Tajarib Podcast: Unveiling business conversations of Iraqi Entrepreneurs 

In the chaotic city of Baghdad, where opportunities and innovations intertwine with long hot days, traffic that lasts for hours on end, loud noises and opinions and lastly never ending social media content that stood to no greater cause or aim. However there's a podcast that has emerged as a breath of fresh air. Tajarib, meaning "experiences" in Arabic, has become a spark of inspiration, shedding a light on the journeys of entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and change makers who are shaping the landscape of the Iraqi nation. 

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jameel, the host of Tajarib, and diving into the story behind the podcast and the incredible impact it has had on the Iraqi community.

Jameel's passion for economics and politics started from a young age. Intrigued by politics, economics, and their impact on his life, he realised that business offered the most substantial means to make a difference not only in the Iraqi business community but in young people’s personalities as well.

I noticed upon talking with Jameel, He painted a diplomatic picture about business that wasn’t overly structured or tedious but rather emphasised how it can positively impact people's lives and create value for the Iraqi youth, pushing them to explore entrepreneurship, freelancing, and becoming a part of various business ventures.

Jameel and his co-producer, Omar, believe that for the youth of Iraq, business is the most impactful sector to work in. Whether through starting their own projects or joining existing ones, and how that can help our younger generation recognize the potential to shape their future and create value.

During my long conversation with Jameel, i asked him to reflect on the memorable moments from the podcast, Jameel paused and explained to me how it’s hard for him to answer this question because every interview he had has had a remarkable impact on him but he did mention his favourite moments and he recounted the wisdom shared by guests such as Ali Hilly. Ali emphasised that not everyone needs to be a leader, CEO, or business owner to make a significant impact. He made an analogy that even those in seemingly ordinary roles, like a mechanic, play a vital part in the intricate workings of a business and society as a whole. This perspective highlighted the romanticised views of entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing the value of every role within the business ecosystem.

It made me personally think of the unrealistic expectations that society has set on our younger generation, and they are programmed to strive for perfection in all aspects of life - to excel academically, maintain a thriving social life, pursue multiple side hustles, accumulate money, and find moments of joy through occasional hobbies. In this pursuit, we find ourselves scratching every surface of society, reaching for the unattainable. Instead of finding solace in the simplicity of life can lead to sustainable and meaningful change not only in themselves but in their own ecosystem of a community as a whole.

Another poignant moment that resonated with Jameel was the story shared by Ammar from Miswag. Ammar recounted a conversation he had with his wife on the phone how they both had to acknowledge the battle they were about to embark on, how they could lose all their money in this battle and His wife's answered with unwavering support and commitment to their shared journey.

That story struck a chord, it shows the importance of having a strong support system to survive in the business community and this chaotic world that we call life.

When I asked about the challenges he faces as a podcast host, Jameel acknowledges the demanding nature of producing content. The process can be mentally taxing, often taking more than a full day without sleep to bring an episode to life. However, he and his team remain dedicated to providing a consistent and engaging experience for their audience.

Jameel recognizes the flaws that the Iraqi podcast industry faces, particularly the lack of consistency in releasing episodes. Many podcasts struggle due to insufficient funding or waning audience interest. He believes that long-term growth requires consistency over an extended period of time. He emphasises the importance of injecting oneself into the mainstream while remaining authentic and learning from competitors without limiting one's potential.

The biggest lessons Jameel has learned include embracing nuance, accepting the grey areas, and being adaptable to others. He acknowledges the significance of having a supportive team and treating everyone with humanity and respect. 

In their mission to reach a young audience, Jameel and his team prioritise authenticity and meaningful conversations. While they don't specifically target the older generation, they focus on producing content that resonates with a wide range of listeners, regardless of age.

When we talked about monetizing the podcast, Jameel explains that in the beginning of creating the podcast, they worked with sponsors who offered services in exchange for exposure. For example, photonect provided film production for the podcast interviews. Over time, they have started seeking monetary support from partners, and they continue to explore other avenues such as events, building a community, and subscriptions to further sustain and grow Tajarib.

Lastly I had to ask Jameel about podcast recommendations, Jameel shares his personal favourites. In the English language, he enjoys podcasts like "How I Built This" and "Lex Fridman podcast." In the Arabic language, he recommends the "Sarde After Dinner Podcast and Boad podcast"

Tajarib continues to empower and inspire young Iraqis, serving as a testament to the creativity, and unwavering spirit of individuals who dare to make a difference. Through authentic storytelling and a commitment to showcasing the human side of business, Tajarib is rewriting the narrative of Iraqi media.

Embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and unbounded possibilities by tuning in to Tajarib. Let the voices of the entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and change makers carry you to new horizons as their experiences shape the future of Iraq.

Note: Some details shared by Jameel have been incorporated into the article while ensuring confidentiality and maintaining the integrity of his story.

Written in English by : Tarneem Maitham 

Translated to Arabic by : Tarneem Maitham 

Translate to Kurdish by : Sanaria Tahsin 

Poster design by: Tarneem Maitham