Early Life and the Making of a Visionary
Dr. Raul Handa’s life story begins far from the boardrooms of Dubai and the global stages of TEDx. Born and raised in Kuwait, Raul grew up balancing traditions with curiosity, determined to explore how business could be more than profit. From early on, he believed that real success comes from connecting with people and understanding their stories. That people‑first philosophy stayed with him as he traveled the world, studied deeply, and built a life dedicated to leadership, service, and inspiration.
From modest beginnings, Raul never set out to be a typical entrepreneur. Instead, he focused on learning, growing, and finding ways to make meaningful impact. This mindset shaped his academic journey, culminating in earning a Doctorate in Business Administration, which equipped him with both intellectual depth and real‑world strategic thinking.
The Birth of The Forttuna Group and Business Philosophy
As founder and CEO of The Forttuna Group, Dr. Handa leads a bold, multi‑vertical enterprise spanning awards, media, mentorship, entertainment, artificial intelligence, and digital storytelling. In his own words, business is about people first, not just transactions or numbers. That belief has become the guiding principle of Forttuna’s growth and impact.
Under his vision, The Forttuna Group has become a platform for creativity, recognition, and community. Its initiatives include the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, a growing international showcase that celebrates leadership and innovation across industries. The annual awards attract thousands of applicants from around the world and honor individuals whose work drives meaningful progress and global good.
Dr. Handa has built Forttuna into more than a business it is now a global ecosystem where entrepreneurs, changemakers, and thought leaders connect and grow together. His leadership philosophy emphasizes integrity, collective achievement, and the belief that true success is measured by the lives we lift.
Trailblazing Across Stages and Screens
Raul’s journey to influence was not limited to business success alone. He has taken his ideas to global platforms as a three‑time TEDx speaker, where he has spoken on themes of leadership, resilience, innovation, and human potential. Through these talks, he has reached audiences across continents, inspiring people from all walks of life to pursue purpose over profit.
Not content with just live talks, Dr. Handa also brings meaningful conversations to digital audiences as the host of The FFTB Show. This acclaimed docu‑series spotlights global changemakers, sharing stories of courage, struggle, and transformation that resonate with millions online. Through these interviews, he creates a space where success is examined not just as achievement but as a journey of growth and impact.
A Global Leader With a Heart for People
His influence extends to mentorship and advisory roles as well. As a Stanford Seed Consultant, Raul advises companies and leaders seeking to scale with purpose. His guidance blends strategic insight with emotional intelligence, helping founders and executives navigate the complexities of growth in a rapidly changing world.
In 2025, Dr. Handa’s expanding impact reached an international stage when he was appointed as Special Envoy to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan‑African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation (WSA) to the United Nations. This role underscores his commitment to addressing global challenges particularly water access and sanitation and reflects his belief that leaders can and should use their platforms to serve humanity.
Despite these monumental accomplishments, Raul remains grounded and accessible. His work with entrepreneurs often takes place in informal settings from mentoring young founders over coffee to engaging with startup communities reinforcing his belief that great leadership bridges gaps, listens deeply, and serves with humility.
Lessons From Struggle and Triumph
Dr. Raul Handa’s life has not been without challenge. Like many entrepreneurs, he has faced moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and difficult decisions. But he embraces struggle as part of growth, believing that resilience is built through experience, reflection, and persistence. Throughout his speeches and writings, he stresses that vulnerability and courage are not opposites; they are companions on the path to impact.
Instead of hiding from challenges, he invites others to rethink them: not as failures but as feedback. This perspective has encouraged thousands to rethink their own journeys, turning obstacles into opportunities for learning and reinvention.
Today’s Achievements and Future Endeavors
Today, Dr. Handa stands as a global business leader, educator, speaker, and storyteller. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, he is also working on his first book a personal account of lessons learned through the many ups and downs of his professional and personal journey. This book aims to guide aspiring leaders to see beyond conventional success and embrace life with purpose, grit, and compassion.
His role as a leader goes beyond boardrooms and conferences. Daily, he engages with teams across continents, mentors rising talents, and cultivates communities that celebrate impact over acclaim. His lifestyle reflects deep curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to living by the principles he advocates integrity, empathy, and vision that serves others.
Inspiring the Next Generation
What makes Dr. Raul Handa’s story particularly compelling for today’s aspirational generation is not just his list of accomplishments, but his emphasis on authenticity and purpose. His life stands as proof that success without meaning is incomplete. The stories he shares, the platforms he builds, and the conversations he hosts all aim to inspire a new generation of leaders who are not just ambitious, but impactful.
Entrepreneurs, young professionals, and dreamers around the world look to his journey as a blueprint for how to lead with heart, overcome obstacles with courage, and build ventures that matter. Through his work, he encourages others to pursue dreams not for fame or wealth, but to contribute to something greater than themselves.
Legacy of a Leader With Purpose
In a world overflowing with noise and fleeting trends, Dr. Raul Handa’s story resonates because it is rooted in depth, connection, and service. He is not just a leader of businesses; he is a leader of people, ideas, and movements. His life showcases a clear message: that real achievement begins with purpose, is sustained through resilience, and blossoms into legacy when it uplifts others.
From Kuwait to the United Nations, from TEDx stages to global media platforms, Dr. Raul Handa’s journey continues to inspire millions. His legacy is still unfolding, but one thing is clear his work will continue shaping leaders, businesses, and communities for generations to come.
Do follow him on Instagram.
Read Next – Living in Al Reem Island – Full Guide to Your New Home
