Best Mohamed Ayman Podcasts (2024)

1
“I’m an art pragmatist. You need a balance.” Hashem Montasser talks to Caroline Louca about growing up around art, themes in his current collection, and how The Lighthouse fits in with his mission to support ... 57:29

20d ago57:29

57:29

This week, we’re flipping the script. Art consultant Caroline Louca gets behind the host’s mic to chat with Hashem the art collector! As a long-time friend of Hashem’s, an art advisor, and former Managing Director of Christie’s Dubai, Caroline digs deep into Hashem’s passion for art. They talk about Hashem’s art enthusiast and academic mother, who …

1
“When I see a few characters in a painting, I create my own stories.” Elie Khouri on his multiple career pivots, the joy of collecting art & having fun on hit reality series ‘Shark Tank’ 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

Hashem catches up with the renowned art collector and CEO of Vivium Holding, his newly established family office. Elie, a self-made man who grew up during Beirut's civil war has had a fascinating career journey, pivoting to advertising early in his career and then building & leading Omnicom Media Group MENA for 18 years. In 2017, he established Viv…

1
“When I see everybody walking in a certain direction, I like to choose the other path” Hamad Al Awar on juggling founding burger brand 'High Joint', being a police officer, visual animator and father 58:08

3M ago58:08

58:08

Hashem catches up with Hamad Al Awar, the founder of the home-grown burger brand, High Joint, a police officer and a creative artist. Having met at a shawarma place in a very interesting coincidence, Hashem decided to bring their conversation to The Lighthouse Podcast room and explore the man with multiple hats. Hamad walks us through how he is abl…

1
Teaser: Hamed Al Awar 0:36

3M ago0:36

0:36

Catch our brand new episode this Thursday with Hamad Al Awar, the founder of the beloved home-grown burger brand 'High Joint'.By The Lighthouse

1
"Dubai is like a millefeuille. There are layers and layers." Mohamed Maktabi on the rich history of his family’s business 'Iwan Maktabi' and his passion for storytelling through the intricate artistry ... 45:27

5M ago45:27

45:27

Hashem catches up with Mohamed Maktabi, the CEO of Iwan Maktabi, the go-to address for rare carpets and textile art in the MENA region. They go back in time as Mohamed reveals the captivating tale of his family's heritage: from his grandfather's migration from Iran to Lebanon, fueled by a passion for collecting the most exquisite carpets, to the pr…

1
Teaser: Mohamed Maktabi 0:54

5M ago0:54

0:54

We're back this week with a brand new episode with Mohamed Maktabi, the man behind the carpet dynasty, Iwan Maktabi. Find it in your podcast player this Thursday.By The Lighthouse

1
2023: (It Goes Like) Naaaaaah 51:16

5M ago51:16

51:16

In our 2023 review episode, our producer Chirag Desai catches up with Hashem to discuss the milestones from this past year such as coping with fear of failure, the allure of leaving a legacy behind and the loneliness of being an entrepreneur. Plus, Hashem talks about his soft spot for the late Queen Elizabeth – and we finally find out why!…

1
Episode #79 Teaser: 2023 - (It Goes Like) Naaaaaah 0:43

5M ago0:43

0:43

Hashem and his producer Chirag look back on 2023, sharing who makes a good podcast host, why fear of failure keeps popping up, and how to make a business outlast its founder. Catch the new episode, out this Friday!By The Lighthouse

1
2023 Throwback: Ayman Fakoussa on launching The Qode, balancing friendship with business, and why he can’t let go of Excel 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

In this throwback episode from 2023: Our conversation with Ayman Fakkousa, co-founder of The Qode. Hashem and Ayman chat about his experience growing up in Saudi Arabia before eventually moving to Dubai and embarking on a multi-faceted career that culminated in launching his own communications firm at the young age of 30 (with partner Dipesh Depala…

1
“Not everybody is going to like me. I’ve accepted that.” Mariana Wehbe on her remarkable journey from a corporate job at DHL to becoming a PR powerhouse and founding WE Design Beirut 47:00

7M ago47:00

47:00

Hashem catches up with Mariana Wehbe, the creative force behind MWPR. Renowned for crafting extraordinary events and transformative projects, Mariana shares her journey from surviving the Beirut blast in 2020 to embracing Abu Dhabi as her newfound haven. Stumbling into PR 'by accident', and ending up becoming the PR Queen in the Middle East, Marian…

1
Bonus: Tom Arnel on pivoting their 20,000 sq.ft. concept, The Guild, during the pandemic 5:01

7M ago5:01

5:01

Tom Arnel talks about the concept behind The Guild, their ambitious 20,000 sq. ft. space in the Heart of Dubai. You can listen to our full episode with Tom in your podcast player or on our website.By The Lighthouse

1
Episode #78 Teaser: Mariana Wehbe 0:32

7M ago0:32

0:32

Coming this week, Mariana Wehbe, founder of MWPR, on The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem MontasserBy The Lighthouse

1
10 Supplychain Professionals Podcast Ayman Saber Oil & Gas practical insights 22:31

7M ago22:31

22:31

نتحدث مع أستاذ أيمن صابر عن خبراته العمليه في سلاسل الامداد واللوجستيات مع شركات البترول وكيفية مواجهة التحديات المختلفة

1
“I try to remember often that this is the greatest experience of my life” Tom Arnel on the thrill of building purposeful spaces and managing stress in a high-level role 45:46

8M ago45:46

45:46

Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather’s Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC. Known for constantly trying to push the envelope in the F&B industry, Tom candidly discusses his journey as an entrep…

1
Episode #77 Teaser: Tom Arnel 0:28

8M ago0:28

0:28

Coming this Thursday, Hashem catches up with Tom Arnel, founder of EatX and the man behind some of the most successful dining concepts in Dubai, including The Sum of Us, Common Grounds, Harvest & Co, Byron Bather’s Club, HawkerBoi, and The Guild at DIFC.By The Lighthouse

1
“I learned what absolute zero feels like.” Hassan Sheheryar Yassin on starting from zero, conquering fear of failure and a serendipitous meeting with William & Kate. 41:16

8M ago41:16

41:16

Hashem catches up with Pakistani couturier Hassan Sheheryar Yassin, or HSY. In one of our rawest episodes yet, HSY gets candid about his past as the child of a single mother and the effects of poverty and living in a women’s shelter. HSY and Hashem then delve deeper into his experience as a medical guinea pig when a bout of blindness led to a serie…

1
“My father eats, sleeps, and breathes design.” Nakkash on its 40th anniversary as a family-run business, the future of collectible design in the UAE, and passing the baton from one generation to the next ... 53:00

9M ago53:00

53:00

Hashem catches up with the Nakkash family: patriarch Wajih Nakkash, his daughter Aya, and son Omar. To celebrate their 40th business anniversary, Wajih recounts how the Nakkash journey started with a showroom in Sharjah in 1983 and an avant-garde Emirati couple that approached him to design the interiors of their home. Wajih also shares how the Nak…

1
“The thrill of the chase has always been my thing.” The Lighthouse friend Ayman Fakoussa on launching The Qode, balancing friendship with business, and why he can’t let go of Microsoft Excel. 50:13

9M ago50:13

50:13

Diving into the joy of Guatemalan retreats and the love of Microsoft Excel, Hashem sits with Ayman Fakoussa this week to have a wide-ranging conversation. Hashem and Ayman chat about his experience growing up in Saudi Arabia before eventually moving to Dubai and embarking on a multi-faceted career that culminated in launching his own communications…

1
Summer Throwback: HE Zaki Nusseibeh on the importance of storytelling in building identities 48:06

10M ago48:06

48:06

In this throwback episode to our live episode at The Lighthouse: HE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh shares personal anecdotes from his childhood in Jerusalem, the early days of the UAE when he worked as a translator for HH Sheikh Zayed and the development of its arts and culture scene. While sharing snapshots from his various life experiences with…

1
Summer Throwback: Ahmad Al Marri on launching Canvas Gelato against the odds and why community support was crucial to his success. 51:51

11M ago51:51

51:51

In this throwback episode from 2022: Hashem invited Ahmad Al Marri, Founder of Dubai-based ice cream brand Canvas Gelato to the hot seat. Launched in 2017, Canvas Gelato’s raison d'être is to produce ice cream that is made exclusively with “real” ingredients and delivered at negative 70 degrees celsius. Ahmad’s ice cream delivery concept proved suc…

1
Summer Throwback: Myrna Ayad on the evolution & perception of Middle East art (2019) 31:59

11M ago31:59

31:59

In this throwback to our first episode from 2019: Hashem talks to Mryna Ayad, the former Editor-in-Chief of art magazine Canvas and now an independent art consultant who continues to shape the way art & artists from the Middle East are represented internationally. In addition to her professional journey that took her from Canvas to Director of Art …

1
“As a Khaleeji guy, I had to prove myself over and over.” Meshary AlNassar on finding his footing as a designer, navigating interior design trends and the benefit of having a good eye. 42:59

12M ago42:59

42:59

Our guest is up-and-coming designer Meshary AlNassar. Hailing from Kuwait, Meshary’s journey into interior design started during childhood with American TV pop culture influences The Oprah Winfrey Show and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Hashem and Meshary discuss his “design education” surrounded by an all-female cohort and how he managed to navig…

1
“There is nothing wrong with romanticizing Cairo.” Mai Eldib on her book ‘Cairo Eternal’ and what makes Cairo magical. 48:43

1y ago48:43

48:43

Cairo, mon amour! This week Hashem catches up with Sotheby’s veteran Mai Eldib, whose recent book release ‘Cairo Eternal’ was instantly sought after even by the iconic Fifi Abdou. Hashem and Mai bond over their experiences in Cairo—from overbearing doormen to the perpetual noise factor. Leaving giddiness aside, they agree that what makes Cairo magi…

1
2022 Throwback: Anoud Alzaben on the process of creating and immortalizing ephemeral tablescapes. 44:46

1y ago44:46

44:46

We're throwing it back to our 2022 conversation with Anoud Alzaben. Anoud is a multidisciplinary designer rooted in the practice of architecture. She shared snippets from her childhood growing up in a family steeped in tradition, and how this upbringing has influenced her passions and, ultimately, her career trajectory. We were delighted to see Ano…

1
“You can’t lead with arrogance.” Natasha Sideris on taming ambition, striving for balance as a restaurateur, and why there’s no way she’ll open in Greece. 54:25

1y ago54:25

54:25

Hashem catches up with Natasha Sideris after a two-year scheduling ping-pong. He instantly bonds with the iconic restaurateur and founder of Tashas, Avli, and Flamingo Room, over their quest for work-life balance and sustaining a timeless brand with menu classics and sleek interior design. Natasha shares her most cherished metrics for success and w…

1
“Depriving me from Arabic was limiting” Publisher Yasmina Jraissati on unlocking the potential of the Arabic language and how she accidentally became a rebel with a cause. 56:26

1y ago56:26

56:26

Hashem catches up with publisher Yasmina Jraissati, who manages content strategy and acquisition at Storytel MENA. They explore the commonalities of growing up in Arab homes with a French-speaking parent, and the implications of language on societal participation in the Middle East. Hashem and Yasmina also discuss the lack of Arabic content and att…

1
“A dish is like a door into an entire people.” Nouri restaurant’s Ivan Brehm on his passion for “crossroads” cooking and the best advice he ever received. 48:20

1y ago48:20

48:20

On the back of his recent trip to Singapore, Hashem catches up with Ivan Brehm, chef-owner of Michelin-starred restaurant, Nouri. They discuss the essential role storytelling plays in Ivan’s “crossroads” menu and how he curated his space at Nouri so that sharing takes center stage enabling his guests to bond and find commonalities. Hashem and Ivan …

1
Bonus: Ice baths and social media, with Shereen Al-Mulla 11:15

1y ago11:15

11:15

In our bonus episode, Hashem and Shereen chat about social media as a marketing tool and the science behind cold showers. Oh, and why to keep your icy immersions to yourself! You can listen to the full episode with Shereen in your podcast app, and on the web.By The Lighthouse

1
“It’s our responsibility to keep our heritage alive.” Shereen Al-Mulla on launching Hikma Rituals, motherhood and reclaiming her heritage. 43:54

1y ago43:54

43:54

Hashem meets up with Shereen Al-Mulla, soon-to-be Master Herbalist, and co-founder of Hikma Rituals, a homegrown brand of botanicals including oils, tinctures and dusts. Hashem and Shereen discuss the beginnings of her journey into herbalism by way of a rose infusion ritual, the desire to reclaim her Iraqi heritage, and the serendipitous meeting wi…

1
“Finance is riddled with emotion.” Cordoba Advisory’s Rami Sarafa on demystifying the art of investing and the importance of psychology in wealth management. 50:55

1+ y ago50:55

50:55

Hashem catches up with fellow Harvard alumnus and EFG Hermes Pax Americana boot buddy Rami Sarafa, who recently launched Cordoba Advisory Partners, a private wealth management firm. Rami divulges key tips on how to build a strong investment portfolio and demystifies the arcane nature of finance. He is of the view that a key ingredient to successful…

1
“To look at buildings you have to peel away the signage then reconstruct.” Mohamed Elshahed on tracing Cairo’s human experience, one building at a time. 50:48

1+ y ago50:48

50:48

In this week’s episode we are transported to Cairo via Mexico City. Hashem chats with Mohamed Elshahed, curator, architectural historian and author of Cairo Since 1900: An Architectural Guide. Hashem and Mohamed expand on how Cairo, the architectural compendium of 220 buildings and sites, was put together. They also uncover the challenges and surpr…

1
“Artists are the last truth sayers.” Sunny Rahbar on having a front row seat to Dubai’s art scene propelling itself onto the global stage and the unlikely rise of The Third Line in its midst. 56:11

1+ y ago56:11

56:11

Hashem catches up with Sunny Rahbar, co-founder of legendary Dubai-based art gallery The Third Line, which is celebrating its 18th year. Our episode quickly morphed into a gem of oral history as Sunny shared her story of growing in and around Dubai’s rapidly changing cultural landscape and contributing to the seismic shifts that propelled the evolu…

1
“When you do something right, everyone comes to you.” Ayman Baky on grit, perseverance in the F&B industry, and reshaping Egypt’s restaurant culture. 47:17

1+ y ago47:17

47:17

Hashem catches up with Ayman Baky, fellow Cairene and Founder of Baky Hospitality. Baky Hospitality is the group behind the award winning restaurants Sachi and Kazoku, as well as Reif Kushiyaki (Cairo) which have reshaped the dining scene in Egypt. Successful, gritty and what many would call “Type A personality,” Ayman is no stranger to risks and l…

1
2022: Don’t Sweat the Technique 44:23

1+ y ago44:23

44:23

All good things come to an end and so too did 2022. As is our podcast tradition, we recorded our year in review on Hashem’s birthday with the usual balloons and confetti (yeah right). And with birthdays come reflections on the past and predictions of the future. This includes our podcast which is now in its fourth year. Hashem, a self appointed “we…

1
Welcome to The Lighthouse Conversations 2:22

1+ y ago2:22

2:22

Thank you for checking out The Lighthouse Conversations, a podcast featuring entrepreneurs & tastemakers from the world of arts, culture, tech and food. Our goal with the show is to showcase and celebrate the journey of pioneers in and around the Arab world—their highs and lows so to speak—and how they got to where they did. We’re excited to bring …

1
2022 Throwback: Stasha Toncev on her improbable journey from Belgrade to Dubai and the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs 45:25

1+ y ago45:25

45:25

In this throwback episode from April 2022: Our conversation with Stasha Toncev, founder of Dubai’s award-winning Balkan bistro, 21 Grams. Hailed in the media, Stasha’s restaurant was praised as “charming” and “brain melting” by The Financial Times supplement, How To Spend It, and Bill Addison, the Los Angeles Times’ celebrated food critic. In a hea…

1
2022 Throwback: Mohamad Orfali on traditions, storytelling & mulukhiya 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

In this throwback episode from June 2022: Hashem catches up with Mohamad Orfali, TV celebrity chef extraordinaire, restaurateur and co-founder of the award winning Orfali Bros restaurant in Dubai. When a chance email to Fatafeat founder Youssef El Deeb led to the publication of Orfali’s cookbook and subsequent blockbuster cooking TV shows, a new TV…

1
“Design: If it’s well done, it’s an emotional experience.” Dubai’s Museum of the Future’s Brendan McGetrick on technology and curiosity as human experiences. 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

Our guest this week is Brendan McGetrick, internationally renowned writer, curator, and the creative director of Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Hashem and Brendan chat about how his early days in journalism with renowned architect Rem Koolhaas kick started a long standing interest in design and culture. They also delve into the philosophy of 1960s p…

1
“We feel a trend before it becomes mainstream.” The Bokja founders on why storytelling is central to their brand image 48:35

1+ y ago48:35

48:35

Founded in 2000, Bokja had its first big break in New York City’s ABC Carpet & Home with an acquisition of four pieces by Hollywood star Kate Hudson. What followed was a cascade of recognition and accolades by the likes of the FT’s How To Spend It and stars like Madonna, Julia Roberts and designer Christian Louboutin. The Bokja duo offers us an ins…

1
“You should prepare for the right type of luck to find you.” Silicon Valley Bank’s Ashraf Hebela on the value of a long-term mindset in startup investing. 53:44

1+ y ago53:44

53:44

By The Lighthouse

1
Part II: “In fact, my brain was not black or white, it was supremely colourful.” Aramex founder Fadi Ghandour on the limitations, risks and rewards of building a heritage company. 32:56

1+ y ago32:56

32:56

Part two of our two-episode series. Fadi Ghandour co-founded Aramex in 1982 fresh out of studying Political Science in college, an education to which he attributes much of his dialectic thinking. It took tenacity and hard work, but Fadi says that plunging into the complexities of starting a logistics company in the Middle East from the bottom up al…

1
Part I: “There was instinct and learning-as-you-go, no playbook.” Aramex founder Fadi Ghandour on the limitations, risks and rewards of building a heritage company. 44:02

1+ y ago44:02

44:02

Part one of our two-episode series. Fadi Ghandour co-founded Aramex in 1982 fresh out of studying Political Science in college, an education to which he attributes much of his dialectic thinking. It took tenacity and hard work, but Fadi says that plunging into the complexities of starting a logistics company in the Middle East from the bottom up al…

1
Summer Throwback: Youssef El Deeb on his creative journey across media platforms 48:24

2y ago48:24

48:24

In this throwback episode from 2020: Our guest, Youssef El Deeb, Is the founder of Fatafeat, the first Arab TV company that was acquired by a global media conglomerate, Discovery. In a time when Middle East television was airing cooking shows as “fillers" for grandmothers at home, Youssef El Deeb had the foresight to drum up the likes of Jamie Oliv…

1
Summer Throwback: Mohamad Ballout on positioning Kitopi as a global brand 35:09

2y ago35:09

35:09

In this throwback episode from 2020, we're joined by serial entrepreneur Mohamad Ballout, founder of Dubai-based foodtech pioneer Kitopi, currently the world's leading managed cloud kitchen platform. Founded in January 2018, Kitopi has quickly expanded to five countries, having added Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UK & the US to its roster after raising…

1
“Success is not only measured by financial results but also by cultural relevance.” Ahmad Al Marri on launching Canvas Gelato against the odds and why community support was crucial to his success. 53:55

2y ago53:55

53:55

This week, Hashem invited Ahmad Al Marri, Founder of Dubai-based ice cream brand Canvas Gelato to the hot seat. Launched in 2017, Canvas Gelato’s raison d'être is to produce ice cream that is made exclusively with “real” ingredients and delivered at negative 70 degrees celsius. Ahmad’s ice cream delivery concept proved successful and was soon suppl…

1
“Everyone has written off Dubai at one point.” Dubai Tourism CEO Issam Kazim on how Dubai bounced back post-pandemic and what lies ahead for its culinary scene. 45:08

2y ago45:08

45:08

This week Hashem and guest host Samantha Wood aka FooDiva catch up with Issam Kazim, CEO of DTCM (Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing). “Not your typical government department,” as Issam puts it, DTCM catapulted the Emirate of Dubai from the early pandemic days through to the other side of lockdown with flying colors—all with stell…

1
“Energy and lots of seasoning…that’s nafas.” Mohamad Orfali and his sensational culinary pivot from TV chef to award winning restaurateur…and what makes a really good mulukhiya! 49:14

2y ago49:14

49:14

Hashem catches up with Mohamad Orfali, TV celebrity chef extraordinaire, restaurateur and co-founder of the award winning Orfali Bros restaurant in Dubai. When a chance email to Fatafeat founder Youssef El Deeb led to the publication of Orfali’s cookbook and subsequent blockbuster cooking TV shows, a new TV celebrity chef was born. Orfali discusses…

1
“I’ve always been a strong believer in offering financial services to the unbanked.” Mounir Nakhla on turbo-charging growth at Egypt’s leading FinTech startup Halan 43:18

2y ago43:18

43:18

In this week’s episode we connect with Mounir Nakhla, CEO and Co-Founder of Egypt’s leading FinTech start-up ‘Halan’ (translated to: “right now”) which focuses on creating financial solutions for the unbanked and the under banked. Mounir shares snippets of his journey since 2017 when he was approached by Indonesian tech unicorn Gojek, then being st…

1
“The issue with progress is that it’s seldom linear.” Nadia Wassef on narrative structure, trafficking in nostalgia and life after publishing a debut memoir. 49:35

2y ago49:35

49:35

This week, we reunite with a previous guest; author and friend of The Lighthouse, Nadia Wassef. Since our first episode with Nadia, her well received debut memoir Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller has been published in several languages and Nadia is now preparing for her second narrative structure—but in a faster paced, post-lockdown world. Recorded…

1
“I can figure out your personality by walking around your space.” Anoud Alzaben on the process of creating and immortalizing ephemeral tablescapes. 46:39

2y ago46:39

46:39

We are joined this week by multidisciplinary Jordanian designer Anoud Alzaben who we first met at The Lighthouse when she set the stage for a fantastical nature-cum-charcuterie pop-up for Beirut’s The Silly Spoon. After launching her professional career in architecture, Anoud traded her 9 to 5 desk job with motherhood and a pivot to holistic design…

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Mohamed Ayman Podcasts

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