Future influencers from the Kingdom delivered their tips for success and told their inspirational stories at the Misk Foundation’s latest event in Los Angeles. In front of an audience of hundreds at LA’s Beverly Hills Hotel, young Saudis studying or working in the US shared the keys to progressing in the modern global economy. The evening of presentations was organized by Misk, the non-profit foundation set up by Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2011 to empower the next generation of Saudis in the fields of education, science and technology, arts and culture, and the media. It was the third of six Misk events held at major US cities to coincide with the crown prince’s visit. “Misk seeks to develop young Saudis and provide them with the opportunity to thrive in an ever-changing world,” said host Zain Verjee, co-founder and CEO of aKoma Media, a content publishing and storytelling platform. “It provides an avenue for all of you to plug into the global grid. “These youths and future leaders are positive, optimistic and really committed to shaping a brighter future for a troubled world.” Topics included entrepreneurship, the changing face of technology, studying at US universities, KSA cities of the future, and what it takes to thrive in business.  Abdul Thunayan revealed how he left a successful career in Riyadh to creat a start-up in New York. His Ivanzi store for undiscovered brands took off — both online and with the launch of a Manhattan store. “Coming to a market that is mature and competitive, the odds were clearly against me, and I was told that I wouldn’t make it,” he said. “But if your dreams don’t terrify and excite you at the same time, they’re not worth going after.”  Shada Alsalamah, a King Saud University professor and visiting scholar at MIT Media Lab Research Group, talked about her cutting-edge work on robots and artificial intelligence, and how this developing market will eventually create 10 million new jobs across the globe, particularly in medicine. “These jobs will be less repetitive, they will clear the way for the application of emotional intelligence,” she said. “If governments do not adapt and adopt the changing technology, they will be left behind.” Maan Binabdulrahman told how studying at the New York Film Academy gave him the platform to be a movie producer and director. His dramatic thriller The Scapegoat was shown at the Dubai Film Festival, while his comedy Film School Musical won a host of awards in the US, in 2016. He said: “Having a dream is good. Having a passion is amazing. Taking the initiative is what it’s all about. But consistency is how you achieve. “It’s an exciting time to be alive. I am proud to be a Saudi Arabian who is not dreaming of being a filmmaker any more. Finally, it’s a reality.” One of the most moving stories came from Abdullah Fahad Alsanea, an undergraduate at Woodbury University, in San Diego.  While at school in Saudi Arabia, Abdullah was diagnosed with a severe lung condition. At the age of 17 he underwent major surgery. Once recovered, he decided to study architecture in the US, even though he had little English. “I regained hope that I would overcome my physical limitations and succeed in an area, instead of thinking my life was over,” he said. “I promised myself to fight the good fight and prove to myself that I belong to this profession.”