Islam Issa

Founded by Alexander the Great in the fourth century BCE, Alexandria stands as a powerful example of what it means to create something from scratch and truly new—a city born from vision, ambition, and strategy. Over centuries, this city became a prize fought over by almost every empire and a stage for legendary leaders from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra to Napoleon. It was the cradle where the most innovative minds and inventors turned the city into a knowledge capital, global trading hub, and the Silicon Valley of its time.

In this captivating talk by Prof. Islam Issa – Alexandria’s foremost biographer and author of the award-winning seven-time Book of the Year “Alexandria: The City that Changed the World” – we explore what it truly means to build something from the ground up: a city, a project, or even a vision.

• What does it take to bring a bold vision to life from nothing?
• How can we turn vision into reality?
• How do imagination and mythology fuel ambition?
• How can we use soft power to wield power and to build a legacy?

Beyond its fame, Alexandria teaches us about the art of building influence, shaping culture, and creating lasting impact through soft power. While much of Alexandria’s physical glory has vanished, its influence continues to resonate, offering timeless lessons about creation, leadership and soft power. Join us to uncover the secrets of Alexandria’s rise and discover how you can harness vision and influence to create something extraordinary.

Whether you’re building a new project, leading a team, or simply looking to leave a lasting mark, this talk will inspire you to think about vision and legacy in a whole new way.