Unscripted with Spencer Lodge

Shahad Ballan, once the youngest TV presenter in the middle east, spoke about her journey into television and the challenges that she faced and overcame to make it. We also spent some time speaking about inspiration, failures, personal development, and coming back from a life-changing accident. If you've got huge dreams and ambitions, regardless of the hurdles you face, you will absolutely love this episode.

It’s time to review everything I’ve learned consulting and training companies across the UAE in August.  Here are the three big takeaways: 1) TikTok is here, it’s attracting users in the millions, and just like Instagram, it’s starting with the youth but could be a VERY real opportunity for brands. 2) I’m seeing some hypocrisy in sales leaders and I’m calling out the BS. I’m shocked that we live in a world where I’m seeing business owners and sales managers hire consultants to train their staff but don’t adopt the training and methods themselves.  I think this is a terrible idea and it’s certainly not leading by example. 3) Leads are in abundance! Literally, between Google Ads and lead gen specialists, sales teams have access to more leads than ever.  I think now is the time to focus on conversions. I want to hear your feedback! Tell me what you think about all of this in the comments below.

What an absolute pleasure it was to sit down once again with Dr Sara Al Madani for the start of Season 2 of the podcast. After having had Sara as the first guest on my podcast at the beginning of 2019 - I am so pleased to have her back to kick off the second season. Sara Al Madani is a Mother, entrepreneur and figurehead for the rapid evolution of women in the Middle East, a profound public speaker and celebrated thought leader online. In this episode we went deeper into the way that Sara and I look at failure, self-awareness, ethics, and also getting into all of the exciting things that Sara has been up to since she was last on the show. I can guarantee that this is not an episode to be missed!

In Part 2 of my interview with Farhad Azizi, we spent the day in the car on site at one of his many real estate projects in Dubai. Having spent that time with him, in his natural environment, it became clear to me that he has such a passion for the work that he does, and as the CEO of Azizi Developments, that means that every one of his projects receives all of the dedication that he can give, from start to finish. This episode was an incredible look into the business side of the property development industry, what it takes to construct and hand over tens of thousands of units, and just what that means for his clients at the end of the day. I know you're going to enjoy this episode just as much as I enjoyed making it.

From learning C++ and computer programming, to Saudi Aramco, starting a Burger Shop, and now his own Real Estate Investment company; Abdullah Alajaji has an amazing story to tell. We got into his background, his upbringing, and the lucky breaks and deliberate decisions that have made him into the entrepreneur he is today. Abdullah Alajaji is the founder and Managing Director of Driven Properties, a property brokerage, investment, management and consultancy company operating across the Middle East.

Trading for a living is as simple as it sounds when Darren Winters tells you his secrets behind how to learn trading. The top trader from the UK takes you behind the curtain and tells his story of rags to riches. From a complete beginner to seven figures in trading in only a few years. When you find out why he had to learn so quickly, you'll be amazed at how quickly life can turn itself around. If entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and success is in your DNA, then this is the episode for you!

For the first time ever, I am so excited to bring my slightly nerdy strategy review to the podcast. It's short, but packed with insights and advice. So, do let me know what you think once you've listened to it! July’s review was a surprising one. I really didn't expect to have to repeat things 6 months down the line. I shouldn't need to explain why it's necessary for owners and business leaders to train their management and their sales staff, but so many businesses don't get it! The result that your business is looking for is possible if you would only consider the needs of your employees. I also realised after riding 560kms from London to Paris in three days, what it really means to be an entrepreneur. For those of you who are considering going out on your own, this will be really valuable advice. I'd love to know your thoughts on this review so drop me a comment below with anything interesting you picked up on in the month!

David Balfour is not only a long-time friend, he is also a brilliant entrepreneur, and on this episode he discusses his journey in business, his own venture - Lightblue, an experiential creative agency that works with the likes of Playstation, Adidas, and Mercedes Benz! We also spent some time discussing our views on social media, how to use it effectively, and the entrepreneurs and thought leaders that we look up to!

What's the best way to get revenge on a cheater? Show off your travels and creativity on social media of course! That was exactly what Rawan bin Hussain did, but fate and NBC (the american broadcast company) stepped in to show the world what she was doing! Growing her Instagram to over 3.6 million followers, this Palestinian-Kuwaiti social media superstar has taken the world by storm, and her story of how she got there is one that is truly amazing.

What would it take for you to get from zero to 7000 followers in one week? I spoke to someone who’s done it! It’s no wonder this guy’s turning the social media industry on its head! Paul O'Mahony is a digital media specialist, mindset coach, and best-selling author of ‘Rethink Social Media’. I sat down with him and dissected his thoughts on the future of the industry.