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One of my favorite parts of hosting Finding the Upside is introducing you to people who are creating meaningful impact in the world. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Waleed Khalid, Founder and CEO of Oxford Talks, to explore what it really means to lead with purpose, curiosity and service.
I've had the privilege of working alongside Waleed at Oxford University, Harvard University, and soon at the World Economic Forum in Davos. What I've always admired about him is that he doesn't just create stages for great speakers—he creates opportunities for ideas to grow into something much bigger. Our conversation goes far beyond public speaking. We talk about leadership, storytelling, innovation, kindness in business, and why the most meaningful success comes from investing in people rather than chasing transactions.
Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the importance of staying curious, building genuine relationships, and leading from a place of service instead of status. Waleed shares the lessons he learned from building Oxford Talks, the unexpected setbacks that ultimately became turning points, and why every great idea begins with understanding the people you're trying to serve.
This episode is a reminder that the most powerful ideas don't simply inspire us in the moment—they create lasting connections, open unexpected doors, and challenge us to think differently about the way we lead, communicate, and live. I hope our conversation encourages you to stay curious, embrace the unexpected, and remember that sometimes the greatest upside comes from the opportunities you never saw coming.
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…
[1:20] From TED to Oxford Talks: Building a Platform for Ideas That Matter
[8:31] Why Kindness Is a Competitive Advantage in Business
[20:36] What Makes a Great Speaker Truly Memorable
[28:34] Why Stories Connect More Than Information
[35:10] Leadership Is Service, Not Status
[42:55] Curiosity: The Leadership Skill We Need Most
[1:07:20] Finding the Upside in Unexpected Setbacks
Episode Show Notes
Waleed Khalid | Instagram
Waleed Khalid | LinkedIn
Waleed Khalid | Website
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website
Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube
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