From a Presidential Cabinet in North Africa to Gobal Business Leadership

Interview

In this insightful interview, we speak with a pioneering business leader and communications expert who has been instrumental in shaping media, government strategy, and business development across North Africa, the Middle East, and North America. With a wealth of experience ranging from founding the first political TV outlet in Africa to advising Tunisia’s presidential cabinet, he shares his journey, expertise in international relations, and the transformative impact of eLearning and language localization on modern businesses.

CSA: Can you tell us about your early career and how your role in establishing the first political TV media outlet in Africa shaped your journey?

Kristina: Absolutely. One of the most formative experiences in my career was leading the creation of the first political TV media outlet in Africa. It was a groundbreaking project, born out of a desire to give voice to diverse political perspectives and foster more informed discourse in a region full of potential. This endeavor required not only entrepreneurial spirit but also a deep sense of socio-political responsibility. The experience taught me the power of media in shaping narratives, the importance of fostering open dialogue, and how strategic communication can truly make an impact. These lessons have continued to guide me in my roles since then, especially in my work with international business development.

In North America, there’s a clear results-oriented mindset, which goes hand in hand with building strong teams and maintaining a continuous alignment between organizational goals and those of their executives. This culture of efficiency and focus on achieving measurable outcomes has had a profound impact on how I approach business and leadership, and it’s a lesson I carry with me in every project I manage across both regions.

CSA: How did your time serving in the president’s cabinet in Tunisia influence your expertise in government communication and international relations?

Kristina: Working within Tunisia’s presidential cabinet was a unique opportunity to understand the delicate balance of policy-making and strategic communication at the highest levels. It gave me an in-depth perspective on both domestic and international policy, and how these two fronts intersect. My role required me to communicate with clarity and diplomacy, not just for internal stakeholders, but also on the global stage. It was an experience that honed my skills in navigating complex government and diplomatic relations, and that expertise has been instrumental in my work, particularly when fostering international partnerships or collaborating with research entities in Tunisia and Germany.

In many cases, potential clients are willing to embrace these changes, but a combination of uncertainty around the economic outlook in their respective countries and a fear of operational challenges holds them back from making the leap. For a consulting firm like Mokhtar Group, this represents an opportunity. We can guide these businesses through the digital transition, helping them overcome their hesitation and realize the full benefits of modernization.

CSA: Your experience spans both B2B and B2G sales. How do you approach building sustainable partnerships in such diverse fields?

Kristina: My approach to both B2B and B2G sales has always been rooted in strategic vision and a deep understanding of stakeholder dynamics. Building sustainable partnerships requires more than just closing deals—it’s about fostering trust, aligning long-term goals, and maintaining open, transparent communication. Whether I’m working with businesses or governments, I focus on ensuring that every partnership is mutually beneficial and capable of driving sustainable growth. This ability to create long-lasting relationships is key, especially in an ever-evolving global market.

Listening to potential clients, understanding their difficulties and challenges, is crucial in consulting and lays the foundation for achieving tangible business results. For me, this ability to listen has been invaluable in my consulting work, where understanding a client’s specific needs leads to more effective outcomes.

In consulting, demonstrating flexibility and adapting proposals to meet local demands is essential. This adaptability is key to creating relevant and impactful business strategies that truly resonate with clients and help them achieve their goals.

CSA: What role has eLearning and language localization played in your work, and how has it shaped the projects you’ve led at Mokhtar Group?

Kristina: eLearning and language localization have become central to my work, particularly in the MENA region. I am passionate about making education and training more accessible, inclusive, and effective. By integrating language localization into eLearning platforms, I’ve helped businesses and educational institutions expand their global outreach and ensure their content resonates with diverse audiences. At Mokhtar Group, this focus has allowed me to lead initiatives that not only broaden access to education but also ensure that businesses are equipped to engage with multilingual markets effectively. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these efforts have empowered both learners and businesses.

This is particularly true in industries where financial flows are strong, such as education, healthcare, and the arts, though not all countries experience this surplus equally. The challenge for many companies is not only understanding these technological advancements but also developing the strategies to turn them into opportunities for growth and innovation within their sectors.

CSA: What unique strengths do you bring to Mokhtar Group, particularly in guiding companies in the MENA region?

Kristina: My deep understanding of the MENA region’s cultural, economic, and political landscape allows me to guide companies in their growth strategies with precision. I leverage this regional expertise to help businesses navigate complexities, ensuring their strategies are culturally sensitive and commercially viable. At Mokhtar Group, my consultancy work is dedicated to assisting companies and educational institutions in aligning their goals with regional dynamics. Whether it’s through market entry strategies, strategic partnerships, or localized solutions, I focus on delivering growth while maintaining alignment with the region’s unique characteristics. My fluency in four languages also enables me to connect and communicate effectively across diverse markets, further enhancing the global impact of the work we do.