The Success Revenue Podcast

Haydar Al-Saad & Ivy Forero
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The Success Revenue Podcast is a human-led, AI-powered show exploring how leaders use AI to drive business results while keeping human impact at the center. Hosted by Haydar Al-Saad and Ivy Forero, the podcast features conversations with founders, executives, and operators from around the globe who are building the future of business with AI.

  1. AI Needs HR, Not IT with Greg Coleshill

    May 13

    AI Needs HR, Not IT with Greg Coleshill

    Are you under pressure to move on AI - but unsure whether your organisation is actually ready to do it right? Greg Coleshill spent 18 years scaling human capital businesses, ultimately serving as CEO through a major acquisition and integration. Today, as Chief Commercial & Operating Officer at Vigilant AI, he sits at an unusual intersection: two decades of understanding how people work, applied directly to the challenge of building governed, audit-ready AI teammates inside regulated firms. This conversation cuts through the noise. Greg brings a perspective most AI voices can't - one built from managing real operational complexity, not just technology. You'll leave with a clearer sense of how to move from AI curiosity to AI execution, without abandoning the judgment and experience that got you here. You'll learn: Why most AI initiatives stall at the adoption stage - and why it's an operational problem, not a technology oneThe signals that reveal whether a business is truly AI-ready, regardless of what leadership says in the roomWhy your most experienced operators are your biggest advantage in an AI transition - and how to unlock that without turning them into prompt engineersHow real-time guardrails change the transformation timeline - and what that means for how regulated firms can finally move from pilot to productionWhy doing nothing is now a strategic risk - and how to frame AI adoption in terms your teams, your compliance function, and your board can all get behind (00:00) - The Future of AI & Business Transformation (03:14) - Journey & Insights (05:55) - Assessing Organizational AI Readiness (09:08) - AI Protection in Regulated Industries (11:56) - Strategies for Building Trust in AI (15:10) - Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges (18:02) - How AI is Changing Leadership Roles (20:59) - Navigating AI Fear & Uncertainty (24:10) - Advice for Financial Services Operators (26:56) - The Workforce Dynamics Shift (29:46) - Mental Models for Success (33:05) - Rapid Fire Round Follow Greg Coleshill. This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of the conversation. See you in the next episode! Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    39 min
  2. Attention Is the Asset: How to Build and Scale in the New AI Economy with Vinit Mehta

    May 6

    Attention Is the Asset: How to Build and Scale in the New AI Economy with Vinit Mehta

    Are you building something real - or just keeping up with the noise? Vinit Mehta has spent 24 years following where the internet goes next. From selling diamonds through Amazon and early e-commerce platforms in post-9/11 New York, to streaming on buses across India, to now running Pressplay Capital and working with Agora on real-time conversational AI across the Middle East - his track record isn't built on being in the right place. It's built on having the conviction to move before the market catches up. In this conversation, Vinit challenges the way most leaders think about AI adoption. It's not about digital transformation. It's about proving ROI - and knowing what to do when everyone around you is pitching the same promise. You'll walk away with a clearer lens on where AI is actually creating value, where it's stalling, and what separates leaders who get real outcomes from those still running pilots. You'll learn: Why proving ROI beats selling transformation - and how smart Middle East buyers are already calling that bluffWhat the PGA Tour, MLB, and NFL got right about AI in live sports that most organizations are still missingHow strong leadership (not data strategy) is the real differentiator between companies winning with AI and those stuck in pilotsWhy real-time, voice-first AI in non-English markets is the biggest untapped opportunity most builders are ignoringWhat "saying yes before you're ready" actually looks like in practice - and why resourcefulness still beats a polished resume (00:00) - AI in Sports: A New Era (07:38) - A Journey Through Tech and Media (14:43) - Resilience and Resourcefulness in Business (18:24) - Building Credibility in New Markets (23:08) - Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption (26:32) - The Sports Industry's AI Revolution (32:13) - Data Readiness: The Key to AI Success (35:05) - Investing in the Attention Economy Follow Vinit Mehta. This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of the conversation. See you in the next episode! Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    41 min
  3. The Human Cost of Getting AI Wrong with James Nicholas Kinney

    Apr 29

    The Human Cost of Getting AI Wrong with James Nicholas Kinney

    Are you being asked to lead AI transformation - and quietly unsure what it actually takes to get it right? James Nicholas Kinney is the Global Chief AI Officer at INVNT and one of the most credibly earned voices at the intersection of AI, enterprise transformation, and human psychology. Triple-certified in AI from MIT, Wharton, and Carnegie Mellon, and formerly Global Chief People Officer at S4 Capital across 32 countries - James brings something rare: he's lived both sides of the equation. This conversation cuts through the hype. James explains why 90% of AI pilots fail, what leaders keep skipping, and why trust - not technology - is the real barrier to transformation. You'll walk away with a clearer head and a smarter framework for what actually moves the needle. You'll learn: Why most AI pilots fail before they ever touch a tool — and what leaders miss in the first 90 daysHow to start an AI initiative without overpromising to your organization or your boardWhy your data architecture will determine the ceiling of everything you build with AIWhat the pivot from people leadership to technical leadership actually looks like — and the real cost of doing it rightHow AI intersects with mental health at work, and why ignoring that connection is a leadership blind spot (00:00) - The AI Landscape in Enterprises (03:02) - James Kinney’s Journey and Role (05:53) - The Role of a Chief AI Officer (09:12) - Change Management and Adaptability in AI (12:08) - Implementing AI Effectively (15:04) - Building Trust and Collaboration (17:51) - The Shift from People to Technology (21:05) - Key Decisions for AI Transformation (23:56) - AI and Mental Health (26:51) - Future of AI in Enterprises (29:58) - Governance and Data Readiness (32:50) - Predictions for AI's Future (36:07) - Rapid Fire Round Follow James Kinney.This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of the conversation. See you in the next episode! Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    42 min
  4. Breaking the Corporate Wall: How Innovation & AI is Built in Legacy Industries with Giovanni Everduin & Ihab Ahmed

    Feb 25

    Breaking the Corporate Wall: How Innovation & AI is Built in Legacy Industries with Giovanni Everduin & Ihab Ahmed

    How do you push real innovation inside an institution built to resist change? Giovanni Gavino Everduin is Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at CBI and co-founder of CBIx, the bank's independent innovation lab and corporate VC arm. A Harvard Business School alum with over two decades bridging finance, fintech, and emerging technology, Gio has spent his career making new ideas work inside legacy systems. Ihab Ahmed is Head of Impact and a founding member of CBIx, where he leads ecosystem-building, partnerships, and brand strategy. Known for shaping award-winning customer experiences across the region, Ihab ensures innovation doesn't just launch — it lands with people. Together, they share how they evaluate AI use cases, navigate regulation without stalling, and build a brand that earns trust while moving fast. This conversation offers clarity for any leader trying to balance experimentation with accountability. You'll learn: How to evaluate whether an AI use case solves a real problem or is just a compelling demoWhy escaping "legacy gravity" in banking requires cultural change, not just new technologyWhat it takes to embed AI in a regulated industry without losing momentumHow to build an innovation brand that feels authentic inside a traditional organizationWhy resilience and strategic patience matter more than speed when driving transformation (00:00) - Evaluating AI Use Cases in Banking (06:02) - The Role of Innovation in Banking (11:56) - Navigating Rules & Constraints in Banking Innovation (18:02) - Embedding AI into Traditional Banking Systems (25:10) - AI, Crypto & The Future of Finance (28:25) - Embracing AI Opportunities (30:14) - Customer-Centric Branding in FinTech (34:01) - Making Smart AI Decisions (38:20) - Bridging the AI Implementation Gap (43:01) - Building a Genuine Brand (46:45) - Resilience in Innovation (50:35) - Balancing Success & Purpose Follow Giovanni Everduin.Follow Ihab Ahmed. This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of the conversation. See you in the next episode! Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    56 min
  5. From £18 to Millions: How Brands Win with LinkedIn with Niall Ratcliffe

    Feb 18

    From £18 to Millions: How Brands Win with LinkedIn with Niall Ratcliffe

    Are you building visibility in B2B but unsure why it is not converting into real clients? In this episode, Haydar and Ivy sit down with Niall Ratcliffe, CEO of Noticed, one of the UK’s fastest-growing B2B LinkedIn agencies, to unpack the gap between attention and revenue. Neil built Noticed from scratch and now helps brands turn LinkedIn visibility into commercial results. Together, they explore why impressions alone do not pay the bills, and why clarity and utility matter more than volume. They also examine how AI is reshaping B2B marketing without replacing human judgment or authenticity. If you feel the pressure to show up online but want your presence to translate into pipeline, this conversation offers a steadier way to think about growth. You’ll learn: Why profile views signal intent and how to convert curiosity into conversationsThe real reason most B2B content fails to drive revenueHow to use LinkedIn as a commercial engine, not just a branding toolWhere AI supports storytelling and where human credibility still winsWhy simplicity in messaging often outperforms complex marketing strategiesThis is an episode about leadership in motion - smart, grounded, and brave. (00:00) - Introduction (03:11) - Journey to Founding Noticed (05:54) - The Evolution of B2B Marketing & LinkedIn Strategies (09:07) - Creating Engaging B2B Content: Utility & Clarity (11:53) - Future of B2B Marketing in the Age of AI (14:48) - Cutting Through the Noise in B2B Marketing (18:06) - Turning LinkedIn Impressions into Sales (22:24) - Applying B2C Tactics to B2B Success (23:23) - AI’s Role in Brand Storytelling (25:15) - Authenticity in Content Creation (26:08) - The Hero’s Journey in Business (28:26) - Advice for Aspiring B2B Creatives (30:49) - AI & Human Interaction: What’s Next (35:02) - Using Relatability as a Marketing Strategy (38:27) - Operationalizing AI in Marketing (42:08) - Rapid Fire Insights & Key Takeaways Follow Niall Ratcliffe.This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of the conversation. See you in the next episode! Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    45 min
  6. From Watson Winning Jeopardy to the Era of Agentic AI with Rajat Kotra

    Feb 11

    From Watson Winning Jeopardy to the Era of Agentic AI with Rajat Kotra

    How do you decide where AI truly belongs in your business when the pressure to act keeps rising? In this episode of The Success Revenue Podcast, Haydar Al-Saad and Ivy Forero sit down with Rajat Kotra, Chief Data & AI Officer at secondbrains.in, to talk about what responsible AI leadership actually looks like in practice. With decades of experience leading AI and data strategy across global enterprises, scale-ups, and startups, Rajat brings a grounded perspective to agentic AI, Second Brain systems, and AI-driven transformation. The conversation focuses on judgment, context, and execution. When AI creates real leverage and when it adds unnecessary risk. How leaders embed intelligence into legacy systems without breaking what already works. This episode is for leaders navigating real decisions under pressure and looking for clarity, not hype. You’ll learn: How to assess whether AI is solving a real business problem or just adding complexityWhat agentic AI means in practice and where it genuinely creates leverageHow to align AI initiatives with commercial strategy, not experimentation for its own sakeWhy context and execution matter more than model sophisticationHow experienced leaders use AI to support judgment rather than replace itThis is an episode about leadership in motion — smart, grounded, and brave. (00:00) - The Rise of Agentic AI: From Tools to Teammates (14:54) - The Second Brain Era: Rewiring How We Think & Work (21:03) - Monetizing AI: Turning Innovation into Strategy (24:53) - Startup Lessons: Building, Failing, Scaling (30:11) - Mentorship in the AI Age: Why Guidance Wins (34:22) - Modernizing Legacy Systems with AI (41:59) - LLMs Demystified: Context Is Everything (47:42) - Personal AI & the Power of Customization (49:35) - Ambition vs. Balance: Thriving in Both Worlds (54:22) - Rapid Fire: AI Trends That Will Shape the Future Follow Rajat Kotra.This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of that conversation. See you in the next episode! —----- Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    59 min
  7. From NATO to Web3: How To Win in the AI Era with Maryna Barysheva

    Feb 4

    From NATO to Web3: How To Win in the AI Era with Maryna Barysheva

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change — in tech, in marketing, in leadership — you’re not alone.In a world where algorithms move faster than strategy decks, many leaders are quietly asking: What do I need to unlearn to stay relevant? In this episode, we sit down with Maryna Barysheva, CEO of LKI Consulting and a pioneer in Web3 marketing, to explore the real shifts happening behind the buzzwords. Maryna has helped grow some of the world’s biggest crypto and blockchain players — but her insights go far beyond tech. She speaks to the heart of what it means to lead: knowing when to adapt, when to delegate, and how to stay human in an increasingly automated world. Whether you’re a startup founder, a marketer navigating AI disruption, or a leader rethinking your value — this conversation will help you feel less alone, and more equipped. You’ll learn: The difference between adopting AI and integrating it into decision-makingWhat Web3 teaches us about trust, ownership, and powerWhy confidence is a learned skill (and how to practice it)How women in tech can become the experts others rely onWhat’s really working in marketing today (hint: it’s not automation)This is an episode about leadership in motion — smart, grounded, and brave. (00:00) - Introduction (01:53) - Marina Barcheva's Journey in Web3 (06:11) - Navigating Career Choices and Success (10:05) - The Role of a CEO and Delegation (13:58) - Leadership Transition and Unlearning (16:47) - How AI Is Shaping Strategy in Web3 (20:04) - The Future of Leadership in a Changing Landscape (23:50) - Marketing Trends and Human Psychology (29:56) - Empowering Women in Tech (36:13) - Explaining Web3 for the Mass Market Follow Maryna Barysheva. This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & Nebelus AI. Did this episode shift your thinking? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your reflections in the comments. Your voice is part of that conversation. See you in the next episode!—----- Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    43 min
  8. AI, Culture and Career Growth in Customer Success ft. Jomilsa Sousa

    11/12/2025

    AI, Culture and Career Growth in Customer Success ft. Jomilsa Sousa

    What if the ability to adapt across cultures, industries and technologies was your biggest leadership advantage? In this episode, Jomilsa Sousa — founder of The Success Studio — takes us through her inspiring journey into customer success, exploring the cultural nuances of working in diverse regions, especially the Middle East. She opens up about how cultural nuance, curiosity, and courageous pivots shaped her career and how she's helping others build theirs. With a powerful presence and deep operational insight, Jomilsa reflects on the mindset shifts needed to stay relevant in an AI-powered world and how relationship-building and mentorship continue to define long-term success. This episode is an invitation to lead with self-awareness, stay open to reinvention, and define growth on your own terms. In this episode: ● How Jomilsa navigated cultural shifts and career transitions across markets● Why customer success is a mindset, not a department● What the Ping Matrix framework teaches us about segmentation and strategy● How to blend AI with human connection in customer relationships● Why relationship-building remains a competitive edge in the Middle East● What mentorship really looks like — and why it matters● Advice for women in business navigating ambition, confidence, and voice● How to stay adaptable and valuable in a rapidly evolving tech landscape If you’re building a CS career, navigating global teams, or looking to future-proof your skills in a changing industry — this conversation with Jomilsa Sousa is packed with strategy, heart and momentum. Follow Jomilsa Sousa. This episode was brought to you by RevSetter & medlify.  Did you find this episode valuable? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! We're building the Middle East's customer success & revenue community together, and your voice matters. See you in the next episode! —----- Follow:  LinkedIn InstagramHosts:  Haydar - LinkedIn  Ivy - LinkedIn

    42 min
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About

The Success Revenue Podcast is a human-led, AI-powered show exploring how leaders use AI to drive business results while keeping human impact at the center. Hosted by Haydar Al-Saad and Ivy Forero, the podcast features conversations with founders, executives, and operators from around the globe who are building the future of business with AI.

Information

  • Creator
    Haydar Al-Saad & Ivy Forero
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Haydar Al-Saad & Ivy Forero