Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Buy, Rent, Invest: The New Rules of UAE Real Estate

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:34:43 +0000

Should we rethink the real estate game during uncertain times?

Tom and Paul exchange insight with our expert panel:

Manar Mahmassani, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Stake

Rashed Hareb Al Mheiri, Co-Founder and CEO of Rentify

Liam Chase, Associate Director at Arabian Acres

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Why own when you can share? Why the sharing economy is booming

Fri, 01 May 2026 08:13:07 +0000

We’re talking about the sharing economy — and why some of the smartest businesses today are being built on the fact that many people now… don’t like to OWN things.

From cars you access by the minute, to kitchens and workspaces you lease flexibly, to homes turned into high-performing short-term rentals — the old rules of business are changing.

We are joined by Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive, Shahzad Bhatti, Founder of The Co-Kitchens and The Co-Spaces, and Gregory Lewis, Founder and CEO of AirDXB.

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Humantra founder on failing, recovering and succeeding

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:07:56 +0000

Charlie Wright tells Tom and Paul how he built a UAE brand that is now recognisable in the UK and other parts of the world.

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Emirati Mahmoud Bartawi on forging ahead despite uncertainty

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:59:02 +0000

Under500 founder Mahmoud Bartawi says those who freeze during tough times will be left behind.

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Where are the business opportunities right now?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:03:04 +0000

Ziina, GLEAC and Letswork have found opportunities to still grow and keep the business going during challenging times.

If you're a business owner, this is a must listen.

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Practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:18:48 +0000

Yango Ride says it will match customers' tips to help their drivers.

Plus, we chat about practical ways businesses are keeping each other afloat with Chris Purdie of Receiptable and Nathan Kearny of Executive Search.

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How well does Dubai really support women founders?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:38:06 +0000

From the outside, the picture looks strong. Women are visible. Women are launching businesses. Women are building brands and communities. But visibility and genuine support are not always the same thing. Three women who know this first-hand join us on Starting Up this week:

Carmen Taubman, Founder of Crew Club, a business community that promises real results from collaborations and connections

Amreen Iqbal, Founder and Creative Director of Piece of You - creating which is a division of Pure Gold Group. The focus is on personalised jewellery - and recently one of her designs - a UAE map shaped pendant, is more popular than ever

and Denisa Alexe, stand-up comedian and content creator - who built a following of millions, right here in the UAE.

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What does resilience in business really mean?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:26:07 +0000

We're joined by Denise Lim of Calo and Carnistore's Dan Wanies to talk about what they're doing to reassure their teams and maintain a "business as usual" environment during unusual times.
Organisational psychologist Nathan Cornwell and International SOS General Manager Sebastian Bedu also gave advise to business leaders on how to approach uncertainty and talk to their teams about it.

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How the Doorbell of Dreams is helping Dubai entrepreneurs

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:40:23 +0000

HelpBnk, a platform that helps entrepreneurs, has brought the Doorbell of Dreams initiative to Dubai, helping entrepreneurs in the city with support like funding, connections and execution.
We meet CEO Adam Moss, and Ahmad and Kareem from DOPA Media, one of the businesses that caught HelpBnk's attention.
We also look into how Gen Z consume with Mohammed Virji, Founder of Fashion Rerun, an online shop for vintage clothing.

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So you've raised some capital - what do you do with the money?

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:32:38 +0000

Dubai has no shortage of talented and successful business owners. How did they raise capital, and what did they use the money on? We hear from Erika Doyle of DrinkDry, and Rami Tabbara of Stake.

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How to raise entrepreneurial children?

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:30:20 +0000

Are we teaching our kids to be their own boss? Well, we should be.

Tom and Neil chat with Raya Bidshahri, Founder and CEO of School of Humanity and Marilyn Pinto, Founder of KFI Global.

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How can businesses and leaders embrace AI

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:21:19 +0000

Former Dragon's Den Piers Linney warns companies and bosses about the dangers of not having an AI strategy. He is now helping SMEs to navigate its use with his startup Implement AI

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Beyond Profit: Can you set up a business for social good?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:15:50 +0000

Tom explores how some businesses set up their models to help other people.

Carl Gough, Founder of meetmagic, talks about their Ramadan campaign with Dubai Cares.

He is joined by seasoned CTO Adrian Hobbs, who's benefitted from the initiative.

Plus, Dubai newcomer Marc Black tells Tom why he moved his property and clean energy businesses to the UAE from the UK and Marbella.

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From personal brand to company brand

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:47:49 +0000

We explore why personal branding matters in business, with Tracy Harmoush, tech entrepreneur and speaker, and social media expert Alexandra, founder of Alex’s House of Social.

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Want a successful business? Build solid systems

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:16:51 +0000

Tom and Neil tell us why a great idea and an amazing team aren't enough grow a business.

The boring stuff, like setting up systems, will ensure scalability and longevity.

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Is it too late to join the property game?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:20:53 +0000

Yes but with a caveat: We hear from Atinirmal Pagarani, Managing Director of Yogi Group, a Dubai-born family business that spans real estate, property management, facilities services, and construction.

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What's your dream? Simon Squibb on helping people succeed

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:19:52 +0000

Entrepreneur Simon Squibb has inspired millions of people to achieve their dreams.

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Running a virtual business out of Dubai

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:54:05 +0000

Can you run a fully virtual business out of Dubai?
Ekta Gandhi and Hannan Moti have successfully done it

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Do we need a leadership refresh in 2026?

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:38:37 +0000

Tom and Paul explore the leadership landscape of 2025 - and how it can level up in 2026. They're joined by three leaders with different perspectives: Sasha Marashlian, Founder of Imagine FMCG, Farhan Rehman from Rehman Sheriff Group, Nazneen Abbas from Ma’an Legacy & Legal Consultancy

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The Great Dubai Comeback

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:58:05 +0000

Tom and Neil explore the journeys of two Brits who are coming back to Dubai to live or do business.
After years in the property business, Nicky Way is back in the city to launch his newest venture, Little Biga Pizza. And Jason Leavy finds himself doing business in Dubai to expand his executive coaching business, Prime Performance Labs.

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How to create an upmarket brand

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:52:21 +0000

Elizabeth Morales, Brand Manager of Aura Bakery and Café and Basma Chaieri, founder of Etika Jewels - our featured guests, have built brands that feel premium, emotionally engaging and very Dubai. How did they do it?

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What REAL luxury feels like in Dubai

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:34:20 +0000

A new Visa Global Economic Insight report has found that while luxury spending is slowing in cities like London and New York, Dubai tells a different story. About 1 in 9 Dubai residents makes a premium purchase every quarter, supported by a huge base of high-earning households. But what really makes a brand luxurious? Manuel Arnaut, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue Arabia, tells Starting Up what really matters to high-end customers.

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Rethinking Retirement

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 09:17:24 +0000

What does retirement really look like today, and can you design a life you never need to retire from?
Tom Urquhart and Neil Petch sit down with aviation legend Habib Fekih, who reflects on life after four decades at the top of the industry.

They also learn a thing or two from Florian Urghetto and Liz Nunez, founders of Easy Wedding, who are living the FIRE lifestyle — Financial Independence, Retire Early.

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From employee to entrepreneur: how to take the leap

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:15:53 +0000

Our all-female panel tell Tom and Neil how they ditched their pay cheque to take the plunge into starting a new business.

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How to build an AI startup in Dubai

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:25:38 +0000

No matter your industry, you can build an AI-powered startup. We have experts in studio who have done it: Nokhez Usman, Psychologist and Founder of MindMe Sonny Sangha, YouTube and software developer

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How entrepreneurs "reset"

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:25:09 +0000

Tom and Paul speaking to biohacking expert CJ Malhotra, business psychologist Amanda White beauty tech entrepreneur Haifa Addas about why all entrepreneurs need to reset and slow down, even amidst a busy business period.

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How to Win the UAE Property Market

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 09:05:19 +0000

We kicked things off with Dubai Holding’s Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator 2025 - a platform empowering entrepreneurs to drive real sustainability change.

Then, we shifted gears to one of the UAE’s hottest sectors: real estate. Our guests, James Gosling from Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers and Atif Rahman, Founder & Chairman of ORO24 Developments, broke down how investors and founders tapped into the property boom sweeping across the Emirates.

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The husband-and-wife duo that built Squatwolf

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:32:34 +0000

Squatwolf founders Wajdan and Anam tell Katie and Neil what it takes to run a global fitness empire with your spouse.

Plus, Al Ryum Group CEO Rafael Khanoyan describes how he took over his father's business and grew it across the country.

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How to fund your business in the UAE

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 07:41:27 +0000

Katie and Virtuezone Chairman Neil Petch explore the tricky topic of raising capital for your business, with our guests:

- Helen McGuire founder of The Founder Sanctuary and partner of Identifii (EYE), mentor, and champion of women entrepreneurs

- Mohamed Khaled - founder of Hotdesk, the "Airbnb for offices"

- Simon Davies - founder of ORK-TA (Aucta) Group, who for 34 years has been connecting founders to capital, fund the largest accelerator for fund managers in the GCC.

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How to look after your employees

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:40:13 +0000

Georgia joins Paul Bryson, MD of Virtuzone, discuss how bosses can effectively manage their employees with our dynamic panel:

Sebastian Bedu - GM, International SOS

Shane Philips - CEO, The Philips Group

Adel Ghazzawi - Co-Owner, Cove Beach

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The business of fine dining with Chef Jason Atherton

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:08:14 +0000

Michelin-starred Chef Jason Atherton tells Tom and the Virtuzone team how he runs a global restaurant business, and what's new at Row on 45, his two- Micheline star bespoke fine dining venue.

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What you should know about corporate tax filing

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:06:49 +0000

John Casey, Managing Director of TaxReady.ae tells you everything you need to know about the UAE's corporate tax rule, and what you need to know to stay compliant ahead of the September 30 deadline.

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There's no shame in starting small in business

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 08:10:14 +0000

Tom and Paul speak to brilliant entrepreneurs on the show who have either been there, done that, or are experiencing the journey of growing slowly but surely.

Haider Al Assam, Co-Founder of Maiz Tacos and Good Burger

Maria Vitoratos, Founder of MV Careers

Maria Pruna, Founder of My Car Care

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How do you stand out in a crowded market?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:31:55 +0000

05 Sep 2025. Starting Up with Virtuzone returns after the summer break with one big question: how do you stand out in a crowded market?

Tom and Neil speak to KCal founder Andreas Lindgreen Borgmann about building one of Dubai’s first healthy meal plan brands. Plus Chef Nick Alvis and Sam Amidi of Mortgage Finder, two experienced individuals sharing their secrets to building a business that truly stands out.

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How Ajmal Perfumes thrived over the decades

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:23:02 +0000

Abdulla Ajmal, CEO of Ajmal Perfumes, told Starting Up about his plans to further grow the scent empire that his grandfather started in the 1950's,.

Plus, we get business advice on business longevity from Guillaume Giroux, CEO of Dubai Immo and Tristan Lowe, CEO of Escrow Made Easy.

Finally, we look into the big Labubu trend - is it going to fade soon? What's the next big thing, and how can businesses take advantage of it?

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How I turned my failure to fuel for success

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:23:10 +0000

Three brave entrepreneurs share their failure stories, and how they turned things around to achieve success.

Dan Bolton, Founder, Be Creative

Kane Andrews, Founder, The Rock Star Group

Nithin Mathew Thombil, Founder, Wheels AHOY and AHOY Modz

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Build local, go global: how to expand outside the UAE

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 08:16:24 +0000

With snacks across 65 markets, UAE snack brand Hunter Foods is making waves across the world.

The secret? Understanding the market and innovating flavours, according to Founder and Managing Director Ananya Narayan.

And what if the brand was YOU? Seif El Hakim, author, speaker and entrepreneur and Founder of The Alpha Movement, tells us how he was able to build a personal brand that the world can resonate with.

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Why beauty and e-commerce are the perfect combination

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:31:49 +0000

Just how big is the online beauty industry in the UAE? What are the opportunities for small business owners? noon Beauty VP Ritika Jain tells us.

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Build your online store from scratch

Fri, 30 May 2025 08:27:00 +0000

Experts Kian Golzari and Nas Mansurali tell us how to source and sell products online, and build a brand people won't forget.

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What are your company's non-negotiables?

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:16:13 +0000

Our panelists share how company values are formed, and why we need them to make difficult decisions.

David Ribott, Managing Partner at Ribott Partners

Christian Moufarrej, Founder and Managing Partner, Pet's Kitchen

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Shuja Jashanmal: What I learned from the shop floor

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:07:43 +0000

Shuja Jashanmal, Group CEO of the Jashanmal National Company, tells Tom and George why starting as a salesman made him the business leader he is today.

His son Seth also shares his aspirations for the family business as he prepares to start his career journey.

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Entrepreneurs share their burnout-to -breakthrough stories

Fri, 16 May 2025 08:56:21 +0000

These successful empire builders managed to turn a burnout moment into a business breakthrough:
Vadim Fedotov, CEO and Co-Founder of Bioniq
Emma Burdett, CEO and Founder of WILD: Women in Leadership Deliver & WILD Talent
Maria Pavani, Founder of Tres Marias Coffee

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Keeping customers happy and loyal

Fri, 09 May 2025 08:02:40 +0000

Tom and Neil discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of dealing with clients and customers.

They're joined by:

Vishal Menon, founder of Fireflies ME,

Charles Dersahakian, Managing Partner at CVML

Riyaz Sutterwala, CEO and founder of View Emirates Sports Club

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Finding your business tribe

Fri, 02 May 2025 08:15:20 +0000

Tom and Neil explore the power of belonging in a community with those who have built thriving and solid ones.

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Cash flow challenges in business

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 07:40:11 +0000

Does your business struggle with cash flow?

Cash flow is the number one challenge for small businesses.

So what's the solution?

Tom and Neil unpack this topic with entrepreneur and finance expert Roota Mittal, We Do Events Founder Reham Damanhouri and Chief Growth Officer Waleed Zouki.

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Moving your business to the UAE

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:09:09 +0000

Tom and Neil discuss the truths and takeaways of moving your business to the UAE.

They're joined by guests:

Salman Moghimi, CEO of Peyk - attended school in the UAE, started his delivery business in the UK, and now in the UAE, manufacturing multi-purpose robots!

Katy Holmes, CEO of British Chamber of Commerce ... supporting a growing number of UK businesses entering the UAE

Mousa Azar, CEO of HAWES, a home automation technology company that relocated from Lebanon.

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Are you just a boss, or a true leader?

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:03:58 +0000

Tom and Neil discuss the qualities of a great leadership, especially in this day and age when workplace hierarchy is seeing a massive shift.

They're joined by special guests:

James Michael Lafferty, Former CEO of Fine Holdings, Coca Cola and P&G. Olympic coach and trainer.

Dr. Corrie Block, Executive Coach and Author of Chief Executive Coach

Catherine Jeha, Head of Training, ProClipse Consulting

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The Psychology of Selling: Pitch, Persuade, Close

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:31:04 +0000

From real estate to soft skills, our guests break down what it takes to sell—especially when it’s hard. Plus, the one line they swear by when closing a deal!

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Finding the Right Business Partner

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:07:14 +0000

The right business partner can help you scale faster, push further, and actually enjoy the ride. But the wrong one? That could be the most expensive mistake of your life. Tom Urquhart and Virtuzone MD Paul Bryson dive into the dynamics of business partnerships with three founders who’ve lived it: Vardhan Kapoor, Co-founder & CEO of Firstwork, Charbel Hachem, CEO of Dayf Homes, and Houda Naji, Founder of JST Ventures.

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Can a viral moment lead to business success?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 08:44:05 +0000

The viral Dubai chocolate has led to worldwide success and soaring sales.

We discuss the power of virality with social media experts Anand Raman, Amani Khan and Dhruv Maniar.

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Is solopreneurship for you?

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:42:44 +0000

Solopreneurship is on the rise in the UAE and it's often glorified as the ultimate freedom—owning your time, making all the decisions, and reaping the full rewards of your work.

But is it the best path for everyone, especially when a business has the potential to grow beyond what one person can manage?

Tom and Paul unpack the pros and cons of running a business on your own with our special guests:

Lara Gedeah, Founder of Cameo Comms

Hiam Salibi, Founder of Producer, Thirteen01 Productions

Desma D’Souza, Managing Partner, S&K HR Consulting

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Are we really empowering women in business?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:51:42 +0000

Tom and Neil gain some powerful insight from fintech leader Amnah Ajmal and Female Fusion founder Jen Blandos.

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"Nice car bro. What do you do for a living?"

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:02:59 +0000

Ayman Al Yaman's viral videos have been viewed one billion times.

Together with his big brother Ghazy, they tell Tom and George how they turned their social media fame into a money making machine.

Plus, Olly Collis left his cushy job in the UK to move to Dubai and start his own content creation company, Sub60.

He tells his story.

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Hyperspace changes the entertainment and retail scene with digital-themed parks

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:36:56 +0000

Alexander Heller, CEO and Founder of Hyperspace, tells us how he built Hyperspace venues Aya Universe and House of Hype, and why Dubai was the perfect place to start his venture.

Plus, Laundryheap boss Deyan Dimitrov tells us how his team can pick up, wash and return your clothes in 24 hours or less.

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Dragon's Den Tej Lalvani on his pet peeves when investing

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:47:38 +0000

Tej Lalvani grew Vitabiotics into a £400 million business. He shares some advice on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when investing in a business. Plus, FIFA sports agent Saif Rubie tells us how he deals with the ups and downs of the industry.

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Does your business need robots?

Thu, 23 May 2024 11:56:08 +0000

Fadi Amoudi of IQ Robotics tells us how to use automation to grow your business.

Plus, Kushal and Sagar of Publish tell us how to craft the perfect Founder's story.

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Mum-preneur: The juggle is real

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:46:55 +0000

MUMpreneur: Does the term empower - or patronise - mothers who run their own businesses?

We get the thoughts of investor, entrepreneur and mum of four Kelly Marie Hodgkin.

Plus, what should your website look like? Monish Chandiramani, Founder and CEO of Yeepeey, offers some advice.

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From cash flow woes to business success

Thu, 02 May 2024 15:07:18 +0000

Mermaids of Arabia founder Josephine Adams told Tom and Neil about how she hit rock bottom, and why she kept going.

We also discussed a movement that allows small businesses to exchange resources in the wake of the floods with Rana Hijarasouli, founder of The Surpluss.

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From cabin crew to design and furniture business owner

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:08:59 +0000

The Design House CEO Sharon O' Keefe tells us how she started his design and furniture business while working as cabin crew in Dubai.

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Why a beauty business owner values education and personal development

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:08:22 +0000

Mariela Marcantetti started hair removal business Furless Permanent in 2016 and has since been educating aspiring beauty technicians.

Meanwhile Renata Messarra of Reborn Consultancy gives us tips on how to promote your own business without spending a fortune on ads.

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Gaming in the Middle East

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:32:41 +0000

As game developers from overseas flock to the Middle East to explore the market, we meet one who's coming from Spain- Manel Sort, CEO and Founder of Games For A Living.

We also discuss diversity and inclusion with Farrah Qureshi, CEO of Global Diversity Practice.

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What's your take on the buy-now-pay-later model?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:46:13 +0000

Meet the man behind Tabby, co-founder Hosam Arab, who tells us why e-commerce has brought him so much success.

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Do you have a wealth planning strategy?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:10:19 +0000

21 March 2024: We asked the team of experts at Cone Marshall about how to pass on your wealth to the next generation.

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In conversation with Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:27:50 +0000

14 March 2024: Tom and Neil find out how Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group, started his hospital empire.

Plus, familiarize yourself with all the SME laws with Jennifer Arkhurst, Founder and Executive Director of Arkhurst and Abdella Solicitors.

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How are we supporting female business owners?

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:33:33 +0000

07 March 2024: Lack of funding and worklife balance are only some of the challenges

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How tokenisation can help startups in the UAE

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:14:53 +0000

29 February 2024: We demystify tokenisation and tell you how it can help startups and consumers with Ahsan Sharif, Head of Corporate Business for Zand Bank and John Patrick Mullin, CEO & Co-founder of MANTRA.

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Life lessons with the founder of The Entertainer

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 10:48:48 +0000

22 February 2024: Donna Benton told Richard and Neil how she built, exited and later on rejoined her brainchild The Entertainer, and the lessons she learned along the way.
Mahmoud Bartawi sold Under500, a business he built from the ground up, to Kitopi, a $1.6billion unicorn, and is now mentoring other entrepreneurs.
And can you juggle two careers at the same time? Miguel Angel Polonia can - he's a circus performer and psychotherapist.

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"Motherhood inspired me to start my own business."

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:59:22 +0000

08 February 2024: Fal Qadir started multi-sensory centre Mini Explorers. Listen to her story.

Plus, husband and wife Carlos and Francesca tell us how they run CG Barbershop together.

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Short term rental, long term success

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:44:21 +0000

01 February 2024: Gregory Lewis tells us why his business AirDXB is thriving in Dubai.

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Thank You: A social enterprise that aims to end global poverty

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 10:29:12 +0000

25 January 2024: Daniel Flynn launched Thank You with the aim of supporting charities and eradicate global poverty.

Tom and Neil find out all about this growing social enterprise that can soon enter the UAE market.

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Why networking in your community is good for business

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:26:11 +0000

18 January 2024 William Stenhouse, President and CEO of the UAE Africa Networking Group, tells us why it pays to get involved in your community.

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Shawn Chidiac: How viral impressions can turn into a lucrative career

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:24:08 +0000

11 January 2024: Comedian Shawn Chidiac has made it big on social media, and is quickly turning his online fame into a fulltime career.
Plus, Emirati teenager Abdullah Al Janahi tells us about his brisket business.

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SME's in the circular economy

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:26:12 +0000

Meet the businesses thriving in the circular economy, plus learn all about marketing from the best in the business.

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How to build a strong brand and make your business go viral

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:36:33 +0000

07 December 2023: What makes a business go viral? We find out from the man behind Aquafun, the world's largest inflatable water park, Ahmed Ben Chaibah.

And how can it build a strong brand? We hear from celebrity media strategist and CEO and Founder of FAME, Sheeraz Hasan.

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How do people see your brand?

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:18:44 +0000

That's one big question for businesses to ponder on, including their stand on sustainability, says Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Illustrado Brand Development & Creative Agency.

We're also joined by our Success Spotlight of the Week, David MacDonald, Creator of The Fibre Bottle.

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Empowered Investing

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:11:11 +0000

Investing is power to not let your money lose value overtime, but how? Hear Baytukum Founder Latifa Bin Haider's advices.

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Hiring top talent.

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:16:18 +0000

16 November 2023. Finding the best people to fill vacancies is crucial but how do companies make sure they get the cream of the crop? Rachel Yilmaz, CEO of Ausphin Group is here to help.

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Deeper purpose in entrepreneurship.

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:40:02 +0000

09 November 2023: Social enterprises are businesses with a deeper purpose. But how do you set up one? Find out from Iman Suguitan, Co-founder & Creative Head at Co Chocolat.

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The business of coaching

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:09:36 +0000

02 November 2023: Fitness Coach and entrepreneur Charlie Johnson started as a ftiness coach before growing his business in Europe, and expanding into Dubai.

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Investing with a purpose

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 11:41:52 +0000

26 October 2023: Serial impact entrepreneur Matteo Boffa tells Tom and Neil why he puts his money in companies that can both turn a profit and make a difference.

He is joined by Riwa Khan, who is behind vegan ice cream brand Majama.

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New angel community hopes to help founders around the world

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:41:46 +0000

Angel Spark's Gary Sheynkman says he new community hopes to shake up the way startups can get the much needed funding they need to get their business off the ground

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When a boss burns out

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:16:06 +0000

12 October 2023: Saeed Alghafri, CEO of Emirates Steel, tells Tom and Neil how he suffered from a burnout and got through it.

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The Magic Formula for Success

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:45:11 +0000

05 October 2023: Magician and hypnotist Luca Gallone has amassed 12 million followers on Tiktok, and appeared on The Ellen Show.

He shares some tips on how to go viral and be your own boss.

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Business etiquette 101 with Tom and Neil

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:53:19 +0000

28 September 2023: Etiquette coach Ziying Zhou quizzes Tom and Neil on how to behave in a business meeting.

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What makes employees happy?

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:55:43 +0000

Tom and Neil look into the what makes employees happy, and what bosses can do to improve their staff's wellbeing.

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Bootstrapped versus funding: How to raise money for your startup

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:21:13 +0000

14 September 2023: Tom and Neil find out how startups in the UAE are raising money, and what routes one can take when they're trying to get capital for their business.

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We find out more about the UAE's first ever... gourmet water bar

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:18:27 +0000

22 June 2023: This new venue offers 30 different water concoctions.
Roia Jabari, managing director of Luqel's Aqua Gourmet Water Bar, tells us all about it.

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SME Banking 101: How to take out a loan as an SME owner

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:36:58 +0000

SME owners, we take you through the process of securing a loan from a bank with the Director General of the UAE Banks Federation Jamal Saleh.

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How to hire and keep Emirati talent

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:50:21 +0000

08 June 2023: With the half year deadline for Emiratisation quotas coming up, we discuss how startups can hire and keep Emirati talent, and ensure they provide a workplace environment that everyone can thrive in.

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Tax GPT answers all your questions about the UAE corporate tax law

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:22:51 +0000

01 June 2023: John Casey, general manager of Virtuzone, tells us about TaxGPT, an AI tool that answers all your questions about the new corporate tax law in the UAE.

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Can you be friends with your boss?

Thu, 25 May 2023 10:20:16 +0000

25 May 2023: Tom and Neil put the question to Rafael Khanoyan, CEO of Al Ryum and Jonathan Berry, regional head of Robert Walters.

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Hacking the minds of VCs

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:27:32 +0000

18 May 2023: What do venture capitalists look for in a startup?

Tom and Neil discuss how to get VC funding with Lachlan Hughes of Aditum Investment Management and Daniel dos Reis of Wamda Capital.

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Top lawyer Mark Beer, OBE on whether AI will wipe out his profession

Thu, 11 May 2023 10:22:33 +0000

11 May 2023: Former DIFC courts chief and registrat Mark Beer, OBE weighs in on the prediction that AI will make lawyers obsolete.

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Why "The Blooming Man" and TV star Ebraheem Al Samadi stays positive no matter what

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:16:00 +0000

04 May 2023: Ebraheem Al Samadi tells Tom and Neil how he developed an entrepreneurial mindset that led to his successful businesses Forever Rose London and Forever Rose Cafe.

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Why the path to success isn't a straight line for Dariush Soudi

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:37:04 +0000

27 April 223: Serial entrepreneur Dariush Soudi lost everything he had in the UK and has to start over in Dubai. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to succeed.

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Making money from magic

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:46:21 +0000

13 April 2023: The UAE's most famous children's entertainer Magic Phil tells Tom and Neil how he turned his talent into a business.

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Ever dreamed about being a rapper?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:05:15 +0000

06 April 2023: Have you ever wanted to quit your 9-5 to make it in the music industry? Well Emirati rapper Saud G has done just that and told us how he made that leap of faith. We also heard from Pirlanta Toubba, founder of Last Seen Live - who is helping artists and producers navigate the world of music and ensuring they aren’t being shortchanged in the industry. Plus, we hear from Mashreq NEOBiz's Rajeev Chalisgaonkar about how they're helping SMEs setting up their business accounts.

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How to avoid food wastage during Ramadan?

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:35:00 +0000

During Ramadan up to half of our food goes to landfill - and we speak to two businesses who say it’s time to put a stop to this. Seta Tutundjian is the Founder and CEO, Thriving Solutions - they advise companies on how to decarbonize while Daniel Solomon is the Co Founder of HeroGo - they take ugly vegetables and sell them at much lower prices.

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Business partners who found a niche market in football stars

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:07:14 +0000

23 March 2023: Coach Nic and Nabil know when the world's biggest football stars are in town, because they work with them. Find out how they built a business together.

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What UAE startups and VCs can learn from SVB's collapse

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:51:27 +0000

16 March 2023: Tom and Neil find out if any UAE startups and VCs have been badly hit by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.
We also tell you how to use Chat-GPT for your business.
And finally, we learn the story behind the success of Brands for Less, from the founder himself, Toufic Kreidieh.

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