Wael Doukmak, CEO of R2L Innovations & Ahlan Inc.: From Damascus to Global Leadership and Impact

Wael Doukmak, CEO of R2L Innovations & Ahlan Inc.: From Damascus to Global Leadership and Impact Born in Damascus, Syria, in 1961 Migration journey: Syria → Canada → Athens, Georgia, USA, for graduate studies Podcast Overview In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, Wael Doukmak joins the Leader Who Cares series to discuss his multicultural journey, entrepreneurial drive, leadership lessons, and the evolving role of technology and AI. Wael shares his personal story, the influences that shaped his worldview, and how he is leveraging his wealth of experience to drive impact across sectors. 01:02- Who is Wael Doukmak, and what is his background? Born in Damascus, Syria, in 1961 Migration journey: Syria → Canada → Athens, Georgia, USA, for graduate studies Married with three children and two grandchildren Eldest of five siblings, with a unique relationship with his mother due to their small age gap Currently lives in Dallas; previously lived in Athens, Georgia As a child, he was a curious reader, inspired by his father’s pharmacy and a neighboring bookstore Entrepreneurial by nature, with a constant thirst for learning and discovering new things 13:31- What early influences shaped Wael’s values and leadership style? Observing his father’s generosity as a pharmacist serving the community in Damascus Developing empathy and embracing “quiet leadership”—making a difference without seeking recognition Applying these values to entrepreneurship and building businesses that create meaningful impact Understanding the responsibility that comes with employing and supporting others 09:49- How did Wael transition between different fields and roles? Began his career with backgrounds in pharmacy and computer science Prioritized continuous learning and exploring opportunities across disciplines Built and operated an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Northeast Georgia (NEGAIA) Unexpectedly taught Arabic at the University of Georgia, leading to unique translation and interpretation opportunities  16:13- How did Wael become CNN’s go-to Arabic interpreter during the Iraq War? Became well known locally for his Arabic language skills while teaching at the University of Georgia Was approached directly by CNN before the Iraq War because of his reputation as a translator Despite having no formal interpreting background, he stepped up out of a desire to help during a pivotal global event Interpreted live broadcasts and high-stakes news moments, including Saddam Hussein’s first address after the initial strikes Reflected on the responsibility of accurately conveying messages across languages and cultures 22:30- What roles did Wael play in international telecom and technology transformation? Moved to Saudi Arabia after a personal loss while exploring new business opportunities Joined Cisco on a unique contract, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2020 and the country’s telecom transformation Later joined Qatar’s telecom company, Ooredoo, where he helped scale infrastructure in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Observed the importance of a clear national vision and strong alignment between leadership and citizens in Qatar 34:03- How does Wael view and approach artificial intelligence today? Sees AI as a powerful tool for progress when it is used to serve people—not replace them Believes society will eventually find the right balance in using AI responsibly Highlights opportunities for AI in smart cities, healthcare, translation, and education Passionate about combining AI with language training and personalized learning experiences RESOURCES: Learn more about Wael Doukmak: LinkedIn Enjoyed this podcast? “I felt like a sponge, thirsty for things that are new,” Wael recalls. To him, being entrepreneurial wasn’t a buzzword—it was a deep desire to discover, learn, and help. Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights throughout your network. Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people as we bring conversations with leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay informed and hear from emerging achievers and experts from around the world. Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm. You can find us at: Website: www.tbcy.in Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06 Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/ YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB Thanks for listening! Profile Wael Doukmak is a multicultural entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience driving innovation and growth across multiple industries. His global career has shaped a leadership style rooted in adaptability, cross-cultural collaboration, and continuous learning. Wael is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, to create meaningful business value and positive societal impact. 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