Bakari Akil is a self-made entrepreneur and acquisitions expert who defied the odds to achieve success. Through his dedication and determination, Bakari developed a unique understanding of the world of acquisitions, becoming a specialist in this field. His journey showcases the power of self-education and resilience in achieving success outside of the traditional academic route. Currently, Bakari is working remotely as he travels the world, visiting at least a dozen countries through Remote Year. You can follow his adventures and insights at Nomad Noir. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Sharad Sharma, co-founder of iSPIRT Foundation and former head of a telecom company now part of Cisco, is a visionary entrepreneur impacting the global tech industry. Mentioned Links Data Empowerment & Protection Architecture (DEPA): https://depa.world/ Digital Identity for the World, MOSIP: https://www.mosip.io/ Reimagining India’s Health System: Technology Levers for Universal Health Care by iSPIRT https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41745-022-00326-9 iSPIRT Volunteer Model: https://volunteers.ispirt.in/ Other Links India Stack - The Internet Country: How India created a digital blueprint for the economies of the future: https://tigerfeathers.substack.com/p/the-internet-country Public Policy and Public Technology by National Australian University https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/public-technology-and-public-policy/id1598491978?i=1000582494418 Digital Public Infrastructure – lessons from India by ORF https://www.orfonline.org/research/digital-public-infrastructure-lessons-from-india/ Stacking up the Benefits: Lessons from India’s Digital Journey by IMF https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2023/03/31/Stacking-up-the-Benefits-Lessons-from-Indias-Digital-Journey-531692 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠ Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Abdullah Ishak Khan is currently working for the Prime Minister's Office of Bangladesh. As Deputy Project Director for the Japanese Economic Zone Development Project at Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), his role is to attract international investors and promote economic growth. Having recently graduated from Hitotsubashi University in Japan, where he participated in the MEXT scholarship program, Ishak had the opportunity to study with students from different countries and learn from their diverse perspectives. Before joining the government, he gained valuable experience working for multinational companies and private commercial banks. The combination of his educational background and professional experience has equipped Ishak with a unique skill set to contribute to the development of Bangladesh's economy and foster international collaborations. https://beza.gov.bd/japanese-economic-zone-araihazar/ Key quotes Government Targets: 100 Special Economic Zones by 2030: "BEZA is envisioning to set up 100 special economic zones throughout the country by 2030." — Ishak Khan 00:11:42-00:11:44 Creating a Comfortable and Secure Environment for International Investors: "And apart from these things, BEZA is also trying to create an organization where foreigners will feel very comfortable in three ways...We have a very strong and very good law that has been enacted in our country for the benefits of the international investors, that is Capital Repatriation Act. Under this act, the investors are not feeling comfortable keeping their investment no longer in this country. They can repatriate their entire investment out of this country and the law gives them the edge that no one will be stopping them to do so. So the 100% Capital Repatriation Act gives investors additional confidence that they can stay in this country and help this economy grow and as well as they can make money out of it." — Ishak Khan 00:13:06-00:13:44 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Matt Smedley grew up with a limited understanding of poverty and the misconceptions surrounding it. Like many others, he believed that hard work and avoiding mistakes were enough to ensure a prosperous life. However, he soon realized that this narrative was far from reality, especially for those facing poverty. Matt became aware of the multitude of factors contributing to people's financial struggles and the immense challenges they faced in breaking free from the cycle of poverty. Inspired by a desire to understand and address these issues, Matt dedicated himself to advocate for change. He recognized that some individuals lacked the perspective or motivation to empathize with those less fortunate, believing that their own success was solely a result of superior intelligence or work ethic. Through his role as Executive Director and CEO of Mission Possible, Matt aims to challenge these myths and foster a more inclusive and compassionate society. Key takeaways Housing Crisis Solutions: Discover why investing in housing might be the cost-effective answer to a growing homelessness issue, and how gentrification and policy play crucial roles. The Power of Social Enterprises: Dive into the transformative impact of social enterprises in combating poverty, their challenges, and their potential to reshape communities. Challenging Poverty Stereotypes: Uncover the myths about poverty, learn how personal connections can shift perceptions, and why an inclusive society could be the key to change. Listen to real stories that will challenge everything you thought you knew. Key quotes Understanding Poverty through Volunteering: "And so ultimately, what got me involved here was the chance to volunteer. And lots of people volunteer at organizations, and they do it with good hearts and good intentions. They want to help out, and I think that's why most people do it. But the reality is when you volunteer and you kind of get connected to a community that really is struggling, you can't help but be changed yourself. And so for me, really, that's what happened." — 00:02:30-00:02:56 Downtown East Side Community: "Incredible people have endured some really incredible hardships and they're just inspiring to me. Really amazing people." — 00:03:51-00:04:00 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Laura Orlic is Founder and CEO of Artivist, a small company that is celebrating its second anniversary in a month. Originally from Croatia, she began her career in HR there before moving to Turin, Italy in 2011 and then to Vienna, Austria for a Vice President role in one of their largest banks in 2015. During her nine years of international experience, Laura had the opportunity to work with diverse teams across ten to fifteen countries, which greatly enriched her professional background. With a passion for people and organizational development, Laura spent 22 years working in various international corporate roles before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey. Despite her successful corporate career, Laura decided that it was time for a change and left the corporate environment to pursue her own business venture. Timestamps [00:00:18] Founder and CEO of Artivist leaves corporate world. [00:05:28] Gaining opportunities and chasing an international life. [00:09:05] Rediscovered art inspires desire to help others. [00:11:11] Left banking, created personalized museum visits: digitally-powered storytelling. [00:17:12] Customized tours offer unique perspectives for visitors. [00:18:35] Limited media prompted church visits for beauty. Different stories emerge: unique opportunities, technology, pigments. Amazed by multiple angles in art. [00:24:38] Reflect, learn, replicate, grow, international experience, mentorship, opportunity. [00:26:31] CEOs meet potential candidates in unique process. [00:30:27] Need to add value without expertise, so relied on others. [00:34:34] Supportive organization helps entrepreneurs start businesses. [00:38:50] War leadership hindered country's economic growth. [00:43:21] Advocating gender balance and empowering women professionally. [00:46:08] Two Croatian artists I love: Bukovac, Meštrović. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Iggy Domagalski grew up in Winnipeg, where he completed his studies at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a finance degree. Following his education, he embarked on a career in finance, landing a job at Investors Group. During his time there, Iggy had the fortune of participating in their esteemed Management Development Program. This unique opportunity exposed him to various aspects of the finance industry, including trading, sales, training, and operations. After five years of working for different companies, Iggy realized that his expertise and knowledge were primarily confined to finance. Iggy takes us on a journey through his own career path, highlighting the significance of exposure to different roles and industries. From sales and operations to finance and HR, Iggy's diverse background has equipped him with a unique ability to make well-balanced and informed decisions. Alongside his accomplished career, Iggy discusses his involvement in supporting charitable causes and fostering partnerships with organizations aligning with his values. We delve into the thought process behind these choices and how businesses can make a meaningful impact in their communities. Key quote "Why it's okay to change your mind if you get new information" : "I always tell them that it's okay to change your mind if you get new information. You don't have to be stuck on a way to do things and come hell or high water, I'm doing it that way. I found that I've always lived that way, that I'm very open to changing my mind if I get new and better information. And so that's why when I'm making larger decisions, I'll consult a whole bunch of people and try to get a whole bunch of different views on it. And then that helps me to make the best decision I can with a bunch of different perspectives." — Iggy Domagalski 00:14:28-00:14:56 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Asaf Nevo, a seasoned entrepreneur, has led multiple companies over the past 17 years, including serving as CEO for an extended period. He then transitioned to become the head of revenue for a company that acquired his own startup and later assumed the role of chief business officer in another organization. Currently, Asaf is embracing a new chapter in his career, where he finds himself in between ventures. He is dedicating his time to innovative projects centered around entrepreneurship, utilizing his expertise to offer consultancy services to startup companies. As a passionate advocate for fundraising and storytelling, Asaf is actively involved in guiding and shaping the growth of these emerging businesses. Driven by his infectious passion for all things geeky, Asaf is ready to take on his next big entrepreneurial endeavor. The Reality of Start-up Acquisitions: "In general, everybody look at startups and thinks about an exit and lots of cash and being rich. It doesn't happen in 99.5% of cases." — Asaf Nevo 00:30:21-00:30:33 Timestamps [00:01:31] Long journeys, now focused on smaller businesses. [00:04:55] Technology growth brings misuse, unintended consequences emerge. [00:08:29] Photos AI can be helpful but potentially risky. [00:11:54] AIA mistakes tolerated less, but still useful. [00:14:28] Using GPT for simulated interviews was fulfilling. [00:17:51] Haifa becoming startup capital due to students. [00:20:57] State had non-conservative workers, not conservative. [00:24:45] Entrepreneur turned consultant, enjoying helping others. [00:28:36] Company faced investor problems, chose acquisition route. [00:29:44] Confidence clauses in agreements, process, acquirer, exit, cash, rich, time. [00:35:10] Helping real businesses facing funding challenges, mental barriers is biggest hurdle. [00:36:19] Hands-on hustler passionate about working with founders. [00:39:33] Easily reachable, positive agenda, open to communication. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Renee Zhao is a market researcher and wine enthusiast who understands the importance of online research and spends significant time analyzing wine spirit volume in different countries to identify promising markets. As Director of Marketing and Communications for ProWine Asia, Renee recently visited Singapore to further her research, immersing herself in the local bar and restaurant scene. She studied menus, observed new trends, and noted the selection of wines available. Additionally, she explored wine shops to understand pricing and the types of wines that attract customers. Renee even took the opportunity to connect with customers over dinner, asking about their preferences and reasons for visiting certain establishments. She firmly believes that combining online research with physical interactions with local customers maximizes one's understanding of the market. Key quotes The Importance of Cultural Understanding in Digital Marketing: "I think it's very important to the marketer to go to the market, go to the region and to talk to the people there. For example, of course you need to meet with a customer, right? If you want to know more information about the market, you need to talk to the customer." — 00:04:08-00:05:23 The Power of Influencers in Marketing: "I really think in this era, marketing really depends on the impact of these influencers... they can really give you some advice or can help you to promote your brand in their territory and to reach out to the customer. You never have a chance to connect." — 00:32:15-00:32:27 Timestamps [00:02:27] Marketing strategy: monthly travel to different cities, Singapore trade fair expands to Southeast Asia, events and collaborations in neighboring countries. [00:04:08] Digital marketing maximizes market exposure, but culture matters. [00:08:20] Changed major, found passion in marketing job. [00:10:45] Marketing is vital; sales team and conflict. [00:16:07] ROI defines good and bad marketing. [00:20:42] Brands target specific audience, customer behavior matters. [00:23:30] Market dynamics vary by region, emphasizing branding. [00:24:43] Strong branding and lifestyle-focused marketing approach. [00:30:14] Focus on cost-effective marketing using Chinese influencers. [00:31:18] Startups collaborate with influencers to market products. Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Will Cole is a renowned functional medicine doctor who has made a significant impact in the field. Over 13 years ago, he founded one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics worldwide, where he currently serves as the head. In his daily practice, Will consults with individuals, helping them uncover the root causes of their chronic health issues through lab tests and thorough analysis. His focus lies in addressing autoimmune inflammation problems, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, nervous system dysregulation, and various inflammatory conditions. Will's passion lies in identifying the upstream causes of health issues and equipping his patients with the necessary tools to overcome these challenges and regain control of their health. Additionally, he has authored several books on these subjects and hosts a podcast titled The Art of Being Well, where he delves deeper into pertinent topics. To ensure his expertise and credibility, Will and his telehealth team have been trained by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), which is also associated with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in the United States. His dedication to wellness and his commitment to his patients make him a respected figure in the field of functional medicine. New book: Gut Feelings Key quotes The Power of Stillness: "I call them metaphysical meals. They're just little micro-moments of stillness. What we feed our bodies which influences our biochemistry, it's important, but what we serve and feed our head and our heart is just as important." — 00:25:19-00:25:32 The Benefits of Functional Medicine: "I feel like there's pockets of change happening that realize this. When you look at mainstream institutes like the Cleveland Clinic opening up a multi-million dollar functional medicine center and many other mainstream hospitals and medical institutions opening up functional medicine and integrative medicine institutes, it's not because they're disciples of some woo-woo sect. It's because the data speaks for itself. The science speaks for itself. And we have to do something different to see something different." — 00:31:17-00:31:44 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.

Sherif Nessim is the founder and managing partner of Jedar Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups in emerging markets. Born and raised in Egypt, Sherif is an electrical engineer by education and has spent the past 23 years working in the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the telecom and technology sector. He has a deep understanding of underserved and underdeveloped markets. His expertise lies in areas such as entertainment services, mobile content, mobile payments, and wallets. With his extensive experience as a technology operator, Sherif has transitioned into investing in technology. TL;DL Africa is not a homogeneous entity but is made up of 54 different countries with unique cultures and characteristics. Understanding local cultures and practices is crucial for business and investment opportunities in Africa. Lack of traditional infrastructure and a large unbanked population have facilitated the transition to digital banking in Africa and other emerging markets. Startups in Africa have the opportunity to lead in adopting new technologies, thanks to the continent's young population and demographics. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost trade between African countries, creating opportunities for startups in sectors like trade financing and supply chain. Key quotes Unlocking Trade Between African Countries: "So probably we need now to see companies doing financial services more as fintech as a service. They will avail different financial services for this new wave of companies, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement." — 00:23:08-00:23:24 "The Importance of Understanding the Region: ...there are a lot of problems that you will never know unless you worked or lived in these specific countries, how people do business, how they work around different stuff." — 00:33:14-00:33:24 Connect Interested in learning about entrepreneurship and innovation from thought leaders around the world? Consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter and checking out our other content: https://horizonsearch.beehiiv.com/subscribe Recommended Resources (Affiliate) Castmagic (https://get.castmagic.io/horizonsearch) has helped me prepare the show notes. It provides summaries, timestamps, key quotes and a lot more, including custom prompts. Experience seamless recording with Riverside.fm, (https://www.riverside.fm/?via=horizon-search) where high-quality audio and video are recorded locally on each participant's computer, eliminating the common issues of internet connectivity. Say goodbye to stutters and delays, and enjoy a smooth recording experience.