#131 Scaling Smart: Ahmed Refky on CX Growth in Emerging Markets

In this episode of Good Morning BSS World, I connect across the Atlantic with Ahmed Refky, CEO of Planovate — an advisory firm based in Orlando, Florida, specializing in the CX and BPO sectors. With more than 25 years of global experience, Ahmed brings a wealth of insights on growth strategies, market entry, offshoring, and scaling for companies seeking to expand their customer experience operations.Drawing from his recent visit to Georgia, a rising star among emerging outsourcing destinations, Ahmed outlines the fundamentals of how markets - both new and mature - can position themselves to attract clients and investors. He stresses the importance of defining a clear value proposition, building strong people-first teams, and developing credible client references before profitability.We explore two key scenarios: how emerging destinations can become visible to global investors, and how established service providers can assess when and where to expand. From nailing down go-to-market strategies to balancing nearshore and offshore models, Ahmed provides practical frameworks based on real-world consulting experience.Crucially, Ahmed reminds us: “Relationships can’t be built behind screens.” He urges stakeholders to blend physical presence with digital engagement, and avoid the trap of overselling. Whether you're a country looking to attract FDI or a BPO aiming to scale abroad, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Tune in for strategic insights, market dynamics, and real-world success stories that can help guide your next move in the global CX and BPO landscape. Key points of the podcast:Identifying and focusing on a clear value proposition is crucial for both emerging destinations and service providers to attract and retain clients effectively.Building strong, face-to-face relationships and understanding cultural affinities are essential components for successful client engagement and business growth.Overselling capabilities can damage trust and reputation, making it vital to accurately represent what can be realistically delivered. Links:Ahmed Refky on Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedrefky/Planovate - https://www.planovate.com/Talk to AI about this episode - https://gmbw.onpodcastai.com/episodes/nznooWH2LTo/chat **************************** My name is Wiktor Doktór and on daily basis I run Pro Progressio Club https://klub.proprogressio.pl - it's a community of many private companies and public sector organizations that care about the development of business relations in the B2B model. In the Good Morning BSS World podcast, apart from solo episodes, I share interviews with experts and specialists from global BPO/GBS industry.If you want to learn more about me, please visit my social media channels:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/wiktordoktorHere is also link to the English podcasts Playlist - https://bit.ly/GoodMorningBSSWorldPodcastYTLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiktordoktorYou can also write to me. My email address is - kontakt(@) wiktordoktor.pl **************************** This Podcast is supported by Patrons:Marzena Sawicka https://www.linkedin.com/in/marzena-sawicka-a9644a23/Przemysław Sławiński https://www.linkedin.com/in/przemys%C5%82aw-s%C5%82awi%C5%84ski-155a4426/Damian Ruciński https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-ruci%C5%84ski/Szymon Kryczka https://www.linkedin.com/in/szymonkryczka/Grzegorz Ludwin https://www.linkedin.com/in/gludwin/Adam Furmańczuk https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-agilino/Anna Czyż - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-czyz-%F0%9F%94%B5%F0%9F%94%B4%F0%9F%9F%A2-68597813/Igor Tkach - https://www.linkedin.com/in/igortkach/ If you like my podcasts give a like, subscribe and join Patrons of Good Morning BSS World as well. Here are two links to do so:Patronite - https://patronite.pl/wiktordoktor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/wiktordoktor Or if you liked this episode and would like to buy me virtual coffee, you can use this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wiktordoktor - by doing so you support the growth and distribution of this podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-morning-bss-world--4131868/support.