EXPERT VOICES

Dr. Yousif Asfour is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience as a CIO and CTO in both the USA and the Middle East. He has led successful technology transformations across sectors, including technology, government, and higher education.

Currently serving as Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Yousif was also the founding CIO at NYU Abu Dhabi and recently led as President of the CIO Lebanon Association. Dr. Asfour holds a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University and a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Systems from Boston University. He also holds a patent in fast data transfer for multi-processor systems.

• Your Education

How did your education in Electrical Engineering at AUB shape your career trajectory?

AUB taught me "how to learn" and solve problems. In a constantly evolving world, relying solely on classroom knowledge can quickly lead to falling behind. Engineering, for me, is about continuous learning, problem-solving, and creating implementable solutions. These skills have been crucial to my career and core to my progression.

What motivated you to specialize in Cognitive and Neural Systems for your PhD, and how has that influenced your approach to innovation and technology management?

I’ve always been fascinated by AI and the idea of making computers ‘think’ like humans. While at DEC in the 1980s, a lecture on neural networks introduced me to training computers rather than programming them. This led me to explore various neural network approaches, eventually focusing on Stephen Grossberg and Gail Carpenter's work at BU. Their emphasis on modeling human brain physiology felt more fundamental than engineering approaches and shaped my ability to distill complex problems into simple terms.

• Your Industry Career

In your 40+ year career journey, how has working in the USA, the MENA region, and Lebanon shaped your leadership style?

My U.S. experience provided the foundation for my leadership skills, exposing me to diverse business cultures and industries. In the MENA region, I focused on leadership in multicultural environments, emphasizing the people's side of leadership. These experiences helped me develop a leadership style centered around building high-performance teams based on accountability, trust, integrity, and excellence.

What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

The most challenging situations in my career have involved people's issues. The hardest was leading a layoff during the dot-com crash of 2000. Our executive team meticulously planned the layoff process to manage it humanely while ensuring the company’s mission continued. After the layoff, nearly every affected person thanked us, indicating that we had handled a difficult situation well.

• Your Academic Career

During your last 10 years at AUB as CIO and CTO, how has your approach to digital transformation evolved, and how is the latest AI technology influencing this endeavor?

My approach to digital transformation began at NYU Abu Dhabi, where cloud computing had commoditized IT services. This shift prompted me to question the role of IT departments, leading me to view IT as a business transformation partner rather than just a service provider. At AUB, I transformed IT to be a true partner in innovation, enabling a swift shift to online education and remote work during crises. AI technology presents new capabilities and challenges, offering opportunities to rethink operations and enhance AUB’s effectiveness.

How did you navigate the last five years given Lebanon’s challenges, and how is AUB stronger today?

The past five years have been a “perfect storm” of economic collapse, COVID-19, and the Beirut explosion. Despite losing 60% of our IT staff and facing funding shortages, we adapted quickly, implementing online and hybrid environments. AUB used the crisis to roll out the VITAL 2030 strategic plan, including new campus openings and acquisitions. Thanks to strong leadership, AUB is now stronger and more resilient.

How do you envision the future of technology and innovation at AUB?

Technology is key to innovation at AUB, impacting operational efficiency and the quality of education. We’re reimagining students as customers, streamlining operations, and using data-driven insights to improve teaching and research. We’re also advancing digital accessibility, supporting virtual research collaborations, and leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance our impact.

• Your Book: A Techie’s Guide to Leadership

What inspired you to write "From Geek to Lead," and how did your personal experiences contribute?

One day, while discussing an issue with my team, someone mentioned “Yousif’s leadership rule no. 26,” which made everyone laugh. I realized I had accumulated a series of leadership experiences that resonated with people. I mentioned this to Sandy, a colleague, and we decided to write a book capturing our experiences, with real-world stories and practical advice. That’s how From Geek to Lead: A Techie’s Guide to Leadership was born.

How does your book address the challenges that tech professionals face when transitioning into leadership?

Tech professionals often struggle with shifting from technical problem-solving to people management. Our book addresses these challenges by sharing frameworks and practical tips for team building and communication, supported by real-life stories to help future leaders adapt.

How can universities, such as AUB, integrate the principles from your book into their curriculum for leadership learning?

The book serves as both a practical field guide and a resource for leadership workshops or courses. Universities can use it for professional development programs, book clubs, or as part of leadership courses. We’ve conducted workshops based on the book and are eager to do more.

How can interested individuals get a copy of the book?

The book is available globally through our website, www.geektolead.com, as well as major bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available in bookstores in Lebanon.

• Your Future:

What exciting new projects or initiatives do you have in store for the future?

AUB is undergoing a major transformation, focusing on technology and innovation. We're developing AUB Online, launching a new campus, and exploring AI possibilities. The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB Innovation Park has supported over 40 startups, and we’re setting up the AUB Mediterraneo Innovation Center in Pafos to expand AUB’s impact. Personally, Sandy and I are excited about running more workshops on our book and possibly writing another.

What are your thoughts on LebNet, and what other areas for growth and collaborations do you see?

LebNet is an excellent network that connects tech students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in North America and Lebanon. There are opportunities to collaborate with AUB to develop angel investment networks and create soft-landing opportunities for Lebanese start-ups.

Dr. Maya Nasr is a remote sensing scientist at EDF and Harvard University, where she leads mission planning for MethaneSAT and develops machine learning models. With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from MIT, she is dedicated to enhancing global space representation and combating nationality-based discrimination. As co-founder of HUMANS, she launched a symbolic project to the ISS and soon the Moon, featuring messages in 64 languages. She also co-led the Space Law & Policy Project Group at SGAC and has contributed to notable projects like MOXIE for Mars 2020.

• Background and Motivation:

What inspired your passion for aerospace?

My passion for space exploration began early. The skies mesmerized me, fueling my curiosity about our existence and the universe's origins. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a scientist and an astronaut, writing in my journals about meeting stars and planets. Watching the Curiosity rover land on Mars in 2012 solidified my ambition to make my mark in space. Limited opportunities in Lebanon and political instability drove me to leave my family and apply to colleges in the US to pursue my dreams.

• Academic Journey:

How did MIT influence your career?

MIT was pivotal in my journey into space exploration. Accepted in 2014 for a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering, I completed my PhD there, continuously inspired by my professors and peers. Meeting Apollo astronauts and working on NASA’s Mars 2020 rover reaffirmed my career path and fueled my passion throughout my studies.

• Technical Experience:

What is your role with MethaneSAT?

As a remote sensing scientist on MethaneSAT at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Harvard University, I lead mission planning for in-orbit lunar calibration and develop machine learning models for cloud/shadow segmentation and anomaly detection. This work helps ensure accurate satellite data and contributes to tracking methane emissions, addressing climate change.

What’s the significance of MOXIE?

At MIT, I worked on the MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Experiment) project, which is first of its kind and aims to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere. From 2016 to 2023, my role involved analyzing data and calibrating sensors, critical for the mission's success and scalability. This project is a stepping stone for future human missions to Mars, and being part of it was a defining moment in my career.

HUMANS project: What is HUMANS?

I am dedicated to enhancing global representation in space and addressing nationality-based discrimination. As co-founder and project lead of HUMANS—Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology in Space—I helped launch a symbolic project to the International Space Station (ISS) in May 2023. Inspired by the Golden Record, HUMANS features global messages about space from 80 countries in 64 languages. Launched to the ISS and heading to the Moon, it symbolizes global space access and representation.

• Space Policy and Advocacy:

What policies are crucial for space?

As an interdisciplinary professional, I’ve worked in space law, policy, and ethics, co-led the Space Law & Policy Project Group, and led the US Space Policy Task Force and Congressional Legislation. I’ve also led subgroups on space resources, ethics, and disarmament, and presented at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). I advocate for sustainable, equitable space governance, focusing on international cooperation, resource utilization, and human rights to avoid carrying Earth's conflicts and colonial legacy into space.

What advice do you have for young aerospace enthusiasts?

Take risks: I didn’t believe I could get accepted to a US university from my village in Lebanon, but I did. Seek mentorship from inspiring people, and network actively even when you don’t think you need it. Lastly, parents, support and believe in your children. Their journey is challenging, and your encouragement makes a big difference

• Career Rewards and Future Goals:

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your career to date?

The most rewarding aspect of my career has been receiving messages from students and women in Lebanon and around the world who share a passion for space and STEM, and who see a possibility of making their dreams a reality.

What are your future aspirations?

My goal is to advance space knowledge, enhance global representation, and address nationality-based discrimination. I plan to continue in mission operations to deepen my understanding of space technologies, science, and policy. Long-term, I aspire to work at the intersection of space policy, strategy, and diplomacy, developing sustainable solutions for exploration and commercialization. Ultimately, I aim to shape space exploration to benefit all of humanity and ensure space serves as a tool for global impact through interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

• LebNet Involvement:

You are on the LebNet Boston Leadership team, how can LebNet support your goals?

I plan to leverage LebNet’s support to organize events and panels with space experts, provide career coaching and networking opportunities, and establish aerospace fellowships at Lebanese schools and universities to empower future space professionals and drive space innovation in the Lebanese community.

In conclusion, my journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, passion, and the power of a supportive community. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how unattainable they may seem. Together, we can make space exploration inclusive and beneficial for all of humanity.

Dr. Ossama Hassanein is an entrepreneur, mentor, and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley. Over the last 35 years, he has managed over $1 billion in international technology funds in roles such as EVP of Berkeley International, Chairman of Technocom Ventures, President of Newbridge Networks, Senior Managing Director of Newbury Ventures, and Chairman of the Rising Tide Fund. In the 1980s, he led the mezzanine financing of over 80 Silicon Valley IT companies, including Adaptec, Cirrus Logic, Atmel, PMC-Sierra, LSI Logic, Linear Technologies, and Oracle, with a combined market value exceeding $400 billion.

In the past 25 years, he co-founded or chaired seven high-tech startups in the U.S., UK, France, and Switzerland, including ACC (acquired by Ericsson), Algety (acquired by Corvis), HighDeal (acquired by SAP), HighWave (listed on Euronext), NetCentrex (acquired by Comverse), nCipher (listed on LSE), and Zong (acquired by eBay). He served as a Director at Bank of the West in San Francisco and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund in Dubai. He is a charter member of C100, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs.

Dr. Hassanein has served on several boards, including the University of British Columbia (UBC), Harvard University Center for Middle Eastern Studies, UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, and TechWadi. He is also a member of the LebNet senior advisory board. He has been involved with Relief International, PSD, and the American University in Cairo. He has lectured at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and other prestigious institutions and has spoken on entrepreneurship at the White House, State Department, MIT, Harvard, and Qatar Computer Research Institute.

Tell us about your journey to the US: Successes and challenges you faced while adapting to your new environment?

With my family's support in Alexandria, Egypt, I earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with First Class Honors from the University of Alexandria. I later pursued an MBA, M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. As Chairman of ACC in Santa Barbara, our routers led to an acquisition by Ericsson, expanding their remote access capabilities. Post-acquisition, I managed           $1 billion in international tech funds across roles like EVP at Berkeley International and Chairman at Technocom Ventures. I've co-founded and chaired seven startups globally, including Algety (acquired by Corvis) and NetCentrex (acquired by Comverse), while supporting life science ventures and mentoring through organizations like C100 and LebNet.

Throughout these endeavors, I faced many challenges but overcame them by surrounding myself with like-minded friends and business associates. One of my favorite quotes is, "Quiet the cautious voice and let excitement cheer you on!"

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

I was inspired to pursue a career in technology by its profound ability to improve lives and solve real-world problems. The advancements in AI, autonomous vehicles, clean tech, and healthcare demonstrate technology's transformative power. Reflecting on the technological landscape from forty years ago, when I first became involved with startups and venture capital financing, I am amazed at the rapid progress and its immediate, enormous impact.

What led you to transition to the VC and the investment world?

My transition to the venture capital and investment world was driven by the desire to provide funding, counsel, and mentorship to startups and early-stage companies with tremendous growth potential. I enjoy working with teams that push the boundaries of technical feasibility to advance science and make a positive impact on society.

How does Rising Tide VC define and identify visionary companies that are breaking barriers and creating new markets?

Revolutionary companies are rare. At Rising Tide VC, we focus on innovations that can transform existing industries or create new markets. We seed-finance entrepreneurs in the information technology and healthcare sectors, aiming to make a significant positive impact.

When evaluating investments, we look for a minimum viable product (MVP) with early market traction and a scalable revenue model focused on positive unit economics. We prioritize management teams with experience, domain knowledge, and leadership qualities. Additionally, we seek companies targeting large market opportunities with a clear exit path within three to five years. We ensure they can return our capital at least ten times and have at least eighteen months' cash runway. Lastly, we assess the potential for Rising Tide to add substantial value. These criteria help us identify and define visionary businesses.

You have been involved in the growth of numerous successful companies. Which achievement are you most proud of and why? 

I have been part of the global startup community for decades, witnessing various investment opportunities across corporate and international venture capital, spinouts, joint ventures, seed and early-stage funding, pre-IPO, and mezzanine financing. I am proud of every investment I've made.

Two notable portfolio companies I engaged with during their pre-revenue stages are Aspect Biosystems and Precision Nanosystems. Both joined us at UBC's biomedical incubator. Aspect Biosystems, which prints human tissue on demand, recently partnered with Novo Nordisk in a deal worth over $2.7 billion. Precision Nanosystems (PNI), a leader in lipid nanoparticle genomic medicines, including mRNA vaccines, was acquired by Danaher Corporation’s Life Sciences platform. With commitment, teamwork, and a focus on outcomes, both companies are making a lasting positive impact on human health.

How did you become involved with LebNet? How would you like to see LebNet evolve?

My close business colleagues introduced me to LebNet, highlighting its focus on investing in businesses with unique intellectual property and a competitive edge, led by trustworthy and successful teams delivering high-impact value propositions. I fully endorse this mission and take great pride in seeing its growth and success. Looking ahead, I would like to see LebNet continue providing its esteemed members with the tools and resources needed to accelerate their growth.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech industry? 

I have seen many successful companies grow across Silicon Valley, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. These companies share a common trait: they are building innovative businesses that can transform the global economy.

For aspiring young entrepreneurs, my advice is to build dedicated, cooperative, and results-oriented teams. Partner with those who value your support and are eager to grow and make a positive impact. Focus on reviving underfunded, emerging, and outdated industries with innovative solutions. By surrounding yourself with passionate people, you can help develop new industries, technologies, and global opportunities.

What trends in technology and innovation do you find most exciting right now? What do you see as the future of venture capital and technology investments over the next decade?

The rise of clean tech, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence marks an exciting era, especially compared to my four decades in startups and venture capital. These innovations are making a profound impact by improving lives and livelihoods, particularly for underserved communities.

Success in venture capital requires continuous learning and venturing beyond traditional paths. VCs must swiftly identify startup challenges and make informed decisions. Looking forward, venture capital will increasingly rely on data and analytics over intuition and personal connections. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be pivotal in this evolution. Moreover, investors will focus more on building relationships and fostering a community with the startups in their portfolios.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be encapsulated in the following quotations: "Don't compare yourself to others. Your strengths and weaknesses are your own, and you have your own path to pave. Enjoy the journey without comparing it to others' paths. Find your voice and don't be afraid to use it. Don't worry excessively about others' opinions or base your path on perceived expectations."

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "Diligence is the mother of good luck."

How do you envision the impact of your work on further generations of entrepreneurs and investors?

I aim to impact future entrepreneurs and investors by sharing experiences that inspire and guide. For partners, I stress investing in exceptional entrepreneurs to scale disruptive technologies, networking with global influencers, and maintaining rigorous due diligence for mutual value creation. In venture capital, continual learning and agile decision-making are crucial for success beyond conventional paths. For entrepreneurs, I promote a passion for technology and understanding its societal impacts. Staying ahead in scientific advancements and collaborating with innovative groups pushing technical boundaries are pivotal.

In essence,”The Future is Brighter Together”.

Najib Khouri-Haddad is a seasoned technology executive with hands-on experience in venture capital, general management, marketing, strategic alliances, and mergers and acquisitions. He has worked at renowned companies like IBM, Siemens, 3COM, and HP, and currently holds the position of General Partner at Sway Ventures – a role he has excelled in for the past decade. Najib has served on the board of numerous startups, many of which are VC-backed, and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations like LebNet as Director and now as Secretary for over a decade. Najib is dedicated to mentoring members and providing invaluable guidance to those in need. He has been instrumental in recruiting women to the board and driving the organization's diversity and growth.

Tell us about your journey from Lebanon to your first position in the US.

After graduating from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1984 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, I came to the US to pursue my Master’s degree at the University of Michigan (UM) which I completed within a year. Upon graduation, I accepted a software engineering role at ROLM, IBM’s telecommunication division, trading Michigan’s winter weather for California’s warmth. Originally, I envisioned gaining a few years of experience in the US before returning to Lebanon, provided that the war would end. However, securing a green card and US citizenship, alongside Lebanon’s continuous instability, led me to integrate into the new nation.

What insights can you share about the importance of gaining diverse experiences and exploring different roles throughout your career?

Career shifts and cross-continental moves, although difficult, have enriched my trajectory and spurred my growth. I believe in continuous learning, new experiences, and the avoidance of cruising in a comfort zone. My interest in business led me to shift from tech-heavy roles to management, sales, and marketing. I pursued a Master's in Engineering Management at Stanford University while working, which opened the door to positions in product planning and management at IBM and Siemens, and later in sales and corporate development at 3Com and HP. Transitioning to mergers and acquisitions and venture capital allowed me to directly impact company strategy and contribute to high-profile exits like the Palm Pilot spin-off during the dot-com era.

How would you describe the relationship between Marketing Business Development, Management, and Software engineering?

A solid technical foundation is critical in the tech industry. It gave me instant credibility and a problem-solving mindset that were crucial in every role I took on thereafter. Understanding the technology as an engineer allows for better communication with diverse audiences like salespeople, channel partners, and customers, boosting confidence and public speaking skills as a subject matter expert.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a General Partner at Sway Venture, where you focused on investing in early to mid-stage technology companies for the past decade?

After managing sales for 3Com in the MENA region, I joined a corporate development team in the company in California during the late 90s tech boom. The internet was being built, technological advancement was rapid, and competition was fierce. No company could keep up alone, so acquisitions became a way to move fast into new sectors. I focused on identifying strategic opportunities in M&A and venture investments that would create synergies and long-term growth. Leveraging my tech background and market insight, I led numerous acquisitions and investments, marking my entry into the venture capital world. My product management roles prepared me to seek short-term growth opportunities, while my engineering roles trained me to focus on the present. Driven by a passion to guide companies in their growth strategy, I was inspired to launch and join Sway Ventures in 2013.

Could you discuss your experiences as one of the original architects of LebNet? What were your responsibilities during the initial stages, and what role do you currently hold within the organization?

Elie Habib and George Akiki approached me in 1999 with the idea of creating a networking group for the Lebanese in tech. I joined the board as Secretary during Akiki's presidency in 2012, focused on building a member database, expanding our membership and improving our website’s backend. We established our first fundraising campaign and budget to create a baseline for managing and growing the group. As part of the Executive Committee, I contributed to updating bylaws and enhancing inclusivity within the organization. Over the last 10 years, I've served as Director and am still the Secretary today, mentoring members, promoting diversity, encouraging women to join the board, and providing guidance to those in need.

What do you see as LebNet’s most remarkable achievements and where would you like LebNet to be in the future?

LebNet has established itself as a prominent network of professionals across North America. Its mission to facilitate networking and support members while serving Lebanon with its talent and knowledge has been remarkable. Despite LebNet’s expansive reach, its communities are self-sustaining, fostering activities and attracting participants from different backgrounds. Its mentorship programs, internships, conferences, and events have made a significant impact beyond the 1500 members. Looking ahead, I envision LebNet expanding to become an influential force in North America.

Finally, to close, what is your proudest accomplishment to date?

It takes a village to unwind and rebuild families as they immigrate from another nation. Groups like LebNet alleviate the burden of starting anew by accelerating newcomers' integration and networking. I’m proud to be part of that village. On a professional level, I’m proud of my contributions to significant spin-offs, investments, exits, and product launches. While my career has covered a lot of ground, my greatest accomplishment remains finding balance between my passion and my family – those who have accompanied me on the journey.

Michelle Tager has over 30 years of international experience in law and education. She founded and manages Alefb, a center promoting Arabic language and culture to children, and has been involved in tech-driven educational initiatives. As Executive Director of LebNet, she tripled its membership and expanded it to four cities, also launching a mentoring and accelerator program for Lebanese startups. She holds a Master’s in Law from Université de Paris II, a Mediation diploma from UC Berkeley, and a Leadership certificate from Stanford. Trilingual in Arabic, French, and English, Michelle contributes to tech and education through her work with USAID, the World Bank, and other NGOs.

As the founder and president of Alefb Arabic Online, What inspired you to create Alefb, and how has the program evolved over the years?

I created Alefb in 1994 after I had my first child in Bilad Al Hijra - Paris, France. I wanted to pass on my language and cultural heritage, so I used my legal background to start a nonprofit educational program teaching Arabic to children. At that time, teaching Arabic playfully as a foreign language was unprecedented.

Despite Arabic being considered challenging and having a mixed reputation, Alefb highlights its poetic beauty and richness, aiming to promote Arabic culture globally. With growing demand, especially in Gulf countries, we empower learners to showcase their Arabic skills. We also turn the latent identity crisis affecting heritage children into a powerful wealth.

Using Learning Experience Design (LXD), we tailor our teaching to individual needs for an engaging learning journey. Celebrating our 30th anniversary, we remain committed to making Arabic accessible and engaging. Through technology and online classes, we've achieved a 95% retention rate, proving our success.

What academic background and experiences have shaped your unique perspective on the intersection of law and education, and what advice would you offer to college students based on your journey?

I hold a master's degree in Law, with certifications in Mediation and Leadership in teaching foreign languages. My law degree has proved invaluable internationally, and my passion for education has led me to focus on civic education and combating corruption in education. I advise college students to pursue a broad foundation degree to gain essential skills and to stay curious in our changing world. To me, The relationship between law and education is profound: education empowers individuals to understand legal systems, while law governs behavior.

What has been your experience and impact in international development and education projects?

As an Independent Consultant, I managed MENA program activities for the Global Fund for Women, developed a network of advisers, awarded grants to local NGOs, and provided IT training for Yemeni women in San Francisco - CA.

For a USAID in Haiti, I designed a Citizen Education Strategy involving youth and women’s organizations, bar associations, and government institutions, and I led Rule of Law Public Awareness in the West Bank, reforming a school-based Civic Education program. At the World Bank Institute, I conducted blended learning activities across Francophone Africa and Arab countries.

All these initiatives significantly promoted education, governance, girls' education, Education for All, post-basic education, and employability in these regions.

As a leader in the Arab Film and Media Institute, how do you envision the future of Arab cinema and media, and what role do you see yourself playing in shaping that future?

Since 2005, I've been involved with this organization, starting as a volunteer promoting Arab films in schools. Later, through Alefb.org, I became a sponsor, then a board member, and now Chairwoman, focusing on funding and strategic initiatives.

For me AFMI plays a vital role for our community's cultural needs. Promoting Lebanese directors and films like "Heritages," "Capernaum," and "The Swimmers" has been rewarding. We embrace innovation, screening one of the first Arabic movies in VR in 2022.

My focus is on expanding access to Arab films in schools and colleges, and empowering young Arab and Arab American creators to shape their own narratives.

How did you become involved with LebNet, and what contributions have you made to further its mission of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation?

My involvement with LebNet showcased its networking mission. Initially connected through personal relationships with the founders, I was inspired by the dedication of all board members.

During my tenure as executive director, through LebNet Ignite, we facilitated the entrepreneurship movement, supported by the Lebanese government, assisting young Lebanese entrepreneurs to experience Silicon Valley's unique ecosystem.Today, it warms my heart to see the impact on these determined entrepreneurs. This fall, I'm thrilled to collaborate with Audrey Nakad, a graduate of LebNet Ignite, on a LebNet webinar about language learning and technology.

Another rewarding aspect has been the youth engagement through chapters, from college students to Early in Career, building a supportive community that empowers Lebanese professionals and drives economic growth.

Contributing to LebNet's mission by mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering partnerships, and advocating for Lebanese startups has been very gratifying.

What is your vision for the future of LebNet?

For me, LebNet is a vital platform for all Lebanese in tech, serving as the oldest network of Lebanese professionals in North America. Its vision of creating synergies among members is crucial for our community's advancement, both in our homeland and in our host countries.

I envision LebNet broadening its scope to encompass a wider range of professional sectors, recognizing that technology transcends industry boundaries. I see LebNet expanding internationally, fostering solidarity among members for mentoring, job opportunities, business collaborations, and innovation.

While funding has been a challenge, I believe establishing sustainable revenue streams is crucial. The vast network cultivated by LebNet presents opportunities for monetization through a robust membership program. I see momentum building towards this path, enabling LebNet to continue sparking innovation and driving positive change in Lebanon and beyond.

Mariam Dabboussi, Product Manager at YouTube, is part of the team that oversees the Homepage for 2.7 billion users worldwide. Currently, her focus is on enhancing the viewing experience for women by personalizing and improving recommendations. She joined Alphabet in 2018 driven by her passion for technology's transformative potential and its capacity to provide equal opportunities for all.

Before her current role, Mariam was a Regional Marketing Manager at Google focused on leveraging technology for Arabic users in the Middle East & North Africa. She spearheaded projects to improve the region’s representation within tech, such as launching the Google Assistant in Arabic across 18 markets and redefining its response to emotional distress, scaled to languages globally.  

In addition to her professional endeavors, Mariam generously volunteers with LebNet's Women in Tech community Tech Fellows program.  Through this initiative, she actively support first generation, low income students in navigating a successful career path in the tech industry post graduation.

Mariam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the American University of Beirut (AUB).

How would you describe your career path and what do you enjoy most about your current job?

I’m currently a Product Manager at YouTube, and am part of the team focused on enhancing the personalization of YouTube recommendations for our vast user base of 2.7 billion globally, with the goal to drive user growth. Right now, I’m focused on improving the viewing experience for women across YouTube by introducing AI and algorithm fairness to the recommendations system to make YouTube more personalized and valuable for women worldwide, catering to their diverse needs.

In 2018, I joined Google driven by my passion for technology and its ability to positively transform lives on a large scale, creating equal opportunities for all. Prior to this role, I served as a Regional Marketing Manager at Google, where my efforts were centered around harnessing technology’s potential to benefit millions of Arabic-speaking users across the Middle East & North Africa. Some notable achievements from this role include launching the Google Assistant in Arabic, creating an interactive platform to showcase Africa’s oldest civilization to a global audience, and revolutionizing Google Assistant’s capability to provide support for users experiencing emotional distress, a solution later implemented across multiple languages worldwide.

Almost 1 year ago, you filed your first patent at Google. Can you tell us more about it?

In late 2021 and early 2022, amidst the growing excitement for the World Cup in Qatar, I identified a significant gap. How can we make it easier to find establishments such as cafes, bars, and restaurants screening the World Cup? This query evolved into a feature that I believed Google Search and Maps could effectively facilitate.

In discussions with a few colleagues, we collectively filed US-20230308829-A1, proposing a system designed to enable Searching For Local Establishments Based On Content Presented (link). We envisioned that the application of this solution could extend beyond the World Cup to any major sports league or competition. From La Liga to The World Cricket League, users would no longer need to contact the establishments to confirm if they’re airing the game, simplifying the viewing experience with friends.

In 2022, you were selected as part of the 2022 IMF (International Monetary Fund) Youth Fellowship program, where you discussed global economic challenges and focused on responses to help with inclusive 

growth, climate change and building a better future for youth.

Share with us one of your innovative ideas on climate change, inflation and food insecurities, and in your opinion, how can it be fixed.

The fellowship provided me with an enriching experience, deepening my understanding of the IMF and its mission to support economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, and address future challenges affecting the economy and job creation.

My fellowship focused on Climate Change, during which my team researched the countries responsible for the largest carbon emissions presently. We provided counsel on policy improvements that could be implemented. For instance, we proposed that the United States consider adopting a tax credit or rebate policy to incentivize multinational corporations to invest in carbon capture technology, thereby offsetting and reducing their carbon emissions. This could be achieved through methods such as imposing additional tariffs commensurate with the level of carbon emissions, or granting tax relief to compliant companies.

What inspired you to co-found “Arabs@Google”, and what’s “Arabs@Google” mission?

We created Arabs@Google, an Employee Resource Group at Google, to foster a community to advance shared professional and community objectives among Arabs and allies globally (comprising over 2000 members).

Our initiative was founded by bringing together existing regional Arab focused groups to strengthen our efforts of building community within Google. By amplifying Arab voices and promoting broader awareness of Arab perspectives, we can foster an inclusive environment for cultural exchange. The group is committed to offering mentorship, support, and hold space for Arab Googlers from various regions, offices, and faiths to connect and thrive.

You received many awards and got honoured many times. Tell us more about your “Rising Star Award” from WOMENAiT.

Women Of MENA In Technology (WOMENAiT) is an NGO established in Silicon Valley, with a mission to close the diversity and gender gap in STEM by connecting, mentoring, educating and elevating Middle Eastern and North African women in STEM globally.

The Rising Star award recognizes emerging talent in STEM under the age of 30, who in their short time rising up are already reaching back. I am deeply grateful to the WOMENAiT board and team for selecting me for this prestigious award in 2023. It is an immense honor to be recognized for my work in the Middle East and North Africa, increasing the region’s representation in tech.

Specifically, my work on projects such as the Google Assistant in Arabic and the rollout of emotional wellbeing feature during the COVID19 pandemic, which was later scaled to English and other languages globally has been highlighted. This award serves as both recognition of past achievements and motivation to continue making meaningful contributions to the field.

What is your most proud of accomplishment you did so far?

My current work is a profound source of pride and fulfillment for me. Improving the women experience on YouTube is deeply connected to 

my mission of creating a more equitable and representative experience for women and underrepresented groups in the tech industry. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to focus on this space and to work on algorithm fairness within our recommendations system.

What advice would you give to changemakers, like yourself, to start their journey and achieve their goals?

The best advice I’ve received, and one that I’d like to share with you, is to lean into what uniquely qualifies your background for the role you’re interested in. When aiming for a software engineering position at a big tech company, you’re competing with the brightest minds globally. However, if for instance your goal is to secure a software engineering role focused on internationalization at big tech where your passion, interests, and experience lie in launching products on a global scale, the pool of candidates well-suited for this role is much smaller.

Lean into what makes you unique and tell a story with your background that is so connected with your goals, making it a no brainer that you are made for the role.

 

As the Country Manager at Aspire Software Lebanon, Nabil Mardelli is responsible for creating, expanding, developing, and running the company’s operations in Lebanon.

One of Nabil’s notable achievements was establishing the company in Lebanon in July 2022.  WIth the support of an inspiring executive team and dedicated colleagues, Nabil successfully grew the team to 100 employees within a year, with plans to double the workforce by the end of 2024.

Nabil holds an engineering degree from the American University in Beirut (AUB) and has obtained various IT certifications.  

Your background in Telecom/IT and operational management is impressive. Tell us briefly about your journey and how it led you to Aspire Software?

I was born and raised in Lebanon before immigrating to Canada in my mid-20s. Despite facing a few hurdles, I embarked on a career spanning over 20 years in the telecommunications industry. Throughout my journey, I primarily specialized in operations, assuming various roles encompassing support, implementation, and service delivery. This path took me across three continents, providing me with invaluable experiences in diverse cultural and professional landscapes.

In October 2021, I joined Aspire Software in Montreal, Canada, as a senior operational director. Subsequently, in July 2022, I had the privilege of establishing our company’s presence in Lebanon, with operations officially starting in September 2022. Aspire Software embodies the mission and culture that I have always sought in a mature company, making it a fulfilling professional environment for me.

Aspire software is the operating arm of Valsoft, can you elaborate on Valsoft’ s mission and how does Aspire contribute to achieving it?

Valsoft is an entrepreneurial company dedicated to the acquisition, enhancement, and sustainable growth of businesses, all while empowering its companies and offering opportunities for its human resources to build a better future. Aspire serves as the operational arm of Valsoft, embodying a commitment to nurturing, enhancing, and growing acquired companies through investment in time, resources, and knowledge.

The leadership team creates an environment of engagement, making difficult decisions easier to own, drive and implement. They possess the expertise to bring out the best in their teams and are deeply committed to career development and growth.

Having worked on 3 continents, what led you to choose Lebanon with Aspire?

In every setting, challenges are inevitable, but at Aspire, we are unwaveringly dedicated to success. With some owners and executives at Valsoft and Aspire, tracing their roots back to Lebanon, our bond with Lebanon as our mother country runs deep. Moreover, Lebanese talent is renowned for its high level of education and proficiency in multiple languages. Our mission at Aspire has been to cultivate an environment where our workforce can thrive and excel to its fullest potential.

Starting Aspire in Lebanon during challenging times required courage:

• What motivated you and kept you optimistic about success?

It never crossed my mind that these challenges could be showstoppers. As I mentioned earlier, the supportive environment fostered by Valsoft and Aspire makes hard tasks easy to achieve. Having the confidence and belief that we can achieve our objectives is a big factor in our success. Thanks to this mindset, we were able to expand the company to 100 employees in less than a year.

• What were the main challenges you encountered when establishing Aspire in Lebanon? How did you overcome them?

Beyond the challenges of high internet cost, unreliability, and frequent government office closures, it’s evident that the Lebanese workforce has lost its ability to envision a future in their homeland. Understandably, the prevailing sentiment is one of disillusionment, leading to a lack of ambition in building careers.

We noticed a lack of hope and aspiration in their mindset, overshadowed by the persistent daily challenges they face. When I asked about their long-term career goals, job seekers often seemed perplexed, as if such aspirations were foreign concepts. In a sense, they were right; I was an alien to their struggles and losses. It became clear that I needed to bring them alternatives and career plans that would foster growth and optimism.

Consequently, we established an environment conducive to nurturing long-term career plans, with each employee encouraged to actively participate and take ownership of their success. Rather than solely attributing challenges to the country's circumstances, our small and dedicated team was empowered to be part of the solution.

As Lebanon’s Country Manager, what aspect of your daily responsibilities do you find most fulfilling?

Working closely with our employees is the most fulfilling aspect of my role. Anticipating opportunities for mutual growth and helping them realize their achievements and contributions are fundamental to their career growth and to building a successful company.

What is your long-term vision for Aspire software in Lebanon? Do you foresee expansion in new markets?

Valsoft’s acquisitions have nearly doubled from what they were two years ago, and we are on track to reach nearly 100 companies by the end of 2024. With this growth, the demand for Lebanese talent is expected to increase significantly, prompting us to aim to double our resources by the year’s end. We have ongoing plans for further expansion and recruitment, which are currently under evaluation.

After building your team in Lebanon, what advice do you have for young professionals entering the workforce?

Be humble and stay hungry. Believe in teamwork and in the company’s core values. Focus on building your career and think long term.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey with Aspire?

We cannot achieve our objectives without the right structure and colleagues. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by talented individuals who consistently bring their best to the table and understand the importance of teamwork and a shared vision. Aspire Software’s journey in Lebanon started as a risky challenge, but it has become our finest and most remarkable project. Moving forward, we are committed to continued growth and expansion while remaining true to our culture and core values.

In March, LebNet celebrated Women’s Month with the theme “Inspire Inclusion”, featuring our Women in Tech leaders who are championing the advancement of fellow women in the tech industry, alongside the LebNet Women Tech Fellows. At LebNet, our commitment to fostering a gender-equal world remains unwavering. We aspire to a world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination - one that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Quotes from LebNet’s Women Tech Leaders

Thank you, Layal Rouhana, for your exemplary woman leadership as a LebNet board member and guiding force behind the LebNet Women in Tech community and its mentorship program. Your dedication and passion are truly appreciated as you empower women in tech to achieve their fullest potential.

Thank you Aya Mouallem for leading the LebNet Fellowship program, empowering women in tech! As a co-founder of All Girls Code, you have inspired hundreds of girls in the Arab world in STEM. Your advocacy for equitable education has been featured by Forbes, Cosmopolitan Middle East, and UN Women.

Thank you, Joelle Bouchedid, for your invaluable contributions as a pioneering woman technologist and CEO of ArcusScale. Your leadership journey inspires innovation and growth in the tech industry and serves as a beacon of support for aspiring women in the field.

Thank you Stephanie Semaan for trailblazing as a woman inspiring transformative change in the Metaverse. Your leadership in unlocking the future of work with Virtual Reality ignites innovation and empowers organizations to navigate confidently.

LebNet Tech Fellows 2024:

The WiT fellowship program, led by Aya Mouallem (WiT outreach lead), equips the next generation of Lebanese technologists, studying at various Lebanese universities, with the skills needed to succeed in tech careers post-university. Join us in celebrating the women who joined the program this year.

Interview with Pierre Sarkis: How is Pierre Sarkis unlocking the power of HR data?

Human resources data plays a pivotal role in modern organizations, serving as the lifeblood of informed decision-making and strategic planning. The importance of HR data lies in its ability to provide valuable insights into employee engagement, talent management, and organizational culture. By analyzing this data, HR professionals and business leaders can make data-driven decisions that enhance employee satisfaction, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately drive the success of the organization.

Hence, comes Side.

Portrayed as a good substitute for spreadsheet in HR reporting, this platform grants registered HR managers access to a wide array of data, including headcount evolution, male/female ratio, talent acquisition funnel, average tenure by department and much more. In this Q&A, Pierre Sarkis, the CEO and Founder of Side, provides an in-depth exploration of the product and elucidates how HR managers can fully leverage its capabilities.

When was Side launched?

We launched Side in September 2023, serving mid-sized companies looking to improve their people's decisions and digitize their HR functions. Our solution is designed to be both powerful and accessible, allowing organizations to achieve these goals without requiring substantial investments or embarking on a full software migration.

How can HR professionals utilize it, and what specific insights does it provide?

Side offers out-of-the-box templates or customized dashboards for visualizing and reporting key HR metrics. We think of our tool as a starter kit for organizations seeking to leverage their people's data for decision-making around the workforce while spending minimal time and resources on data analytics infrastructure that often falls outside of HR departments’ domain of expertise. We've prioritized accessibility by seamlessly integrating with existing data systems or spreadsheets, automatically unlocking a wide range of insights related to demographics, diversity, turnover, recruitment and more.

What type of HR data do you work with?

For the moment our metrics and dashboards are integrated with current workforce and recruitment data. However, we plan to expand our capabilities to encompass other types of HR data, such as performance metrics, training records, and survey results.

What kind of informed decision-making does the platform enable for HR professionals?

Our platform centralizes HR data, offering improved data visualization and real-time updates without the need for manual intervention. We’ve found that oftentimes getting access to aggregated metrics enables decision makers to see immediate bottlenecks and gaps in their workforce. With our tool, we anticipate that HR professionals can better understand their workforce distribution with regard to departmental segmentation, diversity and inclusion, as well as recruiting needs and shortcomings in employee retention.

What is your revenue model? (per company or registered employee?)

Our revenue model is based on a monthly subscription system per company size, as well as individually priced customized services upon request.

How large is your team?

While I am the sole founder, I benefit from the expertise of Mohammad Jouni as our technical advisor, the assistance of a freelance full-stack engineer, and the valuable guidance in HR analytics and data science from Karen Bouez. Nevertheless, we anticipate expanding our team in the near future.

How many clients do you have on board now?

Side currently serves five customers ranging from an 80-employee company to a 1000-employee enterprise, spanning diverse sectors including IT, education, and distribution.

What challenges are you facing at the moment?

We are facing the challenge of integrating with various data sources, but we are actively addressing this by building the integration capabilities progressively. On the sales front, we are encountering extended sales cycles; however, we are proactively managing this by implementing free trials to enhance adoption rates.

Are you bootstrapping or looking for funding?

We are currently bootstrapping and do not have any plans for fundraising at this time.

Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, we envision Side as a leader in accessible people analytics, providing a holistic solution for HR teams to optimize their people-related strategies. Additionally, we plan to extend our services to include business intelligence as a service, assisting companies that may lack the resources to develop tailored dashboards for tracking KPIs not only within HR but also across broader business functions.

Pierre's Bio:

Pierre Sarkis grew up in Lebanon where he started his academic journey at the American University of Beirut before moving to France in 2015 to pursue a master's in management at HEC Paris. During his academic years and early professional career, Pierre discovered a passion for launching small side businesses. From e-book selling to creating a hat brand, he embraced the challenges, learning valuable lessons along the way. The process of building and growing these ventures fueled his enthusiasm, highlighting his love for continual learning. His trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Amazon as a Product Manager in Paris. Here, he deepened his interest in developing and deploying internal tools to empower data-driven decision-making. This experience became pivotal in shaping Pierre's approach to leveraging technology for efficient decision support.

Seeking new horizons, Pierre relocated to New York City within Amazon, where he continued to grow in the company until halfway through 2023. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a meaningful impact, he made the bold decision to leave Amazon and create his own company “Side”.

With Side, Pierre aims to assist businesses, particularly HR teams facing resource constraints and a lack of suitable tools. His vision is to empower organizations to make informed decisions for their people, exploiting the wealth of underutilized data at their disposal.

Author: This article is part of LebNet’s expert series written by Dimitri J. Stephanou, a former CIO and Managing partner of Pekasso Group; a Management Consulting boutique firm that provides advisory services in digital transformation, operational excellence, strategic planning, IT organization assessment and restructuring, data domain definition and strategy, service design, systems implementation and cloud migration, and M&A integration support,

He holds an MS in electrical & computer engineering from George Mason University, and is certified in ITIL® Service Management Foundation.A dynamic business innovator, Dimitri is the sole inventor on several patents in the technology and SaaS space, served as an independent judge for SAP, and is the winner of the Gold and Bronze SAP ERP Awards.

Digital transformation is the integration of technology into every business process, fundamentally automating business operations across the enterprise and delivering on the business value proposition communicated to customers and partners. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to disrupt the established status quo, innovate and continuously improve in an agile manner.

Operational Excellence (OpEx) is the discipline of optimizing the 3 pillars of a business—namely people, process, and technology—to innovate the business and deliver exceptional customer experience (CX), while achieving significant improvement to the top and bottom lines. Optimizing this triad of people, process, and technology must be done in close alignment with an agile business strategy focused on agile, innovative digital transformation.

Borrowed from software development, being “agile” enables the business to implement incremental innovation within several “sprints,” where each sprint is reviewed and tested while maintaining momentum across the larger strategic digital transformation plan. A sprint is, thus, a time-boxed iteration within the continuous improvement and transformation cycle that allows a business to validate the work done in that iteration and fix any deficiencies or improve on the work done in subsequent sprints. An agile business can, thus, respond quicker and more effectively to opportunities and threats found in its internal and external environments.

The agile methodology allows the business to learn from mistakes much earlier in the digital transformation cycle, thus saving time and money and, more importantly, improving the quality of the final product or service that the business creates. Consequently, an agile business is customer-centric, with the goal of maximizing customer experience in every touchpoint on the customer journey.

Strategy serves as the compass for the organization and incorporates the long-term purpose of its actions. Agility suggests a fundamental flexibility to experiment and iterate at the tactical level. When both are incorporated into the business fabric as an OpEx framework, the result is a continuous improvement and innovative transformation culture that positions the business to become an industry disruptor rather than run the risk of being disrupted by more innovative, agile competitors.

It is this balancing act between strategy, organizational agility, and innovation that enables effective digital transformation and operational excellence. By balancing all three effectively, an organization can prioritize its project streams and associated sprints, allocate the right talent on those streams, streamline, and automate enterprise processes, and innovate the business model through introduction of new technologies and systems.

Innovation versus business as usual

It is very important to separate innovative transformation plans from the plans that help a business do things better. Both are necessary for it to become an industry disruptor, and both should be executed and measured apart from one another. Even so, separating those plans doesn’t mean losing holistic visibility at a strategic level on how those plans work together and feed each other to achieve the common goals of superior customer experience and long-term sustainable business growth.

A successful agile OpEx framework is one that enables this holistic visibility and measurement of progress on the above mentioned two types of plans vis-à-vis the corporate strategy through a unified management system. Such a system allows for a more effective quarterly prioritization of objectives and measurement of key results. More importantly, it allows for agility on the tactical level, enabling management to adjust the previously agreed quarterly objectives, replacing them, or introducing new ones.

Benefits of such a system include:

1. Improved customer experience
2. Efficient use of resources
3. Process optimization and elimination of waste
4. Faster learning cycles
5. Lower defect rates
6. Creation of shareholder value
7. Higher employee engagement
8. Closer collaboration with partners and suppliers

A proven example of such a unified management system is the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework used for many years by successful companies, including Google, Amazon, Spotify, LinkedIn, and Intel. The objectives (O) are typically stretched, while the key results (KR) are quantifiable and measurable as a percentage of completeness. The OKRs framework is typically limited to the formulation of five key objectives, each with a handful of key results. By limiting the number of objectives, the system forces the organization to select and focus on the most critical ones. The quarterly review process provides the mechanism to make changes if and when changes are deemed needed.

The OKRs quarterly management system thus ensures that all tasks from each level of the organization are feeding into the operational and innovative transformation objectives, which, in turn, feed into the overall strategy of the organization. This agile system enables all staff to know clearly how their specific goals are contributing to the company’s overarching strategic plan and provides the holistic visibility needed to both tactically and strategically execute well, thus achieving Operational Excellence.