The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser
Society & Culture
Diving into the joy of Guatemalan retreats and the love of Microsoft Excel, Hashem sits with Ayman Fakoussa this week to have a wide-ranging conversation. Hashem and Ayman chat about his experience growing up in Saudi Arabia before eventually moving to Dubai and embarking on a multi-faceted career that culminated in launching his own communications firm, The Qode, at the young age of 30 (with partner Dipesh Depala). Hashem and Ayman also discuss the entrepreneurial energy of Dubai, navigating the pandemic, why The Qode decided to enter the Saudi market, Ayman’s dedication to philanthropy, and…the ubiquity of proverbial buses!
“When I see a few characters in a painting, I create my own stories.” Elie Khouri on his multiple career pivots, the joy of collecting art & having fun on hit reality series ‘Shark Tank’
“When I see everybody walking in a certain direction, I like to choose the other path” Hamad Al Awar on juggling founding burger brand 'High Joint', being a police officer, visual animator and fat
Teaser: Hamed Al Awar
"Dubai is like a millefeuille. There are layers and layers." Mohamed Maktabi on the rich history of his family’s business 'Iwan Maktabi' and his passion for storytelling through the intricate artist
Teaser: Mohamed Maktabi
2023: (It Goes Like) Naaaaaah
Episode #79 Teaser: 2023 - (It Goes Like) Naaaaaah
2023 Throwback: Ayman Fakoussa on launching The Qode, balancing friendship with business, and why he can’t let go of Excel
“Not everybody is going to like me. I’ve accepted that.” Mariana Wehbe on her remarkable journey from a corporate job at DHL to becoming a PR powerhouse and founding WE Design Beirut
Bonus: Tom Arnel on pivoting their 20,000 sq.ft. concept, The Guild, during the pandemic
Episode #78 Teaser: Mariana Wehbe
“I try to remember often that this is the greatest experience of my life” Tom Arnel on the thrill of building purposeful spaces and managing stress in a high-level role
Episode #77 Teaser: Tom Arnel
“I learned what absolute zero feels like.” Hassan Sheheryar Yassin on starting from zero, conquering fear of failure and a serendipitous meeting with William & Kate.
“My father eats, sleeps, and breathes design.” Nakkash on its 40th anniversary as a family-run business, the future of collectible design in the UAE, and passing the baton from one generation to t
Summer Throwback: HE Zaki Nusseibeh on the importance of storytelling in building identities
Summer Throwback: Ahmad Al Marri on launching Canvas Gelato against the odds and why community support was crucial to his success.
Summer Throwback: Myrna Ayad on the evolution & perception of Middle East art (2019)
“As a Khaleeji guy, I had to prove myself over and over.” Meshary AlNassar on finding his footing as a designer, navigating interior design trends and the benefit of having a good eye.
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