Unscripted with Spencer Lodge

Failure is a comma, not a full stop. This is one of many truth bombs that High Performance Expert, Professor Damian Hughes shared on today’s episode. Damian has served as a member of the coaching team for England Rugby League, Scotland Rugby Union and multiple other sporting teams. There’s no one who understands high performance better than Damian does. In this episode, we talk about reframing rejection, dealing with failure and setbacks, and tips for sustaining success. Damian shares research-backed insights into the psychology behind what it takes to become the best possible ‘you’ and how to achieve peak performance. Notes [00:06:00] Damian’s upbringing [00:14:40] Damian’s academic background [00:17:42] Damian’s purpose in life [00:23:40] Experiences with bullying [00:24:50] Dealing with rejection [00:34:40] Psychological safety [00:36:08] How to process loss [00:42:40] How to galvanize people [00:49:32] Everton FC’s setback [00:54:22] Advice for someone struggling [00:57:32] Damian’s most difficult obstacle [01:03:55] Is quitting bad? [01:06:34] Explaining peak performance [01:10:50] Comparison culture [01:15:09] The best advice Damian’s received [01:18:14] Coping strategies for overcoming hardship Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Arabian Business: The region’s leading source of business news, analysis, thought-leadership and features.   Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en   https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV Damian Hughes https://www.instagram.com/liquidthinker/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT4hFq01krOatjiSG7z3iag

There aren't many TV shows with a cult following like Wheeler Dealers. Dubbed the ‘world’s most-watched car show’ after almost 20 years on air, I am thrilled to speak with the host of the show, Mike Brewer. Mike is one of the best-known personalities in the motoring industry, and I doubt there's anything he doesn’t know when it comes to cars. Mike and I discuss his incredible success over the years, how he became an overnight TV sensation, the motoring trade, the future of the automotive industry and if we really can expect to travel in private drones in a few years. If you're a die-hard fan of the show, want to learn more about Mike's humble journey to success, or have an interest in cars – then this episode is for you.   Notes [00:01:55] Wheeler Dealers explained [00:03:45] Mike’s relationship with his dad [00:08:15] Mike’s career journey [00:13:02] The reputation of a car salesman [00:15:30] Mike’s business before becoming a TV presenter [00:24:39] The start of the TV show [00:34:33] Mike’s first week of filming [00:40:36] Reflecting on his love for his job [00:41:36] How the show works [00:44:33] The journey of the cars on Wheeler Dealers [00:47:23] Car restoration is described [00:49:19] Mike’s car collection [00:51:35] Predictions for the automotive industry [00:58:31] Driving in autonomous cars [01:00:32] Mike’s relationship with his wife [01:05:26] The future of Wheeler Dealers   Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Arabian Business: The UAE’s leading business publication Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Mike Brewer https://www.instagram.com/mikebrewer/?hl=en https://mikebrewermotoring.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSK3UWsEA6iuU0J4pT7_gaQ

This week’s guest is none other than Steven Bartlett: a millionaire by age 23, a bestselling author, acclaimed host of The Diary Of A CEO podcast, and the youngest ever Dragon on Dragons’ Den at just 29. Steven Bartlett is undoubtedly one of the most recognised and successful personalities in the media and entrepreneurial space right now so it was an honour to speak with him. Steven and I sat down for an intimate fireside chat at the Dubai Opera House, where we spoke about his upbringing, his first entrepreneurial endeavours, launching Social Chain, the importance of living your truth – and so much more. This raw and honest conversation truly moved me, and I know it will impact you too. Big thank you to Motivate Media Group and Aldar Properties for the opportunity to interview one of this generation’s greatest thinkers.   Notes  [03:50] The Diary Of A CEO [06:38] The start of Social Chain [08:49] Steven’s romantic relationships [12:18] Steven’s upbringing [17:17] Steven’s experience at school [22:00] Steven’s first entrepreneurial experience [25:40] Wallpark: how it began [31:15] Growing Social Chain [34:15] Steven and Dom’s partnership [39:26] The importance of mental health and living your truth [43:33] What the late Jamal Edwards meant to Steven [47:40] Steven’s thoughts on Dubai [50:20] Thoughts on Elon Musk and Web 3.0  Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Aldar Properies: One of the UAE’s leading property developers Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Steven Bartlett https://www.instagram.com/steven/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbartlett-123/ https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGq-a57w-aPwyi3pW7XLiHw  

It’s the curse of our generation: what is purpose? To discuss this topic and more, I am joined by one of the most popular podcasters on the planet – Mr Lewis Howes, host of the hugely popular podcast, ‘School of Greatness’. We shared the stage at the Aldar Experts event in Dubai last week, so it’s a pleasure to chat with him about the difference between ‘finding purpose’ and ‘being purpose’, how to find abundance when life feels heavy, the power of gratitude and his biggest lessons from his late father. Lewis also shares his secret to becoming one of the world’s top podcasters and you’ll be surprised to learn what his recipe for podcasting success is. Big thank you to Aldar, one of the best-known property developers in the UAE, for the opportunity to interview an industry titan like Lewis Howes. Notes [01:00] Lewis shares his love for Dubai [02:14] How to stay positive in challenging times [04:12] The turning point in Lewis’ life [13:53] Finding purpose versus being purpose [16:06] Where abundance comes from [17:58] How to acknowledge, show gratitude and appreciation [24:31] Lessons from his father [31:51] The School of Greatness podcast [42:52] Lewis’ thoughts on fame  Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Aldar Properies: One of the UAE’s leading property developers Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Lewis Howes https://www.instagram.com/lewishowes/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/Greatness/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/c/lewishowes https://www.facebook.com/lewishowes https://twitter.com/LewisHowes https://www.tiktok.com/@lewis https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewishowes/

It may not happen in our lifetime, but according to many experts, the only way for humanity to survive is to leave planet Earth. Nicole Stott, retired NASA astronaut, aquanaut, artist and now author of her first book, “Back to Earth”, joins me on the podcast to talk about her 27-year long career at NASA, life in space, and what it feels like to be one of only 600+ professionally trained astronauts. We also discuss the latest in space tourism, if life on Mars is really the future and how humanity can save planet Earth. Special thanks to Emirates Literature Festival for facilitating this interview. Notes [02:26] Life as an astronaut [06:58] Is humanity in denial? [10:59] The government’s role in solving world problems [13:29] Nicole’s journey as a first-time author [16:54] About her book “Back to Earth” [18:38] The UN’s Sustainability Goals [20:54] Life in space [23:06] Nicole’s thoughts on Richard Branson [24:53] Space tourism [27:00] Where to purchase Nicole’s book Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Nicole Stott https://www.instagram.com/astro_nicole/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-stott-60442682/

A trillion dollars is an unimaginably large sum, yet it's only around 1% of the world’s GDP, and is roughly the same valuation of Google, Microsoft or Amazon. Rowan Hooper, author of “How To Spend A Trillion Dollars”, joins me on this episode to share how 10 of the world’s biggest problems can be solved with just a trillion dollars. Rowan shares more insights into these global problems, why governments aren’t doing anything to solve them, and he answers the question we’ve all been asking ourselves: Is it too late to reverse the damage we’ve done? Special thanks to Emirates Literature Festival for facilitating this interview. Notes [02:14] How much is a trillion dollars? [05:51] Ensuring the money is spent appropriately [12:42] The problems to solve [16:33] Why governments don’t solve these problems [21:05] What Rowan learnt whilst writing the book [26:28] Cows destroy our planet [29:50] Rowan’s journey [33:46] Additional learnings [38:17] How Rowan would spend one trillion dollars [40:24] Rowan’s journey after writing the book [44:00] The responsibility of the world’s richest [47:43] Is it too late to change? [51:18] Rowan’s experience writing the book [52:21] Creating a new life form Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Rowan Hooper https://www.instagram.com/rowhoop/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-hooper-98428099/ https://twitter.com/rowhoop/  

If I told you 90% of distractions result from internal triggers - our thoughts, our behaviours and our habits - would you believe me? Many people claim they have short attention spans, lack time management skills, or blame the allure of social media for not finishing their tasks. But according to behavioural engineer and bestselling author, Nir Eyal, the key to increasing your productivity is to become INDISTRACTABLE. If you want to be more productive, master distractions, and stop procrastinating, tune in now. Notes [03:29] The problem with to-do lists [08:25] How working from home affects productivity [11:49] What is distraction? [15:54] How to prioritise tasks [21:10] How far ahead should you plan? [27:05] The 4 steps to becoming indistractable [32:00] How Nir’s journey started [39:41] Nir’s book “Indistractable” [42:07] Companies that are indistractable [46:21] Upcoming projects Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Nir Eyal: https://www.instagram.com/neyal99/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/ https://twitter.com/nireyal https://www.nirandfar.com/

With more than 40% of the global workforce planning to leave their jobs this year, companies cannot afford toxic working environments. I speak with Lucy d’Abo, CEO and Co-Founder of together – a UAE-based workplace culture consultancy – and a Culture Evangelist in her own right. Lucy reveals her personal experience of witnessing the destructive power of a poor company culture, and what leaders can do to create a better one. Notes [2:11] Why Lucy is passionate about culture [4:55] Importance of interpersonal relationships with colleagues [9:46] Should your salary dictate your work hours [15:24] Promoting staff [18:24] Mistakes companies make [23:00] Selling DABO & CO [27:37] The importance of care [30:55] Why purpose matters [35:00] Revisiting the sale of DABO & CO [44:12] Biggest lessons [46:00] The role of a Chief Culture Officer [47:51] How to improve your company’s culture [51:00] Psychological safety in companies [55:05] Lucy’s leadership style [57:55] Examples of poor company culture [01:00:54] Other workplace culture consultancies [01:04:00] Changes in the UAE’s labour law Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor   Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Lucy d’Abo https://www.instagram.com/lucy.dabo/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-d-abo-09521023/ https://together.inc

Inflation is fake, tax is theft and fiat currency is a scheme. These are just some of the opinions from my guest on the show this week. Robert Breedlove is a career CFO, ex Hedge Fund Manager, Bitcoin Philosopher and one of the most interesting thinkers in the Bitcoin space. In this episode, Robert answers the questions ‘What is money?’ and dives into the history of money, how governments manufacture inflation and why Bitcoin is the only asset in the world that is independent of anyone’s opinion. Robert shares mind-blowing insights into the future of money – and whether Bitcoin, gold or traditional fiat currency is the way forward.   Notes [00:02:25] Why financial experts say crypto is nonsense ]00:09:04] India’s obsession with gold [00:16:30] Financial education ]00:23:31] Why fiat money is just theft [00:29:58] The upsides of Bitcoin ]00:36:15] How to avoid crypto risks [00:40:58] Bitcoin investment tips [00:45:19] Why governments keep printing money [00:48:15] The risks involved with different asset classes [00:52:14] Why many investors only stick to what they know   Show Sponsors: Smartkas: Providing food security as a service Najahi Events: The UAE’s leading event promotor   Socials: Spencer Lodge https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV   Robert Breedlove: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43_LTf5Z4lbRjKCq0sIAVg https://www.linkedin.com/in/breedlove22

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are a new craze breaking the internet and democratising wealth. And right now, people are either embracing NFTs, or avoiding them at all costs. In this episode, I am speaking with one of the early adopters of NFTs, esports and gaming, Maha Abouelenein. Maha - who is also Gary Vaynerchuk’s personal publicist - explains in easy-to-understand terms what NFTs are, the future of NFTs, how brands utilise NFTs and why gaming and esports are gaining popularity. Notes What is an NFT? [03:35] The future of NFTs [04:53] NFT experts are discussed [09:28] How the younger generation are using Web 3.0 [11:11] How brands utilise NFTs to connect with consumers [13:26] Why gaming and esports are what people should be paying attention to [15:00] What it’s like being Gary Vaynerchuk’s publicist [17:30]