Unscripted with Spencer Lodge

While the world was gripped with fear during the 2008 financial crisis, he was busy building the UAE’s largest real estate brokerage from the ground up.  Meet Lewis Allsopp, the Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, who started his brokerage in the midst of a recession with just four employees and grew it into an empire with over 650 employees, including 420 agents. In this conversation, Lewis shares his journey from the early days of intense pressure to leading a powerhouse in real estate. He opens up about his greatest skill, shares his strategy for building a strong workplace culture, and discusses how he balances recruitment with real estate. Plus, discover what fuels his passion for running his business. Don’t miss out on wisdom from a true real estate titan — tune in now. 07:34 – Lewis' career journey from day one 13:03 – The stress he faced in the first three years 19:05 – Lewis’ greatest skill 23:16 – The breakdown of Lewis' business in recruitment vs. real estate  25:20 – Retaining employees with a healthy workplace culture 28:55 – Why Lewis doesn’t plan for the future 31:50 – What excites Lewis about running his business 36:42 – Highlights of running Allsopp & Allsopp for 17 years 39:45 – Their new private office for ultra-high-net-worth individuals Show Sponsors: IOPn: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownershiphttps://iopn.io/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Lewis Allsopphttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/lewis-allsopp-0a809030 https://www.instagram.com/lewis_allsoppdubai/?hl=en

What does it take, to become the number one company in your industry? In this episode, Neil Petch – the founder and chairman of Virtuzone – answers this and delivers essential advice every entrepreneur needs to hear. Virtuzone, the UAE’s leading company formation firm, has helped more than 70,000 entrepreneurs from 180 countries establish their businesses in the UAE. If anyone knows the secrets to successful startups, it’s Neil Petch. Expect unscripted advice on entrepreneurship, tips for setting up a business in the UAE, and the key attributes necessary to become a multi-millionaire founder. Neil also shares his journey to establishing himself as one of the UAE’s most prominent and respected entrepreneurs. If you’re serious about making it as an entrepreneur, then this episode is going to be your best resource.  06:04 –What Dubai was like 23 years ago 14:02 – The story behind ITP and Neil’s career journey 18:56 – Reflections on the most successful publication and the one that flopped, along with the lessons learnt 22:39 – A shift in career path 28:12 – Getting excited about transitioning into a completely different industry 30:51 – Neil explains Virtuzone 36:58 – The journey of Virtuzone from its beginning to now 39:45 – What makes the business exceptionally good and how it became number one 46:35 – Achieving success in a highly competitive market 53:00 – How clients are acquired 1:00:53 – Neil’s key attributes for success in business Show Sponsors: IOPn: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownershiphttps://iopn.io/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Neil Petchhttps://www.instagram.com/petchiedxb/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilpetch/

If you’ve been tuning into the hit TV reality show ‘Million Dollar Listing UAE,’ then you’re not alone. This high-stakes drama is smashing viewership records, offering an exclusive look into the glamorous real estate market of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Meet Ben Bandari, the mastermind behind the phenomenon. A Canadian-born real estate titan, Ben faced rejection for four and a half years trying to bring his vision to life, transforming from a top 1% broker in the UAE to starring in this TV sensation. Tune in to hear Ben's incredible journey, from facing bankruptcy and countless rejections to finally securing an investor and launching the show that turned his dream into a multimillion-dollar reality. Folks, if you're curious about the grit it takes to turn an idea into a global success, this episode is a must-listen! 08:20 – Ben’s journey from real estate broker to TV star 13:23 – Facing bankruptcy in the early days 18:00 – Experiencing countless rejections 23:51 – Landing an investor for 'Million Dollar Listings' 33:38 – Production journey highlights 37:10 – Auditioning as a cast member 43:02 – How the show impacted Ben’s life 52:53 – Tips for aspiring real estate agents Show Sponsors: IOPn: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownershiphttps://iopn.io/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Ben Bandarihttps://www.tiktok.com/@Benbandari https://www.instagram.com/benbandari/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-bandari-214181a/

You own your data, but let’s face it — you’re not in control. Now, what if you could flip the script and make your data work for you? Meet Michael Clark, Vice President of Global Digital Transformation at Mastercard, and a leading data futurist with over twenty years of experience shaping the data industry. Top companies rely on his expertise to stay ahead in the data game, and now he’s here to reveal how you can do the same. In this episode, we break down how companies are cashing in on your data, explore powerful ways for you to harness and monetise it, and share three must-know tips to take back control of your digital footprint. Folks, don’t miss out — learn how to turn your data into your most valuable asset today! 04:20 –  A breakdown of ‘data’  08:42 – How companies use your data to make money 15:57 – Optimising health with data 29:53 – Linking blockchain and data 34:41 – Mind-blowing examples of how data can be leveraged 38:44 – Harnessing and monetising your own data 43:33 – Losing data: what you need to know 49:04 – Michael's upcoming book: Data Revolutions: The Rise of an Asset 50:52 – Three tips for being highly aware of your data Show Sponsors: IOPn: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownershiphttps://iopn.io/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Michael Clarkhttps://x.com/futureofmichael https://www.linkedin.com/in/futureofmichael/

Imagine being on the brink of signing a professional sports contract, when one night changes everything. This is the story of Yannick Rebsamen – an aspiring professional footballer whose dream career was tragically cut short when he lost both of his legs at age 23 in a terrible accident. But he didn’t let that stop him. Grateful for his life, he launched an e-commerce business just one week after the accident. Today, Yannick runs a multi-million-dollar company, driven by his resilient mindset. Tune in to hear Yannick’s near-death experience, insights on entrepreneurial success, approach towards life and why he believes becoming a millionaire isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 0:07:47 – Yannick’s childhood in Switzerland 0:11:27 – Dreams of becoming a professional footballer 0:20:45 – The tragic accident that changed his life forever 0:29:09 – Struggles after the accident 0:32:19 – Yannick’s discovery after a near-death experience 0:34:58 – Launching his first e-commerce business 0:39:34 – Depression as a state of mind 0:45:05 – Can anyone become a millionaire? 0:54:10 – Measuring personal progress 0:59:00 – Three things you need to succeed Show Sponsors: IOPn: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownershiphttps://iopn.io/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Yannick Rebsamenhttps://x.com/bmic_yannick https://www.instagram.com/kfyannick_r/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-rebsamen

Cheap corporate medical insurance is a pitfall, often leaving employees vulnerable and uncovered. Sometimes this is intentional to save money, but other times employers just don’t know any better. Meet Sonny Ridgewell, Managing Director of Beneple, a cloud-based HR software providing a comprehensive suite of insurance broking, consulting, wellness, and business solutions to clients worldwide. As a leading expert in employee healthcare and benefits with over 10 years experience working in UAE insurance, Sonny brings key insights on medical insurance. From the most commonly overlooked insurances, the downside of cheap plans and essential tips for employers who are implementing their medical insurance policy - this is an important episode for anyone concerned with employee wellbeing. 4:04 – Sonny introduces himself and Beneple 7:27 – The significance of medical insurance 10:18 – Downsides of cheap employee insurance plans by companies 17:48 – Discussing insurance from an employee's perspective 21:21 – Scary insurance stories 23:10 – Types of insurance corporates often miss 25:50 – Insurance for business owners 27:49 – Shareholder protection in business partnerships 38:40 – An example of an important but easily overlooked insurance 43:03 – Top 3 tips for employers when planning a medical insurance policy 47:01 – Three things HR must look for when buying medical insurance for employees 49:33 – Tips for shareholder protection when a business owner dies Show Sponsors: IOPN: Shaping the future of the internet with revolutionary blockchain technology rooted in decentralised community ownership https://iopn.io/  Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Sonny Ridgewell https://www.instagram.com/sonnydubai/ https://ae.linkedin.com/in/sonnyridgewellinsurance

Securing a groundbreaking $3.9 billion deal with Wynn Resorts and recording over 1.13 million visitors in Ras Al Khaimah, Raki Phillips is the mastermind who is helping the UAE’s tourism sector shatter records.  As a natural risk-taker and the CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Raki boasts an impressive background with Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont Hotels. He’s named one of Forbes Middle East’s ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’ and ‘Businessperson of the Year’ at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2023. Raki’s bold vision for turning the UAE into a global tourist hotspot will force you to think bigger. Tune in to hear his journey, his risk-taking strategies, and why Ras Al Khaimah should be your top choice for business. Grab your headphones and listen now! 0:09:26 – What makes Ras Al Khaimah so special 0:17:55 – Will Ras Al Khaimah introduce casinos? 0:24:40 – Raki’s fascinating career backstory 0:34:43 – The impact of the UAE’s changing landscape 0:39:26 – Raki’s source of motivation 0:45:25 – Assessing risk as a CEO 0:48:24 – Thoughts on the UAE’s governance 0:50:56 – The work culture at RAKTDA 0:56:48 – Raki’s leadership style 0:59:20 – Why to choose Ras Al Khaimah as your base Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Raki Phillipshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rakiphillips/ https://www.instagram.com/rakiphillips/

The World Economic Forum warns that gender pay parity won’t be achieved until 2277 — an undeniable and shocking reality. To address this, I’m speaking with Emma Burdett, Founder & CEO of WILD: Saudi Arabia’s first and only women’s network, championing growth, leadership, and empowerment for women. As a UN advisory board member in Saudi Arabia and SDG5 Ambassador, Emma brings her expertise in media, public speaking, and executive coaching to drive real change. In this episode, we delve into Emma’s journey with WILD, the role of women in the workplace, maternity leave’s business impact, and the persistence of gender inequality on expert panels. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation! 0:12:21 – Women's equality and workplace inclusion  0:13:20 – The gender pay gap 0:23:50 – What it means to work inclusively 0:32:30 – Employing all women in a company 0:33:54 – Cash flow struggles as a result of maternity leave 0:38:00 – Launching a women's network 0:52:30 – Gen Z and boundaries 0:57:13 – Challenges of equal representation of women  1:01:17 – Gender inequality at conferences 1:06:31 – Advice for women to become their best selves Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/  Emma Burdetthttps://www.instagram.com/wildwomenlead/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-burdett-4a16a617/

Dating apps can be overwhelming, with many people growing tired of the repetitive swiping. But for the ultra-wealthy seeking love, there's a solution: Christiana Maxion, founder and CEO of Maxion, Dubai’s top matchmaker for high-net-worth individuals.  With a database of over 40,000 singles worldwide, Christiana expertly matches people based on their specific preferences and lifestyles. Her matchmaking service, priced between $65,000 and $250,000, offers unlimited personalised assistance and boasts a 96% success rate.  Join us as we explore Christiana's unique business model, her approach to matchmaking, scaling her business, attracting investors, and tips for finding true love. Discover how Christiana redefines dating for the elite and helps them find lasting relationships! 0:06:09 Finding the right partner in Dubai 0:07:24 How Christiana became a matchmaker 0:09:25 Christiana’s matchmaking process with a mock scenario 0:13:23 Strategy for finding perfect matches 0:15:17 Process for launching a matchmaking business 0:21:40 Marriage contracts 0:36:59 Scaling her matchmaking business and launching the Maxion app 0:46:06 Christiana’s business goals and milestones achieved 0:55:29 Three tips for raising money for your business 0:56:45 Top advice for men looking for love Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and workhttps://www.megavrse.xyz/#/ Socials: Spencer Lodgehttps://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en  Christiana Maxionhttps://linkedin.com/in/christiana-maxion/ https://www.tiktok.com/@christiana.maxion https://www.facebook.com/ChristianaMaxion https://www.youtube.com/@CHRISTIANAMAXIONhttps://www.instagram.com/christiana.maxion.matchmaker/

Dive into the world of B2B business strategies with Daniel Priestley! Learn how to leverage AI, scale through outsourcing, and qualify prospects effectively. Discover the secrets to maximizing returns, online presence, and client qualification. Enhance your Zoom presentations with personal touches and learn the importance of a strong closing rate in sales.