The Lighthouse Conversations

This week on The Lighthouse Conversations, Hashem sits down with Abdullah Alajaji, Founder of Driven Properties, to discuss his meteoric journey in real estate. Tune in as they discuss taking personal risks, how he spotted a gap in the UAE real-estate market, and how Driven Properties successfully navigates an ever-evolving business landscape.

@hashem is back this month with Chef Salam, the Chef-Operator of one of the UAE's most popular restaurants,  Bait Maryam. Chef Salam shares the journey behind her success and how she slowly built up her business from the ground up while honoring the legacy of her late mother. She also explores the evolution that led to her starting Sufret Maryam, the sister of her original brand and the many lessons learned thus far.

Hashem Montasser sits down with Sultan Al Darmaki, founder of 1833, an exclusive members' club redefining community spaces and activations. Sultan shares his journey so far—from his unorthodox approach to fashion, how he felt working in London to the creation of 1833, a space that bridges the worlds of entrepreneurship and creativity. Don't miss this inside look at the vision behind 1833 and the moments that shaped Sultan's career thus far.

Hashem is back this month with the ever-inspiring Rami Al Ali. Together, they explore the evolution of Arab couture, from breaking stereotypes to redefining luxury on a global stage. Listen in as they swap stories about navigating tradition and modernity, and that unforgettable moment Rami realized the world was ready for a new wave of Arab designers.

Hashem sits down with acclaimed Syrian fashion designer Rami Al-Ali. Tune in this week to hear about Rami's journey from Damascus to the global fashion stage.

Hashem and the ever-stylish Samir Aghera delve into the dynamic world of luxury retail, discussing Hashem's aesthetic vision for The Lighthouse and Samir's keen eye for detail at Montroi. Listen in as they share insightful anecdotes ranging from Samir's first pop-up and that unforgettable moment when a customer was this close to swiping the card!

Hashem is joined this week by accomplished fashion designer Faiza Bouguessa. The two consider the trials and tribulations of founding a successful business, and the importance of finding an authentic design aesthetic for one's brand. Influenced by vintage elegance, Faiza discusses how ‘Bouguessa' is a display of her own unique, minimalist style, and why she aims to create timeless pieces that resonate with her true self-expression.

This week on The Lighthouse Conversations, Hashem is joined by the talented fashion designer and Creative Director of ‘Bouguessa', Faiza Bouguessa. Tune in this Thursday to hear about her topsy-turvy journey from willing her eponymous fashion brand into existence to Queen B wearing her designs.

Hashem catches up with Avni Doshi, author of ‘Burnt Sugar', which was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. In her book, Avni explores the themes of identity, culture and motherhood. The heartfelt discussion captures the poignant moments of personal growth that permeate her narrative, now seen through the lens of maternal experience, where vulnerability and understanding intertwine. Their conversion navigates Avni's love of astrology, her artistic doubts, and the prospect of her book hitting the big screen. Links Nadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoir. Yasmina Jraissati on unlocking the potential of the Arabic language and how she accidentally became a rebel with a cause.

In our upcoming episode, award-winning novelist Avni Doshi opens up about her literary journey. From the process of crafting her debut novel Burnt Sugar, to grappling with the aftermath of critical acclaim, she shares insights into her creative process and the cultural depth that defines her work. Avni and Hashem's conversion navigates Avni's love of astrology before moving on to her artistic doubts and the prospect of her book hitting the big screen.  Coming to your podcast player August 8!

Chef, hotelier and author Fadi Kattan shares a special recipe to help Hashem reuse his leftover Molokhia. Listen to the full episode with Fadi in your podcast apps right before this one, or on our website: https://thelighthouse.ae/podcast/fadi-kattan/

Hashem catches up with chef, hotelier, and author, Fadi Kattan in Bethlehem. Chef Fadi talks about his newly published cookbook, Bethlehem, which is essentially a celebration of Palestinian Food. It is a beautiful homage to Palestine's food culture conveyed via Fadi's memories. Snippets of oral history are prominently featured including his grandmother's recipes, his twists on traditional Palestinian dishes and the concept of ‘loqma', breaking a dish down to its essence of a single bite. He also highlights the local farmers who inspired him to bring his culinary vision to life. Links Mohamad Orfali on his sensational pivot from TV chef to award-winning restauranteur Bethlehem: A celebration of Palestinian Food Teta's Kitchen on YouTube The Markaz Review: An Oral History of Mulukhiya from Egypt, Palestine, Tunisia and Japan The Maria's Review: Desire and the Palestinian Kitchen The Markaz Review: Sacred fire, Profane fire: From Ritual to Barbecue

This week, we're flipping the script. Art consultant Caroline Louca gets behind the host's mic to chat with Hashem the art collector! As a long-time friend of Hashem's, an art advisor, and former Managing Director of Christie's Dubai, Caroline digs deep into Hashem's passion for art. They talk about Hashem's art enthusiast and academic mother, who exposed him to the world of art, how memories of Egypt's bygone era continue to influence his collection, and why the introduction to seminal GCC artists such as Hassan Sharif was so pivotal to him. Hashem and Caroline also discuss the evolution of The Lighthouse into a vibrant community hub that fosters connections between art-curious individuals and artists. And here's a sneak peek: Hashem comes from art royalty, the father of modern Egyptian painting, Mahmoud Said, being his great granduncle. Links Hashem Montasser tells Youssef el Deeb about his journey from Wall Street to building The Lighthouse Artists & Designers on The Lighthouse Conversations: Maha Mahmoun Myrna Ayad Nada Debs Anoud Alzaben Vilma Jurkute, Alserkal Avenue Tarik Al-Zaharna Maya Allison Isabelle van den Eynde, Gallery IVDE David & Nicholas Cyril Zammit Bokja: Huda Baroudi & Maria Hibri Brendan McGetrick, Museum of the Future Sunny Rahbar, Third Line Gallery Meshary AlNasser Nakkash Gallery: Wajih, Aya & Omar Nakkash Elie Khouri

Hashem catches up with the renowned art collector and CEO of Vivium Holding, his newly established family office. Elie, a self-made man who grew up during Beirut's civil war has had a fascinating career journey, pivoting to advertising early in his career and then building & leading Omnicom Media Group MENA for 18 years. In 2017, he established Vivium Holding, a family office focused on all things Elie, a portfolio that includes real estate, tech and hospitality.  This wide-ranging conversation covers the evolution of advertising in the region, the current state of the Dubai art and design scene as well as his patronage and interest in art. Elie is also a "Shark" on the Dubai edition of the hit reality series Shark Tank and shares key advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. As someone with a keen eye for detail, Elie also picks up on Hashem's unwavering commitment to wearing black!

Hashem catches up with Hamad Al Awar, the founder of the home-grown burger brand, High Joint, a police officer and a creative artist. Having met at a shawarma place in a very interesting coincidence, Hashem decided to bring their conversation to The Lighthouse Podcast room and explore the man with multiple hats. Hamad walks us through how he is able to balance between all of his roles while being a father of four.

Catch our brand new episode this Thursday with Hamad Al Awar, the founder of the beloved home-grown burger brand 'High Joint'.

Hashem catches up with Mohamed Maktabi, the CEO of Iwan Maktabi, the go-to address for rare carpets and textile art in the MENA region. They go back in time as Mohamed reveals the captivating tale of his family's heritage: from his grandfather's migration from Iran to Lebanon, fueled by a passion for collecting the most exquisite carpets, to the present-day business in Beirut and Dubai. Mohamed shares his passion for storytelling through the intricate artistry of carpets and how the business came to be named ‘Iwan Maktabi' (spoiler alert: it's not a family member!).

We're back this week with a brand new episode with Mohamed Maktabi, the man behind the carpet dynasty, Iwan Maktabi. Find it in your podcast player this Thursday.

In our 2023 review episode, our producer Chirag Desai catches up with Hashem to discuss the milestones from this past year such as coping with fear of failure, the allure of leaving a legacy behind and the loneliness of being an entrepreneur. Plus, Hashem talks about his soft spot for the late Queen Elizabeth – and we finally find out why!

Hashem and his producer Chirag look back on 2023, sharing who makes a good podcast host, why fear of failure keeps popping up, and how to make a business outlast its founder.  Catch the new episode, out this Friday!

In this throwback episode from 2023: Our conversation with Ayman Fakkousa, co-founder of The Qode. Hashem and Ayman chat about his experience growing up in Saudi Arabia before eventually moving to Dubai and embarking on a multi-faceted career that culminated in launching his own communications firm at the young age of 30 (with partner Dipesh Depala). Hashem and Ayman also discuss the entrepreneurial energy of Dubai, navigating the pandemic, why The Qode decided to enter the Saudi market, Ayman's dedication to philanthropy, and…the ubiquity of proverbial buses! We'll be back with new episodes in a couple of weeks. Links: Cordoba Advisory's Rami Sarafa on demystifying the art of investing and the importance of psychology in wealth management

Hashem catches up with Mariana Wehbe, the creative force behind MWPR. Renowned for crafting extraordinary events and transformative projects, Mariana shares her journey from surviving the Beirut blast in 2020 to embracing Abu Dhabi as her newfound haven. Stumbling into PR 'by accident', and ending up becoming the PR Queen in the Middle East, Mariana attributes it all to her talent for being an excellent waitress!

Tom Arnel talks about the concept behind The Guild, their ambitious 20,000 sq. ft. space in the Heart of Dubai. You can listen to our full episode with Tom in your podcast player or on our website.

Coming this week, Mariana Wehbe, founder of MWPR, on The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser

Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather's Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC. Known for constantly trying to push the envelope in the F&B industry, Tom candidly discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and how he now manages its day-to-day operations whilst balancing being present for his family. Tom provides a glimpse of the early, pioneering days when he set out to build his first concept, Tom&Serg, what it's like to add ten restaurant venues in a single year, and the fun of raising "Dubai'' kids with their Australian-British-American twang! We also have a bonus episode with Tom talking about pivoting the concept behind The Guild, his new 20,000 sq. ft space in DIFC while facing a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Links: Natasha Sederis Ayman Baki Tom Arnel on Tales of the Trade

Coming this Thursday, Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather's Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC.

Hashem catches up with Pakistani couturier Hassan Sheheryar Yassin, or HSY. In one of our rawest episodes yet, HSY gets candid about his past as the child of a single mother and the effects of poverty and living in a women's shelter. HSY and Hashem then delve deeper into his experience as a medical guinea pig when a bout of blindness led to a series of experimental surgeries. Shaped by early traumatic life events, HSY also shares how his journey led him to move to the US and temporarily conform to Western ideals before finding his footing in his native Pakistan. HSY and Hashem also debate the metrics of success, releasing mortal coils, and a tête-à-tête with William and Kate!  Links: Ayman Fakoussa on launching The Qode, balancing friendship with business, and why he can't let go of Microsoft Excel

Hashem catches up with the Nakkash family: patriarch Wajih Nakkash, his daughter Aya, and son Omar. To celebrate their 40th business anniversary, Wajih recounts how the Nakkash journey started with a showroom in Sharjah in 1983 and an avant-garde Emirati couple that approached him to design the interiors of their home. Wajih also shares how the Nakkash name evolved from a single showroom to a family-run business that includes interiors, has an online presence, and collaborations with his son Omar on new designs while Aya focuses on marketing (and mediating!) They also discuss the role of design fairs in establishing a collectible design market and the challenges of catering to the needs of Dubai's diverse population without being all things to all people. Wajih and Omar also share the importance of storytelling in their business, the challenges of shifting from professional to personal in their daily interactions with each other, and what role Matriarch Mrs. Nakkash's vinyls played!

Diving into the joy of Guatemalan retreats and the love of Microsoft Excel, Hashem sits with Ayman Fakoussa this week to have a wide-ranging conversation. Hashem and Ayman chat about his experience growing up in Saudi Arabia before eventually moving to Dubai and embarking on a multi-faceted career that culminated in launching his own communications firm, The Qode, at the young age of 30 (with partner Dipesh Depala). Hashem and Ayman also discuss the entrepreneurial energy of Dubai, navigating the pandemic, why The Qode decided to enter the Saudi market, Ayman's dedication to philanthropy, and…the ubiquity of proverbial buses!

In this throwback episode to our live episode at The Lighthouse: HE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh shares personal anecdotes from his childhood in Jerusalem, the early days of the UAE when he worked as a translator for HH Sheikh Zayed and the development of its arts and culture scene. While sharing snapshots from his various life experiences with the arts, Zaki weaves a thread between his passion for the arts, storytelling and their impact on not just our imagination but also our identity. We'd love to hear what you think of the live episode. We'll be back with new episodes in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, you can connect with us on on Instagram and find all of our episodes on our website.

In this throwback episode from 2021: Hashem invited Ahmad Al Marri, Founder of Dubai-based ice cream brand Canvas Gelato to the hot seat. Launched in 2017, Canvas Gelato's raison d'être is to produce ice cream that is made exclusively with “real” ingredients and delivered at negative 70 degrees celsius. Ahmad's ice cream delivery concept proved successful and was soon supplied to major outlets including local chocolate maker darling Mirzam and featured by international media such as Monocle magazine. This was a deeply candid conversation where Ahmad talked about his entrepreneurial journey including imposter syndrome and, well, we ate lots of gelato! You can leave us a review in your podcast app, and find us on Instagram.

In this throwback to our first episode from 2019: Hashem talks to Mryna Ayad, the former Editor-in-Chief of art magazine Canvas and now an independent art consultant who continues to shape the way art & artists from the Middle East are represented internationally. In addition to her professional journey that took her from Canvas to Director of Art Dubai, Mryna shares her perspective as a working mother and her mission to shape the perspective of external audiences when it comes to Middle East art.  Myrna has since then, among many other writing and art related activities, released the book Sheikh Zayed: An Eternal Legacy which she talked about on the episode. She was also the conveyer for the new book release Cairo Eternal by Mai ElDib, whom we've had on the show this past June. We would love to hear back from you on what you thought about this episode. You can leave us a review in your podcast app, and find us on Instagram.

Our guest is up-and-coming designer Meshary AlNassar. Hailing from Kuwait, Meshary's journey into interior design started during childhood with American TV pop culture influences The Oprah Winfrey Show and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Hashem and Meshary discuss his “design education” surrounded by an all-female cohort and how he managed to navigate societal disapproval as a Khaleeji designer. Meshary shares how he balances aesthetics vs. technical know-how, maximalism vs. minimalism, clients' expectations vs. personal input, and how his Kuwaiti dentist became an unlikely pivotal client. Hashem and Meshary also chat about all things Kuwait and why Kim K's house went viral! 

Cairo, mon amour! This week Hashem catches up with Sotheby's veteran Mai Eldib, whose recent book release ‘Cairo Eternal' was instantly sought after even by the iconic Fifi Abdou. Hashem and Mai bond over their experiences in Cairo—from overbearing doormen to the perpetual noise factor. Leaving giddiness aside, they agree that what makes Cairo magical, beyond its vast history and layered complexity, is the communal mindset of its people.  Links Mohamed Elshahed on tracing Cairo's human experience, one building at a time Nadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoir

We're throwing it back to our 2022 conversation with Anoud Alzaben. Anoud is a multidisciplinary designer rooted in the practice of architecture. She shared snippets from her childhood growing up in a family steeped in tradition, and how this upbringing has influenced her passions and, ultimately, her career trajectory.  We were delighted to see Anoud's work at one of the main events of this summer—the royal wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussain and Saudi architect Rajwa Al Saif—last week in Amman.  and Anoud discuss her process; the rural and Bedouin roots that continue to influence her work; and their shared appreciation for journaling–whether classically with ink and paper or visually via Instagram Stories._

Hashem catches up with Natasha Sideris after a two-year scheduling ping-pong. He instantly bonds with the iconic restaurateur and founder of Tashas, Avli, and Flamingo Room, over their quest for work-life balance and sustaining a timeless brand with menu classics and sleek interior design. Natasha shares her most cherished metrics for success and what keeps her motivated despite a career spanning over three decades. They also discuss her plans for expansion in Saudi Arabia and the UK, the biggest threats to a restaurant's growth, and why she will invariably decline a Hellenic expansion.  Links: Michelin's Gwendal Poullennec debunks urban legends surrounding the iconic restaurant guide Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on what lies ahead for Dubai's culinary scene

Hashem catches up with publisher Yasmina Jraissati, who manages content strategy and acquisition at Storytel MENA. They explore the commonalities of growing up in Arab homes with a French-speaking parent, and the implications of language on societal participation in the Middle East. Hashem and Yasmina also discuss the lack of Arabic content and attainability—specifically for young adults—and the potential for valuing critical thought and social sciences in Arabic university curriculums. Yasmina also shares her stance on technology and the role of digital content, as well as the challenges facing Arab authors— including schismatic audiences; a lack of archiving and metadata; and inconsistent censorship. Hashem and Yasmina also delve into the nascent world of Arabic audiobooks… and Hashem's future as a voice actor!

On the back of his recent trip to Singapore, Hashem catches up with Ivan Brehm, chef-owner of Michelin-starred restaurant, Nouri. They discuss the essential role storytelling plays in Ivan's “crossroads” menu and how he curated his space at Nouri so that sharing takes center stage enabling his guests to bond and find commonalities. Hashem and Ivan also discuss navigating the delicate balance between the prizes and perils of social media as a marketing tool and going after food awards. As a self-described Brazilian “mutt,” Ivan also stresses the value of hybridity, and his unswerving curiosity for the stories that people share. We also learn from Ivan how ownership of Nouri became a learning curve about F&B's business aspects; and the best advice he ever received from his mother. Links: Bedouinfoodie Hani AlMalki on the multi-cultural cuisine of the Hijaz region and the real origins of Hummus

In our bonus episode, Hashem and Shereen chat about social media as a marketing tool and the science behind cold showers. Oh, and why to keep your icy immersions to yourself!  You can listen to the full episode with Shereen in your podcast app, and on the web.

Hashem meets up with Shereen Al-Mulla, soon-to-be Master Herbalist, and co-founder of Hikma Rituals, a homegrown brand of botanicals including oils, tinctures and dusts. Hashem and Shereen discuss the beginnings of her journey into herbalism by way of a rose infusion ritual, the desire to reclaim her Iraqi heritage, and the serendipitous meeting with Mahdiah El-Jed, her business partner and co-founder. Shereen talks about the challenges that Hikma Rituals faces going head-to-head with big Pharma and the wellness industry's good, bad and ugly. We also catch a glimpse of Shereen's efforts towards community building and the rewards she reaps by mending client ailments…and a bonding session with Hashem over cold water immersions! Here are the books Shereen mentioned on the episode: The flora of Iraq Shahina A. Ghazanfar, A Herbal of Iraq Prof. Aref Abu-Rabia, Indigenous Medicine Among the Bedouin in the Middle East Rania Abou Samra, Tania Tabar & Layla K. Feghali, Li Beirut | herbal + healing support guide Talitha Fanous: Sun Sisters: A Field Guide to Levant Flowers

Hashem catches up with fellow Harvard alumnus and EFG Hermes Pax Americana boot buddy Rami Sarafa, who recently launched Cordoba Advisory Partners, a private wealth management firm. Rami divulges key tips on how to build a strong investment portfolio and demystifies the arcane nature of finance. He is of the view that a key ingredient to successful investing is grasping relational psychology, and possessing a high emotional IQ. Rami also shares some of the challenges and rewards he experienced by launching his own business including how he tries to inspire his team and keep his clients' minds at ease.

In this week's episode we are transported to Cairo via Mexico City. Hashem chats with Mohamed Elshahed, curator, architectural historian and author of Cairo Since 1900: An Architectural Guide. Hashem and Mohamed expand on how Cairo, the architectural compendium of 220 buildings and sites, was put together. They also uncover the challenges and surprises Mohamed and his students encountered during the elaborate process, such as the lack of documentation and presence of women architects. An inspired conversation, Hashem also finds parallels between his own experiences living with family members in academia; Cairo; the POV of an artist's appropriations and how Instagram's Cairobserver became a sleeper hit. Links: Nadia Wassef on narrative structure and trafficking in nostalgia

Hashem catches up with Sunny Rahbar, co-founder of legendary Dubai-based art gallery The Third Line, which is celebrating its 18th year. Our episode quickly morphed into a gem of oral history as Sunny shared her story of growing in and around Dubai's rapidly changing cultural landscape and contributing to the seismic shifts that propelled the evolution of Dubai's art scene back in 2005. Hashem and Sunny also discuss The Third Line's signing of an early roster of fresh, young regional artists and how The Third Line's contribution to the scene catalyzed more collectors to invest in the region rather than simply look West.   Links: Gallerist Isabelle van den Eynde on her curatorial techniques Maya Allison on how she forged a successful artist-curator bond 2022: Don't sweat the technique

Hashem catches up with Ayman Baky, fellow Cairene and Founder of Baky Hospitality. Baky Hospitality is the group behind the award winning restaurants Sachi and Kazoku, as well as Reif Kushiyaki (Cairo) which have reshaped the dining scene in Egypt. Successful, gritty and what many would call “Type A personality,” Ayman is no stranger to risks and learning from mistakes. In our interview, he shares the ups and downs that led to the creation of Baky Hospitality; the challenges of supply chain shortages; his daily routine and what it takes to build a working culture from the ground up.

All good things come to an end and so too did 2022.  As is our podcast tradition, we recorded our year in review on Hashem's birthday with the usual balloons and confetti (yeah right). And with birthdays come reflections on the past and predictions of the future. This includes our podcast which is now in its fourth year.  Hashem, a self appointed “well-traveled gourmand” and our producer Chirag chat about how the show maintains a sense of timelessness (i.e. not chasing current events or monthly trends) while still being part of the zeitgeist. Hashem also offers us a sneak peek into his preparation technique, researching interview questions “just enough” while allowing the conversation to flow spontaneously, deciding which sneakers to wear (hint: his son is a growing influence here) while maintaining his monochrome look. A big merci goes out to all our listeners who have been assiduously following The Lighthouse Conversations podcast, we look forward to releasing many more in 2023. Links to the episodes we mention: Ahmad Al Marri Fadi Ghandour Bokja Founders Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri MENA 50Best Issam Kazim Brendon McGetrick Stasha Toncev Ben Thompson on Acquired

Thank you for checking out The Lighthouse Conversations, a podcast featuring entrepreneurs & tastemakers from the world of arts, culture, tech and food. Our goal with the show is to showcase and celebrate the journey of pioneers in and around the Arab world—their highs and lows so to speak—and how they got to where they did. We're excited to bring you shows full of interesting guests, stimulating conversation and little nuggets that would hopefully make you gasp with delight. We publish new episodes every other Thursday, and you can also follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes videos and more.

In this throwback episode from April 2022: Our conversation with Stasha Toncev, founder of Dubai's award-winning Balkan bistro, 21 Grams. Hailed in the media, Stasha's restaurant was praised as “charming” and “brain melting” by The Financial Times supplement, How To Spend It, and Bill Addison, the Los Angeles Times' celebrated food critic. In a heart-to-heart with Hashem, Stasha opened up about her childhood in Socialist Yugoslavia; her daring move to Dubai with 200 Euros in her pocket and the struggles of launching her restaurant business as a woman of Balkan descent– a double whammy in her view. Stasha and Hashem also talk openly about the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs and the struggles and personal sacrifices Stasha braved for her business. We'll be back with new episodes in January.

In this throwback episode from June 2022: Hashem catches up with Mohamad Orfali, TV celebrity chef extraordinaire, restaurateur and co-founder of the award winning Orfali Bros restaurant in Dubai. When a chance email to Fatafeat founder Youssef El Deeb led to the publication of Orfali's cookbook and subsequent blockbuster cooking TV shows, a new TV celebrity chef was born. Orfali discusses the delicate balancing act of being in front of a camera vs. interacting with guests at his restaurant where he focuses on storytelling. We also delve deeper into Orfali's experience working closely with his two pastry chef brothers, why he doesn't believe in messing with tradition and what makes a really good mulukhiya!  Links: The Lighthouse Conversations with Youssef El Deeb

Our guest this week is Brendan McGetrick, internationally renowned writer, curator, and the creative director of Dubai's Museum of the Future. Hashem and Brendan chat about how his early days in journalism with renowned architect Rem Koolhaas kick started a long standing interest in design and culture. They also delve into the philosophy of 1960s psychedelic culture, what technology means to our collective experience, why curiosity is our most valuable human trait and how Brendan's work provides ways for museum visitors to access the hope within. 

Founded in 2000, Bokja had its first big break in New York City's ABC Carpet & Home with an acquisition of four pieces by Hollywood star Kate Hudson. What followed was a cascade of recognition and accolades by the likes of the FT's How To Spend It and stars like Madonna, Julia Roberts and designer Christian Louboutin. The Bokja duo offers us an insider look into the intricacies of their designs, but also the passion and sacrifices made that sit beneath the glamor of this popular Lebanese brand. We also delve into the psychology of what makes a design duo tick; what sets them apart; what keeps them ahead of trends and how they stay relevant. We also hear about the abandoned palace that became Bokja's HQ for 15 years– rabbit family and squatters notwithstanding!   Links: Financial Times: How to Spent It - “Our future is in Beirut” Nada Debs on The Lighthouse Conversations

We caught up with Ashraf Hebela in a multi-faceted episode discussing cultural hybridity, market declines, serial founders and more. Ashraf heads Startup Banking, plus Analytics & Sales Ops at one of the largest banks of the United States, Silicon Valley Bank. He shares his views on the importance of building long-term relationships with founders and not just the companies they represent. Hashem and Ashraf reminisce about their time as Harvard undergraduates in the 90s and how their college experience delivered a solid backbone for building a supportive network. They also discuss Ashraf's career journey, the so-called “founder mentality'', the value of innovation and invention plus Silicon Valley's ever evolving startup landscape.