GCC Tech Talks

GCC Tech Talks
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  • TECHNOLOGY
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

GCC Tech Talks is a Dubai-based podcast where the operators behind the GCC’s biggest tech and innovation moves share how they really do it. We cut through the hype to talk about what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How CEOs Should Be Thinking About Transformation with Richard Steward

    In this episode of GCC Tech Talks, Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman sit down with Richard Steward — a transformation leader with 35+ years advising CEOs on large-scale digital and AI-led change. Most digital and AI transformations don’t fail because of the tech — they fail because of unclear leadership, slow decisions, and misaligned priorities. We cover: • Business-first thinking (technology second)• Clarity and decision speed as momentum builders• Why people and data matter more than tools• When to stop, pivot, or kill a transformation programme• What leaders should know about AI, agentic systems, and data foundations• Why “failed” projects are often just expensive feedback If you’re navigating AI, data, or digital transformation in the GCC, this episode is about cutting through the hype and focusing on what creates real value.

    48 min

  2. 20 JAN

    Project Management Unplugged with Mark Primett

    In this episode of GCC Tech Talks, Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman sit down with Mark Primett, a project and programme manager who has led complex digital transformations across fintechs, financial services and large organisations in the GCC. Mark shares what project management really looks like on the ground: from moving to Dubai and building a career in delivery, to starting the Project Management Collective community for practitioners in the region. We talk about: Why demand for strong project managers is growing in the GCC Project management methods and best practices that actually work in technology and transformation Why project and programme management are critical for digital and AI initiatives Real project examples and the business outcomes they delivered The qualities every good project manager should have How organisations should prepare for digital/AI transformations – tools, roles, responsibilities and governance included What might change in the GCC over the next 10–12 months, and whether leaders really need to spend time learning AI If you’re leading projects, technology or transformation in the GCC – or you want a clearer view of how work really gets delivered beyond the slideware this episode is for you.

    51 min

  3. 6 JAN

    Beyond Software: How Real Transformation Leaders Think

    Most “digital transformations” don’t fail because of the tech – they fail because of culture, governance and how decisions actually get made in the organisation. In this episode of GCC Tech Talks, Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman sit down with Ezzeddine, a digital transformation and sustainability leader with 25+ years’ experience across banking, utilities and the GCC, to unpack what real transformation looks like beyond the slides and buzzwords. They talk about: Why culture is the real blocker (or accelerator) for data & AI, not the tools How to turn tools into products the business actually understands and uses Bringing governance and internal audit in from day zero instead of cleaning up later Using sustainability as a data project that links decisions, emissions and ROI How transformation leaders should work with the CFO and the board to link change to financial impact If you’re leading data, technology or transformation in the GCC or trying to move a large, successful organisation beyond “8–5” ways of working this one’s for you.

    49 min

  4. TRAILER

    New Podcast: GCC Tech Talks (Teaser)

    We’re launching a new podcast exploring real stories from the GCC’s technology and innovation leaders – cutting through the hype to get into what actually works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. Our Intro Episode – “GCC Tech Talks: Who We Are and Why We’re Here” features hosts Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman talking about why the GCC needs more real talk on tech and innovation, and what you can expect from the show. Stay tuned, hit subscribe, and sign up to get new episodes as they go live.

    24 sec

  5. 16/12/2025

    GCC Tech Talks: Who We Are and Why We’re Here

    This intro episode of GCC Tech Talks by 7Dxperts, recorded in Dubai, sets the scene for a podcast focused on real stories from the people actually building technology, data and digital products across the GCC. No buzzwords, no fluffy panels – just operators talking about what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. Hosts Tom Stroud and Sye Rahman discuss:• Why the GCC needs more real talk on tech, data and AI • The gap between slides, buzzwords and what’s really happening inside organisations • Who this show is for – and what to expect from upcoming episodes • How stories from both startups and large enterprises will shape the series Whether you’re leading a data team, driving digital transformation or just curious how things really get built behind the scenes, this episode sets the tone for what GCC Tech Talks is all about.

    13 min

Trailer

About

GCC Tech Talks is a Dubai-based podcast where the operators behind the GCC’s biggest tech and innovation moves share how they really do it. We cut through the hype to talk about what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    GCC Tech Talks
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © GCC Tech Talks
  • Show Website
    GCC Tech Talks