Made in Dubai with Spencer Lodge
Spencer Lodge
Formerly the Unscripted Podcast with Spencer Lodge
Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities in Dubai. A city that rose from the desert sands to become one of the most ambitious, innovative and inspiring places on Earth. Behind its glittering skyline are people with stories just as extraordinary - pioneers, dreamers and doers who dared to turn bold visions into reality.
Made in Dubai is where those stories are told. Hosted by Spencer Lodge, each episode is a front-row seat to conversations with the people shaping the UAE's future — from business leaders and record-breakers to cultural icons and creative disruptors.
But this isn't just about their success. It's about the journey - the risks they took, the challenges they faced and the moments that defined them. It's about the unique magic of Dubai: a place where ambition meets opportunity, where cultures from around the world collide to create something truly special and where anything feels possible.
Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for your next big move, someone curious about life in the UAE or simply in need of inspiration, Made in Dubai is your invitation to step inside this vibrant city and meet the people who make it remarkable.
If it was made in Dubai, you'll hear it here.
Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities in Dubai. A city that rose from the desert sands to become one of the most ambitious, innovative and inspiring places on Earth. Behind its glittering skyline are people with stories just as extraordinary - pioneers, dreamers and doers who dared to turn bold visions into reality.
Made in Dubai is where those stories are told. Hosted by Spencer Lodge, each episode is a front-row seat to conversations with the people shaping the UAE's future — from business leaders and record-breakers to cultural icons and creative disruptors.
But this isn't just about their success. It's about the journey - the risks they took, the challenges they faced and the moments that defined them. It's about the unique magic of Dubai: a place where ambition meets opportunity, where cultures from around the world collide to create something truly special and where anything feels possible.
Whether you're an entrepreneur searching for your next big move, someone curious about life in the UAE or simply in need of inspiration, Made in Dubai is your invitation to step inside this vibrant city and meet the people who make it remarkable.
If it was made in Dubai, you'll hear it here.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 6, 2019 • 5min
#38: Spencer's Strategy Review - September 2019
It's time to review some of the things I've picked up on while consulting and training companies across the UAE in September. Here are the three big takeaways: 1) Many companies struggle to attract good quality talent, which appears to be the case in many industries. I think companies need to focus on making themselves more attractive to candidates. 2) We always hear about how tough "the market" is, but the fact is - there are still companies that are successful. Businesses have to ask themselves what they could do differently, instead of blaming the market. 3) People find things more valuable if they have to pay for them. The same goes for training and development.
Oct 3, 2019 • 29min
#37: Mustafa Khawaja - Entrepreneurs vs Wantrepreneurs
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing my very good friend Mustafa Khawaja, CEO of Khawaja Holdings and Bio Vape, President of Sparta Nutrition; originally from the US, but now based in Dubai. Mustafa recently got married to my dear friend Sara Al Madani, and they really are a true power couple. Mustafa's journey is one straight out of an entrepreneurial fairy tale. His parents immigrated to New Jersey from Pakistan. Growing up in the US, Mustafa had set up his own business at the age of 17, and by 26 had bought his parents a house. I really enjoyed this conversation with someone who looks at entrepreneurship the same way that I do. I know you'll really love this episode.
Sep 30, 2019 • 27min
#36: Tony Robbins - Do you need resources or resourcefulness?
I recently had the privilege of interviewing one of my heroes, Tony Robbins. At the beginning of my career I purchased a set of CDs with his teachings on them, and they changed my entire life. As a result of what I learned from Tony, I've built a hugely successful group of companies and given value and training to thousands of people around the world. With my good friend, Omar A from Mental Unblock, we spoke to Tony about the journey that brought him to where he is today, his successes, his failures, and what he believes are the core principles that people should apply in their own lives. Tony has been coming to the Middle East for several years, but in his first public event in the UAE, he headlined Najahi's Achieve the Unimaginable event with Nick Vujicic, Prince EA, and Alicia Keys, where over 10,000 people soaked up all of the energy and wisdom offered up by these exceptional individuals.
Sep 20, 2019 • 22min
#35: Prince Ea - From Rapping in Schools to Speaking to Billions
I am so pleased to have sat down with my friend Prince Ea. We met about six months ago at the Najahi Cha Ching 2.0 event with John Lee, Greg Secker, and Lisa Nichols. I had a chance to speak to Prince just after he came off stage at Najahi's Achieve the Unbelieavble event at Dubai's Coca Cola arena where Nick Vujicic and Tony Robbins spoke to 10,000 people. In this episode we spoke about his amazing rise to fame from rapping at high schools in the US to speaking to stadium audiences and getting billions of views across social media.
Sep 12, 2019 • 9min
#34: Nick Vujicic - No Arms, No Legs, No Worries!
Nick Vujicic was born with no arms and no legs, but has changed more lives than most. Through his message of persistence, passion, and purpose, he has helped thousands of people to overcome their challenges, and strive for a life of fulfilment. I've followed Nick's journey for many years and I am so glad that I was able to spend this time with him at the Tony Robbins event that was hosted by Najahi, and I am so excited to be able to bring this episode to you. Enjoy it, because the message he has to share is so important.
Sep 5, 2019 • 60min
#33: Shahad Ballan - Lessons on Inspiration from The Middle East's Youngest TV Presenter
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.
Sep 2, 2019 • 6min
#32: Spencer's Strategy Review - August 2019
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.
Aug 28, 2019 • 45min
#31: Sara Al Madani - The Return of The UAE's Most Inspiring Woman
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!
Aug 22, 2019 • 43min
#30: Farhad Azizi - Part 2: A Day at Work with a Billionaire Property Developer
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.
Aug 22, 2019 • 1h 3min
#29: Abdullah Alajaji - From Computer Programmer to Real Estate Entrepreneur
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.
