Julie Barbier-Leblan, CEO of Merit, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of her company. She started her entrepreneurship journey in the Middle East as a finance lawyer and later founded Merit, a global engagement technology company. Merit helps enterprise clients engage internally with their employees and externally with customers using a suite of SaaS solutions and rewards. Julie discusses the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business in the MENA region and the importance of building a strong network and partnerships. She also shares her decision to raise VC funding and the benefits of having local and regional investors.Key Takeaways:Julie Barbier-Leblan started her entrepreneurship journey in the Middle East as a finance lawyer and later founded Merit, a global engagement technology company.Merit helps enterprise clients engage internally with their employees and externally with customers using a suite of SaaS solutions and rewards.Building a strong network and partnerships is crucial for scaling a business in the MENA region.Julie decided to raise VC funding to support the growth and scalability of Merit, and she believes in having local and regional investors to educate the ecosystem.The Saudi 2030 vision and the shift towards a digital economy in the region present exciting opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. Transitioning from a founder to a leader requires adjusting and adapting to new roles and responsibilities.Choosing the right co-founder is crucial for scaling a company, but it's important to be cautious and ensure alignment of values and complementary skills.As a female founder, Julie faced resistance and bias, but she learned to stand up for herself and set boundaries.Self-awareness, embracing the journey, and not listening to those who tell you to slow down are key to success as an entrepreneur.