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IJK’s “Johnny & June” Animated Video Wins Award at Brazilian Film Festival

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

IJK is happy to announce to his fans and followers that “Johnny & June” has won the 2nd place in the Asia category at the International Anim!Arte Film Festival in Brazil, 2018 edition.

The animated video clip has been screened to a large audience in the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Luís and São Paulo, and the winners have been announced in May 2019.

Thanks for all those who contributed to this music video especially Matias Cabrera for the execution.

For those who haven’t seen “Johnny & June” yet, here is the clip next to the certificate of award:

Digital Marketing Trends for 2024 and Beyond with Veena Gandhi | IJK Podcast Episode 5

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

In episode 5 of the IJK Podcast, IJK talks to Veena Gandhi about the latest trends in digital marketing.

Veena is a growth driven marketer at Digital Street. She has over 15 years of advertising experience and has led million dollar campaigns for companies like Leo Burnett, McCann and FCB. She has also worked with hip brands like Coca-Cola, LG Electronics, Hewlett Packard and IPL just to name a few.

As a data-driven marketer, digital consultant and performance media specialist, Veena works closely with businesses and advertising agencies by providing digital strategies, CRO solutions, full funnel builds and digital advertising services.

In this episode, Veena and IJK discuss the latest trends in paid search, social media marketing, AI driven marketing, influencer marketing and much more.

Watch the full episode now and stay tuned for more exciting conversation at the intersection of tech, business and personal development with the IJK Podcast.

Talk soon,
IJK

Trekking for Growth: Lessons from Kilimanjaro & Everest with John Saad | Ep 10

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

In the latest episode of the IJK Podcast, I had the great opportunity to sit down with John Saad, a renowned media personality and passionate mountaineer from Lebanon.

John’s journey through the media landscape is nothing short of remarkable. As the Founder & CEO of The Official Lebanese Top 20, he has shaped the industry over the last 25 years, making significant contributions to Radio, TV, and Print.

Starting as an advertising executive, John’s career evolved into a dynamic role where he launched and managed promotional and event planning firms across more than 10 countries, including Lebanon, the UAE, Jordan, the US, and the UK. His talents didn’t stop there; John also spearheaded Virgin Radio Jordan, hosted the first French radio show in the UAE, and brought us the iconic ‘Music Show’ on MTV Lebanon— a show I personally enjoyed.

But John’s story extends beyond media. He is an adventurer at heart, with a deep love for trekking that has taken him to new heights—literally. After years of exploring the majestic mountains of Lebanon, John embarked on some of his most challenging expeditions yet. In April 2023, at a time when most are slowing down, John completed the Everest Base Camp Trek, and just a couple of months ago, in June 2024, he summited Mount Kilimanjaro.

In this IJK Podcast episode, we dive into John’s latest mountaineering adventures, discussing the physical and mental challenges of these treks and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His stories are not only interesting but deeply inspiring, showing that it’s never too late to push your limits and explore new horizons.

Tune in to this exciting episode to hear more about John’s extraordinary journey and his thrilling experiences in the world of mountain climbing!

Scaling Smart: Strategies for Startup Growth & Leadership with Candice Elsmore-Ep 17

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

Scaling a startup is no easy feat. From navigating operational challenges to making strategic financial decisions, founders and leaders often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of growth. That’s why I was excited to sit down with Candice Elsmore, a seasoned financial expert who has not only built and sold businesses but also advised scale-ups across multiple industries.

In this episode of the IJK Podcast, Candice shares her unique insights from a career that has spanned investment banking at Goldman Sachs, leading high-performing teams, and driving strategic growth for companies in fast-paced markets. She has lived and worked on three continents, giving her a truly global perspective on what it takes to scale successfully.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • How to scale a startup and why some businesses fail to make the leap.
  • How to build a strong operational foundation that supports rapid growth without chaos.
  • Hiring and leadership strategies Candice used to manage a team of 100 and drive business success.
  • Lessons from scaling and selling an advisory business – what founders should know before taking that step.
  • The role of strategic advisory in today’s startup ecosystem, especially in the UAE and the Middle East.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or an operator navigating high-growth challenges, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Speak soon,
IJK

Maths, Minds & Machines: The Quest for Ultimate Intelligence with Professor John Lennox-Ep18

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the world, we are faced with profound questions: What is the nature of intelligence? Is mathematics the key to unlocking reality’s deepest truths? And does AI bring us closer to understanding the cosmos, or does it expose the limits of human knowledge?

In the latest episode of the IJK Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Professor John Lennox, a distinguished mathematician, philosopher and Oxford scholar who has spent decades exploring the intersection of mathematics, science, and faith.

​With his rigorous yet accessible approach, Professor Lennox has engaged in thought-provoking debates with leading intellectuals such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, challenging how we perceive the universe and our place in it.

He has recently released a fascinating book about AI entitled 2084: Artificial Intelligence and The Future of Humanity, which we also discuss during this podcast.

The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics
The conversation begins with the intriguing idea famously posed by physicist Eugene Wigner: Why is mathematics so uncannily effective in describing the natural world? Is it a human invention, or does it reflect a deeper, pre-existing reality? We delve into whether mathematics is a language we have created or a fundamental structure woven into the very fabric of the cosmos.

Mathematics, Mind & Meaning
From here, we explore the philosophical implications of mathematics. If it so elegantly describes the universe, does this suggest an underlying rational order? Does the ability of human minds to grasp mathematical truths hint at something more profound—perhaps even a higher intelligence? Professor Lennox shares insights on the connection between mathematics and the search for meaning in a universe that appears both rational and mysterious.

AI and the Limits of Human Understanding
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, some speculate that it may one day surpass human cognitive abilities, uncovering truths that we lack the conceptual framework to comprehend. Can AI help us understand the universe beyond human limitations, or will it always be constrained by the logic we impose upon it? Professor Lennox critically examines the nature of AI, its potential, and its fundamental differences from human intelligence.

Beyond Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Humanity
The discussion also touches on transhumanism, the idea that technology could one day transcend human biology, fundamentally altering what it means to be human. Are we heading toward an age of artificial superintelligence, or are there limits to what machines can achieve? And in this technological revolution, what does it truly mean to be intelligent?

A Conversation You Won’t Want to Miss
This episode is a deep dive into some of the most fascinating and fundamental questions of our time. Whether you’re passionate about science, philosophy, or the future of AI, this discussion with Professor John Lennox will challenge your thinking and expand your perspective on the nature of intelligence, reality, and beyond.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts—Do you believe AI will ever reach true intelligence? Does mathematics hint at a deeper order in the universe?

​Let’s explore these questions together!

Talk soon,
IJK

IJK’s “Johnny & June” Animated Video Wins Award at Brazilian Film Festival

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

IJK is happy to announce to his fans and followers that “Johnny & June” has won the 2nd place in the Asia category at the International Anim!Arte Film Festival in Brazil, 2018 edition.

The animated video clip has been screened to a large audience in the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Luís and São Paulo, and the winners have been announced in May 2019.

Thanks for all those who contributed to this music video especially Matias Cabrera for the execution.

For those who haven’t seen “Johnny & June” yet, here is the clip next to the certificate of award:

Lebanese Rock Singer-Songwriter IJK Releases Latest Single Entitled High Tide

July 25, 2026 0 Comments

Hello friends and followers! 

2019 is almost ending and here we are again preparing for the big festivities. 

From my end, I have been busy working on my latest single called High Tide. The song talks about love, opportunities and big dreams (that come with big risks). It is definitely one of the best ones I have written so far. High Tide has a cool retro vibe with clean instruments and this live rock feel we all miss so much.

I hope you will enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed creating it. The song was recorded at the Chapel Studios in London and was produced by renowned British producer Steven Williams who worked with Midge UreTori Amos and The Pretenders.

You can click above to watch the accompanying lyric video.

Speak soon,
IJK