CareersTalks with Tamer

In this episode of CareersTalks with Tamer, we sit down with Ahmad Mara’yeh — a Bedouin entrepreneur and the Co-Founder of Rum Planet Camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan — to uncover life and career lessons shaped by simplicity, reflection, and human connection.Recorded on-site in the stunning Wadi Rum desert, Ahmad shares how the support of his family, he built his camp from the ground up along, what he’s learned from hosting people from around the world, and why true wisdom comes from within — not from titles or social media noise.Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or simply looking for clarity in life, this conversation offers a powerful reminder:“You don’t have to be Bedouin to live simply — you just have to give time to yourself.”🎥 Filmed at Rum Planet Camp, this is one of our most unique and grounded episodes yet.🔑 In this episode:- Building a family business in Wadi Rum from scratch- Why life lessons don’t need to come from men in suits- The power of silence, reflection, and learning from others- What it really means to know yourself in today’s noisy world⏱Timestamps⏱:0:00 Introduction2:49 Motivation Behind the Camp4:10 What Makes the Camp Special (Bedouin Identity)7:04 From Tour Guide at 14 to Camp Co-Founder11:34 Bedouin Life and Career Wisdom15:19 What Makes You Content?16:58 Outro

After a successful career in finance, procurement, and global buying — with roles at Mars, F&B giants, and Gorillas — Seif El Sobky made an unexpected move: he left the corporate world to become CEO of a London-based restaurant chain, Koshari Street.In this episode of CareersTalks with Tamer, Seif opens up about why he chose to take such a bold leap, how he handled self-doubt, the mindset shifts required for growth, and the everyday challenges of being an entrepreneur.Whether you're considering a career change, entrepreneurship, or simply wondering if it’s worth taking a risk — this conversation is packed with real-world insights.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction2:52 Life in Corporate Before Koshari Street7:42 Leaving Corporate to Lead Koshari Street21:01 Handling Self-Doubt26:48 Shifting Mindsets for Growth32:57 Current Challenges as an Entrepreneur36:38 Advice for Those Seeking Change40:39 Tips for Taking Risks44:32 Closing Thoughts#Entrepreneurship #careeradvice #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #KoshariStreet #careerstalkswithTamer

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dwayne Browne, an AI and Data Transformation strategist at AWS, who brings over 20 years of experience from companies like Amazon, Accenture, Adobe, BBC, Carrefour, and EE. In this episode of CareersTalks with Tamer, Dwayne shares his career journey from technical roles to strategy and entrepreneurship, his unique approach to making impactful career decisions, and reflections on finding fulfilment in various professional paths.Whether you're interested in technology, career growth, or contemplating a bold career move, Dwayne's insights will inspire and guide you.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 Introduction02:16 Career Overview09:21 Transformative Career Pivots12:36 Technical Roles vs Strategy Roles18:55 Career Decisions Framework24:12 Venturing into Entrepreneurship28:53 Fulfilment in Corporate vs Entrepreneurship36:58 What's Next for Dwayne40:28 Key Lesson for Your Younger Self42:28 AI's Impact on the Tech Industry45:33 What Makes Dwayne Fulfilled46:22 EndingCONNECT WITH ME:🎬 YouTube: @careerstalkswithtamer📷 Instagram:   / careerstalks  🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb💼 LinkedIn:   / careerstalks  *Disclaimer*: All thoughts and opinions expressed in this video reflects the guest's and the host's personal views and are not an official statement from their employers.#tech #CareerAdvice #AI #AWS #careergrowth #digitaltransformation #barbados #london

Join us in this episode of CareersTalks with Tamer as we dive into the inspiring journey of James Lo, from prestigious corporate roles at McKinsey and SoftBank to successfully raising £3 million for his innovative AI startup, Ethos.James shares openly about his early career struggles, key insights from his experiences at top-tier organizations, and the pivotal decision to leave a secure corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges he faced while building Ethos, valuable lessons about life and business, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals.Whether you're contemplating a career change, launching your own venture, or seeking motivation from someone who took bold steps, James's story will offer clarity, encouragement, and actionable insights.⏱️ Timestamps ⏱️:00:00 Introduction02:03 Early Life and Background06:42 How Inner Struggles Evolve Over Time11:13 Experiences at McKinsey & SoftBank18:09 Why James Left the Corporate World21:23 Challenges of Launching a Startup27:06 Life Lessons and Personal Insights30:31 The Mission Behind Ethos34:29 Overcoming Major Obstacles42:55 Advice to Young ProfessionalsCONNECT WITH ME:🎬 YouTube: @careerstalkswithtamer📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerstalks/🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerstalks💬 Let us know in the comments—what’s the biggest risk you've taken in your career?#Entrepreneurship #AIStartup #McKinsey #SoftBank #CareerAdvice #PersonalGrowth #StartupJourney #CareerChange #CareersTalkswithTamer

In this episode of CareersTalks with Tamer, we sit down with Harun Cehovic, an operations manager who is also pursuing his passion for acting. Harun opens up about how he got started in acting, his journey balancing two very different worlds, and what it really takes to follow your creative passion while working a 9-5 job.We dive deep into the realities of pursuing acting, the emotional highs and lows, financial uncertainty, and practical tips for anyone considering a similar path. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a creative professional, or someone trying to juggle multiple passions—this episode is for you.00:00 Intro02:19 How did it all start with the acting06:58 Why acting specifically12:45 Harun's first acting role16:38 Landing a corporate job as an actor21:17 Acting career highlights25:16 Balancing corporate job and acting27:31 Navigating financial and emotional uncertainty34:57 How to stand out as an actor37:31 How can someone start acting40:54 Best age to start an acting career41:58 What's the feeling you miss when you don't act45:26 How do you feel in quiet periods?48:16 What if acting doesn’t work?50:28 Advice to your younger self52:34 OutroCONNECT WITH ME:🎬 YouTube: @careerstalkswithtamer📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerstalks/🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerstalks#actor#actingcareer #DualCareer #CareerJourney #creativejourney #CorporateLife #PursueYourPassion #ActorInterview #CareerAdvice #Podcast

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Karim Said, a classical pianist whose career spans international performances, moving countries, and pioneering music projects in Jordan. From committing to the piano at a young age to leading projects like AIPA and ACO, Karim shares how he balances passion, risk, and constant reinvention in the world of classical music. Whether you’re a budding musician or simply curious about life behind the piano keys, this conversation offers lessons on commitment, creativity, and finding fulfillment in your craft.⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction02:55 Why Piano and Classical Music?06:58 Committing to Piano as a Child15:01 Piano vs. Conducting21:50 Moving to London at 1125:45 Returning to Jordan after 21 Years27:40 Lessons Learned Throughout the Journey30:22 Work & Projects in Jordan (AIPA, ACO)39:07 Classical Music in the Region45:00 Performing Internationally Again48:10 Advice to Musicians in Developing Countries51:40 A Day in the Life of a Musician53:53 Risks, Challenges & Rewards in Music01:01:07 Advice for Music Enthusiasts01:06:03 Who Is Karim Outside of Music?01:07:28 Do You Feel Fulfilled?01:11:20 OutroCONNECT WITH ME:📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerstalks/🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerstalks#Pianist #MusicCareer #Podcast #musician #classicalmusic

In this inspiring episode of CareersTalks with Tamer, we sit down with Onyinye Udokporo—an entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for neurodiversity. From her journey of overcoming challenges as a dyslexic individual to founding multiple businesses, Onyinye shares her incredible story and actionable advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌟 How Onyinye's upbringing and community shaped her career choices 🚀 The pivotal moment that sparked her journey into entrepreneurship 💼 Managing competition while scaling and diversifying a business 🧠 Insights into dyslexia and transforming personal challenges into opportunities 📅 Mastering time management and overcoming self-doubt 🌐 Building a powerful online brand and sharing your authentic story 🎯 Practical advice for young people to carve their unique career paths ⏱Timestamps⏱: 00:00 Introduction 02:26 How Childhood Shaped Onyinye's Journey 04:18 The Turning Point: Starting Tutoring 07:19 Choosing Entrepreneurship Over Traditional Paths 22:59 Scaling a Business Amidst Competition 31:26 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact 34:40 Transforming Challenges into New Opportunities 39:46 Mastering Time Management 45:30 Career Tips for Young Professionals 51:44 Overcoming Self-Doubt 53:13 Building an Authentic Online Brand 01:03:17 Final Advice for Young People 🌟 Why Watch This Episode? Whether you're looking to start your own business, navigate the complexities of neurodiversity, or simply gain the confidence to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Onyinye’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of self-belief. Follow Us: 📷 Instagram:   / careerstalks   🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb 💼 LinkedIn:   / careerstalks   #Entrepreneurship #CareerAdvice #personalgrowth #Neurodiversity *Disclaimer*: All thoughts and opinions expressed in this video reflects the guest's and the host's personal views and are not an official statement from their employers.

In this episode from CareersTalks with Tamer, I sit down with Youssef Salem, the current CFO of ADNOC Drilling. Youssef’s career path is an incredible journey of resilience and calculated risks. From spending over a decade as an investment banker to becoming the CFO of ADNOC drilling, one of the fastest-growing MENA unicorns, Youssef shares his experiences, insights, and lessons learned. ⏱Timestamps⏱: 00:00 Introduction01:49 Overview of Youssef’s career journey and pivotal moments05:56 What was your motivation to stay in investment banking?11:03 The reason behind moving to SWVL?14:22 Transition from a more focused role to one with broader responsibilities18:27 More about SWVL—what it does and your journey with it20:52 The most challenging aspect of your career at SWVL22:07 As the youngest CFO, how did you handle pressure from investors?25:15 The biggest career challenges and lessons learned27:04 The role as a CFO at ADNOC30:26 How have your experiences as a CFO across different companies differed?33:17 Would you be as successful as a CFO without your experience at SWVL?35:34 What makes a good CFO?38:26 What personal sacrifices did you make, and how did you balance your time?41:48 Did you ever wish you had enjoyed your 20s more instead of prioritizing success?45:33 What do you consider your biggest career failure, and how did you overcome it?47:22 What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to become CFOs?49:22 For someone in finance, is transitioning to a startup a good path to a CFO role?50:48 What skills should someone in investment banking develop to become a CFO?54:44 How do you see technologies changing the finance industry and the role of the CFO?59:32 What impact do you hope to leave with your career?01:01:39 What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? #finance #investmentbanking #CFO #startup #careeradvice #financecareers CONNECT WITH ME: 🎬 YouTube: @careerstalkswithtamer 📷 Instagram: / careerstalks 🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb 💼 LinkedIn: / careerstalks *Disclaimer*: All thoughts and opinions expressed in this video reflects the guest's and the host's personal views and are not an official statement from their employers.

🚀 From Credit Suisse in NYC to M&G Investments in London, Gautam Samarth has built an extraordinary career in finance. As a Hedge Fund Manager overseeing an AI-driven fund managing over $1 billion, Gautam shares his journey, insights, and advice in this in-depth episode of CareersTalks with Tamer. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:14 Pivotal Career Moments 04:49 Most challenging moments in your career 08:53 Role of a Fund Manager 11:56 Credit Suisse in NYC to M&G in London 14:32 What made you realize finance is the right career choice 16:44 Efficiency and pace: NYC vs. London 18:55 Compensation: NYC vs. London 20:35 Teams you interact with internally 25:00 Managing short-term vs. long-term changes and client pressure 29:57 Adapting your strategy to market volatility 32:44 One thing you would change about your investment strategy 35:33 How is tech changing your financial strategies? 41:03 How do you keep your team motivated? 45:35 How can young professionals set themselves apart? 48:14 What makes a good fund manager? 52:48 Learning resources and methodologies 56:05 How do you think the future of your industry is changing? 1:00:48 Expectations out of college vs. where you are now 1:03:39 Practical piece of advice

In this episode, we sit down with Ross Kolodyazhnyi, CTO of Calyptus, based in London. Starting his career in Ukraine, Ross played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of several banks, showcasing a strong drive to innovate and lead. His ambition and passion for technology propelled him to become a product and tech leader, building robust ecosystems and leading product development across multiple organizations. #finance #technology #ceo #leadership #management #fintech #startup #podcast #careeradvice #london ⏱Timestamps⏱: 0:00 Introduction 01:19 Career Journey 13:13 Key experiences that shaped you into the leader you are today 28:21 Decision to take the leap into the strategic roles of CEO and CTO 43:48 Should young professionals seeking rapid career growth work for small or large companies? 52:18 Transition from a technical role to a strategic leadership position 01:00:02 Corporate VS Startup decision-making and responsibilities 01:08:32 Tell us more about Calyptus and your role within the company 01:20:29 The CTO/CPO role 01:27:11 Advice for a young professional who wants to reach strategic management levels 01:33:45 One technology you think people should learn about 01:34:40 Future goals and aspirations CONNECT WITH ME: 🎬 YouTube: @careerstalkswithtamer 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careerstalks/ 🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.link/155zVY0b3yb 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/careerstalks *Disclaimer*: All thoughts and opinions expressed in this video reflects the guest's and the host's personal views and are not an official statement from their employers.