A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 | 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛.𝗘. 𝗚𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮."In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose, host Dina H. Sherif is joined by a true pioneer of global development, Her Excellency Dr. Ghada Waly.From the rural fields of Upper Egypt to the high-stakes treaty rooms of the United Nations in Vienna, Ghada Waly’s career has been defined by a singular mission: to center human dignity in the machinery of government.As Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, she didn’t just manage poverty—she innovated against it. She architected Takaful and Karama (Solidarity and Dignity), a conditional cash transfer program that supported millions of families by linking financial aid to education and health, using technology to bridge the gap between the state and the most vulnerable.She later took this "bottom-up" philosophy to the global stage as the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)—becoming the first woman, African, and Arab to hold the post. There, she championed an alternative, holistic perspective on security, arguing that crime is often a symptom of hopelessness, not just a matter of policing.In this intimate conversation, we explore:• The "Real Work": How her early days in micro-finance and field work shaped her policy decisions.• Innovation in Government: How she used digital infrastructure and private sector partnerships to modernize Egypt’s social safety nets.• The Engine of Growth: Why she views entrepreneurship—not aid—as the ultimate graduation from poverty, and her take on Egypt’s shifting policy landscape for startups.• Breaking Barriers: Navigating the UN as an African Arab woman and building consensus in a polarized world.• The Courage to Pause: Her candid reflection on resigning from the UN to prioritize family, and what that says about the true definition of legacy.Join us for a conversation that challenges the status quo and reimagines what it means to lead with purpose.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose, Executive Director Dina H. Sherif is joined by Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, former Chief Investment Officer of The Dubai Future Foundation, and the first woman to lead an IPO in the MENA region.With a career spanning biotechnology, government innovation, and now one of the most active venture capital firms in emerging markets, Noor shares her candid thoughts on what conviction looks like in the face of uncertainty, why capital is never the full story, and how growth markets must build not just for scale—but for sovereignty.Together, they explore the future of venture through the lens of courage, community, and complexity, delving into topics such as:Why “venture isn’t about capital, it’s about conviction”What founders in growth markets need beyond fundingThe danger of extractive capital and how to build sovereign innovation ecosystemsNoor’s personal journey as a founder, mother, and Arab woman navigating global entrepreneurshipThe role of trust, discipline, and storytelling in driving prosperityWhether you’re a builder, investor, or entrepreneur, this conversation will leave you reflecting on how growth markets can lead the way in reimagining prosperity on their own terms.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Maha Abouelenein to explore the power of communication, the responsibility of owning your story, and why she believes self-reliance is the most critical tool in your toolkit. Maha Abouelenein is a powerhouse in global strategic communications—a woman who’s shaped narratives for tech giants, political leaders, and entrepreneurs across the world. From her upbringing as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants in Minnesota to building bridges between global brands and the Arab world, Maha shares her journey, her principles, and her hard-won insights into leadership, legacy, and being a woman in rooms you were never expected to be in. We also unpack her new best-selling book, The 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, and discuss the messages she hopes entrepreneurs, women, and changemakers in growth markets will carry forward.Whether you’re building a startup, a personal brand, or your own confidence—this conversation is for you.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Andrea Kates—a globally respected strategist, bestselling author of From Stuck to Scale, and current Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the MIT Kuo Sharper Center (formerly the MIT Legatum Center). Andrea’s work spans tech, healthcare, climate, and finance, and her frameworks have helped thousands of entrepreneurs unlock their next chapter.Together, we explore how entrepreneurs can shift from uncertainty to momentum, why trust is the true currency of innovation, and why she believes 2025 will be the “year of the leapfrog.” We also dive deep into Andrea’s storytelling approach to business, and how growth markets like Bogota, Nairobi, and Hanoi are leading the future of problem-solving.From insights on corporate transformation to the power of Chōkensei—Japan’s model of society-inspired innovation—this episode offers a deeply practical and human take on scaling what matters.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this powerful episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno—Indonesia’s former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, a seasoned entrepreneur, and global thought leader in inclusive development.From scaling businesses after the Asian Financial Crisis to creating millions of good-quality jobs during COVID-19, Minister Uno’s story is one of resilience, vision, and deep commitment to public service. Together, we explore how his entrepreneurial background shaped his approach to governance, why he believes entrepreneurship is a form of resistance to the status quo, and how countries like Indonesia are rewriting their global narrative through innovation, digital storytelling, and youth empowerment.We also dive into his reflections on faith, family, AI, and the creative economy’s power to shape culture and commerce.Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Ahmed Zahran, CEO of KarmSolar and 2024 Foundry Fellow at the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT. What started as a company born out of frustration and necessity has now become one of Egypt’s leading solar energy firms, transforming the way power is generated and distributed in the region.Ahmed shares his journey from working in corporate energy to being forced out of a job—an event that led to the creation of KarmSolar. We explore the power of entrepreneurship as resistance, the role of adaptive leadership, and why building for the long-term often means letting go of ego and immediate success.We also discuss the future of renewable energy in Egypt, why leadership is about championing others, and what it takes to sustain a mission-driven company against all odds.**This Episode was originally filmed in November 2024**Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this reflective episode of A Legacy of Purpose, Dina H. Sherif welcomes Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy for Technology for the Republic of Kenya and Founding Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, policy, and human connection in driving Africa’s future. Ambassador Thigo shares personal insights into his values-driven journey, the bold vision for technological sovereignty, and the challenges of redefining Africa’s role in the global economy.This conversation delves into the importance of mindset shifts, collaboration across borders, and the urgent need to build a self-sustaining African innovation ecosystem. Through candid storytelling, Ambassador Thigo paints a hopeful picture of a connected, empowered continent while offering a call to action for leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens to embrace their collective potential.Key Topics Discussed:•Values-Driven Leadership: How generosity and purpose shaped Ambassador Thigo’s career in public service and technology.•The Case for Technological Sovereignty: Why Africa must invest in its own innovation infrastructure to break free from cycles of dependency.•Mindset and Connection: The critical role of human connection and collaborative pan-Africanism in driving meaningful change.•Challenges of AI and Advanced Technologies: How Africa can define its own technological future and prevent exploitation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.•A Legacy of Purpose: Ambassador Thigo’s vision for a more connected, empowered Africa.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

Dr. Alaa Murabit’s remarkable journey—from founding The Voice of Libyan Women during the Arab Spring to becoming a global leader in health, equity, and sustainable development—is a testament to her belief in radical resilience. In this episode, Dr. Murabit reflects on the values that shaped her career, the challenges of advocating for women’s leadership in global systems, and the transformative power of faith and community.With practical insights drawn from her groundbreaking TED Talk and her role at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Murabit discusses why resilience requires reimagining not just our systems but also our stories. “You can’t fix the world without fixing health and climate,” she reminds us, offering actionable advice for creating lasting impact in our communities.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

What does it mean to not only witness but actively champion the entrepreneurial spirit across the world? In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, Christopher Schroeder—renowned entrepreneur, investor, and author of Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East—shares his journey from co-founding innovative tech companies in the U.S. to championing the untapped potential of growth markets like MENA, LATAM and ASEAN, Christopher’s story is one of humility, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to solve their own communities’ most pressing challenges. During the conversation, Christopher shared: “There’s something in their teeth… there are problems out there, and not solving them does not make sense. Solving them makes sense. And maybe they’ll win, maybe they’ll lose, but they’re in.”In this episode, Chris discusses:•How his Italian immigrant roots shaped his worldview •His early experiences in tech and the challenges of building trust in new markets •The importance of storytelling and shifting narratives to elevate growth markets •Why fostering innovation in the Middle East, ASEAN, and beyond matters now more than ever Chris’s dedication to championing entrepreneurs globally offers a fresh perspective on curiosity, humility, and the transformative power of technology.About Christopher M. Schroeder:Christopher M. Schroeder is a Washington D.C. and New York City based entrepreneur and venture investor. Aside from co-founding Next Billion Ventures - a leading early stage fund focused on rising markets - he is on the investment committee for Saudi Telecom Ventures, the largest venture capital effort in the Middle East,  and advises Village Global and Endeavor Global on their international investments.  He co-founded HealthCentral.com, one of the nation's largest social and content platforms in health and wellness, backed by Sequoia Capital among others and sold to the global health media publisher, Remedy Health and was previously the CEO of washingtonpost.com.Schroeder is active in the intersection in American and globally of business, tech and policy making. He has served on national and economic security advisory boards, and is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the leading transatlantic think tank and funder of projects supporting rule of law, The German Marshall Fund.He has written extensively about innovation and international economic geopolitical issues for The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Business Insider among others and is seen regularly on CNN and CNBC. He was named one of LinkedIn top 50 Influencers, with over 800,000 followers, and has a leading blog there and on substack. Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In this episode, Dina H. Sherif sits down with Ridzki Kramadibrata, former CEO and Commissioner of Grab Indonesia, to discuss the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership in shaping Southeast Asia’s future. Ridzki reflects on his leadership journey, the unique challenges of growing a super app in emerging markets, and the critical role of innovation and teamwork in navigating crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore how entrepreneurs and leaders can act as catalysts for sustainable prosperity and societal impact, with lessons that resonate far beyond Indonesia.This candid conversation dives into building resilient organizations, cultivating values-driven cultures, and leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. Ridzki also shares his vision for Southeast Asia’s role in the global innovation landscape and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.Key Topics Discussed:•The role of purpose-driven leadership in navigating uncertainty and inspiring teams.•Grab Indonesia’s pivot during the pandemic to support micro-entrepreneurs and sustain livelihoods.•The power of innovation and culture in driving organizational success and societal impact.•Why entrepreneurs in emerging markets must focus on creating solutions that serve local needs.•Ridzki’s hopes for Southeast Asia to define its own narrative and become a global player.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

In the inaugural episode of “A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif,” Dina engages in a powerful and candid conversation with His Excellency President Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of the Republic of Botswana. Together, they explore profound themes of leadership, innovation, and legacy-buildingas President Masisi guides Botswana through one of Africa’s most visionary transitions—from a resource-dependent economy to a dynamic, knowledge-based future. The discussion explores the President’s belief in purpose-driven leadership, the need to reject outdated perceptions of Africa, and his commitment to making sustainable decisions that will shape the continent’s future. He shares insights into Botswana’s ambitious projects in entrepreneurship, innovation, and science and technology, including its upcoming collaboration with the Legatum Center at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through, positioning the country as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent.This episode sets the tone for the podcast, highlighting how purposeful leadership and bold action can leave a lasting legacy of change and progress for future generations. Key Topics Discussed:Botswana’s Visionary Transition: Moving from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven future focusing on innovation and human capital.Purpose-Driven Leadership: President Masisi shares his philosophy of leading with purpose and humility, driven by a mission to serve the greater good.Resetting Africa’s Narrative: President Masisi reflects on the need to reject negative stereotypes and position Africa as a center of innovation and talent.Innovation and Resilience: How Botswana plans to lead with technology and innovation, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for African entrepreneurs.A Legacy of Disruption: President Masisi’s hope to be remembered as a leader who disrupted the status quo for Africa’s collective prosperity.Host: Dina SherifProduced by Sherif ShafieFor Media Inquiries:Sherif Shafie Sloan School of ManagementMassachusetts Institute of Technology292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142