Welcome to Challenger Brands, the podcast where we explore how exceptional brands redefine customer engagement and innovation to lead in a competitive market. In this episode, we’re diving deep into customer centricity—the art of putting customers at the heart of your business strategy—with insights from Mark Hamill, CEO and Co-Founder of ARCET Global.

As a trailblazer in consumer-centric innovation and the architect of the Customer Centricity World Series—the world's premier CX awards program—Mark has helped businesses transform their customer lifecycle journeys into powerful tools for loyalty and growth. With over 15 years of experience in customer engagement strategies and business excellence, he’s a global leader in fostering a customer-centric culture.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The true meaning of customer experience and why it’s vital for business sustainability. How to craft a customer-centric strategy that drives lasting success. Actionable tips to avoid common mistakes in customer-centric marketing. The role of cutting-edge technology like AI and automation in shaping customer-centric design. How businesses can adapt to the customer-centric mindset demanded in a post-pandemic world.

Mark also shares customer success stories and practical insights on embedding a customer-centric culture into your brand’s DNA. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this episode is packed with strategies to help you become a customer centricity leader in 2025.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your brand with proven customer engagement strategies and unlock the power of a consumer-centric marketing approach.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

What if we told you that sales, as we know it, isn’t about closing deals? Our guest today believes that 80% of sales is actually the brand, and success is built on trust rather than just technique.

Learn all about the future of sales in 2025 with Illustrado.co's Challenger Brands series. Get ahead of the game and stay informed on the latest trends in the sales industry!

Joining us today is Mamoun Alamouri, a seasoned entrepreneur, strategic investor, and an experienced sales professional. With a mission to help startups and SMEs achieve product-market fit, Mamoun specializes in guiding companies with proven marketing and sales strategies. His career began in the corporate world with leadership roles at Uniphore, Cisco, and Avaya, but his entrepreneurial spirit has led him into the startup ecosystem where he focuses on sectors like SaaS, future tech, and social media marketing

Mamoun is also a passionate advocate for lean startup methodologies, helping entrepreneurs validate their ideas and find product-market fit with minimal risk. 

Today, he’s here to talk about his revolutionary approach to sales—a trust-based model that flips the traditional sales funnel on its head. 

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

In this episode, we dive into the high-stakes world of startup funding with Anna Arzua MacMillan, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Venture FactorE. With over 15 years of global expertise and a history of guiding ventures to new heights, Anna shares the essential roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to secure funding and scale sustainably. From understanding market timing to building investor trust, Anna's insights provide a powerful playbook for founders.

Our guest today is a powerhouse in industries like Healthcare, Defense, AI, Sustainability, and Tech, with a track record of attracting transformative investments across the GCC region. Based in Dubai, with operations in UAE, Riyadh, Singapore, and India, Anna is not only a leader but a visionary committed to empowering female entrepreneurs and building businesses that drive meaningful social impact. As a co-founder and board member of numerous high-impact ventures, Anna bridges cultures, sectors, and technologies to create sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

In today’s episode, we’ll cover:
Startup Health Essentials: The key factors that make a startup attractive to investors.
Perfect Timing for Funding: When founders should take the plunge into seeking funding.
Building a Winning Pitch: The must-haves for a pitch that captures investor attention.
Investor Relations 101: How to build trust and maintain connections with potential investors.
Valuation Myths, Debunked: Get clarity on the truth behind startup valuations.
Future Trends: What lies ahead for startup funding and innovation.

Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business leader, Anna's expertise will guide you through the funding journey and help you avoid common pitfalls.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Welcome to the world of Dubai's viral chocolate! In this episode, we unravel the magic behind the famous Kunafa Chocolate, a dessert that has captured hearts and taste buds alike. Join Chef Nouel Catis as he guides you through the step-by-step process of making this delightful treat, highlighting the unique ingredients that elevate it to a multi-million dollar sensation.

Our guest today is Chef Nouel Catis, an internationally acclaimed pastry consultant whose culinary artistry has taken the food industry by storm. Chef Nouel’s unique approach to flavor alchemy and deep understanding of regional palates has helped him create iconic dessert experiences and pastry menus that have generated incredible returns. One of his most notable creations, the Dubai Chocolate, became a global viral sensation, further solidifying his reputation for developing products that transcend the ordinary.

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the formula behind Chef Nouel’s success in creating million-dollar products, and more importantly, what entrepreneurs in any industry can learn from his approach. Whether you’re in the food business or building a tech startup, there are valuable insights here for anyone looking to craft winning products.

Join us and witness how a simple chocolate bar can turn into a viral sensation!

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Welcome back to another episode of Challenger Brands, the podcast where we delve into the stories of remarkable entrepreneurs, and even community builders who make huge impact in the market.

Community-building is a must for many brands these days. So we have 2 amazing Community Champions in the house today to give us some insights on how to bring people together and drive them towards a common cause.   

First, we have Josie Conlu, a renowned community leader and social entrepreneur. Josie is considered one of the most influential community and social media personalities within the Filipino community in the UAE. She has been an award-winning community champion, youth mentor, and a leading advocate for Filipino SMEs in the UAE. Josie leads the biggest and grandest Philippine Independence Day celebration in the UAE which at one time saw 50k attendees, alongside Infinite Communities, The Filipino Channel, and Emirates Loves Philippines. Josie aims to leave a legacy characterized by good governance and fiscal responsibility.  Her platform Love Josie has 300K followers and she has helped build Emirates Loves Philippine’s 700k following.

Joining Josie, we have Reema Mahajan, the founder of Indian Women in Dubai (IWD), the largest women’s community in Dubai with over 100,000 members. Reema is an IIT and IIM graduate with experience in international management consulting at Bain & Company. She quit her job to follow her passion for women empowerment and gender equality. Honored with Asia’s 100 Women Power Leaders 2023 award and named Inspiring Woman of the Year 2021, Reema has been featured in leading media outlets. She started IWD to create a platform where women can come together and feel unconditionally supported. IWD stands on three pillars: empowering women, celebrating women, and giving back.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Dr. Ivan Misner is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI (Business Network International), the world’s largest business networking organization. With over 11,100 chapters in 76 countries, BNI generated $23.4 billion worth of business for its members just last year alone. Known as the 'Father of Modern Networking' by Forbes and CNN, Dr. Misner is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a New York Times bestselling author, with 29 books under his belt, including his latest release, The 3rd Paradigm."

This episode delves into the fascinating topic of building a self-propagating company. BNI’s unique structure and growth model are designed to thrive and expand on their own—powered by community-driven leadership and an intrinsic culture of 'Givers Gain.' We’ll hear from Dr. Misner about the founding story of BNI, the core principles that guide its growth, and what entrepreneurs can learn about creating businesses that grow organically while empowering others.

Let’s dive into the strategies, lessons, and mindset behind building a company that multiplies and sustains itself. 

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Ryan Ramos, the Founder and Managing Director of Cultivate UAE and The Dream Lab UAE. From humble beginnings, Ryan worked his way up from business development to general management at a leading landscaping company in the UAE. He then ventured out on his own to build his very own landscaping business, Cultivate UAE, which has quickly become one of the leading brands in the market, serving some of the most prestigious clients in the industry, including Emaar, the Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall.

Recently, Ryan launched The Dream Lab, entering the theming market and creating iconic art pieces for commercial venues, leisure facilities, and luxury destinations. His story is a true 'David versus 
Goliath' tale, showcasing how he and his company grew to success rapidly in the last four years, taking on the biggest players in the market and winning.

Today, we'll delve into how Ryan managed to rise from obscurity to success, the strategies he employed, and what lessons can be learned by entrepreneurs out there who are trying to get noticed in the markets.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Today, we have an amazing and inspiring guest!  Joining us is Samantha Araujo, a formidable titan in the region’s competitive hospitality industry. With a passion for fine living and an extraordinary ability to craft memorable experiences, Samantha has established Stellar USP as a premier player in the luxury hospitality supply industry. Her company is renowned for its exceptional service, personalized client experiences, and innovative solutions that go beyond simply supplying goods.

Stellar USP is a trusted partner in the market, contributing to prestigious projects across the Middle East and Africa. With over a decade of industry experience, they've worked with esteemed clients such as Atlantis the Royal, One & Only – One Zabeel, and Marriott Palm Jumeirah.

Samantha has carved out her own unique space in a category dominated by much older players in the business. Today, we'll explore Samantha's journey to becoming a leading player in her field and what brands, companies, and owners can learn from her.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Navneet Kampani is a former banker who has been in the industry for over 30 years, now he is an entrepreneur, author, and life coach who helps individuals and top executives achieve work-life harmony and find meaning in life.

Fresh from the launch of his book “Unmasking the Real You - A Journey from Self-Awareness to Action” we’re hoping to get life-changing tips from Navneet today.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co

Dhiren Harchandani is a Transformation Architect who specializes in empowering entrepreneurs to achieve 8-figure business success without compromising personal fulfillment or lifestyle. An avid learner in transformation, leadership, and mindset, he coaches entrepreneurs representing over $2.5 billion in combined revenue. With over two decades of experience in scaling businesses across five industries, Harchandani has founded and exited multiple ventures.

A Harvard Business School alumnus, he leverages his business strategy expertise and 2,500 hours of coaching experience, incorporating NLP, Quantum Science, and Psychology to transform leaders and organizations. An adventure enthusiast, he engages in ultra-running, Ironman races, and mountain climbing. Grounded in his love for nature and family, Harchandani is also a dedicated father, husband, dog lover, and a passionate traveler who has explored over 70 countries and all seven continents.

This is Challenger Brands -

Where we talk about brand development, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and a whole lot of other things to help entrepreneurs and brand custodians build competitive brands and better businesses.

Not the biggest player in your sector? Make an impact by challenging the status quo.

In each episode, we talk to inspiring industry professionals and entrepreneurs to gain useful and actionable insights for empowering challenger brands.

Hosted by Illustrado - The Brand Development & Creative Agency for ambitious and audacious challenger brands.

www.illustrado.co