The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser
Society & Culture
Our hearts go out to those affected by the explosions in Beirut on August 4, 2020 which left hundreds dead, thousands injured and billions of dollars of property estimated as damaged. If you’re able to contribute, our guest this week recommends donating to Impact Lebanon.
Hashem is joined this week by Zeina El-Dana, founder & CEO of Z7 communications which she founded in 2007. Since then, Z7 has grown to become the premier PR agency for luxury brands in the region. As they’re all set to move into their new offices in the Dubai Design District (aka our hood), Zeina shares how she landed her first client which got her entrepreneurial journey started, her clients’ shift to digital and the key lessons she’s learnt along the way.
“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
“The thrill of the chase has always been my thing.” The Lighthouse friend Ayman Fakoussa on launching The Qode, balancing friendship with business, and why he can’t let go of Microsoft Excel.
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.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Get Organised With Decluttr Me
Tales of the Trade
Forward Talks
CSR of One
What I Did Next