Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Sally Hammoud

AI Strategist, Strategic Communication Expert & Organizational Transformation Advisor

Dr. Sally Hammoud is an expert in artificial intelligence, strategic communication, and organizational transformation, with over 15 years of experience across academia, consulting, and executive education. She advises institutions and C-level leaders on translating AI into actionable strategies that enhance decision-making, communication, and operational performance. Currently serving as a Strategy & Development Advisor within the AI technology ecosystem, she is also an academic specializing in AI in communication and media. Sally has delivered executive training and advisory programs for leading organizations across the Middle East and the GCC, working with government entities, financial institutions, and global firms. She also serves as Liaison Officer for the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute in Paris and is the author of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Reputation, focusing on AI literacy, digital ecosystems, and the evolving impact of AI on trust, reputation, and public discourse.

Odeh A. Mahmoud

CEO of Cyborg Automation | AI Visionary & Intelligent Automation Leader

Odeh A. Mahmoud is a visionary leader driving enterprise transformation through artificial intelligence, robotics, and agentic systems. As the CEO of Cyborg Automation, he leads the development of AI-native solutions that enhance organizational performance, agility, and resilience across the Middle East. With over 20 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies including Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and Blue Prism, Odeh brings a unique combination of global expertise and entrepreneurial innovation. His work focuses on advancing intelligent automation beyond traditional systems, enabling dynamic, self-learning AI solutions that foster human-AI collaboration. He has led the deployment of scalable AI ecosystems across industries such as banking, government, and utilities, while also contributing to the development of regional AI talent through training and mentorship. Odeh is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to building future-ready, AI-driven enterprises.

Dr. Zahy Ramadan

Associate Professor of Marketing & Scholar of AI, Immersive Technologies and Consumer Behavior – Lebanese American University (LAU)

Dr. Zahy Ramadan is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Lebanese American University (LAU) and a strategic innovation scholar specializing in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, immersive technologies, and consumer behavior. With experience spanning academia, consulting, and senior industry roles across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective on how emerging technologies reshape organizations, markets, and human experiences. His work focuses on AI, AR/VR, generative technologies, and digital consumer experiences, with internationally recognized contributions in research and educational innovation. Dr. Ramadan has pioneered AI- and metaverse-enabled learning initiatives, including some of the region’s earliest immersive classroom experiences, while promoting critical AI thinking and future-ready skills. Beyond academia, he actively contributes to institutional strategy and innovation initiatives, supporting collaborative and evidence-based approaches to transformation.

Dr. Mohamad Khawaja

Entrepreneur, Venture Capital Investor & EdTech Innovator – Founding Partner of Fikr Ventures

Dr. Mohamad Khawaja is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, education, and venture capital. As the Founding Partner of Fikr Ventures, an EdTech-focused VC fund, he supports founders shaping the future of learning and human development. Mohamad advises corporates, startups, and policymakers on leveraging artificial intelligence and the digital economy to drive growth and competitiveness. He is a frequent speaker on regional and international platforms, including Bloomberg, where he shares insights on AI adoption, digital transformation, and evolving global markets. Previously, he led the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship, helping position Jordan as a hub for innovation, and is a co-creator of the global bestseller Business Model Generation. Combining academic expertise with hands-on experience, he continues to empower entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide.

Rudy Shoushany

Author, 9x Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur & Emerging Technology Strategist – Founder of DxTalks

Rudy Shoushany is a globally recognized keynote speaker and technology strategist with over 25 years of experience in digital governance, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity. As the founder of DxTalks and BCCManagement, he drives digital transformation initiatives across the MENA region. A member of the Forbes Technology Council and Harvard Business Review, Rudy also serves on several boards including ISACA and IGF Lebanon. He has represented the Arab world at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum and works as a UN ESCWA consultant and judge. Recognized among top global thought leaders in technology, he is also an author, mentor, and investor shaping the future of digital innovation.

Ali Safi

CEO & Founder | AI-Driven Learning & Digital Experience Innovator

Ali Safi is the CEO and Founder of an AI-driven technology company specializing in the transformation of digital learning ecosystems. With a strong track record in integrating artificial intelligence into digital reading platforms and learning management systems, he focuses on enhancing user engagement, personalization, and scalability. His expertise extends to augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), voice-enabled AI systems, and digital avatars, where he develops immersive and intelligent user experiences. Operating at the intersection of AI, education, and interactive technologies, Ali is dedicated to redefining how digital content is delivered, experienced, and scaled across modern learning environments.

Jack Jendo

AI & Digital Transformation Strategist – Founder of Brain Digits

Jack Jendo is a leading AI and digital transformation strategist and the founder of Brain Digits, a consultancy supporting governments and enterprises in adopting artificial intelligence at scale. He specializes in helping organizations transition into AI-enabled operations through structured frameworks, executive training, and advanced solutions. With extensive experience across the Middle East, Jack has worked closely with decision-makers to develop AI-ready strategies, teams, and systems. Known for translating complex technologies into clear business impact, he is a trusted advisor helping leaders navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Rudy Sleiman

Founder & CEO of RS Creative Boutique | Digital Strategy & Transformation Expert

Rudy Sleiman is a digital strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of RS Creative Boutique, with over two decades of experience spanning product management, operations, sales, and leadership. His multidisciplinary background gives him a unique 360° perspective on building solutions that are not only visually compelling but also operationally efficient and commercially impactful. Since founding his agency in 2006, Rudy has grown it into a multinational consultancy serving clients across Europe and the Middle East, delivering end-to-end services from strategy and UX/UI design to development and optimization. He has worked with leading global brands such as Apple, Canon, Samsung, and Fujifilm, and expanded operations to France and the UAE, collaborating on large-scale and high-profile projects, including partnerships with luxury brands. Today, Rudy also serves as a consultant and advisor, guiding organizations in digital strategy, growth, and transformation at an international level.

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Dr. Robin I. Taleb

Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry & X-Tended Reality Lab Developer – Lebanese American University (LAU)

Dr. Robin I. Taleb is an Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Lebanese American University (LAU) and a researcher whose work bridges medicinal chemistry, toxicology, natural products, and emerging technologies. Holding a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Western Sydney, his research focuses on the development of platinum- and ruthenium-based compounds with anticancer potential, alongside studies on food toxicology and bioactive natural products. He has also explored the application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, integrating computational strategies with medicinal chemistry to advance the development of innovative therapies. In 2019, Dr. Taleb established the X-Tended Reality Lab at LAU, reflecting his passion for immersive education and technology-driven innovation. His work and public engagements frequently explore the convergence of science, research, and advanced learning technologies.

Raja Abdallah

Financial Advisor, Management Consultant & University Lecturer

Raja Abdallah is a financial advisor and management consultant with a diverse professional background spanning engineering, banking, and financial services. After beginning his career in engineering design and project management, he transitioned into banking in Switzerland with a leading Middle Eastern financial group before founding his own boutique consultancy and financial advisory firm in 2010. Since then, he has led over 50 projects supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Raja also manages a microfinance institution licensed by the Central Bank of Lebanon, focused on empowering individuals and MSMEs through accessible financing. In parallel, he is actively engaged as a university lecturer, trainer, and coach, specializing in corporate finance, strategic planning, governance, and business development.

Aladdin Khalaileh

Founder & CEO of Quill for Technology | Robotics & AI Solutions Leader

Aladdin Khalaileh is the Founder and CEO of Quill for Technology, a company focused on developing service and commercial robotics solutions that automate industries and enhance both education and user experience. With over 15 years of experience in business development and sales management across leading companies such as Nokia, Lenovo, and Trismart Group, he brings strong expertise in scaling technology-driven solutions. Aladdin also serves as a board member at Al-Balqa Applied University’s College of Artificial Intelligence and The University of Jordan’s King Abdullah II School for Information Technology. His work lies at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and innovation, driving forward-thinking solutions across multiple sectors.

Yasser Akkaoui

Sustainable Finance Advisor & Founder of Capital Concept

Yasser Akkaoui is a leading sustainable finance advisor and the founder of Capital Concept, bringing over two decades of strategic expertise in Corporate Governance and ESG integration to the Middle East. Since establishing Capital Concept in 2005, he has guided companies and financial institutions through complex sustainability journeys, helping them enhance enterprise value and access global capital.
Yasser’s consultative work has led to landmark partnerships with international bodies including the IFC, EBRD, USAID, and UN Lebanon. He is the architect behind ESGSP.com, a pioneering digital due-diligence platform, and recently secured an exclusive mandate with the Union of Arab Banks to mobilize $1 trillion toward SDG targets by 2030.
A prominent voice for reform, Yasser currently serves his second board term at the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Lebanon chapter. He is also the publisher of Executive Magazine, a founding member of the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, and the former Chair of the Human Rights Watch Lebanon advisory committee. Furthermore, he is a dedicated academic, teaching Business Ethics at the American University of Beirut and serving on multiple high-level institutional advisory boards.

Georges Samara

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Business

Dr. Georges Samara is an award-winning academic and expert in entrepreneurship and family business, with a strong record of international recognition including the Extraordinary Doctorate Award. He has published over 50 academic works focusing on family enterprises, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. With more than eight years of consulting experience in the Gulf region, he advises family businesses on governance, succession, and long-term growth strategies. His expertise also spans financial markets, technical analysis, and options strategies, allowing him to guide investment decisions and wealth sustainability with a unique blend of academic insight and practical experience.

Marissa Albert El Hajje

Pharmacist, Pharma Consultant & PhD Candidate in Drug Design and Discovery

Marissa Albert El Hajje is an accomplished pharmacist and pharmaceutical consultant with advanced expertise in computational methods, medicinal chemistry, cannabinoid research, and medical affairs. Currently pursuing her PhD in Drug Design and Discovery, she has been recognized with the Global Pharmacy Award in Industrial Pharmacy 2025 and as a UN Fellow in Young Women Biosecurity. Marissa has extensive experience in market access and business development across the MENA region, alongside strong leadership roles such as IPSF Pan American Chairperson and founder of the Mariam Foundation. As a UN Youth Delegate and WHA delegate, she is known for bridging science, policy, and strategic consulting to address global healthcare challenges.

Imad Abou Khalil

Award-Winning Coach, Author & Personal Development Speaker

Imad Abou Khalil is a two-time award-winning coach, author, and speaker with over 15 years of experience in personal and professional development. He has coached and trained more than 10,000 individuals across 20 countries, working with employees, executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders. Holding multiple coaching accreditations, Imad has also contributed to published research studies and is a recognized voice in media, with frequent appearances on Lebanese and Arab TV and radio. He is the author of The Good Dose and Mysteries of Transformation, known for their psychological depth and insight, as well as The Girl with the Thorn in Her Heart, a powerful narrative inspired by real human experiences. Through his work, Imad focuses on leadership, emotional intelligence, and unlocking human potential.