Dr. Sara Althari | The Mo Show 75 | Saudi Vision 2030, Investment in Future Industries, Purpose & Joy
Jan 18, 2023
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Dr. Sara Althari, Advisor and Managing Director at the Ministry of Investment, talks about Saudi Vision 2030, investment in future industries, finding purpose and joy, self-awareness, perseverance, changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia, lessons learned from the pandemic, the potential impact of AI, Catalyse Saudi platform, reflections on time at Oxford, managing stress, the importance of self-awareness, and the power of books in personal growth.
AI algorithms and machine learning are revolutionizing processes in multiple sectors, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy by promoting emerging sectors like tourism, e-sports, technology, and renewable energy.
Immersive experiences, such as studying at Oxford, can foster personal growth, self-awareness, and critical thinking skills.
Generalists, individuals with a broad range of skills and interests, have an advantage in a dynamic and volatile economy.
Freedom for children to explore and discover their own interests helps develop their character, emotional intelligence, and self-discovery.
Deep dives
Catalyze Saudi: Building Connections and Showcasing Opportunities
Catalyze Saudi is an engagement platform that brings together institutional investors, family offices, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in a specific theme with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia. The platform aims to create curated connections and networks to showcase investment opportunities, technology development, and on-the-ground progress in the kingdom. Through immersive programs and cultural experiences, Catalyze Saudi allows participants to witness the exciting developments happening in the country, fostering co-investment opportunities and building relationships. The program focuses on various sectors, including disruptive technology, and brings together experts and innovators to exchange ideas and explore investment potential.
AI's Growing Influence in Various Sectors
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing platform technology with vast potential in multiple sectors. From predicting protein folding patterns in biotech to aiding drug discovery and manufacturing, AI algorithms and machine learning are revolutionizing processes and significantly reducing costs. AI also has applications in creative fields, generating art, poetry, and language processing. With the rapidly expanding AI industry projected to reach trillions of dollars in enterprise value, it is becoming a vital technological tool across the global landscape.
Lessons Learned from the Pandemic: Strengthening Health Infrastructure
The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector and highlighted the importance of strengthening health infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has taken steps to address gaps by optimizing clinical trials capabilities, boosting domestic manufacturing capacities, and increasing investment and research in biotech and pharmaceuticals. The aim is to foster self-sufficiency, advance technology transfer, and promote better pandemic preparedness. The pandemic also highlighted the need to rely on data-driven technologies like AI for drug discovery, diagnostics, and logistics, enabling faster response and more effective healthcare solutions.
Tourism and Emerging Sectors in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy, with emerging sectors such as tourism, e-sports, technology, and renewable energy holding great promise. The Kingdom's transformation efforts, exemplified by initiatives like the catalyze Saudi platform, aim to attract global investments and promote high tech innovation. The development of infrastructure, cultural experiences, and tourist attractions has significantly changed perceptions of Saudi Arabia among international visitors. By showcasing unique natural landscapes, historic sites, and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia aims to become a vibrant destination for travelers, while also promoting economic growth and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities.
Importance of Immersive Experiences
Immersive experiences, such as studying at Oxford, can be transformative and provide opportunities for personal growth and intellectual development. These experiences expose individuals to diverse fields of study, intellectual conversations, and debates, fostering deep self-awareness and critical thinking skills. The author highlights the value of living alone, engaging in intellectual pursuits outside of the academic realm, and actively nurturing one's identity.
The Relevance of Generalists in the Modern World
The podcast episode explores the value of generalists in our rapidly evolving world. While specialists are essential, the argument is made that generalists, individuals with a broad range of skills and interests, have an advantage in a dynamic and volatile economy. The ability to adapt, make decisions utilizing knowledge from different disciplines, and tap into various skill sets can lead to thriving in today's job market. A balanced approach, combining deep expertise in a vertical field and broad interests, is advocated as a model for success.
Finding Fulfillment and Overcoming Mediocrity
The speaker shares their fear of living an ordinary or mediocre life and emphasizes the importance of pursuing something extraordinary. The desire to create impact, find purpose, and push beyond the status quo drives the speaker's actions and choices. The day-to-day activities that contribute to a perfect day are centered around meaningful connections with loved ones, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the company of a pet. The speaker also reflects on the importance of introspection and aligning actions with the potential of one's last week on Earth.
The Importance of Allowing Children to Explore and Discover
Allowing children the freedom to explore and discover their own interests and natural tendencies is crucial for their personal development. The speaker shares how their parents encouraged their intellectual curiosities and let them follow their own paths, whether it be arts, mathematics, or biology. This approach of unconditional acceptance and support helped them develop their character, emotional intelligence, and self-discovery. By giving children the freedom to explore and learn outside of moral and ethical boundaries, parents empower them to develop their own unique passions and talents.
Effective Stress Management and Detachment from Self-Worth
The speaker reflects on the importance of managing stress and developing effective stress management mechanisms. They emphasize that stress is toxic and damaging to both mental and physical health, and that it cannot be simply put off or ignored. The speaker discusses the strategy of dissociating self-worth from what one does, allowing them to detach their identity and self-esteem from work-related stress. They also stress the significance of self-awareness and knowing one's limits and triggers. By understanding oneself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, stress can be better managed and controlled for an overall improved well-being.
Dr. Sara Althari is an Advisor and Managing Director at the Ministry of Investment, where she is instrumental in shaping the future of industries in Saudi Arabia such as biotechnology, pharma, and innovation. In line with Vision 2030, the Ministry of Investment attracts investors and businesses to the Kingdom for mutually beneficial growth opportunities. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and a PhD in Genetics from Oxford University. She shares her advice on finding purpose and joy, cultivating self-awareness, and persevering through hardships.Sara Althari Twitter https://bit.ly/3XECVnH LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3HfkSza Ministry of Investment Twitter https://bit.ly/3CTcgLR Website https://bit.ly/3kve2MQ Vision 2030 Twitter https://bit.ly/3ZK1Rfv LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3HgTf96 Instagram https://bit.ly/3ktyVrN Website http://bit.ly/3IUC1PZThis episode is presented by: Caffeine Lab Instagram https://bit.ly/3b7uNta Website https://bit.ly/3bonoWhPizza Hut Jeddah Instagram https://bit.ly/3T87mjt Website http://bit.ly/3UtnkWq Credits Sara Althari | Guest Mo Islam | Host & Founder Ahmed Hussein | Marketing & Brand Manager Ryan Ismail | Show Manager Mohammad Anas | Editor Youssef Hamieh | Production Manager Katie Janner | Sound Editor Edgar Ydel & Christian Rufo | Sound Engineers Chaima Boudchar | Translator
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