Spark! with Shereen: Recent Episodes
Shereen Abdulla
The Spark! with Shereen podcast show amplifies the voices of the Middle East startup ecosystem. Join Shereen Abdulla as she interviews government officials, entrepreneurs, and investors and about technology and innovation trends. This show was recorded in 2020 and 2021. The information provided is current as of the time of recording each episode. Shereen Abdulla produces business and finance content out of Spark! Studios in Dubai.
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Produced by Spark! Studios. We are a creative brand studio that helps companies tell their story and grow their audience through content. We specialize in business, finance, and tech written and visual storytelling for digital multi-platform campaigns. Our production suite offers end-to-end services, including strategy, production, hosting, and distribution. We also offer storytelling training and coaching.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Kerem Kuyucu who's the co-founder of JustMop, a platform that connects home dwellers with at-home service providers. Kerem has extensive experience building and scaling startups as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Rocket Internet and Country Manager at Foodonclick.
Together we discuss:
- Aspects of marketplace apps to consider
- B2C marketing strategies
- Operational complications of working with third parties
- A bunch of tech startup mentions
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Rasha Rady who's the co-founder and COO of Chefaa, a pharmacy platform that helps patients order, schedule, and have medicine delivered to consumers' doorsteps. Rasha is a pediatrician, by background, who got out of her comfort zone and into the entrepreneurship world to serve more patients and have a larger impact on the community.
Together we discuss:
- Benefits of building online apps to serve your customers better
- How to retain customers through subscription models
- Understanding and applying consumer preferences to e-commerce platforms
- Dynamics of the Egyptian ecosystem to consider when building a local startup
I'm working with a fab team from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) to help refine Spark!'s value proposition and marketing strategy. We've set up a short survey that takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, check it out here.
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Lamya Al Shammary who's the founder and CEO of MWJ, the first marketplace to buy new and pre-loved certified luxury watches in the MENA region. Lamya is a watch and jewelry connoisseur and industry expert with over 10 years of experience. Combined with expertise in e-commerce and an understanding of the market, she delivers the best experience to shop for watches and jewelry.
Together we discuss:
- The dynamics of the second-hand watch market
- Building trust with customers and the role that content plays to achieve this
- E-commerce in KSA and consumer preferences
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
Subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Myriam Awad who's the founder and CEO of PotPay (formerly Bakala), a startup on a mission to digitize offline retail data. As an organization that digitizes offline retail data, PotPay's business model is B2B2C. They work with retailers and brands with their main audience being Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs). Myriam has led the creation of long-term strategies, crafted marketing and sales agendas, grew products, and built winning teams — all resulting in best-in-class management and a proven track record of delivering value.
Together we discuss:
- How to appeal to your target audience
- The process of collecting demographic data
- The sales process to find B2B customers in the retail industry
- Expanding into technologically developed markets
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Toghrul Samad who's the founder and CEO of Buglance, a crowdsourced testing platform that utilizes the power of the people to revolutionize the software testing industry. Toghrul is a serial entrepreneur, problem solver, and Chief Executive with 15 years of experience in promoting e-commerce websites, mobile apps, and games.
Together we discuss:
- The reasons why software bugs go unnoticed
- How to leverage the power of the masses for software bug testing
- How to ensure employees are equipped to communicate with employees
- Founder leadership styles
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Philip Bahoshy whose the founder and CEO of MAGNiTT, the first venture data platform serving founders and investors across emerging markets. Philip worked at Oliver Wyman in the Financial Services practice for three years, followed by nearly three years at Barclays Wealth working as Chief of Staff to the CEO, advising on strategic initiatives.
Together we discuss:
- How to use newsletters to build your business (audience and revenue growth)
- The importance of knowing your customer to your product development process
- The rising popularity of the MENA opportunity amongst the global startup ecosystem
- MAGNiTT's approach to building a data-driven tech company
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Bedy Yang, Managing Partner at 500 Startups. Bedy oversees 500’s ecosystem development programs including investor education courses (in partnership with top institutions such as Stanford, Berkeley, and INSEAD), has helped launch strategic partnerships and accelerator programs across the globe, and leads 500’s corporate-startup innovation and consultancy.
Together we discuss:
- Unlocking market access in the startup ecosystem
- Different types of mentors
- Working with governments to build startup programs
- Current startup trends in the MENA region
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Leen Nabulsi who is a Venture Lead at Rainmaking Innovation. Leen focuses on corporate venture building, where she works on scoping, validating, building, and launching new ventures with large corporations. Leen was also the Managing Director of Dubai Smart City Accelerator (a Startupbootcamp program) and is an active member of the startup community in the UAE.
Together we discuss:
- The process of venture building with corporate partners
- Strategies to build ventures that cater to corporate objectives
- The importance of relationship building and partnerships (in the business world)
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
Subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Julie Nguyen who is the founder of Crunchmoms. Crunchmoms is a community and networking platform for working moms to connect with like minded-women and boost their career ambitions. Crunchmom is now available as a web-based community. There are weekly online sessions where moms discuss all sorts of different topics, such as, job searching, self-confidence, and creating CVs.
Together we discuss:
- The benefit of support systems for working moms
- Balancing work and home life
- Improving female business participation in the MENA region
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Ben Safra and Mila Nehme who are co-founders of Sensate. Ben & Mila are seasoned retail and customer experience professionals with a demonstrated history of working within the international luxury goods and jewelry industry. Ben has worked with powerhouses in the industry such as LV, Burberry, D&G, Tiffany & Co, Carolina Herrera, and Selfridges, whilst Mila has worked with Burberry and Cartier.
Together we discuss:
- Reasons to engage with your employees
- Initiatives to improve employee wellbeing
- The role that interiors have on employee creativity
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Basil Moftah to discuss the global mindset amongst entrepreneurs. Basil is an experienced venture builder and partner at Global Ventures, a growth-focused VC that invests in disruptive startups with an enterprise technology focus in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Together we discuss:
- The importance for businesses to have a global mindset
- Keeping guard of competitors from abroad
- The difference between marketing a B2B vs. B2C business
- Examples of two up-and-coming tech startups with a global mindset
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Sagi Melamed to discuss mindful investing. Sagi is the author of Mindful Fundraising as well as a resource development consultant.
Together we discuss:
- Applying mindfulness when fundraising
- Benefits of being mindful when doing business
- Measures of business impact
- How to measure business impact
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit down with Faris Mesmar to discuss venture building. Faris is a serial entrepreneur as well as the founder and managing partner of Hatch & Boost, which is a venture builder. Hatch & Boost is all about creating value in MENA's consumer space by tackling key problems, by introducing interesting solutions.
Together we discuss:
- The evolving definition of venture building
- How venture builders operate
- Importance of making an impact with ventures
- Communicating venture performance to investors
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we dig deep with Marcus Smith on the topic of wearables. Marcus is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, fitness coach, and extreme athlete. He is the founder of InnerFight and takes on "extreme challenges," such as, running 30 marathons in 30 days.
Together we discuss:
- The various wearables available in the market
- How to select the best wearables for your specific fitness needs
- How to make use of the data you gather from wearables
- The realities of the effectiveness of wearables
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we had an engaging conversation with Nouf Alharthi. Nouf works for Monsha'at, which the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). She is an enabler in the ecosystem and works very closely not just with other ecosystem players but also with entrepreneurs in order to assess what they need in the market and to make sure that it is provided to them.
Together we discuss:
- Preferred language of communication in Saudi Arabia
- How to communicate with Saudis when doing business within the Kingdom
- Mannerisms to adapt during business meetings
- Saudi's unique startup demographics
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In our latest episode, we sit with Mohamed Dhaouafi to discuss how he is bringing 3D printing, VR, and gamification technologies to healthcare. More specifically, through his company CURE BIONICS, based in Tunis, he builds bionic prosthetics and therapeutic solutions using these technologies. Mohamed is a 2020 FORBES Middle East 30 Under 30, a 2020 MIT Technology Review 35 under 35 Innovator, and a 2019 Obama Foundation Africa Leader - super impressive, right? To top it all off, he started his business from scratch.
Together we discuss:
- How to launch a hardware-based product from MVP to market
- 3D printing, VR, and gamification applications in the prosthetics market
- Distribution models to scale hardware-based businesses
- Various uses of 3d printing in healthcare and beyond!
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we’ll be talking about how to keep your mental health intact as an entrepreneur. We had a meaningful discussion with Areije Al-Shakar, who has guided startups throughout her career in the area of funding (debt, equity, and VC), and along the way has learned about effective coaching and mentoring whilst appealing to the human side of the entrepreneurs across the table from her. Together we discuss:
- Building a strong network of connections to aid start-up growth
- Importance of acknowledging loss and admitting to mistakes
- How cultural barriers prevent us from discussing mental health
- How to find a mentor and build the basis for a strong win:win relationship
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we’ll be talking about the digitization of media in the Middle East. We sit down with John Lillywhite, who has a wealth of experience in this industry having undertaken several publication-focused roles both at corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Together we discuss:
- Media consumption habits of Arabs in the Middle East
- Differences between the publishing industry in the West & the Middle East
- Machine learning advancements with the Arabic language
- New models in the publication industry (e.g. Blockchain)
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we’ll be talking about events and how the event management industry has changed over 2020. We sit down with is Ali Rifai, who has spent over 10 years organizing events of all scales in the Middle East whilst working for one of the largest live entertainment event management companies in the region. Together we discuss:
- How the music and sports industries have been adapting to virtual experiences
- Key takeaways what others can learn from him
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, who is a founding partner for the Middle East's only food & agricultural sustainability consulting company, SOMA MATER. We discuss the following aspects from farm to fork:
- The importance of food security
- The UAE’s efforts towards ensuring food security
- Agriculture technology trends that support farming
- Business aspects of commercial farming
- Methods to reduce food waste
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Fitzgerald, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Augustus Media, which owns the Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, Smashi TV platforms. We discuss:
- News platforms- what it means to the public and how they prefer to access and interact with it
- The media industry in the Middle East vs. global markets
- How to monetize and promote media platforms
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Leila Hamadeh, who is the CEO and Co-founder of a Podcast network in the United Arab Emirates - Finyal Media. We discuss:
- Overview of the podcast market in the Middle East.
- Review of consumer audio consumption trends in the region.
- How to create, promote, and monetize a podcast in the region.
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Mehrad Yaghmai, who is an active entrepreneur and investor in the EdTech industry in the Middle East. We discuss:
- Education models to learn through practice (internships and apprenticeships)
- Who is best suited for apprenticeships and how to make the most of it
- Innovations in university business models
- Adapting lecturing practices to suit online delivery
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Yousef BuHazza, who is an active advocate of the gaming industry in the Middle East through Unreal Bahrain, to hear his insights on the gaming and e-sports industry. We discuss:
- What makes a successful game
- What you need to do to develop a game
- How to operate e-sports tournaments
- How train to participate in e-sports
Make sure to follow Unreal Bahrain on social media to hear about their meetups, Game Jams, and events!
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Jamil Asfour to hear his insights on industries that are leveraging Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. We discuss:
- Industries in the Middle East that are leveraging ML & AI
- How governments can foster innovation within ML & AI
- The benefits of integrating ML & AI into businesses
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Raja Al Mazrouei to hear her insights on building an innovation hub as the Executive Vice President of the DIFC FinTech Hive. We discuss:
- Structuring corporate ventures for success.
- COVID-19's effect of startup co-working spaces and accelerators.
- The importance of communities to drive innovation.
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
Subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode, we sit down with Walid Dib to hear his insights on presentation tips for Founders in the Middle East. We discuss:
- How to present to prospective clients, investors, and media
- How to approach business development within a startup
- His experience growing Addenda in a traditional and conservative market
Walid Dib is the CEO and Co-founder of Addenda, a blockchain-based InsurTech company based in the United Arab Emirates.
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode we sit down with Noor Salama, Ecosystem Community Manager at MAGNiTT, to cover the current state of diversity amongst Middle East startups. We discuss:
- Startup team demographics in the Middle East
- Benefits of diverse teams
- MENA startup Funding levels in the first half of 2020
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this episode we sit down with Shahzad Bhatti, Founder & CEO of The Co-Dubai, to discuss:
- Trends in Retail post COVID-19 (online and offline)
- Software solutions that enable e-commerce
- The importance of seamless delivery and the role of aggregators
- Creating customer experiences to gain a competitive edge
- Payment processing options for retailers (payment gateways and POS machines)
- Trends within retail payments
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
Feel like socializing? Connect with us on Instagram and Linkedin.
Subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.
In this trailer episode we provide you with an introduction to the Spark! with Shereen show.
Want to read the episode instead? Access the show notes here.
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Got something you'd like to discuss with us? Email us at hello@sparkstudios.online
We’re a studio that produces original content & provides content-as-a-service.
Podcasts hosted by @shereenabdulla.