The Change Officer

Welcome to the TCO Step Special where we bring you the latest insights from the top change-makers in the tech and startup world. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, Co-Founder and CEO of DentalDost, who is on a mission to make healthcare accessible to everyone through teledentistry.Dr. Bhanushali is an award-winning dentist who has dedicated her career to helping people access quality dental care, regardless of their location or economic status. Through her innovative platform, DentalDost, patients can connect with licensed dentists through video consultations, get a diagnosis, and receive treatment recommendations - all from the comfort of their own home.During our conversation, Dr. Bhanushali shared her vision for the future of healthcare and the role that teledentistry plays in expanding access to dental care. She discussed the challenges of breaking down traditional barriers to healthcare and how technology can help bridge the gap. We also dove into the benefits of teledentistry, including cost-effectiveness, convenience, and improved patient outcomes.In addition to discussing teledentistry, we also touched on other important topics such as the importance of patient education, the impact of COVID-19 on the dental industry, and the future of healthcare innovation. Other discussed topics are:·       The challenges of breaking down traditional barriers to healthcare·       The importance of patient education·       The impact of COVID-19 on the dental industry·       The future of healthcare innovationJoin us for this thought-provoking conversation and learn how teledentistry is revolutionizing healthcare. Don't forget to subscribe to The Change Officer Podcast for more insights on the latest business trends and innovations.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of TCO (The Change Officer) Step Special Podcast Show, host Ivan Zeljković interviews Andrea Giannini, Co-Founder and CTO of Exovolar Industries, a startup aiming to make flying as simple as walking.The combination of jet engines, exoskeleton, and patented thrust vector nozzle design allows the legs to move in the sky. Andrea talks about the various applications of their technology, including first responders in disaster zones, and their plans to open the first flight park facility in Dubai by 2025.He also explains how Exovolar repurposes the technology used by SpaceX in landing rockets, to keep a human being balanced mid-air. Additionally, Andrea discusses how the trust vectoring pattern enables a person to fly hands-free, with little to no training time at all.Andrea and Ivan also discussed:- The technology behind Exovolar's jet suit- The Evolution of Exovolar- Coming to DubaiJoin Ivan and Andrea in this exciting conversation about the future of mobility and the possibilities of human flight.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of TCO (The Change Officer) Step Special Podcast Show, host Ivan Zeljković sits down with Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner at +VC, an early stage venture capital firm focused on the MENA region. With over 10 years of experience investing in MENA startups, Hasan shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as a startup in smaller markets and the importance of thinking global from the very beginning.Throughout the conversation, Hasan emphasizes the need for founders to have a mindset towards expansion, urging them to think beyond dominating their local market and instead focus on scaling their business to larger markets. As an investor, Hasan and +VC are agnostic towards any particular industry or trend, instead focusing on investing in companies with technology that can help them scale.Hasan also shares his perspective on the current state of the startup ecosystem in MENA, including the challenges and opportunities that come with investing in emerging markets. He believes that this is the best time to be investing, with valuations lower than in previous years, and emphasizes the importance of backing great founders who have an execution mindset.Throughout the conversation, Hasan's expertise and experience shine through, providing valuable insights and advice for founders and investors alike. Tune in to this episode to learn more about investing in MENA startups and the power of thinking global.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer podcast, Ivan Zeljković speaks with Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner at Nuwa Capital, a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage startups in the Middle East and North Africa region.Khaled discusses Nuwa Capital's unique approach to investing, where the focus is on founders first. He shares the firm's belief in building an inclusive community of seasoned founders who support newcomers to the portfolio.Nuwa Capital has also built a network of accomplished entrepreneurs who dedicate their time to support, guide, and mentor the companies they invest in. Khaled explains how this network provides founders with hands-on expertise in areas critical to the development of their businesses, such as product, growth hacking, recruitment, fundraising, and legal frameworks.The conversation also touches on Nuwa Capital's partnership with strategic investors that unlocks tremendous value for companies looking to scale their operations in critical geographies or accelerate their growth in key verticals.Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into Nuwa Capital's investment philosophy and how they strive to maintain a culture of transparency and true partnership with founders.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer Podcast, Ivan Zeljković interviews Vijay Tirathrai, the Managing Director of Riyadh Techstars. Techstars is a global platform for innovation and investment that aims to help entrepreneurs succeed. They have invested in close to 4,000 companies over the last 16 years, with plans to invest in 800 more this year.During the interview, Vijay emphasizes the importance of being in the trenches with entrepreneurs and investing with them, rather than just serving them. He shares his insights on how mentorship can open doors and elevate startups, helping them develop and grow.According to Vijay, entrepreneurs have the power to change the world and make it a better place for humankind. He believes that mentorship is crucial in helping them achieve this goal.Tune in to this episode to learn more about the power of mentorship and how it can help startups succeed.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer (TCO) Step Special Podcast Show, Ivan Zeljković talks to Ali Abulhasan, the Co-Founder and CEO of Tap Payments. Tap Payments is a payment solution that simplifies payments in the MENA region and globally. With over 100,000 businesses of all sizes using their services, Tap Payments unifies and connects all regional and international payment methods under a single integration, making it easier for businesses to receive payments securely.During the episode, Ali shares his insights on the payment industry in the MENA region and how Tap Payments is making a difference by providing a convenient and secure payment platform for businesses. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of the payment industry, including the growth of digital payments, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve with innovative payment solutions.Join Ivan and Ali as they explore the future of payments and how Tap Payments is leading the way in simplifying payments for businesses in the MENA region and beyond.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer Podcast's Step Special series, host Ivan Zeljković sits down with Mary Nazzal-Batayneh, an impact-focused entrepreneur, investor, and founder of 17 Ventures and Landmark Hotels. Mary is also a qualified yoga teacher and the owner of a wellness hub in Jordan called MVMNT.The conversation centers around the importance of self-care and wellness, particularly in the midst of a pandemic and the fast-paced world of business. Mary shares her personal journey with yoga and how it has helped her find balance and inner peace in her life.Mary also discusses the launch of Landmark 2.0 Innovation Hub, a partnership with Endeavour to encourage innovation in the hospitality sector. The hub focuses on sustainability and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Throughout the episode, Mary emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself and finding ways to prioritize wellness in your life, both as an individual and as a business owner. She shares insights on how she has been able to balance her work and personal life, as well as the benefits of incorporating wellness practices into the workplace.If you're interested in learning more about the power of self-care and wellness in business, tune in to this episode of The Change Officer Podcast's Step Special series with Mary Nazzal-Batayneh. Get inspired to prioritize your own well-being and find balance in your life.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

Welcome to the latest episode of The Change Officer (TCO) podcast, where we embrace change and talk to the change-makers themselves. In this Step Special episode recorded at Dubai Internet City, our host Ivan Zeljković sat down with Lloyed Lobo, the Co-founder of Boast.AI & Traction. Lloyed is on a mission to help businesses accelerate their innovation by providing quicker access to R&D tax credits.During the conversation, Lloyed talked about the importance of being happy in your job and how his own experience led him to a breaking point. After working 24/7 for his company, Lloyed found himself in the hospital pledging to commit more time to his family. However, he continued to work just as hard until his daughter confronted him, urging him to find a job with a founder who shared his values and allowed him to spend more time with his family.Lloyed took his daughter's advice to heart and stepped down from his company, moving from San Francisco to Dubai for a happier and healthier life. In Dubai, Lloyed found a combination of Miami and Las Vegas, a place with fewer investments than Silicon Valley, but where he could still thrive and innovate. Lloyed concludes that hard times bring innovation and encourages us all to find the right balance between work and family.We hope you enjoy listening to this inspiring conversation and take away valuable insights that will help you embrace change in your own life.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer podcast recorded at the Step Conference in Dubai, host Ivan Zeljković sits down with Luka Erić, Co-Founder and CEO of rhetora.ai. Luka shares his experience as a sales rep, where he faced challenges while cold calling potential clients. He then founded rhetora.ai, a startup that uses AI to help salespeople master the art of cold calling and improve their sales pitches.Luka explains how the sales industry is changing, with more companies working remotely and younger generations lacking the social and communication skills needed for cold calling. He shares how Rhetora offers AI-assisted scripts and assists with tedious tasks such as follow-up emails and database management.The episode also covers Rhetora's pre-seed fundraising phase and the upcoming launch of their app. Overall, this conversation offers valuable insights into the changing world of sales and the role of AI in helping salespeople succeed.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In the latest episode of TCO (The Change Officer) Step Special Podcast Show, host Ivan Zeljković interviews Atul Hegde, Director of YAAP and Co-Founder of Rainmaker Ventures. Atul explains the growing importance of the Metaverse and how it will be the future of online presence. He also discusses the government's initiatives to encourage Metaverse and blockchain expansion in the region.Atul highlights the importance of storytelling in building powerful brands and talks about his company YAAP, a multi-specialized digital content marketing and design company that focuses on the life cycle of content from creation to amplification. He also discusses how Rainmaker Ventures is acquiring companies in the region and is looking for investments into their portfolio companies, as Dubai becomes a melting point for the whole eco-system to come together.Overall, this episode provides insightful information about the future of online presence and the opportunities available in the region for businesses to expand and grow.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this Step Special Podcast Show, Ivan Zeljković talks with Helen Al Uzaizi, the Director of Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship and Youth Start Up, Innovation & Social Impact at GEMS Education. Helen shares her passion for positive social impact and building an entrepreneurial mindset through education, enabling ecosystems, and investment.They dive into the importance of project-based education and preparing children for jobs that don't even exist yet. Helen discusses the difference between the MENA region and the West in terms of embracing an entrepreneurial mindset and the need for change.Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of education and the impact it has on society.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

The Change Officer Podcast is coming to you from the Step Conference in Dubai Internet City. In this episode, Ivan Zeljković interviews Aboudi Al-Qattan, Principal at DASH Ventures, discussing the inflection point in venture capital and the future of technology in sports.Aboudi Al-Qattan shares that DASH Ventures is at an inflection point in the venture capital industry due to the influx of international capital and higher quality pipeline. He emphasizes the need for investors to work together to develop a history of successful exits and scale companies to attract more liquidity in the region.Aboudi also talks about technology in sports, particularly in basketball, and the potential for new technologies to enhance the fan experience and improve athlete performance.Lastly, Aboudi discusses Web3 and Metaverse as a long-term investment, as the true impact of these technologies will not be seen immediately but will be relevant in the future.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

Welcome to The Change Officer (TCO) Special Episode from Step Conference 2023! TCO has set up a booth at the largest tech festival in Dubai, where emerging markets and global startups come together. In this episode, TCO's host Ivan Zeljković speaks with Sana Bagersh, a senior executive with extensive international business experience. Sana Bagersh is an expert in partnership building, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. She is the founder of Tamakkan, a company that focuses on incubation and acceleration for startups.In this episode, Sana talks about her new book, "What a Leader ShouldBe," which reveals the characteristics that leaders should have today. Shealso speaks about Tamakkan and its three pillars of entrepreneurship, innovation,and leadership. Sana emphasizes the importance of public policy and governmental decisions that drive change down to startups and SMEs. In addition, Sana discusses her communication frameworks for smart cities, community programming and engagement, and thought leadership platforms and thinktanks. In conclusion, Sana believes that technology can be a pivot that takes us in an exciting direction of more compassionate living, kinder cities, more equity, and more opportunity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/ This episode is produced by Poddster, an end-to-end video podcast production company that helps businesses conceptualize, produce, manage, and grow podcasts for their brand. Click this link to book a free consultation with Poddster's team or rent a studio: poddster.com/book-free-consultation/ Check out Poddster studio based in Dubai Media City: poddster.com/podcast-studio-dubai/ They say that change is the only constant. If this is true, we want to know what is the change ahead. To get the answers, our hosts Ivan Zeljkovic and Vuk Zlatarov are talking to the change-makers themselves. We invite you to join us on the journey of getting the answer FOLLOW THE CHANGE OFFICER: www.thechangeofficer.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/thechangeofficerLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-officer-podcast/Twitter - twitter.com/changeofficer_TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@thechangeofficer

In this episode of The Change Officer Podcast's Step Conference Special series, host Ivan Zeljković sits down with Richard Fitzgerald, the CEO and Founder of Augustus Media. Richard shares the story of how Lovin Dubai, a blog and social media outlet, grew into a Middle Eastern digital media company with a mission to be the 'New Media' company of choice in the region.Richard talks about his background as a Regional Social Media Director at Mindshare for the MENA region and how he left his high-paying job to pursue his passion for creating community and offering relevant information to local people. He emphasizes the importance of gathering an audience before thinking about making profits in the new media landscape.The conversation then turns to Augustus Media's expansion into Lovin Saudi and Smashi, a business news network streaming live from the heart of the Arab world. Richard highlights that Smashi is not just about business news but is also broadcasting live local sports events, which has helped them gain even more subscribers.Throughout the episode, Richard emphasizes the importance of innovation and breaking the mould in marketing communications to generate profitable growth. He also shares his vision for Augustus Media to continue evolving and adapting to the perpetually changing media environment.If you want to hear about the challenges and successes of building a digital media company in the Middle East, tune in to this episode of The Change Officer Podcast's Step Special series with Richard FitzGerald of Augustus Media.This special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/

Brian Smiga is Co-Founder and Partner at Alpha Partners, a next-generation growth equity firm. After giving an exciting talk at Web Summit 2022, he joins our host Ivan Zeljkovic for a brief interview regarding the nature of the modern market. Many investors and founders are panicking in light of what could be called a bear market or even a crisis.However, as Brian explains, down cycles like this period, although hard to bear, are actually a healthy function of the economy. Brian explains how, for serious investors, it has now returned to business as normal. He expects there to be more time and energy for due diligence to play a greater role. Brian also shares other illuminating insights such as: The rise of the micro-specialized venture capital firmHow professionalism is returning to the main point of priority for many venture capital firmsHow venture capital firms drive innovation in technology worldwideThis special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/Find Brian online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smiga/

David Meltzer pops by for a brief chat with our host Ivan Zeljkovic in between the hustle and bustle at Web Summit 2022. The first point he discusses is the importance of discoverability as different and unique from merely being discovered. David details how this newfound discoverability has led to exponential results, allowing his organizations to achieve extraordinary results such as connecting with the Obama Foundation and even being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. With the media industry taking a beating in the stock markets, David ventures to explain what the key difference was. He believes that the key root of it all is a shift in consumer preference from being attracted to brands to being drawn into communities. David shares much more about branding, marketing, and leadership such as: How big brands can evolve to the new community-oriented consumer-baseWhy micro-influencers transformed marketing How media companies have adapted to the changing environmentThis special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/Find David online: https://dmeltzer.com

Our very first interview at the Web Summit was with someone whose name is synonymous with change: Monika Mikac, CEO at NAD Capital. NAD Capital is a venture capital firm that chiefly invests in the automotive sector. Known for being historically non-inclusive, Monika reports that she's seen the auto industry improve in leaps and bounds towards creating a welcoming environment for women and young girls. When Monika was young, she shares, she was one of the very few women in the automotive industry, but today she sees more young women entering into fields such as engineering, design, and other spaces that may have been previously under-represented among women. In many ways, the future of the automotive industry looks bright. One of the most exciting aspects of mobility in the future is the prospect of electric vehicles. Specifically, Monika shares, how electric vehicles may revolutionize the way we approach transport from the ground up thanks to automation. Monika describes how, in the future, cars will be used more efficiently through ride-sharing and self-driving features. Monika also discusses: The sustainability of electric vehicles compared to ICE (internal combustion engine) vehiclesHow shared self-driving cars will dramatically decrease transport costsThe positive role governments can play in accelerating automotive electrificationThis special episode of The Change Officer Podcast is hosted by Ivan Zeljkovic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanzeljkovic/Find Monika online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monika-mikac-6a2398b/

Microsoft Reactor

Award-winning entrepreneur Ahmed Ben Chaibah opens the story of AquaFun with a moment at the beach. While relaxing in the sun, Ahmed overheard a parent complain about how they wished their kids could have fun in a way that let them have peace. The single lightbulb moment led Ahmed to build what would eventually become the biggest inflatable waterpark in the world. Ahmed shares how success does not come without brave, inspired risk. He shares how he let himself go into debt in order to finance the structuring of the waterpark into its iconic Dubai shape. Years later, the 44,000 square-meter waterpark has expanded into what Ahmed describes as "the biggest bouncy castle in the world". And still, Ahmed's ideas keep flowing. He shares his vision for the future of AquaFun, and how they can incorporate advertising in inventive new ways. Listen to the episode to learn more about Ahmed's inspiring journey and ambitious vision, such as:How he overcame 617 rejections before getting his first yesHow he overcame the fear of failure and, in doing so, found successHis unique strategy for turning notorious critics into die-hard fans of AquaFunThis special episode of The Change Officer is hosted by Rachel Meuleman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-meuleman-marketing/Find Ahmed Ben Chaibah online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-ben-chaibah-6b48668/Find AquaFun online: https://aquafun.ae

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Much of the current innovation in the fintech space focuses on empowering the unbanked and the underbanked to have access to crucial financial services. One people group that has been continually overlooked is Gen Z (ages 11-25), who only have access to cash or their parents' cards to make payments. Zywa is on a mission to change that. Zywa is a social banking app and prepaid card created specifically for Gen Z, allowing teenagers to spend, receive and manage money completely cashlessly. They can also earn rewards and interact with their friends on the app, and parents are even able to send money to their kids to cover expenses in a controlled environment. Zywa was inspired by the lived experiences of its co-founders. Alok Kumar (CEO) and Nuha Hashem (CTO) grew up in the gulf region and identified the pain points of young people who were stuck with borrowing their parents' cards or asking for cash to make payments. They recently raised $3 million in seed funding which they will use to fuel their growth in the UAE and expand into Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In this conversation on The Change Officer Podcast, Alok and Nuha share: Zywa's fascinating origin story Why they decided to leave their established career paths and focus fully on Zywa instead Their experience and the value they gained from being involved in the YCombinator accelerator programme How they sourced, pitched to and selected investors for Zywa How they are building their business and their product Why they were able to successfully partner with banks What a growth team is, the value it holds, and how they built theirs How they are gathering the data to build a product that truly meets the needs of its users Find Zywa online: https://www.zywa.coHost: Vuk Zlatarov

NFTs are a controversial topic. But how much of our fear of them arises from the fact that we truly don't understand the technology and how it can be used? Our guest for this episode, Simon Hudson, has unique insight into the booming NFT and Web 3.0 space. Simon is the Founder and CEO of Cheeze, Inc., a dedicated platform for photography-focused NFT projects. He joined us on The Change Officer before to speak about his entrepreneurial journey. This time, he's come in to demystify these complex and often misunderstood elements of Web 3.0.In this episode, Simon explains: The techniques he used to educate himself about NFTs, the Blockchain and Web 3.0 How NFTs and the Blockchain actually work Why these advancements hold value for everyone, from regular individuals to collectors and creatives How Cheeze is changing the game for photographers by empowering them to mint their images onto the BlockchainListen to Simon's previous episode here: https://www.thechangeofficer.com/the-change-officer/blog-post-title-one-6cwmj-yfbe2 Find Cheeze, Inc. online: https://cheeze.com Host: Vuk Zlatarov

While it is easy to talk about our successes, it is far more challenging to openly share our failures and what we learned from these experiences. In this episode of The Change Officer Podcast, media and advertising hall of fame member Kamal Dimachkie steps up to the mic to humbly share his most valuable life lessons and how they moulded him into the leader he is today. Kamal is currently the Co-Founder, Partner and COO of TOUGHLOVE Advisors, an advisory firm offering an agile and scalable model that partners with people and businesses to unlock their full potential. Before stepping into this role, he was the Chief Operating Officer for Publicis Communications, overseeing Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Publicis Middle East for the UAE, Kuwait, and the Lower Gulf. With more than 36 years of experience and many award-winning campaigns for leading multinational brands under his belt, Kamal has a great deal of wisdom to share with all of us. Join us for this fascinating and inspiring conversation as we dive into: What wisdom Kamal would pass on to his younger self Why Kamal chooses to reframe his "mistakes" as valuable investments in his growth The proven principles with which Kamal approaches business development, growth and strategy How Kamal empowers his team members and employees to thrive Host: Vuk ZlatarovFind TOUGHLOVE Advisors online: https://toughloveadvisors.com

At Step Conference, our guest host Rachel was joined by Narmeen Naser, the Creative Director and Founder of EngulfArt. EngulfArt is one of the largest creative collectives in the MENA Region, comprised of more than 600 artists including filmmakers, writers, content writers, designers, dancers and actors. They offer bespoke community-driven art experiences, connecting clients with creatives to build ideas, events, festivals, trainings, activations, art walls, or their personal art collections.Narmeen is an alumnus of the Companies Creating Change (C3) accelerator programme for social impact-driven startups. In this conversation, Rachel and Narmeen delved into how the pandemic affected Narmeen's fledgling company, how young startup founders can benefit from events like Step, and Narmeen's learnings from her entrepreneurship journey so far. Tune in for the full conversation to learn: What it is like joining an accelerator programme as a startup founderAdvice for startups entering the incubator stage of their journey The biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make Host: Rachel MeulemanDiscover EngulfArt online: https://engulf.artWant to learn more about the C3 accelerator programme? Listen to our interview with C3's Managing Director, Kevin Holliday, here: https://www.thechangeofficer.com/the-change-officer/episode-step-series-kevin-holliday

Blockchain. Metaverse. Web 3.0. NFTs. These are all buzzwords right now. In this latest episode of The Change Officer Podcast, we're delving into how these advancements will impact the retail industry.Our guest today is Nick Vinckier, the Head of Corporate Innovation at Chalhoub Group, the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East. With a background as an entrepreneur, Nick spent six years in business consulting. He is also an active and respected keynote speaker, delivering informative talks on corporate and retail innovation, e-commerce and growth marketing.Nick introduced us to the top 5 mega-trends shaping the retail industry and beyond, including the awakening of society to sustainability, diversity and inclusion and the role customer experience plays in cultivating brand loyalty. He also walked us through the process of launching an NFT collection for one of Chalhoub's brands and his greatest learnings from the process. Stay tuned to learn: How the revolution of industry gatekeepers, the data privacy paradox and the decentralisation of the internet will impact the business sphere What Web 3.0 actually is and how it will change the way the retail sector relates to its customers NFTs: why they are relevant for brands and an overview of what you need to know about the process of launching your own NFT Host: Vuk ZlatarovFind Nick online: https://nickvinckier.com

Rachel is back with another inspiring interview from our exclusive series at Step Conference. This time, she's chatting to Denise Schmitz, the founder of We Love Art. Denise founded her startup, We Love Art, in 2013 when she moved to Dubai and found herself in need of community and creative experiences. We Love Art's mission is to spread happiness by empowering anyone to create art, whether it is through their online or in-person events, painting courses, or curated Art Boxes which allow their clients to craft their own masterpieces at home. Join us for the conversation to learn: How We Love Art's teaching methods empower their clients to achieve more than they ever thought possible How Denise innovated during the height of the pandemic and successfully grew her business Advice that has helped her on her journey as an entrepreneur Denise's insights into balancing the creative and business aspects of running a company Host: Rachel MeulemanDiscover We Love Art online: https://www.weloveart.com/

We're here with another great episode of The Change Officer special series from Step Conference! Our guest is Ahmed Hazem Dakroury, CEO of Falak Startups, a Cairo-based company with a mission to find and empower talented and ambitious seed-stage tech startup founders. Falak is passionate about helping them thrive in the region's rapidly changing entrepreneurship landscape.Ahmed spoke about the main idea behind Falak and advised on how founders can build scalable startups with development and evolution always at the core of their businesses. He spoke about the challenges startups face in Egypt and the importance of building a team who will drive the company's goals.Listen to Ahmed speaking about:His passion for entrepreneurshipFunding opportunities and challengesThe future of Falak StartupsHost: Rachel MeulemanDiscover Falak Startups online: https://falakstartups.com

Stepping up to the mic for this episode is Emirati Equestrian & Mechanical Engineer Amna Banihashem. Amna is an experienced horse rider, renowned show jumper, and an international advocate for women empowerment. Amna and Vuk chatted about what it takes mentally, emotionally and physically to step outside of our comfort zones and go after the things that we are passionate about. Amna also shared an inside look at the powerful daily routines she has in place that empower her to live a life that she loves.  The episode dives into: The challenges Amna faced stepping into the field of equestrian sports A behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating and rigorous sport of show jumpingAmna's refreshing and inspiring outlook on life that has motivated her to take on challenges and chase her dreams Host: Vuk ZlatarovFind Amna online: https://www.instagram.com/amnabanihashem/

In the latest episode of The Change Officer Podcast, we spoke to Suneel Gokhale, one of the founding partners of VentureSouq, a MENA-based investment firm focused on high growth early-stage technology companies. VentureSouq began as a side hustle when Suneel, his wife and two of their friends started angel investing together on an informal basis and has since evolved into a forward-thinking and strategically focused VC firm. This episode is jam-packed with helpful insights for VCs and founders alike. Suneel and Vuk spoke about Suneel's journey into venture capital, focusing on his takeaways and the lessons he has learnt over the last decade of operating in this space. Suneel shared how VentureSouq evaluates founders pitching for investment, the commonalities he sees in companies that don't make it, and the importance of structuring cap tables wisely. Tune in to learn more about: - Why lawyers are vital in the early stages of a startup's lifecycle - VentureSouq's framework for spotting the next opportunity in early-stage startups and getting ready to jump onboard- Where founders and startups usually go wrong with spending the investment they receiveHost: Vuk Zlatarov Discover VentureSouq online: https://www.venturesouq.com

In the latest episode of The Change Officer: Media & Comms, we are joined by full-stack marketer, educator, influencer and Masterbox founder Istok Pavlovic. Istok is at the forefront of the latest developments in digital marketing and online learning. In 2018, he founded Masterbox, an on-demand online learning platform that is now the largest digital marketing education platform in South-East Europe. He stepped up to the mic to tell our host Ivan Zeljkovic about how to make videos that create attention and unpack the mega-trend of decentralised online micro-learning. Istok shared his insights into: - Why creativity and video production are going to be the future of digital marketing rather than analytics or targetting - How platforms like TikTok are redefining what the terms "professional" and "good" mean when it comes to videos, images and campaigns - Why now is the perfect time for educational institutions, individuals and companies to create online coursesHost: Ivan ZeljkovicFind Master Box online: https://masterbox.rs/upis2021/

Stepping up to the mic for Vuk's second-to-last episode from our Step 2022 series of The Change Officer Podcast is Mirna Sleiman, founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy. Fintech Galaxy is an open finance platform that fuels innovation and seamless integration in financial services, drives ecosystem collaboration and facilitates API integration between financial institutions like banks and fintech companies. Mirna has more than 15 years of experience in innovation programmes, investor relations and journalism. She is passionate about advising governments and financial institutions on digital transformation programmes. She and Vuk spoke about banking as a service and the need for financial institutions to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape in the era of fintech. Join the conversation to find out: - All about the benefits of open finance and what needs to take place for this to realise - The need for collaboration between financial institutions and fintechs and how Fintech Galaxy makes this happen - The questions executives at traditional need to be asking to keep up with the coming changes in the sectorHost: Vuk Zlatarov Discover Fintech Galaxy online: https://www.fintech-galaxy.com

GrubTech co-founder and CEO Mohamed Al Fayed has walked a fascinating journey. He describes himself as a "late bloomer" who took a while to figure out his passions and what makes him tick. He started restoring cars and selling ambulances before finding a niche in merchandise planning at Macy's and the Al Tayer Group. These roles cultivated a skill for pattern recognition that helped him spot the opportunity for digital transformation within Al Tayer. He spearheaded the Omnichannel Division, crafting a digital presence for many of their luxury brands and orchestrating the region's first 2-hour delivery last mile for Ounass. In the summer of 2019, his adeptness for recognising patterns led him to start GrubTech, a plug and play end-to-end operating system for restaurants and cloud kitchens. GrubTech is currently in 16 countries and shows no signs of slowing down. Mohamed joins us on The Change Officer Podcast to share his key learnings from his story as a proven intrapreneur and successful entrepreneur. He spoke about how failing fast and keeping on running has served him well in his career, fostering intrapreneurship within corporates and where great new opportunities are likely to arrive in the tech sector. Tune in for the conversation to learn about: - How reframing failure as a learning process can open us up to remarkable growth - Why intrapreneurship is essential for the survival of any company -The crucial skillsets needed to support every stage of a tech startup's life cycleHost: Vuk ZlatarovFind GrubTech online: http://www.grubtech.com

This episode of The Change Officer Podcast from Step Conference is a special one. We hosted Maha Alkhalawi, Assistant Director for Innovative Culture & Ecosystems at EY. EY is a London-based company focused on building a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society while building trust in the capital markets.We discussed our fast-paced global environment and our role in the future, whatever it may be. Maha and Vuk unpacked the current revolution of the modern workplace and the concept of a 4-day workweek.Join the conversation to learn about: - The role of art and visual storytelling in changing behaviour for long-term impact- Distrust towards information from mainstream media and if there is a way to disrupt this space- The importance of intentionality in how we approach all areas of our lives Host: Vuk Zlatarov Discover EY online: https://www.ey.com/en_uk

Sanad Yaghi's startup Dukkantek began with a single question: "How can you deliver groceries from mom-and-pop shops that can't afford to list their products on an aggregator?" Sounds simple, right? Think again. Coming up with the answer proved to be a complex task. Sanad and his co-founders quickly realised they had to solve these small merchants' broader problems of inventory management, POS and lack of a digital presence. They spent 6-months going store-to-store and talking to the vendors before coming up with their solution. The result? A revolutionary store management platform that "spread like hot cakes" and is changing the lives of small business owners across Kuwait, the UAE and Oman. 24-year-old Sanad stepped up to the mic on The Change Officer Podcast to share Dukkantek's fascinating story with our host Vuk. They spoke about the nitty-gritty of what goes into creating a successful social impact startup. Jam-packed with practical nuggets of advice, this is an unmissable episode for young startup founders who want to make a difference in their communities. Join us for this engrossing conversation to learn: - How Dukkantek achieved success by identifying their customers' most urgent needs - How prioritising your clients and your business can expedite negotiations in the fundraising stage - The benefits of working with external venture capitalists Host: Vuk ZlatarovFind Dukkantek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dukkantek

Elie Skaf, co-founder and CEO of Right Farm, a start-up disrupting the food value chain in the MENAPT region, dropped by our hub at Step Conference. We had a great conversation about implementing data and technology solutions into the agriculture space.He highlighted two challenges that the Right Farm tries to solve: food services and access to local produce.Listen to Elie speak about:- Right Farm's powerful origin story - The problems that AgTech can solve - The need to address the UAE's food waste management issueHost: Vuk Zlatarov Check out Right Farm: https://www.rightfarm.com

People don't want to see a shiny, glamorised, Hollywood-style version of reality online anymore - they want relatable and aspirational content that depicts a life they feel they can attain. At least, this is what Lazar Žepinić believes, and considering he's an experienced TikTok industry insider and self-described "PPC nerd" with years of experience to back him, you should probably pay attention. Lazar is the founder and owner of Sellers Alley, a forward-thinking advertising company. They became the first TikTok marketing partner in Europe, and they have a proven track record of creating ads that deliver powerful results for their collection of high-profile clients. In this episode of The Change Officer: Media & Comms, Lazar sat down with our host Ivan Zeljkovic for a frank chat about all things advertising in this rapidly evolving digital climate. This is an unmissable episode if you're a business, content creator or social media manager that wants to produce ads and content for your brand that makes an impact. Lazar and Ivan deep-dived into: - The mistakes Facebook made in recent years and why they could ultimately cause its downfall - How TikTok's algorithm works and why it is so potent - The need for brands to move away from big-budget productions and focus on creating ads that are platform-native, relatable and tell a story - How freely sharing knowledge and information can help everyone succeedHost: Ivan ZeljkovicFind Sellers Alley online: https://sellersalley.com

The days of "spray and pray" investing are done, at least according to Kareem Anabtwai, the Chief Investment Officer for Annex Investments. Kareem believes the future of the VC space lies in collaboration, conscious, considered alignments between startups and investors, and, above all else, everyone involved doing their homework. Kareem started his career in investment banking fresh out of college. When his employer closed down around the time the pandemic hit the globe, Kareem decided to focus on his true passion: finding promising startups in the tech space with a strong focus on social impact and giving them the capital, the connections and resources they need to thrive. He soon found himself at Annex Investments, being mentored by its founder and CEO Ahmed Nasser Al Nowais. Today, he has already closed two significant deals, and with his keen eye for spotting future changemakers and more deals in the pipeline, Kareem is destined to make waves in this industry sector. Kareem joined our host Vuk Zlatarov in our studio to discuss how venture capitalists can benefit MENA's ecosystem by strategically investing in startups to which they can add value. They also spoke about the importance of not getting starstruck by the "hottest" deals, and how investors can recognise a good deal when it is presented to them. Tune in to the full episode to find out: - Why it is crucial for startups and investors alike to do their research when considering a deal - How building a healthy ecosystem of co-investors can benefit the VC space in MENA - Where we can expect the big boom in MENA's tech sector - How the Metaverse, cryptocurrency and NFTs are going to change the world as we know it Check out Annex Investments: https://annexinvestments.com

From our Step Conference Series, we're bringing you another thrilling episode of The Change Officer with guest Kevin Holliday. Kevin is the Managing Director of Companies Creating Change (C3), a Dubai-based social enterprise that supports impact-driven entrepreneurs in the MENA region through their forward-thinking, engagement-based accelerator programmes. In this rapid-fire episode, Kevin explains how C3's fresh approach to empowering social impact-driven startups differs from other initiatives and the importance of collaboration between corporates, entrepreneurs and the public sector in this evolving digital climate. Tune in for the full episode to hear: - Kevin unpack the social stigma around social impact-driven enterprises and how this image is changing, particularly in the MENA region - The 5 key pillars of supporting an impact-driven startup that they teach the programme participants at C3 - How important flexibility and autonomy is becoming in the modern workspace Find out more about C3 and what they do: https://www.wegrowwithc3.comStep 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

Stepping up to the mic for another episode of The Change Officer Step Conference Series is Chaymae Samir, the founder of revolutionary UK skincare brand, madebySunday.Upon moving to the UK about three years ago, Chaymae spotted a gap in the cosmetics market with consumers like herself being too busy to sift through the plethora of overwhelming and overpriced options offered by conventional skincare brands. It was from this opening that madebySUNDAY was born, first in the United Kingdom, and now coming soon to Dubai. Chaymae joined us for a frank conversation about the current state of the cosmetics industry and the opportunities she unearthed and exploited to turn madebySUNDAY into a global success. Dig into the full episode to learn about: - How madebySUNDAY offers more value for less to their customers by controlling the production process of their skincare range - How subverting the usual marketing conventions of skincare products enabled madebySUNDAY to powerfully connect with their customers - Why Chaymae as a woman in business chose to “bootstrap” madebySUNDAY and the benefits of starting a business without outside funding.Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerCheck out madebySUNDAY: https://madebysunday.com/Step 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technological advances.These advances are merging the physical, digital, and biological worlds in ways that create both huge opportunities and a big disruption.To better understand what is ahead of us, Ivan Zeljkovic invited Bret Waters, entrepreneur, CEO, investor, and Silicon Valley native.Inspired by The Fourth Industrial Revolution he has started the 4thly, Zoom-based accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs and innovators create success all over the globe.Check out the full episode to get an insight into:- The evolution of the VC and Startup space- Opportunities and disruptions that The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Web3 are bringing to the table- New business model that his accelerator 4thly is using to empower entrepreneurs and innovators.Enjoy and let us know your thoughts in the comment section!#TheChangeOfficerHost: Ivan ZeljkovicCheck out 4thly: https://4thly.com/

What is the single most important component in the success of a startup? Experienced venture capitalist Khaled Talhouni believes it is the founders, and that those who are less risk-averse have a better likelihood of getting their startup off the ground successfully. Khaled is the Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital, a self-described radical investment platform that seeks to reshape the relationship between the founders of promising startups and those who are investing in them. Nuwa is focused on creating true partnerships with the founders in their network, providing not only capital to their startups, but supporting them with mentorship from a community of seasoned entrepreneurs and offering hands-on assistance from subject matter experts. Keen to dig into Khaled's thoughts on how we can change the way venture capital operates, we invited him to join our host Vuk Zlatarov in the studio for a conversation. In this full episode of The Change Officer Podcast, Khaled shares his unique insider perspective on not only what founders need to know about launching their startup in the current financial climate, but also how investors can change their approach and involvement to give these companies the best chance of success. Tune in to the full episode to find out: - What are the most crucial things venture capitalists should know when investing in a startup?- What value can investing platforms offer in the startup space beyond capital and profit?- What makes a founder that venture capitalists want to invest in?Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerCheck out Nuwa Capital: https://nuwacapital.io/

The new episode of the Change Officer special series from Step Conference is here.In this episode we had the honor to meet Mamoun Hmedan, CCO & Managing Director - MENA & India at Wego.com. Wego is a company that provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travelers living in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions.Mamoun spoke about challenges that the travel industry faced when COVID-19 hit and how Wego pivoted to generate revenue during these times.Find out more about:- Why Wego acquired online travel agency Cleartrip - The future of Wego- How to fight against global players in a competitive market.Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerStep 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

We had the pleasure of hosting Katarina Uherova Hasbani, AESG's Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory.Katarina spoke about how sustainability space has changed in the last couple of years, and the changes that need to happen so we can protect our planet.She highlighted the importance of defining new values for the future and shifting towards clean energy.Listen to how Katarina explains:- The mission of her own company Enrupt- The path of carbon-neutral future- Importance of education.Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerStep 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

Another amazing episode of our Special Series from Step Conference is live! Our guest is Youssef Salem, 29 years old CFO of Swvl, soon to become one of the youngest CFOs of a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq.In this episode, Youssef unraveled the opportunities that Swvl discovered in the mass transit space that brought them so much success.He clarified what problems are emerging in the region and what can we do to solve them with the help of technology.Youssef offered his special insights about:- The future of Swvl- Public transport that is powered by consumer technology- Why patience is pivotal for the autonomous vehicle future.Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerCheck out Swvl: https://www.swvl.com/Step 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

In this episode of The Change Officer - Step 2022 series, we meet Issa Aghabi, Managing Partner at Access Bridge Ventures. With 16+ years of experience in business, Issa spoke about his passion for venture capital, and opportunities for learning when considering a business from the VC perspective.He highlighted the massive possibilities for disruption in health-tech, fin-tech, and HR - and what are the challenges that are preventing full digital transformation in these spaces.In this episode, Issa has focused also on:- Early-stage investment model- Shaping a business growth strategy- Opportunities for VCs in the region.Enjoy!#TheChangeOfficerCheck out Access Bridge Ventures: https://access-bridge.com/Step 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

A new episode of the special series, The Change Officer - Step 2022 Conference is here and our guest is Hans Henrik Christensen, Senior Director of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority.Hans explained how the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority has helped over 1000 startups to make the next step forward. With trillions of dollars of potential worth, sustainable business is the future, Henrik explains.Tune in to find out more about:- Quantum computing and how it will transform cybersecurity- Enabling innovationEnjoy!#TheChangeOfficerStep 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

A brand new episode of The Change Officer Special Series from Step Conference is here!Our guest is Jeremy Crane, CEO of Yellow Door Energy, the leading distributed solar developer in MEA, with over 120 megawatts of solar assets in the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.Jeremy shared his perspective about the future of energy consumption and opportunities that can derive from investing in solar energy in the MENA region.Tune in to learn about:-Battery-powered future-The full takeover of electric cars-Building the world for our children.Enjoy! #TheChangeOfficerCheck out Yellow Door Energy: https://www.yellowdoorenergy.com/Step 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/

Our guest in this episode of The Change Officer is a guy followed by 1.5 million people, raring to reach the top of the tech and media world as the UAE's young entrepreneur.Nadir bin Nasir spoke about his first steps in business and what it was like building a big brand.Listen more about:- The future of Social media- Metaverse as the new content platform- Marketing strategy of building a brandEnjoy! #TheChangeOfficerStep 2022 Conference: https://dubai.stepconference.com/