

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

Sep 2, 2024 • 53min
#309: The Battle to Bring 'Million Dollar Listing UAE' to Life with Ben Bandari
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/

Aug 26, 2024 • 53min
#308: Taking Control Of Your Personal Data With Futurist Michael Clark
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/

Aug 19, 2024 • 58min
#307: From Near-Death Tragedy to Million-Dollar Triumph: Yannick Rebsamen's Inspirational Story
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

Aug 12, 2024 • 47min
#306: Breaking Down Corporate Insurance With Sonny Ridgewell
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

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h
#305: Inside the Mind of Raki Phillips, The Visionary Leader Behind Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Boom
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/

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
#304: Addressing The Gender Pay Gap, Women's Equality And Workplace Inclusion With Emma Burdett
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/

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
#303: Inside The World of Billionaire Matchmaking With Dubai Matchmaker, Christiana Maxion
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/

67 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 22min
#302: Never-Before-Heard Business Strategies for Building a B2B Empire with Daniel Priestley: LISTEN NOW!
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.

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h
#301: Unleashing The Power Of Personal Branding And Networking With Communications Powerhouse Maha Abouelenein
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

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 24min
#300: The Untold Story of British Adventurer Ant Middleton
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/


