What investors look for in a founder goes beyond a strong business idea. In this full episode of Notes from the Top, Christine Assouad sits down with Shwan Ibrahim Taha, Chairman of Rabee Securities and a Shark on Shark Tank Iraq, to explore investing, leadership and building businesses in challenging markets.

Shwan shares how a fax to Mark Mobius led to a friendship and a job opportunity, what he learned from his work at Templeton and his partnership with George Soros, and the turning point that brought his focus back to Iraq.

From evaluating founders to leading a growing team, the conversation explores why character, structure and realistic expectations matter. Shwan also reflects on learning from mistakes, leaving ego behind and giving people a clear direction.

IN THIS EPISODE
- What investors look for in the person behind a business.
- How taking initiative can open unexpected doors.
- Why growing businesses need structure as well as passion.
- Leadership, team culture and learning from mistakes.
- Investing in Iraq and lessons from Shark Tank Iraq.

OUR SPONSOR — AMANA

Amana is one of the sponsors of this podcast.
It is an investment and trading platform that gives you access to the global financial markets.
Use code CHRISTINE26 and get your first $100 trading bonus on Amana
https://amana.app

CONNECT WITH SHWAN IBRAHIM TAHA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwanibrahimtaha/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwanibrahimtaha/
Rabee Securities: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rabee-securities/

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE ASSOUAD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineassouad/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatalystofgrowth/

FOLLOW NOTES FROM THE TOP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Notesfromthetop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notes.from.the.top/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notes.from.the.top

Follow the podcast for more conversations with founders, investors and business leaders about the decisions and lessons behind their journeys.