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

Hello Friends and Followers!

Exciting news – I just dropped my first podcast episode featuring Anthony Assi, a rockstar senior principal from Oracle, and we dished out some seriously cool insights on the Latest Trends in Cloud Computing.

Anthony and I discussed among other topics the three main types of cloud services (IaaS, PaaS and SaaS), the benefits of using cloud services, concerns people often have about the cloud, the security of the cloud, current trends and future innovations in cloud computing, the intersection of AI and cloud services, career tips for those who wish to work in the cloud computing industry, and much more.
Hosting this first episode was a blast, and there's more business, entrepreneurship and tech magic coming your way!

Stay tuned for more exciting conversations and make sure to subscribe to The IJK Podcast on YouTube.

Here's the full episode:

Hello Friends!

I have recently recorded an acoustic version of Queen's tune "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", a timeless rock and roll anthem written by Freddie Mercury. The song was released in 1979 as the lead single from their album "The Game." What sets this track apart is its departure from Queen's typical progressive and complex sound, adopting a more straightforward, rockabilly style.
Freddie Mercury was inspired by the music of Elvis Presley (which - as you may know - I am a big fan of), and you can hear that influence in the catchy, upbeat rhythm and the playful lyrics. The song features a prominent rockabilly guitar riff, played by Brian May, which gives it a retro, 1950s feel.

Here is my own version with just guitars and vocals, hope you like it!

Enjoy the fall season, winter and Christmas are almost here!

Best wishes
IJK
 

Hello friends! IJK here.

It's been a while I haven't posted on this blog, the past few months have been nothing short from hectic.

I am thrilled to announce the release of The Red Bond, my latest animated short movie. This is a very personal project I have been working on for the past two years and I am delighted to have it now publicly available on mainstream video platforms.

As some of you may know, the movie has garnered very positive reviews and has been officially selected at several film festivals around the world including The Lebanese International Film Festival and The New York Movie Awards to name a few.

I am happy to announce it has also received a few awards including awards from The Amsterdam Short Film Festival, The Reale Film Festival and The IndieFEST Film Awards.

The Red Bond tells the story of a hunter who chases a deer into a mysterious cave. It is a fantasy story with cool visuals and the soundtrack is a remix version of The Red Light Inn, a single part of my first EP.

You can watch The Red Bond below:

​I hope you enjoy the movie!

Speak very soon,

Peace & Love

IJK

Hello friends and followers! 

I have recently released a cover version of a brilliant French song originally performed by Daniel Balavoine for Starmania, a famous rock opera in the seventies and eighties.

The song was later performed by numerous artists such as the Canadian crooner Bruno Pelletier, the Kazakh star Dimash Kudaibergen, the French singer Calogero...etc.

It is a truly beautiful song with moving lyrics and requiring powerful vocal acrobatics. 

This is one of my favorite French songs and I especially like how it starts slow, builds up slowly before exploding into an aria of emotions and soaring vocals.

To understand what I mean, check out my version below.

Talk soon,

IJK

Hello friends and followers!

I hope you had a nice summer break despite everything wrong going on in the world right now. Of course, whatever happens, we have to always remain hopeful, keep our heads high and fight, for life is nothing but a series of endless challenges.

On a happier note, I would like to share with you my latest cover song which I was busy recording over the past few weeks. It is a brilliant classic song, originally released in Italian and later on covered by none other than the king himself, Elvis. 

Here is my rendition of "It's Now Or Never" (O Sole Mio in Italian). I hope you enjoy the song and its music video!

Note: Video footage shot by my lovely wife Marianne.

Speak soon,
IJK

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while my last update on this blog. The past few months were quite difficult on everybody amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope you are all safe and well!

Despite these challenging times, my wife and I have been able to write and produce a song for our latest newborn, a sweet little angel called Luciana. 

We have even created a fun, cute and colorful music video for her, check out "Lucci" below :)

On another note, I am currently working on several musical projects so stay tuned for further updates!

Love & respect

​IJK