The Courage to Fall

Tony Feghali is joined by Valerie Zakka, industrial expert, consultant, and EQ assessor, for a conversation that moves between business, human behavior, and the realities of growth.Valerie shares how she built her career in a highly technical, male-dominated industry while staying grounded in something many overlook: emotional intelligence. From managing complex projects and global partnerships to navigating trust, setbacks, and expansion into new markets, she offers a perspective shaped by both experience and instinct.They explore what it means to build relationships in business, how to balance speed with judgment, and why trust can be both your greatest strength and your biggest risk. Valérie also opens up about moments that tested her approach and why she chose not to let them change the way she operates.This is a conversation about ambition, discipline, and learning how to move forward without losing yourself in the process.

Tony Feghali is joined by Ralph Azar, sales trainer and founder of Startup Early, for an honest conversation about what happens when a long corporate career suddenly comes to an end, and you’re forced to start over.After more than two decades in the corporate world, Ralph found himself facing a decision he didn’t plan for.Step back into another job or take full ownership of his path. What followed was a shift from structure and security to uncertainty, self-reliance, and building something from the ground up.Ralph shares the reality of that transition, from the silence that replaces constant emails and meetings to the pressure of generating your own opportunities and income. He opens up about the mindset required to move forward, the role AI now plays in modern sales, and how learning to hear “no” becomes one of the most valuable skills you can develop.They explore the difference between training and real impact, why most companies only check boxes instead of building capability, and how adopting the right mindset can completely change the way teams perform.

Tony Feghali sits down with Dr. Mona Itani for an honest conversation about courage, reinvention, and what it really means to start over.Mona shares her journey from telecom engineering into academia, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Along the way, she reflects on the calculated risks that shaped her career, the challenge of stepping into junior roles again despite years of experience, and the emotional process of letting go of the social enterprise she built.They discuss the deeper meaning of courage, not just taking risks, but having the clarity to make difficult decisions, the resilience to rebuild, and the humility to begin again when necessary.The conversation also touches on purpose, motherhood, impact, and Mona’s growing focus on AI ethics and on the responsibility to shape technology to serve humanity.This episode is a reminder that success is rarely linear. Sometimes the most courageous move is not pushing forward at all costs, but having the wisdom to change direction while staying true to your larger vision.

Tony Feghali speaks with entrepreneur and business advisor André Abi Awad about leadership, resilience, and supporting business owners during uncertain times in Lebanon.As the country faces another difficult period, André recently reached out to entrepreneurs across Lebanon to offer support and guidance. That message sparked this conversation.André shares lessons from his own journey, including going bankrupt twice early in his career before rebuilding and going on to train and advise entrepreneurs in more than 50 countries. Those experiences shaped how he now helps others navigate crisis and uncertainty.The conversation explores how business owners can regain clarity when fear and disruption take over, why speed of understanding and action matters during difficult moments, and how entrepreneurs can develop what André calls an anti-fragile mindset, emerging stronger from challenges rather than simply surviving them.André also explains the initiative he launched to bring together small groups of Lebanese business owners for mastermind sessions designed to help them rethink strategies, support one another, and find opportunities even amid uncertainty.

Thirty years after sharing a stage together, Tina Jarrous joins me for a very different kind of conversation.After a 25-year career in television, Tina made a life-changing decision. She left the spotlight, moved countries at 45, navigated separation from her children geographically, and rebuilt her life from the ground up.In this episode, we explore what it means to recycle yourself when a chapter ends unexpectedly. We talk about identity beyond titles, transitioning from public presence to private impact, and the resilience required to start again when you thought you were already established.Tina shares her journey from media into executive and trauma coaching, the intimacy of one-on-one work, and why self-trust is the most powerful asset you can build. We also touch on the evolving world of coaching, AI, and what remains irreplaceable about human connection.This conversation is about nonlinear lives, endings that become beginnings, and learning to believe in yourself one percent more.

Tony sits down with transformational coach Christiane Hajjar for an honest conversation about reinvention, self-worth, and building a career rooted in purpose.Christiane shares how she transitioned from years of family life and humanitarian work into pioneering image consulting in a region where the field did not yet exist. Facing skepticism, cultural resistance, and her own complicated relationship with money, she had to learn not only how to build a business, but how to value her expertise and charge for it with confidence.They explore the emotional side of entrepreneurship, including burnout, stepping away from a thriving career, and returning to a completely different professional landscape shaped by social media and constant visibility. Christiane reflects on delegation, protecting her energy, and redefining success beyond numbers and external validation.

In this episode of The Courage to Fall, Tony Feghali sits with innovation consultant Noor Abu Jbara to explore how falling is not failure, and why the way we meet our fears matters more than avoiding them.Through her early journey with horseback riding, Noor reflects on fear, hesitation, and what it takes to rebuild inner stability. She shares how learning to ride helped her let go of perfection, accept uncertainty, and build courage one ride at a time.They discuss the emotional curve of setbacks, the power of self-awareness, and why surrendering is sometimes the first step toward real progress. Noor shares moments when life felt out of control and how the simple act of “getting back in the saddle” shaped how she now approaches work, healing, and growth.

In this episode of The Courage to Fall, Tony and co-host Sally Shamieh sit down with Salim Zwein, an agricultural engineer, founder of Izra’a, and passionate advocate for sustainable farming in Lebanon.From his childhood obsession with trees to building rooftop ecosystems and founding a 200,000-member farming community, Salim shares how grief, curiosity, and grit shaped his journey.They explore the art of reading the land, why experimentation is a privilege, and how creating a pesticide-free jungle on a rooftop became the seed for something much bigger.Salim opens up about the real challenges of scaling a grassroots agritech platform in Lebanon and the vision driving him. A world where farmers thrive, communities connect, and nature is seen as a partner, not a problem.His story is one of quiet resilience, systems thinking, and finding purpose in the dirt. Literally.

Tony Feghali sits down with longtime friend and yogi Eugénie “Gino” Kadid Sayegh for an honest and spirited conversation about love in business. From Mandela’s humble strength to Elon Musk’s controversial drive, they unpack what it truly means to lead with heart or without it.Drawing on Gino’s deep connection to energy, prayer, and people, they explore the role of ego, faith, forgiveness, and confidence in shaping the leaders we follow and admire. What makes someone worth following? And can success without love ever be enough?From laughter to reflection, this episode is a reminder that the best leaders don’t just build companies, they lift people.

Tony Feghali sits down with creative technologist Ziad Nassar for a mind-expanding conversation on the future of brand building in the age of AI. From his early design experiments in Beirut to launching ProjectBloom, Ziad shares how he is pioneering a model where multi-agent AI systems co-create content, disrupt traditional workflows, and open new doors for underrepresented voices.They explore how fashion, architecture, and digital design intersect with identity, the role of AI as a collaborator rather than a tool, and what it means to be radically inclusive in creative industries. Ziad unpacks the evolution of Agent Bloom, the risks of automation without soul, and why the future belongs to those who dare to reimagine the process rather than just the product.

Tony Feghali sits down with global leadership guide Samantha Sacchi for a courageous exploration of integrating feminine and masculine energies, and what it means to lead with wholeness in today’s shifting world. From a chance encounter on the Camino de Santiago to bold work in Saudi Arabia, Samantha shares her journey of building safe spaces for women and reshaping how organizations approach power and purpose.They explore the deep inner work behind conscious leadership, the cultural shifts transforming the Arabian Gulf, and why true leadership is about connection. Samantha unpacks her experiences running emotional intelligence programs in Riyadh, navigating taboos, and witnessing the rising spark of young Saudi women who are redefining what’s possible.

Tony Feghali reflects on what happens when a role you’ve mastered starts to feel too small. This episode explores the quiet moment between chapters, where you’re not abandoning who you’ve been, but giving space to who you’re becoming. For anyone sensing a shift, but unsure where it’s taking them, this one’s a gentle companion on the way forward.

Stepping inside nine makerspaces across Europe, Tony Feghali uncovers lessons that go beyond craft, lessons about focus, stillness, rhythm, and how meaningful work often starts with presence. From quiet benches to curious conversations, this journey is a reminder that what we build is shaped by how we build it.

Tony Feghali reflects on how fatherhood and coaching shape each other, how presence at home sharpens presence at work, and how listening, trust, and rhythm can deepen both roles. This conversation offers a warm and honest exploration of the intersection between leadership and parenting, and how being present with heart, whether with clients or children, can create a profound, lasting impact. A quiet tribute to the dads, coaches, and anyone learning to lead with care.

Tony Feghali reflects on a different kind of success, one that’s built with clarity, led with intention, and felt in the quiet moments. This conversation explores how alignment can impact our growth, decision-making, and leadership, without getting lost in the noise. For anyone seeking a rhythm that feels honest and steady, this one’s for you.

Clarity often gets lost in the rush. We unpack Tony Feghali’s perspective on slowing down your thinking to speed up your decisions—without the noise, the second-guessing, or the scramble. When you give yourself space to reflect, alignment comes easier, and momentum feels lighter.

What happens when you delay a decision? In this episode, we explore how indecision quietly shapes your outcomes — draining time, energy, and trust. Tune in for a quick, honest take on why clarity matters and how to move forward with intention.

Every professional deserves a filter that protects what matters most.This conversation unpacks Tony Feghali’s 5-question clarity check — a framework to help you pause, reflect, and commit with intention.It’s about saying yes to what moves your mission forward with focus, purpose, and peace of mind.

Every leader deserves a decision-making rhythm that reflects how they think best. In this conversation, we explore Tony Feghali’s approach to designing thoughtful, spacious choices—ones that don’t chase urgency but move with clarity, alignment, and calm momentum.

What makes someone a truly impactful coach? We explore Tony Feghali’s candid take on the lived experience behind great coaching, where falling, learning, and rising again are part of the job description. This conversation dives into how real-world setbacks, clarity through chaos, and earned perspective shape the kind of coach who doesn’t just offer theory but shows up with deep presence, sharp questions, and grounded support.

Support doesn’t always come after success—sometimes, it’s what gets you there. Hala and Rami dive into Tony Feghali’s reflections on when business coaching matters most—not when everything’s polished, but when clarity is scarce, decisions are heavy, and leadership feels lonely. This conversation is for anyone building in real time, navigating growth, and realizing they don’t need all the answers—they just need the right space to ask better questions.

Stuck isn’t always a strategy problem—it’s a signal to pause and ask better questions. We unpack three of Tony Feghali’s go-to coaching prompts that help clear the fog, surface what’s really holding us back, and reconnect with clarity. Whether you're facing indecision, fear, or just plain burnout, these questions are designed to shift your thinking and move you forward—without burning it all down.

Zero to three is where dreams feel most fragile—and most real. It’s the season of late nights, quiet doubts, and choosing to keep going when no one’s watching. We explore Tony Feghali’s take on this messy, make-or-break phase—where survival matters more than scaling, and staying true to yourself is the boldest move of all.

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we explore an article by Tony Feghali—mothers as the original coaches. Long before coaching became a profession, mothers everywhere were practicing its core principles. Join us, Hala and Rami, as we break down five powerful reasons why mothers embody what it means to be a great coach. Whether biological, adoptive, chosen, or spiritual, they’ve been holding space, believing in us, and leading with empathy from day one.

Deep Dive Dardachāt explores one of Tony Feghali’s personal stories—The Saudi Uber Driver. What begins as a simple ride through Riyadh during Ramadan becomes a powerful reflection on human connection, generosity, and the shared moments that transcend differences.Join us as we unpack this meaningful encounter: how a small gesture—a bottle of water and a handful of dates—offered by a fasting Uber driver became a profound reminder of the kindness that connects us all. Can the smallest acts of generosity reveal the deepest truths about who we are? And what happens when we slow down enough to truly receive them?

In this episode, we explore Saudi Arabia’s startup revolution, a rapidly growing ecosystem that is redefining entrepreneurship in the region. Based on insights from Dr. Tony Feghali’s interview on The Network Podcast, we break down the key factors driving this boom—from government investment and a young, tech-savvy population to returning expats bringing global expertise.Join us as we dive into what makes Saudi’s startup culture unique, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how passion, purpose, and collaboration are shaping a new model of innovation. Can this bold approach to startups inspire change beyond Saudi Arabia? And what lessons can founders everywhere learn from this transformation?

In this episode, we explore The Faller Archetypes, a framework that uncovers how we instinctively react to setbacks and falling. Join us as we break down these twelve archetypes, from the Critic, who fixates on flaws, to the Bouncer, who moves on too quickly, to the Strategist, who always has a plan. How do our default responses to falling shape our growth? And can understanding these patterns help us turn setbacks into stepping stones for success?

In this episode, we explore Tony Feghali’s blog post about a service taxi ride in Beirut, an everyday experience that reveals deeper truths about Lebanon’s economic struggles, resilience, and human connection. Join us as we unpack this powerful story—how a simple ride can reflect unspoken hardships, quiet acts of generosity, and the dignity people fight to preserve. Can looking beyond the surface of daily interactions change how we understand true support and solidarity?

Not all value is measured in money. In this episode of Deep Dive Dardachāt, Hala and Rami explore my concept of Bitmoons—a hidden social currency built on generosity, trust, and human connection.Unlike Bitcoin, which is scarce and transactional, Bitmoons thrive on giving and reciprocity. From helping a friend to supporting a colleague, we’re constantly investing in relationships without even realizing it. But how do we balance giving without burnout? And can this invisible currency lead to real-world success?

In this episode of Deep Dive Dardachāt, we explore Tony Feghali’s blog post about Gino, a woman whose life is a testament to resilience, faith, and adventure. From hiking Lebanon’s trails to surviving a life-altering diagnosis, Gino embraces every moment with fearless energy. Join us as Hala and Rami dive into her incredible journey, uncovering lessons on perseverance, spirituality, and living life to the fullest!

In this episode of Deep Dive Dardachāt, we explore Tony Feghali’s blog post, What Bread-Baking Taught Me About Mentorship. At first glance, baking and mentorship might seem unrelated, but Tony explains that both require patience, the right mix of ingredients, and a deep understanding of when to guide and when to step back. Just like a baker nurtures dough to rise, a great mentor creates the right environment for growth, learning, and resilience. Join us as we break down Tony’s insights and uncover what mentorship and a perfect loaf of bread have in common!

In this episode, we explore Tony Feghali’s TEDx talk at TEDxSJS Cornet Chahwan YOUTH, where we discuss how AI can help preserve culture. Tony shares his vision of using technology to safeguard languages, traditions, and stories, ensuring they thrive in a digital world. Rather than replacing culture, AI can act as a bridge between generations, making heritage more accessible and alive.

In the debut episode, we explore the work and impact of Tony Feghali, a renowned business coach, educator, and innovator. Tony’s career is rooted in empowering entrepreneurs, guiding them from idea to execution, and helping them navigate the challenges of building something meaningful. With decades of experience at the crossroads of education, technology, and business, Tony has dedicated his life to creating tools, strategies, and mindsets that inspire growth and resilience. Tune in as Hala and Rami introduce you to the essence of Tony’s mission and his transformational approach to coaching and leadership.