What I Did Next

We’re continuing my conversation with Hazem Barakat, co-founder and Chairman of B Investments. On this episode, Hazem outlines their core formula for backing new ventures and why surviving a young market means being a generalist over a specialist.
You can also catch Part 1 of my conversation with Hazem, where he talks about the personal turning points that shaped his life and his pivot into private equity in Egypt, in your podcast app.

This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

(00:00) - On this episode

(03:12) - The hard lessons

(07:27) - Education, healthcare and agriculture

(09:54) - The B Investments playbook

Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

Hazem Barakat, co-founder and Chairman of B Investments, joins me on the show to talk about the personal turning points that shape how he leads and lives, and the realities of private equity in Egypt. On Part 1, we talk about moving to the US at 16, returning to work with his father in the family firm and the importance of ethics and hard work.
On Part 2 coming up next week, we’ll dive into the world of private equity and investor interest in sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture.

This episode is brought to you by EFG Hermes One, your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!

(00:00) - On this episode...

(03:10) - Moving to the US

(08:58) - Working with his father

(13:37) - The move to private equity

(22:12) - Lightning Round

Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

Award-winning anchor, journalist and author Hala Gorani returns to the show to talk about returning to field reporting and the future of journalism & independent media.
Hala also catches me up on what she’s been up to since I first spoke to her in 2023, right after she had finished writing her book But You Don’t Look Arab.
This episode is part of Encore, where I check-in with your favourite WIDN alumni. We’ll continue this segment with more of the show’s alumni, so stay tuned.

(00:00) - Coming up

(02:20) - Reporting: Truth, opinion and now Substack

(24:25) - Future of independent media

(37:52) - Lighting Round

Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

We’re continuing my conversation with Suzanne Zeidy and Rawah Badrawi, he co-authors of a new book Egypt: Recipes and Stories from an Ancient Land.
On this episode, Suzanne and Rawah tell me about their life’s pivots, marriage, children and friendship. We also talk about being the sandwich generation, and whether we can really have it all.

This episode is brought to you by:
EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!
Azza Fahmy Jewellery

On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Fallahy Kaf Earrings, the Mamluki Kaf Bangle and the Gold Roman Chain Ring.Suzanne Zeidy is wearing Azza Fahmy’s T-Lock Necklace and Gold Rosette Necklace, the Joyful Ring and the Endearment Gold Ring
Rawah Badrawi is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Mabrouka Earrings and Filigree Kaf Ring.
Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ

I’m joined today by Suzanne Zeidy and Rawah Badrawi, the co-authors of a new book Egypt: Recipes and Stories from an Ancient Land, which is part travelogue and part culinary journey. They also happen to be two of my closest friends!
On Part 1 of our conversation, Suzanne and Rawah tell me how they came together to write this incredible book, and how they peeled away the fears and uncertainties of local communities to reveal a vibrant and rich culture not seen before by the outside world. We’ll continue the conversation in Part 2 next week, where Suzanne and Rawah tell me about their life’s trajectories and take on our signature lightning round.

This episode is brought to you by:
EFG Hermes One: your one app for investing in more than 35 stock markets. Start investing today!
Azza Fahmy Jewellery

On the episode, Malak is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Fallahy Kaf Earrings, the Mamluki Kaf Bangle and the Gold Roman Chain Ring.Suzanne Zeidy is wearing Azza Fahmy’s T-Lock Necklace and Gold Rosette Necklace, the Joyful Ring and the Endearment Gold Ring
Rawah Badrawi is wearing Azza Fahmy’s Mabrouka Earrings and Filigree Kaf Ring.

Chapters:
0:00 On this episode...
3:08 Suzanne’s first book: Cairo Kitchen
5:12 Rawah’s first book: Siwa
6:56 Coming together for ‘Egypt’
16:36 The magic of Sinai
20:57 The book’s audience
24:59 AI and the Future of Books
Music ID: 5ROQ12DERYHSUUVQ