Everyone’s telling you to fix your CV.Mahdi says—throw it out.In this episode, he breaks down exactly how to land a job in 2025.The method? Numbers. Presentation. Confidence.This isn’t theory. It’s practical.🎯 Whether you’re in banking, sales, marketing, or media ,if you’re looking to grow or switch roles, watch this till the end.Share this with one person who’s job hunting right now.🎙️ In this episode of the BXB Podcast, we explore:1 / How Mahdi rebuilt his career in a new country2 / Why cover letters and CVs are dead3 / The power of personalized vertical videos4 / How to pitch yourself to companies like a founder 5 / What hiring managers really care about in 2025⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why we’re talking hiring 03:05 – Mahdi’s personal story of reinvention 07:22 – The TikTok CV strategy explained 14:20 – How to pitch yourself with vertical video 17:45 – The 3-second test for recruiters 22:10 – How to DM your way into a job 27:00 – Mistakes most job seekers still make 31:40 – Hiring as content: what founders are watching 36:20 – Mahdi’s framework for job-market leverage 41:00 – Advice for fresh grads and mid-career shifts📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/ X (Twitter) → https://x.com/bartawi
Ahmed Bin Sulayem helped turn Dubai into one of the world’s most trusted trade centers.As Executive Chairman of DMCC, he has overseen the rise of the UAE’s most powerful free zone — home to over 26,000 companies and a central force behind Dubai’s global economic positioning.🎙️ In this special episode of the BXB Podcast, we explore:1 / How vision becomes infrastructure2 / The untold story behind DMCC’s origin and rise3 / Why trust, silence, and precision still move more than noise4 / Ahmed’s thoughts on blockchain, water, tokenization, and AI in the next decade of Dubai’s economyTimestamps0:00 – Intro: Seeing clarity where others see noise0:54 – DMCC’s early startup struggles (2001–2004)2:14 – Rwanda’s president & the tea trade lesson7:56 – Almas Tower: How it sold out in 8 hours10:21 – Breaking away from Dubai’s real estate obsession16:33 – From “outside Dubai” to the new heart of the city21:43 – The fastest decision that changed everything24:43 – “Fire me if it doesn’t work” — bold risks at DMCC40:04 – Why water is the next global commodity49:18 – Risk, AI, and the future of business in DubaiThis is not just a conversation.It’s a record of how systems get built — and how legacy is earned.We hope you enjoyed it📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/X (Twitter) → https://x.com/bartawi
Are you sending CVs and hearing nothing back? 📄Ahmed Al Dhraif is an HR strategist, product builder, and the founder of Tawdheef.com.After facing 65 rejections post-university and being told he was “overqualified,” he set out to understand why good candidates get overlooked — and how to fix it.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Ahmed reveals his 4-step system for getting hired in 2025 — without spam, without gimmicks, and without getting lost in AI filters.We break down how to create a CV that gets seen, how to stay visible and searchable online, how to turn LinkedIn into a job magnet, and how to search smart, position right, and win interviews.If you’re job hunting, thinking about your next career move, or helping someone reposition their career — this one’s for you.⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro03:18 How to write a CV that actually gets seen14:42 How to stay visible and searchable online 21:55 How to turn LinkedIn into a job magnet29:30 How to search smart, position right, and win interviews📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/X (Twitter) → https://x.com/bartawi
Jason Hayes is the Chariman of LuxuryProperty.com, now operating across 42 markets. After turning the 2008 U.S. housing crash into a distressed-stock portal that bought homes for pennies on the dollar , he leveraged a single-domain pivot into a global brand . In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Jason shares how to spot crisis-born opportunities, the untold power of a name, and the blueprint for scaling real estate in the digital age. 💡 Topics Covered: ✅ Turning crisis into opportunity (Distressed-stock portal) ✅ The domain-name pivot that redefined a brand ✅ Launching a remote branch in Erbil mid-pandemic ✅ Building a 42-market digital real estate empire ✅ Tactical plays for real-time lead generation ✅ The wildest concierge request (submarine story) ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 How the 2008 crash became Jason’s launchpad 3:48 Why “luxuryproperty.com” outshone the old name 17:20 Strategies for scaling across 42 markets 24:10 Digital tactics to generate instant leads 28:00 “Submarine in the garage” – next-level concierge tales 32:00 Rapid-fire round: habits, regrets, superpowers 34:00 Jason’s final message to future builders 📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram: @businesswithbartawi 👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi: Instagram: @bartawi LinkedIn: Mahmoud Bartawi X (Twitter): @bartawi #RealEstate #DigitalTransformation #Dubai #BusinessWithBartawi #JasonHayes
What’s really happening behind Dubai’s token boom? 💰Anton Golub is a PhD-level algorithmic trader turned crypto founder.He built high-frequency systems, scaled a market-making firm during Bitcoin’s rise, and today leads FreedX — a zero-fee exchange built for the next phase of digital assets.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Anton breaks down how Dubai is leading the way in tokenized real estate, why most token launches go wrong, and how founders can raise capital without relying on VCs.We dive into the future of investing, the playbook behind successful token economies, and what Dubai’s new wave of digital infrastructure really means.If you’re building a business, exploring crypto, or curious about where real estate and Web3 intersect — this one's for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How tokenization is transforming Dubai real estate✅ Why most ICOs and token launches fail✅ Lessons from building a zero-fee crypto exchange✅ The playbook for launching tokens that actually work✅ How to raise money without giving up control⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – From PhD to high-frequency trading3:48 – The Dubai moment that changed everything9:35 – Why most token launches fall apart17:20 – The 4 stages of launching a successful ICO24:10 – Can real estate be fully tokenized?26:30 – Incentives, Liquidity, and Economic Design 28:00 – Framework Failures: The One Thing They All Miss 29:00 – Building vs Hype: His Honest Take 30:00 – Existential Question: Why Build at All? 31:20 – Step-by-Step: How a Founder Should Launch an ICO 32:40 – Real-World Mistakes in Token Design (And How to Fix Them) 34:20 – What He Learned Using LinkedIn for Growth 35:00 – Mid-Episode Fatigue Tip (cut filler) 36:10 – How Crypto Deals Really Happen 36:55 – Reflection: His Regulatory Misread & Pivot 37:28 – Rapid Fire Round: Regret, Books, Superpowers 39:00 – Anton's Message to Builders in Emerging Markets 📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:📸 @businesswithbartawi👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: @bartawi✩ LinkedIn: Mahmoud Bartawi✩ X (Twitter): @bartawi#Crypto #DubaiRealEstate #Tokenization #Startups #Web3 #Podcasting #BusinessWithBartawi #AntonGolub
Most people think they need ads, fancy gear, or investor money to build a brand.Mahdi Shafiei didn’t have any of that when he landed in Melbourne.In just 15 days, he built a content agency from scratch — using only raw content, smart psychology, and a $100K bet on himself. In this episode, he breaks down the unfiltered blueprint that helped him go viral in two countries, win 30 clients for free, and prove that hustle beats hype.Whether you're starting your first brand or scaling your 10th, this one hits different.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How to set up a content agency from scratch✅ Building a viral facade that sells before you do✅ Launching in a new country with zero followers✅ Why emotional content outperforms polished promos✅ How to close 30 clients without charging a dirham✅ The truth about websites, ads, and real traction✅ Using employee-generated content to scale✅ Copying with confidence — and building credibility fast⏰ Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:50 5 Steps to Set Up an Agency07:15 How to Build a Facade15:31 How I Got My First Paying Client17:51 Do You Need a Website to Launch a Business?19:55 How to Identify the Right Industry23:39 How to Close Your First Client28:10 Why the Facade Is So Important30:03 How to Sell Through Emotions41:18 How to Convince Your First Client to Pay43:40 Trifed Media’s Story44:58 How to Design Content for Your Clients48:09 How to Grab Attention49:41 Performance Marketing and AI (Avani)54:06 How to Find the Best Content for Your Clients56:02 How to Set Up Employee Generated Content56:40 Copy Shamelessly58:30 Emotions and Relatability🔗 Follow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi
Starting a content agency in Dubai , with zero funding, zero investors, and zero guarantees Mahdi Al Shafiei bet everything on Gen Z and built one of the most powerful media machines in the Middle East.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Mahdi reveals how he almost lost it all: the mistakes that cost him half his company, the ego that crept in, and the lonely nights no one picked up his calls.But he also shares how he turned it around — building an agency that now delivers over 500 million views a day, and why content, not capital, is the ultimate weapon in business.💡 Topics Covered:✅ The one decision that nearly destroyed his company✅ Why Gen Z is the future of marketing✅ The real cost of chasing too many opportunities✅ Delegation, discipline, and the chaos behind scaling✅ How to stay relevant when platforms shift overnight🔥 If you’re an entrepreneur, agency owner, or founder building in silence—this episode is for you.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:12 – The Mindset Behind Building Trifid04:45 – The TikTok Bet That Changed Everything08:10 – Why Most Agencies Get Content Wrong11:32 – The Toughest Lesson From His Father16:00 – Losing Half His Company & Coming Back20:45 – Chaos, Delegation & Control25:10 – Hiring Through Energy, Not CVs27:20 – What Success Really Feels Like30:10 – Advice to Every Young Founder🔗 Follow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi🎙️ What's the biggest lesson your last failure taught you? Drop it in the comments 👇#Entrepreneurship #AgencyLife #ContentCreation #Startups #Marketing #BXBPodcast
🧠 What if your brain had a check-engine light?Dr. Ramses Alcaide spent 10 years building the world’s most advanced non-invasive brain-computer interface — a wearable headset that reads your mind, predicts burnout, and helps you take back control of your mental energy.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, he opens up about how a childhood encounter with disability sparked his mission, why neurotech is the next wave after software, and what it really takes to invent something the world thinks is impossible.We talk conviction, failure, science, and the blurry line between ambition and obsession.If you’ve ever pushed for a future no one else can see — this one’s for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ The childhood accident that started it all✅ Why he chose the army before consumers✅ How burnout shows up in your brainwaves✅ What entrepreneurs get wrong about health data✅ Why non-invasive neurotech is the future✅ The real cost of building something 10 years too early⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – What if this tech doesn’t work?0:46 – A childhood moment that changed everything3:30 – Turning mission into method4:57 – The real impact of brain data7:20 – Why the military came first9:09 – This isn’t just a headphone10:31 – Testing Mahmoud’s brain in real time12:23 – Can this detect ADHD or burnout?14:57 – From lab to startup17:11 – The dawn of neurotech18:25 – Focus, flow, and the power of data19:15 – The future of cognitive environments21:12 – Elon vs. Neurable: What’s the difference?23:49 – When data causes anxiety26:10 – The red line: Ethics & privacy27:50 – 10 years of doubt. One shot at belief.30:07 – Brain-computer interfaces in 10 years31:32 – Building the app store for your brain📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/X (Twitter) → https://x.com/bartawi#Neurotech #BrainComputerInterface #StartupPodcast #MentalHealth #TechForGood #UAEFounders #BusinessWithBartawi #RamsesAlcaide #FutureOfHealth #WearableTech
What if you launched a tech startup—while 7 months pregnant—with zero funding?Helen McGuire did just that.She’s the exited founder behind Diversely, a bias-fighting AI platform built to level the playing field in hiring. With 3 kids, no VC, and no tech background—Helen scaled globally, exited successfully, and wrote The Female Founder Formula to help others do the same.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Helen opens up about the pressure, pivots, and personal power behind building companies when everything feels stacked against you.We go deep into mindset, bias, visibility, and why founders must learn to separate who they are… from what they build.If you’re a founder, a parent, or a builder without a blueprint—this one’s for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How Helen launched her startup 7 months pregnant✅ What it really takes to scale without VC money✅ The identity crisis behind switching industries✅ Why “visibility isn’t vanity — it’s leverage”✅ The mindset shift from operator to observer⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – “You launched a startup… while pregnant?”1:35 – The idea that changed everything3:07 – A forgotten talent pool in Dubai8:41 – Why there was no blueprint for female founders10:11 – When Helen knew it was time to pivot12:25 – Building tech to fight hiring bias14:13 – How she met her cofounder16:11 – The origin of The Founder Sanctuary17:18 – Advice for 9–5ers launching their startup19:00 – Marry the problem, not the solution22:30 – How she balances parenting and pressure25:07 – Your thoughts are not you.31:05 – Mind. Body. Self.33:17 – How meditation rewires your brain34:43 – What Helen wants her kids to learn📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi#FemaleFounders #AIStartup #FounderStories #BusinessWithBartawi #HelenMcGuire #BiasInHiring #WomenInTech #VisibilityIsLeverage #StartupPodcast #DubaiFounders
What if your voice was your most valuable asset?Hamid Al Ali didn’t set out to be a speaker. He studied engineering. Served in the military. Got a job in utilities. But when the world locked down, his father gave him a challenge: “Start talking. People need leadership.”That camera turned into a calling.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, we go behind the scenes of one of Dubai’s most trusted media personalities — a man who went from solo videos in his room to millions of views, government partnerships, and a mission to help others thrive in the UAE.We talk content, credibility, and why personal brand is no longer optional — especially in a world run by algorithms.If you're moving to Dubai, building your voice, or just tired of playing small — this one’s for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How content became currency in the UAE✅ Why expats fail when they move to Dubai✅ From engineer to influencer: the 2-year grind✅ What not to say on camera✅ The ROI of reputation in a high-trust economy✅ Why building your brand starts before you feel ready⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro03:00 – From lockdown to content creator06:00 – Early struggles & solo publishing08:00 – Getting discovered by UAE Nation09:30 – Going viral every month (without chasing fame)12:00 – The rules of media in Dubai14:30 – What personal brand actually means18:00 – Why some people thrive in Dubai and others don’t21:00 – Real expat story: from partition room to 6-figure PT25:00 – Navigating regulations & reputation30:00 – Managing engineering, media, and everything else34:00 – Advice for young professionals and future founders36:00 – His 5-year vision: becoming the “guy to know” in Dubai📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi
What’s the real cost of expansion? Ari Matityahu is the strategist global founders call when they want to break into the Gulf. He helped launch WeWork in the GCC — before Vision 2030, before the boom, before the blueprint even existed.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Ari shares what it’s really like to expand into the Middle East — the failures no one talks about, the nights spent in cars, and the relationships that changed everything.We talk collapse, reinvention, legacy, and how to win in a region where FaceTime is the most valuable currency.If you're thinking of entering the GCC, expanding your startup, or building deep trust in new markets — this episode is for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ Launching WeWork in the GCC before Vision 2030✅ What global founders get wrong about the Middle East✅ The emotional cost of building without a map✅ Why ghosting is killing your deals✅ Building trust with governments and families✅ How to stay relevant in the Gulf, year after year⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – Why teaching was Ari’s first calling04:22 – Rock bottom: $2,000 in the bank, $1,500 rent due10:59 – A midnight call changes everything15:25 – “This podcast isn’t monetized” — Ari’s real mission19:30 – How WeWork entered Saudi without a playbook25:30 – In the Riyadh airport, about to quit — but stays31:10 – Why FaceTime is the GCC’s only true currency36:45 – Expansion myths: why most founders fail here41:00 – How Ari built trust across borders and ministries46:50 – Advice for any founder entering the GCC today51:50 – Rapid fire: failure, pride, and getting rejected53:15 – The lesson from his dad’s locksmith shop📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi#Podcast #MiddleEastBusiness #StartupExpansion #WeWork #GCCMarket #Entrepreneurship #Vision2030
"Is media your shortcut to millions?📱Alex Debare is the young force behind Burger28 — a viral F&B brand born in Abu Dhabi that cracked the code on content, community, and conversion.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Alex breaks down how he used media and code to scale his business, why the future belongs to those who master both, and what most founders get wrong about brand, tech, and leverage.We talk systems, storytelling, growth hacking, and the real economics behind delivery, virality, and building your own platform.If you care about F&B, creator-led brands, or making money while staying lean — this one’s for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How Burger28 grew with zero dine-in focus✅ Why Alex believes “media + code” is 2025’s biggest leverage✅ The hidden economics behind delivery platforms✅ Building a brand before you build a business✅ Why most creators don’t monetize their audience⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – How a viral burger brand was built on content, not cuisine3:45 – Why every founder needs to master storytelling7:10 – Delivery math: How aggregators kill your margins11:00 – The truth behind F&B unit economics in the UAE15:40 – How Burger28 turned Instagram into a cash machine20:00 – “Media + Code”: The new cheat code for young entrepreneurs24:15 – Building community vs. building customers29:00 – Why Alex never focused on physical expansion34:50 – How to think like a growth hacker, not a restaurateur39:00 – Monetizing trust and owning the narrative43:30 – What most founders still don’t get about digital leverage48:10 – Why Alex thinks the next millionaires won’t be in boardrooms📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi#ContentCreation #F&BBusiness #StartupPodcast #DubaiStartups #Burger28 #BusinessWithBartawi #AlexDebare #MediaAndCode
What’s really in your cup? ☕️Mohamed Al Madfai is the Emirati entrepreneur behind Emirati Coffee — a specialty roastery supplying over 400 cafés, restaurants, and brands across Dubai and the UAE.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Mohamed shares the truth behind Dubai’s booming coffee industry — why most cafés fail, how to survive the next few years in F&B, and what it really takes to build a lasting coffee brand.We talk entrepreneurship, legacy, loyalty, and the unseen standards behind your daily brew.If you’re into coffee, entrepreneurship, or building businesses in Dubai, you’ll love this one.💡 Topics Covered:✅ Why 80% of cafés in Dubai fail✅ How Mohamed scaled Emirati Coffee to 400+ brands✅ Building trust, loyalty, and scaling through chaos✅ How to survive the next 2–3 years in F&B✅ Advice for anyone opening a coffee shop⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – Why most coffee shops are built on image, not substance4:06 – The biggest mistake founders make when opening a café8:02 – Why location will make or break your coffee shop12:30 – The biggest lie entrepreneurs tell themselves16:10 – How Mohamed scaled Emirati Coffee to 400+ brands20:30 – Why serving trends is dangerous in F&B24:12 – How to pick a winning café location28:01 – Lessons from surviving bad business partnerships32:14 – Why transparency is more important than trust36:00 – How energy matters more than skill in business40:05 – The hidden history of coffee (Mecca, Italy, and Europe)44:00 – Why failure in business is predictable if you know the signs48:08 – How Mohamed built an international sourcing network52:20 – Legacy, impact, and redefining success beyond money56:00 – Why you shouldn’t open a coffee shop in Dubai right now📥 Follow Business with Bartawi on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi#Podcasting #Entrepreneurship #CoffeeBusiness #DubaiBusiness #EmiratiCoffee #Startups #BusinessInDubai
In this episode of Business with Bartawi, I sat down with Jigar Sagar — the UAE-based entrepreneur behind 30+ companies worth $350M.He breaks down why most entrepreneurs stay broke, and how real wealth comes from systems, not hustle.From building 100+ companies to firing himself from every single one, Jigar reveals what it really takes to escape the operator trap and scale like a true founder.We talk money, mindset, letting go of ego—and why most startup advice is keeping you small.💡 You’ll learn:1 / Why hustle is the enemy of real scale2 / How to build businesses that run without you3 / His secret to finding co-founders & firing himself 100+ times4 / What ego, real estate, and legacy all have in common5 / And why access is more powerful than money📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Why most founders are secretly just employees2:45 – Watching his father run a business shaped everything7:09 – “If you want the toy, you need to earn it.”13:13 – The motorbike story that humbled his ego19:03 – How he made his first million before age 3024:55 – Bringing digitization to the UAE before it was cool28:29 – Buying into the business he used to work for34:11 – Why he’ll never invest in crypto (and what he does instead)42:10 – Skydiving the day before his wedding to conquer fear46:11 – “I borrowed 5,000 AED just to open a savings account.”🔗 Follow Jigar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jigarsagar/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JigarSagar_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jigar-sagar-/?originalSubdomain=aeX (Twitter): https://x.com/JigarsagarTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jigarsagar86------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📥 Follow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X: / https://x.com/bartawi#Podcasting #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #business
He got paid in Bitcoin before most people even knew what it was.In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with a crypto entrepreneur who started his journey in 2016—before Web3 was a buzzword and when getting paid in Ethereum raised eyebrows.From growing up with a market-trading father to launching one of the world’s biggest crypto SPACs, his story is as real as it gets.He dives into the highs, the scams, the wins—and what it really takes to survive and thrive in the world of blockchain, money, and digital identity.💡 Topics Covered:✅ Why getting paid in Bitcoin changed everything✅ The dark side of early crypto investing✅ Real estate, scams & the collapse of trust✅ How to evaluate a legit blockchain project✅ Why the U.S. will protect the dollar at all costs✅ Halal investing in a decentralized world✅ His prediction on where crypto is heading next🔥 If you're into crypto, entrepreneurship, or digital finance—this is the episode you've been waiting for.⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – How he got paid in Bitcoin back in 20164:09 – Early money memories and Barclays Bank loan8:15 – The death of ATMs and digital banking shift12:24 – The 100x crypto boom era of 2016-201716:42 – Founding the world’s biggest crypto SPAC20:54 – Why Layer 1 & Layer 2 chains need innovation25:11 – Infrastructure coins: Solana, Ripple, and more29:37 – Property scams during the crypto gold rush33:37 – How to check a crypto company's legitimacy37:32 – Investing early in Coinbase: spotting winners41:58 – Halal staking & ethical blockchain questions46:12 – Why there’s no “Michael Saylor” in the East50:12 – The U.S. dollar’s dominance and Bitcoin’s rise54:34 – Why he only owns two stocks59:05 – Traditional wealth vs new digital opportunitiesFollow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X: / https://x.com/bartawi#Podcasting #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #Business #crypto #cryptocurrency
Starting a podcast was the best decision he ever made—both professionally and personally.Vuk Zlatarov, podcasting disruptor and co-founder of Poddster, Dubai’s #1 podcast studio network, reveals why podcasting is the ultimate business tool in 2025.In this powerful conversation, he opens up about overcoming fear, failing in business, and how podcasts can build trust faster than any other medium.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How podcasting unlocks business opportunities✅ The biggest mistake beginners make—and how to avoid it✅ Why conversations are more powerful than ads✅ How to create a podcast people actually want to hear✅ The future of content creation & AI in media🔥 If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or simply curious about podcasting—you don’t want to miss this.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:15 - How Podcasting Changed His Life05:30 - Overcoming Fear of the Mic10:42 - Why Podcasting Beats Traditional Marketing15:27 - The Business of Podcasting in 202520:14 - The Biggest Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid26:00 - AI & The Future of Media32:45 - How to Build a Podcast Brand That Lasts38:10 - Final Thoughts & AdviceFollow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X: / https://x.com/bartawi🎙️ Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Let me know in the comments 👇#Podcasting #Entrepreneurship #ContentCreation #Marketing #Business
Most doctors treat disease. The best ones teach you how to prevent it.Dr. Edyta Skibinska, Harvard-trained longevity expert and award-winning public health leader, reveals how mindset, not medicine, could be the missing link to reversing chronic illness and living a longer, happier life.In this deeply personal episode, she opens up about losing her mother to cancer, the flaws in our healthcare system, and how your thoughts might be more powerful than your genes.💡 Topics Covered:✅ The hidden dangers of sugar—and what doctors won’t tell you✅ Why mindset matters more than food, sleep, or exercise✅ How trauma and emotions trigger disease✅ The truth about anti-aging & internal beauty✅ What “longevity” really means (and how to achieve it)🔥 If you care about your health, energy, and future—you need this conversation.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:08 - Dr. Edyta Journey: From Cosmetology to Medicine05:14 - Losing Her Mom to Cancer: The Wake-Up Call12:31 - Flaws in the Healthcare System15:50 - What is Longevity, Really?18:45 - External Beauty vs. Internal Energy22:18 - Sugar, Stress & Disease: The Root Causes26:42 - Can We Reverse Chronic Illness?31:30 - Sleep, Food, or Exercise—Which Matters Most?35:17 - Mindset Training & Affirmations41:00 - Are We Souls Having a Human Experience?45:48 - Rethinking Education & Health Awareness52:09 - Final Message: You Are More Powerful Than You ThinkFollow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X: / https://x.com/bartawiHave you ever thought your thoughts could heal you? Let me know in the comments👇#Mindset #Health #Wellness #SelfCare #fitness
What happens when you build the system — but walk away before anyone knows your name?Mohamed Al Hakim helped shape the crypto and regulatory landscape in Dubai, quietly building behind the scenes — before the hype, before the headlines, before anyone knew what “blockchain” even meant in the Gulf.In this episode of Business with Bartawi, Mohamed opens up about the pain of exile, the discipline of system-building, and what it means to pursue impact without seeking credit.We talk childhood displacement, emotional detachment, crypto infrastructure, and the invisible legacy left behind when no one’s watching.If you're building quietly, navigating power, or struggling to stay true while playing a bigger game — this episode is for you.💡 Topics Covered:✅ Building crypto infrastructure for Dubai✅ The emotional cost of exile and boarding school✅ What founders get wrong about “legacy”✅ Building Shariah-compliant crypto systems✅ Why trust, not tech, decides who wins✅ Letting go of credit, and choosing silence⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – "My childhood was not any kind of childhood"02:45 – Alone in Australia at 11 years old06:10 – Coming back to the UAE, but not the same08:45 – Building systems inside government11:20 – The AED wallet and Dubai’s crypto foundation15:30 – Joining Crypto.com and scaling with speed20:15 – Creating the first Shariah-compliant crypto offering23:40 – What crypto got wrong about community27:10 – Why alignment matters more than adoption30:40 – Building quietly, then disappearing33:20 – The graveyard story — “No one remembers their names”35:00 – “Do good, and throw it in the sea” — legacy without credit37:30 – Crypto vs traditional finance: power, risk, opportunity38:40 – Government vs tech: where change really happens40:00 – What’s next: “I want to be the world’s first Minister of Crypto”41:30 – UAE’s unique leadership role in crypto infrastructure43:00 – Tokenization: The future of ownership45:00 – Using your crypto like a debit card46:30 – Real-world use case: Hotel payments in London via crypto47:30 – Advice to his 25-year-old self: listen, learn, and wait49:00 – Losing millions in a failed Ramadan tent venture51:00 – Signing a paper that cost him — and what he learned52:30 – Final reflection: Family, faith & what truly matters🔗 Follow BXB on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/businesswithbartawi/FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartawi/✩ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-bartawi/✩ X (Twitter): https://x.com/bartawi#crypto
🔥 If you’re a founder, creator, or builder struggling with identity after success — this episode is for you.Ahmed Al Rawi is the founder of Calo, one of the GCC’s fastest-growing food tech startups — with $26M raised and 1,000+ employees.But this isn’t a story about money.It’s about what comes after.The emptiness. The reinvention. The shift from metrics to meaning.🎙️ In this episode of Business with Bartawi, we dive into:✅ Why success didn’t fulfill him✅ The moment he felt completely empty✅ How short-form video became survival✅ The hidden cost of scaling too fast✅ Why most founders never ask “what now?”⏰ Timestamps:00:00 – The accidental founder02:10 – Calo, scale, and the $26M chapter04:40 – When success left him hollow06:30 – Identity crisis after exit08:45 – How creators become founders12:10 – What Calo taught him about obsession16:00 – Why he’s rebuilding through content19:30 – Balancing vision with visibility23:15 – What he wishes he knew earlier📥 Follow Business with Bartawi:Instagram: @businesswithbartawi👤 Follow Mahmoud Bartawi:Instagram: @bartawiLinkedIn: Mahmoud BartawiX (Twitter): @bartawi📢 What’s the one thing success didn’t fix for you?Drop it in the comments 👇#BXBPodcast #AhmedAlRawi #StartupLife
Today, I’m sitting down with Omar Al Duri, a World Cup coach and bestselling author who has worked with top athletes on and off the pitch. His journey from a devastating football injury to coaching on the biggest football stages is a masterclass in mental resilience, leadership, and peak performance.💡 Topics Covered:✅ How a career-ending football injury changed everything✅ The mindset shift that led him to become a coach at 19✅ What it takes to train elite footballers for high performance✅ How to develop mental toughness in sports✅ Coaching at the African Nations Cup and the World Cup✅ The psychology behind top football players' success🔥 Want to learn how elite athletes think? This episode is for you.⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:25 - Who is Omar Al Duri?01:17- The Injury That Changed His Football Career09:28- How He Pivoted to Coaching at 1911:55- Secrets of Elite Football Coaching & Training14:45- Coaching Ghana’s U-20 Team at the African Nations Cup18:43 - Sports Psychology & Mental Resilience in Football26:50- How Top Players Handle Pressure & Perform Under Stress32:35- Coaching at the World Cup: Biggest Lessons Learned41:47- The Difference Between Good vs. Great Football Players50:03- Future of Football Coaching & Performance Training58:25 - Omar’s Advice for Young Athletes & Coaches01:03:00 - End of Podcast📱 Follow BXB on Instagram: / businesswithbartawi FOLLOW ME ON:✩ Instagram: / / bartawi ✩ LinkedIn: / / mahmoud-bartawi ✩ X: / https://x.com/bartawi📢 What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from sports? Drop your thoughts in the comments!#resilience #leadership #mindset #highperformance #comeback #AfricanNationsCup #fifa #worldcup