Made in Dubai with Spencer Lodge

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.

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