Dr. Raul Handa DBA

"Success is not just about achieving goals it's about building a legacy of integrity, innovation, and impact. True leaders inspire growth, not just in business, but in people."

LEADING WITH VISION MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION

I’ve never believed in doing business just for the sake of it. For me, it’s always been about people creating lasting value that inspires and empowers.

Born in Kuwait and based in Dubai, my leadership journey blends Eastern values with Western strategy. As Founder & CEO of The Forttuna Group, I lead a diverse enterprise spanning awards, entertainment, AI, mentorship, and digital storytelling. The Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, now in its fourth year, honors leaders from over 100 countries.

From hosting The FFTB Show to launching Gen-E and the Forttuna Startup Excellence Program, my mission remains clear: amplify voices and scale impactful ideas. I’m a Stanford Seed consultant, Forbes Business Council member, 3x TEDx speaker, and Global Business Consultant, having mentored hundreds and addressed global audiences.

In 2025, I took on a new role as Special Envoy at the Permanent Observer Mission of WSA to the United Nations. Having now received my Doctorate in Business Administration, I am also writing my debut book on the lessons that shaped my journey. Most recently, I was appointed as a Member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, also known as Chatham House, further strengthening my engagement with global policy, governance, and international affairs.

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INNOVATION & INFLUENCE

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Founder & CEO of The Forttuna Group

As Founder and CEO of The Forttuna Group, I see our work as more than recognition or media. We build platforms that amplify purpose, integrity, and global impact. Forttuna exists to spotlight leaders, foster collaboration across sectors, and turn ideas into movements. Every initiative we create is rooted in responsibility, long term vision, and the belief that leadership, when human centered, has the power to shape industries, influence policy, and inspire generations worldwide through meaningful action and shared accountability.

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Special Envoy of PO at UN

As an Special Envoy at the Permanent Observer Mission of WSA to the United Nations, I play a key role in strengthening global partnerships and advancing initiatives related to water and sanitation across Africa. My responsibilities include fostering diplomatic relations, facilitating strategic collaborations, and promoting initiatives that address water access, sanitation, and sustainable development on the international stage. Through this role, I help drive impactful policy discussions and support the WSA’s mission to improve water and sanitation systems across the continent.

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Member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House

I am honored to be appointed as a Member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House. This milestone reflects my commitment to advancing global dialogue, responsible leadership, and cross border collaboration. I look forward to contributing to thoughtful policy discussions that support inclusive governance, informed decision making, and sustainable solutions for complex global challenges facing communities worldwide today.

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Stanford Seed Consultant

As a Stanford Seed Consultant, I work closely with emerging entrepreneurs to help them scale sustainably and navigate complex business challenges. Leveraging access to Stanford University’s global network of mentors and resources, I provide strategic insight, operational guidance, and leadership development support. My focus is on strengthening fundamentals, accelerating growth, and empowering founders with practical tools and clarity needed to expand impact, build resilient organizations, and drive meaningful, long term change across industries while fostering responsible innovation and entrepreneurial outcomes.

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3 Times TEDX Speaker

As a three time TEDx speaker, I share perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation across global stages. My mission is to ignite curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. Through my talks, I encourage audiences to think beyond convention, embrace bold ideas, and take courageous steps toward meaningful change. These conversations are designed to push boundaries, spark creativity, and empower individuals to create lasting impact within their organizations, industries, and communities worldwide while shaping purpose driven leadership for future generations everywhere.

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Author, Advisor, Talk Show Host

As an author, I am currently working on my book, capturing the lessons, failures, and wins that have shaped my journey. As an advisor, I work closely with leaders and organizations, offering strategic perspective grounded in real world experience. I also host The FFTB Show, where I interview changemakers from across the globe, amplify voices that deserve to be heard, and help scale ideas that deserve to grow with purpose and impact through meaningful conversations and authentic storytelling worldwide today.

INVESTING IN INNOVATION, EMPOWERING STARTUPS

With years of experience in managing large teams and scaling businesses, I’ve honed the ability to identify high potential startups and help them navigate their growth journey with agility, resilience, and precision. But my investment doesn’t stop at financial backing. I’m deeply committed to mentoring founders, refining business models, and ensuring that their growth is sustainable in the long run.

I’m particularly passionate about emerging technologies AI, Web3, and other disruptive solutions-that have the power to revolutionize industries. My goal is simple: to create a thriving ecosystem where visionary ideas not only survive but flourish, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

For me, entrepreneurship isn’t about fleeting success it’s about creating value that endures, that empowers others, and inspires future generations to follow suit. Whether I’m guiding a startup founder, fueling innovation through investments, or collaborating with bold thinkers, my mission remains the same: to empower those who dare to innovate, lead, and make a difference.

BEYOND THE COVER

Breaking & Building: Lessons from My Biggest Mistakes

In this book, I take you through my journey as an entrepreneur the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Too often, success stories focus only on the victories, but real growth comes from failures. I’ve built businesses, scaled teams, and made decisions that shaped my career but I’ve also made mistakes that cost me time, money, and opportunities. This book is a deep dive into the hardest lessons I’ve learned in business, from misjudging market needs and hiring the wrong people to scaling too fast and underestimating execution challenges. I break down these failures, analyze what went wrong, and share the frameworks that helped me turn setbacks into stepping stones.

You'll find practical insights on:

  • ● Avoiding common entrepreneurial pitfalls that most founders face but rarely talk about.
  • ● The art of decision making how to navigate uncertainty, take calculated risks, and make tough calls.
  • ● Scaling a business the right way understanding when to grow, when to pivot, and when to step back.
  • ● The importance of resilience and adaptability how to keep moving forward when things don’t go as planned.

BRANDS I’VE BUILT, BATTLES I’VE WON

THE TRENDING TRIO