EVOLVE Voices

#029 - Growth, Grit, and Strategic Advisory

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ hosts Carine Assouad.

What does it take to help founders scale, lead companies through transformation, and turn vision into lasting impact?

In this episode of Evolve Voices, host Mayssa Nasr welcomes Carine Assouad — a senior executive advisor and business leader with deep expertise in venture capital, F&B, and business transformation across the MENA region.

#028 - Da programação à referência de criação de conteúdo tech

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, Beatriz Mello talks with Karina Tronkos.

[This episode is in Portuguese with English subtitles available.]

Karina Tronkos, founder of the Nina Talks channel, UI/UX designer, and TEDx speaker. Karina shares her journey from computer science to an internship at Apple, her experience working at major companies like Globo and Accenture, and her role as a content creator.

#027 - Shaping Wealth with Purpose: From Markets to Meaning

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ hosts Marguerite Choueiry Bazerli.

Marguerite Ch. B, an expert who has spent the last 30 years navigating the world of high-net-worth investing, explore the evolution of private banking and wealth management

#026 - Food Tech, Leadership & Purpose

John Noja is the Chief of Staff at Calo, a fast-growing food tech startup based in the GCC, offering personalized, chef-cooked meals for busy people. With a career spanning leadership roles at tMart and OLX, John shares his unique perspective on scaling operations, the rise of food tech in the region, and how purpose-driven leadership shapes both work and life.

#025 - How Payments Became the Battleground for Innovation, with Joel Bond)

Payments are no longer just a backend function,they’re a growth engine. And keeping up with payment innovation and trends can only benefit commerce businesses. In this episode, Joel Bond, product leader and payments expert, unpacks the evolution of BNPL, embedded finance, tokenization, and stablecoins. We dive into how innovation and regulation are reshaping commerce, and what it means for your GTM strategy.

#024 - “Trust is What’s Broken, Right?” (Jenna Posner on Retail-Tech Disconnect)

In this episode, Jenna opens up about how her boarding school days shaped her independence, how sports laid the foundation for her leadership, and what it really takes to build trust between retailers and tech partners. She also unpacks the tension between how tech is sold and how it’s implemented—and how her new venture aims to fix it.

#023 - Oman’s Global Invitation: The Man Behind the Nation’s Convention Vision

From tech to tourism, and now at the helm of Oman’s premier Convention Center — Said Al Shanfari is redefining leadership in the region. In this episode, we explore his journey, his vision for positioning Oman as a global events destination, and what it takes to lead with purpose and impact across industries. A must-listen for anyone curious about leadership, legacy, and the future of Oman.

#022 - The Mars Mindset: Navigating 140 Markets with Passion

Fadi Abi Nader, Vice President of One Demand for Global Emerging Markets at Mars Wrigley, who oversees marketing, sales, digital commerce, and data across 140+ markets. Fadi shares powerful insights on leading across diverse regions, building high-performance teams, and driving sustainable growth in the ever-evolving world of consumer goods. A must-watch for anyone passionate about global leadership, innovation, and purposeful growth.

#021 - SHEIN’s Peter Pernot-Day: How A Lawyer Found His Way into Customer Experience

We explore why asking better questions—not having all the answers—is often the best strategy for growth.

Peter is the Global Head of Strategy & Corporate Affairs at SHEIN. He previously held roles at BNP Paribas and Mixpanel, and remains passionate about law, data, and designing global systems that drive meaningful impact.

#020 - Sylvia Ng: 'Realistically I never do returns'

Sylvia Ng’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rethinking what’s possible—both in life and logistics. After a celebrated career leading growth at tech giants like Shopify, Google, and eBay, Sylvia faced a breast cancer diagnosis that forced her to slow down and reevaluate everything. What followed was not only a powerful personal transformation, but a sharpened focus on solving one of retail’s biggest pain points: returns. In this episode, Sylvia shares how that clarity led to founding ReturnBear, why she believes inefficiencies are personal, and how simplicity, data, and customer empathy fuel both her work and her worldview.

#019 - More Than Money: The New Language of Digital Payments

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠⁠⁠⁠ hosts Noel Moukheiber.

Noel Moukhaiber is the General Manager of MontyPay, a fast-growing global payment gateway that’s transforming the way businesses transact across borders.

With deep insight into the fintech space, Noel shares his journey, the growth of MontyPay, and how the company is navigating the ever-evolving world of digital payments, security, and global expansion.

#018 - Alex Lirtsman: He Was Denied a Trash Can—So He Quit

Alex Lirtsman’s journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship is a story of risk, resilience, and relentless curiosity. As an immigrant, he was born for a life of non-conformity. Leaving behind the security of a stable career, Alex embraced the world of risk, where every challenge—from navigating the chaos of COVID-19 to building a reputation in the competitive e-commerce space—became a lesson in adaptability. He shares insights on bootstrapping, leveraging AI, and the profound impact mentorship has had on shaping his business trajectory.

#017 - Revolutionizing Kids’ Entertainment in Lebanon

Christina Salhab, also known as Tina, is the visionary behind Tiny Fest, Lebanon’s leading kids’ entertainment company. With an unmatched passion for creating magical experiences, she has revolutionized the industry, redefining what it means to engage, entertain, and inspire children. From interactive performances to large-scale themed events, Tina and her team have become the go-to name for unforgettable kids’ celebrations in Lebanon. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to bring joy to children have made her a pioneer in the field, setting new standards for kids' animation and entertainment.

#016 - Fintech Disruption in Asia: Stuart Thornton on Startups, BNPL and Payments

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, ⁠Jade Maravillas⁠ sit down with Stuart Thornton, Chief Revenue Officer at Credilinq.ai and founder of Hoolah, Asia’s first BNPL platform, to discuss the evolution of payments, the opportunities within B2B BNPL, and lessons from startup success and failure. With years of experience leading sales at Worldpay and building a high-growth fintech business, Stuart shares his insights on how B2B BNPL is unlocking new growth opportunities for merchants and suppliers alike.

#015 - On Venture Capital, DEI and Working across Cultures with Tessa Flippin

From founding La Plataforma, a fintech platform enabling cross-border payments across Latin America, to leading investments at Capitalize VC, Tessa is committed to reshaping the venture capital landscape for underrepresented founders. She shares her unique perspective on the power of cultural insights, the growing potential of AI and the creator economy, and how her experiences have shaped her investment strategies in global commerce.

#014 - Inside the Hospitality Game: What It Takes to Succeed

With a background in entrepreneurship and business strategy, Roland has built a company that merges tech-driven efficiency with high-end hospitality, creating exceptional stays for travelers and business professionals alike. His vision focuses on scaling a premium rental experience, ensuring seamless operations, personalized guest services, and strong partnerships with property owners. As a leader, he continuously adapts to market trends, evolving traveler expectations, and the challenges of the hospitality industry.

#013 - From Vision to Reality: Building a Creative Empire

Firas Mghames, CEO of FEER McQUEEN and Group CEO of Flag M Group—a visionary leader who has redefined the creative industry in the region. 14 years ago, Firas set out to bring creatives, writers, filmmakers, animators, engineers, architects, and business consultants under one roof. Today, that vision is a thriving reality with FEER McQUEEN, a hybrid creative agency pushing the boundaries of branding, design, advertising, animation, and technology. Firas’s journey is a masterclass in vision, leadership, and the power of bold ideas.

Voices at eTail: On MixMix, Alcohol Alternatives & Women in Business with Allison Disney

 In this episode, we dive into the exciting journey of launching a brand in a highly regulated space, the goosebump moment of seeing MixMix on store shelves, and how she’s pushing boundaries to normalize cannabis in everyday life.

Voices at eTail: On Om Superfood, Decision-Making and Moving from Navy-to-Digital with Mark Deruyter

In this episode, we dive into his transition from the military to the world of digital marketing, and how that same disciplined mindset has helped him lead teams at top brands like Columbia Sportswear, PE Nation, and now Om Mushroom Superfood.

Voices at eTail: On Nemah, Bootstrapping, and Building a Community with Madison Lee

Skincare is an industry where authenticity and trust are everything, and Madison Lee is redefining both with Nemah. As the founder of this science-backed, vegan skincare brand for moms and babies, Madison has built a business grounded in meaningful connections.

Voices at eTail: On Currently Wine, Crowdfunding & Overcoming Perfectionism with Daniel Rodriguez

In this episode, we explore his unique crowdfunding approach that has raised over $1M in capital, the challenges of bootstrapping a rebrand, and the real difference between being an owner and a founder.

#012 - A Masterclass in Category Creation and Go-to-market Plays in Europe with Brendan Walsh

In this episode, Jade sits down with Brendan Walsh, General Manager for EMEA at Netlify, to talk about what it takes to win in Europe, scale high-growth SaaS companies, and build high-performing teams across multiple markets.

#011- Behind the Curtains: The Journey of a Producer Bringing Broadway Musicals to the Region

In this episode Mayssa Nasr talks with Nayla el Khoury. When we think of commerce, we often picture big companies, tech startups, and entrepreneurs launching MVPs—but the world of commerce extends far beyond that. Theater production is a massive industry that blends creativity with business, requiring strategic planning, negotiation, and market insight to succeed.

#010 - On Retail Operations, Layoffs & How AI Saves Companies Time with Kevin Ertell

From building one of the first e-commerce sites at Tower Records to leading innovation at Nike, Kevin’s career has been shaped by embracing change and staying ahead of retail’s rapid evolution. He shares how pivotal moments—like navigating layoffs and championing omnichannel strategies—have strengthened his ability to lead digital transformations and foster customer-centric growth.

#009 - Lessons from over 600 digital transformations with Prakash Gurumoorthy

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠Jade Maravillas⁠ hosts Prakash Gurumoorthy. Prakash Gurumoorthy's impressive career spans several decades and continents and hundreds of award-winning digital commerce transformation projects. He was previously the Managing Director and one of the co-founders of Born Group, a global digital agency which pioneered connecting commerce, creative and content for some of the world’s leading brands. 

#008 - Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Coaching for Impact

What does it take to be an exceptional leader in today’s fast-changing business world? In this episode of Voices, ⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠ sits down with Chantal Abboud, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, to explore the challenges leaders face and the strategies that drive long-term success. We also discuss leadership styles in the Middle East vs. other regions and offer practical advice for aspiring leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the habits and mindsets that set great leaders apart!

#007 - On Natural Disasters, Trader Joe’s & Becoming a Florist with Native Poppy

Floral design is both an art and a business, and Natalie Gill and Meg Blancato have mastered both with Native Poppy, their San Diego-based flower company. What started as Natalie’s backyard hobby has flourished into a multi-location business known for its artistry, sustainability, and commitment to joy. Together, Natalie and Meg have navigated challenges like floods and big-box competition, all while staying focused on creating meaningful experiences for their customers.

#006 - The Past, Present and Future of D2C Commerce in Asia, with Patrick Deloy

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, ⁠Jade Maravillas⁠ hosts Patrick Deloy.

Patrick Deloy is a true pioneer of the Asian ecommerce industry. With over 15 years experience in IT and ecommerce, he has developed and deployed multi-country ecommerce & omnichannel solutions in APAC & globally. He founded Bluecom, a leading system integrator, growing the business to 350 employees across four offices when it was acquired by Dentsu in 2016.

#005 - Andre Abi Awad - Building Scalable Businesses

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, Mayssa Nasr hosts Andre Abi-Awad.

"Those who cannot do, teach". Andre already worked with 3,200 entrepreneurs, helping them scale their products and companies, always with the work-life balance mindset. "We always forget to take our vitamins, but no one forgets their pain killers. So the lesson is to identify your target by identifying who are the ones who are feeling the pain so you can help them with your product". Always try to find a strategic investor rather than a financial investor. Every entrepreneur needs to make sure to have the 3 MS: Market, Margin & Me.

#004 - On Running, Leadership, and Navigating E-Commerce Challenges with Scott Lux

E-commerce is one of the fastest-changing industries, but Scott Lux has navigated its challenges using lessons learned from an unlikely source—running. From his start in finance to leading digital transformation at Diesel, Scott shares how pacing, adaptability, and focus have shaped his career. Reflecting on his most recent role at Esprit, he discusses the rise of DTC brands, the evolution of marketplaces, and why understanding customers is the ultimate driver of e-commerce success.

#003: Crafting premium brand & customer experiences: Lessons from Japan and Amex

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, Jade Maravillas hosts Tracey Delaney. Tracey Delaney is a global brand marketing leader with over 20 years of experience driving brand equity across premium financial services companies such as Natwest and AMEX, where she spent over 15 years in global leadership roles. She has a deep connection to Japan, living there for many years since the mid-90s and speaking fluent Japanese. In 2020 she launched The Sparkling Sake Brewery with Naoki Toyota, marrying her love for Japanese culture, beverages and brand building, and is building another exciting venture in this space, which we’ll be talking about in this episode.

#002 - Cracking the Sales Code in the MENA Region: Expert Tips for Success

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, Mayssa Nasr hosts Ghassan Nawfal to discuss the art of sales in a rapidly evolving world. From cultural nuances in the Middle East to the transformative power of AI and technology, Ghassan shares actionable insights and highlights how personalization and adaptability can redefine success.

#001 Introduction to Voices

In this episode, our ambassadors share their backgrounds, expectations, and the distinctive perspectives they aim to contribute. They highlight the importance of connecting with local markets and the emotional resonance their discussions have with listeners.