How do you find yourself at the center of not one, but two of the most iconic IPOs in recent history — Uber and the biggest global tech listing of 2024, Talabat?

You lead with vision, build culture from the ground up, and never lose sight of the people who make it all possible.

In this episode of Doers Defined, I sit down with Susanne Elias-Stulemeijer — a powerhouse in global communications, leadership, and innovation.

Susanne has been at the helm of some of the world’s most influential tech companies — from her trailblazing role as Uber’s first EMEA Comms Lead, to senior leadership at Delivery Hero, and most recently as VP of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability at talabat. There, she built high-performing teams across the Middle East and North Africa and played a pivotal role in the company’s record-breaking IPO - the biggest global tech IPO of 2024.

Born in the Netherlands, raised across Algeria and India, and now based in Dubai, Susanne brings a truly global lens to her work. She’s a builder, a culture shaper, and a passionate advocate for people-first leadership — all while raising three children and redefining what it means to lead with authenticity.

This conversation is a deep dive into leading through change, building teams that thrive, and communicating with clarity in moments that matter.

It’s a masterclass in bold, human-centered leadership — and a powerful reminder that success starts with how you show up for your people.

In her own words, Carol Koech is a dreamer, an executor, and an enabler—and in this deeply inspiring episode, she lives up to every one of those titles.

Born in rural Kenya without access to electricity, Carol’s childhood was marked by challenges that could have easily defined her limits. Instead, they ignited a fire within her.

Today, she’s dedicating her life to solving the very problem she once lived—energy access.

Her rise to top executive roles at global giants like Schneider Electric, GE, and Unilever is not just a corporate success story—it’s a beacon for anyone who has ever wondered if their beginning could define their end.

We dive into the pivotal moments that shaped Carol’s journey:
•Her childhood without power and how it fuels her mission today
•What it means to “light possibility” for children just like her
•How she identifies when an opportunity is truly meant for her
•The power of taking bold, uncomfortable risks—and why resilience often grows from adversity
•How she’s learned to fly the plane while fixing it
•Her personal encounters with self-doubt and imposter syndrome—and how she redefines them as growth moments

We also explore the future: how the AI revolution is reshaping electrification in Africa, why energy access must be seen as a tool of productivity, and what she looks for when identifying standout talent.

This episode is a reason to believe—that where you start doesn’t limit where you can go. That the very things we wish hadn’t happened might just be the fuel for our greatness.

Tune in, and be reminded that your story, no matter how it starts, can light the way forward.

How often do you think about innovation in government services?

In this powerful episode on Doers Defined, we sit down with Alexia Hefti — a Swiss-Canadian lawyer, digital governance pioneer, and global strategist based in the UAE — who is radically reimagining how governments serve people in the 21st century.

From growing up in Hong Kong to advising heads of state across Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Alexia’s journey is anything but typical.

She co-founded Deloitte Canada’s Blockchain Tax practice, served on the board of a Nasdaq-listed blockchain firm, and now leads eGovern, a bold venture using AI and blockchain to bring speed, transparency, and trust to government services.

As the Special Representative of the Government of Bermuda, Alexia is also building economic bridges and shaping diplomatic alliances in some of the most dynamic regions of the world.

In this episode, Alexia shares the formative experiences that shaped her global outlook, the leadership lessons she’s learned navigating complex political and economic landscapes, and her bold vision for the future of governance in emerging markets.

This isn’t just a conversation about technology — it’s about power, purpose, and the people driving change behind the scenes.

If you're curious about how innovation can unlock opportunity, strengthen diplomacy, and transform the way we govern — this is the episode for you.