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.

Social Media:

(1) Alex Ibrahim | LinkedIn