In the latest episode of the IJK Podcast, I had the great opportunity to sit down with John Saad, a renowned media personality and passionate mountaineer from Lebanon.

John’s journey through the media landscape is nothing short of remarkable. As the Founder & CEO of The Official Lebanese Top 20, he has shaped the industry over the last 25 years, making significant contributions to Radio, TV, and Print.

Starting as an advertising executive, John’s career evolved into a dynamic role where he launched and managed promotional and event planning firms across more than 10 countries, including Lebanon, the UAE, Jordan, the US, and the UK. His talents didn’t stop there; John also spearheaded Virgin Radio Jordan, hosted the first French radio show in the UAE, and brought us the iconic ‘Music Show’ on MTV Lebanon— a show I personally enjoyed.

But John's story extends beyond media. He is an adventurer at heart, with a deep love for trekking that has taken him to new heights—literally. After years of exploring the majestic mountains of Lebanon, John embarked on some of his most challenging expeditions yet. In April 2023, at a time when most are slowing down, John completed the Everest Base Camp Trek, and just a couple of months ago, in June 2024, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

In this IJK Podcast episode, we dive into John’s latest mountaineering adventures, discussing the physical and mental challenges of these treks and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His stories are not only interesting but deeply inspiring, showing that it’s never too late to push your limits and explore new horizons.

Tune in to this exciting episode to hear more about John’s extraordinary journey and his thrilling experiences in the world of mountain climbing!

I was delighted to have had Carolyn Galvin, a distinguished leader in Media & Content Production, as my guest on the IJK Podcast.

With over 25 years of experience, Carolyn has worked with some of the largest brands in Canadian media and has played a pivotal role in executing iconic productions like the Olympic Games and the Grammy Awards Red Carpet shows. Her impressive career includes senior executive positions at Rogers Sports & Media, where she honed her expertise in high-profile media events.

Now, Carolyn is pioneering the cutting-edge field of live commerce with her innovative agency, ClikIt Media. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of live commerce—a field that’s rapidly reshaping the landscape of online shopping.

​Carolyn’s unique approach leverages the power of live selling to drive sales and redefine how brands engage with their audiences in real-time. Her insights into this dynamic field reveal how live commerce is not just a trend but a transformative force in the retail industry.

Throughout our conversation, Carolyn shares her vision and expertise, illustrating how her work continues to shape the future of video commerce. As a true innovator, she is a sought-after advisor and influencer, and her contributions are paving the way for the next generation of online shopping experiences.

Tune in to this episode of the IJK Podcast to gain valuable insights into live commerce and discover how Carolyn Galvin’s groundbreaking work is revolutionizing the way we shop online.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field!

Speak soon,
IJK

Are you ready to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning? In our latest episode of the IJK Podcast, host Imad Jack Karam sits down with Abhimanu Kumar, a true pioneer in the field of AI and machine learning.
Abhimanu's journey through the tech world reads like a who's who of Silicon Valley giants. With senior data scientist positions at Apple, Microsoft and Groupon under his belt, he's now charting his own course as the Co-founder and CEO of CausalFunnel. This innovative company is on a mission to level the playing field, equipping small and medium businesses with cutting-edge AI and data science tools to boost traffic and conversions, allowing them to compete with e-commerce behemoths like Amazon.
But Abhimanu's expertise goes far beyond the corporate world. As a prolific researcher, he has authored and co-authored numerous well-cited publications across various subfields of machine learning and AI. His unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world application makes him the perfect guide to help us navigate the complex and fascinating landscape of AI.
In this episode, prepare to have your mind expanded as Abhimanu and Imad explore:

• The current state of AI and machine learning
• How small businesses can harness the power of AI to compete with tech giants
• The future of AI and its potential impact on various industries
• Insights from Abhimanu's groundbreaking research
• Real-world applications of machine learning that are changing the game

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business owner looking to leverage AI, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey into the heart of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the brightest minds in the field. Tune in to Episode 8 of the IJK Podcast and prepare to be inspired, informed, and amazed by the possibilities that AI and machine learning hold for our future.
Check it out now and join the conversation that's shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow!

In episode 5 of the IJK Podcast, IJK talks to Veena Gandhi about the latest trends in digital marketing.

Veena is a growth driven marketer at Digital Street. She has over 15 years of advertising experience and has led million dollar campaigns for companies like Leo Burnett, McCann and FCB. She has also worked with hip brands like Coca-Cola, LG Electronics, Hewlett Packard and IPL just to name a few.

As a data-driven marketer, digital consultant and performance media specialist, Veena works closely with businesses and advertising agencies by providing digital strategies, CRO solutions, full funnel builds and digital advertising services.

In this episode, Veena and IJK discuss the latest trends in paid search, social media marketing, AI driven marketing, influencer marketing and much more.

Watch the full episode now and stay tuned for more exciting conversation at the intersection of tech, business and personal development with the IJK Podcast.

Talk soon,
IJK

In this episode of the IJK Podcast, I talk to John Bura about his successful entrepreneurial journey in the E-Learning business.

John is a prolific entrepreneur who started coding in 1997 and teaching in 2002. He has produced over 40 apps and games. John is a Lead Developer and CEO of a highly successful eLearning company called Mammoth Interactive.

Mammoth Interactive produces online Degrees and courses primarily on programming and technology.
1 million students and growing have enrolled in this online school since its inception in 2011. Some of Mammoth’s courses have even been featured at Harvard!

John’s company has also produced XBOX 360, iPhone and iPad games in addition to several iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac apps. Some of these apps have reached #1 in the app store.

Recently Nickelodeon has featured a game produced by Mammoth Interactive.

Check out the full episode and learn many tips and secrets to help you launch a successful e-learning business.

Talk soon,
IJK

Hello Friends!

Got something groovy to share: My rendition of Deep Purple's classic gem, "Child in Time". This track's got a vibe that's timeless, and I couldn't resist putting my own twist on it.

"Child in Time" is a monumental track that emerged during Deep Purple's transition from psychedelic rock to the harder sound that would define their legacy. Released in 1970 as part of their album "Deep Purple in Rock," the song showcases the band's evolving musical style, featuring powerful vocals by Ian Gillan and intricate instrumental sections. With its poignant lyrics and dynamic structure, "Child in Time" became a cornerstone of Deep Purple's repertoire and remains a beloved classic in the annals of rock music history.

Now, tackling a tune like this? It's like stepping into the ring with a heavyweight champ. Deep Purple nailed it back in the day, setting the bar sky-high. But hey, where's the fun in playing it safe?

From the moment I decided to tackle this beast, I knew I was diving into something epic. "Child in Time" isn't just a song, it's a sonic journey. With its soaring vocals, blistering guitar solos and those spine-tingling highs, it's a masterclass in rock 'n' roll intensity.

With each riff and every lyric, my musicians and myself aimed to honor the spirit of the original while adding a fresh coat of paint. It's like giving a vintage ride a killer custom paint job, you keep the soul intact but add some serious style.

Check it out now and let me know what you think!

IJK

In Episode 3 of the IJK Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lauren Petrullo, a former Disney employee turned digital marketing and e-commerce expert, to delve into the dynamic world of online shopping and the evolving landscape of social commerce.

With her extensive experience and insightful perspective, Lauren shed light on the latest trends and innovations reshaping the way we buy and sell goods in the digital realm.
Social commerce, the integration of social media and e-commerce platforms, emerged as a central theme of our discussion. Lauren emphasized how social media platforms have become powerful channels for brands to engage with consumers, build communities, and ultimately drive sales. From Instagram Shops to TikTok's "Shop Now" features, she highlighted how platforms are increasingly blurring the lines between content and commerce, offering seamless shopping experiences directly within users' feeds.
We also explored the growing role of technology in enhancing the e-commerce experience, from AI-powered product recommendations to virtual try-on tools. These innovations not only streamline the shopping journey but also personalize it, catering to the unique preferences and behaviors of individual consumers.

We also discussed the rise of Chinese e-commerce juggernauts such as Temu and Shein and how these novel platforms are redefining the rules of the online shopping game.

As our conversation unfolded, it became evident that the future of e-commerce is both exciting and full of opportunities. By staying attuned to consumer preferences, embracing emerging technologies, and harnessing the power of social media, brands can thrive in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Whether you're a seasoned e-commerce veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of online retail, my conversation with Lauren Petrullo offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce ecosystem. 
Stay tuned for future episodes as we continue to explore the intersection of technology, business, and innovation with industry experts like Lauren.

IJK

Hello Friends & Followers!

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are increasingly being held accountable not only for their financial performance but also for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. As sustainability becomes a key driver of business decisions, understanding its impact is crucial for both companies and investors alike.

I'm thrilled to announce the release of the latest episode of The IJK Podcast with Denis Lledo, an ESG and Finance Expert, where we delve deep into the fascinating world of ESG and its implications for businesses. 

In this episode, we discuss how ESG factors are influencing decision-making processes across industries, from energy and digital to automotive and technology. We examine the ways in which companies are integrating ESG principles into their operations, not just as a matter of compliance but as a strategic imperative for long-term success.
 
Moreover, we highlight the tangible benefits that businesses can derive from prioritizing ESG, including enhanced reputation and access to capital. We also address the challenges and obstacles that companies may face in adopting sustainable practices and offer insights into overcoming these hurdles.

Whether you're a seasoned professional in the sustainability space or simply curious about the intersection of business and social responsibility, this episode is sure to offer thought-provoking insights and actionable takeaways.

...And don't hesitate to subscribe to The IJK Podcast's YouTube channel if you like the content.

Hope you enjoy this one!
IJK