Unscripted with Spencer Lodge

Personal branding is more than a buzzword – it’s the way to establish yourself and drive business results. Yet many people don't know how to get started or have a fear of oversharing, so they simply don’t take the steps to being more visible. That's where the incredible Maha Abouelenein comes in. She is a strategic communications powerhouse and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, and the CEO and founder of Digital and Savvy, a leading global communications consulting firm. Named one of Forbes' Power Women of the Middle East in 2020, Maha is also a keynote speaker, host of the top-rated podcast ‘SavvyTalk,’ author of the highly anticipated book, 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, and a pivotal figure in Gary Vaynerchuk's rise to fame. In this episode, Maha brings her exceptional knowledge and experience to share how to build a strong personal brand, why employees need to focus on personal branding, lessons for people in their 20s, and networking tips for introverts. Her words of wisdom can truly change your life and help you 10x your career growth, so be sure to tune in now! Discussion points: 2:20 Maha’s ethnic identity 3:31 Decoding personal branding 5:32 The difference between a personal brand and corporate brand 7:00 Shift of brand perception from businesses to leaders 10:44 Why LinkedIn is the most profound business tool today 19:04 Why employees must focus on personal branding 24:29 Maha’s opinion on the best learning sources 28:14 Maha’s purpose behind writing her book: 7 Rules of Self-Reliance 32:26 Five life-changing takeaways from Maha’s book 35:33 Invaluable lessons for people in their 20s 38:57 Being self-aware of your learning style 41:26 Networking tips for introverts 45:41 Providing value when networking 49:50 Real-life examples of the power of building relationships 54:11 Three non-negotiables when building your personal brand 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/  Maha Aboueleneinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-abouelenein/ https://www.instagram.com/mahagaber/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@maha.gaber https://x.com/mahagaber

It’s the 300th episode of "Unscripted With Spencer Lodge" and I’m thrilled to have British adventurer Ant Middleton joining me in the studio for a very special recording. Renowned for his extreme adventures and mental resilience, Ant is someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a very long time! From joining the UK's elite forces at 16 to becoming the chief instructor on ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins,’ his story is nothing short of extraordinary. He starred in hit shows like ‘Mutiny,’ and ‘Extreme Everest’ and conquered K2 in 2022. As an accomplished author, Ant has sold over 2.3 million copies of his books worldwide, including ‘First Man In’ and ‘The Fear Bubble,’ motivating millions. In this episode, we delve into Ant's passion for adventure, and his relentless commitment to overcoming life's obstacles. He shares his experience of joining the army and his absolute dedication to the most important thing in his life: his beautiful family with four kids. So, get ready to be inspired by someone who inspires millions – tune in now! Discussion points:  0:07:06 The values Ant has instilled in his kids0:09:19 Ant’s ethos on fatherhood 0:11:45 Moving to France with his mom and stepdad0:26:34 Ant’s experience of joining the army0:32:51 Being exposed to battle for the first time0:38:53 How Ant became famous0:42:20 Context behind the show ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’0:48:20 Lessons and experiences from the show 0:49:52 How Ant has impacted people’s lives for the better0:55:46 Rishi Sunak’s national service plan1:03:43 The root cause of the vicious work cycle1:07:53 What motivates Ant1:17:20 The people that inspires Ant 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/ Ant Middletonhttps://x.com/antmiddleton https://www.youtube.com/@AntMiddleton https://www.instagram.com/antmiddleton/ https://www.facebook.com/antmiddletonsas/

They say that no one leaves a war without scars, and this week’s guest can attest to that. Get ready to be shaken to your core by the story you're about to hear. Meet Lurata Lyon, who, at just 17, became a victim of human trafficking and an organ-harvesting gang during the split of former Yugoslavia. Held captive in a dark, tiny room for six months, she endured solitary confinement, abuse, beatings, being raped daily and experienced constant fear for her life. After an intense rescue, she was brought to the UK as a political refugee. Today, Lurata is an international public speaking and presentation skills coach, a motivational speaker, and the author of 'Unbroken: Surviving Human Trafficking.' In this episode, Lurata shares what led to her kidnapping, and the most horrific experiences of her life during those months. Her story deeply moved me, and I knew I had to share it with you. This episode will take you through a whirlwind of emotions — pain, grief, anger, gratitude, pity, loss, and hope. So, tune in now and be inspired by Lurata’s incredible resilience and approach to life.   Discussion points:  0:17:44 Lurata’s early years 0:25:54 Living in a communist country  0:28:09 The end of communism in Yugoslavia 0:45:55 Negotiating with the army to survive 1:04:45 Lurata's kidnapping 1:17:43 Lurata’s most horrific memory 1:25:40 How Lurata escaped her kidnappers 1:34:24 Interrogations, beatings, and rape by the army 1:48:06 The mindset shift that helped Lurata  1:49:31 How Lurata’s father rescued her after six months  2:04:55 The moment she reached England 2:11:28 Why Lurata chose to share her story 2:15:27 Life lessons from Lurata  2:20:24 Spencer’s takeaways from this conversation   Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and work https://www.megavrse.xyz/#/    Socials: Spencer Lodge https://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/    Lurata Lyon https://www.linkedin.com/in/luratalyon/ https://www.instagram.com/luratalyon/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/lurata.lyon  https://x.com/LurataLyon

Imagine being repeatedly bullied in an environment that you love. This week, I am joined by former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq, whose courageous stand against systemic racism has sent shockwaves through the sporting community. Born and raised in Karachi, Azeem relocated from Pakistan to England in 2001, making history as Yorkshire’s first Asian-origin captain and leading the team to victory in five out of six matches. As an anti-racism campaigner and whistleblower at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, he exposed the harsh realities of discrimination, racism, and bullying in the industry. Azeem is also the author of the book, “It’s Not Banter, It’s Racism: What Cricket’s Dirty Secret Reveals About Our Society” which has recently been released. In this episode, he discusses his first encounter with racism, how he was treated by colleagues in the locker room, and the root of this pervasive issue. Folks, Azeem's journey is not just a story of personal resilience but a call to action for all of us – dive in now!   Discussion points: 0:04:38 Azeem’s first encounter with racism 0:12:25 Speaking up against racism 0:21:38 How racism was normalised in the locker room 0:30:24 The origins of racism 0:37:14 The oppressed becoming the oppressor 0:49:23 Azeem’s journey of writing his book 0:57:47 Azeem’s purpose 1:04:31 Fostering diversity and inclusivity as a business leader 1:16:50 Azeem’s future career plans    Show Sponsors: Megavrse: Dive into immersive environments in the Metaverse that redefine the future of retail, art, and work https://www.megavrse.xyz/#/    Socials: Spencer Lodge https://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/    Azeem Rafiq https://www.instagram.com/azeemrafiq30/?hl=en  https://www.linkedin.com/in/azeem-rafiq-a76a00b5/  https://x.com/AzeemRafiq

If you think taking drugs will improve your mental health, stop right there. It’s time to debunk common health myths with the leading authority in Behavioural Change Dynamics, Eric Edmeades. This remarkable entrepreneur went from being a homeless teenager to a successful business leader, and is now empowering entrepreneurs globally with his initiative ‘Business of Freedom’. His passion for improving the quality of human lives led to his flagship program, WILDFIT, globally recognised as the most effective health transformation program. In this eye-opening episode, Eric reveals the critical relationship between food and mental health, the root causes of diseases, and the impact of nature on humans, along with some actionable solutions for vitality. Listen now and begin leading a happier, healthier life now! Discussion points:  08:18 The relationship between food and mental health19:06 The root cause of all diseases27:28 Case study on the acute mental health crisis36:00 The importance of physical affection 42:01 Embracing an ancestral lifestyle for better health47:14 Diabetes as a severe threat55:41 Battling the food devil in your mind58:00 Maximising corporate wellness for best results 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/  Eric Edmeadeshttps://x.com/EricEdmeadeshttps://www.instagram.com/ericedmeades/https://www.facebook.com/ericedmeades/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericedmeades/ https://www.youtube.com/@thrivetimewithericedmeades8766

If you’re a business owner and you want to secure your family’s future, you might be surprised by the steps you need to take. The bad news is building a successful business alone won’t cut it. Folks, get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with Carlton Crabbe – the CEO of Capital for Life, a leading financial services firm specialising in international life insurance and estate planning solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families. With over 25 years of experience advising affluent clients on complex financial matters across more than 200 countries, Carlton's expertise in wealth management is second to none. Join us as he explains why business owners need to plan for the unexpected, the importance of key person insurance, and the financial goal that every family breadwinner should have. Let me tell you, if you're serious about protecting your business and achieving financial security, Carlton's wisdom is your lifeline. Grab a pen and paper – it's time to dive in! Listen to my previous conversation with Carlton where we covered Domicile, Inheritance Tax and Financial Planning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2e20ES0CU Discussion points:  6:40 The reason people don’t trust financial advisors10:42 Powerful questions that changed how Carlton approaches life17:13 When things go wrong in a business partnership25:43 What happens if your business partner dies?31:51 Why people fail to secure key person insurance34:25 The goal every family breadwinner should have42:22 The different types of life insurance54:30 Carlton’s free quiz for business owners to highlight weaknesses 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/  Carlton Crabbehttps://www.facebook.com/carlton.crabbe.96 https://www.linkedin.com/in/carltoncrabbe/ https://x.com/carlton_crabbe?lang=en

The world is moving faster than ever, and only those who master advanced technologies stand a chance to succeed. Meet Piers Linney, the disruptive entrepreneur and former Dragon investor on BBC1’s Dragons’ Den, who’s on a mission to empower, educate, and inspire people to pursue their goals by using technology. As the Co-founder of ‘Implement AI,’ the next generation technology partner, he’s focused on transforming SMEs with the power of artificial intelligence. With a professional background and 25 years of experience in law, venture capital, and alternative asset fund management, Piers shares his expert insights on pitching to investors, implementing AI solutions, and automating business operations just as he does for himself. He also gives strategic guidance for navigating the complex tech-driven landscape and conquering the challenges which is something we can all benefit from. If you’re passionate about technology and AI, trust me, you won’t want to miss this conversation with one of the most impressive businessmen I’ve met. Tune in now! Discussion points:  0:06 Introduction to Piers, the ‘Dragon’ investor4:36 Pitching business ideas to investors6:18 Piers’ secrets to financial success10:53 Piers’ thoughts on struggling28:34 Decoding the Crypto Cloud39:39 Using AI call agents for marketing45:45 Planning a career or building a business in the tech era54:58 How Piers streamlines his business with automation 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/  Piers Linneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pierslinney/ https://www.instagram.com/pierslinney/ https://x.com/pierslinney?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/pierslinneytv

Healing, chakras, meditation, emotional mapping – these topics may seem a bit ‘out there’ for many, but my guest on today’s show just might change your mind. Meet Shayoon: healer, fashion influencer, model, author, and founder of The Lightforce Center. After surviving a catastrophic car accident, Shayoon was told she would live with chronic pain and be unable to have children. However, a serendipitous encounter with the man who would become her husband opened her eyes to the transformative power of healing modalities. Today, Shayoon is pain-free, a mother, and a powerhouse of resilience. In this episode, Shayoon shares her unique wisdom on healing trauma and emotional mapping, and discusses why many people resist the healing process. She also recounts the time her son was nearly kidnapped, a story that will make your heart drop. This experience turned her into a fierce advocate against child sex trafficking. Whether you’re curious about healing trauma or captivated by Shayoon’s story, this is one episode you can't afford to miss. Tune in now and prepare to be inspired! Discussion points:  03:02 Shayoon’s healing journey11:58 The concept of ‘emotional mapping’22:41 The role of gratitude for healing and release29:57 Resistance in the healing process31:00 The Lightforce Center case study36:00 Eliminating greed and ego through healing40:09 Learning to focus on positivity rather than negativity55:20 The near-kidnapping of Shayoon’s son 01:11:03 Sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace 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/ Shayoon https://www.instagram.com/shayoon_/?hl=en

Achieving peak performance in your business is possible if you apply the Formula 1 Mindset. But don’t take it from me, folks. This week, I am joined by Marc Priestley, who brings more than a decade of experience with the World Championship-winning McLaren pit crew. Today Marc is a successful speaker, broadcaster, and author, co-presenting the widely acclaimed Wheeler Dealers television show. He is also an expert commentator on Formula 1, Formula E, and the wider motorsport industry.  In this episode, Marc shares his unique perspective on the concept of an elite performance mindset, stories from the pitlane, leadership lessons, overcoming challenges, and achieving ambitious goals. If you’re serious about boosting your team’s performance, then don’t miss this epic discussion. Just like in racing, small changes can result in significant gains, so tune in now and switch gears on your team’s performance! Check out Marc’s first interview on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge, here: https://www.spencerlodge.tv/169-verstappen-vs-hamilton-grand-prix-championship-controversy-explained-with-f1-mechanic-marc-priestley/ Discussion points:  06:29 Marc and Spencer’s relationship08:40 Marc’s career path at McLaren10:51 What happened when Marc left Formula 113:50 Marc’s role at Wheeler Dealers16:53 Lessons for leadership from an F1 team perspective22:02 Maintaining motivation in a high-performing team25:14 Great leaders throughout Marc’s career30:20 Leading by example37:55 Human performance strategies in business42:57 Creating a sense of mission and purpose49:36 Marc’s motivational talks 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/ Marc Priestleyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpriestley/

Exceptional leaders create a nurturing work environment that prioritises well-being and trust, without compromising on productivity. With over two decades of experience in human resources, Ghenwa Habbal understands this concept, and offers her insights from the unique perspective of a business psychologist. In her role as Regional Talent Management Lead at Ford Middle East & Africa, Ghenwa has dedicated her career to crafting and executing strategies that attract, empower, and retain top talent. In this episode, Ghenwa shares her thoughts on the value of work experience, effective communication strategies for leaders, the huge costs associated with employee resignations, and the crucial role of responsibility in leadership. With her no-holds-barred approach, Ghenwa cuts right to the chase when it comes to navigating the complexities of leadership. Get ready as we dive into this fascinating discussion!  Discussion points:  2:11 Working from a young age6:11 The importance of working vs studying10:02 Training effective leaders12:53 Investing in people’s development17:06 Putting diversity and Inclusion into action24:05 The outdated concept of female empowerment 30:10 Ghenwa’s take on where leadership has gone wrong34:30 Are we entitled to feel offended?37:40 A perspective on good leadership44:00 Effective communication47:44 Legal agreements and how they change 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/  Ghenwa Habbalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ghenwa-habbal/