Science Warriors: The Quest for Operational Excellence

Episode 7: How to Master Collaborative Negotiation with Professor Roberto Ordonez

"The point of negotiation is to add value, not to reduce cost. Price is what you pay, value is what you get." - Professor Roberto OrdonezThe greatest leaders and companies see negotiation not as a battle, but as an opportunity for creative problem-solving. It's a chance to build stronger partnerships, create more value, and achieve better outcomes for everyone involved. How can we shift our mindset from a zero-sum game to a collaborative quest for value?In this episode of the Science Warriors Show, Adel Hameed sits down with Professor Roberto Ordonez, a strategic negotiator with over 30 years of experience advising top CEOs and governments. Professor Ordonez shares his uplifting and powerful framework for turning any negotiation into an exercise in value creation.In this discussion, you will learn:Why negotiation is a powerful tool for collaborative problem-solving, not a fight.The secret to building trust through genuine listening and strategic empathy.How to prepare effectively by understanding the other side's perspective, not just your own.Why the most complex and valuable negotiations often have nothing to do with money.How to build a company-wide negotiation culture that becomes a true competitive advantage.This is an essential discussion for any leader seeking to master the art of collaborative negotiation and foster a culture of positive, productive partnerships.🎧 Listen to the Science Warriors Show on Spotify & other platforms: https://www.a8innovation.com/podcast-shows/the-science-warriors-show🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more unscripted lessons on building and scaling your business: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gKrx_-cmCctiPxTrOUkKA Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to a New Approach on Negotiation 02:05 - Introducing Professor Roberto Ordonez 04:20 - The Journey into Strategic Negotiation 08:10 - Lessons from the High-Stakes World of Oil & Gas 09:25 - The Core Principle: Negotiation is Human Interaction 12:20 - Moving Beyond Haggling to Create Value 15:20 - The Mindset Shift: From Combatant to Partner 16:45 - The Key to Success: How to Build Trust 22:30 - The 70% Rule: The Power of Effective Preparation 28:20 - Your Insurance Policy: The Power of a Good Relationship 38:10 - The Value Creation Mindset vs. The Haggling Mindset 40:10 - It's Not Just About Money: Negotiating Ideas and Processes 44:25 - When to Bring in a Negotiation Advisor 48:30 - Signature Question: What is Your Mission? Learn More & Connect:Professor Roberto Ordonez's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-ordonez/Alkimya Catalyst Website: https://www.alkimyacatalyst.com/Adel Hameed's Profile: https://www.a8innovation.com/our-team/adel-hameedFollow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sciencewarriors/X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalewithAdelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sciencewarriors/The Science Warriors Show is an A8 Strategy Original Podcast

Episode 6: Leading with Empathy as a Strategy: Improving Customer Experience in the AI Era with Mai Momani.

"My North Star is empathy as a strategy, not as a value... Anything that needs empathy and someone that should feel what you say shouldn't be automated." - Mai MomaniThe biggest threat to your business isn't your competition; it's a poorly designed AI chatbot frustrating your loyal customers. In the race for efficiency, are we sacrificing the very thing that builds lasting value: a great customer experience? Leaders are caught in a constant battle between automating for profitability and preserving the human connection that builds trust and loyalty.In this episode of the Science Warriors Show, Adel Hameed sits down with Mai Momani, a renowned leader in customer experience, to dissect this challenge. Mai shares her powerful, inside-out approach to building resilient, customer-centric cultures in high-stakes industries, such as banking.They discuss the role of science in business management and operational efficiency. They highlight the importance of process improvement and quality management in achieving success. Listen on Spotify and other platforms for more!In this episode, you will learn:Why "empathy as a strategy" is your most powerful North Star.The secret to getting executive buy-in for CX initiatives: storytelling, not spreadsheets.How to turn customer complaints into your most valuable source of business intelligence.The simple key to building employee purpose and transforming transactional tasks into meaningful work.How to strike the right balance between AI-powered tools and the essential human touch.This is a masterclass for any leader looking to move beyond buzzwords and build a customer experience that truly drives growth.🎧 Listen to the Science Warriors Show on Spotify & other platforms: https://www.a8innovation.com/podcast-shows/the-science-warriors-show 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more unscripted lessons on building and scaling your business: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gKrx_-cmCctiPxTrOUkKA Chapters: 00:00 - The Biggest Threat to Your Business Isn't Competition01:15 - The Agonizing Experience of a Bad Chatbot02:25 - The Tension: Efficiency vs. Customer Experience04:45 - The Core Strategy Behind Implementing AI06:25 - Can AI Deepen Trust or Will It Erode It?08:05 - The Differentiator: Human-Centric AI09:20 - Why Customer Experience is Everyone's Responsibility11:05 - Your North Star: Empathy and Trust13:45 - Introducing Mai Momani: Building CX from the Inside Out16:20 - AI & Bots vs. The Human Touch: Finding the Right Balance19:15 - The Guiding Framework: Empathy as a Strategy23:50 - How to Build Team Buy-in for KPIs24:35 - The Power of Purpose: You're Not Just Executing a Transfer28:40 - The Secret to Winning Over Executives: Storytelling32:05 - Why Culture Eats CX Strategy for Breakfast35:50 - Complaints Are Not Problems; They Are Gifts42:50 - Empowering Women in the Workplace: We Need Women to Count49:25 - Maintaining Positive Energy and Overcoming Skeptics50:05 - Signature Question: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?Learn More & Connect:Mai Momani's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai-momani-2424501b/Adel Hameed's Profile: https://www.a8innovation.com/our-team/adel-hameedHBR Article 1: Using AI to Build Stronger Connections with Customers - https://hbr.org/2023/08/using-ai-to-build-stronger-connections-with-customersHBR Article 2: Customer Experience in the Age of AI - https://hbr.org/2022/03/customer-experience-in-the-age-of-aiHBR Article 3: Customer Experience Is Everyone’s Responsibility - https://hbr.org/2023/04/customer-experience-is-everyones-responsibilityFollow Us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sciencewarriors/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/SAUSLeadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sciencewarriors/ The Science Warriors Show is an A8 Strategy Original Podcast

Episode 05: Africa vs. Middle East - How to Win in Emerging Markets

Are you considering expanding into Africa or the Middle East? Simply copying and pasting your current business model is a recipe for failure. These regions, while full of opportunity, have unique rules, cultures, and expectations. In this episode, Adel Hameed sits down with Africa expert Holger Vogt and Middle East strategist Ramy Lahoud. They break down when to partner up, how to assess a market's true readiness, and why the soft skills of trust and relationship-building are your most valuable assets. This isn't a theoretical lecture; it's a practical playbook from leaders who have navigated these markets for decades.  Show Notes: (14:55) The First Big Question: Joint Venture, Go Direct, or Acquire? (21:40) How to Decide if a Market is Ready for You (25:05) Navigating Africa's Legal Framework: The Power of a Handshake (29:45) Debunking the "Money Grows on Trees" Myth in the GCC (38:35) Product Customization in Regions with Varying Infrastructure (43:30) The "Path of Least Resistance": Should You Work with Governments? (47:20) Avoiding Burnout and the "Free Pilot" Trap in Competitive Markets (51:05) Signature Question: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?Links: * Adel Hameed's Profile: Adel Hameed | Founder and Managing Partner of A8 Innovation [https://www.a8innovation.com/our-team/adel-hameed] * Holger Vogt's Profile: Holger Vogt | Fractional Chief Expansion Officer [https://www.a8innovation.com/our-team/holger-vogt] * Ramy Lahoud's Profile: Ramy Lahoud | Fractional Chief Growth Officer [https://www.a8innovation.com/our-team/ramy-lahoud] * Follow the Show on LinkedIn: Linkedin Science Warriors [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sciencewarriors/] The Science Warriors Show is an A8 Strategy Original Podcast

Episode 4: Marketing That Lasts

In this episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed is joined by Hussein Hammoud, a seasoned marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience in business development, branding, and strategic communication. As markets evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses face a critical challenge: how do you create marketing strategies that not only capture attention today but also build lasting brand equity for the future? Hussein unpacks the science behind consumer behavior, revealing what truly drives brand loyalty in an era of digital noise. He and Adel explore the intersection of data, storytelling, and technology, discussing how AI-powered marketing is reshaping engagement and why authenticity remains the cornerstone of effective communication. They also dive into the importance of adaptability, innovation, and purpose-driven messaging in sustaining brand relevance over time. Whether you're a marketing professional, entrepreneur, or business leader looking to future-proof your brand, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you craft strategies that go beyond trends and deliver long-term impact. Want to unlock the secrets to marketing longevity? Tune in now and discover how to build a brand that stands the test of time! Hussein Hammoud’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammoudhussein/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hammoudhussein/] Fijley Talks Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@FijleyTalks [https://www.youtube.com/@FijleyTalks] Fijley Talks Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/fijleytalks/ [https://www.instagram.com/fijleytalks/] Invest in the art of storytelling to raise your return on inspiration by Joe Takai, Lisa Hartenberger, Paul Ichilcik, Tara Murphy: https://www.mckinsey.com/locations/mckinsey-client-capabilities-network/our-work/strategic-and-change-communications/the-communications-exchange/invest-in-the-art-of-storytelling-to-raise-your-return-on-inspiration [https://www.mckinsey.com/locations/mckinsey-client-capabilities-network/our-work/strategic-and-change-communications/the-communications-exchange/invest-in-the-art-of-storytelling-to-raise-your-return-on-inspiration] Why Founders Need to Focus More on Sales and Marketing: https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/10/why-founders-need-to-focus-more-on-sales-and-marketing [https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/10/why-founders-need-to-focus-more-on-sales-and-marketing] 5  Gen AI Myths Holding Sales and Marketing Teams Back by Doug J. Chung, Candace Lun Plotkin, Siamak Sarvari, Jennifer Stanley and Maria Valdivieso: https://hbr.org/2025/02/5-gen-ai-myths-holding-sales-and-marketing-teams-back [https://hbr.org/2025/02/5-gen-ai-myths-holding-sales-and-marketing-teams-back]

Episode 3: Building Stronger Businesses

In this episode of The Science Warriors Show, host Adel Hameed sits down with Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine, a renowned economist and strategist, to explore the evolving role of the private sector in driving economic transformation. From government-led economies to private-sector-led growth, this conversation dives into the critical shifts reshaping business in the Gulf region and beyond. Dr. Kotilaine unpacks key themes such as the power of data in decision-making, the role of technology in boosting productivity, and the policies shaping a new economic landscape. He also sheds light on how businesses can navigate regulatory changes, leverage AI for efficiency, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive environment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or executive looking to scale in a rapidly transforming market, this episode provides actionable insights to help you stay ahead of economic shifts and build a resilient business. Ready to unlock the future of private-sector growth? Tune in and join the journey toward smarter, data-driven business strategies! Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine’s Linkedin Profile Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmo-kotilaine-632bab/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmo-kotilaine-632bab/] Trials of Resilience: How Covid-19 is Driving Economic Change in the Arab Gulf by Jarmo T Kotilaine  Russia’s Foreign Trade and Economic Expansion in the Seventeenth Century: Windows on the World By J [https://www.routledge.com/search?author=Jarmo%20T.%20Kotilaine]armo T. Kotilaine The Next, and Overlooked, VC Opportunity: The Middle East by Christopher M. Schroede: https://hbr.org/2013/04/the-next-and-overlooked-vc-opp [https://hbr.org/2013/04/the-next-and-overlooked-vc-opp] Sustainable Prosperity in the Arab Gulf From Miracle to Method By J [https://www.routledge.com/search?author=Jarmo%20T.%20Kotilaine]armo T. Kotilaine How Multinationals Can Grow in the Middle East and Africa by Martina Bozadzhieva [https://hbr.org/search?term=Martina%20Bozadzhieva]: https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-multinationals-can-grow-in-the-middle-east-and-africa [https://hbr.org/2017/04/how-multinationals-can-grow-in-the-middle-east-and-africa] Interview link: How leaders can drive business growth in the Middle East https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/how-leaders-can-drive-business-growth-in-the-middle-east?utm_source=chatgpt.com [https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/how-leaders-can-drive-business-growth-in-the-middle-east?utm_source=chatgpt.com]