Unscripted with Spencer Lodge

Running the world’s busiest airport isn’t for the faint-hearted. It demands bold vision, relentless strategy, and the grit to tackle high-stakes challenges day in, day out.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths knows this better than anyone. In this episode of Unscripted with Spencer Lodge, Paul gives us a front-row seat to the realities of leading in the aviation industry, sharing the strategies that keep Dubai Airports ahead of the curve and his ambitious vision for the future of air travel.

We dive into his approach to enhancing the passenger experience, Dubai Airports' focus on innovation, and how he’s tackling the critical balance between convenience and sustainability. 

This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights on leadership, growth, and the drive required to run a world-class airport. Don’t miss it!

02:47 – Paul's journey to aviation

13:11 – The influence of religion on Paul’s life and career

24:15 – The Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jump Jet

29:39 – Paul’s experience with major players like Virgin and Gatwick Airport

30:05 – Leadership insights

45:53 – Paul’s approach to improving the airport experience

55:02  – Details about Dubai Airport’s facilities and innovations

59:21 – Environmental challenges in the aviation industry

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

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/ 

Paul Griffithshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-griffiths-aaa87b2/

Donna Benton came to Dubai with just $3,000 and a bold idea. Fast forward, and that idea became The Entertainer, a billion-dollar brand that transformed how people save on dining, leisure, and travel across 15 countries, all while contributing over $1.3 billion a year to Dubai’s economy.

But Donna’s story isn’t your average entrepreneurial journey. She’s a fiercely driven businesswoman and an investment powerhouse, and now she’s returned to The Entertainer to skyrocket the brand to new heights. In this episode, she shares the real story behind her success - the sacrifices, the grit, and her no nonsense approach to leadership. 

If you want to learn what it takes to make it big and be inspired to mirror her success, Donna’s story is for you.

04:23 - The purpose behind starting The Entertainer 06:26 - Entrepreneurship and the value of perseverance 13:44 - The truth about fulfilment versus financial gain

18:04 - Humility and loyalty in leadership

28:02 - Rejoining The Entertainer

30:35 - Selecting the right team

49:07 - Measuring other people’s success

52:52 - The Entertainer’s expansion plans and market presence

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

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/ 

Donna Bentonhttps://www.instagram.com/donna_benton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnabentonthebentongroup/

Paul Mallee is a leader in luxury travel and hospitality and the Founder of Maison Privee, a short-term rental company redefining vacation experiences in the UAE and beyond. With a career spanning roles like Chairman of Bus Éireann, Head of Corporate Strategy at Etihad, and consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton, Paul has a knack for spotting opportunities others miss. In this episode, he shares his journey from his family’s hospitality business in Ireland to scaling a startup in a highly competitive market, the mindset behind Maison Privee’s success, and the challenges of crafting a new kind of luxury.

03:04 - Paul introduces himself and Maison Privee

04:55 - Maison Privee’s market

09:25 - Paul addresses challenges in the high-end market

13:51 - Examples of successful property owners

24:39 - Paul reflects on his identity as an entrepreneur

32:44 - Insights on team dynamics and leadership

34:35 - The importance of team culture

37:37 - Paul’s personal life and the value of partnership

41:20 - Paul explains how he decompresses

44:00 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp. https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp 

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/

Paul Malleehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmallee/

Born with a rare birth defect called Hanhart Syndrome, Nick Santonastasso has defied all odds. The rare condition left him with no legs and just one arm, setting him up for a lifetime of unimaginable physical challenges.

But his unstoppable mindset has turned him into a powerhouse. As a bodybuilder, global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Nick has trained over a million people on life and business psychology. At just 26, he has shared stages with giants like The Rock and Ed Mylett, and is currently on a world tour with his mentor, Tony Robbins.

In this episode, Nick opens up about the struggles that shaped him, the psychology behind entrepreneurship, and the heartbreaking loss of his brother to addiction – fueling his mission to help others overcome their own obstacles. Folks, if you're ready to kick your victim mentality aside, this episode is the wake-up call you need.

02:07 – Being diagnosed with Hanhart Syndrome at birth 07:33 – The moment he realised he was different 09:27 – The struggles he faced and what drove him to persevere 27:43 – Becoming the best version of yourself

39:01 – Insights into entrepreneurial psychology 44:32 – Nick discusses the loss of his brother, Michael, to overdose 53:19 – The non-negotiables Nick follows for mental health 58:06 – Nick’s mission behind moving to Dubai

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

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/ 

Nick Santonastassohttps://www.instagram.com/nicksantonastasso/?hl=en http://www.youtube.com/@NickSantonastasso https://www.facebook.com/NickSantonastasso/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksantonastasso

Most folks underestimate the power of subscription-based business models – but Courtney Black is living proof they can transform entire industries.

Meet the powerhouse fitness trainer, multi-million-pound serial entrepreneur, and two-time 'Sunday Times' bestselling author who's taken the UK fitness scene by storm. With her app and a community of over 80,000 members, she’s made fitness accessible, affordable, and engaging for a global audience of over a million.

Tune in as Courtney reveals how she built her fitness empire, overcame setbacks, and mastered the subscription model that made her a millionaire. She also dives into why Dubai is more fitness-focused than the UK and shares exclusive insights into her upcoming headline appearance at the Dubai Active Show, from October 25  to 27 at Expo City. If you're ready for real talk and entrepreneurial wisdom, don't miss this episode!

01:35 – Why Dubai’s more fitness-focused than the UK

06:50 – Defining her profession in fitness

10:35 – Courtney on family and relationships

18:38 – Building a fitness career from scratch

27:00 – Owning entrepreneurial failures

35:24 – Tackling self-doubt and insecurities

40:50 – Mastering the subscription business model

55:24 – Courtney on receiving feedback 

1:01:18 – Must-hear advice for high achievers

1:02:25 – Inside plans for the Dubai Active event

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

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/ 

Courtney Blackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-black-05b618124/ https://www.instagram.com/courtneydblack/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/courtneyblackpocketpt/ https://www.youtube.com/@courtneydblack

In the face of challenges, you have two choices: accept defeat or learn and rise stronger. Dariush Soudi chose the latter, embracing his ‘gladiator’ mindset.

As the founder of ARENA Capital and the Gladiator Summit, he has navigated over 40 years of business challenges, losing and gaining millions along the way. Even in the toughest times, he remained optimistic, ultimately earning him the title of Gulf News’ ‘Entrepreneur of the Year.’

Tune in as Dariush shares powerful insights on managing ego, key lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, and what it truly means to embody the ‘Gladiator’ spirit while facing setbacks head-on. His story of resilience and triumph will inspire you like never before!

02:25 – Dariush’s take on managing ego

07:09 – His childhood hero and inspiring backstory

20:10 – Tasting the first business win

27:28 – Key lessons Dariush learnt from business

38:45 – Experiencing the first heart attack due to stress

56:42 – Challenges encountered after moving to Dubai

1:02:15 – Awful BNI meeting experience

1:05:28 – What the term ‘gladiator’ means to him

1:07:53 – Facing the biggest battle

1:13:21 – The gladiator mentality

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://www.allsoppandallsopp.com/

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/ 

Dariush Soudihttps://x.com/dariushspeaks https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariushsoudihttps://www.youtube.com/@DariushSoudi https://www.tiktok.com/@dariushsoudiofficial https://www.facebook.com/DariushSoudiOfficial https://www.instagram.com/dariushsoudiofficial/

Cracking London’s luxury real estate market is no small feat, but Daniel Daggers, aka ‘Mr. Super Prime’ – has not only mastered it but built a billion-dollar empire from scratch.

As the host of Buying London and the visionary behind DDRE, he’s sold over £5 billion worth of properties and is well-versed in the ins and outs of this elite industry. Starting his journey at just 17, Daniel now unlocks the world’s most exclusive homes for the ultra-wealthy, establishing his status as the go-to expert.

Grab your headphones to listen to Daniel’s rise to success, the undeniable influence of social media in real estate, and the comparison between London’s and Dubai’s property markets. Folks, this is more than just real estate talk; it’s a compelling success story you won’t want to miss!

11:57 – Daniel’s journey into real estate 

20:00 – The trajectory of Daniel’s success 

27:00 – Why most people don’t stay in the game 

38:04 – The shift towards buying property online 

45:06 – Leveraging social media as a realtor 

51:46 – Dubai’s ban on cold calling

53:54 – Being influenced by ultra-successful clients

1:05:52 – The characteristics Daniel looks for in young realtors

1:07:29 – Comparing Dubai and London’s real estate markets 

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience.  Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp. https://www.allsoppandallsopp.com/

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/ 

Daniel Daggershttps://www.instagram.com/daniel_daggers/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieldaggers https://x.com/daniel_daggers?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/danieldaggersadvisor/ https://www.tiktok.com/@danieldaggers

90% of the podcasts never go beyond the 7th episode. The reason? Launching is easy – committing isn’t.

Meet James Burtt, founder of Phonic Media, a results-driven agency that's mastered the art of content marketing and brand building. Having launched 179 podcasts for top brands, businesses, and celebrities like BMW, Xbox, and Alex Murphy, his strategic approach has generated millions in revenue, proving that content is king.

In this episode, James shares the cheat codes – why going niche-free works, ways to monetise your podcast, and how an internal podcast can transform company culture. He also dives into overcoming camera fear and reveals five power tips that can transform any podcast into a success. 

No fluff, just real strategies that work. If you’re serious about podcasting, tune in to learn from one of the best in the business and get ahead in the game!

0:03:52 – James’ podcasting journey

0:06:40 – What separates the top 1% of podcasts from others

0:10:51 – Benefits of having a podcast

0:15:47 – The secret to niche-free podcast success

0:27:56 – Boosting company culture with an internal podcast

0:37:40 – Strategies to monetise your podcast

0:53:49 – Equipment for launching your podcast

0:58:48 – Conquering your fear of being on camera

1:00:51 – Five power tips for podcasting success

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/ 

James Burtt https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesburtt/ https://www.instagram.com/jamesburttofficial/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/people/James-Burtt/

Securing a UAE Golden Visa is now simpler than ever with IOPn’s token investment approach.

Join Mojtaba Asadian, the visionary founder of IOPn, a pioneering Web3 ecosystem shaping the future of decentralised technology. With strong ties to the UAE’s economy, Mojtaba reveals how IOPn offers the most affordable and innovative path to a 10-year residency. By taking IOPn tokens, you not only obtain a Golden Visa but also unlock a three-year free trade licence, comprehensive health insurance, and other exclusive perks.

In this must-listen episode, Mojtaba shares his entrepreneurial journey, launching a crypto exchange, and IOPn’s $100 million partnership with Ras Al Khaimah to drive tech and economic growth.

Folks, this is an episode you don’t want to miss – subscribe now and get ahead of the curve!

3:48 – Mojtaba’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur

15:55 – How his interest in crypto developed

23:40 – Launching a crypto exchange

29:05 – Why interest in the metaverse is declining

34:33 – Mo’s latest venture: IOPn

38:00 – Why Ras Al Khaimah is the next big Emirate

42:20 – UAE’s strategy to attract global talent

45:27 – How IOPn facilitates Golden Visas through token investment

54:21 – Mo’s entrepreneurial insights and the importance of mentors

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/ 

Mojtaba Asadianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mojtaba-asadian/ https://www.instagram.com/mojtaba.asadian/

While the world was gripped with fear during the 2008 financial crisis, he was busy building the UAE’s largest real estate brokerage from the ground up. 

Meet Lewis Allsopp, the Chairman of Allsopp & Allsopp, who started his brokerage in the midst of a recession with just four employees and grew it into an empire with over 650 employees, including 420 agents.

In this conversation, Lewis shares his journey from the early days of intense pressure to leading a powerhouse in real estate. He opens up about his greatest skill, shares his strategy for building a strong workplace culture, and discusses how he balances recruitment with real estate. Plus, discover what fuels his passion for running his business. Don’t miss out on wisdom from a true real estate titan — tune in now.

07:34 – Lewis' career journey from day one

13:03 – The stress he faced in the first three years

19:05 – Lewis’ greatest skill

23:16 – The breakdown of Lewis' business in recruitment vs. real estate 

25:20 – Retaining employees with a healthy workplace culture

28:55 – Why Lewis doesn’t plan for the future

31:50 – What excites Lewis about running his business

36:42 – Highlights of running Allsopp & Allsopp for 17 years

39:45 – Their new private office for ultra-high-net-worth individuals

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/ 

Lewis Allsopphttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/lewis-allsopp-0a809030 https://www.instagram.com/lewis_allsoppdubai/?hl=en