CXOrchestra

Curious how to close deals without pushing hard? Our new 3-3-1 newsletter edition is out, packed with smart, down-to-earth tips on selling! This week, we’re breaking down: *How to make a sale feel more like helping than hustling *Following up without feeling pushy *Handling customer indecision so they’re confident in saying “yes” It's all about selling in a way that feels real and builds trust. Dive in to sharpen your skills and connect with customers on a whole new level!

“AI will change many industries and push creativity to a different level.” says Manish Saini. Manish is a digital transformation expert with deep expertise in e-commerce and fintech. As Head of Digital Revenue at Quara Finance, he expanded digital revenue from zero to a substantial share within a year, built a strong 50-member team, and cultivated key strategic partnerships. Previously, as CEO of E-Commerce at Ferns N Petals (FNP), Manish scaled the business significantly, introduced omni-channel models, and led impactful rebranding efforts. As COO, he secured substantial funding, launched new brands, and developed a B2B channel. In his earlier role as VP of E-Commerce at FNP, Manish implemented a mobile-first strategy, built a strong tech platform, and expanded the company’s footprint into the UAE. His focus on innovation and strategic growth has driven success across digital businesses. Meet our sixth leader from the thought leadership event: Manish Saini

Ridwan Asad is a strategic leader with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation and developing corporate strategies across ten industries. As Director of Digital Strategy and Transformation at Tawuniya, he focuses on building AI, data, and digital capabilities to enhance customer experience and establish Tawuniya as a digital leader in the insurance industry. Before joining Tawuniya, Ridwan played pivotal roles at NEOM Tech & Digital and Saudi Telecom Company, where he led large-scale digital transformation initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. In these roles, he set up six Enterprise Project Management Offices (EPMOs) from the ground up, building department capabilities and driving performance improvements through strategic digital initiatives. Ridwan’s career centers on using AI and digital transformation to unlock business potential, consistently implementing solutions that drive efficiency, modernize systems, and achieve long-term goals. A dedicated contributor to the global project management community, he has served as a judge for the PMO Global Awards for the past six years. Meet our fifth leader from the thought leadership event: Ridwan Asad MBA PfMP PgMP PMP, Chief Data Digital Strategy, Portfolio, Transformation Leader

Altaf is a passionate leader in data strategy, analytics, and AI/ML, currently serving as the Head of Data Strategy, Analytics, and Data Science at Qiddiya. He drives corporate data strategies at the group level and has established himself as a thought leader in AI and analytics. His ROI Framework methodology has been crucial in connecting business KPIs with actionable insights, and he has built a talented team to support his vision. Altaf was also the Manager of Data Strategy at Saal.ai, where he played a key role in designing system architectures and integrating data pipelines with AI services across sectors like public, health, and oil & gas. His collaborative approach with data scientists and business analysts resulted in transformative business outcomes. At Emirates, Altaf developed predictive analysis models that optimized booking forecasts for over 20,000 agents, enhancing operational efficiency. Throughout his career, he has remained at the cutting edge of innovation, regularly participating in major industry events like IDC Middle East CIO Summit and LEAP. Meet our forth leader from the thought leadership event: Altaf Sheriff

Naum Ishaq is a seasoned leader in data analytics and AI, known for driving data-led innovations across top organizations. As the Head of Data Innovation at SAB since 2020, he has spearheaded big data analytics and AI initiatives that enhance business value and customer experiences. His expertise lies in integrating advanced technologies into strategic frameworks to support organizational growth. Before SAB, Naum served as Director of Data Architecture at Red Sea Global, where he led data projects for luxury tourism destinations. His work focused on smart services, guest journey mapping, and data governance. At the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, he reshaped the tourism strategy by driving AI advancements and secure cloud infrastructures. Naum’s experience also spans international business development and fintech. At C2FO, he managed a $5 billion portfolio, and at Google, he led YouTube’s EMEA strategy, securing key partnerships. With academic credentials from Oxford and NYU Stern, Naum combines a strong analytical foundation with forward-thinking leadership in AI and digital transformation. Meet our Third leader from the thought leadership event: Naum I.

"Customer experience has evolved into a core strategy for leading companies," says Mosa Bin Sallam. Mosa is a recognized leader in CX and digital transformation. Mosa has helped organizations shift from reactive service models to proactive, experience-driven strategies, shaping the industry's approach to CX as a competitive advantage. As CX Excellence Director at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, Mosa led initiatives that boosted customer satisfaction by 30% and improved key performance indicators by 40%. His previous role as Head of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing saw him manage projects that enhanced operational efficiency. With over a decade of experience, including as Senior Program Manager at Elm Company, Mosa is known for his expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and leading digital transformation efforts. His leadership emphasizes continuous learning and innovation to deliver world-class customer experiences. Meet our Second leader from the thought leadership event: Mosa Bin Sallam

"Corporate entrepreneurship in the IT sector is much more than product development; it’s about innovating services and strategies," says Sohail Al-Razeen. Sohail is a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem. Recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s Top 50 Business & Startups Creators, Sohail has fostered collaboration among over 100 local and international experts, building a thriving corporate entrepreneurship ecosystem supported by Misk Foundation, Riyad Bank, and Elm Company. As General Manager of Corporate Entrepreneurship Development at Elm Company, Sohail drives innovation across industries. His previous roles include Executive Manager at Elm and Innovation Solution Manager at Monshaat, where he led digital projects that grew Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His leadership extends to being a Board Member at Carefer and King Faisal University’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, with a background spanning AI, logistics, and event management, shaping the country's entrepreneurial landscape. Meet our First leader from the thought leadership event: Sohail Al-Razeen

AI’s next chapter is being written in Riyadh on October 28th! In collaboration with Uniphore we’re hosting a Thought Leadership Roundtable that brings together top leaders to dive into the challenges and opportunities AI presents today. This isn’t about theoretical ideas—it’s a practical discussion on how high-level decision-makers can navigate AI’s role, set realistic expectations, and uncover real-world applications that drive real impact. We’ll have 8 leaders from diverse industries around the table, each bringing unique insights on how to approach AI strategically. Looking forward to the ideas and strategies that will emerge! Mosa Bin Sallam Ridwan Asad MBA PfMP PgMP PMP, Chief Data Digital Strategy, Portfolio, Transformation Leader Naum Ishaq Altaf Sheriff Mohammed Al Shobani Mamoun Alamouri 🇵🇸 Manish Saini Sohail Al-Razeen

هل سئمت من القيام بكل شيء بنفسك في التسويق والمبيعات؟ دع الذكاء الاصطناعي يكون سلاحك السري! في نشرتنا هذا الأسبوع، سنوضح لك كيف يمكن للذكاء الاصطناعي التعامل مع المهام الصغيرة، تحسين سير العمل، وجعل حياتك أسهل—من تحليل بياناتك إلى إنشاء استراتيجيات مخصصة. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، لماذا الخبرة الصحيحة تحدث فرقًا كبيرًا عند استخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي بفعالية. هل تريد معرفة كيفية تدريب نموذج الذكاء الاصطناعي الخاص بك؟ لقد قمنا بتغطية ذلك أيضًا، بالإضافة إلى أفضل الرؤى من خبراء المجال. مستعد للارتقاء بمستواك؟ اكتشف المزيد الآن!

"How do we ensure that technology serves us, enhancing our lives rather than consuming it?" says Peter Larnholt, the founding partner of Excom AI. This guiding principle has shaped Peter's career as a technology leader, where he's focused on using AI and digital innovation to drive meaningful change. As the former Chief Information Officer at du, Peter played a pivotal role in the company’s digital transformation, leading efforts that improved efficiency and enhanced customer experiences. His work there contributed to record-breaking business growth and positioned du as a leader in the competitive telecom market. With over 30 years of experience, Peter's career spans key roles at global companies like Millicom, Yoigo, and Ericsson, where he consistently aligned technology with business strategy. Now, as the founding partner of Excom AI, Peter continues to explore innovative ways to blend technology with strategic growth, helping businesses stay ahead in the digital age. Peter is also a recognized thought leader in AI, regularly speaking at events like the Global AI Show. His vision is simple: technology should create value, improve lives, and give us more time for what truly matters. "The real goal," Peter says, "is to ensure that innovation makes our work more efficient, while leaving room for creativity and growth." Meet our eighth leader from the thought leadership event: Peter Larnholt