The Mo Show | Presented by KAFD

John Pagano is the Group Chief Executive Officer of The Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA, sister projects set along the north western coast of Saudi Arabia that will play key roles in the realisation of the Vision 2030 – KSA’s economic roadmap for the future.On this super special episode, John and Mo explore the visionary projects transforming Saudi Arabia’s coastline and redefining luxury tourism. Driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, these initiatives blend cutting-edge development with a commitment to environmental preservation, including the protection and regeneration of marine life. With five resorts already open and a masterplan of over forty resorts when complete, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transforming its tourism industry is real.

A short conversation taken just days ahead of the December 11th FIFA World Cup announcement. We had the pleasure to sit-down for an insightful fireside chat at the World Football Summit in Riyadh with Hammad Al-Balawi, head of the Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup Bid Unit.

📺 https://bit.ly/3Zdb4xz🎧 https://apple.co/4g4oNxgMaha is a personal branding expert, CEO and founder of global communications consulting firm Digital and Savvy, and best-selling author of 7 Rules of Self-Reliance. With over three decades of experience, she has crafted strategies for global corporations, startups, sports organizations, governments, CEOs, and high-net-worth individuals. On this episode, Maha and Mo go through each one of her “7-rules” taken from her book. The episode eventually takes on a life of its own when she opens up about losing her parents at a young age, the ups and downs of her career and what her plans are.

Ali Shihabi is an author and commentator, specialising in GeoPolitics with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Ali has authored two books: “The Saudi Kingdom: Between the Jihadi Hammer and the Iranian Anvil”, published as part of Princeton University’s Middle East series, and “Arabian War Games”, a novel. His analyses have been featured in major publications, including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Foreign Policy.In what unfolded to be quite a raw conversation, Ali and Mo dive deep into Saudi Arabia’s recent advancements in the world of sports, entertainment, tourism, and quality of life, exploring how the country’s global image is being transformed under ‘Vision 2030.’ They also discuss the Saudi-U.S relationship that is approaching 100-years, the genocide in Gaza, the attacks on Lebanon and broader regional stability.

Will Ahmed, CEO & founder of WHOOP, shares his journey from a driven college athlete grappling with the demands of intense training to creating a wearable that empowers users to track recovery, sleep, and performance. Will opens up about the mission at WHOOP to empower individuals in achieving their health goals, the impact of small habit changes, and the journey to building a pioneering company. Will also shared experiences in collaborating with elite athletes like Ronaldo, and the crucial role of recovery in both sports and life. 0:00 Promo3:30 Kicking Off6:28 Ronaldo and The Obsession Behind Great Athletes8:18 Early Life and Education10:38 Starting WHOOP13:32 Overtraining vs. Under-Resting16:37 Building a Focused Product19:49 Innovation Strategy21:28 Health Changes Through Life25:35 Learning Resilience28:20 Recovery and Meditation30:33 Focus on Health Monitoring32:35 Evolution of WHOOP’s Health Features35:49 Saudi Health Trends and Transformation39:26 GCC Unity and Regional Growth45:46 The Power of Small Changes in Health47:33 The Science Behind Sleep Stages54:03 Building Habits57:11 Quotes to Live By58:42 Resilience and Final Notes

A surgeon at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, made history by performing the world’s first robotic heart transplant, an achievement that highlighted both the advancement of technology in the medical field showcasing the surgeon’s technical brilliance but also the intense pressures faced by the medical team. Dr. Feras and Mo dive heavily into the subject of medications and how easily they are prescribed these days, particularly in the relationship between big pharmaceutical companies and the medical field that is driven by profits raising questions about whether patient health is always the primary focus. 0:00 Kicking Off3:35 Trusting Robotic Surgery14:10 The 16-Year-Old Patient’s Miraculous Recovery17:04 The Efficiency of Robotic Heart Surgery25:00 Managing Burnout as a Surgeon30:05 The Power of Meditation42:23 Balancing Surgery, Teaching Family47:03 Overprescription in Saudi Arabia50:00 Combating Drug Addiction with Compassion55:00 Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Drugs57:00 The Reward of Heart Surgery1:08:02 Following Passion Despite Expectations1:10:53 Pioneering Artificial Hearts1:12:04 Vision 2030: A Momentum for Innovation1:15:09 Contacting Dr. Feras

Albaraa is a prominent Muay Thai fighter from Saudi Arabia, recognized for his unwavering dedication to the sport and his accomplishments on the international stage. His passion for martial arts, which began in his youth, has helped him develop a formidable fighting style, marked by discipline and resilience. Throughout his career, he has proudly represented Saudi Arabia in numerous Muay Thai championships, earning a reputation as an influential figure for up-and-coming fighters in the region. Albaraa’s commitment has not only fueled his own success but also helped elevate the visibility and popularity of Muay Thai in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the broader growth of combat sports within the Kingdom.On this episode, Albaraa dives into a candid discussion about his journey, sharing both the exhilarating triumphs and the challenges he’s faced along the way. He reflects on his experiences, revealing the moments that shaped him as an athlete, and offers insight into where he envisions his skills taking him in the future.

John Lewis is a visionary with a career that spans across multiple industries such as aerospace, mixed martial arts (MMA), film production and entertainment. As the driving force behind NovaCorp Aerospace, he is pioneering space-based sports, entertainment and hospitality experiences through ambitious projects like the Genesis X Mission and the development of the NovaStar space station. John is a former MMA champion who has trained UFC legends like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, and Randy Couture, and played a pivotal role in introducing Dana White to the UFC. His transition from the octagon to filmmaking led him to found JLE Cinema Group, where he manages intellectual properties and produces films, television shows, and live events. His influence extends to Saudi Arabia, where he envisions a central role for the region in space exploration and entertainment.

Noor Sweid is an influential figure in the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is the founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a UAE-based venture capital firm that invests in high-growth startups across emerging markets, particularly focusing on technology and innovation.Before establishing Global Ventures, Noor held key leadership positions in various industries. She was the Chief Investment Officer at The Dubai Future Foundation and led the first ever dual listing of Depa on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange.In addition to her business roles, Noor Sweid is a strong advocate for diversity and women in business. She is known for her efforts to foster entrepreneurship in the MENA region and has been featured on several prestigious lists, including Forbes Middle East’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.”Outside of her business expertise, Noor very candidly opens up about her work-life balance, working with her father, motherhood and her daily routine.0:00 Intro3:08 Wealth, Health, and Education6:56 Have We Become Too Transactional as a Society?8:03 Are We Slaves to Our Phones?10:00 Raising Kids in the Age of Technology13:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur18:00 Joining the Family Business21:28 Starting Zen Yoga34:26 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur25:12 Founding Global Ventures30:22 VC in the MENA29:02 Tech Innovation33:54 HealthTech FinTech37:00 AgriTech41:00 The Future of Healthcare44:07 AI46:54 The Future of Education53:04 Being a Shark on Shark Tank57:06 Sharing Knowledge in Arabic1:0210 Work Life Balance1:07:29 Exercise and Gratitude1:12:00 Lessons from Motherhood1:16:00 Breaking New Trails1:18:00 Creating 13,000 Jobs1:21:30 Conviction vs. Arrogance1:26:00 Relaxation Reflection1:32:10 The Importance of "The Pause"1:37:00 Dreams1:38:40 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Future PlansNoor SweidInstagram https://bit.ly/47wX5GBLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3Zy9iJ6Forbes https://bit.ly/3zoHMDbGlobal VenturesWebsite https://bit.ly/4guQznDThe Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Google Podcast https://bit.ly/3ebB7xNAnghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.comPresented By KAFDThe AppWebsite https://bit.ly/3YktQUIInstagram https://bit.ly/3YFpWGnX https://bit.ly/3LMJOziLinkedIn https://bit.ly/3A0b2QJCreditsNoor Sweid | GuestRyan Ismail | COOFaisal Nejaim | Show ManagerTito | Creative DirectorYoussef Hamieh | Production ManagerPowered by “STUCK?” | Translators

On this special episode, Faisal Nejaim dives deep into Mo’s head, asking questions most have been eager to hear. Mo candidly addresses the highs and lows of the industry, sharing the trials and tribulations he has faced along the way. They discussed his past, present and his vision for the future of the show. At the end of the episode, Mo tells Faisal, “That was one of the realest conversation I’ve ever had!"

Reem Al Habib is a renowned Saudi Arabian actress and director, celebrated for her significant contributions to the film industry in the region. She is best known for her roles in popular productions such as Takki, The Matchmaker, and Kidnap.Reem has made history as one of the original female directors in Saudi Arabia, carving a path for women in filmmaking. Her diverse talents have been showcased in various roles, including actress, assistant director, casting director, and special projects manager for the MacGillivray Freeman’s Arabia. Notably, she is the only director from the Gulf region to have been selected to direct a TV series. Reem’s work reflects her deep connection to her roots and her passion for storytelling. On this 2 hour episode, Reem opens up about many things beyond her field as an actor, in a very fitting finale for season 4.

Dr. Hashim Al-Zain is a design specialist with 23 years of experience in machine design, reverse engineering, industrial accelerators and product development. He has worked with notable organisations such as SEC, KAUST, Lockheed Martin, and the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia with a focus on localizing mechanical part manufacturing and adopting industry 4.0 technologies. With a PhD in Polymer Processing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Al-Zain has also founded two tech-based businesses in the industrial and healthcare sectors, contributing to transforming Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based economy.

Rateel Alshehri is a 13-year-old Saudi influencer and the youngest Saudi founder and host of the podcast "Rateel Alpha Talk." Launching her podcast at the age of 12, Rateel aims to ignite curiosity and drive positive change in young minds globally. She connects with Generation Alpha through engaging videos and insightful conversations, inspiring critical thinking and confidence. Rateel's mission is to foster creativity, challenge assumptions, and empower youth to embrace lifelong learning. "Rateel Alpha Talk" is a platform where young voices are heard, promoting curiosity and initiative. Join us to explore Rateel's inspiring journey and her vision for a brighter future for the next generation.

Faris Asad serves as the U.S. Consul General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Over the past three years, his excellency has been pivotal in strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations, observing the country’s transformative changes and engaging in significant diplomatic efforts.On this episode, he reflects on his tenure, sharing insights into Saudi Arabia’s rapid development and his personal and professional experiences. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his mission, his unique connection to Saudi Arabia from his childhood and the nation’s evolution. As he prepares for his next chapter, he emphasizes the importance of family, personal growth and his future aspirations.

Asmaa is a tech entrepreneur and the founder of 'STUCK?'. A language support platform that blends AI with Human intelligence to provide content and translation services to businesses and individuals. Seventeen years ago, she moved from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, where she started as an English teacher while working on her music, quickly falling in love with the country’s pace of life. Two and a half years ago, after Covid hit, she was inspired to do more and built a language service platform, 'STUCK?', which is the official language arm for the Mo Show, providing captions and translation work. Asmaa shares invaluable advice with entrepreneurs: Don’t wait for the perfect conditions to start a business, cultivate grit, and allow yourself to grieve setbacks. Asmaa is living proof of the Saudi dream, exemplifying how to immigrate, integrate, and innovate within the country.

Heidi is the first American to study psychology in Arabic at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She started learning Arabic through Saudi TV shows and after living in the kingdom for only 3 years she had mastered the language. On this episode, Heidi talks about how she embraced the Saudi culture in addition to how her perceptions of the country had changed. She opens up about her experiences with stress, overcoming negative thoughts, coping with loneliness and turning challenges into strengths.

This is a short conversation with Will Smith Martin Lawrence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia a few hours before the premier of Bad Boys 4 Ride or Die.A special thank you to Sony Pictures, Vox Cinemas and Mr. Z for facilitating this conversation.

Gary Vaynerchuk also known as “GaryVee,” is a serial entrepreneur, the Chairman of VaynerX, and 5x New York Times Best Selling Author. He is a leading global mind on what’s next in culture, relevance, and the internet. Gary possesses an uncanny ability to recognize trends and patterns early to help others understand how these shifts impact consumer behavior. He is one of the most forward-thinkers in business. Gary’s approach sits at the intersection of business and culture. He keenly understands how to bring brand relevance to the forefront. On this episode, Gary explains that life acts as a mirror, reflecting what people believe about America, Saudi Arabia, themselves, and their potential for success. He emphasizes that with the right mindset is achievable, and that hustling and maintaining mental health shouldn't be mutually exclusive. They also discuss technology, social media, parenting, judgment and accountability. While Gary's blunt speaking style can sometimes come off as a bit aggressive, he believes deeply in the power of empathy. Gary Vaynerchuk Instagram https://bit.ly/4aNMW8lX https://bit.ly/3V8UOLFYoutube https://bit.ly/3X5njMWTikTok https://bit.ly/45nWHJvLinkedIn https://bit.ly/4bHNxtw The Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Google Podcast https://bit.ly/3ebB7xNAnghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.com Powered by:Pizza Hut JeddahInstagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjtWebsite http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq Tim Hortons Instagram https://bit.ly/3UQDk6uX http://bit.ly/3AgbAPiWebsite http://bit.ly/3LgUresSaudiaWebsite https://bit.ly/495n6fBInstagram https://bit.ly/3UgTTdAX https://bit.ly/4beIQY8LaysWebsite https://bit.ly/494mtlTInstagram https://bit.ly/3VfzKoGFacebook https://bit.ly/3TEaOpBX https://bit.ly/3TETCAi IWCInstagram https://bit.ly/44dxbFWWebsite https://bit.ly/43K8JMk  

Abeer is one of the top influencers in Saudi Arabia who is also an award-winning creator, model and founder of SNDR. On this episode, Abeer opens up about her childhood, where she had to deal with her parents getting divorce at a young age, financial difficulties and her marriage to British-MMA-trainer Liam as well as the challenges she faced when entering the world of social media.Introduction to Modeling  00:00First Modeling Opportunity 03:31Local Fashion show 06:01Shift from Modeling to Social Media 12:01Diversity in Saudi Arabia 17:31Personal Stories of Influence 20:01Impact of Fame 26:31Social Media Challenges 30:01Authenticity in Relationships 48:00Financial Struggles 51:31Postpartum Depression 55:01Manifestation 59:31Parenting and Childhood Memories 01:20:01 Close  Abeer SinderInstagram https://bit.ly/3QSneINYoutube https://bit.ly/3ReohTFTikTok https://bit.ly/4asvCp6HarperBazar https://bit.ly/3K8fajh The Mo ShowYoutube https://bit.ly/3nDwsZvApple Podcast https://apple.co/3J9ScX4Spotify https://spoti.fi/33dzsC2Google Podcast https://bit.ly/3ebB7xNAnghami https://bit.ly/3mRo1uyInstagram https://bit.ly/2KAwq5vX https://bit.ly/3KanEnJTikTok https://bit.ly/43L92poWebsite https://bit.ly/3H2DhMMEmail info@themopodcast.com 

Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international Cultural Adviser based in London, as well as an Associate Professor and Director specializing in Culture and Innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. With a PhD in International Management, she is passionate about protecting and sharing Saudi Arabia's heritage and traditions both within the Kingdom and abroad. She has worked on UNESCO sites and giga-projects in the Middle East, including NEOM and Diriyah Gate. In this episode, she defines cultural diplomacy, highlights the astounding progress of Vision 2030 thus far, reflects on the growing workforce of women in the country, and expands on the importance of tourism and cultural exchange. She is fueled by the success stories of local Saudis and looks forward to the bright future ahead.0:00 Introductions1:51 UNESCO9:35 Saudi’s image in mainstream media14:00 Vision 203015:48 World Economic Forum17:27 Aha moment21:50 Soft power25:25 Overcoming challenges27:10 Research, storytelling, locals32:30 Saudi women in the workforce36:08 Fears, optimism, happiness43:10 Teaching44:30 Advice, exhibits, travels51:24 Exciting events coming up53:10 Closing words