Podcast
Voices Beyond Borders
Hosted by Francesco Bakhos · EN
Welcome to Voices Beyond Borders, the podcast that connects nations through conversations.
Join us every other week as we delve into a diverse range of topics, aiming to connect people from all corners of the globe.Our mission is simple yet powerful: to foster understanding, empathy, and unity among nations.
We believe that through meaningful conversations, we can break down barriers and build bridges.
Don't miss an episode! Subscribe and follow us on Instagram, and tune in on Apple Podcasts, Podeo, Spotify, and Anghami, all under the username: voicesbeyondborders.L
et's embark on this journey together, because the voices that unite us are stronger than the borders that divide us.
Join the conversation today!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Voices Beyond Borders S3E10 | Leadership Beyond Politics with Michel Daccache
Jun 400:26:43Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 10 — the Season Finale of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ Leadership Beyond PoliticsWhat does leadership actually mean?In a world obsessed with titles, influence, and visibility, have we forgotten the true purpose of leadership? In this season finale, we sit down with Michel to explore leadership beyond politics, beyond positions, and beyond slogans.Together, we discuss:• What shapes impactful leaders• Why youth empowerment must move beyond rhetoric• The leadership challenges facing Lebanon and the region• Whether leadership is taught or awakened• The difference between influence and responsibility• What separates reactive leaders from transformational ones• How we can build the next generation of purpose-driven leaders 💡 This episode is a reflection on the future—not just of leadership, but of the people who will shape it. As we close Season 3, we revisit one of the core questions that has connected every guest this season:How do we build a better future when the world around us is uncertain? 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat 💬 Join the conversation:What does leadership mean to you?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E9 | Beyond the Startup Hype with Karl Gedda
May 2900:28:09Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 9 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ *Beyond the Startup Hype with Karl Gedda* What does it actually take to build innovation ecosystems that last?In this episode, we sit down with Karl Gedda, Director of SmartESA, to explore the realities of innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem building across Lebanon and Europe. This isn’t just a conversation about startups. It’s about:• Building sustainable innovation ecosystems• Supporting startups in developing markets• The realities behind entrepreneurship beyond the hype• Creating stronger links between Lebanon and Europe• Innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact 💡 Karl shares insights from his experience working across ecosystems, supporting innovation initiatives, and helping shape opportunities for entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty and complex markets. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat 💬 Join the conversationWhat does Lebanon need to move beyond startup hype and build real innovation?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E8 | Leading Without Permission with Hany Anan
May 2100:26:33Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 8 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ *Leading Without Permission with Hany Anan* What does it mean to grow up facing limitation — and still decide to lead?In this episode, we sit down with Hany Anan — youth leader, social entrepreneur, founder of ToRead, and policy contributor — to explore the intersection of technology, youth empowerment, and social impact. This isn’t just a conversation about leadership. It’s about:• Turning identity into impact• Building social enterprises with purpose• Rethinking youth empowerment beyond slogans• Using technology for humanitarian change• Policy, advocacy, and representation• The future of youth leadership in the region 💡 Hany shares insights from his journey — from engineering and humanitarian work to founding ToRead and contributing to youth policy on regional and international levels. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat 💬 Join the conversationWhat does “leading without permission” mean to you?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E7 | The Builder Mindset with Jennifer Nammoura
May 1400:23:10Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 7 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ The Builder Mindset with Jennifer NammouraWhat does it truly take to become an entrepreneur — and when does that journey actually begin?In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Nammoura, youth empowerment leader and Program Coordinator at INJAZ Lebanon, to explore how entrepreneurship starts long before business — it starts with mindset, action, and belief. This isn’t just a conversation about programs. It’s about:• Turning ideas into action through real-world learning• Building youth confidence through experiential education• Supporting young entrepreneurs in times of crisis• Designing impactful incubation programs at INJAZ Lebanon• The role of mindset in shaping future leaders• International exposure and lessons from the U.S. fellowship• Representing Lebanese youth on regional and global stages 💡 Jennifer shares insights from her journey in youth development, her belief in “learning by doing,” and how entrepreneurship education is reshaping the next generation in Lebanon. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat and PodHub Studios 💬 Join the conversation
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E6 | Human 2.0: The Adstrum Vision with Manar El Harake
May 700:23:11Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 6 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ Human 2.0: The Adstrum Vision with Manar El Harake What does the future of humanity look like — and who gets to shape it?In this episode, we sit down with Manar El Harake, founder of Adstrum, to explore the intersection of deep tech, human evolution, and innovation across Lebanon and Europe. This isn’t just a conversation about technology. It’s about:• The concept of Human 2.0 and the future of humanity• Building deep tech ventures in challenging environments• The realities of innovating in Lebanon vs Europe• The ethical and practical challenges of human evolution• The mindset required to build at the edge of what’s possible 💡 Manar shares insights from his journey building Adstrum, navigating cross-border innovation, and rethinking how humans and technology will coexist in the future. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: PodHub Beirut 💬 Join the conversationWould you embrace a “Human 2.0” future? Why or why not?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E5 | Rewriting the Rules of Tech with Larissa Abi Nakhle
Apr 3000:29:44Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ Rewriting the Rules of Tech with Larissa Abi Nakhle What does it take to build an AI company in the MENA region — and what does it take to do that as a woman? In this episode, we sit down with Larissa Abi Nakhle — Co-founder and Head of Partnerships at ZAKA — to explore her journey from engineering student and community leader to building one of the region’s leading AI education and ecosystem platforms. This isn’t just a conversation about technology. It’s about:• Building AI ecosystems in emerging markets• Creating opportunities for talent across the region• Navigating the realities of being a woman in tech• Leadership, resilience, and vision in fast-changing industries• Bridging the gap between education, talent, and industry 💡 Larissa shares insights from her journey — from leading IEEE initiatives to launching AI bootcamps, building partnerships, and shaping the future of work in the region. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat & PodHub Studios 💬 Join the conversationWhat does the future of tech in our region look like to you?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E4 | Sweet Success & Social Impact with Martine Zaarour
Apr 2300:25:23Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 4 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ Sweet Success and Social Impact with Martine Zaarour What does it take to turn global experience into local impact? In this episode, we sit down with Martine Zaarour — architect, designer, and entrepreneur — to explore her journey from working across Madrid, Washington DC, and San Francisco to founding Jar Thuraya, a women-led social enterprise in Lebanon rooted in tradition, culture, and purpose. This isn’t just a conversation about entrepreneurship. It’s about:• Building a business rooted in identity and culture• Turning international experience into local impact• Navigating crisis while growing a social enterprise• Empowering women through entrepreneurship• Creating value beyond profit 💡 Martine shares insights from her global journey, the challenges of building in Lebanon’s complex environment, and how Jar Thuraya became a platform for empowerment, creativity, and resilience. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 🎥 Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat and PodHub Studios 💬 Join the conversationWhat does “social impact” mean to you in today’s world?
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E3 | From Crisis to Creation with Hasan Jaafar
Apr 1700:29:08Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ From Crisis to Creation with Hasan JaafarCan crisis be turned into opportunity or does it simply force you to rethink everything?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hasan Jaafar to explore a journey that blends engineering, entrepreneurship, and impact, from working in traditional energy systems to building YY ReGen, a startup reimagining sustainable energy solutions in Lebanon.T his isn’t just a conversation about startups. It’s about:-Turning crisis into creation-Building solutions in one of the most challenging environments-Rethinking energy, sustainability, and impact-The realities of entrepreneurship in Lebanon today 💡 Hasan shares the defining moments of his journey, offering real insights for anyone looking to create meaningful change. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. Studio and Production: Paolo Khayyat. 💬 Join the conversationDo you think crisis creates opportunity — or just resilience? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E2 | Running for a Nation with Arz Zahreddine
Apr 800:26:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of Voices Beyond Borders. 🎙️ Running for a Nation with Arz Zahreddine What does it take to keep going when the odds were never in your favor?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Arz Zahreddine to explore a journey shaped by resilience, identity, and unwavering determination — from growing up facing challenges and societal barriers to representing Lebanon on the global stage as a Paralympian. This isn’t just a conversation about sports. It’s about:-Turning pain into purpose-Finding strength through adversity-Overcoming setbacks and making historic comebacks-Representing a nation with pride in difficult times 💡 Arz shares the defining moments of his journey, from early struggles and bullying, to Tokyo 2020, to his comeback and gold medal victory, offering a message of hope and perseverance to every young person navigating uncertainty today. 🎧 Watch & Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTok This season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact. 💬 Join the conversationWhat keeps you going when things get tough? Drop it in the comments.
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Voices Beyond Borders S3E1 | Beyond the White Coat with Bryan Youssef
Apr 300:34:54Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of Voices Beyond Borders.🎙️ Beyond the White Coat with Bryan YoussefWhat happens when personal struggle meets purpose?In this powerful season premiere, we sit down with Bryan Youssef to unpack the journey beyond the white coat, from navigating challenges and uncertainty to building EduBolt, a startup rooted in impact and youth empowerment.This isn’t just a conversation about entrepreneurship. It’s about:-Turning adversity into innovation-Building something meaningful from scratch-Empowering youth to take control of their future-The real, unfiltered side of the startup journey💡 Bryan shares the moments that shaped him, the risks he took, and the vision behind EduBolt, offering insights every young entrepreneur needs to hear.🎧 Watch Listen Everywhere📺 Full episode: YouTube🎧 Audio: Podeo, Anghami, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts🎬 Teasers: Instagram and TikTokThis season is proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon, empowering conversations that drive youth innovation and impact.💬 Join the conversationWhat’s one struggle that shaped your path? Drop it in the comments.
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