Most people see the luxury, the glamour, the success. But what they don’t see is the grit, the grind, and the relentless drive it took to get there.

Before she became a Dubai Bling star and one of Dubai’s top real estate figures, Zeina Khoury arrived in the UAE with just $300 to her name.

In this episode of ‘Unscripted With Spencer Lodge,’ Zeina gets real about the sacrifices behind success, the impact of reality TV on her business, and why she refuses to play the victim in a male-dominated industry.

This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you see – it’s about what you’re willing to fight for.

15:22 – The truth about life as a reality TV star 29:30 – Leveraging personal branding for real estate success 33:48 – Why progress always beats perfection 46:46 – The challenges and rewards of running your own business52:50 – “If I can do it anyone can”

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ 

Follow Zeina Khoury on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/thezeinakhoury/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@thezeinakhouryhttps://www.youtube.com/@zeinakhouryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinaalkhoury/

Every billion-dollar business starts with an idea. 

But turning that idea into a game-changing business? That’s the real challenge.

As the co-founder of Stake, a fractional real estate investment platform, Rami Tabbara is on that journey right now. In just four years, 500,000+ downloads and 35,000+ investors later, he’s disrupting traditional real estate models in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

This week on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge, Rami shares the highs, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes of shaking up an industry.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building something big, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Don’t miss it.

14:52 – Biggest mistakes in entrepreneurship26:40 – Key to raising money effectively39:59 – Pushing through the dark times44:58 – Do’s and Don’ts of starting a business58:50 – Non-negotiables to success

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ 

Follow Rami Tabbara on Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rami-tabbara/https://www.instagram.com/ramitabbara/

From Jaipur, India, to building a multi-million dollar empire, Ajit Nawalkha’s journey is a testament to vision, strategy, and impact. Coaching over 15,000 professionals along the way, Ajit is a force to be reckoned with.

On this episode of ‘Unscripted With Spencer Lodge’, Ajit breaks down the psychology of change, the power of pain and desire, and how to unlock your full potential.

As the co-founder of Mindvalley and founder of EverCoach, he’s not just talking theory, he’s lived it.

If you want real, actionable steps to reach your goals and bring clarity to your actions, this episode is for you.

Don’t miss this one! You’ll walk away with tools to start making things happen.

04:48 – Ajit’s journey with Mindvalley09:46 – Why people struggle to take action19:46 – The role of coaches vs. mentors29:56 – Coaching strategies1:03:02 – Living in the present

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ 

Follow Ajit Nawalkha on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/realcoachajit/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajitnawalkha/ https://www.facebook.com/ajitnawalkhaofficial/ https://www.tiktok.com/@coachajit www.youtube.com/@mindvalleycoach

When the odds are stacked against you, there’s only one choice: fight back. Nicola Adams did just that, and the world watched her win.

As the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title, Nicola smashed through every barrier society put in her way. 

A two-time Olympic, World, and European Games champion, she challenged stereotypes, rewrote the rules of the game, and became a beacon of hope for women in sports everywhere.

In this episode of ‘Unscripted With Spencer Lodge’, Nicola shares her incredible story, from her humble beginnings in Leeds to standing on the world stage. This is a powerful look at what it means to challenge expectations and thrive under pressure. 00:23 – The revolutionary journey of Nicola Adams

11:15 – How setbacks shaped her success

19:00 – Fighting for a place in the ring as a woman

27:30 – The importance of women representation in sports

35:00 – Authenticity and the power of being yourself

50:45 – Using fear as fuel to achieve extraordinary goals

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/ 

Follow Nicola Adams on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/nicolaadams/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@nicola_adams https://www.facebook.com/NicolaAdamsOfficial/

Some entrepreneurs build businesses. Others rewrite the rules. Bhupender Nath’s story is one of resilience, risk, and reinvention. From humble beginnings in India to making his mark in Nigeria’s frozen fish trade, Bhupender took an unexpected leap into the world of fine dining.

Today, he is the founder of Passion F&B and the mastermind behind Trèsind Studio, ranked the 13th best restaurant in the world, honoured with two Michelin stars, and recognised as the No. 1 restaurant in Dubai.

But his journey wasn’t a straight line. It was filled with bold decisions, industry pivots, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The playbook for entrepreneurial success is here. Grab a pen and get ready to take some notes, folks.

00:35 – Bhupender’s journey into the frozen fish business 10:56 – Facing challenges and taking risks 19:00 – Building a two-Michelin-starred empire 36:22 – Parenting and entrepreneurship 40:51 – Key traits of successful entrepreneurs 43:06 – The problem with overthinking

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media 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/ 

Follow Bhupender Nath on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/bhupendernath/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhupender-nath-631a908/ https://x.com/fishkingtresind

If you're an expat in Dubai aiming for business success, you’ve got to respect the local rules, culture, and business practices.

Few people understand this better than John Martin St. Valery OBE, the go-to expert for foreign business owners looking to set up, scale, and succeed in the UAE for over 30 years. 

From company formation to navigating regulations and securing the right sponsorships, he’s helped countless entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and build thriving enterprises.

In this episode, he shares the non-negotiables of doing business, the biggest pitfalls, and why understanding the culture is essential.

If you’re serious about starting, growing, or investing in Dubai, this is your insider’s guide.

03:31 - John’s journey to being awarded an OBE

12:24 - Dubai’s business scene 20 years ago vs today

19:40 - The importance of partnerships in Dubai

30:02 - The biggest mistakes foreign companies make 

40:58 - The future of business in Dubai

57:54 - The 3 things every entrepreneur must know

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:

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Mediahttps://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/

Follow John Martin St. Valery OBE on Social Mediahttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/johnmsv

What does it really take to scale a startup, attract investors, and build a business that thrives in today’s tough markets? If you’ve been struggling to answer those questions, this episode has the insights you need.

I’m joined by Colin Meagle, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of Continuous Ventures. Colin has spent years guiding startups through the trenches, helping them secure funding, grow their teams, and transform their operations. 

If you’re serious about scaling your business, leading with confidence, and thriving in uncertain times, this episode is your playbook.

06:31 – Digital Transformation decoded10:16 – Strategic support systems for entrepreneurs15:36 – The true meaning of expertise17:21 – The top mistakes startups make when seeking funding23:41 – The principles of Aikido28:56 – Business during the pandemic and the power of resilience38:06 – Martial arts principles and their application in business49:29 – The philosophy of conflict resolution in life and leadership01:05:47 – Nurturing different types of growth

Show Sponsor:

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

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: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/ 

Follow Colin Meagle on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/colinmeagle/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmeagle/https://x.com/colinmeagle

Dubai’s real estate sector is booming, but what does it take to succeed in this highly competitive industry? Whether you’re new to real estate, looking to build a successful team, or curious about what drives a leading property firm, this episode has the answers.

Joining me on ‘Unscripted with Spencer Lodge’ is Kameron Hutchinson, Director of Recruitment at Allsopp & Allsopp, one of Dubai’s most recognised and trusted real estate companies. With years of experience in recruitment and talent development, Kameron plays a crucial role in identifying, training, and building top-performing teams that drive the company’s enviable success.

02:17 – Kameron’s journey into recruitment05:55 – The qualities Kameron looks for in real estate candidates10:29 – What makes a successful real estate broker in Dubai13:35 – Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them20:59 – The role of company culture in driving success27:55 – Success stories of agents who beat the odds32:02 – Why employees leave and return to Allsopp & Allsopp41:20 – Kameron’s "dos and don’ts" for job seekers

Show Sponsor:

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

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: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/ 

Follow Kameron Hutchinson on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/recruiterkam/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameron-hutchinson-119735b6/

What if the key to solving the world’s biggest problems, including poverty, climate change, and waste, was hidden in the trash we throw away every day?

This week on ‘Unscripted With Spencer Lodge’, we’re joined by Joel Michael, a pioneer in circularity and sustainability. Joel is on a mission to prove that waste isn’t just something to get rid of but a powerful resource that can transform economies, empower communities, and protect the planet.

From developing carbon offset projects to tackling decarbonisation, reforestation, and green mobility, Joel is at the forefront of global climate solutions.

01:11 – Joel’s background and mission03:40 – What is circularity?05:39 – Addressing global waste and climate inequality09:26 – The farmer debt crisis21:05 – Creating a true circular economy27:51 – Incentivising responsible waste management31:18 – Opportunities in climate entrepreneurship43:00 – The one billion farmers mission55:45 – What is greenwashing?

Show Sponsor:

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

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: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/ 

Follow Joel Michael on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/mic_joel/?hl=enhttps://www.joeljmichael.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeljmichael/?originalSubdomain=ae https://x.com/mic_joel

Once hailed as Britain’s most successful fund manager, Neil Woodford opens up about the controversial collapse of his investment empire and the events that rocked the financial world. He reveals the untold truth behind the headlines, addressing the accusations, the challenges, and the lessons learnt. Was he the villain the media painted him to be - or a victim of a flawed system? This is the story no one has heard before, straight from the man himself. Tune in for a raw and revealing conversation that will change the way you see one of Britain’s biggest financial controversies.

00:03:48 Neil’s journey and rise to success as a fund manager

00:08:45 Unpacking what went wrong

00:16:58 Neil’s emotions during that time

00:24:05 Insights into the role of regulators

00:27:30 A timeline of the fund suspension

00:43:14 Liquidating the portfolio

00:49:27 The FCA’s response and its implications

00:53:45 Neil’s emotional well-being

00:56:44 The compensation investors received

01:02:03 Why Neil believes he was targeted by the media

01:07:47 The latest on Neil’s ongoing interactions with the FCA

01:10:37 Neil’s message to those following his story

01:23:15 Neil shares his perspectives on the current economy

Show Sponsor:

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

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media: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/