Entrepreneurs are crucial participants in the global economy and play a pivotal role in a country’s economic security. Their ventures drive innovation, create new industries and employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and foster competition. It’s More Than Grit delves into the untold stories of entrepreneurs, highlighting how their success is shaped not just by grit, but by the economic, policy, and social environments of where they live. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and industry experts from around the world, host Mariana Campero explores the stories of both triumphs and setbacks and learns how her guests leveraged every resource they had to find success.
Produced by Marla Hiller.
The Untold Story of Middle Eastern Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Mariana speaks with Mothanna Gharaibeh, former Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship with 15 years of experience in the private sector across the Middle East.
They discuss a story that is being overshadowed by the current war in Iran: a story about human capital, tech adaptation, and the sheer entrepreneurial hustle in the Middle East.
They also discuss the difference between entrepreneurs in oil-rich versus non-oil-rich countries, the critical need to adopt similar regulations across the region for entrepreneurs to scale, and how Jordan is an exporter of tech talent.
Lastly, they explore Jordan’s ambitions to position itself as a key player in the new technological revolution: AI.
9 Apr 2026
It's the Monopolies, Stupid
In this episode, Mariana speaks with Adolfo Babatz, Founder and CEO of Clip, the company that transformed the Mexican streetscape by not only putting a payment terminal into the hands of micro-merchants but also by offering them financial services to help them become more efficient to survive. They discuss the structural issues blocking Mexico’s fintech revolution and digital currency adoption.
They also explore what other countries like Brazil and India have done to reduce the attractiveness of cash, the impact of AI on Clip and Latin America, and which model will the region follow: the “Super App” model of China, or the fragmented, specialized approach of the U.S.
Lastly, they touch upon Adolfo’s personal qualities and his mission to bridge the socioeconomic gap between the banked and unbanked merchants.
6 Mar 2026
Paying it Forward
In this episode, Mariana speaks with David Fialkow, co-founder and managing director of General Catalyst, a venture capital firm, and an Academy Award-winning storyteller. David discusses his life defined by relentless curiosity from his early days as a serial entrepreneur who built and sold four companies to his pivot toward venture capital. David shares his personal “why” behind the creation of General Catalyst.
Mariana and David also explore the many layers of his identity—not only as a successful investor backing giants like Stripe and AirBnB and an Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind Icarus and Navalny, but also as a dedicated athlete, husband, father and mentor. David reveals his “red lines” when evaluating founders and the vital roles of storytelling and mentorship.
Finally, they speak about why the United States has been a fertile ground for entrepreneurship, what is important to protect, and what has changed around the world where “unicorns” (companies valued at one billion dollars) are popping up like never before, signaling a new era of innovation and competition.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
58,974,216
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
44
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
32
Contact It's More Than Grit
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of It's More Than Grit?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
