Saudi Arabia is transforming at a scale and speed rarely seen, reshaping perceptions, markets, and opportunities across the Middle East. In this episode, we sit down with Sean Jones, Adjunct Professor of The American University in Cairo and Board Member of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt, to unpack what this shift means for businesses, policymakers, and innovators. We explore firsthand impressions from Riyadh, the forces driving the country’s rapid change, and why now is a pivotal moment for engagement in the region.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:21 Saudi Arabia’s rapid change defies common preconceptions.
04:40 Leadership and vision, not wealth, drive Saudi Arabia’s momentum.
07:56 A large forum unites small companies with investors from around the world.
08:34 Young entrepreneurs and tech-focused startups are converging on new opportunities.
13:15 Success in Saudi Arabia requires strong relationships, not just an American business label.
16:42 Real change happens when strong political will is paired with bold incentives.
21:22 Saudi Arabia’s global integration is aligning economic, cultural, and social norms.
23:05 Now is the moment to enter the region and bring forward new ideas.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jones-920648a/
The American University in Cairo | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/aucegypt/
The American University in Cairo | Website
https://www.aucegypt.edu/
Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fulbright-egypt/
Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt | Website
https://fulbright-egypt.org/
https://thegarage.sa/
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en
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The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation
Systematic change in government organizations doesn’t happen overnight. It takes structure, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Kohari, Principal at Kohari Consulting, LLC, and former Chief for Planning, Performance, and Learning at the US Department of State. She shares how the 18 FAM 300 policy transformed monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) practices across the State Department, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:34 The evaluation policy showed bureaus lacked clarity on project goals.
05:33 Many staff already supported 18 FAM 300 and welcomed the rollout.
11:17 The policy now drives ownership and program design at every bureau level.
14:56 Diplomatic results take years, from curbing narcotics to advancing cybersecurity laws.
16:54 Monitoring feels slow, but evaluations show what drives success.
21:33 AI can help organize decades of bureau project data.
25:25 Faster analysis tools now turn complex data questions into quick insights.
28:45 Strong leadership and clear expectations make monitoring sustainable.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-kohari/
US Department of State | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/doscareers/
US Department of State | Website
https://www.state.gov/
https://fam.state.gov/Volumes/Details/18FAM
Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
The “Impact Point” podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation
The world is entering a post-documentation era where truth and evidence are no longer easily verifiable. In this episode, we speak with Jake Shapiro, John Foster Dulles Professor of International Affairs at Princeton University, to explore how technology, reputation, and trust shape our understanding of facts in a rapidly changing information landscape.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:27 The era of trusting recordings as undeniable proof of truth is coming to an end.
05:09 Chains of reputation sustained high-trust trade across long distances.
12:35 Large-scale aid in Iraq shows how efforts can miss long-term goals.
14:32 Reaching rural women means bringing programs to them.
16:50 Solving problems works best with a customer development mindset.
18:23 ESOC connects researchers and practitioners to better address and reduce conflict.
20:25 Different leaders process information differently, so tailoring communication is key.
24:07 New technology shapes how people choose information, and evidence has its limits.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-shapiro-502b811/
Princeton University | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/princeton-university/
Princeton University | Website
https://princeton.edu
Empirical Study of Conflict Project (ESOC)
https://esoc.princeton.edu/
Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation
Foreign assistance is undergoing one of its most dramatic transformations in decades, forcing organizations to rethink strategies, funding sources, and innovation models.
In this episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, explore the challenges and opportunities facing foreign assistance amid geopolitical shifts, funding uncertainty, and the rise of emerging technologies like AI. They discuss how adaptive management, innovation, and private sector leadership are shaping the future of global development.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
00:45 Foreign assistance is evolving into a transformative new chapter.
05:48 With no clear roadmap, organizations must adapt and innovate.
10:07 Despite challenges, billions in funding remain available for future programs.
14:16 Adaptive management and a systems approach are crucial for lasting impact.
20:33 Delays in decision-making have long hindered effective action in foreign assistance.
25:38 AI can gather real-time insights from social media to transform data collection.
30:11 The private sector must drive adaptive, systems-based solutions as government lags.
32:55 State Department must rebuild systems to manage funds and seize opportunities.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/
https://q2impact.com/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2116
https://www.usaid.gov/
*Podcast recorded prior to Government shutdown.
Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation
The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping not only technology but also how humans define knowledge, value, and dignity in their work. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Varun Grover, George and Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of the University of Arkansas, to explore the concept of benchmark inversion and the future of human-AI collaboration.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:01 ChatGPT highlights the shift from programmed to data-driven AI.
04:25 AI mimics empathy and judgment, but it lacks true consciousness.
09:33 Throwing AI tools at employees without integration is not a recipe for success.
14:22 True change management needs leadership to overcome resistance.
16:52 Unlike functional tools, AI is defined by open-ended potential.
18:11 AI should be implemented at the speed of trust, not the speed of technology.
21:23 Humans enhance their value by using AI. Resisting it risks replacement.
24:56 As AI grows, preserving human dignity and identity is essential.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-grover-0a44a03a/
University of Arkansas | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-arkansas/
University of Arkansas | Website
https://www.uark.edu/
MIT AI Strategy and Leadership Program
https://executive-ed.xpro.mit.edu/ai-strategy-and-leadership
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/
https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/gartner-hype-cycle
Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation
We’re living through a defining moment where technology, geopolitics, and national security converge at an unprecedented pace. In this inaugural episode, Neelima Grover, Founder and CEO of Q2IMPACT, Marsha Grodnicki, Managing Director of Q2IMPACT, and Rob Jenkins, Senior Advisor of Q2IMPACT, discuss how organizations can navigate disruption, harness reliable data, and lead with innovation in an AI-first world. Together, they reflect on the pivotal role of reliable information, change management, and forward-looking leadership in shaping resilient strategies for government, industry, and society.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
00:19 Impact Point launches with a focus on national security and AI.
00:36 Geopolitical change and ubiquitous AI are reshaping the landscape.
01:00 Leaders with practical experience will share actionable insights.
01:38 The show moves past jargon to deliver real impact.
02:44 This moment in history demands immediate attention and action.
03:13 Rapid change requires reliable data and practical solutions.
04:06 Organizations must learn to navigate and thrive through disruption.
04:29 Change management puts people at the center of transformation.
05:20 AI frees people to focus on higher-level, creative work.
06:04 There's optimism about new opportunities emerging from change.
07:14 Global partnerships enable creative collaboration and innovation.
08:02 Q2IMPACT connects dots across sectors for maximum impact.
09:08 Change affects national security and every other domain.
10:05 Every episode will deliver practical, actionable takeaways.
10:31 Impact Point invites listener ideas and active engagement.
11:03 The show does things differently and makes it a conversation.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelima-grover/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-grodnicki-a1985415/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jenkins-b512559?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
Q2IMPACT | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/q2impact/
Q2IMPACT | Website
https://q2impact.com/
Thanks for listening to the “Impact Point” podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss any future episodes.
The Impact Point podcast is brought to you by Q2IMPACT.
#LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #AIGovernance #DigitalTransformation