EE 412 - No Plan B: The Unfiltered Truth About Starting Over in Dubai

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive into Conor McHugh's remarkable journey from finance to founding Alchemy Search in Dubai.

Drawn by tax-free incentives and sun-soaked opportunities, Conor shares how he navigated the cultural complexities and business challenges of the Middle East over seven years.

His story weaves through personal transformation—from KPMG in Guernsey to a soul-searching travel adventure across Asia that sparked his entrepreneurial awakening.

With candid insights on managing multicultural teams, overcoming financial pressures, and respecting local business practices, Conor offers invaluable advice for anyone considering the leap into international entrepreneurship.

Whether you're curious about expat business opportunities or seeking inspiration to take your own calculated risk, this conversation reveals the grit and adaptability required to succeed far from home.

 

🎧 Show Notes:

 In this episode, we cover:

🌍 Conor's decision to leave London and build a business in Dubai's tax-free environment

🔄 The career pivot from finance at KPMG to recruitment entrepreneurship

✈️ How a year of international travel triggered his entrepreneurial mindset

🤝 The importance of the Irish community network in Dubai

💼 Managing multicultural teams and navigating business relationships in the Middle East

💰 Financial challenges and the realities of invoice collection across cultures

⏱️ Understanding different cultural approaches to timelines and commitments

🧠 Overcoming Western entitlement mindset when operating internationally

🌱 The evolution of Dubai's business landscape over seven years

 

"A sense of entitlement, often carried by those from Western cities like Dublin or London, can be a hindrance to success in the Middle East." - Conor McHugh

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