Shows
Success SaudiBuilding in Saudi: Insider Advice on Entrepreneurship from Ahmad MushtaqWhat does it really take to launch a business in Saudi Arabia, especially as a newcomer to the ecosystem?In this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with tech entrepreneur and business consultant Ahmad Mushtaq, founder of Ibtdara, to unpack the practical side of building a company in the Kingdom.From content creation and licensing to community building and tech tools, Ahmad shares hard-earned insights and hands-on tips for anyone looking to start strong in Saudi.🔹 The biggest takeaway from his MBA at Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College🔹...2025-06-101h 18Success SaudiHow Treehouse Became Riyadh’s Favorite Farm-to-Table Café with Lulwah Al JuraibanWe’re kicking off Season 2 of Success Saudi with Lulwah Al Juraiban, the founder of Treehouse, a homegrown concept that’s redefining healthy, sustainable dining in Riyadh.In this episode, we dive into:• How a childhood memory sparked her entrepreneurial journey• The challenges of starting and scaling a restaurant business in KSA• How Treehouse controls food waste • Common mistakes made in F&B • Her favorite resources, habits, and Saudi brandsWhether y...2025-05-1848 minSuccess SaudiBuilding Community Through Endurance: Insights from Nezar Al-TuwaijriIn this episode, we sit down with Nezar Al-Tuwaijri, founder and CEO of Race Arabia, the trailblazing organization creating world-class endurance events in Saudi Arabia. Nezar shares his journey from building a small running community to establishing a leading endurance event firm shaping the kingdom’s fitness culture.
Key highlights from our conversation:
From Passion to Purpose: Nezar's journey from being a Boston runner to founding Race Arabia, emphasizing community building.
Overcoming Challenges: Race Arabia’s path to success despite market skepticism, stakeholder issues, and operational hurdles.
Participant-Centered Experiences: The focus on passionate team...2025-01-031h 21Success SaudiEmpowering Entrepreneurs: Expert Insights from Hussein AttarIn this episode, we sit down with Hussein Attar, CEO of Tech Invest Com, a leading PE/VC firm with 1B SAR invested in regional tech startups. Hussein shares his journey from co-founding Sawerly, a former top MENA photography booking platform that was named one of the Top 50 Arab Startups by Forbes Middle East in 2015, to his current work supporting the regional ecosystem through investments and mentorship.
Key highlights from our conversation:
• Entrepreneurial Lessons: Hussein reflects on his early experiences with Sawerly and the key lessons learned that shaped his current approach to investing.
• ...2024-12-091h 03Success SaudiCreative Leadership & Cultural Impact with Kholoud AttarIn this episode of Success Saudi, we sit down with Kholoud Attar, the CEO and Founder of DRB KSA and KAAPH Marketing Agency, and the Founder of Design Magazine. Kholoud shares her inspiring journey of breaking boundaries and leading change across creative industries.
In this conversation, we discuss:
🤝 Her work empowering local designers and creatives
🌐 The significance of the networks and groups that have shaped her success
🚐 Her journey of creating a mobile gift caravan to deliver cultural experiences
✨ Valuable lessons on self-belief and staying...2024-11-1254 minSuccess SaudiF&B Frontiers: Faisal’s Journey with Modern Food CompanyFaisal Shaker is a visionary entrepreneur, restaurateur and co-founder and CEO of Modern Food Company or MFC.
The MFC portfolio of brands includes many of Riyadh’s finest including San Carlo Cicchetti, Urth Cafe, Billionaire, the award-winning Peruvian-Japanese restaurant COYA, Signor Sassi, the homegrown and award-winning Japanese concept MYAZU, and many others.
Prior to founding MFC Group, Faisal was in the banking and investment industry for over 15 years, at firms such as Merrill Lynch, SABB, Barclays and Audi Capital. Moreover, Faisal also sits on various boards and committees, including publicly listed companies....2024-10-201h 02Success SaudiLinkedin Success & Women’s Stories with Mirna Al AliMirna Al Ali is a leader in women’s empowerment, a keynote speaker, and was recognized as a Top Arab LinkedIn Creator. She hosts a LinkedIn show called Her Story providing inspiration and wisdom to thousands of followers.
In this episode, we discuss:
How entrepreneurs can effectively engage clients on Linkedin
How to achieve balance in life
The cultural barriers that women in the Middle East must overcome to advance professionally
Hacks to build a LinkedIn presence
Mirna’s bold move after becoming too comfortable in her job
Starting a LinkedIn talk show
An...2024-09-2444 minSuccess SaudiConnecting Creatives in KSA with Brandie JanowEpisode 12 of Success Saudi Podcast features Brandie Janow, a Design Strategist and Community Lead.
Brandie is the founder of Kingdom Creatives, a think tank and social enterprise bringing together over 700 individuals, businesses, and government organizations involved in the creative sectors.
She is also the Head of Community at Al Mashtal Community House and a recognized voice in the Saudi business and design community.
In this interview, Brandie shares:
▪ Tips on connecting with like-minded people in Riyadh
▪ Mistakes she...2024-09-091h 02Success SaudiStart up Success: Insider Tips and Local Insights from Bonjour Saudi with Cecilia PueyoJoin us in Episode 11 of the Success Saudi podcast as we delve into the fascinating journey of Cecilia Pueyo, the co-founder of Bonjour Saudi.
Bonjour Saudi is a travel and experience design house in Riyadh that connects locals and visitors with authentic Saudi experiences, such as the art of Sadu weaving and the culinary delights of Cooking Kabsa.
If you are considering starting a business in the Saudi tourism sector, don’t miss this insightful episode.2024-07-0453 minSuccess SaudiFrom Gym Cleaner to Co-Founder: Sir Alain Edene’s Inspirational Fitness JourneySuccess Saudi Podcast Episode 10 features Sir Alain Edene. Sir Alain is a Health and Wellness Leader, Founder of Fit-In International, and a motivational speaker.
In this episode, we discuss:
00:00 - Intro
12:38 - Have you always known how to master your emotion or did you have to learn it?
16:41 - How did your journey in KSA begin?
24:04 - What was your vision?
26:54 - How do you build strong teams?
29:06 - Where do other businesses go wrong when building strong teams?
31:17...2024-04-0243 minSuccess SaudiVenturing Forward: Emon Shakoor's Path to SuccessEpisode 9 of the Success Saudi podcast features Emon Shakoor.
Emon is an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, an angel investor, and an advisor. She founded Blossom Accelerator, Saudi Arabia's First Tech-Inclusion Accelerator in 2017.
Emon is a venture partner at Oryx Fund Hambro Perks and serves on the investment committee of OQAL, Saudi Arabia’s largest Angel Investment Network. She is a Ted-X speaker and has been featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar and Entrepreneur Middle East.
In this episode, we talk about:
0:00 - Introduction
2:46 - Where did you grow up and what were you like as a kid?
5:51- Ho...2024-02-291h 05Success SaudiSeizing Opportunities: Exploring the Saudi Market with Ahsan AbdullahAhsan Abdullah believes now is the time for investors and entrepreneurs to enter the Saudi market. As an entrepreneur himself whose firm advises hundreds of companies in over 7 countries, when Ahsan speaks, investors listen.
Episode 8 of Success Saudi Podcast features Ahsan Abdullah, co-founder and director of Tass and Hamjit, a a multi-service firm offering a broad range of services in financial consultings, audit, tax and compliances, data analytics and legal domains.
In this wide-ranging interview, we cover frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs and investors in KSA, including:
- Different ways to set up a business in Saudi
- Benefits...2023-12-2442 minSuccess SaudiFrom Passion to Purpose: Zuzana Kalous and the Rise of the RWG Fitness Movement"This episode features Zuzana Kalous. Zuzana is the founder of the RWG community, the largest women's fitness community in the Kingdom. Their goal is to make fitness accessible to everyone. The group may not have started with a purpose in mind, but purpose soon followed. This episode explores Zuzana’s journey to Riyadh and the evolution and growth of the RWG community.
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
01:30 - Can you start by telling us about your life leading up to coming to Riyadh?
03:23 - How did you feel about making th...2023-12-1043 minSuccess SaudiBreaking Barriers and Building Businesses: Maha Shirah's Journey to EmpowermentMaha is a certified business consultant, a certified trainer, and an advocate for women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship. She is also a wife and mother of 2 boys.
In 2014 Maha founded SHEWORKS, the first licensed business hub and incubator for women in Saudi Arabia.
She is a former member of the Business Women Committee in Riyadh Chamber, a former member at the Saudi Coordination Council for Women's Labour, and a private consultant to private and public sectors.
In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss Maha's business an...2023-11-271h 09Success SaudiUnlocking Potential by Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone with Wadha Al RashidThis episode features Wadha Al Rashid, the Founder of Draft Cafe.
Wadha founded Draft Cafe in 2017 before the burgeoning Cafe scene in Riyadh. She now has 9 locations across the city. In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we explore the concept of empowering your team and embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth. Wadha talks about hiring staff, choosing locations, industry challenges, and cafe trends.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that will empower you to unlock your potential and support the growth of your team.
In this...2023-10-2937 minSuccess SaudiAchieving Success in KSA; a conversation with CEO and legal expert Cassandra Heilbronn.Cassandra is the CEO of a private family office in KSA. She practiced as a lawyer specializing in Sports, Entertainment, and Corporate Risk in both Australia and Saudi Arabia. Cassandra is also a seasoned speaker and travels internationally giving keynotes and appearing on panels.In this interview, Cassandra shares her advice on doing business with family offices, the best places for expats to network, tips for entrepreneurs, where to find an executive coach, and much more!كاساندرا هي الرئيس التنفيذي لمكتب عائلي خاص في المملكة العربية السعودية. قامت بممارسة مهنة المحاماة متخصصة في مجال الرياضة والترفيه ومخاطر الشركات في كل من أستراليا والمملكة العربية السعودية. كما أن كاساندرا متحدثة مخضرمة وتسافر دولياٍ لتقديم محاضرات رئيسية والمشاركة في الجلسات الخاصة.في هذه المقابلة، تشارك كاساندرا نصائحها حول التعامل مع المكاتب العائلية في مجال الأعمال، وأفضل الأماكن للمغتربين للتواصل، ونصائح لرجال الأعمال، و أين يمكن العثور على مدرب تنفيذي، والمزيد!2023-10-1535 minSuccess SaudiEmpowering Youth and Succeeding in Life with Norah AlRayesIn this episode of the Success Saudi podcast, we are joined by Norah AlRayes, the CEO and co-founder of Masterhat, a center for performing arts, drama, and creative programs in Riyadh. In the conversation, Norah shares her entrepreneurial journey, from identifying a gap in the market to partnering with the Ministry of Cultural Theatre and Performing Arts Commission. Norah teaches us that with the support of a strong network, including co-founders and family, you can achieve both personal fulfillment and entrepreneurial success.
2023-10-0821 minSuccess SaudiFrom Passion to Profit: Insider Tips for Entrepreneurs in KSA with Hassan IkramToday's guest on Success Saudi is Hassan Ikram!
Hassan is an entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, mentor, and advisor. He currently serves as the Founding Partner and CEO at Cotyledon for management consultancy, Founder Chairman of Thriftplan, Co-founder and Chairman of 3ndey, and previously co founded the award-winning Falak Investment Hub.
In this episode Hassan shares valuable insights and advice for entrepreneurs in KSA. He answers key questions such as: - What incentives are available for entrepreneurs in KSA? - Where can you find the best local talent for...2023-10-0141 minSuccess SaudiExploring Saudi Arabia: Language, Culture, and Entrepreneurship with Joel HuffmanToday’s guest on Success Saudi is Joel Huffman!
Joel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Arabius, a language and culture app launched in 2020 with the mission to revolutionize the language learning process, especially for people interested in coming to Saudi Arabia.
In this episode, we are going to learn about his upbringing and what led him to want to travel the world and experience new cultures.
Joel is going to explain how he ended up in Saudi Arabia, and why he decided to leave the corporate world and the finance niche to focus on entrepreneurship and create a ne...2023-09-241h 15Success SaudiIntroduction To Success SaudiLooking to start or grow a business in Saudi Arabia? Learn from our community of successful entrepreneurs for inspiration and practical tools for success.2023-09-2400 min
Podcasts Ebradi#02 Podcast EBRADI Live: Direito Societário - Investimento em startupNeste episódio, a Dra. Maria Eugenia Finkelstein fala sobre os Investimentos em Startup, juntamente com o prof. Marcelo Cometti.2020-10-231h 33