Shalakhti
AI-Driven Product & Innovation Leader
Architect of digital products, builder of AI ecosystems, and champion of human-centered innovation.
About
"I don't just build products. I design ecosystems where innovation can scale."
Sultan Shalakhti is an AI-driven product and innovation leader with 14+ years of experience building scalable digital products and platforms. As VP of Product & Strategy at Master Team, he architects AI-powered ecosystems, drives digital transformation across industries, and collaborates with government, enterprise, and startup organizations to deliver impactful technology solutions.
Throughout his career, he has led major transformation programs for top organizations — including Al Rajhi Group, Vision Bank, and others — where he helped build one of the region's first fully digital banks from the ground up.
A trusted partner to government, semi-government, and private-sector entities, Sultan has shaped the evolution of digital banking and digital experience across Saudi Arabia. He has worked with startups, enterprises, and national organizations to redesign, optimize, and elevate digital products at scale.
As a strategist and builder, Sultan focuses on uncovering real business gaps, designing innovative and commercially viable solutions, and validating their impact before deployment. His ability to blend business sense, technology insight, and user-centric design has made him a key force in transforming digital experiences across multiple industries.
14+
Years Experience
50+
Projects Delivered
13K+
LinkedIn Followers
Founder & CEO
Slingshot is a specialized innovation partner focused on transforming organizations through Digital Innovation, Customer Experience (CX), User Experience (UX), Service Design (SD), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
We operate through a structured co-creation model, working side by side with leadership and internal teams to design, build, and scale digital capabilities that create lasting impact. We don't deliver static recommendations, we embed, prototype, activate, and operationalize innovation from within.
"I founded Slingshot to be more than a consultancy — it's an innovation engine that helps organizations reimagine what's possible through design, AI, and bold product thinking."
— Sultan Shalakhti, Founder & CEO
"Stop defining success by how many features we shipped. Start defining success by how many users smiled."
Latest Insights
Thought Leadership
Sharing perspectives on AI, product strategy, digital transformation, CX, and UX through LinkedIn.
"Streamlining Team Roles: UX Designer, Product Owner, Business Analyst. Should every team have all three, or can some roles merge? The key is clarity of ownership — not title inflation."
"The New Mandatory Rule: Redesign Your Services for the Age of Agentic AI. If your services are not designed for agentic AI, they will become obsolete. This changes everything."
"Making Operations Effortless with AI & Automation. The companies that thrive tomorrow are those investing in AI-driven operations today. This isn't just about efficiency — it's about unlocking the full potential of people."
"From Execution to Ecosystem Thinking: The biggest shift in my journey has been moving from delivering services — to designing systems that scale. This is no longer about being the best designer in the room."
What I Build
Products & Ecosystems
Impactful projects at the intersection of AI, product design, and digital transformation.
AI-Powered Product Ecosystems
Leading the design and strategy of AI-driven platforms that transform how organizations deliver value. From intelligent automation to predictive personalization, building systems that learn and adapt.
Scaled across multiple enterprise clients
National Digital Transformation
Driving digital transformation initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Year of AI 2026. Helping government and enterprise organizations move from legacy systems to intelligent digital ecosystems.
Government-scale implementation
Master Team Product Suite
As VP of Product & Strategy, architecting a comprehensive product suite that combines innovative technology with human-centered design principles to solve complex business challenges.
VP-level product leadership
AI-Driven UX Personalization
Pioneering the application of AI to create hyper-personalized user experiences — designing for one in a million. Developing frameworks that balance automation with human empathy.
Published research & talks
Design Systems
Building scalable design systems that empower teams to create consistent, accessible, and delightful digital products at speed. Establishing shared design languages and component libraries across organizations.
Cross-organization adoption
Innovation Labs
Creating innovation frameworks and lab environments where teams can experiment, prototype, and validate new ideas rapidly. Turning innovation from a one-off event into a repeatable, scalable process.
Structured innovation programs
"The future won't be built by design leaders who just manage designers. It will be built by those who redesign power, not just products."
On Stage
Talks & Keynotes
Speaking at conferences and industry events about AI, product leadership, design leadership, innovation culture, and modern ways of working. Sultan shares practical insights drawn from real-world experience building digital products and platforms, helping organizations understand how to align technology, teams, and strategy to create meaningful human-centered experiences.
AI-Driven Personalization in UX: Designing for One in a Million
Exploring how AI enables hyper-personalized user experiences while maintaining ethical design principles.
Innovation Between UX & UI
Breaking down the evolving relationship between user experience and interface design in the age of AI.
UX and Advertising: The Convergence
How user experience principles are reshaping the advertising industry and creating more meaningful brand interactions.
User Experience For Startups
A practical guide for startups on integrating UX thinking from day one to build products users love.
Fintech UX Introduction
Introducing UX principles to the fintech ecosystem, focusing on trust, simplicity, and financial inclusion.
Design Thinking Workshop
Hands-on design thinking workshop for developers, bridging the gap between engineering and human-centered design.
Watch & Listen
Interviews, Podcasts
& Media Appearances
Conversations exploring AI, product leadership, and the future of digital transformation — from TV studios to podcast microphones.
Some of the media below is just for fun — because there's more to life than tech.
The Key Factor in Winning Customer Loyalty
العامل الحاسم في كسب ولاء العملاء
Mackok Podcast | بودكاست مكوك · 2024
A deep conversation on why customers don't just buy products — they buy experiences, values, and meaning.
Watch on YouTubeUser Engagement in Fintech UXD
Fintech Saudi · 2025
A webinar on User Experience Design in the Fintech industry — covering evolving user expectations, key challenges, and how AI tools can accelerate the design process.
Watch on YouTubeBehind the Scenes: Design Operations & Digital Product Success
ما وراء الكواليس: عمليات التصميم ونجاح المنتجات الرقمية
UXCorner · 2025
Sultan Shalakhti joins UXCorner to discuss DesignOps — why it exists, how it creates organized and productive design environments, and how it supports designers in achieving the best outcomes.
Listen on SpotifyCustomers Don't Just Buy the Product
العميل لا يشتري المنتج فقط
Mackok Podcast | بودكاست مكوك · 2024
A highlight clip exploring the deeper motivations behind customer decisions and the role of experience design.
Product Management Sessions — UX & Product Management
جلسات إدارة المنتجات — تجربة المستخدم وإدارة المنتجات
Sohaib Thiab · 2024
Sultan Shalakhti joins Sohaib Thiab to discuss the relationship between User Experience and Product Management — covering collaboration, strategy, and real-world insights.
Free WiFi Is Not Safe — How to Protect Your Data
الواي فاي المجاني ليس آمناً — كيف تحمي بياناتك من السرقة؟
Donya Ya Donya · 2023
Sultan Shalakhti explains the risks of free WiFi networks and shares practical tips on how to protect your personal data from theft.
Giving Back
Community & Mentoring
Building bridges between designers, developers, and innovators. Contributing to the growth of UX and design communities through leadership, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
IxDA Riyadh
Chapter Lead · Since 2019
Leading the Interaction Design Association's Riyadh chapter, organizing events, workshops, and building a vibrant design community in Saudi Arabia.
IxDF Saudi Arabia
Community Founder · Since 2024
Launched the Interaction Design Foundation's Saudi Arabia community page, connecting designers across the Kingdom.
ADPList
Mentor · Since 2024
Mentoring upcoming talent in design and UX, helping individuals navigate career paths and enhance their skills globally.
Dribbble
Community Lead · Since 2014
Mentoring designers and organizing local meetups, fostering creative collaboration and design excellence.
Google Developers Group
Speaker · Since 2014
Regular speaker on design thinking, UX strategy, and the intersection of design and development.
IxDF Bootcamp
Mentor & CX/UX Consultant · Since 2019
Guiding bootcamp participants through intensive UX and CX programs, sharing real-world experience and frameworks.
Connect
Find Me Online
Stay connected across platforms where I share insights, design work, and community updates.
@sultangfx
Thought leadership & professional network
13K+ followers
X
@sultanux
Quick insights & industry commentary
@sultangfx
Visual stories & behind the scenes
486 followers
Dribbble
@sultangfx
Design portfolio & visual work
Tumblr
Dubacreative
Creative blog & insights
SlideShare
Presentations
Slide decks & presentation materials
ADPList
Mentor Profile
Book a mentoring session
@sultangfx
Design inspiration & collections
Book a Consultation
Let's Shape
What's Next
Book a one-hour consultation session. Pricing varies based on your category. Fill out the form below and we'll connect soon.
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Session Rate
Per consultation session
Sessions can be conducted online or offline depending on your location. You'll receive a confirmation email with payment and scheduling details.
For Media & Events
Media Kit & Speaker Resources
Everything you need for event bookings, media features, and collaborations.
Sultan Shalakhti
VP of Product & Strategy
Short Bio
Sultan Shalakhti is an AI-driven product and innovation leader with 14+ years of experience in design, product strategy, and digital transformation. Currently VP of Product & Strategy at Master Team, he is a sought-after speaker, IxDA Riyadh Chapter Lead, and ADPList mentor dedicated to shaping the future of human-centered technology.
Location
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Languages
English (Fluent) · Arabic (Native)
Speaking Topics
Book Sultan for Your Event
Available for keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and consulting engagements. Reach out through LinkedIn or the contact section below.
Get in Touch
Looking Ahead
What I'm Building
Ongoing initiatives and future ideas shaping the intersection of AI, product, and human experience.
AI-Powered Design Intelligence
Exploring how AI can augment the design process itself — from automated user research analysis to intelligent design system recommendations.
Digital Innovation Framework for MENA
Developing a comprehensive framework for digital innovation tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Middle East and North Africa region.
Product Leadership Academy
Building a structured mentorship and education program for aspiring product leaders in the Arab world, combining global best practices with regional context.
Human-AI Collaboration Patterns
Documenting and sharing design patterns for effective human-AI collaboration, ensuring technology amplifies rather than replaces human creativity.
Circl App — Sports Ecosystem
Building Circl App — a sports ecosystem platform designed to connect athletes, teams, and communities through intelligent matchmaking, performance tracking, and social engagement.
FarisOS — Building an AI Operating System
Building FarisOS within Master Team — an AI-powered operating system designed to orchestrate intelligent workflows, automate decision-making, and serve as the backbone for next-generation digital platforms and products.