What happens when one of the Arab world’s most influential CEOs steps off the corporate stage and opens up about life, leadership, and legacy? In this powerful episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca Allam sits down with Osman Sultan—the legendary telecom visionary who served as CEO of du for 15 years, transforming the UAE’s telecom monopoly and mentoring nearly 30 future CEOs in the process.
But this isn’t just a story of business success. It’s a rare, candid, and often emotional masterclass in leadership, balance, and resilience. Osman shares the lessons learned from four cities that shaped him—Beirut, Paris, Cairo, and Dubai—and the philosophies that guided his journey from a young engineer to one of the region’s most respected business figures. They unpack everything: from putting a mobile phone in every Egyptian’s hand to launching du as a lifestyle brand, from navigating boardroom politics and crises to choosing balance over extremes in an age of rapid change. Osman reflects on what it truly means to be a “people’s CEO,” why integrity sometimes comes at personal cost, and the delicate art of knowing when to control and when to let go.
This episode doesn’t shy away from the human side either. Osman speaks about raising five children across three marriages, the wisdom of juggling health, wealth, and time, and the inevitable transition from being a two-ring power player to finding new purpose as an investor, chairman, and writer. He shares intimate stories about family, the meaning of legacy, and why “balance” is the virtue he lives by.
Along the way, Luca challenges Osman with bold questions: Did du do more for you, or did you do more for du? Is it worse to compromise when right or be inflexible when wrong? And what does good leadership really look like in a world reshaped by AI?
Whether you’re a young professional seeking inspiration, a CEO grappling with legacy, or someone fascinated by how technology, society, and leadership intersect—this conversation is essential listening. Rich with insights and grounded in humility, Osman’s journey reminds us that leadership is not about power—it’s about people, balance, and the stories we leave behind. If you’re curious about the future of leadership, telecom, and humanity in the AI era, this episode will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)
- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)
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Rankings:
UAE: #5 Society & Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English S&C
Lebanon: #2 Society & Culture • Top #9 Overall
Saudi Arabia: #19 Society & Culture • Top #72 Overall
Egypt: #16 Society & Culture • Top #95 Overall