Ray Dargham

How would you define STEP conference in one sentence?
It's the largest tech and interactive gathering for startups, venture capitalists and digital enthusiasts in the MENA region. 
What are you hoping to accomplish through STEP 2016?
I want to create the largest showcase of startups in the presence of investment funds. We aim to see loads of investment deals coming out of this event.
I also hope to bring together music and film industry players and connect them with the tech world. This is why we are introducing an entertainment track this year, focussing on music and film and players like Anghami, Universal Music, Shahid, OSN, and others.  
What is the number one item on your wish list/to-do list?
I want to build a modern media and tech company that best represents millennials of the Middle East - both locally and globally. 
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I've always wanted to read people's minds because, with that power, anything and
everything can be achieved. 
Your favourite hangout in the UAE?
There's so much to choose from. But if I had to pick, I would say Tomo  - it's a great Japanese restaurant in Dubai. 
The first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?
It doesn't always work, but I try to think of the big picture. 
The app on your Smartphone that you click on most often.
Slack. 
Your favourite movie character of all time and why?
Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption. I believe that he resembles the best way a human being can understand life - and face it.
What is one major life lesson that you have learnt and what advice would you give others?
Big things/achievements take time to happen. We only have limited time in our life, and very few chances are given to us to make things happen. I think a person only gets offered about three or four life-changing moments - maybe only one every decade! So make the most of those opportunities. 
- As told to staff reporter
 
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