What’s the real cost of a bad hire, and how do you build a future-proof team in a fast-changing world?

Jonathan Holmes, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) at Korn Ferry, one of the largest executive search and human capital consulting firms in the world, has spent decades helping businesses make the right hiring decisions and build stronger teams.

His perspective on business leadership, talent strategy, and career success is second to none.

In this episode, he unpacks what it takes to stay ahead in today’s talent game, why employee churn is draining millions, and how job seekers can truly stand out.

26:20 – The cost of not investing enough to keep the right people30:47 – How to future-proof your business37:19 – Does DEI help or hurt businesses?

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 

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The scariest thing isn’t change, it’s never changing at all. So why do we resist it?

Najwa Zebian – poet, author, and advocate – has built a global following by confronting life’s hardest truths:

Why we stay in toxic relationships, 

Why walking away feels impossible, and

Why we struggle to truly own our worth.

In this episode, she opens up about loss, identity, and rebuilding life on her own terms. If you’ve ever felt trapped or afraid to move forward, this conversation will change the way you see yourself, and your future.

A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible.

14:23 – The emotional traps that keep people stuck

20:30 – The struggle of showing up as your real self

26:40 – Navigating life between two cultures

31:11 – Forgiveness is a constant commitment

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 

AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences.

https://bit.ly/AYS-Developers 

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Who do you trust when the media is constantly under fire?

Hala Gorani has spent decades reporting from the frontlines – covering wars, breaking global news, and shaping how the world understands current events. Now, the legendary journalist and war correspondent is pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the headlines. 

From the mental toll of conflict reporting to the hard truths about bias, misinformation, and the future of news, Hala doesn’t hold back.

Think you know how the media works? This episode will open your eyes to what it really takes to separate fact from fiction in a world drowning in misinformation.

A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible.

25:05 – The pressure to get it right33:03 – Career-defining moments35:57 – From journalist to author

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 

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Why do we never feel good enough, no matter how much we achieve?

Dr Jessamy Hibberd, a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in mental resilience, breaks down the hard truths about success, trauma, and self-doubt, and why even the most accomplished people feel like imposters.

She reveals why our brains are wired to focus on the negatives, how social media is warping our perception of reality, and why we’re all caught in a trap of never feeling good enough.

This episode is packed with powerful, science-backed tools to rewire your thinking. Stop undermining yourself, and take back control.

A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible.

12:29 – How social media is shaping our mental health18:06 – Real support vs corporate tick-box wellness39:11 – Suicide, pressure and perfectionism

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

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Is your memory a reliable record of the past? Or a story your brain keeps rewriting?

Leading neuroscientist Dr Charan Ranganath, aka The Memory Doc, joins us on Unscripted With Spencer Lodge, to reveal how our brains store, distort, and reshape our memories.

From false memories to the way trauma, depression, and even psychedelics impact what we recall, Dr Ranganath breaks it all down in a way that just makes sense.

And here’s a big one: AI might be smart, but does it actually “remember” the way we do? Dr Ranganath reveals the surprising truth – and what it means for the future of technology, decision-making, and even our identities.

Have a listen; this one’s fascinating!

A special thank you to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature for making this interview possible. 

10:45 – The nature of memory

22:39 – How mental health impacts the way we think and remember

28:25 – Transforming trauma 

42:12 – Psychedelics and memory

49:15 – The nostalgia trap

1:00:03 – Why AI will never remember like we do

Show Sponsors:

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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:

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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

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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

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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.

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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 

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