The Shift With Bassem Saber

In this conversation, I'm joined by Majda Rochdi, who leads marketing and communications across the MEENA region for UD Trucks. Her career runs from Nissan through nearly a decade at Volvo to where she is now, but what interested me wasn't the companies or the titles. It was the pattern. Every few years, someone trusted her with something bigger. That doesn't happen because of a CV. It happens because of the person you've become. We get into the realities behind a career like this. Not just t...

In this conversation, I’m joined by Ahmed Al Afifi, CEO of Data Direct Group, a company that has scaled to over 2,000 employees across the region. Ahmed shares how his journey began, the early decisions that shaped his path, and what it really takes to build and lead at scale. We get into the realities behind success — not just the highlights, but the trade-offs, pressure, and responsibility that come with it. One of the most compelling parts of this conversation is the cost of success. Ahm...

In this conversation, I’m joined by Sali Zein, founder of Siella Beauty, one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the region.​ Sali shares how her love for beauty started long before Siella existed, and how that passion became the foundation for a brand that now sits on the shelves of major retailers like Faces. We talk about what it really takes to build in a competitive industry where trends move fast and trust is everything.​ One of the most powerful moments in her journey was COVID. ...

In this online conversation, I’m joined by Eddie Maalouf, who built a predictable and scalable business that generated $18M in the last 12 months with a 35% net margin. This episode goes beyond the numbers. We break down the real levers behind sustainable scale and why branding, personal branding, and people matter more than most operators are willing to admit. One of the key themes in this conversation is how strong branding simplifies everything. When your brand is clear and trusted, sale...

Doran Davies and his partner Ross Milton founded Bounce Middle East almost a decade ago. Since then, it has grown into the region's leading entertainment venue welcoming over 1 million visitors every year.​ ​ Their story is proof that hard work, risk-taking, and a people-first approach can pay off and help you create the life you're dreaming of.