Ali El Sheikh: AUC Mentorship Program Fuels Entrepreneurship and Social Impact in Egypt

Ali El Sheikh, an entrepreneur and fintech expert, shared that the second cohort of the National Association of Certified Mentors and Coaches program, a four-day event at the American University in Cairo, was much more than just a training course. He described it as a rich journey filled with knowledge, passion, and hard work, where participants exchanged experiences and built genuine human and professional connections. El Sheikh added that what made this experience truly special wasn't just the professional certification, but also the deep human and professional value everyone gained. He pointed out that real mentorship goes beyond simply sharing expertise; it creates an impact that builds confidence and opens doors for entrepreneurs, helping them turn their visions into sustainable, growing realities. Ali El Sheikh emphasized the importance of the motto "One for all, and all for one," which resonated throughout the program's activities. He expressed his gratitude to the organizing bodies that contributed to the experience's success: the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, and EEIC Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. He also thanked the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at the American University in Cairo, specifically the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) at AUC's Ansi Sawiris School of Business, and Flex Labs. Ali El Sheikh noted that the program deepened his belief that the future of entrepreneurship in Egypt requires a thoughtful blend of mentorship, business strategy, innovation, digital transformation, governance, resilience, ethics, and sustainability. Entrepreneur Ali El Sheikh highlighted that building startups isn't just about great ideas; it also demands genuine guidance, smart governance and risk management, an awareness of the natural and social environment, a commitment to social responsibility, and achieving sustainable development goals and profitability in a responsible and lasting way.

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