Today, I’m joined by Kate Borodich, CEO of Drinkit, a digital-first coffee shop chain. After building and eventually closing the Dodo Pizza UK business as its COO, Kate moved to Dubai to start again — this time with a bold idea to merge coffee culture and technology. In this episode, Kate shares what it really takes to enter one of the most competitive F&B markets in the world. We talk about the mindset behind launching from scratch, how to win your first clients when giants like Starbu...

In this episode, I'm talking with Michael Belton, the CEO of MERED Real Estate Development. Michael's path is a fascinating one: from Alaska to Russia, and finally to the GCC. With over three decades of experience in global real estate, he's managed a staggering $5B in assets across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. We get into what leadership truly means in a region of over 200 nationalities, constant change, and AI on the rise. Michael reminds us that real estate has never been just abou...

Today, I’m joined by Maureen Hall, founder, CEO, and creative director of COÉGA, a Dubai-born swimwear brand that has grown steadily for over 21 years. After serving in the Canadian Air Force, Maureen transformed her sewing hobby into a fashion company that now operates in 100+ retail locations across the Middle East and has collaborated with Disney, Marvel, and Warner Brothers. In this episode, Maureen shares the mindset and strategies that kept her brand alive when so many others disappear...

Today, I’m joined by Phil Bedford, cofounder of Strategic Business Connect Company, professor of business networking at Tetr College of Business, international speaker, and bestselling author. I’ve invited Phil to speak directly to us Dubai entrepreneurs because in this extremely competitive market, survival and success often depend on one thing: the strength of your network. But how do you build it in a city with over 200 nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds? In this episode, Phil sh...

Today, I’m joined by Hani Soubra, a former BBC MENA director, university lecturer, a published author, and business consultant. Together, we explore a critical question: Why do companies die, and how can some outlast market shifts, leadership changes, and even their own founders? The statistics are staggering: the average lifespan of an S&P 500 company has dropped from 61 years in 1958 to just 18 years today. As for startups, 90% fail within their first decade. So how do you build a...

Today, I’m joined by Tracy Jones, a mind management coach and educator who works with elite athletes, politicians, high-performing leaders, and ultra-high-net-worth families. Together, we explored a contradiction of our modern world: on one hand, we strive to achieve high performance at work, which often leads to constant distraction through multitasking, stress, and even burnout; on the other hand, we preach work-life balance, mindfulness, and the importance of being present and still. The...

Today, I’m joined by Sahar Karoubi, founder of Bambuyu — a sustainable tissue and toilet paper brand built in Dubai. Told by manufacturers she would fail, Sahar stayed true to her vision and turned an everyday product into a stylish, purpose-driven brand. In this episode, she shares how she built an eco-friendly business in the UAE, the challenges of launching a green product, and what it takes to be a female founder in a competitive market. Tune in to hear how sustainability, purpose, ...

Have you heard of executive interim management? Before this episode, I had no idea how powerful this niche leadership tool could be for companies facing business transformation, crisis management, or rapid market expansion. Whether your business is navigating a major transition, entering a new market, or urgently needs experienced leadership to avoid losing market share, an executive interim manager could be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of the Mastervision® Po...

With the launch of Season 3, our Brands Through Stories podcast takes on a new name — Mastervision® — a name that reflects our purpose: to share sincere stories from around the world that help you see a meaningful future and take action toward it today. We begin this season with a powerful conversation featuring Alexander van 't Riet — former CEO of Mai Dubai Water, author of In Pursuit of Chocolate book, and a leadership coach. At the height of his career, Alexander was unexpectedly let go....

As a strategist, I thrive on creativity. I look for it everywhere — even in the least expected places. That’s exactly what happened with this episode. What started as a business discussion turned into a sincere and slightly philosophical conversation about the struggles entrepreneurs face - and an unexpected yet fascinating parallel between the fierce world of business and the world of ballroom championship dancing, with the incredible Valerie Kim. Together, we discussed and agreed that...

Think crypto is a scam? Or just too complicated? This episode might change your mind — or at least help you finally understand what it’s all about. In this episode, I’m joined by Reza Ghiasi, CEO of YEX, a new global crypto exchange, to demystify the world of cryptocurrency for those who don’t get it—or just don’t trust it. We break down: • What Bitcoin, altcoins, and meme coins actually are • How to create your own token (and why most fail) • The future of money and where crypto is really he...

Today, I am joined by Rachel Meuleman, a keynote speaker at top business events in the GCC and the founder of BizzAngels and The Bizz Advisors. Rachel has built a career around helping entrepreneurs network smarter, make connections that truly matter and grow their sales. Together, we break down how to choose the right business events, connect with the right people, read body language, and avoid common networking mistakes. Rachel also shares insider tips on using LinkedIn strategically, mak...

Starting a business in the GCC? Expanding from Dubai? Winning over investors? This special episode brings together the best insights from multiple expert guests, offering you a complete guide to navigating the business landscape of the UAE and beyond. We cover everything from attracting investment and building a strong network to developing a thriving corporate culture in Dubai, where people come and go. You’ll also hear key mindset shifts that can set you up for long-term success in the regi...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with passionate startup founder and former Amazon top-performing manager, Allan Abbas, about his entrepreneurial journey. Allan left the corporate world to start his own business—not once, but twice. Now, he is launching a new venture in Saudi Arabia and has been selected from 8,000 applicants for the Antler startup incubation programme. From his experience at Amazon to creating successful business, Allan reveals how anyone can transform their life...

Today, I am joined by the founder and president of the Emirates Legal Network, as well as a managing partner at Elnaggar and Partners – Ahmed Elnaggar. Together with Ahmed, we discussed how lawyers can turn time into money, how to stay confident and composed under real pressure during tough negotiations, and how to use the power of words to get what you want. Ahmed shares his extensive experience in legal practice and explains how thinking differently about competition can help elevate any in...

Throughout my life in Dubai and working with inspiring women from this region, I have always seen Arab women as strong, inspirational, intelligent, and dignified. There is something truly magical about them; they combine genuine femininity with strong leadership and power - qualities traditionally associated with men. Unfortunately, there are still many stereotypes that exist about Arab women, particularly those from the Gulf. So, it was my pleasure to challenge some of these misconceptions b...

Recently, I came across a statistic indicating that the global turnover rate of CEOs, depending on the industry, is around 15% – a staggering figure that is only increasing. From my own experience, I’ve seen how this turnover, coupled with the immense stress involved, impacts not only the CEOs themselves but also their teams and entire companies. So, why is this happening more frequently? What are the reasons behind it? Together with my guest, Navid Nazemian, the world’s No.1 executiv...

I hope this podcast becomes a therapeutic tool, as well as an inspirational and motivational platform for you—just as it has been for me. Meeting and talking with remarkable people who have overcome challenges and achieved success in their professional journeys helps me realise that I’m not alone in facing life’s complexities. It reminds me that there are always people to learn from. This episode is for anyone going through difficult times in their career or workplace. I want you to know tha...

Combining marriage and business is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. In this episode, we explore what happens when two worlds—personal relationships and professional ventures—intersect. My guests, Will and Manuela, share their experience of running a hospitality business together and finding the balance between maintaining both their family and their company. From learning how to work as equal partners to navigating the blurred lines between personal and business life, Will ...

Running a business today can feel like a roller coaster—one moment you're on top, and the next day, because of cancel culture, nobody wants to talk to you. PR has become an essential tool for business owners' survival and success. I'll be the first to admit I've neglected PR for years, but now I realise just how critical it is. In this episode, I'm excited to have Alistair Crighton, a highly experienced PR expert with over two decades of experience in the Middle East, joining me. We'll cover...