LIT- Luca's Insight Track

What happens when a woman at the top of corporate life walks away from a prestigious title, a comfortable paycheck, and a high-stakes role managing over 5,000 people—only to find her voice, her purpose, and her true power on the other side? In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Marisa Kamall, former Managing Director at HSBC...

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my eye-opening conversation with Henri Arslanian, an award-winning crypto author, CNBC presenter, and co-founder of a crypto hedge fund here in the UAE.  In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I took from my chat with Henri; how uncertainty around Crypto & negative PR are...

What happens when one of the world’s most respected crypto minds meets one of the most thoughtful voices in media? In this electric episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Henri Arslanian—global crypto authority, author, hedge fund founder, and relentless educator—for a conversation that moves far beyond hype. Henri Arslanian is no ordinary guest. A former PwC partner, adju...

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my open and frank conversation with Hikmat Wehbi, an award-winning photographer and podcaster who has recorded over 230 episodes. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on just 1 insight that I took from my chat with Hikmat - how influencers, hosts, and guests all have an important choice to ma...

What happens when one of the Arab world’s most beloved podcast hosts finally trades seats and becomes the guest? In this captivating episode of Luca’s Insight Track, the mic is flipped on Hikmat Wehbi—a renowned visual artist turned podcasting legend—whose 225+ episodes and 40M+ views have reshaped the art of storytelling across the Middle East. But this isn’t just a look back on his success. This...

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my incredible conversation with the Nelly Attar, the mountain climber who has summitted over 30 peaks, including Everest and K2. In this raw and improvised ‘Off Track’ episode, I share 4 insights that I took from our conversation; how lacking relatability can lead to loneliness & isolation, the da...

What happens when one of the Arab world’s most fearless adventurers sits down to share the risks, triumphs, and raw truths behind her record-breaking climbs? In this riveting episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca is joined by Nelly Attar—the first Arab woman to summit K2—whose journey from dance studio founder in Saudi Arabia to conquering some of the world’s deadliest peaks is nothing short of ex...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my conversation with the now former CEO of OSN, Joe Kawkabani. Joe was the perfect guest to share insights on how media keeps evolving, the bleak state of linear television, and the cluttered world of content. With podcasting now increasingly becoming mainstream, I challenged him on the role podcas...

What happens when a private equity investor steps into the media world and takes charge of one of the Middle East’s most iconic entertainment brands? In this unmissable episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Joe Kawkabani, former CEO of OSN, for a raw and thought-provoking conversation about the battles, lessons, and transformations that defined his leadership. Joe isn’t your convent...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the MENA region's number 1 telco guru, the former CEO of Du, Osman Sultan. Osman was the perfect guest to kick off season 4, with insights on leadership, the telco industry, and most importantly, - life lessons from someone that has amassed incredible experience and wisd...

What happens when one of the Arab world’s most influential CEOs steps off the corporate stage and opens up about life, leadership, and legacy? In this powerful episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca Allam sits down with Osman Sultan—the legendary telecom visionary who served as CEO of du for 15 years, transforming the UAE’s telecom monopoly and mentoring nearly 30 future CEOs in the process. But th...

What happens when the world’s most curious interviewer meets the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence? In this thought-provoking episode of Luca’s Insight Track, we take you into a groundbreaking conversation with ChatGPT, an AI that has spoken to more humans than anyone else on the planet. This is not your usual tech talk. There are no rehearsed lines, no scripted prompts. Just a genuine...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the regions number 1 sonic branding composer Ahmad Haffar - the Voice of Dubai. Ahmad has created hundreds of melodies/jingles for brands in the region, and he was the mastermind behind the new sonic branding for this podcast - which I believe is a first for a podcast in...

What does it mean to be the voice of a city — not just through sound, but through soul? In this electrifying episode of Luca’s Inside Track, host Luca Allam sits down with sonic branding maestro Ahmad Haffar, famously known as the “Voice of Dubai,” to explore the emotional architecture of sound, identity, and creative purpose. From iconic Expo 2020 announcements to Dubai’s most recognizable jingle...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist, and founder of Lighthouse Arabia. In this episode we discuss some of the key insights from our great conversation, focusing on topics like remembering our true identity as part of our 2nd adulthood, the malpractice dangers of soci...

What does it mean to truly understand yourself — in a world of digital noise, urgency addiction, and emotional avoidance? In this illuminating episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Dr. Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and founder of The Lighthouse Arabia, to explore the deep, personal work of healing, parenting, and remembering who we are. From breaking mental health...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the driving force of sustainability in the UAE, Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder of Goumbook. Sustainability remains a bit undefined in many eyes, but at its core, it is the preparation for a better future for us humans. With a lack of unified message, low levels of awa...

What does it take to inspire real environmental change — and still remain relentlessly optimistic in a world of rising temperatures, policy fatigue, and plastic overload? In this powerful episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder and force behind Goombook — the UAE’s pioneering social enterprise for sustainability. From moving to Dubai as a n...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, it was inspired by my conversation with the impressive Haitham Mattar, CEO of IHG across the Middle East and wider region. In the conversation, we uncovered insights on what makes a good leader, the state of hospitality and its ongoing challenges, the dying art form of being in service to others, and the impli...

What does it take to turn a nation into a world-class destination — and still lead with humility, heart, and hustle? In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Haitham Mattar — the dynamic CEO of IHG for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and a legendary force behind Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. From his humble beginnings as a dishwasher in Georgia to m...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, inspired by my conversation with the multi award winning artist Tania Kassis, beyond just inspiring songwriters, I discuss the important role that pain and facing adversity plays in our life, why talent is no longer the most important aspect for success, and why being fully independent is not what’s cracked up...

What does it take to blend opera and pop, tradition and innovation, and still remain deeply human in the spotlight? In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with the extraordinary Lebanese soprano Tania Kassis — a world-touring crossover artist, voice of unity, and passionate advocate for peace and independence. Known for her fusion of classical opera and contemporary pop...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, inspired by my conversation with the record-breaking global visual artist Sacha Jafri, we delve into the corruption of the art world, the agenda of certain charitable institutions, and how we should deal with the mental health epidemic facing us and future generations. Inspired by an incredible episode with Sa...

What does it mean to paint from the soul — and how can art become a vehicle for healing, connection, and legacy? In this special episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam sits down with Sacha Jafri, the world-renowned artist behind Journey of Humanity, the largest painting ever created on canvas, which sold for $62 million. Sacha opens up about the physical and emotional toll of creating th...

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. In this 'Off Track' edition, inspired by my conversation with Lana Medawar, I talk about the challenges of overcoming major childhood trauma during times of war - but also how children’s imagination and the power of the mind through self healing, can overcome some of the hardest challenges you will ever face. Inspired from an incredible e...