Beyond the Deck

Description: In this episode of Beyond the Deck, Dorival Bettencourt sits down with Eyad Faraj, Partner in Roland Berger’s Transaction and Investor Services practice, to discuss how the Gulf’s investment landscape is evolving. The conversation explores the region’s shift from being primarily a source of capital to becoming an increasingly attractive destination for investment. From value creation, governance and working capital optimization to IPO readiness, foreign investment and exit routes, the episode offers a grounded view of what it takes to invest, grow and create value in the GCC today. Eyad also shares practical perspectives on the nuances investors need to consider in the region, including management bandwidth, sovereign dependency, family business governance and the importance of having a clear investment thesis from day one.

In this episode of Beyond the Deck, Dorival Bettencourt sits down with Nourhan Farhat, VP of People, Strategy and Ventures at Careem and a Roland Berger alumna, to explore what really determines whether strategy succeeds or fails. From Careem’s evolution into a super app, to the role of culture in driving execution, to how AI is reshaping productivity and product thinking, this conversation dives into leadership at scale in the region. Nourhan also shares her perspective on entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a clear personal operating model while juggling multiple leadership roles.

In Episode 2, Carmen Hamze brings the GCC energy story to life, from the shift toward a portfolio approach and the return of the energy trilemma, to how AI and data centers are reshaping demand, grid planning and investment priorities. The episode unpacks why LNG and carbon capture are emerging as pragmatic near-term pathways, how hydrogen is evolving more selectively, and how digital tools are transforming utilities through smarter operations and insight-driven decisions. All throughout, the conversation connects these forces to what matters most in the region: partnerships, bankable projects, and sustainable energy that works in practice.

How is AI transforming healthcare? What trends are shaping the industry across the region and globally? And is the world equipped to handle another pandemic? Find out in the first episode, where Elsy Dumit, Principal, Healthcare, Life Sciences & Biotech, shares insights on the future of healthcare, the impact of technology, and how to separate reliable health advice from the noise.