Foresight Expert: We Shape The Future We Want | Dr. Heba Chehade

Foresight Expert: We Shape The Future We Want | Dr. Heba Chehade

Dr. Heba Chehade is a foresight researcher and Head of Foresight Research at the Dubai Future Foundation, one of the world's leading organisations dedicated to anticipating and shaping what comes next. At the intersection of academia, social sciences and strategic foresight, she helps governments, institutions and communities navigate a world defined by uncertainty. In this episode we get into what foresight research actually is and why it matters, we get a deeper insight into the role the Dubai Future Foundation plays in helping shape the future of Dubai, why technology is never a certainty and always an assumption, and what the relationship between young people and the future tells us about the decisions we're making today. Key Learnings: The future isn't predicted, it's prepared for Technology is an assumption, not a certainty The problems we choose to focus on define the future we build Young people are shaping the future today 0:00 Intro 1:04 Dr Heba’s background 6:05 Where Academia Meets Social Sciences 8:28 What Is the Dubai Future Foundation? 13:50 The Global 50 Report  21:00 How Do You Choose Which Problem to Focus On? 24:44 Why Technology Is an Assumption and Uncertainty  27:34 Human-Machine Collaboration and the ICON System 33:33 How to Actually Plan for the Future 37:55 The Link Between Youth and the Future 43:23 Game Changer Learning Follow Dr. Heba: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hebachehade/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dubaifuture/ Stay Tuned For More Inspiring Conversations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audpodcastofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audpodcastchannel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AUDubai

Teaching: The World’s Most Undervalued Profession | Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar

Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar is an education expert, former cancer researcher, and CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, one of the largest education-focused philanthropic organizations in the Arab world. She walked away from a career in research and stepped into education, driven by a single belief that everyone deserves the opportunity and the resources to learn.  In this episode we discuss why teaching is one of the most underappreciated professions in the world, we talk about whether the education system needs reform or a full revolution, how AI is going to disrupt schools faster than anyone is ready for, and what it really means to scale impact without losing the community at the center of it. Key Learnings: The skills you were never taught in school? What makes someone a real teacher? How do you scale without losing people? Is education ready for AI? Follow Sonia: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-ben-jaafar-70aba012/ Website: https://www.alghurairfoundation.org/dr-sonia-ben-jaafar/ Stay Tuned For More Inspiring Conversations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audpodcastofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audpodcastchannel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AUDubai

TikTok & The Future of the Content Economy | Shant Oknayan

Shant Oknayan is a global technology and strategy leader and the VP of Global Business at Bytedance/Tiktok. He has spent his career at the intersection of innovation, culture, and digital transformation, with experience across consulting, big tech, and emerging platforms, he has helped organizations and governments navigate how technology reshapes industries, economies, and communication. Key Learnings: The Builder vs Optimizer Mindset Technology Disrupts Faster Than Organizations Adapt The Creator Economy Is Reshaping Influence Diversity Drives Innovation Follow Shant: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shant-oknayan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantoknayan/ Stay Tuned For More Inspiring Conversations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audpodcastofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audpodcastchannel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AUDubai

Women in Leadership: From Imposter Syndrome to Stereotypes | Marisa Kamall

Marisa Kamall is a leadership professional and Founder of GAIA, a community focused on supporting and empowering women. Built on exploring how identity, expectations, and workplace culture shape the way women grow in their careers. In this episode we discuss why many women are impacted by imposter syndrome, the challenges of navigating male-dominated environments, the likability tax, and why real progress for women requires changing systems, not just confidence. Key Learnings: Confidence isn’t an individual problem The “likability tax” affects decision-making  Diversity fails without education  How community accelerates growth  Follow Marisa: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisakamall/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaiarises/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaia_rises/?hl=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_kamall_dxb/ Stay Tuned For More Inspiring Conversations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audpodcastofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audpodcastchannel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AUDubai

How to Become a Powerful Communicator | Luca Allam

Luca Allam is an entrepreneur, public speaker, and communication coach with over 20 years of experience in marketing and media. In 2024 he left the corporate world to focus on speaking and coaching full-time, launching the MasterPitch public speaking program and hosting Luca’s Insight Track, an online talk show that has rapidly become one of MENA’s fastest-growing podcasts. Key Learnings: How to reduce your anxiety when public speaking  The importance of knowing your audience The secret to winning your next pitch Why you need to build your own brand and treat yourself like a business  Follow Luca: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaallam/ Website: https://lucaallam.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luca.allam/ Youtube:  @lucasinsighttrack [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCrffFsC6gcVCuyMbs1yofUw]  Stay Tuned For More Inspiring Conversations: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audpodcastofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@audpodcastchannel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AUDubai