Unplugged with iSolution

iSolution
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"Unplugged with iSolution" offers listeners a rare glimpse into the minds of the Middle East and North Africa's most influential business leaders. Go beyond the polished facades and corporate speak as iSolution sits down with key figures across diverse industries for intimate, unscripted conversations. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys, strategic thinking, and unique perspectives of these prominent individuals, providing listeners with: Invaluable insights: Learn from the successes and challenges of those who have shaped the MENA business landscape.Fresh perspectives: Discover innovative ideas and groundbreaking approaches to navigating today's ever-evolving market.Authentic stories: Hear candid reflections and valuable lessons rarely shared in public forums.Tune in to "Unplugged with iSolution" for a refreshing and insightful look at the driving forces behind the MENA region's dynamic business world.

Episodes

  1. From Paper Trails To Peace Of Mind: How Tech, Analytics, And UX Are Reshaping Insurance

    2D AGO

    From Paper Trails To Peace Of Mind: How Tech, Analytics, And UX Are Reshaping Insurance

    Reach out! Peace of mind doesn’t come from a thicker policy packet; it comes from a cleaner journey and a fair claim. We sit down with a seasoned insurance and technology leader to map the shift from dot‑matrix paperwork and multi-copy forms to a digital experience built on UX clarity, analytics, and AI. The conversation starts with first principles—how loss ratio and experience drive pricing—and moves into practical levers that reduce friction, improve conversion, and keep customers loyal at renewal. We dig into what makes a modern journey work: minimal fields, smart defaults, calm interfaces, and predictable steps that match how people actually buy. Then we go deeper on machine intelligence. From parsing doctors’ notes and lab results to cross-checking repair histories, AI fraud detection turns slow manual reviews into actionable signals, while human oversight keeps decisions fair and credible. Alongside, we look at portfolio strategy across motor, medical, fire, and marine, and how inflation and trend factors shape sustainable rates rather than race-to-the-bottom pricing. Security and trust anchor everything. In Saudi Arabia, strict data residency and cyber frameworks demand local storage, encryption, audits, and disciplined data retention. That rigor doesn’t just protect customers—it unlocks new value with cyber insurance, where coverage blends with real risk services. On the leadership front, we talk hiring for curiosity over checklists, measuring productivity by outcomes, and choosing vendors who protect brand reputation by delivering reliably. The throughline is simple: technology serves the business, and the customer feels the benefit in fewer clicks, faster claims, and clearer answers. If this conversation helps you rethink your insurance stack or sharpen your customer journey, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway.

    1h 4m
  2. What Every Founder Learns After Nine Years And A Hard Exit

    JAN 14

    What Every Founder Learns After Nine Years And A Hard Exit

    Reach out! What actually keeps a company alive when markets shift, timelines slip, and the hype fades? We get honest about the unglamorous decisions that turn fragile ideas into durable operations: cutting wait times with clever logistics, stabilizing systems before scaling, and choosing focus over vanity metrics when money and time run thin. We walk through the scrappy solutions that started it all—AM radio channels for truckers, early bets on RFID—and how those experiments grew into real throughput gains at ports. From there, we zoom out to the founder mindset: cash flow as the non-negotiable, patience as a strategy, and the discipline to double down when the curve climbs or relaunch when it dips. We get specific about failure too—shipping too late into crowded markets, arriving a decade early when regulation wasn’t ready—and how to spot a dead horse before it drains your runway. Self-awareness sits at the center. Not every entrepreneur should manage a large org, and that’s fine. Pair the innovator with an operator, hire for speed and judgment, and set crisp rules that keep the team moving. We also tackle the enduring pendulum of tech architecture—centralize, decentralize, and back again—along with the practical power of cloud platforms and the real-world use of AI for documents, analysis, and prompts that actually work. The goal isn’t hype; it’s leverage. Think deeply for ten minutes, then use the tools to multiply your judgment. If you’re weighing a pivot, wondering whether to shut a product, or trying to choose between execution and exploration, this conversation gives you field-tested heuristics you can use today. Subscribe, share this with a founder who needs clarity, and leave a review to tell us your hardest timing call and how you handled it.

    48 min
  3. From Finance To Fleet: Building A Smarter, Safer Ride Service

    12/22/2025

    From Finance To Fleet: Building A Smarter, Safer Ride Service

    Reach out! What if a ride could be cleaner, safer, and still fairly priced? We pull back the curtain with a regional financial controller at Jeenu to show how disciplined leadership and practical technology can outmaneuver bigger ride-hailing brands. From FMCG and retail finance roots to mobility operations, the through line is simple: build systems that make great service repeatable, then let people do their best work. We start with the market problem: riders want reliability and safety without price games, and drivers need better margins to stay. That sets the agenda tight operational loops, clear delegation, and reporting that actually informs decisions. You’ll hear how raw trip data turns into daily “ready reports,” how Google Workspace and integrated maps reduce friction, and why naming owners for each metric keeps teams accountable. We dig into hiring, too: behavioral signals over buzzwords, practical case tasks over trick questions, and the kind of interview that reveals curiosity, humility, and real problem-solving. The episode also charts Jeeny's technology and sustainability path. We connect fleet choices to Vision 2030, explain the business math behind EV adoption, and outline how lower energy and maintenance costs translate into healthier driver income and better rider experience. Pricing fairness ties it together when you control quality and cost, you don’t need gimmicks. Looking ahead, we touch on smart city integration and readiness for autonomous features once policy and infrastructure align, while staying grounded in today’s execution: faster pickups, safer vehicles, and consistent service. If you care about the future of mobility, team leadership, or building data-driven operations that customers actually feel, this conversation brings the playbook. Subscribe for more candid breakdowns, share with someone in transport or tech, and leave a review with the one feature you wish every ride app had.

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

    12/10/2025

    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. If this conversation sparks new ideas, help us reach more curious minds: follow the show, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review telling us your biggest takeaway.

    17 min
  5. Unplugged with iSolution: How A Failed Restaurant, Bold Pivots, And Tenacity Built A Regional Leader

    11/27/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: How A Failed Restaurant, Bold Pivots, And Tenacity Built A Regional Leader

    Reach out! Open an app to pay a bill and everything just works until it doesn’t. That invisible reliability is the world Rami Kishli builds, from stitching APIs to orchestrating data so services actually deliver. We sit down with Rami to chart a candid, energetic arc: a failed restaurant that taught differentiation, a leap from Lebanon to Kuwait with no job but a plan, and a startup called HITS that sprinted from a $2,000 first order to a successful exit. He then navigated Exact’s structure, sold business outcomes at Cisco, and mentored rising talent at SAP, before taking the riskiest bet of all leading Software AG’s Middle East business when the brand was struggling. What follows is a decade-long turnaround built on cause, clarity, and relentless execution. Then comes the twist: IBM’s acquisition of WebMethods and StreamSets. Rami shares the shock, the 48-hour reset, and the nuts and bolts of leading people through an emotionally charged change how staying close, telling the truth, and reframing loss unlock real momentum. We dig into the plumbing behind modern life: how integration lets AI agents act, why enterprise data is the new fuel, and what breaks when that layer is weak. He explains WebMethods and StreamSets in plain language that anyone can grasp. Rami also tackles the big question on everyone’s mind: Will AI take jobs? His answer is grounded and actionable roles will transform, new ones will appear, and the safest hedge is mastering critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. We touch on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a living blueprint for transformation at national scale, and we explore how racing 5Ks under 17 minutes trains the same mental muscles leaders need at work: pace, focus, and edge without collapse. If you care about the future of integration, AI, and practical leadership, this conversation brings the strategy and the story. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway we read every one.

    1h 2m
  6. Unplugged with iSolution: My Naghi: When Software Drives And Culture Steers

    11/24/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: My Naghi: When Software Drives And Culture Steers

    Reach out! Want to know why your next “car” might be a subscription, a shared ride, or a hybrid one you upgrade by software?  We sit down with Dr. Zakaria to unpack how mobility is transforming the automotive business far beyond EV hype. From dealership floors to data platforms, we trace the shift from one-time sales to lifetime relationships where software, service, and trust define winners. We get practical about market readiness: when EVs make sense, where hybrids lead, and why charging reliability, financing, and skilled technicians drive adoption more than press releases. Dr. Zakaria shares a candid view from inside the industry, balancing luxury, premium, and mainstream lineups; running dual tracks for EV and hybrid; and deciding when local manufacturing beats imports. We talk total cost of ownership, lease-to-own models, and the role of cybersecurity now that cars are rolling computers. If you care about safety, performance parity, and battery lifecycles, this conversation brings clarity without the buzzwords. Leadership and culture make or break the transition. We compare gut vs data when decisions are urgent, show how to run clean budgeting and high-candor feedback, and outline weekly strategy rhythms that keep teams aligned without drama. The throughline is simple: behavior change sticks when communication is consistent, rituals are clear, and adoption includes everyone—from executives to technicians. Step by step, the industry is moving slowly but surely toward a mobility future built on solid ground. If this episode gave you a sharper view of where autos and mobility are headed, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Your feedback helps us bring more grounded, useful conversations to your feed.

    37 min
  7. Unplugged with iSolution: Trust, Guardrails, And The Hard Truths Of Building AI-Enabled Businesses!

    11/06/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: Trust, Guardrails, And The Hard Truths Of Building AI-Enabled Businesses!

    Reach out! If your security stack feels like a Jenga tower of dashboards and alerts, you’re not alone. We break down the messy reality of SecOps—fragmented tools, noisy signals, and endless integration work—and share how we built a cloud-native security operations platform that actually simplifies the job. From one-day data onboarding to opinionated defaults, we focus on cutting time to value, reducing false positives, and giving lean teams a clear path to action. We open up about the founder journey behind the product: choosing SaaS over on‑prem for speed, handling pricing puzzles, and surviving the grind of pivots without losing the mission. Hiring came down to mindset over CVs, equity for ownership, and a culture that treats security as a trust business. We also map the regional ecosystem that helped us move faster—accelerators, MVP programs, and government-backed funds that push startups from idea to investment. AI takes center stage with a practical lens. We dig into hallucinations, guardrails, and why human-in-the-loop matters when making high-stakes decisions. Our take is clear: AI won’t replace people, but people who use AI well will set the pace. Pair that with cloud scale, infrastructure as code, and strong privacy controls, and you can ship safer and iterate faster. Think of cybersecurity like chess: you might lose a piece, but the goal is to win the board. Subscribe, share with a teammate who’s drowning in alerts, and leave a review to tell us the next SecOps problem you want solved.

    46 min
  8. Unplugged with iSolution: Building Strong Teams Through Clear Vision and Value Communication

    05/05/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: Building Strong Teams Through Clear Vision and Value Communication

    Reach out! What makes a technology leader truly effective in today's rapidly evolving landscape? In this fascinating conversation, we're joined by Abu Talal, whose journey from technician to visionary leader offers powerful insights for anyone navigating a technology career. Abu Talal takes us back to a pivotal moment in his professional journey when he stepped away from his programming comfort zone to tackle a comprehensive service management project. This decision transformed not just his career trajectory but his entire approach to technology leadership. Rather than seeing technology through the narrow lens of development, he gained a panoramic view encompassing infrastructure, data centers, networks, and the entire technology stack that supports applications and services. This holistic perspective forms the foundation of Abu Talal's leadership philosophy: be an expert in your domain but develop a solid understanding of adjacent areas. While technical skills are essential, Abu Talal emphasizes that the most successful leaders possess an openness to change, a focus on value creation, and the ability to communicate a clear vision that inspires their teams. He explains how breaking down hierarchical barriers and helping team members visualize the future impact of their work creates an environment where everyone contributes their best efforts toward shared goals. The discussion takes an intriguing turn as Abu Talal reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, he sees it as raising the bar for expertise while creating opportunities for increased productivity and healthy competition. He shares an impressive case study where his team reduced service delivery time from 15-20 days to just 3 hours through process re-engineering—a system that remains effective more than a decade later. Listen now to discover why understanding the complete picture in technology leadership is crucial for success, and hear Abu Talal's advice on building strong teams, embracing new technologies, and creating lasting impact in your organization.

    15 min
  9. Unplugged with iSolution: Got Camel Milk? One Company's Tech-Powered Quest

    04/28/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: Got Camel Milk? One Company's Tech-Powered Quest

    Reach out! The convergence of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology creates fascinating business opportunities that few have fully explored. In this thought-provoking conversation with Mohamed, IT Director at Sawani, we journey through the unexpected realm where Saudi Arabian heritage dairy meets digital transformation. Mohamed reveals how Sawani has positioned itself as a pioneer in bringing traditional goat and camel milk products to modern consumers. Beyond just milk, they've expanded into cheese, yogurt, and even gelato while preserving the cultural significance and exceptional nutritional benefits these products offer. What's particularly ambitious is their vision to take these distinctly Saudi products global, targeting markets in America, Europe, and China where consumer demand exists but remains largely untapped. At the heart of this mission is a sophisticated technology strategy that treats IT as an inseparable component of business operations. Mohamed shares insights from his 12+ years of technology experience, emphasizing concepts like the smart farm approach for camel care, robust ERP implementations, and cybersecurity foundations. His philosophy of "security first, with data as an asset" guides a comprehensive digital transformation that enables business resilience while optimizing customer experiences. The omni-channel ecosystem they're building unifies B2B and B2C interactions across digital and physical touchpoints, creating seamless customer journeys while capturing valuable data that Mohamed describes as "digital gold." Technology professionals will find particular value in Mohamed's career advice: embrace continuous learning, develop specialized expertise, adapt to rapid changes like the AI revolution, and always align technology solutions with business strategy. His perspective on the boundless potential of technology—from AI to healthcare innovations—reflects a profound understanding of how these tools can ultimately improve human quality of life when implemented thoughtfully. Subscribe to our podcast for more conversations with visionary leaders who are bridging tradition and innovation to create tomorrow's business solutions.

    16 min

  10. 01/09/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: Trailblazing Leadership: Dina Amin's Journey in Tech and Empowerment in the Middle East

    Reach out! Discover how Dina Amin, the powerhouse behind Google Cloud's marketing in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, navigates the dynamic world of tech leadership. As she shares her decade-long journey with Google, Dina opens up about the nuanced challenges women face in leadership roles, particularly in a rapidly evolving region. She offers a candid look at how overcoming unconscious biases and building strong networks can pave the way for future female leaders. Plus, her personal insights on tackling imposter syndrome, backed by initiatives like the "I Am Remarkable" program, provide invaluable advice for aspiring leaders. Switching topics, the vibrant tech scene of the Middle East takes center stage as we learn about Google Cloud's expanding presence, highlighted at events like Jitex. Dina gives us a firsthand account of the innovation and energy driving the region's tech transformation. Whether you're curious about the latest trends or seeking inspiration from a trailblazer, this episode is packed with insights that highlight the intersection of technology, marketing, and leadership, promising an engaging experience for tech enthusiasts and aspiring leaders alike.

    13 min
  11. Unplugged with iSolution: Pivoting to Success: Samir Mubarak's Journey through Entrepreneurship and AI Innovation

    01/09/2025

    Unplugged with iSolution: Pivoting to Success: Samir Mubarak's Journey through Entrepreneurship and AI Innovation

    Reach out! What if being at the right place at the right time could ignite the next big thing in your career? Join us as visionary entrepreneur Samir Mubarak takes us on a journey through his bold endeavors, from his beginnings in logistics to launching more than a dozen companies. With candid insights, Samir shares his experiences navigating the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, unraveling the delicate balance between timing and innovation. Discover how collaborations with tech giants like iSolution and Google Cloud were instrumental in steering Nafiz Logistics through the complexities of cloud technology. Broadcasting from the vibrant tech hub of Gitex in Dubai, our conversation shifts to the groundbreaking terrain of AI and robotics. Samir's encounters with the latest tech marvels, including GPT engines and the visionary work of OpenAI, paint a picture of a future reshaped by artificial intelligence. With a palpable excitement, he recounts witnessing innovations that promise to redefine industries and daily life. This episode is a captivating exploration of the technological transformations revolutionizing our world, offering a unique perspective from an industry leader who stands at the forefront of this digital revolution.

    10 min

  12. 10/22/2024

    Unplugged with iSolution: From Hobby to Success: Saber and Mumzworld Journey in AI and E-Commerce Innovation

    Reach out! Ever wondered how a simple hobby could evolve into a thriving business? Join us for a captivating conversation with Saber, a distinguished engineering and marketing enthusiast, who shares his incredible journey from crafting websites to spearheading a successful web hosting company back in 2005. As the Director of Engineering at Mumsworld, Saber provides unique insights into the transformative power of AI in the e-commerce landscape, especially for new moms. Discover how Mumsworld carves out its niche in the MENA region by leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer a personalized shopping experience that resonates with its audience. This episode takes you through the dynamic world of e-commerce, where Saber articulates the crucial role of innovation and forward-thinking in staying ahead. We delve into the exciting potential of AI tools like iSolutions and Google Cloud's Vertex AI to redefine shopping experiences. Saber also shares his perspectives on leadership and career growth, emphasizing the need for hard work and ambition in engineering. Get ready for an engaging exploration of technology's promising future in shaping tomorrow's retail experiences, enriched by Saber's stories and insights.

    9 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

"Unplugged with iSolution" offers listeners a rare glimpse into the minds of the Middle East and North Africa's most influential business leaders. Go beyond the polished facades and corporate speak as iSolution sits down with key figures across diverse industries for intimate, unscripted conversations. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys, strategic thinking, and unique perspectives of these prominent individuals, providing listeners with: Invaluable insights: Learn from the successes and challenges of those who have shaped the MENA business landscape.Fresh perspectives: Discover innovative ideas and groundbreaking approaches to navigating today's ever-evolving market.Authentic stories: Hear candid reflections and valuable lessons rarely shared in public forums.Tune in to "Unplugged with iSolution" for a refreshing and insightful look at the driving forces behind the MENA region's dynamic business world.

Information

  • Creator
    iSolution
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unplugged with iSolution
  • Show Website
    Unplugged with iSolution