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
