Unplugged with iSolution: Google Cloud's Middle East Strategy & The Future of AI with Julien Rateau

Reach out!

What happens when a lifelong chess player runs platform strategy for one of the world’s biggest clouds? We sat down with Google Cloud EMEA platforms director Julien Rateau to unpack the surprising mix of competitive fire, humility, and approachable leadership that powers real results across the Middle East and beyond.

Julien maps his decade at Google, from France to the broader EMEA stage, and explains why hiring smarter, trusting local expertise, and staying close to the field beat top-down control. He shares how imposter syndrome can sharpen leaders, why comfort is a growth trap, and how daily chess practice informs knowledge, calculation, and long-term strategy. The conversation digs into responsible AI and agentic AI, translating the hype into practical value for teams that need clear decisions and measurable outcomes.

We go deep on Saudi Vision 2030 and what it takes to align cloud investments with a national transformation: a partner-first model that delivers 24x7 reliability, an API platform that meets customers in their preferred channels, and sustained investment in local talent that turns technology into impact. Whether you care about platform adoption, go-to-market execution, or building resilient teams, you’ll hear concrete insights you can apply right away.

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