In October 2022, I decided to leave my corporate job and officially embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship by founding LHLovingLife, a media and education platform empowering everyone to be the best version of ourselves. I launched Loving Life Conversation Series, with the goal of bringing the best of entrepreneur and VC ecosystems around the globe through authentic conversations with top VC investors and entrepreneurs who are trailblazers, paving their own paths to success.
In December 2022, I visited the Middle East with my family and team. Saudi Arabic has left a profound impression and transformative impact on my life. With its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, purposeful allocation of abundant resources, and exceptional talent, Saudi Arabia is poised to become the next Silicon Valley.
One of the highlights of my visit was shooting the interview and spending time with Lateefa Alwaalan, the Managing Director of Endeavor Saudi. Lateefa's journey as a serial entrepreneur, starting at the young age of 16, is remarkable. From building her ventures, such as Yatooq, which brings innovation to the Arabic coffee experience, to now supporting high-potential entrepreneurs and giving back, she demonstrates not only skillsets but also mindsets to build and create something that has never been done before.
During our conversation, Lateefa shared her personal experiences and insights, taking us on a rollercoaster ride through the world of entrepreneurship. She recounted a challenging moment from the early days of founding Yatooq, her coffee company, when a crucial machine broke down, and she had to use her own car to transport the coffee beans and find an alternative way to grind coffee to fulfill orders. She spoke about calling her father and thinking of quitting. But after a brief moment of reflection she called him again and said "OK I'm going to continue building this" as she believed she was onto something. Too often than not, we tend to see the shiny sides of building a company, but it is those moments of hardship when we are being tested that we discover who we truly are, as individuals and as leaders.
“Since it (entrepreneurship) is so hard, why do you still do it?” I asked Lateefa. She responded that she has been grappling with this very question herself. "If entrepreneurship is a drive within you, if that's what brings purpose to your life, then you have to accept it. Just enjoy the ride."
Lateefa also cares deeply about women empowerment. At a time when the knowledge and practice of "professional networking" was lacking, Lateefa founded CellA+, a professional women's network helping women reach their potential through educational programs and resources. Lateefa emphasized the significance of nurturing "in-between" relationships in professional networking, as they often lead to expanding business and horizons.
Towards the end of our conversation, we delved into the concept of personal success. Lateefa believes it lies in finding satisfaction in whatever path one chooses, as it varies for each individual. We also discussed the importance of deliberately carving out time to simply "have fun." In today's fast-paced society, it is easy to overlook the need for leisure and reflection, but it is essential to understand, for oneself, what truly constitutes a fulfilling life.
During our time in Saudi Arabia, Lateefa has shown us her hospitality.
We went on a mesmerizing trip to the eastern region, enabling us to connect with local people, immerse ourselves in the culture, and witness the country's breathtaking natural beauty. In the age of AI, I always ponder what it means to be “human” and I believe in a world where AI can significantly enhance work efficiency, it becomes even more crucial to foster genuine connections through authenticity, empathy, and building friendships.
Saudi Arabia is a land of immense growth, potential, and opportunity, and I am excited to witness its development firsthand. The entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystem in the GCC region is booming. I look forward to coming back with more friends in entrepreneurship and VC ecosystems from China and the U.S. to continue being part of this transformative journey.
Written by Fei Bo,
Founder, LHLovingLife
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