing practices to suit online deliveryWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    How to Enter and Win the $150bn Gaming Industry with Yousef BuHazza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 25:45


    In this episode, we sit down with Yousef BuHazza, who is an active advocate of the gaming industry in the Middle East through Unreal Bahrain, to hear his insights on the gaming and e-sports industry. We discuss:What makes a successful gameWhat you need to do to develop a gameHow to operate e-sports tournamentsHow train to participate in e-sportsMake sure to follow Unreal Bahrain on social media to hear about their meetups, Game Jams, and events!Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Is the Middle East Ready to Resemble a World Like the Jetsons'? with Jamil Asfour

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 22:29


    In this episode, we sit down with Jamil Asfour to hear his insights on industries that are leveraging Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. We discuss:Industries in the Middle East that are leveraging ML & AIHow governments can foster innovation within ML & AIThe benefits of integrating ML & AI into businessesWant a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Fostering Innovation Through Creative Spaces & Communities with Raja Al Mazrouei

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 15:19


    In this episode, we sit down with Raja Al Mazrouei to hear her insights on building an innovation hub as the Executive Vice President of the DIFC FinTech Hive. We discuss:Structuring corporate ventures for success.COVID-19's effect of startup co-working spaces and accelerators.The importance of communities to drive innovation.Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here.Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Communicate Effectively with Investors, Clients, and Media with Walid Dib

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 23:47


    In this episode, we sit down with Walid Dib to hear his insights on presentation tips for Founders in the Middle East. We discuss:How to present to prospective clients, investors, and mediaHow to approach business development within a startupHis experience growing Addenda in a traditional and conservative marketWalid Dib is the CEO and Co-founder of Addenda, a blockchain-based InsurTech company based in the United Arab Emirates. Want a summary of the episode? Access the show notes here. Want to stay up-to-day of future episodes? Subscribe to our newsletter here or on our website.Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Let's socialize on Instagram and Linkedin.

    Startup Demographics & Diversity with Noor Salama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2020 15:38


    In this episode we sit down with Noor Salama, Ecosystem Community Manager at MAGNiTT, to cover the current state of diversity amongst Middle East startups. We discuss:Startup team demographics in the Middle EastBenefits of diverse teamsMENA startup Funding levels in the first half of 2020Access our show notes here and subscribe to our newsletter on our website.Want to socialize with us about this episode? You can follow both Noor on Instagram & LinkedIn and Spark! on Instagram and Linkedin.Want to support the show? Become a patron for as little as the equivalent of a cup of coffee.

    Welcome to Spark!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2020 4:19


    In this episode we provide you with an introduction to Spark!Access our show notes and subscribe to our newsletter at http://sparkwithshereen.com.Follow us on Instagram and Linkedin on @sparkwithshereen.Become a patron/ support at buymeacoffee.com/sparkwshereen.

    Retail & Payments with Shahzad Bhatti

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2020 27:29


    In this episode we sit down with Shahzad Bhatti, Founder & CEO of The Co-Dubai, to discuss:Trends in Retail post COVID-19 (online and offline)Software solutions that enable e-commerceThe importance of seamless delivery and the role of aggregatorsCreating customer experiences to gain a competitive edgePayment processing options for retailers (payment gateways and POS machines)Trends within retail paymentsYou can follow Shahzad at @thecodubai on social media and learn more about The Co-Dubai online.Access our show notes here and subscribe to our newsletter on our website.Follow us on Instagram and Linkedin on @sparkwithshereen.Want to support the show? Become a patron for as little as the equivalent of a cup of coffee.

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