Shows
Tak on the Pod#12 - Tokenizing Tomorrow: Nadine Chakar on Leading Fintech’s Next EraIn this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nadine Chakar, one of the most influential voices in global finance and digital assets innovation. As the Managing Director and Global Head of Digital Assets at DTCC, Nadine has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and tokenization into the traditional financial system.We explore how the financial industry is being reimagined - from the rise of tokenized markets to the growing influence of AI in fintech - and what it means to lead responsibly through this next era of transformation. Nadine...2025-07-0343 min
Tak on the Pod#11 - Micheline Nader: Leading with Conscious Purpose in a Changing WorldIn our latest episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Micheline Nader, best-selling author of The Dolphin’s Dance and Leap Beyond Success, healthcare entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leadership visionary. From her roots in Lebanon to reshaping the healthcare landscape in the US and co-founding the Jesra Foundation, Micheline’s journey is a testament to purpose-driven leadership grounded in conscious awareness.We explore the philosophy behind “dancing with evolution,” the foundational idea of her work, and how her career has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a desire to empower others. She shares insights from her LEAP...2025-06-101h 16
Tak on the Pod#10 - Innovating for Impact: Nayla Fahed on Digital Learning & the Future of EducationIn this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Nayla Fahed, an educator and social entrepreneur reshaping the future of learning in Lebanon. As the co-founder of Lebanese Alternative Learning (LAL) and the force behind Tabshoura, a groundbreaking digital education platform, Nayla has dedicated her career to making quality education accessible to underserved communities.We discuss the challenges of integrating technology in education during crises, the impact of digital learning on refugee communities, and how innovation can bridge the gaps in Lebanon’s struggling education system. Nayla shares her journey, the obstacles she’s face...2025-05-0835 min
Tak on the Pod#9 - The Levant Through War & Words: Mishka Mourani on Culture, Identity & ExileIn this episode of Tak on the Pod, Andrea sits down with Mishka Mourani, a writer, educator, and storyteller whose life has been deeply shaped by the history of the Levant. Born in Alexandria and rooted in Beirut, Mishka has lived through war, displacement, and resilience, using writing as a means to reclaim agency in the face of conflict.We explore the themes of exile without departure, the power of storytelling in preserving identity, and the role of education in times of crisis. Mishka shares her reflections on war, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Levant—wh...2025-04-2550 min
Tak on the Pod#8 - Healthcare, Leadership & Impact: A Conversation with Noha HachachIn this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea sits down with Noha Hachach, Managing Director of the GCC for Cedars-Sinai and a trailblazer in healthcare innovation and strategy across the Arab world.We dive into Noha’s journey in transforming healthcare systems, the importance of international collaboration, and how she bridges leadership and impact through both her executive role and NGO work. A dedicated member of the TAKREEM Selection Committee, Noha also shares her passion for empowering women leaders and building a stronger Arab network across borders.Join us for a powerful conversation on he...2025-04-2546 min
Tak on the Pod#7 - Art, Culture & The Arab Narrative: Rima Nasser of Selections MagazineIn this episode of "Tak on the Pod", Andrea sits down with Rima Nasser, founder of Selections Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing the richness of Arab art, design, and culture. Through Selections and initiatives like Cultural Narratives, Rima has created a space for artists to share their stories, connect with collectors, and gain global recognition.We explore the power of storytelling in preserving heritage, the challenges and opportunities for Arab artists on the international stage, and how digital publishing is shaping the future of art and culture. Join us for an inspiring conversation on t...2025-04-2329 min
Tak on the Pod#6 - Empowering Lebanon's Youth: Education & Social Impact with Ghada FeghaliIn this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Ghada Feghali, an educator, mentor, and advocate for educational reform in Lebanon. With 35 years of experience at the International College of Beirut, she has shaped generations of students as a biology instructor, department chair, and Associate Director at IC Middle School. Beyond the classroom, Ghada co-founded MMKN in 2010, an NGO committed to supporting vulnerable students in Lebanese public schools through remedial programs and community engagement. Her work has impacted over 14,000 students and 100+ schools, fostering social responsibility, academic excellence, and leadership among Lebanon’s youth. ...2025-03-0241 min
Tak on the Pod#5 - Tackling Waste, Transforming Lives: Omar Itani's MissionIn this episode of “Tak on the Pod”, we are joined by Omar Itani, an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder of FabricAID, a pioneering enterprise tackling fabric waste and promoting sustainable fashion solutions across the region. Omar’s entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of Visio, a waste management company that introduced him to the transformative power of social enterprises in addressing environmental challenges. His passion for sustainability and problem-solving led to the creation of FabricAID, which has grown into a leading force in fabric waste reduction and circular economy practices. Throughout our conversation, Omar sha...2025-03-021h 10
Tak on the Pod#4 - Preserving Beirut: A 23-year Fight for Heritage with Mona El HallakIn this episode of "Tak on the Pod," we are joined by Mona El Hallak, a renowned architect and heritage preservation activist from Beirut. Mona’s work has been pivotal in preserving Lebanon’s architectural and cultural heritage, most notably leading the transformation of the historic Barakat Building into Beit Beirut—a museum of memory and cultural hub. As the Director of the Neighbourhood Initiative at the American University of Beirut, she spearheads urban renewal projects that foster community engagement and sustainability in Ras Beirut.Throughout our conversation, Mona shares her journey from architecture to activism, the challe...2024-09-2251 min
Tak on the Pod#3 - From Jordan to Sydney: The Inspirational Path of Hala ZreiqatIn this episode of "Tak on the Pod," Andrea welcomes Hala Zreiqat, a trailblazer in biomedical engineering and a passionate advocate for the next generation. From her beginnings in the Royal Medical Services with the Jordanian Armed Forces to becoming a Payne-Scott Professor at The University of Sydney, Hala's journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. Dive into the untold stories of her life, challenges faced as an Arab woman in science, and groundbreaking research in regenerative medicine. Explore her commitment to mentorship through initiatives like BIOTech Futures, her role in breaking stereotypes, and the global i...2024-03-2635 min
Tak on the Pod#2 - Harmony in Motion: Art and Identity with Habib AzarJoin host Andrea in this captivating episode of "Tak on the Pod" as we welcome Habib Azar, an eight-time Emmy Award-winning producer and director. Renowned for his dynamic style and creative genius, Habib has left an indelible mark on the arts landscape with works spanning feature films, contemporary opera, and live broadcasts. Dive deep into Habib's creative process, his experiences directing large-scale events, and the influence of his Lebanese identity on his artistic endeavors. Explore the intersection of culture and creativity with a maestro in the industry, as we uncover the stories behind his notable projects and the i...2024-02-2633 min
Tak on the Pod#1 - Honoring Arab Excellence: A Journey with Ricardo KaramIn the inaugural episode of "Tak on the Pod," join host Andrea as she sits down with the visionary Ricardo Karam, founder of Takreem. With over twenty-five years of experience as a talk show host, public speaker, writer, and advocate, Ricardo shares insights into his journey and the mission behind the TAKREEM Foundation. Discover the essence of 'Takreem' and its role in honoring Arab achievements. Explore the impact of TAKminds initiatives and the inspiration behind the Takreem Foundation Podcast. This episode is a tribute to the empowerment of the Arab world and the remarkable laureates celebrated by the Takreem...2024-02-1223 min
A Few Things with Jim Barrood#19 Small Business Panel: Survival tips during this downturn from top expertsWe discussed few things including:1. How small businesses are responding during crisis2. What strategies can entrepreneurs implement now3. What support programs can they take advantage of4. How can we as a community help themPanelists:Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company specializing in covering small businesses and entrepreneurship. Before co-founding GrowBiz Media, Lesonsky was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. A nationally known speaker and authority on entrepreneurship, Rieva has been covering America's entrepreneurs for more than 26 years. Lesonsky has appeared on hu...2020-08-3156 min