Knowledge Mindfulness Porch

“Leadership has only one definition,” says Krishiv Gandhi. “How many leaders did you create?”

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Krishiv Gandhi – engineer, second-generation family business leader, and entrepreneur in early childhood education – to reflect on what it means to lead with intention in a world changing faster than our systems can keep up with.

Together they explore...

Most people plan their career. Ghalia Alul was guided into hers—from working for Queen Rania to government communications to opening a plant-based restaurant—by what she calls the invisible hand.

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Ghalia Alul – communications professional, Director of Capacity Building, and restaurateur – to explore what 25 years in communications ultimately teaches you about...

In a fast world, leadership begins with who we are — not only what we do. 

In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, Co-Founder of Legacy Hotels Holding, to reflect on identity, legacy, and what it means to lead as a human being first in times of unconventional change. Together, they explore building culture without wearing a “work persona,” why reputation is earned through th...

Unconventional times call for leadership anchored in humanity.In this conversation, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by Raméz Baassiri, fourth-generation family business leader and author of Interrupted Entrepreneurship, to reflect on leadership in unconventional times where change is fast, multi-dimensional, and deeply uncertain.

Together, they explore adaptability as an organisational capability, the role of intergenerational wisdom in ...

In part 2, neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic delves deeper into his pioneering research on synesthesia and its profound implications on how we understand perception. He explains how synesthesia challenges the outdated notion of brain modularity, revealing the brain's inherent cross-connectivity and multisensory interactions. Dr. Cytowic shares insights into how creativity and intuition thrive when we quiet the mind, through activitie...

Laila welcomes pioneering neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic to discuss the impact of digital technology on our brains, explored in his latest book Your Stone Age Brain in the Screen Age. They delve into the concept of our "Stone Age brains," highlighting how our ancient cognitive limitations struggle to keep up with the constant bombardment of digital distractions. Dr. Cytowic explains how multitasking and information overload deplet...

In the second part of this enlightening conversation on The Knowledge Mindfulness Porch, Laila continues her discussion with Jessica Chen, Emmy Award-winning communicator and CEO of Soulcast Media. They delve deeper into Jessica's book Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons, focusing on practical strategies for navigating workplace conflict, building a strong career brand, and advocating for yourself i...

In this episode of The Knowledge Mindfulness Porch, Laila welcomes Emmy Award-winning communicator Jessica Chen, CEO of Soulcast Media, to discuss her new book, Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons. Jessica shares insights from her journey navigating the challenges of growing up in a traditional, quiet culture while working in fast-paced, loud environments like broadcast journalism and corporate Amer...

In the riveting second part of this insightful conversation, Laila and retired GE executive Nabil Habayeb explore the profound shifts reshaping our world and the urgency of cultivating knowledge mindfulness in leadership. As AI's ascendance sparks both awe and trepidation, they delve into the human advantages that wisdom and good judgment provide in an augmented knowledge landscape. Nabil shares his perspective on AI's potential as...

In this thought-provoking episode, Laila welcomes Nabil Habayeb, the retired President & CEO of GE International Markets and GE Senior Vice President, to the Knowledge Mindfulness Porch.  Over his extraordinary 41-year journey at GE, Nabil shares invaluable wisdom distilled from experiences spanning diverse cultures and leaders across the globe. Their chat delves into the profound importance of building authentic relations...

Laila and Pádraig's discussion shifts gears towards the increasingly paramount challenge of attracting and retaining top talent. Pádraig shares his philosophies on "working smarter, not harder,"  a mindset he has honed through launching businesses across multiple sectors. With a wealth of experience spanning entrepreneurship, academia, and public service, Pádraig offers unique insights into what it takes to build an exceptiona...

In an era defined by relentless change and unprecedented decision complexity, the role of visionary leadership has never been more vital. In this illuminating episode, Dr. Laila Marouf is joined by the iconic Pádraig Ó Céidigh, an entrepreneurial sage and former Senator of Ireland. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of leadership and what it takes to steer organizations toward success amidst volatility. Pádraig draws upo...

In part two, Jasmine Busson dives into the purposeful culture she has cultivated at Globivest, the pioneering private investment firm, sharing how instilling a mindset of innovation, collaboration, and social consciousness has empowered her team to challenge conventions and drive meaningful change. Also, Dr. Laura-Joy Boulos, explains how understanding the intricate cognitive processes behind our choices can lead to wiser investmen...

In this inspiring episode of the Knowledge Mindfulness Porch, Dr. Laila Marouf welcomes two trailblazing leaders who are reshaping the investment landscape with their vision and expertise. Jasmine Busson, the fearless Managing Partner of Globivest, took a leap of faith in 2016 to found the pioneering venture capital firm, proving that impact and profit can go hand in hand. Joining her is Dr. Laura-Joy Boulos, a neuroscientist, prof...

In Part 2, Ode Dixon shares uplifting advice for educators worldwide. Laila asks Ode to elaborate on what originally inspired her to start Deep Rhythm and what its core mission aims to achieve. Listeners will learn how Ode's dedication to restoring dignity after injustice through arts and culture education came about. Tune in to hear her guidance for teachers and leaders everywhere seeking to empower and elevate their communities. ...

Laila hosts a captivating guest on this week's Knowledge Mindfulness Porch: changemaker and community builder Ode Dixon. As founder and president of Deep Rhythm, Ode designs socio-economic programs to restore communities impacted by historical injustice. An educator, homeschool parent, dancer, and nurse for over a decade, Ode created healing dance curriculums that empower youth confidence and capabilities. Her work, from documentin...

In part two, Rana opens up about what brings joy to her life on a personal level. An advocate for youth empowerment, she previously served as CEO of INJAZ, a non-profit focused on workforce readiness training and financial literacy education in Kuwait. During her tenure, Rana helped create a massive impact by preparing the country's future workforce. Laila asks Rana to elaborate on her experience leading INJAZ and driving their mis...

Rana Al-Nibari, Director General of the Institute of Banking Studies in Kuwait, joins Laila for an enlightening conversation on the Knowledge Mindfulness Porch. As head of Kuwait's premier financial services training institution, Rana has spearheaded innovative education programs to develop the next generation of banking and finance leaders in her country. Rana, an influential leader and change agent, is committed to economically a...

In part two of their conversation, TX shares some advice for people struggling with inter-generational challenges. Having built bridges between the exponential world being born and timeless values, TX offers her thoughts on overcoming divides. Laila then asks about TX's own learning style, noting how she's clearly a sponge of knowledge. In the hurried modern world, TX finds value in ancient traditions—they anchor innovators s...