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

    4D AGO

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

    NOV 27

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

    NOV 24

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

    NOV 6

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

    MAY 5

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

    APR 28

    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

  7. JAN 9

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

    JAN 9

    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

  9. 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
  • 9 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unplugged with iSolution
  • Show Website
    Unplugged with iSolution