Karim Awad walked into EFG Hermes at one of the most turbulent moments in Egypt's recent history — a company caught mid-revolution, a bruised brand, and a region that wasn't sure it wanted to stabilise.​ What he did next is what this conversation is about.​ Karim and Hashem talked about the two years of firefighting that most people never saw — before the decade of expansion that everyone did. About the quiet conviction that drove him to turn a pure-play investment bank into a full-fledged financial services group. And about the question we found most interesting: how does Karim measure success?​ His answer surprised Hashem.​ Chapters: 0:00 Coming up.. 3:48 The firefighting phase 13:57 Expanding regionally and cementing the brand 23:37 Acquisitions and partnerships 32:19 Growth and future aspirations 43:51 Shareholder expectations 47:05 Personal legacy

The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser

The Lighthouse

“If you tell me we're not going to build, then probably replace me. There is no need for having me.” Karim Awad on leading EFG Hermes mid-revolution, a decade of building, and why legacy is measured by what remains after you leave​

APR 1, 202653 MIN
The Lighthouse Conversations with Hashem Montasser

“If you tell me we're not going to build, then probably replace me. There is no need for having me.” Karim Awad on leading EFG Hermes mid-revolution, a decade of building, and why legacy is measured by what remains after you leave​

APR 1, 202653 MIN

Description

Karim Awad walked into EFG Hermes at one of the most turbulent moments in Egypt's recent history — a company caught mid-revolution, a bruised brand, and a region that wasn't sure it wanted to stabilise.​ What he did next is what this conversation is about.​ Karim and Hashem talked about the two years of firefighting that most people never saw — before the decade of expansion that everyone did. About the quiet conviction that drove him to turn a pure-play investment bank into a full-fledged financial services group. And about the question we found most interesting: how does Karim measure success?​ His answer surprised Hashem.​ Chapters: 0:00 Coming up.. 3:48 The firefighting phase 13:57 Expanding regionally and cementing the brand 23:37 Acquisitions and partnerships 32:19 Growth and future aspirations 43:51 Shareholder expectations 47:05 Personal legacy