Strategic Financial Leadership with Alex Ibrahim, CFO of Yanolja
Introduction
In this episode of The Dr. Lycka Show, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Alex Ibrahim, a powerhouse in global finance and current CFO at Yanolja, a travel-tech leader with a global AI-driven platform. Broadcasting from New York, Alex brings over 20 years of capital markets experience, including a celebrated tenure at the New York Stock Exchange. Tune in as we explore Alex's career, insights on IPO strategy, team leadership, AI in finance, and building a 10x company.
From Fashion to Finance: The Journey Begins
Alex shares his path from the Fashion Institute of Technology to the Zicklin School of Business, then into finance. Recruited by the NYSE, he spearheaded Latin American relations and eventually led international capital markets, managing IPOs for major firms like Didi, Nubank, and On Running.
A Strategic Leap to Corporate Leadership
Leaving the NYSE after 22 years, Alex joined Yanolja to bring companies through the IPO journey from the inside. He now uses his deep understanding of global markets to guide strategic growth and capital initiatives for the Korean-founded tech company.
Evolving Leadership Styles
Transitioning from market oversight to internal leadership, Alex discusses how his access to top bankers and executives shaped his approach. His focus now is on strategic positioning, building investor confidence, and driving Yanolja’s expansion.
Guiding Through Economic Uncertainty
Alex emphasizes the importance of market timing in capital decisions. During downturns, IPOs and M&As pause—but savvy companies wait and strike when conditions stabilize, positioning themselves for growth.
Building a High-Performance Finance Team
Alex seeks team players with technical financial skills and cross-functional collaboration abilities. He values professionals who integrate with broader departments and align financial goals with company strategy.
Global Communication & Team Culture
Managing international teams from New York to Korea, Alex stresses the importance of structured communication, clear expectations, and a team-oriented mindset to ensure cross-border cohesion and execution.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Alex stays sharp by consuming news from WSJ, FT, Bloomberg, and by engaging with industry leaders. He’s a lifelong learner, constantly evolving with market and technology trends.
Strategic KPIs & Resistance to Change
Key metrics at Yanolja include TTV, revenue, and EBITDA growth. When rolling out initiatives, Alex ensures transparency and shows how changes ultimately benefit all departments.
The CFO Role in the AI Era
The CFO role today goes far beyond spreadsheets. Alex describes himself as a “market-facing CFO,” frequently engaging with media, investors, and analysts—balancing finance with strategic storytelling.
Investing for Impact
Though he refrains from specific Yanolja details, Alex explains capital should go toward areas with clear ROI. Evaluating investment timing, scalability, and company-wide benefit is key.
Yanolja: From Startup to Global Powerhouse
Yanolja means "Hey, let's have fun!" in Korean. From modest roots streamlining hotel operations, it’s grown into a global leader with 1.3 million hotels and 20,000+ channels in 200+ countries. Today, it serves consumers and businesses with travel tech and AI-powered solutions.
BIO:
Alexandre Ibrahim is the Corporate CFO at Yanolja, based in New York. In this role, he leverages his expertise in capital markets to strengthen the company’s financial management and drive strategic initiatives, supporting its continued global expansion and growth. Ibrahim brings over 20 years of experience from his distinguished career at the New York Stock Exchange, where he played a pivotal role in facilitating Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and capital raising for numerous global enterprises across Asia, North America, and South America.
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Discover the golden pearls of wisdom within you! Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped develop several new technologies and has spoken at podiums worldwide. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After courageously fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage, determination, and tenacity. Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life" with a foreword by #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup For The Soul.
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Dr. Allen Steven Lycka was acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the “Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine” and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.
In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop while on vacation with his family at Disneyland. He promised his wife he would explore it, and after seeing many doctors was misdiagnosed with having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years. He later discovered he has Chronic Lyme disease.
Because of what he learned through his experience, he left his practice and co-authored the bestselling book, “The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life” with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction.
He has also authored two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.” Both books also became bestsellers during the Covid crisis in 2020. Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.
Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.