As the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Global Group Holdings, Inc., Larisa leads the organization with a multifaceted portfolio that includes Phoenix Global, LLC, an international consulting and investment entity with operations in Miami, USA, and Abu Dhabi, UAE; Phoenix Global Media Group LLC; and Phoenix Grove, a defense contracting joint venture in collaboration with Oak Grove Technologies. Strategically positioned between the Middle East and the United States, Phoenix Global Group Holdings, Inc. specializes in delivering a broad spectrum of services across both the public and private sectors.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Larisa is a highly sought-after speaker, known for her thought leadership on developing a disruptive mindset, empowering women leaders, and preparing businesses for the future. She also offers insights into strategic investment approaches that drive sustainable growth and innovation. Her speaking engagements inspire audiences to rethink traditional strategies, embrace innovation, and cultivate leadership qualities that drive meaningful change. Larisa’s global influence is further underscored by her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through her focus on women’s leadership, empowerment, and forward-thinking investment strategies.
INTRODUCTION TO DISRUPTIVE MINDSET
-You offer a substitute for antiquated business paradigms that is especially beneficial for companies looking to adapt and prosper in times of rapid change. When did you first realise the advantages of cultivating this mindset, and how did you initially develop this approach in practice?
My entire life, from childhood onward, I’ve always had an innate curiosity about how things work, why they are done in certain ways, and why people, businesses, and institutions seem to stick with established methodologies without considering a potentially better, faster, or more efficient alternative—or even an entirely new business model or pathway forward. People live by a “Why reinvent the wheel?” philosophy, and my answer has always been, “Why not?” Entrenched businesses are vulnerable businesses, and entrenched mindsets place limitations on the possibilities of life. I know for certain that there is infinite room for disruption in every industry, but the greatest disruption almost always comes from the outside. The hotel industry did not create Airbnb, and the taxi industry did not create Uber.
Training your mind—conditioning yourself to see beyond the obvious and beyond the legacy business model—is where true innovation, leadership, and progress emerge. Connecting unexpected dots, and combining two sectors that others cannot see as a natural match, is a gift that leads to growth, resilience, and profitability. Developing a disruptive mindset can be learned—it’s about allowing yourself to see beyond the obvious, to recognize elements, processes, and value that those stuck in industry silos often miss. As a business leader, I am constantly looking for unexpected ways to connect the dots and always viewing today through a 20-year lens. I ask myself, where will we be in twenty years, and how can I plant those seeds today to ensure we are growing and producing ahead of our competitors?
- As the CEO of Phoenix Global, a global consulting and project management company with offices in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, two countries with diverging business traditions, can you identify some converging trends for both countries when it comes to interest and integration of disruptive technologies?
Both the United States and the UAE are pioneering cutting-edge technologies, with technology serving as the universal common denominator for progress. In the UAE, there is an impressive focus on leading technology development and integration. They build today as if it were tomorrow—pushing ahead with initiatives like their ambitious space program, innovative sustainability solutions, transformative transportation efficiencies, and rapid infrastructure development that eclipses global benchmarks. Moreover, the UAE places a strong emphasis on cultivating and rewarding young talent, ensuring that emerging leaders are equipped to drive technological advancements. In contrast, while the USA is making significant technological strides, our progress is often hampered by bureaucracy and political constraints, risking a slowdown in our innovative momentum.
There are important lessons to be learned from the UAE’s approach. Their unwavering commitment to preparing youth for the future—evidenced by initiatives such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashad's One Million Coders initiative and the Future Partnerships initiative—demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset that ensures a sustainable leadership in technology. The USA must begin to think through this same lens, focusing on building internal capabilities and equipping our youth for tomorrow's challenges. We have, arguably, done a poor job in preparing our future leaders, and if we are to seize the mantle of global technological leadership, we must stop getting in our own way and prioritize creating an environment where innovation and youth empowerment are at the forefront.
- How significant is the globalist perspective for today's local companies, and how might such an approach aid in creating a disruptive business mindset?
A globalist perspective is crucial for today's local companies, pushing them to explore non-obvious ways forward. By anticipating trends and seeking out unique collaborative opportunities—even those with competitors—businesses can innovate together, preempt potential systemic fractures, optimize supply chains, and fortify their global networks. This mindset not only broadens the strategic horizon but also enables companies to remain agile in an increasingly interconnected market.
Globalization stands as the most important business trend of the 21st century, permeating every industry and sector. While establishing connections with a global network of customers, suppliers, and logistics providers is essential, it represents only one facet of the equation. True competitive advantage comes from leveraging these connections to drive innovation, accelerate decision-making, and respond dynamically to global shifts in market demand.
The ability to reimagine your business model and steer your company in new directions—based on emerging technological advancements and evolving consumer needs—is what ultimately sets you apart from competitors. By embracing a globalist perspective, companies can pioneer exciting new pathways, ensuring they not only survive but thrive as leaders in their industries. This disruptive business mindset is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and long-term success in a rapidly changing world.
- What additional innovative business tools can help companies succeed?
Emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning offer powerful tools for companies to streamline operations, improve efficiencies, and optimize business processes. Embracing these technologies early rather than fearing their potential is key to transforming the way you work. By putting technology to work for you, businesses can automate routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on creative problem-solving and innovation. The proactive adoption of AI-driven analytics, predictive maintenance, and data optimization strategies not only bolsters operational efficiency but also paves the way for new growth opportunities.
Yet, while technology is indispensable, the most important asset a business has is often right under its nose: its employees. From the most junior team member to the most senior leader, everyone should be actively involved in the conversation about growth and innovation. Employees on the frontlines are the ones who see firsthand what works and what doesn’t—spotting operational inefficiencies, suggesting process improvements, or identifying product adjustments that could save time or enhance quality. Their insights, often shared informally in the lunchroom, are invaluable for driving practical, impactful change that the boardroom might otherwise overlook.
The most innovative companies recognize the value of fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard. By assembling cross-functional working groups or internal think tanks, businesses can break down silos and encourage collaboration among employees from all levels and departments. This open, fear-free zone not only leverages diverse perspectives but also empowers individuals to contribute to critical solutions that may otherwise be missed. When you make your employees a respected, recognized, and rewarded part of your innovation strategy, your company’s potential becomes truly limitless.
- Why can it be difficult (for certain industries) to reimagine the legacy business model...
Certain industries struggle to reimagine their legacy business models because they become entrenched in a mindset of “our model has worked fine for four decades, why change now?” If you hold onto that mentality, start packing up your desk because you'll be irrelevant within three to five years. Those brave enough to do things differently than their competitors will have opportunities that they competitors do not have.
- Tell us how your AIR streaming platform is reimagining content, engagement and global connectivity.
AIR is reimagining content, engagement, and global connectivity by fusing traditional broadcast audio with crowd-sourced, user-generated content, creating the world's first social streaming platform of its kind. This innovative model disrupts conventional broadcast formats and paves the way for a dynamic, interactive media ecosystem that empowers both creators and listeners.
By breaking free from the constraints of legacy media, AIR invites a community of content creators and audiences to actively shape what they listen to and share. The platform seamlessly integrates professionally produced content with insights and contributions from its user base, generating an agile ecosystem that is responsive to the rapidly changing landscape of digital media and global trends.
Streaming live online at www.onairnow.ai, AIR connects diverse communities across the globe in real time, offering a superior listening experience enriched by social interaction and real-time content curation. This approach not only redefines how broadcast audio is delivered but also transforms it into a medium that facilitates genuine, worldwide engagement and collaboration.
Looking ahead, AIR - On AIR Now will soon be available in the Apple and Google Play app stores as part of a soft BETA launch. We are inviting early adopters to participate and provide feedback, ensuring that the platform evolves to meet user demands in both features and content. By embracing external ideas and strategies, AIR is committed to continually optimizing its offering, positioning itself as a pioneer in social streaming and setting a new benchmark for global connectivity in the digital age.
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