I’m Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, a social entrepreneur driven by a deep passion for empowering communities and fostering meaningful change. Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated my life to creating opportunities and advancing innovation, economic development, and nonprofit leadership, particularly in the Middle East.As the founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, I’ve worked to turn my vision into reality—building a platform that promotes free market values, innovation, and policy reform in the Arab world, especially in Iraq, where I feel most connected to the mission of creating a brighter future. Seeing the impact of our work on the ground has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.Collaboration has always been at the heart of what I do. I’ve had the privilege of working with private-sector leaders and non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations to reduce bureaucracy, empower businesses, and unlock transformative opportunities in diverse societies. My focus is on creating real change—helping people access the tools they need to grow, thrive, and contribute to their communities.I also love sharing my journey and insights with others. Whether delivering a TED Talk or engaging with audiences across the U.S. and the Middle East, I aim to inspire and challenge people to think differently about the possibilities for progress. Topics like innovation, counter-extremism, and geopolitical stability are close to my heart, and I’m passionate about mentoring aspiring leaders and supporting startups to empower the next generation of changemakers.I’m honored to have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama and an honorary doctorate from Whittier College. These recognitions motivate me to keep pushing forward and building on the work I’ve started.I split my time between New York and the Middle East, blending global insights with local expertise. For me, it’s about building bridges—between cultures, ideas, and people—to advance meaningful change. When I’m not working, you can usually find me supporting a new startup, sharing stories, or learning from the incredible people I meet along the way.