Shows
BuildersSecrets to Building Profitable Products with Less Money - Jason FriedDiscover 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-roa...2025-04-291h 22BuildersWe built a $100M company after sleeping on the floor - Andy & Jacqueline ElliotIn 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 ch...2025-04-282h 03BuildersNo Trust, No Trade: The Brutal Truth About Marketplaces - Christophe de RassenfosseIn 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 b...2025-04-1643 minBuildersBig Tech vs. Middle East: The Real Product Management Differences With Pooja VithlaniProduct 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 “pro...2025-04-1655 minBuildersPrivate Credit: The ‘Hot Girl’ of Finance? Why Investors Are Flocking to It - Johanna KrugerPrivate 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 found...2025-04-0739 minBuildersHow This Startup Revolutionized Investing in the Middle East - Mark ChahwanIn 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 gr...2025-03-3138 minBuildersWhy 42% of Startups Fail & How Fractional PMs Save Millions - Mirela MusIn 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...2025-03-3135 minBuildersThe Truth About Working in Dubai | Christina Craver on Tech, Burnout & StartupsIn 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...2025-03-1443 minBuildersWhy We Shut Down a $3.7M Startup - Prashant MahajanIn 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 as...2025-03-141h 07BuildersWhy Crypto’s Biggest Problem Isn’t What You Think - Jerry FragiskatosWhen 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!🔗 E...2025-03-0445 minBuildersThe Secret Sauce Behind Spotify’s Success – Johanna Theander🚀 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 h...2025-03-0431 minBuildersSaudi to Seattle Then Back: Building Product Teams in the GCC - Abu Obeida BakhachDiscover 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 Microso...2025-03-041h 23BuildersStop Getting Distracted With Nir EyalDistraction 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 s...2025-03-0453 minBuildersThe Brutal Truth About Product Management with the Swag Wala PMAre 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.- Combin...2025-03-041h 13BuildersBuild a Startup with 5x Less Capital - Gökhan Polat🚀 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 a...2025-03-0451 minBuilders7 Rules of Power: How to Master Them with Jeffrey PfefferJoin 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 effe...2025-03-0447 minBuildersHow to Influence without Authority with Robert CialdiniIn 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 ent...2025-03-041h 19BuildersWhy Most Startups Fail at UX? – Sudipt ShahIn 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...2025-03-041h 15BuildersProduct Strategy with Roman PichlerIn 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...2025-03-041h 22BuildersHacking Growth with Sean EllisIn 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.co...2025-03-041h 26BuildersNeil Patel’s $8.6M Bet: Why Common Business Advice FailsJoin 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 –...2025-03-0449 minBuildersFrom $25M Failure to Billion-Dollar Success - Muhammad ChbibIn 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...2025-03-041h 35BuildersHow to Scale Your Product Like a Pro - Andrey MikhaylyukEver 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 wit...2025-03-041h 25BuildersHow to Build Insanely Great Products - David FradinIn 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...2025-03-0453 minBuildersFrom Features to Outcomes: Transforming Product Teams with Chris JonesIn 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...2025-03-041h 14BuildersThe $32M Product Launch Strategy You’ve Never Heard Of - Christian IdiodiIn this episode of the podcast, I speak with Christian Idiodi, a renowned product leader and partner at Silicon Valley Product Group. Christian shares how he helped launch a product that generated $32 million in just 90 days — using a technique far more powerful than user stories, PRDs, or acceptance criteria. He has worked with companies like Starbucks and McDonald's, helping them turn complex problems into successful products.We discuss the real role of a product manager, how to tackle customer discovery, and the importance of team collaboration in solving real problems. Christian also shares his thoughts on breaking into product ma...2025-03-041h 22BuildersWhat is Product-Led Growth - Leah TharinIn this episode, I sit down with Lea Tharin, an experienced product leader and interim CPO, to discuss the secrets of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and how it can transform your business. With a wealth of experience from Microsoft, Smallpdf, and Gutfoto, Lea shares insights on how to create products that attract and retain customers while reducing marketing costs and boosting loyalty. We dive into the key benefits of PLG, the importance of interactive demos, and the one thing that can get product managers promoted—or fired!Whether you're new to Product-Led Growth or looking for actionable tactics to improve yo...2025-03-0452 minBuildersBootstrapping To 8 Figures With The Power Of Community - Lloyed LoboIn this episode, I sit down with Lloyed Lobo, co-founder of Boast.AI and Traction, a renowned speaker, and the author of "From Grassroots to Greatness." We dive deep into the power of community, bootstrapping a company to eight figures, and the art of building something meaningful from scratch.🎥 Watch to learn:- The importance of community in today's age of AI- How Lloyed built Boast.AI from scratch using no-code tools- The mindset of a successful entrepreneur- Lessons from startup failures- Insights on balancing family and entrepreneurshipTimestamps:0:00 Intro0:05 Bootstrapping to 8 figures with 30 employees1:06 The role of community and col...2025-03-041h 54BuildersFounder Grew His Business 200x in 18 Months - Khalid MachchateIn this episode, I sit down with Khaled, a Forbes-listed tech CEO and royal advisor, whose incredible journey took him from humble beginnings as a village kid in Africa to becoming a globally recognized thought leader. With over 25 international awards in innovation, technology, and business, Khaled shares his insights on problem-solving, scaling businesses, and leadership. We dive deep into his personal story, starting at age 10 when he created his first software, all the way to advising Fortune 500 companies and governments around the world.Khaled's linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalidmachchate/Highlights:[0:06] Solving problems as a founder[0:18] Khaled’s ri...2025-03-041h 36BuildersWhy Your Plans & OKRs Aren't a Strategy - Roger L. MartinIn this episode, we sit down with Roger Martin, renowned strategist, author of 13 books, and former Dean of Rotman School of Management. Roger is here to talk about strategy like you've never heard before. We cover the myths of KPIs, why strategy isn’t just a plan, and how business schools might be getting it all wrong. Stick around for practical insights that can help you implement a winning strategy today. Plus, we’re giving away 20 copies of Roger’s book "Playing to Win"! Don’t miss out—details at the end of the episode.Key topics we discuss:- Why 10...2025-03-041h 24