Emon Shakoor on What It Takes to Blossom

What does it take to blossom? Not just for flowers, but for people, ideas, cities, communities? Maybe it’s sunlight. Maybe it’s struggle. Maybe it’s both. On Saturday, October 4th, CreativeMornings Riyadh hosted its monthly gathering, this time focusing on the theme “Blossom.” CreativeMornings is an international lecture series connecting the local creative community through inspiring talks, meaningful conversations, and a relaxed breakfast setting.

To nourish this month’s theme, CreativeMornings invited guest speaker Emon Shakoor — a neuroscientist turned entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, and the founder and CEO of Blossom Accelerator. With over a decade of experience, Blossom Accelerator is Saudi’s largest innovation and investment platform. Active in nine countries, we partner with startups, corporations, and governments to foster innovation, with a strong commitment to inclusion in all initiatives.

In her lecture, Emon spoke about a range of pivotal life moments — experiences many of us share — reflecting on how each one has shaped her personally. From battling epilepsy to facing backlash and rejection, she met her challenges head-on and emerged stronger. Emon encouraged the audience to remember her signature motto, “Stalk, Steal, and Lie.” She explained that while it sounds daring, it represents resilience: never taking no for an answer, seizing every opportunity, and above all, believing in yourself.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jalees’s Adala Almotery, Emon shared that her personal experience with epilepsy inspired her shift from neuroscience to entrepreneurship. Having attended university in California, she believes the innovative ecosystem around her helped spark that change.

“It wasn’t long before I caught the entrepreneurial bug by nature of the surrounding ecosystem. From the outside, the change may have seemed drastic, but in many ways the scientific method and startup method share many commonalities.”

“Blossom pivoted in 2020 to become tech-inclusive, and to prioritise diversity across nationality, ability, disability, skillset and gender. We also aligned our mission with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, encouraging more women in the workforce.”

When asked about her biggest challenge, Emon didn’t hesitate:

“Perception. What first appeared as my greatest obstacle turned out to be my greatest opportunity,” she reflected. “I’ve learned to say no to people’s ‘no."

Her advice to women entering the business world is simple yet powerful:

“Just go for it. Don’t wait for anyone’s approval — you can do it if you believe in yourself. If the worst thing happens and you fail, at least when you’re 85, you’ll never have to wonder ‘what if."

“I’m not always motivated, but I’m a woman on a mission. Even when motivation fades, nothing can stop me — and it’s that mindset that keeps me going.”

Last but not least, Emon mentioned the most impactful book she’s read — a fitting nod to Al Jalees’s love for reading and the written word — You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero. “I read it when I was 19, and it completely shifted my perspective on the world — and on money, saving it, having it, and growing it.”

Through our ongoing collaboration with CreativeMornings Riyadh, Al Jalees shares its voice and its books — offering monthly reflections and hosting the Book Swap Library at every gathering. It’s a small corner where stories find new owners. Hearing Emon speak about Sincero’s book felt like one of those quiet links between readers — a reminder that the right book can change how you see yourself and what you reach for next.

From hardship to growth, Emon’s story reminds us that even after the darkest seasons, we all hold the power to bloom.