The inaugural episode of the Born to Disrupt podcast, hosted by Mark Walker, Grant Niven, and Simon Hardie, provides an engaging introduction to the series’ objectives, themes, and target audience.
Presented by Disrupts and Mingzulu, the podcast aims to explore the forces reshaping industries, with a particular emphasis on innovation, technology, investment, and the unique opportunities emerging from the Middle East and beyond. Every 2 weeks during H1'25 a new episode will be available via Mingzulu, Disrupts and Findexable social channels and all your regular podcast platforms.
Our founder, Grant of Mingzulu, outlines our focus on strategic advisory services and funding solutions for growth-stage businesses and large enterprises. His deep knowledge of the Middle East, drawn from over a decade of experience in the region, positions him as a key voice in discussions about its rapid transformation and strategic importance. Meanwhile, Simon, founder and CEO of Findexable, contributes insights from his work ranking and analysing digital financial ecosystems globally. With a background in media and emerging markets, Simon highlights the interplay between innovation, investment, and the regulatory environments that shape success.
The Mission of the Podcast
The hosts articulate a clear mission for Born to Disrupt: to create a platform for thought-provoking discussions that empower scale-ups, established businesses, and industry leaders to navigate the complexities of disruption. By focusing on real-world insights from practitioners, the podcast aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It seeks to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by mid-sized companies that are too large to be considered startups but not yet major enterprises.
The Role of the Middle East
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the Middle East’s emergence as a hub for innovation and global trade. The region’s strategic position, pro-trade policies, and commitment to diversification have created a fertile ground for investment and technological advancements. The hosts discuss how the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are leveraging their resources and regulatory frameworks to attract global attention. They highlight the psychological shift in the region’s positioning as “West Asia,” moving beyond traditional reliance on Western markets to develop broader connections with Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Key Drivers of Disruption
The conversation explores several key drivers of disruption, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and the evolving role of data as a strategic asset. While technology is acknowledged as a critical enabler, the hosts stress that success ultimately depends on human factors such as leadership, adaptability, and cultural understanding. They discuss the unique challenges faced by scale-ups, including accessing capital, navigating regulatory landscapes, and building resilient businesses.
Simon underscores the importance of regulation as both a challenge and an opportunity. He points to the Gulf region’s innovative regulatory approaches, such as the UAE’s establishment of the world’s first AI minister, as examples of leadership that can inspire other markets. Grant adds that the Middle East’s ability to balance relationships with major global powers, such as the US and China, positions it as a “new Switzerland” in geopolitical terms, offering a neutral yet dynamic platform for growth.
Looking Ahead
The hosts preview a range of topics to be explored in future episodes, including the role of venture capital, the impact of generative AI, and sector-specific disruptions in areas such as mobility, legal services, and climate tech. They emphasise their commitment to audience engagement, inviting listeners to contribute ideas and shape the direction of the podcast. By featuring diverse voices from founders, investors, and policymakers, Born to Disrupt aims to provide a well-rounded perspective on the trends shaping the future.
Conclusion
In this introductory episode, the hosts successfully lay the groundwork for an ambitious and dynamic podcast series. By combining their unique expertise and focusing on the Middle East as a case study in global innovation, they offer listeners valuable insights into the forces driving change. With its blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and regional focus, Born to Disrupt promises to be a compelling resource for anyone navigating the complexities of modern business and technology.
Happy listening - there is a lot more to come!
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