Steering Success

Hosted by Abdul - Rahman Risilia

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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About the show

I'm Abdul Rahman Risilia, a seasoned Entrepreneur, Founder, CEO, Speaker, Advisor, and Career Coach with over two decades of experience in leading and building teams. Welcome to "Steering Success," the unrivaled leadership & recruitment podcast in MENA. Huge thanks to all of you who return week after week to soak in the wisdom, to learn, and to grow. This platform is a privilege, allowing me to connect with some of the most exceptional leaders worldwide. For those who know me, you understand that my heart beats for recruitment, people, and leadership. My mission? To introduce you to these outstanding leaders, whose insights are nothing short of captivating. They'll expand our horizons and guide us toward achieving the pinnacle of success in talent identification, attraction, and retention. Let's dive in and unlock the keys to greatness together!

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25 recent

March 17, 2026Episode 846 min

If You Can't Curate, You're Replaceable

Being a jack of all trades used to be an insult. Not anymore. Hiba Hassan breaks down what AI is really doing to the creative industry. Seducing us into mediocre outputs that feel good enough, and why that's the actual threat. We talked about polymaths, divergent thinking, the gap between creative education and what the industry actually needs, and why the humans who will thrive are the ones who know how to curate, not just execute. She brings a creative educator's honesty to how AI really works in a workflow, beyond the hype and the fear, and why your expertise is the only thing standing between a great idea and a very average one. This isn't a conversation about replacing creativity. It's about what it actually means to stay human in a world that's defaulting to average.

February 8, 2026Episode 71 hr 0 min

Stop Chasing Trends. Build the Engine.

Execution doesn't get enough credit. Mostly because it isn't glamorous. Sajjad shares what it's like to build and grow in the Middle East — where pace, ambition, and complexity collide. About aligning teams, fixing systems, making hard calls early, and staying close to the customer when scale tries to pull you away. He brings an operator's honesty to how retail and e-commerce really work, beyond the headlines and hype, and why progress usually comes from doing fewer things better, for longer. This isn't a conversation about trends. It's about first principles for building things that last.

December 17, 202542 min

Building Brands That Feel Real.

What stood out most in this episode wasn't just the branding insights - though there were plenty of those too 💡 Some conversations remind you that branding isn't about what you say, it's about what people feel long after they've interacted with you. I sat down with Christian Eid, founder of DuckLife, to talk about what meaningful marketing actually looks like in practice - not theory. We unpacked the real story behind the DuckLife name, why alignment between brand and reality is everything and how leadership evolves once you've been on both the client and agency side 🦆 If you're building a brand, a team or a business in this region, this one offers perspective that's hard-earned and refreshingly honest 🌍

December 3, 202544 min

300 Flavors. Zero Fear. One Unstoppable Brand.

Most would've played it safe. They didn't. And that changed everything. Every now and then, you meet founders who remind you why creativity still matters in business. Alexandria and Katie did exactly that. Their story is a reminder that brand loyalty doesn't come from ads. It comes from audacity. From doing the thing everyone else calls "too risky," "too niche," or "too extra." I f you're building something — or dreaming about building something — this one will give you that nudge you've been waiting for.

November 12, 2025Episode 452 min

Apple x Nike: The Untold Story of a Sold-Out Collaboration

If you've ever wondered what it's like to lead marketing for brands like Nike, Apple, Armani, and Majid Al Futtaim, this conversation is for you. Said has spent decades mastering the art of brand consistency, storytelling, and customer obsession, and in this episode, he shares the mindset, the lessons, and the behind-the-scenes moments that most people never see. From selling shoes at 15 to orchestrating global campaigns, he's lived every step of the journey — and the insights he drops will change how you think about building your brand, your team, and your legacy.

October 21, 202544 min

Culture Fit Is Dead. Long Live Culture Add.

We talk a lot about culture in business but few people actually live it the way Sabahatt does. In this episode, we dive deep into how she's reshaping what it means to lead with humanity without compromising high performance. "We're not a charity. We're a business. But while you're on this football team, we'll help you show up for your life." From her thoughts on hiring "good humans," to why empathy ≠ softness, to the role of leadership in actually driving inclusion — this conversation left me rethinking what "people and culture" really means. Tune in if you lead teams, hire people, or simply want to understand what great leadership looks like from the inside.

September 9, 2025Episode 257 min

Data is King - but the Gut Still Knows!

In this episode, we sit down with Ami to explore the evolving role of data in business—from being a background player to sitting at the very heart of decision-making. With over two decades of experience in transformation and leadership, Ami shares how data has reshaped strategy, leadership, and people management across industries. We dive into the misconceptions that hold leaders back, why asking the right questions matters more than having endless dashboards, and how to balance hard numbers with the very human element of gut instinct. Along the way, we cover the rise of AI as an enabler, the challenges of organizational change, and the untapped potential of internal mobility to retain and grow talent. If you're a leader, data professional, or simply curious about the future of work, this conversation will leave you rethinking how you use data to transform your business.

August 12, 202538 min

What AI Will Replace in Your Job (and What It Won't)

In this phenomenal Season 3 opener, we sit down with Waseem Sayegh to unpack the real drivers behind career success — and spoiler: it's not just about the job. We explore how culture shapes business, why the first few hires can make or break a company, and how personal foundations like family support and life balance directly fuel professional growth. Waseem shares behind-the-scenes stories from launching Google and TikTok in the region, building teams with hunger and adaptability, and navigating leadership in high-growth environments. We also tackle the big one: AI. Is it a threat, an opportunity, or just the next step in an unstoppable tech evolution? Waseem offers his take on embracing change, adapting quickly, and focusing on what truly matters. Whether you're a founder, leader, or just curious about the intersection of people, culture, and technology, this conversation delivers inspiration, practical insights, and a very human perspective on success.

December 3, 2024Episode 850 min

The CEO Journey: Leadership and Transformation with Hani Weiss

Hani Weiss shares his rise from trainee section manager to CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, emphasizing the value of perseverance and learning from both great and challenging leaders. He highlights the importance of humility, accountability, and fostering a people-centric culture where trust and team empowerment drive success. Hani reflects on leading Carrefour's e-commerce journey, integrating online and offline operations, and overcoming resistance to change, especially during the pandemic. We discuss building career pathways, creating training programs, and empowering employees to explore their passions and roles within the organization. We underscore the need for leaders to embrace lifelong learning, adapt to challenges, and evolve with their teams.

November 18, 202440 min

Remote Work Unlocked:Culture, Challenges, Visa Hurdles & Startup Success with Karim Nadi

Karim shares how RemotePass enables businesses to manage global teams seamlessly, offering services like onboarding, payroll, tax compliance, and perks in over 150 countries. Hear the inspiring story of how RemotePass pivoted from a travel industry solution to a remote workforce enabler during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discusses the importance of trust, commitment, and due diligence in building successful remote teams and the hurdles businesses face in adopting remote work. Learn how a customer-centric approach drives RemotePass's growth, with Karim emphasizing the role of client feedback in shaping their solutions. Gain insights into the UAE and KSA's growing appeal for talent and founders, and Karim's perspective on fostering collaboration within the region's startup community. Discover our views on purpose-driven leadership, managing growth, and the humility required to build strong teams and impactful businesses. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with valuable insights on remote work, leadership, and the startup journey!