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In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Andrea Kates—a globally respected strategist, bestselling author of From Stuck to Scale, and current Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the MIT Kuo Sharper Center (formerly the MIT Legatum Center). Andrea’s work spans tech, healthcare, climate, and finance, and her frameworks have helped thousands of entrepreneurs unlock their next chapter.
Together, we explore how entrepreneurs can shift from uncertainty to momentum, why trust is the true currency of innovation, and why she believes 2025 will be the “year of the leapfrog.” We also dive deep into Andrea’s storytelling approach to business, and how growth markets like Bogota, Nairobi, and Hanoi are leading the future of problem-solving.
From insights on corporate transformation to the power of Chōkensei—Japan’s model of society-inspired innovation—this episode offers a deeply practical and human take on scaling what matters.Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
In this powerful episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno—Indonesia’s former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, a seasoned entrepreneur, and global thought leader in inclusive development.
From scaling businesses after the Asian Financial Crisis to creating millions of good-quality jobs during COVID-19, Minister Uno’s story is one of resilience, vision, and deep commitment to public service. Together, we explore how his entrepreneurial background shaped his approach to governance, why he believes entrepreneurship is a form of resistance to the status quo, and how countries like Indonesia are rewriting their global narrative through innovation, digital storytelling, and youth empowerment.
We also dive into his reflections on faith, family, AI, and the creative economy’s power to shape culture and commerce.
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
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In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, we sit down with Ahmed Zahran, CEO of KarmSolar and 2024 Foundry Fellow at the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT. What started as a company born out of frustration and necessity has now become one of Egypt’s leading solar energy firms, transforming the way power is generated and distributed in the region.
Ahmed shares his journey from working in corporate energy to being forced out of a job—an event that led to the creation of KarmSolar. We explore the power of entrepreneurship as resistance, the role of adaptive leadership, and why building for the long-term often means letting go of ego and immediate success.
We also discuss the future of renewable energy in Egypt, why leadership is about championing others, and what it takes to sustain a mission-driven company against all odds.
**This Episode was originally filmed in November 2024**
Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
In this reflective episode of A Legacy of Purpose, Dina H. Sherif welcomes Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy for Technology for the Republic of Kenya and Founding Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, policy, and human connection in driving Africa’s future. Ambassador Thigo shares personal insights into his values-driven journey, the bold vision for technological sovereignty, and the challenges of redefining Africa’s role in the global economy.
This conversation delves into the importance of mindset shifts, collaboration across borders, and the urgent need to build a self-sustaining African innovation ecosystem. Through candid storytelling, Ambassador Thigo paints a hopeful picture of a connected, empowered continent while offering a call to action for leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens to embrace their collective potential.
Key Topics Discussed:
•Values-Driven Leadership: How generosity and purpose shaped Ambassador Thigo’s career in public service and technology.
•The Case for Technological Sovereignty: Why Africa must invest in its own innovation infrastructure to break free from cycles of dependency.
•Mindset and Connection: The critical role of human connection and collaborative pan-Africanism in driving meaningful change.
•Challenges of AI and Advanced Technologies: How Africa can define its own technological future and prevent exploitation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
•A Legacy of Purpose: Ambassador Thigo’s vision for a more connected, empowered Africa.
Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
Dr. Alaa Murabit’s remarkable journey—from founding The Voice of Libyan Women during the Arab Spring to becoming a global leader in health, equity, and sustainable development—is a testament to her belief in radical resilience. In this episode, Dr. Murabit reflects on the values that shaped her career, the challenges of advocating for women’s leadership in global systems, and the transformative power of faith and community.
With practical insights drawn from her groundbreaking TED Talk and her role at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Murabit discusses why resilience requires reimagining not just our systems but also our stories. “You can’t fix the world without fixing health and climate,” she reminds us, offering actionable advice for creating lasting impact in our communities.
Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
What does it mean to not only witness but actively champion the entrepreneurial spirit across the world? In this episode of A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif, Christopher Schroeder—renowned entrepreneur, investor, and author of Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East—shares his journey from co-founding innovative tech companies in the U.S. to championing the untapped potential of growth markets like MENA, LATAM and ASEAN, Christopher’s story is one of humility, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to solve their own communities’ most pressing challenges. During the conversation, Christopher shared: “There’s something in their teeth… there are problems out there, and not solving them does not make sense. Solving them makes sense. And maybe they’ll win, maybe they’ll lose, but they’re in.”
In this episode, Chris discusses:•How his Italian immigrant roots shaped his worldview
•His early experiences in tech and the challenges of building trust in new markets
•The importance of storytelling and shifting narratives to elevate growth markets
•Why fostering innovation in the Middle East, ASEAN, and beyond matters now more than ever
Chris’s dedication to championing entrepreneurs globally offers a fresh perspective on curiosity, humility, and the transformative power of technology.
About Christopher M. Schroeder:
Christopher M. Schroeder is a Washington D.C. and New York City based entrepreneur and venture investor. Aside from co-founding Next Billion Ventures - a leading early stage fund focused on rising markets - he is on the investment committee for Saudi Telecom Ventures, the largest venture capital effort in the Middle East, and advises Village Global and Endeavor Global on their international investments. He co-founded HealthCentral.com, one of the nation's largest social and content platforms in health and wellness, backed by Sequoia Capital among others and sold to the global health media publisher, Remedy Health and was previously the CEO of washingtonpost.com.Schroeder is active in the intersection in American and globally of business, tech and policy making. He has served on national and economic security advisory boards, and is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the leading transatlantic think tank and funder of projects supporting rule of law, The German Marshall Fund.
He has written extensively about innovation and international economic geopolitical issues for The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Business Insider among others and is seen regularly on CNN and CNBC. He was named one of LinkedIn top 50 Influencers, with over 800,000 followers, and has a leading blog there and on substack.Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
In this episode, Dina H. Sherif sits down with Ridzki Kramadibrata, former CEO and Commissioner of Grab Indonesia, to discuss the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership in shaping Southeast Asia’s future. Ridzki reflects on his leadership journey, the unique challenges of growing a super app in emerging markets, and the critical role of innovation and teamwork in navigating crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore how entrepreneurs and leaders can act as catalysts for sustainable prosperity and societal impact, with lessons that resonate far beyond Indonesia.
This candid conversation dives into building resilient organizations, cultivating values-driven cultures, and leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. Ridzki also shares his vision for Southeast Asia’s role in the global innovation landscape and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Key Topics Discussed:
•The role of purpose-driven leadership in navigating uncertainty and inspiring teams.
•Grab Indonesia’s pivot during the pandemic to support micro-entrepreneurs and sustain livelihoods.
•The power of innovation and culture in driving organizational success and societal impact.
•Why entrepreneurs in emerging markets must focus on creating solutions that serve local needs.
•Ridzki’s hopes for Southeast Asia to define its own narrative and become a global player.
Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected] -
In the inaugural episode of “A Legacy of Purpose: Conversations with Dina H. Sherif,” Dina engages in a powerful and candid conversation with His Excellency President Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi of the Republic of Botswana. Together, they explore profound themes of leadership, innovation, and legacy-buildingas President Masisi guides Botswana through one of Africa’s most visionary transitions—from a resource-dependent economy to a dynamic, knowledge-based future.
The discussion explores the President’s belief in purpose-driven leadership, the need to reject outdated perceptions of Africa, and his commitment to making sustainable decisions that will shape the continent’s future. He shares insights into Botswana’s ambitious projects in entrepreneurship, innovation, and science and technology, including its upcoming collaboration with the Legatum Center at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through, positioning the country as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent.
This episode sets the tone for the podcast, highlighting how purposeful leadership and bold action can leave a lasting legacy of change and progress for future generations.Key Topics Discussed:
Botswana’s Visionary Transition: Moving from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven future focusing on innovation and human capital.Purpose-Driven Leadership: President Masisi shares his philosophy of leading with purpose and humility, driven by a mission to serve the greater good.Resetting Africa’s Narrative: President Masisi reflects on the need to reject negative stereotypes and position Africa as a center of innovation and talent.Innovation and Resilience: How Botswana plans to lead with technology and innovation, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for African entrepreneurs.A Legacy of Disruption: President Masisi’s hope to be remembered as a leader who disrupted the status quo for Africa’s collective prosperity.Host: Dina Sherif
Produced by Donovan Beck
For Media Inquiries:
Donovan BeckCommunications and Storytelling Coordinator
Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
292 Main St, E38, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142
[email protected]
