EVOLVE Voices

#016 - Fintech Disruption in Asia: Stuart Thornton on Startups, BNPL and Payments

Stuart Thornton, Chief Revenue Officer at Credilinq.ai and founder of Hoolah, Asia’s first BNPL platform. With years of experience leading sales at Worldpay and building a high-growth fintech business, Stuart shares his insights on how B2B BNPL is unlocking new growth opportunities for merchants and suppliers alike.

#015 - On Venture Capital, DEI and Working across Cultures with Tessa Flippin

Tessa Flippin has carved her own path in venture capital with a clear mission: empowering diverse entrepreneurs. Her journey began with a transformative summer internship in Peru, where her passion for connecting cultures first took root.

#014 - Inside the Hospitality Game: What It Takes to Succeed

Roland Bitar is the CEO and Co-Founder of Local Host Rentals, a hospitality brand redefining the short-term rental experience across the Middle East and Europe. With a background in entrepreneurship and business strategy, Roland has built a company that merges tech-driven efficiency with high-end hospitality, creating exceptional stays for travelers and business professionals alike. 

#013 - From Vision to Reality: Building a Creative Empire

Firas Mghames, CEO of FEER McQUEEN and Group CEO of Flag M Group—a visionary leader who has redefined the creative industry in the region. 14 years ago, Firas set out to bring creatives, writers, filmmakers, animators, engineers, architects, and business consultants under one roof. Today, that vision is a thriving reality with FEER McQUEEN, a hybrid creative agency pushing the boundaries of branding, design, advertising, animation, and technology.

Voices at eTail: On MixMix, Alcohol Alternatives & Women in Business with Allison Disney

In this episode, we dive into the exciting journey of launching a brand in a highly regulated space, the goosebump moment of seeing MixMix on store shelves, and how she’s pushing boundaries to normalize cannabis in everyday life.

Voices at eTail: On Om Superfood, Decision-Making and Moving from Navy-to-Digital with Mark Deruyter

In this episode, we dive into his transition from the military to the world of digital marketing, and how that same disciplined mindset has helped him lead teams at top brands like Columbia Sportswear, PE Nation, and now Om Mushroom Superfood.

Voices at eTail: On Nemah, Bootstrapping, and Building a Community with Madison Lee

Skincare is an industry where authenticity and trust are everything, and Madison Lee is redefining both with Nemah. As the founder of this science-backed, vegan skincare brand for moms and babies, Madison has built a business grounded in meaningful connections.

Voices at eTail: On Currently Wine, Crowdfunding & Overcoming Perfectionism with Daniel Rodriguez

In this episode, we explore his unique crowdfunding approach that has raised over $1M in capital, the challenges of bootstrapping a rebrand, and the real difference between being an owner and a founder.

#012 - A Masterclass in Category Creation and Go-to-market Plays in Europe with Brendan Walsh

In this episode, Jade sits down with Brendan Walsh, General Manager for EMEA at Netlify, to talk about what it takes to win in Europe, scale high-growth SaaS companies, and build high-performing teams across multiple markets.

#011- Behind the Curtains: The Journey of a Producer Bringing Broadway Musicals to the Region

When we think of commerce, we often picture big companies, tech startups, and entrepreneurs launching MVPs—but the world of commerce extends far beyond that.

#010 - On Retail Operations, Layoffs & How AI Saves Companies Time with Kevin Ertell

Retail is a world of constant reinvention, and Kevin Ertell has navigated its twists and turns using lessons learned from one constant: adaptability.

#009 - Lessons from over 600 digital transformations with Prakash Gurumoorthy (BORN, VTEX)

In this episode, Prakash shares stories, insights and learnings from over 600 digital transformation projects and scaling businesses from 0 to unicorn status. 

#008 - Unlocking Leadership Excellence: Coaching for Impact

What does it take to be an exceptional leader in today’s fast-changing business world? In this episode of Voices, ⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠ sits down with Chantal Abboud, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, to explore the challenges leaders face and the strategies that drive long-term success.

#007 - On Natural Disasters, Trader Joe’s & Becoming a Florist with Native Poppy

Floral design is both an art and a business, and Natalie Gill and Meg Blancato have mastered both with Native Poppy, their San Diego-based flower company. What started as Natalie’s backyard hobby has flourished into a multi-location business known for its artistry, sustainability, and commitment to joy. Together, Natalie and Meg have navigated challenges like floods and big-box competition, all while staying focused on creating meaningful experiences for their customers.

#006 - The Past, Present and Future of D2C Commerce in Asia, with Patrick Deloy

Patrick Deloy is a true pioneer of the Asian ecommerce industry. With over 15 years experience in IT and ecommerce, he has developed and deployed multi-country ecommerce & omnichannel solutions in APAC & globally. He founded Bluecom, a leading system integrator, growing the business to 350 employees across four offices when it was acquired by Dentsu in 2016.

#005 - Andre Abi Awad - Building Scalable Businesses

"Those who cannot do, teach". Andre already worked with 3,200 entrepreneurs, helping them scale their products and companies, always with the work-life balance mindset.

"We always forget to take our vitamins, but no one forgets their pain killers. So the lesson is to identify your target by identifying who are the ones who are feeling the pain so you can help them with your product".

#004 - On Running, Leadership, and Navigating E-Commerce Challenges with Scott Lux

E-commerce is one of the fastest-changing industries, but Scott Lux has navigated its challenges using lessons learned from an unlikely source—running. From his start in finance to leading digital transformation at Diesel, Scott shares how pacing, adaptability, and focus have shaped his career.

#002 - Cracking the Sales Code in the MENA Region: Expert Tips for Success

From cultural nuances in the Middle East to the transformative power of AI and technology, Ghassan shares actionable insights and highlights how personalization and adaptability can redefine success.

#001 Introduction to Voices

In this episode, our ambassadors share their backgrounds, expectations, and the distinctive perspectives they aim to contribute. They highlight the importance of connecting with local markets and the emotional resonance their discussions have with listeners.