Builders

"If you’re explaining, you’re losing." In this episode, we sit down with legendary FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference, Chris Voss. He reveals why your "elevator pitch" is likely failing, how to use the power of "No" to get what you want, and the neuroscience-backed secrets to winning any business deal or fixing any relationship.Chris shares his "Accusations Audit" technique and explains why emotional intelligence—not logic—is the true key to human persuasion. If you've ever felt like you were "vomiting words" in a high-pressure meeting, this conversation is your antidote.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comConnect with Chris Voss:🌐 Website: blackswanltd.com📘 Book: Never Split the DifferenceIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why silence is your most powerful diagnostic tool.How to disarm an adversary by letting them "mentor" you.The "HALT" method for knowing exactly when to walk away from a deal.🕒 Episode Chapters00:00 – The 6-Second Rule: Why Explaining is Losing01:24 – The Sequencing Secret: Listening vs. Explaining02:41 – The Power of "That’s Right" and Being Corrected03:52 – Logic vs. Emotion: What Actually Drives Decisions?05:51 – The Academic Trap: Why Being "Eloquent" Fails06:30 – How to Fix Your Elevator Pitch (The Accusations Audit)07:43 – The Inoculation Effect: Warning People of "Harsh" News10:19 – How Chris Voss Disarmed Kevin O’Leary at a Staircase13:00 – Lessons from the Philippines: The "Team" on the Other Side16:34 – The Power of the Obvious Question18:52 – Why You Should Start with "No" (The Autonomy Principle)21:23 – Case Study: Using "No" to Save an FBI Career23:37 – What Emotions Are People Most Blind To?25:20 – 3 Steps to Becoming a Better Negotiator Tomorrow28:14 – Weaponizing Your Name: The "I'm Chris" Technique30:06 – Labeling: The Neuroscience of Diminishing Fear34:02 – Influence vs. Manipulation: What’s the Difference?35:20 – When to Walk Away: Identifying "H.A.L.F." Clients38:58 – How Negotiation Skills Can Take You to Private Jets

In this episode, I sit down with Philip Bahoshy, founder & CEO of Magnitt, to break down what’s really happening to venture capital in MENA amid rising geopolitical tensions.We’re recording this at a critical moment, and the big question is:Are we on the verge of losing an entire generation of startups?Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comGet reports from https://magnitt.com/Follow Philip for more insights on MENA VC https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbahoshy/We go deep into:- Why late-stage funding gets hit first in every crisis- The hidden cracks in the MENA startup ecosystem- What founders should do in the next 30–90 days- Where the real opportunities are (AI, infrastructure, defense, and more)- Whether sovereign funds can replace international capitalIf you’re a founder, investor, or operator in MENA, this is essential listening.00:00 Are we entering a funding freeze?02:30 What actually breaks during a crisis06:10 Why late-stage funding collapses first07:20 What founders should do now09:20 The risk of losing a generation of startups21:20 Where the real opportunities are (AI & infrastructure)24:20 Why exits and liquidity will slow down30:20 Can sovereign capital save MENA VC?

In this episode, I sit down with Alain Bejjani, former Group CEO of Majid Al Futtaim, one of the largest conglomerates in the Middle East operating multi-billion dollar businesses across retail, real estate, and entertainment.We break down what actually happens when companies scale — and why most leaders unknowingly become the biggest bottleneck in their own organization.This is not theory. This is how leadership, decision-making, culture, and power really work inside a $10B+ company.We cover:Why founders and executives become bottlenecksThe real role of leadership vs governanceCentralization vs decentralization (and when each fails)Why office politics are unavoidableHow great CEOs think about talent, performance, and potentialWhat actually destroys large companiesIf you're a founder, product leader, or operator — this will change how you think about leadership.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro: Leading at $10B scale01:00 – Startups vs conglomerates: what really changes04:30 – The leadership bottleneck problem07:30 – “Your business is not your baby”10:30 – Incentives: salary vs equity13:15 – The reality of office politics15:10 – Centralization vs empowerment20:20 – How CEOs allocate capital29:20 – Hiring, promotion & CEO judgment32:45 – What destroys companies

Join me on this episode of Future Money as I sit down with Gaurav Dhar, Group CEO of Marshall Fintech Partners and early backer of Tabby—MENA’s first fintech unicorn. We dive into how he transformed a 40-year family payments business into a regional tech powerhouse across 18 countries, why Dubai’s rise to global fintech hub has also made it a target for fraud, and his bold predictions on AI “cannibalizing” entire industries. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on building unfair advantages, spotting emerging trends 6-12 months early, and navigating the next wave of disruption.🔑 Key Takeaways & SEO Keywords:- Fintech ecosystem in MENA- Family business transformation- AI disruption in finance- Angel investing & Tabby insights- Dubai as a global tech hub👍 Enjoyed this deep dive?• Smash that Like button• Subscribe for weekly expert interviews• Drop your questions in the Comments• Connect with Gaurav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-dhar00:00 Intro & Welcome 01:05 Who Is Gaurav Dhar & His Fintech Journey 04:20 Origins: Marshall Fintech Partners in the ’80s 08:15 Transforming a Legacy Family Business 12:30 Scaling Across 18 Countries 16:10 Dubai’s Evolution into a Global Fintech Hub 19:45 Why Fraud Is Now a Major Threat 23:20 Angel Investing 600+ Startups 27:50 Early Lessons from Tabby’s Unicorn Path 32:10 How to Spot 6-Month Market Leads 35:30 Predictions: M&A Trends Next 3–5 Years 38:45 The Future of Fintech Layers by Industry 42:10 AI Cannibalizing Entire Industries 45:50 Building an Unfair Advantage in Fintech 49:05 How to Get Involved with Angel Spark & Mina Fintech 52:15 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

In this episode, I sit down with Samer ElSahn, a product and scaling leader who has worked inside some of the region’s most influential companies: Souq, Careem, Nana, and Floward.Samer shares hard-earned lessons from scaling startups across the Middle East — and why many companies don’t fail… they simply stall.Subscribe my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comSamer ElSahn's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samerelsahn/We discuss:• Why scaling startups in MENA is harder than it looks• The hidden difference between product-market fit and scale• Why growth suddenly disappears after early traction• The one core problem behind most startup struggles• Why founders often solve symptoms instead of root causes• How companies like Careem and Souq scaled operationally• Why most teams that build a startup can’t scale itIf you're a founder, product leader, or operator, this conversation will change how you think about growth, teams, and scaling companies.Chapters0:00 Intro1:00 Why Most Startups Never Truly Scale3:00 Early Adopters vs Mass Market6:00 The Real Reason Startup Growth Disappears10:30 Lessons from Scaling Careem16:30 How Souq Built the E-commerce Playbook25:00 The Theory of Constraints for Startups33:30 Builder vs Scaler Mindset41:40 Why Process Makes Teams Faster52:30 Why MENA Startups Struggle to Scale57:30 The One Thing Founders Must Fix Before Scaling

Very few people on the planet have built products used by 2+ billion people. Today’s guest is Uri Levine — co-founder of Waze (acquired by Google) and early founder of Moovit (acquired for $1B+), and the author of “Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution.”In this episode, Uri breaks down the real mechanics behind breakout products—starting with the problem, not the tech. We go deep on:- The real “Eureka moment” that led to Waze (and why traffic was only the trigger)-Why certainty (ETA accuracy) beat “saving time” as the true value prop- How to validate a problem properly (including the “talk to 100 people” rule)- Why retention is the only real metric of product-market fit- The leadership decisions that separate companies that scale from those that stall- - Why simplicity wins—and how great products become “embarrassingly simple”Quick note: you may notice my voice is a bit hoarse in this episode—I was losing my voice that day, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to sit down with Uri. Thank you for bearing with me.If you’re a founder, product manager, or builder, this conversation is a masterclass.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comUri's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-levine/Uri's book: https://urilevine.com/book/Concise Chapters / Timeline00:00 – The traffic moment that sparked Waze01:25 – Why founders start: emotional problems, not ideas03:00 – From idea to company: how Waze really began05:00 – Crowdsourcing as a moat (and how trust was built)07:30 – The real value of Waze: certainty over speed09:00 – How to validate a problem before building12:00 – “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution”18:00 – Startups are a journey of failure (and iteration)23:30 – Leadership lessons: hiring, firing, and hard decisions31:45 – Product-market fit explained: retention is the metric44:00 – Simplicity wins: why fewer features beat better tech58:45 – When startups die: scaling before the product is ready01:09:20 – Acquisition lessons: what success actually feels like01:12:10 – Final principles: good enough, problem-first, simplicity

Builder.ai hit a $1.5B valuation—then collapsed into insolvency. In this first long-form interview after the downfall, founder Sachin Dev Duggal joins Mahmoud Khodor to go beyond the headlines.We unpack what Builder.ai was actually building (feature “Lego blocks,” an end-to-end SDLC redesign, and the “Natasha” AI product manager), what was genuinely automated vs. human-led, and why the viral “700 engineers” narrative doesn’t match his account. Sachin also addresses the toughest questions: alleged AI-washing, revenue recognition shifts, reseller performance, lender actions, board dynamics, and what happened in the final weeks before insolvency.If you care about startups, venture-backed scale-ups, AI product truth vs. hype, and how companies break under pressure—this is the full story, with nuance.Keywords: Builder.ai, Sachin Dev Duggal, Builder AI insolvency, startup collapse, AI washing, fraud allegations, revenue recognition, venture capital, SaaS, software development automation, Natasha AI product manager, no-code vs low-code, SDLC, code generation, expert network.Chapters 0:00 Insolvency announcement: finding out via email/Bloomberg0:33 What this interview covers (beyond “fraud” headlines) + disclaimer1:17 Origin story: from photo-sharing idea to “software as features”3:31 The big insight: most apps share the same core features5:18 How Builder.ai redesigned the SDLC (feature as the atomic unit)8:36 Automation vs humans: what AI did, what people still had to do12:29 “Natasha” explained: AI PM, scoping, specs, storyboards18:30 Codegen reality: what worked, what stayed “lab-only”21:13 “700 engineers” narrative + “human-assisted AI” positioning25:49 What drove the biggest cost/time reduction (Lego + AI + run engine)32:17 Why Builder.ai didn’t fit neatly into no-code, agencies, or vibe coding41:58 What changed in 2023–2025: media narratives, board/leadership tension54:12 Inflated sales & revenue recognition: how the numbers shifted1:10:07 Lending $300K to make payroll + the pre-pack plan shock1:17:01 “What’s next?” The new thesis: a neurosymbolic “Second Brain”

We turned a “boring” laundromat idea into a $1M ARR tech brand in under a year.In this episode, I sit down with Jad Halaoui, co-founder of Washmen, to break down how they validated the idea with a scrappy Facebook ad, hit $1M ARR in year one, and then built a vertically integrated laundry operation that now processes hundreds of thousands of garments per month.We go deep into:How Jad left a safe oil & gas career to bet on himself in DubaiThe smoke test that proved people wanted app-based laundry before they wrote a single line of codeWhy next-day delivery hurt quality and how they iterated their way to product-market fitThe decision to shift from asset-light to fully owning the supply chain (and why margins improved)Crazy ops details: RFIDs, four-corner QR codes, color-sorted orders, and 99.95% on-time itemsWhy every garment is a piece of a customer’s identity, not just a piece of clothingIf you’re building a consumer brand, obsessed with operations, or thinking about betting on yourself, this one is packed with stories and lessons.Concise Timeline / ChaptersYou can paste this directly into YouTube:0:00 – QR code “innovation” and hitting $1M ARR0:57 – How the idea for Washmen was born3:05 – Leaving oil & gas to bet on himself and move to Dubai5:04 – Validating Washmen with a Facebook ad and free underwear7:33 – Incubator, seed round, and launching the first app in 201513:52 – Early ops pain: next-day delivery, quality issues, and fixing the model16:20 – Testing wash & fold, building their own facility, and Series B19:02 – Scaling to hundreds of thousands of garments with RFIDs & cameras20:23 – Early growth from Facebook/Instagram ads and viral content24:40 – From advertising-led growth to word of mouth & brand love26:28 – Why Washmen won: timing, drive, and not having a safety net32:01 – People strategy, training, and moving from firefighting to offense34:26 – Clothes as identity: emotional attachment and The Finery40:25 – Respecting the craft: tiny details, four-corner QR codes, and ops pride42:26 – Where to find Jad and learn more about Washmen

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Kelly – founding executive editor of WIRED, legendary futurist, and author of The Inevitable, Excellent Advice for Living, and the new photo book Colors of Asia.We go way beyond AI hype and talk about why we’re probably overestimating AI in the next 5–10 years but massively underestimating it over the next 100, how emotional and empathetic AIs will become our companions, and why Kevin believes great artists won’t lose their jobs to AI.We also dive into why enthusiasm is worth 25 IQ points, why clear writing and communication beat raw intelligence for builders and designers, how to think with your whole body, Kevin’s painful writing process, and his marriage advice from 39+ years together.If you’re a product builder, designer, founder, or just trying to understand the future we’re stepping into, this is a conversation to sit with, not skim.Subscribe to my newsletter https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comKevin new book, colors of Asia https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Asia-Journey-KEVIN-KELLY/dp/B0FGJ18PG5#:~:text=What's%20it%20about?,artifacts%20from%20Turkey%20to%20Japan.00:00 – Intro & “AI bigger than electricity or fire?”01:21 – We overestimate AI now, underestimate 100 years from now03:00 – Many AIs vs one monolithic AI05:00 – Emotional AI & empathetic agents11:20 – Will AI replace human artists?14:00 – Jobs, coders & the 25% productivity boost19:00 – AI uncertainty: jobs, AGI & central vs edge compute23:40 – “Once in history” moment & AI surprises33:00 – Enthusiasm, intelligence & communication41:40 – Writing as clear thinking48:20 – Marriage advice & fears of divorce50:16 – Colors of Asia & disappearing cultures

In this episode, positioning legend April Dunford breaks down why “product-market fit” is a myth, how founders should think about positioning, and what separates products that grow from those that disappear.We talk about April’s early days turning a failing database product into a billion-dollar success, why most startups get positioning completely wrong, and how to make customers finally get what you do in 30 seconds.If you’re a founder, product manager, or marketer, this episode will completely change how you think about your product story, differentiation, and growth.Subscribe to my newsletterhttps://www.mahmoudkhodor.comConnect with April on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/Visit her website: https://www.aprildunford.com/Buy her book: https://www.amazon.ae/Ambient-Press-Obviously-Awesome-Positioning/dp/1999023005⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro | Who is April Dunford?03:00 – The database that failed – and then didn’t08:00 – How positioning saved the product15:00 – Why “Product-Market Fit” is a myth22:00 – Positioning vs Branding vs Messaging28:00 – The real sign you’ve found your market34:00 – How to create an Actionable Segmentation42:00 – When bad positioning kills good startups51:00 – Why positioning is a team sport1:05:00 – Building KChat and testing our own positioning1:12:00 – April’s new book update + final advice

What happens when your AI chatbot accidentally tries to buy a car for $0?In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Kabrit, co-founder of Seez.co , the startup once known as the “Shazam for Cars.”From scraping car data to building an AI platform used by major dealerships across Europe and the Middle East, Andrew shares how a single pivot turned Seez from a consumer app into a thriving B2B automotive SaaS company.Subscribe to my newsletter https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comAndrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-kabritSeez's website https://seez.coWe dive deep into:🚗 How Seez built early AI models before ChatGPT existed💡 The “bot that bought a car for zero”, and what it taught the team📈 Pivoting from millions of users to a few key enterprise clients🏠 Building a startup from a bare Dubai penthouse with no AC or furniture🤖 Creating Caesar, the AI sales assistant transforming car dealerships💥 The mindset that helped Seez get acquired and scale globallyIf you’re into startup stories, AI, product pivots, or building in the Middle East, this one’s for you.🕒 Chapters / Timeline00:00 – Intro: From Shazam for Cars to Dealer AI01:00 – The $0 car offer: When AI went rogue03:00 – Building Seez in a Dubai penthouse with no AC05:00 – Early days of AI: scraping data & training image models08:00 – Launching the “Shazam for Cars” app11:00 – The B2C challenge: millions of users, no revenue13:00 – The pandemic pivot: from app to dealership SaaS16:00 – Selling cars online before Tesla made it cool20:00 – Understanding dealer pain points24:00 – Why scrappiness beats perfection26:00 – Finding your first B2B customers30:00 – How to sell to enterprise clients33:00 – The power of GTEX and first major deals37:00 – Convincing the team and investors to pivot40:00 – Building the Caesar AI assistant45:00 – Differentiating in the AI chatbot market49:00 – Domain expertise and deep dealership integrations53:00 – What’s next after Seez’s acquisition by Pinewood56:00 – Andrew’s biggest lessons for founders58:00 – Closing thoughts and where to find Andrew

Can AI truly become your third teammate in design?In this episode, David Kossnick, Head of AI Products at Figma, joins Mahmoud Khodor to explore how Figma Make is transforming the way product managers, designers, and engineers co-create.You’ll learn how Figma is integrating AI beyond the gimmick, from “prompt-to-app” workflows to multiplayer prototyping where humans and AI build side by side. David also shares how AI is lowering the floor and raising the ceiling of what’s possible in product design — and why the future may belong to one-person, billion-dollar builders.If you’re a product manager, designer, or founder curious about AI tools, Figma AI, design collaboration, or the future of creativity, this episode is a must-watch.Newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comDavid's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkossnick/Figma website https://www.figma.com/🧠 What You’ll Learn- How AI is becoming a true design collaborator- The playbook to avoid the “AI novelty trap”- How Figma Make changes prototyping forever- Why design will matter more than ever in the AI era- What the “one-person billion-dollar startup” future looks like⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Design as the new differentiator00:21 – Guest intro: David Gossnick, Head of AI at Figma00:48 – What “AI at Figma” really means03:17 – How Figma decides which AI features to build06:36 – Balancing speed and responsibility in AI08:44 – Biggest challenges of building AI at scale11:05 – AI lowering the floor & raising the ceiling13:20 – Will AI replace designers?15:02 – The rise of one-person billion-dollar builders20:45 – Avoiding the AI novelty trap30:01 – How Figma keeps innovating32:04 – The future of design with AI

In this episode, positioning legend April Dunford breaks down why “product-market fit” is a myth, how founders should think about positioning, and what separates products that grow from those that disappear.We talk about April’s early days turning a failing database product into a billion-dollar success, why most startups get positioning completely wrong, and how to make customers finally get what you do in 30 seconds.If you’re a founder, product manager, or marketer, this episode will completely change how you think about your product story, differentiation, and growth.Subscribe to my newsletterhttps://www.mahmoudkhodor.comConnect with April on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/Visit her website: https://www.aprildunford.com/Buy her book: https://www.amazon.ae/Ambient-Press-Obviously-Awesome-Positioning/dp/1999023005⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro | Who is April Dunford?03:00 – The database that failed – and then didn’t08:00 – How positioning saved the product15:00 – Why “Product-Market Fit” is a myth22:00 – Positioning vs Branding vs Messaging28:00 – The real sign you’ve found your market34:00 – How to create an Actionable Segmentation42:00 – When bad positioning kills good startups51:00 – Why positioning is a team sport1:05:00 – Building KChat and testing our own positioning1:12:00 – April’s new book update + final advice

Unlock the story behind one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing modern media companies as Richard Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO of Loving Dubai (Augustus Media), shares how he built a multi-city network from scratch in 2015. In this in-depth conversation, we cover:🎙️ Most Surprising Thing in Dubai: Richard’s biggest takeaway after 13 years in the city🚀 Genesis of Loving Dubai & Augustus Media: From a side project to a $15 M+ business🔥 Growth Hacking & Publishing Strategy: Listicles, native content, real-time feeds🔒 Licensing & Regulation: Navigating UAE media rules and securing IP🔄 Acquisition of Seven Days Assets: Boosting credibility, SEO & audience reach🌍 Regional Expansion: Launching 22 city pages and 13 verticals under Smashy🤝 Localization & Hosts: Building relatable on-air talent across MENA💡 Personal Branding Advice: Why “beyond expertise” is key for lasting influenceSubscribe to newsletter:https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comAugustus Media Links:Lovin Dubai:https://lovin.co/dubai/en/https://www.instagram.com/lovindubai/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/@UCwmK7lGImUYz4pb_z8XJytQ Smashi Business:https://smashi.tv/en/businesshttps://www.instagram.com/smashibusiness/https://www.youtube.com/@Smashi-BusinessRichard Fitzgerald:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzyrichard/https://www.instagram.com/fitzyrichard/?hl=en▶️ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/YourChannel👍 Like this video if you learned something new about media entrepreneurship💬 Comment below with your biggest takeaway or question for Richard🔗 Connect with Richard Fitzgerald:Instagram: @richardfLoving Dubai: https://lovindubai.comSmashy Business: https://smashy.com#MediaEntrepreneurship #LovingDubai #GrowthHacking #DubaiStartups #PodcastInsights #AugustusMedia📑 Video Chapters00:00 Introduction & Content Discovery00:06 Discovery vs. Recommendations Debate02:49 Podcast Setup & Question Preview03:33 “Most Surprising Thing I Found in Dubai”05:14 How Loving Dubai Got Its Start07:00 Growth Hacking with Listicles & BuzzFeed Tactics11:02 Real-Time Publishing & “Protect the Feed”13:43 Day One: Early Challenges & Cease-and-Desist15:09 Full-Time Founder: Fundraising & First Hires18:07 Navigating UAE Regulation & Media Licensing20:01 Acquisition of Seven Days Assets23:00 Scrappy Growth Tactics & Content Repurposing26:00 Content Curation Lens: Local vs. Western Stories29:16 Localization & Host Strategy for MENA Audiences32:06 Launching Smashy Business & Regional Expansion35:03 Scaling 22 Cities & 13 Verticals: Metrics & Milestones37:26 Personal Branding Beyond Subject-Matter Expertise40:00 AI, the Future of Media & Wrap-Up(will be deleted later: Quote: we protect the feed)

From a London living room startup to powering some of the biggest e-commerce brands in the Middle East, this is the incredible journey of Basel Kusa, co-founder & CEO of Quiqup (QuickUp).Subscribe my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comBassel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bassel-el-koussa-37576652/Quiqup Website: https://www.quiqup.com/In this episode, Bassel shares:- How he and his co-founders launched a same-day delivery app before “quick commerce” was a thing.- The wild story of delivering an entire garden to a customer in London.- Surviving with only six weeks of cash runway for four years straight.- The toughest day of his life: standing in front of 105 employees to announce a pivot.- Why he moved the company to Dubai, and how QuickUp became a B2B e-commerce powerhouse serving brands like Sephora, Boots, and H&M.- The lessons he learned about resilience, leadership, and building customer-obsessed culture.This is a raw and practical look into startup life, the highs, the pivots, the near-death moments, and what it takes to keep going when everything says you should stop.👉 If you’re a founder, operator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you won’t find in textbooks.00:00 – Intro & Basel’s startup journey 01:08 – Building Quiqup in London: the early days 06:14 – The wild story: delivering an entire garden 09:49 – Finding product–market fit & early growth 14:22 – Pivot day: telling 105 employees it’s over 15:35 – Moving to Dubai & landing Sephora, Boots, H&M 23:50 – Customer obsession & building company culture 28:09 – How Quiqup tech powers e-commerce in MENA 33:06 – Surviving with only six weeks of cash for years 37:12 – Leadership lessons, resilience & the future of logistics 42:28 – Advice for founders in the Middle East

Mona Ataya is one of the Arab world’s most influential entrepreneurs, the founder of Mom’s World, the region’s most trusted mother and baby platform with over 2.5 million customers. In this episode, Mona shares the unfiltered story of building a purpose-driven e-commerce giant from scratch — using her savings, her own car for deliveries, and grit to compete with Amazon and win.Subscribe to my newsletter:https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comShe reveals:- How she found product-market fit on day one- Why she rejected investors whose values didn’t align- How she built a powerful brand community for moms- The hardest decision of her life: stepping down after 14 years- Whether you're a founder, operator, mother, or dreamer, this story will light a fire in you.📍 CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & Why Mom’s World Would Win 00:37 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 00:55 Reflecting on Dubai’s Evolution (25 Years) 01:53 Early Digital Ecosystem & Talent Influx 02:23 Identifying Unmet Needs & Inspiration for Mom’s World 03:55 Building a Business She Personally Needed 05:30 Niche Positioning & Competing with Amazon 06:41 Launch Timeline: Plan to First Customer 07:06 Scrappy Delivery Tactics (Using Personal Vehicles) 08:43 Curiosity & Hard Work as Success Drivers 09:22 Challenges of Early E-commerce in MENA 10:11 Fundraising Hurdles as a Woman Founder 12:02 Creative Supply-Chain Solutions 14:03 Building & Retaining Women Leaders 16:10 Essential Traits: Problem-Solving & Grit 18:02 Regional Expansion Strategy Across MENA 20:02 Choosing Investors Aligned with Your Mission 22:01 Recognizing Product-Market Fit Day One 23:22 Balancing Growth, Capital & Operations 25:14 Focus on Unit Economics & Fundamentals 26:45 Bilingual Launch & Cross-Border Strategy 28:18 Differentiation: Vertical vs. Horizontal Model 30:00 Building Brand Trust & Community 31:02 Empowering Women: Leadership & Mentorship 32:37 Cultural Nuances in Consumer Behavior 33:39 E-commerce Ecosystem: Then vs. Now 34:56 Acquisition by Tamkeen Group & Emotional Journey 37:14 Transition & Future Endeavors 40:02 Overcoming Gender Bias in Leadership 43:42 Intentional Inclusion of Women in Culture 46:09 Supporting Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs 49:00 Time Management & Shifting Priorities 51:01 Teaching Grit & Resilience to Children 53:05 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in MENA 54:23 Connect with Muna Ataya & Closing 📲 Follow Mona Atayahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/monaataya/Mumz worldhttps://www.mumzworld.com/#MonaAtaya #MomsWorld #WomenEntrepreneurs #StartupsMENA #ProductMarketFit #EcommerceSuccess #WomenInBusiness #MiddleEastTech #FounderStory

Meet Ahmed El Rawi, founder of CALO, one of the fastest-growing food-tech startups in the Middle East.In this episode, Ahmed shares how he:- Ran a smoke test MVP that sold food before it even existed- Built a 10,000-person waitlist across Bahrain, Saudi, and the UAE- Found undeniable product-market fit and scaled without paid ads- Assembled a top-tier team and turned customer obsession into a cultural edgeWhether you're a startup founder, product builder, or investor in MENA, this is one of the most insightful growth stories you’ll hear.Subscribe for more founder stories from the Middle East, and don’t forget to like & share if this inspired you.https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comhttps://calo.appFollow Ahmed:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rawi📍 CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro00:39 – How CALO hit $20M ARR in 6 months with $0 marketing02:00 – Why Ahmed stopped building random products03:35 – Discovering the CALO idea: solving his own food problem05:00 – Smoke test MVP: fake meals, real demand07:00 – The $1,000 website that launched a food empire09:00 – Customer intent: 40 strangers ready to pay10:45 – Pitching investors before building a kitchen12:05 – Getting rejected… and finding a workaround14:10 – First customers, first renewals: signs of product-market fit16:00 – Instagram virality and waitlist growth17:50 – Why he chose an invite-only launch20:10 – Real signs of product-market fit in Bahrain and Saudi22:30 – Understanding market-by-market PMF24:00 – Why Dubai was a slow start25:30 – Scaling across GCC: Bahrain → Saudi → UAE27:00 – How fear of copycats fueled fast expansion28:10 – The real operational nightmare30:00 – Why growth made ops 10x harder31:20 – Building a team of A-players32:10 – Recruitment mindset: business is a team sport34:00 – Culture fit interviews and founder-led hiring36:15 – Final thoughts: where to follow Ahmed🎙️ Subscribe for more interviews with MENA’s top founders and builders.#Startups #MENAFounders #ProductMarketFit #AhmedElRawi #MiddleEastTech #MVP #StartupPodcast #ZeroToOne

Alok Kumar, founder of CozmoX, joins me for a raw and revealing conversation about the brutal decisions founders face — including why he had to let go of 86 people, how AI is reshaping everything from company structure to customer experience, and the emotional toll of building in public.We dive deep into:- What no one tells you about layoffs and leadership- The CozmoX origin story and vision for AI-powered commerce- How founders can build faster and leaner in the age of AI- What happens when your product vision is too earlyTry Cozmox here https://www.cozmox.ai/Whether you're a startup founder, operator, or just curious about the future of AI and business, this is a masterclass in hard truths, bold decisions, and staying human through it all.📌 Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Who is Alok Kumar?02:10 – The brutal decision to fire 86 people07:45 – How CozmoX is using AI to disrupt online shopping14:22 – What most founders get wrong about product-market fit21:50 – Why building in public can be painful — but powerful28:33 – Alok’s message to other struggling founders34:10 – The future of AI agents in commerce40:05 – Rapid-fire: personal habits, books, and startup advice🎙 Hosted by Mahmoud Khodor – founder, builder, and host of one of the Middle East’s top business podcasts.🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS conversations with real builders.

How did Talabat become the Middle East’s leading delivery platform, valued at $10B?In this episode, I sit down with Yi-Wei Ang, Chief Product Officer at Talabat, to unpack how he scaled the product and engineering org 7x, why local insights outperform global playbooks, and how Talabat continues to innovate across food, groceries, fintech, and AI.Newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comYi-Wei's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productwithyiwei/Yi-Wei's Linkedin: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/yiweiangSpotify Link:Itunes Link:We cover:- Building hyper-local products in MENA - Using AI for personalization and operations- Why Talabat still experiments like a startup- How product managers can drive real business impactIf you're into marketplaces, emerging markets, or product leadership at scale — this episode is a must.✅ Timestamps00:00 – What makes Talabat unbeatable in MENA02:10 – The toothbrush story: Yi-Wei’s first Dubai insight04:30 – Talabat’s evolution into a $10B tech company10:45 – How Talabat personalizes food, grocery & postpaid UX18:20 – How Talabat uses AI across ops, logistics & CX33:00 – Advice for product managers & builders in emerging markets

In this episode, I sit down with Khalil Alami, CEO of Telr, one of the oldest and most innovative fintech companies in the UAE. We dive into the bold decisions that transformed Telr into a regional payments leader, why they shut down a successful product, and how they’re tackling the #1 problem killing startups in MENA—opening a bank account.From customer-centric product strategy to building a full-stack fintech ecosystem, Khalil shares lessons on scaling, innovation, and staying humble as a leader.Whether you're a founder, product manager, or fintech enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world insights from the frontline of payments in the Middle East.📌 Topics Covered:- How Telr became the Middle East’s PayPal- The hidden startup killer: bank account setup- Shutting down a popular product (and why)- Building for Instagram sellers, freelancers, and corporates- Open finance vs BNPL: what's hype and what's here to stay- Localization, customer obsession, and innovation at scale- UAE vs Saudi fintech ecosystems🔗 Learn more about Telr: https://telr.com📲 Connect with Khalil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilalami/⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 – Intro1:05 – Why starting a business in Dubai is harder than you think3:12 – How Telr became the Middle East’s PayPal5:44 – Serving everyone: from soap makers to unicorns8:55 – Shutting down a working product10:47 – The #1 problem killing startups in MENA13:20 – Building a fintech ecosystem, not just a payment gateway15:38 – Hyperlocal product strategy (120+ languages)18:11 – UAE vs Saudi: Surprising fintech differences20:42 – Open Finance vs BNPL: What’s the real bet?23:50 – Why Telr owns its entire tech stack26:14 – Building for flexibility and scale29:02 – Risky decisions that paid off31:19 – Embedding culture and values in a fintech startup33:01 – What the future of Telr looks like34:45 – Advice for startup founders and fintech builders

In this episode I sit down with Vitalii Duk, founder and CEO of Dynamic, to explore how AI agents—from voice assistants to back-office automations—are revolutionizing businesses. Vitalii explains how Dynamic’s low-code platform enables developers and product managers to build and deploy AI agents in hours instead of months. You’ll hear real-world use cases (customer-facing chatbots 2.0, internal copilots for HR/legal, a cancer research agent, and government document verification) and learn why voice agents are the most underrated trend in AI.Whether you’re a founder, engineer, product manager, or simply curious about Gen AI, this episode delivers fast-paced, insight-packed takeaways on what’s actually working in the AI agent space.Key Topics:- AI agents, AI voice assistants, Gen AI trends- Low-code AI development, LLM, RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation)- Customer-facing chatbots, internal copilots, back-office automations- Voice vs. text-based agents, dynamic platform overview- Healthcare AI (cancer research), government efficiency (40-person ops replaced)- Avoiding LLM fine-tuning pitfalls, feature bloat, verticalized AI agentsNewsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.com🔗 Connect & Learn More:Vitalii Duk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-d/Dynamic Platform: https://www.getdynamiq.ai/👍 Enjoyed this episode?• Subscribe for weekly insights on AI, product management, and startup strategy• Like and share to help more people discover how AI agents can transform workflowsChapters (Clear & Concise):makefileCopy00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 01:08 Dubai Impressions: Safety & Tech Scene 01:47 What Is Dynamic? Platform Overview 03:01 Building AI Agents in Hours, Not Months 04:36 Customer-Facing Agents & Chatbot 2.0 06:07 Internal Copilots for HR, Legal & More 07:36 Back-Office Automations & Efficiency Gains 09:04 Agent Examples: Sales, Support & Beyond 10:00 Voice vs Text: Integrations & Use Cases 15:43 RAG Explained: Ingesting Unstructured Data 30:06 Healthcare Use Case: Cancer Research Agent 34:00 Government Docs: 40-Person Ops Team Replaced 37:35 Common Misconceptions About AI Agents 41:50 Verticalization: Niche AI Agents & Market Strategy 46:08 Learning from Failed Bets: LLM Fine-Tuning 47:36 Roadmaps in a Fast-Moving AI Landscape 49:23 Underrated Trend: Why Voice Agents Matter 53:24 Closing Remarks & How to Get Started

In this deep, unfiltered conversation, we dive into the business of dating, Dubai's hidden loneliness crisis, the paradox of dating in a city full of singles, and how modern matchmaking is evolving. - Why dating apps fail 80% of people- The myths and truths of dating in Dubai- Emotional readiness vs. relationship goals- Matchmaking vs. online swiping- Financial expectations in modern love- How to build meaningful, lasting connectionsNewsletter:- https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comJay Larik - https://ae.linkedin.com/in/jaylarikNashwa Tantawy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashwatantawy/- https://www.instagram.com/nafsologybynt/?hl=enXcris- https://www.instagram.com/xrissofficial/?hl=enAhmed Odeh- https://www.tiktok.com/@lawbyodeh?lang=en- https://www.instagram.com/ahmedodeh_/- https://ae.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-odeh-615a9740Matchify- https://www.matchify.ae/Nasfology- https://nafsology.ae/Video Chapters:00:00 - Cold open: "All women are gold diggers..."?00:30 - Intro: Why this episode is different01:00 - Jay shares his motivation for building a matchmaking startup03:00 - Why dating apps fail most people05:00 - Nashwa on how relationships are central to mental health08:00 - Why couples therapy has a low success rate10:00 - Dating in big cities: global vs. Dubai-specific issues12:30 - Dubai's fast pace and the loneliness epidemic14:00 - The transient nature of Dubai and its impact on intimacy16:00 - Why many singles come to Dubai in their 30s18:00 - Are people here looking for fun or for forever?20:00 - Matchify's approach: anti-swipe, pro-connection22:00 - Real stories: from confident women to nervous men24:00 - Why Matchify charges men but not women25:00 - Are looks overrated? What really makes relationships work27:00 - The prenup conversation and financial expectations29:00 - The return of old-school matchmaking31:00 - Intention matters: dating for companionship vs. distraction33:00 - The importance of alignment in values and goals35:00 - Premarital conversations: money, roles, children37:00 - Financial fights that mask deeper issues40:00 - Should men share financial stress with their partners?43:00 - Connection vs. communication: what partners really want45:00 - Does your partner need to be your best friend?47:00 - Why relationship skills should be taught in schools48:30 - Nashwa on why most people come to therapy too late50:00 - Where to find Matchify and Nafsology Psychology Center

What happens when two startup veterans decide to challenge the consumer goods playbook in the Middle East?In this episode, I sit down with Walid Daniel Dib and Hass Anver, co-founders of Better, a self-care DTC brand doing $50,000/month in revenue—run by just two people.Newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comBetter Website: https://itsbetter.app/Walid LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wdanieldibHass LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassanain-anver-54171126/They share:- How they pivoted right after raising $530K- The customer research hacks that helped them find product-market fit- Why 60% of their buyers were women, despite launching a men’s brand- The exact performance marketing and WhatsApp tactics they used to scale🔥 If you're building a DTC brand, a lean startup, or just want to hear what obsessive customer feedback and smart execution can do — this one's for you.Add social link here and Better website and video chapters

Are AI agents the beginning of the end for websites, apps, and even jobs? In this explosive episode, Silicon Valley tech analyst and investor Jeremiah Owyang joins us to reveal why AI agents are not just another tech fad—but the biggest shift since the internet.From Uber drivers already reporting to algorithms, to billion-dollar LLMs, to the post-website internet—this conversation dives deep into:- How AI agents will replace search, websites, and customer service- The new AI tech stack startups must understand- Why founders need viral and network effects to survive- What a 3-person startup running 250 agents looks likeAnd why Silicon Valley is boiling over with 100+ AI events per month🚀 Whether you’re a founder, investor, or AI-curious, this is your blueprint for the agent-powered future. Don't miss the frameworks, predictions, and startup secrets from someone at the center of the AI revolution.🔗 Follow Jeremiah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jowyang/📍 Learn more about Blitzscaling Ventures: https://blitzscalingventures.com🎟️ Join Llama Lounge: https://lu.ma/llamalounge00:00 – “Don’t tell me I report to an AI now!” — cold open01:02 – Why AI agents are as big as the .com boom03:04 – When will AI agents go mainstream?04:18 – The AI tech stack explained: data to agents06:01 – What makes an agent different from a bot?07:12 – Real use cases: Crew AI in Fortune 500 companies09:12 – What Jeremiah looks for in AI startups11:47 – Viral loops, network effects & the Blitzscaling scorecard13:30 – Red ocean warning: customer care and sales agents14:49 – Will every person have 100 AI agents?17:15 – How startups will run with 3 humans and 1,000 agents18:07 – From co-pilots to autonomous agents: what’s next?19:37 – The post-website internet: your agent will Google for you21:12 – What happens to advertising when agents skip search?23:01 – Is building LLMs still worth it?24:03 – Falcon AI: Why UAE built its own LLM26:30 – Which industries will be disrupted first?28:04 – Selling to AI agents: the new customer experience29:40 – Sponsored sentences and the future of ads31:07 – Salesforce, HubSpot & the AI agent platform war33:04 – Know Your Agent (KYA): the new KYC35:04 – AI as a threat or a teammate: what should knowledge workers do?36:49 – Reporting to agents: Uber drivers already do38:14 – Will autonomous orgs run businesses?39:08 – The privacy vs. convenience dilemma40:19 – “Live like a billionaire” with AI agents41:38 – Mistakes AI startups make42:50 – Building defensible AI moats43:38 – Regulation as a moat in AI45:04 – Bill Gates: “Whoever wins the agent wins the internet”47:22 – How consumer brands should prepare for the agent era49:25 – New interfaces: APIs over websites50:45 – Guardrails for AI decision-making51:25 – What life will look like in 2030 with agents52:46 – Inside Silicon Valley’s red-hot AI scene53:16 – Llama Lounge: the #1 AI event in Silicon Valley56:13 – The secret to fast, viral, zero-budget community building58:50 – Final takeaway: AI agents should give us time to do what we love59:36 – Where to find Jeremiah and Blitzscaling Ventures

In this episode we unpack the hard truths behind building successful tech products. From busting the “Steve Jobs genius myth” to breaking down the $300K product flop, Mahmoud shares behind-the-scenes insights from working with top founders and scaling digital products used by millions.If you’re a founder, product manager, or just someone building in tech — this episode will change how you approach product strategy, MVPs, and usability forever.👉 Don’t build another feature no one needs. Watch this first.✅ What You’ll LearnWhy most MVPs fail before launchThe 4 biggest risks in product developmentHow to validate before you buildThe danger of skipping usability testingReal stories from startups that got it wrong (and how to avoid it)⏱ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Who is Mahmoud Khodor?01:10 – Why Web3 needs better UX02:20 – Top 3 myths about product building04:30 – Steve Jobs wasn’t a genius?06:15 – The real reason you’re not releasing fast08:50 – The $300K personal trainer app failure11:00 – MVP vs Prototype: What’s the difference?13:45 – The 4 Product Risks That Kill Startups17:30 – Testing for usability on a $0 budget20:10 – Why great products still fail post-launch22:00 – Teresa Torres, Continuous Discovery & weekly testing23:20 – Final thoughts + where to follow Mahmoud📚 Books & Tools MentionedClean Code by Robert C. MartinScrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the TimeContinuous Discovery Habits by Teresa TorresTools: Figma, WhatsApp Groups, Low-code MVPs🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives on product, startups, and tech leadership.Got questions for Mahmoud? Drop them in the comments👇

Discover the revolutionary approach to product development in this exclusive podcast with Jason Fried, co-founder of 37signals. In this episode, Jason reveals why 37signals ditched traditional roadmaps in favor of the “Shape Up” methodology—a strategy that empowers small teams to build profitable, lovable products without chasing enterprise giants.Learn how building products you love, prioritizing design-led development, and imposing smart constraints can transform the way you work. Whether you’re a startup founder, product manager, or software developer, these actionable insights will help you create products that truly resonate while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Key Topics Covered:• The no-roadmap philosophy and its benefits• Building for yourself: why passion drives innovation• The Shape Up methodology explained• How small, focused teams outperform big, bloated ones• Pricing strategies and avoiding enterprise pitfalls• Balancing remote collaboration with high-intensity in-person workDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon for more expert tips on agile product development and building a culture where “work isn’t war.”00:00 – Intro: Why Jason Fried matters01:45 – Building Basecamp without investors05:30 – “We didn’t want to grow big, we wanted to grow right”08:20 – Remote work before it was cool12:10 – Why most startups are burning investor cash15:50 – Meetings are toxic: Jason’s philosophy on productivity20:40 – Why they ditched live chat for async25:15 – The real cost of interruptions28:00 – “We don’t chase trends — we question them”31:00 – Thoughts on AI, hype cycles, and real value36:10 – Advice for founders who want to build calm companies39:00 – The future of 37signals and what’s next42:00 – Final thoughts: What Jason regrets (or doesn’t)

In this unfiltered, must-hear podcast episode, we dive deep into the raw stories behind our journey from rock bottom to building a multi-million-dollar sales training empire. Discover how tough love, unwavering faith, and a no–BS approach to leadership transformed our business, marriage, and personal lives. We share powerful lessons on overcoming betrayal, embracing risk, and the importance of family values—plus actionable tips to help you lead with heart and purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, sales professional, or simply looking for inspiring real-life transformation, this episode is packed with strategies, hard truths, and the underdog mindset that can change your life.Keywords: sales training, leadership, tough love, underdog success, marriage millionaires, business transformation, personal growth, faith, entrepreneurship, life coaching00:00 – Intro & why this episode is different02:15 – Andy’s journey: from broke to $100M brand07:40 – The moment Jackie grabbed his fat & saved his life14:12 – Why they lost clients for being “too real”19:50 – Self-worth, leadership, and betrayal26:30 – “You’ll never out-earn your self-worth”31:17 – Quitting corporate life to bet on themselves38:45 – Why Jackie’s intuition runs the business45:20 – From chaos to culture: building a team of underdogs51:00 – Firing high performers who cheat55:42 – FBI investigation, faith, and second chances1:02:10 – Raising kids while building an empire1:08:37 – Why most people wait for disaster to change1:15:55 – Surviving a near-death Harley crash1:24:18 – Faith, God, and finding peace1:34:30 – Communication, conviction & telling your story1:43:55 – Being broke, eating beans, building discipline1:52:00 – The legacy: underdogs, marriage, and comeback kids1:59:00 – Final message: build yourself, love harder, be the light

In this episode, I sit down with Christophe, the ex-CPO of Property Finder, who played a pivotal role in transforming the company into the industry leader in the region. We dive deep into:- How Property Finder won the marketplace battle and beat competitors like Dubizzle and Bayut.- Why trust is the #1 currency in marketplaces and how they solved the fake listing problem.- AI’s role in real estate marketplaces and why most portals aren’t ready for the future.- The biggest mistakes product managers make and how to focus on outcomes over outputs.- How to build a data-driven culture and why many companies get it wrong.Whether you're a product leader, a founder, or just curious about how tech unicorns scale, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to miss!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comChristophe's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophe-de-rassenfosse/📌 Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro00:00 - No Trust, No Trade: Why trust is the foundation of marketplaces00:19 - Christophe’s background and entry into digital marketplaces01:22 - First impressions of Dubai's decision-making speed02:15 - Leading transformation at Property Finder03:16 - Building trust through Super Agent and agent responsiveness06:14 - Why Property Finder focuses on leads, not features08:10 - Consumers first: balancing B2B vs B2C priorities08:29 - Homepage is dead: shifting to a searchless experience13:32 - How AI is reshaping the real estate journey17:02 - Fighting fake listings with AI and data18:21 - SERP as the real battlefield in marketplaces20:03 - Building internal trust across product, marketing, and engineering26:02 - Outcomes over outputs: shifting product culture30:48 - Creating a culture of experimentation and learning34:02 - Aligning roadmaps to company strategy and focus36:53 - Go-to-market is part of the product manager’s job39:41 - Advice to founders: create value, focus, and stay IP-driven42:29 - Christophe’s call to action for founders in MENA

Product management is one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. Everyone talks about strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, but what does it actually take to be a great product manager? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with Pooja Vithlani, a seasoned product leader who has worked at Microsoft, Expedia, and Careem, to break down the realities of product management. From how to build habit-forming products to why most PMs fail, we cover everything you need to know to level up your career.🔹 The surprising differences between product management in the West vs. the Middle East🔹 Why many PMs are just “project managers in disguise”🔹 The biggest mistakes PMs make & how to avoid them🔹 How to actually influence leadership & drive impact🔹 The power of product mindset & high-agency thinkingIf you’re a product manager, founder, or someone trying to break into PM, this episode is packed with gold! 💡💬 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest challenge you face in product management? Let’s discuss!🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on product, leadership, and strategy!📌 Follow Pooja Vithlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavithlani/📌 Subscribe to my newsletter : https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comTimeline & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Who is Pooja Vithlani?02:00 – What do product managers actually do?05:40 – The biggest misconceptions about PMs09:15 – How Pooja broke into product management at Microsoft14:30 – The shift from tech-driven to customer-driven product teams19:45 – Building habit-forming products: Lessons from Expedia24:20 – The power of data in decision-making & why most PMs ignore it28:50 – Product management in the West vs. the Middle East33:00 – Why product teams struggle with empowerment & agency37:25 – The biggest mistakes product managers make42:15 – How to actually influence leadership as a PM46:50 – How can women in product management be more assertive?51:30 – What makes a great product leader?56:10 – Pooja’s top advice for aspiring and junior product managers01:00:40 – Where to find Pooja & final thoughts

Private credit is booming—and in this episode, we dive deep into why with Johanna Krüger, Head of Investor Relations at Kilde, a Singapore-based private credit platform.Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comJohanna unpacks:- What private credit really is (and why it’s not like traditional banking)- Why private credit is now the "Taylor Swift" of finance- The explosive growth of non-bank lending in emerging markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia- The opportunities and risks for accredited investors- Why Dubai is becoming a magnet for wealth creation and ambitious entrepreneursIf you're a founder, investor, or just curious about private markets and how to diversify your portfolio beyond public equities—this episode is packed with actionable insights.Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.👉 Subscribe for more episodes on investing, product leadership, and global innovation.🕒 Timeline:00:00 – Intro: Why private credit is the "hot girl" of finance02:00 – What is private credit and how does it work?05:00 – How Kilde lends to non-bank lenders like Tabby07:30 – Private credit vs. traditional banking10:00 – How Kilde structures and secures its deals13:00 – Why investors are turning to private credit15:00 – Types of investors using Kilde (institutional vs accredited)20:00 – Why emerging markets are ripe for private credit23:00 – Risks in private credit: liquidity, structure, defaults26:00 – How Kilde monitors risk and performance30:00 – Johanna's tips for investors entering private markets34:00 – How Dubai is becoming a hub for ambition and capital38:00 – Advice for newcomers in the Middle East39:30 – Where to learn more about Kilde and connect with Johanna🔗 Useful Links:💼 Kilde's Website https://www.kilde.sg/📈 Kilde’s Investor Dashboard & Stats https://www.kilde.sg/stats👩‍💼 Connect with Johanna Krüger on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-kr%C3%BCger/📖 Download Kilde's Whitepapers https://www.kilde.sg/news-and-insights/insights

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Chahwan, the founder of Sarwa, the UAE’s first licensed fintech investment platform. Discover how Sarwa disrupted the investment space, made investing accessible to everyone, and pioneered regulatory changes in the region.We dive into: ✅ The challenges of launching a fintech startup✅ Personal finance habits and investing strategies✅ How Sarwa is helping the next generation build wealth✅ The future of investing in the Middle EastMark also shares insights on building trust in fintech, navigating regulations, and the power of innovation in a competitive market. If you're interested in investing, fintech, or startup growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights!📌 Listen now and start your investing journey!👉 Subscribe & turn on notifications to never miss an episode!Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:00 – What is Sarwa & how it started05:00 – Building trust in fintech & regulatory challenges12:00 – Investment strategies & financial habits20:00 – How Sarwa differentiates from competitors28:00 – Hiring & building a strong startup culture35:00 – Future of investing in the UAE & beyond45:00 – Final thoughts & how to start investing today

In this episode, I sit down with Mirela Mus, Founder & CEO of Product People, Europe's largest fractional product management agency. We dive into:✅ Why 42% of startups fail due to a lack of product-market fit✅ How fractional product managers help companies scale efficiently✅ The real reasons companies hire fractional PMs (beyond just filling headcount)✅ Interim vs. Fractional Product Work – which one is right for your business?✅ Why mercenary product managers can actually help teams make better decisions✅ How agencies like Product People help companies scale without breaking the bank✅ The mindset shifts product managers need to quickly diagnose & improve PMF✅ Hiring fractional vs. full-time vs. freelance PMs – what’s the best approach?🎙️ If you're a startup founder, a product leader, or a PM thinking about going independent – this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!💡 Learn More About Mirela & Product People:🔗 Product People Website https://www.getproductpeople.com/🔗 Mirella on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirelamus/🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations on product leadership, startups, and innovation!#ProductManagement #FractionalPM #StartupGrowth #ProductMarketFit #ProductLeadershipTimestamps 0:00 - Intro: Why 42% of Startups Fail & What We’ll Cover0:46 - Why Did Mirela Bring a Swag Gift?1:03 - What Surprised Mirela About Dubai’s Startup Scene1:52 - What Is Product People & How Do They Help Companies?3:29 - How Product People Supports M&A, Growth, & Scaling Teams4:00 - Why a Product Manager Agency? How Does It Work?5:57 - Who Becomes a Fractional Product Manager & Why?7:03 - How Fractional PMs Drive Impact in Just 3-6 Months8:09 - What Companies Get Wrong About Hiring PMs9:39 - How Product People’s Playbook Helps PMs Succeed10:56 - Why High-Agency, Low-Maintenance PMs Are Essential12:35 - How AI Is Disrupting Product Management & Market Fit13:52 - The Biggest Cost in Tech Companies & How to Manage It14:52 - How Companies Scale Product Teams Without Breaking the Bank16:03 - When a Mercenary PM Is More Valuable Than a Missionary PM18:46 - Why Product People Focuses Only on Product Management20:55 - How Product People Handles Downtime & Knowledge Sharing23:17 - Freelancer vs. Full-Time vs. Fractional PM – Which One Is Best?25:20 - How Product People Ensures Every Client Becomes a Repeat Champion28:02 - What Product People Looks for When Hiring PMs30:45 - Top Book Recommendations for Product Managers32:32 - Why Asking Better Questions is a Superpower for PMs33:52 - How to Connect with Mirela & Learn More About Product People

In this episode, Christina Craver, Account Executive at Slack and former Oracle leader, dives into Dubai’s fast-paced tech scene, burnout, hiring challenges, and why MENA startups struggle with true innovation. We explore high-performance teams, startup culture, and the Slack vs. other workplace tools debate.Christina Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinamcraver🔹 Timestamps:0:00 - Christina’s Burnout Story in Dubai3:30 - Dubai’s Fast-Paced Work Culture vs. the US7:10 - Hiring in Dubai: Why Experience Matters More Than Potential10:00 - MENA Startups: Lack of True Innovation & Copycat Models14:40 - Why Risk-Taking in MENA Is Different from the West19:10 - Slack’s Impact on Productivity & Why Engineers Love It27:30 - How Christina Hires & Identifies Top Talent34:20 - Her Mission to Transform MENA Tech39:15 - Overcoming Impostor Syndrome & Sharing Your Voice42:30 - Connect with Christina & Final Thoughts

In this brutally honest and unfiltered conversation, Prashant, the founder of Zeda, an AI-powered platform for product managers, shares his journey from securing $3.7M in funding to ultimately shutting down his startup after four years.🚀 In this episode, we cover:- The reality of building and scaling a startup- Why product management tools struggle to find product-market fit- How Prashant navigated fundraising, growth, and difficult decisions- The biggest mistakes he made as a founder- Why he decided to shut down Zeda despite having money left in the bank- What’s next for Prashant after this intense startup journeyIf you're an aspiring founder, product manager, or investor, this is an eye-opening discussion on the real challenges of building a venture-backed startup.👉 Connect with Prashant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashantmahajan31🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth founder stories and product management insights!📌 Timeline:00:00 – Introduction00:37 – Industry secrets about product management tools01:10 – What is Zeda? The original vision vs. reality03:32 – How Zeda tried to revolutionize product management05:44 – Prashant’s background: From Paytm & Tokopedia to Silicon Valley07:14 – Why Prashant left high-paying jobs to start his own company08:36 – The brutal truth about entrepreneurship10:48 – What inefficiencies in product management tools led to Zeda?12:58 – The biggest gaps in product management tools today17:59 – Competing against industry giants like Jira & Aha!19:47 – The dirty secrets of enterprise SaaS sales22:14 – The shocking reality of product management tool adoption26:01 – How product managers fall for the “next big framework”29:59 – Balancing speed vs. depth in product management34:07 – Raising $3.7M in funding—why they were cautious with money39:03 – Why money doesn’t solve startup problems44:54 – Hiring mistakes & why startup hiring advice is flawed50:06 – The importance of urgency and execution in startups54:49 – Prashant’s biggest mistakes as a founder1:03:36 – Why Prashant decided to shut down Zeda1:07:10 – What’s next for Prashant?

When Jerry first got recruited into blockchain, he thought it was a scam. Now, he's leading innovation at Apex Fusion, a groundbreaking project aiming to solve Web3’s biggest challenges. In this episode, we explore:✅ Why Web3 adoption is still lagging✅ The biggest UX/UI issues in crypto and how to fix them✅ How Apex Fusion is revolutionizing blockchain technology✅ The role of decentralization, reputation systems, and self-sovereign identity✅ The real-world impact of crypto and why it’s here to stayIf you think crypto is just hype, this episode might change your mind. 🚀📅 Apex Fusion is now live as of February 20th!🔗 Explore Apex Fusion:🌐 ApexFusion.org💻 Developers & Stake Pools: developers.apexfusion.org🔵 Discord: Join the Apex Fusion Community🟡 X (Twitter): @ApexFusion📸 Instagram: @ApexFusionEpisode Timeline:0:00 - Introduction & Jerry’s background0:05 - Entering crypto as a skeptic0:19 - Do we really need to store our own Bitcoin?0:25 - Who is Jerry? His transition from corporate to blockchain0:31 - What’s stopping Web3 from mass adoption?0:38 - Apex Fusion’s vision: Solving blockchain’s biggest challenges0:43 - Is crypto all hype?0:48 - Apex Fusion goes live (Feb 20th announcement)0:54 - First impressions of Dubai & its rapid transformation1:12 - Jerry’s journey from Dell & corporate deals to Apex Fusion2:03 - The turning point: What made Jerry believe in blockchain?2:22 - Fidelity’s early Bitcoin adoption & why they supported his move2:54 - Why blockchain is much bigger than money3:29 - How Jerry bought his first Bitcoin during the pandemic3:56 - The terrible UX/UI problem in crypto4:48 - Early adopters vs. mass adoption: What needs to change?8:08 - What will drive mass adoption? Regulatory clarity & major players like Apple9:58 - Custodial vs. self-custody: Which is better?10:54 - Risks of self-custody & the importance of security12:04 - What problem is Apex Fusion solving?13:58 - The challenge of interoperability & connecting Web3 “islands”14:41 - How Apex Fusion enables cross-chain assets15:05 - The tribalism problem in crypto & why it hurts the industry16:45 - How Apex Fusion promotes collaboration over competition17:02 - Why tribalism exists in crypto: The search for a new digital religion19:02 - The importance of community-driven blockchain development19:49 - What Apex Fusion users can do today21:58 - What is cascading disruption? How Web3 will change industries23:00 - How stablecoins & tokenized assets are revolutionizing finance28:26 - The real use cases of blockchain (beyond speculation)30:45 - The future of self-sovereign identity & digital nation-states33:02 - Why Web3 is a counterbalance to rising authoritarianism35:41 - The biggest regulatory shift that will push crypto forward37:00 - How blockchain networks solve marketplace quality issues39:00 - Reputation systems & filtering out bad actors in Web342:12 - The strategy for Apex Fusion’s growth & network effect43:27 - How to get involved with Apex Fusion today45:00 - Closing thoughts & where to find Apex Fusion

🚀 How do top product leaders make it to the best companies like Spotify?In this exclusive interview, Johanna shares her incredible journey—from inventing a talking toothbrush for kids to leading product innovation at Spotify and Dubai’s top tech hubs.🌟 Learn how she tackled regulatory challenges, scaled teams through hackathons, and cracked the secret sauce of product leadership. Whether you're an aspiring product manager, a tech entrepreneur, or someone looking to break into tech, this episode is packed with actionable insights.🔹 What you’ll learn:✅ How Johanna got into product management with no direct experience✅ The biggest mistake new PMs make (and how to avoid it)✅ Why she believes backlogs should be deleted✅ The Spotify innovation framework that drives product success✅ How to break into highly regulated industries like FinTech & Crypto✅ The power of hackathons and why every company should run them💬 Let us know in the comments: What was your biggest takeaway?Johnna's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannatheander/#Spotify #ProductManagement #TechLeadership #Johanna #StartupLife📌 Timestamps for Easy Navigation:00:00 - Intro: Who is Johanna?01:00 - The surprising thing about Dubai’s work culture03:00 - How Johanna broke into product management05:00 - Her biggest career mistake & what she learned09:00 - Inside Spotify’s product management culture12:00 - The secret sauce that makes Spotify’s teams work16:00 - How to run hackathons that actually drive innovation20:00 - Why you should delete your backlog today25:00 - The Scandinavian vs. Dubai leadership styles30:00 - Final advice for product managers & where to follow Johanna

Discover Abu Obeida’s journey from engineering at Microsoft and Amazon to leading product culture at Hunger Station in the GCC. Learn how he navigated rejection, overcame imposter syndrome, and championed customer-centricity in a fast-evolving market. Explore insights on transitioning from engineering to product management, building tech hubs, and fostering team culture.Keywords: product management, Hunger Station, GCC tech, Microsoft, Amazon, customer-centricity, product culture, building teamsConnect with Abu Obeida on Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/abuobeidaTimeline0:00 – 0:24: Introduction – Abu Obeida's background and career highlights0:25 – 12:17: Starting in Product Management – Journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, breaking into Microsoft after 20 rejections12:18 – 19:05: Breaking into Microsoft – Overcoming rejection and seizing opportunities19:06 – 30:58: Engineering vs. Product – Why technical expertise can be a double-edged sword30:59 – 40:52: Cultural Transition – Adapting to product management in the GCC40:53 – 52:15: Building Hunger Station – Setting up a tech hub and fostering product culture52:16 – 1:04:08: Customer Obsession – Writing strategies and aligning teams1:04:09 – 1:19:05: Challenges in the GCC Market – Insights on innovation, mentorship, and mindset1:19:06 – 1:23:05: Closing Reflections – Final thoughts and connecting with Abu Obeida

Distraction isn't new—humans have battled it for over 2,500 years. But in today's world of iPhones, social media, and endless notifications, mastering focus is the skill of the century. In this episode, I sit down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, to uncover how we can overcome distraction, build better habits, and take control of our time and attention.From understanding the psychological roots of distraction to the transformative power of timeboxing and creating effort pacts, Nir provides actionable insights that can help you thrive in your relationships, career, and personal growth.💡 What You'll Learn:- The surprising root cause of distraction (it's not your phone).- How to identify and manage internal triggers.- Why timeboxing can help you achieve more.- Simple techniques like the 10-minute rule to stay focused.- How to align your schedule with your values for a fulfilling life.🌐 Learn More About Nir Eyal:Website: NirAndFar.comFree Indistractable Workbook: Indistractable.com📖 Books by Nir Eyal:- Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products- Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonates with you!Episode Timeline:0:00 – Intro: Why distraction isn’t caused by technology.0:18 – The importance of becoming indistractable in today’s world.1:02 – The root problem: Why we sabotage ourselves.2:33 – How focus transforms knowledge into wisdom.4:07 – The psychological cause of distraction.5:02 – The power to be indistractable: Nir’s personal story.7:12 – Distraction comes from within: Internal vs. external triggers.9:55 – Traction vs. distraction: The importance of intent.13:06 – How to master internal triggers.15:05 – The 10-minute rule: Surfing the urge to distraction.20:23 – Timeboxing: Planning your values into your schedule.27:12 – Reflective work vs. reactive work: The key to productivity.33:31 – Why to-do lists don’t work (and what to do instead).37:06 – Balancing work, fitness, relationships, and growth.40:52 – How to prevent distraction with effort pacts.46:20 – The identity shift: How to become indistractable.48:11 – Nir’s writing process: Turning complexity into simplicity.52:04 – Nir’s next book: Exploring the power of beliefs.53:00 – Where to find more about Nir Eyal.

Are you an aspiring Product Manager or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your craft? In this engaging episode, Shravan (a.k.a. Swag Wala on YouTube) shares actionable insights, timeless wisdom, and practical strategies to elevate your product management game. We cover everything from cracking PM interviews to mastering the art of building impactful products. 🚀🔑 What you'll learn in this episode:- Why you DON'T need an MBA to become a Product Manager.- How to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth.- The importance of being a generalist over a specialist in today’s world.- Combining emotional intelligence with technical skills for PM success.- Strategies for building trust and credibility in your first 90 days.- The future of Product Management: Why "PM" might not exist as a title in 10 years!Whether you're starting your PM journey or refining your craft, this episode is packed with actionable advice and deep insights.👋 Find Shravan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shravantickoo/📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation:00:00 – Why You Don’t Need an MBA for Product Management02:00 – The Evolution of the PM Role07:30 – How to Embrace Failure and Build Resilience15:00 – The Power of Being a Generalist in a Specialist World23:00 – Building Your PM Portfolio and Network30:00 – What to Do in Your First 90 Days as a PM45:00 – Leveraging Empathy with Cross-Functional Teams55:00 – How AI Is Transforming the PM Role1:05:00 – Building Communities with Strong Core Values1:10:00 – The Philosophical Side of Product Management🔔 Subscribe for more actionable PM insights!

🚀 In this insightful episode, I'm thrilled to host Gökhan Polat, a seasoned product leader and Founder, who is redefining startup funding and collaboration through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). With over a decade of experience scaling ventures and leading product teams, Goang dives deep into how Web3 and AI are transforming the way startups are built and operated.🎯 What you'll learn in this episode:- How DAOs are reshaping startup funding and talent collaboration.- Why equity ownership is being reimagined as a driver for growth.- The power of Web3 in reducing capital requirements for startups.- Gökhan's approach to research-driven product development and rapid product launches.- Insights into cross-functional leadership and future-proofing startups with AI.If you're a product leader, founder, or just curious about the future of startups, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you don’t want to miss.📌 Timeline:0:00 - Introduction to the Episode0:05 - Why all AI startups sound the same0:17 - Gökhan Polat's background and journey0:35 - The concept of DAOs and how they work1:32 - What it takes to build a startup in the AI and Web3 era2:39 - How R&DOW operates as a next-gen venture builder5:15 - Solving funding challenges for early-stage startups8:02 - How DAOs enable better collaboration and compensation11:13 - Why Web3 makes equity distribution more effective than ESOPs14:06 - Example: Together Crew's success in community analytics15:28 - Gökhan's strategies for rapid product launches17:30 - Incorporating a six-week product development cycle20:47 - Product discovery methodology and impactful user research24:11 - How user research shaped a real estate CRM tool27:50 - Leadership lessons in cross-functional, cross-cultural teams33:32 - Managing team dynamics and fostering collaboration37:21 - Lessons from 37signals and building in Web344:03 - Startups of the future: less admin, more AI, and Web3 at the core50:05 - Where to connect with Gökhan Polat's and explore R&DOW🌐 Resources Mentioned:Connect with Gökhan Polat on LinkedIn for insights on Web3 and product strategies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/polat/👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jeffrey Pfeffer, the world-renowned Stanford professor and author of "7 Rules of Power". In this powerful discussion, Jeffrey shares unfiltered insights on how anyone—not just CEOs or politicians—can harness power to achieve success.🔑 Key Topics Covered:Why confidence often beats competenceHow to stop sabotaging yourself and get out of your own wayThe hidden power of networking and personal brandingWhy breaking the rules can lead to spectacular successPractical exercises to project confidence and powerThis is not just a theoretical discussion—Jeffrey offers actionable advice that you can implement today to build influence, lead effectively, and make a lasting impact.📚 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:- Jeffrey Pfeffer’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@pfefferonpower/videosd- Website: jeffreypfeffer.com- LinkedIn: Jeffrey Pfeffer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-pfeffer-57a01b6/Recommended things to watch:- Amy Cuddy – Presence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc&ab_channel=TED- Herminia Ibarra – Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAG2SSf9NQc&ab_channel=LondonBusinessForum- Deborah Gruenfeld – Acting with Power https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mLFUtv0pCo&ab_channel=StanfordAlumni⏰ Episode Timeline:0:42 - Why '7 Rules of Power'?3:46 - The Defining Moment5:17 - Denial of Power Realities6:43 - Rule #1: Get Out of Your Own Way9:46 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome11:05 - Daily Confidence Habit12:45 - Confidence vs. Competence13:20 - Rule #2: Break the Rules15:15 - When to Break Rules17:57 - Cultural Differences in Power18:50 - Rule #3: Appear Powerful19:47 - Authenticity in Leadership21:53 - Are Leaders Emotional?22:55 - Rule #4: Build a Brand24:16 - Branding for Introverts27:14 - Rule #5: Network Relentlessly30:35 - Staying Connected31:34 - Rule #6: Use Your Power33:32 - Ethical Power Use35:47 - Rule #7: Take Initiative36:24 - Universal Applicability of Power Rules38:05 - Unique Challenges for Women and Minorities39:16 - Start with Rule #141:22 - Daily Power Habit43:55 - Final Takeaways46:28 - Connect with Jeffrey Pfeffer

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Dr. Robert Cialdini, author of "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion". Known as the father of influence science, Dr. Cialdini unpacks the seven principles of persuasion and shares actionable insights on how to ethically influence others, build trust, and drive collaboration.🚀 Key Takeaways from the Episode:The difference between persuasion vs. manipulationWhy asking for advice instead of opinions leads to better collaborationThe psychology behind reciprocation and loyaltyThe power of scarcity, authority, and social proof in decision-makingHow small changes can lead to massive improvements in influenceWhether you're a product manager, leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with strategies you can apply immediately.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Dr. Robert CialdiniThe Cialdini Institute: www.cialdini.com📢 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments below!#Influence #Persuasion #RobertCialdini #Leadership #ProductManagement #Psychology #Podcast🕒 YouTube Episode Timeline0:00 Introduction – Welcoming Dr. Robert Cialdini0:32 The 7 Principles of Persuasion – Overview of the episode1:03 The Motivation Behind Discovering the Principles3:01 Persuasion vs. Manipulation – Key differences5:01 Why Asking for Advice, Not Opinions, Works Better8:28 The Power of Small Changes in Influence8:34 Principle 1: Reciprocation – The psychology behind giving first10:33 Improving Customer Loyalty Through Reciprocation12:12 The McDonald's Balloon Study – A real-world example13:10 What Makes a Gift Most Effective?16:01 The Art of Personalization in Gifts19:02 Principle 2: Liking – How similarities build rapport22:45 Negotiation Study: The Power of Commonalities24:22 How to Defend Against Manipulative Liking Techniques27:29 Shared Values: The Foundation of Long-term Relationships30:45 Principle 3: Social Proof – Reducing uncertainty33:34 Trends vs. Statistics in Social Proof38:04 Spotting Fake Reviews – Specific vs. General Comments40:19 Using Influencers for Social Proof41:09 Principle 4: Authority – Being 'an' authority vs. 'in' authority46:12 Why Precise Numbers Build Credibility48:20 Using Testimonials Effectively52:04 Red Flags for Biased Authority Opinions53:39 Principle 5: Scarcity – Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)**54:50 The Psychology of Loss Aversion56:37 Creating Ethical Scarcity Without Manipulation57:48 Principle 6: Commitment and Consistency1:00:56 Getting Team Accountability Through Public Commitment1:02:04 A Personal Example: Helping a Parent Quit Smoking1:05:10 Principle 7: Unity – From Similarity to Belonging1:09:07 Leveraging Shared Identity for Influence1:13:00 The Power of Storytelling in Communication1:16:41 How Writing Improves Clear Thinking1:17:02 Who Embodies Persuasion Principles in Business? (Warren Buffett Example)1:18:15 Where to Learn More About Dr. Cialdini's Work1:19:05 Closing Remarks & Gratitude

In this episode, I sit down with Sudipt, the visionary founder behind Digital of Things and UserQ. From leaving a stable corporate career to building a UX research powerhouse in the Middle East, Sudipt shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the importance of user experience, the cultural nuances of building digital products in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the strategies behind launching two successful ventures.This conversation is packed with actionable insights on building partnerships, conducting effective user research, and creating products that resonate across diverse markets. Whether you're a product manager, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a UX professional, this episode is brimming with valuable lessons.🔗 Learn More About Digital of Things: https://www.digitalofthings.com🔗 Explore UserQ: https://www.userq.com🔗 Connect with Sudipt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sud18/If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful interviews!Timeline:00:00 – Introduction to the Episode00:05 – Sudipt's Corporate Journey and the Leap into Entrepreneurship02:05 – What is Digital of Things and its Core Offerings?04:01 – Key Steps to Localizing a Product in the Middle East06:04 – The Strategic Planning Behind Digital of Things’ Launch09:01 – Building a Partner Network for Business Growth13:06 – The Role of Usability Labs in UX Research19:00 – Real-World Insights from Usability Testing22:31 – Why Invest in a Usability Lab as a Startup?23:42 – Cultural Differences Between UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK26:38 – Common Mistakes Companies Make in User Research30:50 – How to Influence Stakeholders with Research Insights35:02 – The Birth of UserQ: From Service to Product Business39:13 – Key Differentiators of UserQ in the Market42:12 – Ensuring Quality in User Testing Participants44:19 – Building a Passionate and Mission-Driven Team50:47 – The Reality Behind UX Salaries and Market Adjustments54:45 – Why UAE is a Global Hub for UX and Product Talent57:16 – Surviving the Pandemic: Challenges and Lessons Learned1:02:20 – The Hardest Decisions as a Founder1:04:41 – Sudipt’s Passion for Teaching UX in the Region1:07:03 – Key Lessons for B2C Companies About UX1:09:57 – Why Inclusivity in Design Matters1:13:31 – How a Diverse Team Elevates UX Research1:14:26 – How to Work with Digital of Things and UserQ

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Roman Pichler—author of "Strategize" and a leading expert in Agile product management—to uncover what truly separates a grand product vision from a clear, actionable product strategy. We delve into Roman’s proven four-part framework that seamlessly connects your overarching product vision with practical roadmaps and backlogs, ensuring every step you take is value-driven.Discover how to validate your product strategy with real-world data before investing heavily, identify when it’s time to pivot, and recognize the right moment to push ahead or cut your losses. We also discuss differentiating business strategy from product strategy, working with outcome-based roadmaps, and how continuous review can keep your product thriving in dynamic markets.What You’ll Learn:- How to define a strong product strategy distinct from vision, roadmap, and backlog.- The importance of testing assumptions and validating market needs early.- Using quarterly reviews and outcome-based roadmaps to drive continuous alignment.- Strategies for knowing when to pivot, persevere, or even kill a product initiative.- Best practices for balancing desirability, feasibility, viability, and ethicality in product decisions.Get More From Roman Pichler:🚀 Attend training courses: https://www.romanpichler.com/training-courses/📖 Read Roman's book STRATEGIZE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0993499244➡︎ CONNECT with Roman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpichler/https://x.com/romanpichler If you enjoy this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more deep dives into product strategy and Agile product management.Keywords: product strategy, product vision, Agile product management, product validation, product roadmap, Roman Pichler, pivoting strategies, Lean Startup, product portfolio, business strategy, OKRs, outcome-based roadmapsSuggested Timeline / Chapters:00:00 – Intro: From Dating Sites to Video Sharing – How Companies Pivot Their Products01:02 – Defining Product Strategy: Difference Between Vision, Strategy, Roadmap & Backlog03:08 – Vision vs. Strategy: How a Grand Vision Translates into a Practical Strategy05:01 – Strategy to Roadmap: Making Outcomes and Goals Actionable07:05 – Why Create Strategy Templates: The Birth of Roman’s Product Vision Board & Roadmap Tools10:00 – Business Strategy vs. Product Strategy: Understanding Their Distinct Roles13:00 – Scaling Strategies: When Products Become Portfolios and Need Portfolio Strategies17:00 – Choosing the Right Framework: Roger Martin’s Business Strategy vs. Product-Level Strategy19:30 – Common Struggles in Articulating Strategy: Empowerment, Knowledge, and Stakeholder Alignment22:00 – Communicating Strategy Effectively: Involving Teams and Stakeholders Collaboratively25:00 – Avoiding Design by Committee: Balancing Collaboration with Clear Decision-Making Authority26:30 – Building Evidence-Based Strategies: Market Discovery, Validation, and Iteration30:00 – Validating Your Strategy: Identifying and Testing Key Assumptions and Risks33:00 – When to Pivot or Persevere: Using Data to Guide Strategic Decisions40:00 – Product, Feature, or Portfolio?: Differentiating and Strategizing at the Right Level45:00 – Continuous Strategizing: Quarterly Reviews, Staying Ahead of Trends & Competition50:00 – Real-World Pivots: YouTube, Flickr, and the Apple Watch as Case Studies54:00 – Ethicality in Products: Ensuring No Harm to Users, Society, or the Planet58:00 – Outcome-Based Roadmaps: The Advantages of Goals Over Features1:05:00 – Integrating OKRs & Strategic Outcomes: Aligning Roadmaps with Organizational Goals1:10:00 – Closing Advice: Courage, Focus, and Continuous Validation in Strategy Work1:20:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Roman: Learn More Through Roman’s Website, Book, and Resources

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of growth hacking with Sean Ellis, the entrepreneur who coined the term and helped scale companies like Dropbox and Eventbrite. Learn what growth hacking really means, how it differs from traditional marketing, and why product-market fit is essential before you grow. Sean shares actionable frameworks, data-driven experimentation techniques, and insider tips on activation, retention, and building a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, or product manager, this interview is packed with insights to help you drive sustainable growth.Where to find Sean Ellis:• X: https://x.com/seanellis• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanellis/• Website: https://www.seanellis.me/• Substack: https://substack.com/@seanellisKey Topics:- Growth hacking vs. traditional marketing- Achieving product-market fit- The "aha" moment & activation- Running effective experiments- Building a cross-functional growth teamTimestamps (Clickable Chapters):0:00 – Introduction & Defining Growth Hacking2:05 – Key Components of a Successful Growth Strategy4:07 – Cohort Analysis & Measuring Product-Market Fit5:24 – The Sean Ellis Test for Product-Market Fit9:59 – Who to Survey & Sample Size Guidelines12:16 – Using Product-Market Fit Insights to Drive Growth14:48 – Prioritizing Growth Opportunities with Limited Resources18:06 – Activation: The Critical Funnel Step Most Overlook23:30 – Generating & Ranking Growth Experiment Ideas26:57 – Common Mistakes When Starting Growth Hacking Efforts32:58 – Real-World Example: LogMeIn’s 10x Activation Improvement37:07 – Network Effects, Referral Loops, & When to Scale41:00 – Cross-Functional Collaboration for Growth Teams47:02 – Implementing Growth Hacking in Established Companies55:58 – Survey Questions for Understanding & Improving Your Product1:02:00 – Identifying Your North Star Metric1:13:00 – Surprising Applications of the Sean Ellis Test (NuBank, TikTok)1:20:00 – Closing Thoughts, Recommended Resources, & How to Connect with Sean

Join us as Neil Patel, digital marketing legend, reveals his bold strategies for scaling businesses in competitive markets. Discover why he believes common advice like “riches in niches” is misleading, and hear the story behind his $8.6M “experiment” that changed the game. Packed with insights on branding, SEO, and risk-taking, this episode challenges traditional business wisdom and offers practical tips for entrepreneurs, product managers, and marketers.Timeline:0:00 – Introduction and welcome to Neil Patel0:20 – Neil’s thoughts on Dubai and surprising observations1:39 – Neil’s contrarian view on market research and product-market fit2:04 – Entering competitive markets: why Neil copies competitors and adds his spin3:00 – The "niches" myth debunked: Why big markets matter more3:38 – The UberSuggest story: $8.6M experiment and lessons learned8:44 – Buying "Answer the Public" and turning it into a profitable asset10:59 – Neil on branding: How long it really takes to build a brand12:34 – Key SEO changes and what matters most now13:52 – Clickbait done right: Creating curiosity while delivering value15:11 – Personal vs. corporate brand: Why corporate brands generate more revenue19:44 – The truth about viral content: Why Neil doesn’t chase views24:46 – Managing a growing business: Neil’s view on leadership and "getting in the trenches"29:58 – Challenges of being a CEO: Why Neil prefers flexibility over titles32:04 – Reputation and customer service: Why every client interaction matters38:14 – How Neil prioritizes long-term opportunities over short-term gains46:39 – Advice for entrepreneurs in the Middle East market49:12 – Closing thoughts: How to stay objective and data-driven in business

In this riveting episode, Muhammad Chbib, one of the MENA region's most accomplished entrepreneurs, shares his incredible journey from a $25M deal collapse to building billion-dollar startups. Starting his entrepreneurial path at age 12, Muhammad delves into lessons learned from failure, insights into leadership, and his vision for empowering the MENA startup ecosystem. Don't miss this episode packed with inspiration, practical tips, and fascinating stories!💡 What you'll learn:How to pivot after setbacksBuilding impactful businesses in MENALeadership lessons from startup to scale📌 Chapters:00:00 - Introduction02:15 - Starting a Business at Age 12: Muhammad’s Early Days06:30 - The $25M Deal Collapse and What It Taught Him10:40 - Lessons from the Plastic Industry Startup Failure16:20 - Pivoting and Resilience: Moving Beyond Failure21:45 - Joining McKinsey: Leadership and Humility27:30 - The Role of Vision in Building Startups34:00 - Scaling AlMosafer to $1B in Sales40:15 - Key Leadership Traits for Entrepreneurs46:10 - Building the MENA Startup Ecosystem50:20 - The Role of Culture in Startup Success55:45 - How to Recruit and Retain Top Talent01:01:10 - The Power of Followership in Leadership01:05:00 - Muhammad’s Vision for a Global Middle Eastern Brand01:10:20 - Closing Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs✨ Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from top entrepreneurs!

Ever wondered how to set product goals that drive rapid growth? 🚀 In this episode, we dive deep with Andrey, a product growth expert with over 19 years of experience and former VP of Product at Flo Health. Andrey has a knack for transforming good products into industry leaders, and today he shares the secrets behind:- Setting effective product goals aligned with business metrics- Creating seamless feedback loops within product teams- Real-life examples from his consulting experience- Strategies to avoid common goal-setting mistakes- Whether you're a product manager, business leader, or just passionate about product growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can't miss! 🎯📅 Timeline:00:00 - Intro to Andrey and his background01:15 - Common mistakes in setting product goals03:50 - Connecting product goals with business metrics07:30 - The importance of feedback loops in product teams12:10 - Real-life examples from Andrey’s consulting experience18:40 - Key OKRs for tracking progress23:50 - How Flo Health monetized in a competitive market32:00 - Launch strategies and experiments for product success39:50 - Advanced growth strategies and experimentation52:00 - Jobs to be Done framework and how to apply it1:10:00 - Onboarding-driven product development explained1:17:00 - Web-to-web funnels and their effectiveness1:24:30 - Closing thoughts and where to find Andrey🔗 Follow Andrey on LinkedIn: https://cy.linkedin.com/in/mikhaylyuk🔗 Check out Andrey's website: https://amgrowth.top/If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! 💡#ProductManagement #GrowthStrategy #AndreInterview #ProductGoals #BusinessMetrics #Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with David Fradin, a former product manager at Apple who succeeded Steve Jobs and even managed Steve Wozniak. With over 50 years of experience, David has built 75+ products and founded 11 startups. He is also the author of How to Build Insanely Great Products.🔑 What You'll Learn:How to build products customers loveUnderstanding your unique value propositionMastering stakeholder managementThe truth behind the myth: Did Steve Jobs ignore user research?The 16 areas of innovation every product manager should knowJoin us as we uncover the secrets behind insanely great products and much more!David Fradin Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-David-Fradin/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ADavid+FradinDavid Fradin Website: https://spicecatalyst.com/Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: David’s journey at Apple and HP1:01 – How to build insanely great products2:36 – Why customers don’t know what they want (the Henry Ford story)5:00 – How to define your product market strategy8:03 – Stakeholder management tips from David9:43 – Unveiling the myth: Did Steve Jobs do user research?12:22 – The 16 areas of innovation for product managers15:00 – How David transitioned into product management at HP and Apple30:00 – Lessons from managing Apple’s iconic product launchesJoin my newsletter: https://mahmoudkhodor.com/

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Chris Jones, a partner at Silicon Valley Product Group and co-author of Empowered and Transformed with Marty Cagan. With over 30 years of experience, Chris has led product teams at both startups and Fortune 500 companies. We dive deep into the product operating model and explore how the best product-driven companies operate today. Chris shares valuable insights into transforming teams from shipping features to solving real problems, coaching product managers to take ownership, and navigating the common pitfalls of transitioning to a product-led organization.Topics Discussed:- The role of outcomes in product management- Shifting from features to outcomes- Building empowered product teams- Common pitfalls in product transformation- The role of leadership, especially the CEO, in driving change- How product managers, designers, and tech leads thrive in a product-driven companyKey Takeaways:- The significance of product discovery and the impact of shifting toward an empowered product model- How to effectively scale the product operating model across teams and departments- Coaching and building ownership in product managersChris's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjonessvpg/https://www.svpg.com/team/chris-jones/Timeline: 0:00 - Introduction0:42 - Who is Chris Jones?2:05 - What is the product operating model?5:10 - Shifting from features to outcomes9:00 - The three dimensions of product transformation12:50 - Common pitfalls in transforming to a product-led organization17:00 - The role of the CEO in product transformation20:20 - How product leaders can build credibility and influence24:00 - Team topology: How to organize product teams effectively29:15 - Coaching ownership in product managers33:10 - Lessons from Chris’s mentors38:00 - Why building teams is more important than building products43:30 - Key competencies for product managers, designers, and tech leads48:55 - Role of tech leads in product discovery52:50 - Transitioning from feature teams to empowered product teams58:00 - Outcome-based roadmaps and scaling the product operating model1:06:00 - Ensuring customer-centric transformation1:10:00 - Lessons learned from companies that struggled with transformation1:12:00 - Conclusion and where to find Chris JonesSubscribe for more practical tips from product leaders around the world!https://mahmoudkhodor.com/