In this episode of Raising The Barr, we sit down with Calum White, CEO of White & Co, and the man behind one of Dubai’s fastest-growing real estate agencies. In just four years, Calum has scaled his team from 10 to over 400, disrupting the market with bold strategies and an unrelenting pursuit of success.He reveals the biggest challenges, breakthrough moments, and core values that propelled this explosive growth—plus his take on building a high-performance culture, mastering training, and navigating Dubai’s dynamic property market.Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or just hungry for success, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways you won’t want to miss.00:00 Introduction00:18 Meet Calum White00:50 The Beginnings of White & Co01:14 Overcoming Early Challenges01:42 Rapid Growth and Success Stories02:47 The Dubai Real Estate Market04:53 Vision and Strategy for Success14:09 Recruitment and Team Building16:59 Dealing with Challenges and Failures24:34 Maintaining High Performance and Motivation28:17 Navigating Leadership Styles28:37 The Evolution of Leadership29:44 Challenges and Realisations30:38 The Importance of Consistency33:27 Mindset and Performance35:04 Scaling and Business Insights40:14 Lessons from Rapid Growth49:43 Future Plans and Vision

In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Ramzy Abdul-Majeed, the visionary behind iconic Dubai hospitality brands like Claw BBQ and Okku. Explore Ramzy's incredible journey from a successful career in finance and private equity to becoming a major player in the Dubai F&B scene. Learn about the evolution of the Dubai market, the challenges faced in launching top-tier dining venues, and the importance of building strong, homegrown brands. Discover the intricacies behind opening a restaurant in Dubai, creating unique culinary concepts, and hear exclusive insights into future expansion plans that focus on making Dubai a global hub for exceptional dining experiences. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just passionate about the F&B industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated with more fantastic guests from various industries.00:00 Introduction 00:43 From Finance to Hospitality: Ramzy’s Joruney01:51 The Evolution of Dubai's Hospitality Scene 04:12 Creating Homegrown Brands in Dubai05:40 Challenges of Launching a Restaurant07:58 The Success of Okku17:36 Expanding with New Brands21:01 Navigating Internal Challenges23:57 The Evolution of Dubai's F&B Scene26:08 Challenges in the Restaurant Business27:36 The Reality of Operating in Dubai30:13 Innovative Concepts and Reinvention37:39 Future Expansion Plans44:37 The Importance of Building a Solid Foundation45:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us in this episode of Raising The Barr as we sit down with Sammy, a trailblazer in the hair and beauty industry originally from Manchester, now thriving in Dubai.

Sammy shares her inspiring journey from a teenage hairdresser to a successful entrepreneur, overcoming industry stereotypes and building a thriving hairdressing and online training business. She dives into the power of social media, the rapid growth of the hair extensions market, and how evolving trends are shaping the industry.

Tune in for an energetic conversation packed with practical advice on social media marketing, business growth, and staying authentic in your career.

00:00 Welcome to Raising The Barr

00:17 Meet Sammy: A Trailblazer in Hair and Beauty

00:46 Sammy's Early Passion for Hairdressing

02:52 Overcoming Stereotypes in the Hairdressing Industry

04:02 The Impact of Social Media on Hairdressing

08:11 Dealing with Online Trolls

10:31 Transitioning to Education and Training

15:45 Building an Online Training Platform

19:33 Empowering the Next Generation of Hairdressers

20:27 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

21:37 The Importance of Client Relationships

23:35 Social Media Strategies for Success

28:25 Balancing Work and Personal Life

36:53 The Future of Hair Extensions

39:19 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future

Join us for an electrifying episode of Raising The Barr as we explore the extraordinary entrepreneurial journey of Jonny Dodge, a serial entrepreneur who started his career owning a nightclub in London, before moving into the world of Formula One and ultimately becoming the CEO of My Ocean and Your Sky. 
Jonny shares insights into his passion for luxury travel experiences, the power of networking, and the importance of following one's passions. He discusses his groundbreaking ventures in yacht and private jet brokerage, as well as his most audacious project yet—space travel. 
Learn about his philosophy on business, community building, and living a life filled with extraordinary adventures. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike.

00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr

00:18 Meet Johnny Dodge: From Nightclubs to Formula One

12:37 The Birth of My Ocean: A Passion for Yachts

14:33 The Evolution of Yacht Ownership

21:35 Building a Community of Luxury Experiences

26:55 Aviation Ventures and VIP Charters

28:02 Disrupting Industries 

29:54 The Power of Thinking Big

31:09 The Rise of Private Jet Demand

32:51 Space Travel and Future Prospects

36:41 The Importance of Mentors 

43:16 Adventures and Business Lessons

50:51 Future Goals and Community Building

52:15 Conclusion 

In this episode of Raising The Barr, we kick off 2025 by speaking with Dan Lawrence, who has coached NFL superstars, world championship boxers, Premier League footballers, and top CEOs.

Dan takes us on a journey through his world of health, wellness, and elite performance, revealing the secrets behind coaching some of the most driven individuals on the planet. From mastering single-minded focus and building resilience to understanding how environments shape success, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Discover how Dan customizes training and nutrition plans to meet the unique demands of high-performing athletes and busy executives alike. Whether you're striving for peak performance or simply looking to level up your daily routine, you won’t want to miss the actionable tips, powerful stories, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from one of the world’s leading performance coaches.

00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr

In this episode of Raising The Barr, we welcome Kasper Jakobsen, the founder of Seven Yachts, Dubai’s leading luxury yacht charter company. 
Kasper shares his journey from a background in app and web development to establishing Seven Yachts, he discusses the challenges of the yacht charter business in Dubai and reveals key strategies for maintaining luxury standards and building lasting client relationships. 

Learn about the importance of authentic service, strategic partnerships, and the nuances of yacht chartering in Dubai. Don't miss Casper's insights on running a successful high-end business in one of Dubai’s most competitive markets.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Meet Kasper: Founder of Seven Yachts

00:37 The Story of Seven Yachts

01:10 Challenges and Lessons Learned

03:05 Building a Luxury Yacht Brand

05:30 The Importance of Quality and Service

11:26 The Role of Referrals and Influencers

14:21 Authenticity and Personal Branding

18:12 Marketing Strategies and Social Media

22:49 Delivering the Ultimate Yacht Experience

26:14 The Importance of Service in Hospitality

27:02 Yacht Chartering in Dubai vs. Europe

27:32 Challenges of Long Charters in Dubai

28:15 Exploring Abu Dhabi by Yacht

29:55 The Evolution of Yachting in Dubai

30:27 The Business of Yacht Ownership

31:29 Seasonal Peaks and Operational Challenges

35:10 The Shift Towards Private Ownership

36:39 Attracting and Managing Yacht Owners

42:15 Expanding to New Markets

46:11 Quick Fire Questions

51:22 Conclusion 

In this episode of Raising The Barr, we sit down with Toby Harris, owner of DXB Sports Massage—a top sports therapy business in the UAE.

Hear Toby's inspiring journey from international athlete to successful entrepreneur, as he navigates challenges and thrives in a competitive industry. Discover Toby’s unique marketing tactics, his partnership with GymNation, and his plans for expanding into recovery rooms.

Gain valuable insights into brand building, networking, and the power of a personal touch in sports therapy. Tune in and let Toby’s story of growth and leadership inspire you!

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Meet Toby Harris

00:54 Toby's Journey into the Massage Game

01:42 From University Events to Sports Therapy

03:40 Starting DXB Massage in Dubai

05:51 The Challenges of Scaling a Business

08:17 Building a Personal and Business Brand

12:06 Strange Client Encounters

13:21 Leveraging High-Profile Clients and Influencers

17:00 The Importance of Partnerships and Networking

23:19 Handling Pressure in Business

23:52 Building Relationships with Your Team

24:09 Exciting Opportunities in Dubai

24:32 Career Pathways and Incentives

25:20 Challenges in the UAE Job Market

27:35 Navigating Competitiveness in the Industry

28:05 Unique Selling Points of DXB Sports Massage

30:35 The Importance of Networking

34:12 Future of Recovery Rooms

38:27 Impact of Technology on the Industry

41:01 Pain Thresholds and Client Experiences

43:02 Quickfire Questions

44:47 Conclusion

____________________________________________________

Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.

DISCOVER MORE:

Instagram: @itsjamiebarr

Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast

In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Spencer Lodge, who transitioned from a hugely successful sales career to become the host of Dubai's most listened to podcast. Spencer opens up about his journey from humble beginnings, overcoming personal hardships, and the pivotal lessons he gained in the world of sales.

He also shares his motivation behind entering the media industry, where he now creates powerful documentaries, shining a light on critical issues like human trafficking. This conversation is packed with inspiration, offering valuable insights on overcoming adversity, achieving success, and using that success to make a meaningful impact.

Whether you’re a budding podcaster, entrepreneur, or simply looking for motivation, you won’t want to miss this transformative episode!

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Spencer’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

01:50 The Importance of Hard Work and Sales

03:34 Overcoming Rejection in Sales

05:25 The Value of Commission-Based Earnings

07:02 The Role of Sales in Business Success

14:38 Transition to Podcasting

15:38 Securing High-Profile Guests

27:42 The Importance of Experience in Podcasting

28:12 Techniques for Podcast Guest Outreach

29:22 Core Elements of a Successful Podcast

30:31 Starting a Podcast: Practical Tips

32:21 Consistency and Personal Branding

34:28 The Value of Routine and Discipline

36:42 Empowering Others to Succeed

40:25 Dealing with Change and Success

43:05 Future Plans and Media Ventures

46:15 Redefining Success and Helping Others

51:02 Quickfire Questions

____________________________________________________

Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.

DISCOVER MORE:

Website: ⁠https://jamie-barr.com⁠

Instagram: @itsjamiebarr

Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast

In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Chloe Mac, the founder of Chloe Mac Consultancy. Chloe shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for beauty to leading her consultancy, helping small to medium-sized businesses develop their own beauty products. 
We dive deep into the product development process, from conception to delivery, and discuss the impact of branding and legalities. Chloe also highlights the role of TikTok in revolutionizing the beauty market and shares insights on micro-influencers and market trends. 
Join us for an inspiring conversation that's filled with actionable tips for budding beauty entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Chloe’s Journey into the Beauty Industry

02:20 The Birth of a Beauty Consultancy Business

03:54 Developing Custom Products for Clients

05:15 The Importance of Branding and Packaging

11:05 Challenges in Sourcing and Legalities

15:37 Client-Centric Approach in Product Development

16:27 Building Supplier Networks

17:55 The Impact of TikTok on the Beauty Industry

20:05 Challenges and Strategies for Small Businesses

23:26 Financial Benefits of Having Your Own Products

24:34 Future Trends and Innovations in Beauty

28:49 Chloe’s Top Tips for Success

In this episode of Raising the Barr, we welcome Stephan Duvivier, a former college high jump champion who transformed his life after career-ending injuries to achieve global coaching success. Stephan shares his powerful journey, from navigating the devastating challenges of a shattered athletic career to reigniting his ambitions with a new goal: the 2028 LA Olympics.