DUBAI WORKS Business Podcast
By Augustus Media
The shows host is Richard Fitzgerald, founder of Augustus Media, publishers of Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi and Smashi.
DUBAI WORKS Business PodcastApr 29, 2021
EP 160: Martin Tronquit, CEO at Infomineo
Today we're joined by Martin Tronquit, the CEO at Infomenio. A brainshoring services company, supporting their clients through four services: Business Research, Expert Network, Graphic Design, and Business Translation.
EP 159: Nuha Hashem & Alok Kumar, Co-Founders of Zywa
Today we’re joined by Nuha Hashem & Alok Kumar, Co-Founders of Zywa. A payment card and app for teens that helps with managing, saving and spending their finances.
Topics:
- The story of Zywa
- The banking industry
- Zywa's future plans
EP 158: Ivana and Naomi, Founders of STORM Cycling
Today we’re joined by Ivana Bruic and Naomi Mendez, founders of STORM Cycling. The studio focuses on a personalised experience that heavily focuses on fostering an empowered community.
EP 157: Faisal Mushtaq, CEO of Eze Lease
Today on Dubai Works, we're joined by Faisal Mushtaq, the CEO of Eze Lease. A one-of-its-kind Lifestyle Rental Platform covering furniture, furnishing, electrical appliances and more. Revolutionising the way people enjoy and exhibit their luxury in both a sustainable and affordable manner.
EP 156: Rob Pye, CEO at Selfologi
Today we’re joined by Rob Pye, The CEO Selfologi. A health-tech startup that empowers consumers to discover, learn about, and book cosmetic treatments. Selfologi aim to offer consumers an unparalleled platform that informs, educates, and helps them realize their full potential.
EP 155: Dr.Shanila Laiju - CEO at Medcare Hospital and Medical Centres
Today we’re joined by Shanila Laiju. The CEO at Medcare. A network of multi-speciality hospitals, medical centers and hundreds of specialised doctors. All working towards the same agenda of providing and assuring the wellbeing of their visitors.
EP 154: Helen Chen, CEO of Nomad Homes
Today we're joined by Helen Chen, the CEO at Nomad Homes. A platform decided to simplify the process of buying and renting homes, by focusing primarily on the consumers and tech empowered concept.
EP 153: Laura Manning, Founder & MD of BRW Society
Today on Dubai Works were joined by Laura Manning, The founder & managing director of BRW Society. An eco-friendly and sustainable tea brand, that places an emphasis on quality and affordability in it's offerings.
E152: Natasha Rudatsenko, Owner of Health Nag
Today we're joined by Natasha Rudatsenko, the owner of Health Nag Products. A holistic wellness brand, all free form Dairy, Soy, Preservatives, Yeast and anything artificial. And they're also the first in the Region to use a Technology called LipoCellTech, allowing to deliver over 90% of nutrients directly to the bloodstream in minutes.
Topics:
- The story of Health Nag
- Health and wellness industry in Dubai
- Health Nag's plans for the future
EP 151: Asim Janjua, Founder at Mamo
On today's episode of Dubai Works we're joined by Asim Janjua, the founder at Mamo. A UAE-based Fintech start-up that is set to change the future of payments and finance in The Middle East.. By giving it's users effortless access to their money, through an application that demonstrates simplicity, empathy, and utility.
EP 150: Stevi Lowmass, Founder and Owner of The Camel Soap Factory
Today’s episode of Dubai Works, Stevi Lowmass joins us. She’s the founder and owner of The Camel Soap Factory, A company she’s started after studying soap making in London. Producing skincare products made with locally sourced camel milk.
EP 149: Boye Balogun, Founder of Future Tech and Partner at Jonomi Ventures
On this episode of Dubai Works, we're joined by Boye Balogun from Future Tech, an advertising agency offering solutions for brands all categories, tailored for the needs of the Middle Eastern and African market.
EP 148: Monica Arango, Founder of C'est ici Interior Design Studio
Today on Dubai Works, we’re joined by Monica Arango, the founder of C'est ici. A home-grown, Interior Design Studio thats been challenging the design industry in Dubai, by dedicating their work to transforming spaces into unique and creative destinations.
EP 147: Amrit Chand, Founder &CEO of Miracles Dubai
On this episode of Dubai Works, were speaking to by Armit Chand, the founder and CEO of Miracles Dubai. A wellness and self development center, that uses a mix of clinical and holistic therapies on individuals and corporate entities.
EP146: Erika Blazeviciute Doyle - Drink Dry Store
Dubai Works EP147: Erika Blazeviciute Doyle - Drink Dry Store
E145: Dave Catudal, Founder of Humantra
On this episode of Dubai Works, we’re speaking to Dave Catudal the founder of Humantra - a global wellness brand on a mission to put thriving health and optimal performance within reach for everyone. They produce simplified supplements to help people take ownership of their health and wellbeing.
E144: Pishu Ganglani, CoFounder at North Ladder
On this episode of Dubai Works, we’re speaking to Pishu Ganglani. The Co-counder of North Ladder. The world’s first secured trading platform that connects customers looking to sell pre-owned electronics to a global network of buyers.
E143: Jeetu Kataria, CEO and Co-founder of DIFX
On Today’s episode of Dubai Works were joined by Jeetu Kataria, CEO and Co-founder of DIFX. A one-stop-solution for businesses and traders that provides a seamless platform to carry out crypto transactions.
E142: Ankit Goel, The Middle East Regional Head at MODIFI
Today on Dubai Works, we're joined by Ankit Goel, The Middle East Regional Head at MODIFI. A trade finance and Fintech Company, offering the solutions companies need to succeed and grow. Having multiple offices globally, MODIFI expanded its footprints last year and established its presence in UAE.
E141: Sanjay Vazirani, Founder and Managing Director of Foodlink
Today we’re joined by Sanjay Vazirani , the founder and managing director of Foodlink.
Foodlink was founded in 2003 with the objective to drive excellence in the Indian Food & Beverage Service Industry. And within the last year they've expanded in Dubai, with astounding reviews from both the industry itself and the general public.
E140: Monish Chandiramani, Co-Founder & CEO at Yeepeey
Today on Dubai Works were joined by Monish Chandiramani, The co-founder & CEO at Yeepeey. An online application that deals in grocery, essentials & confectionery shopping through its platforms and promised delivery within 30 to 45 minutes.
E139: David and Piero, Founders of Exirio
In this episode of Dubai Works, we’re joined by David Martínez de Lecea & Piero Politeo, the founders of Exirio. A one of a kind wealth tracking app, developed at the height of the pandemic. Enabling individuals to track and understand their investments, and plan for a life of financial freedom.
E138: Nicholas Brooks & Stewart Howison, Co-founders of Revolution Cycles Dubai
In this episode of Dubai Works, Nicholas Brooks & Stewart Howison Co-founders of Revolution Cycles Dubai and Cycle Safe Dubai. Our guests today have played a major role in moulding the biking community in The UAE. And they are the co-founders of Revolution Cycles Dubai. And also the proud the co-founders of Cycle Safe Dubai, a non-for-profit they launched over 10 years ago to provide a safe space for cyclist to pursue their passion.
E137: Adrian Shaw, CEO of Chattels & More
Today we're joined by Adrian Shaw, the CEO of Chattels & More. A UAE homegrown brand belonging to the AL Gurg Group. Bringing unique and authentic designs from all over the world to offer extensive range of furniture and accessories for living, dining and bedrooms.
E136: Talal Bayaa, CEO of Bayzat
On today’s episode of Dubai Works, were joined by Talal Bayaa, the co-founder and CEO of Bayzat, the UAE’s leading HR and Payroll software that's tailored to proving a better experience to companies, through automating and enhancing the administration process.
Today, Bayzat has a reach of over 1,000+ fast-growing businesses in UAE and over 60,000 employees.
E135: Craig Stevens, CEO of Dubicars
In this episode of Dubai Works, we’re joined by Craig Stevens, the CEO of Dubicars, one of the UAE’s most trusted car dealerships.
Dubicars have always made it a point to make the vehicle purchasing experience as enjoyable and transparent as possible for the consumers. And as of late, have been making it their mission to catalyze growth through the digitalization of their business model.
E134: Philip Bahoshy, CEO of Magnitt
In this episode of Dubai Works, we’re joined by Philip Bahoshy, The founder and CEO of Magnitt. A platform where venture capitalist and entrepreneurs can come together, connect and gain insight.
Magnitt is the first and leading venture data platform supporting investors and founders gain access to data, research and insights from across the emerging venture startup ecosystems including MENA, Turkey and Pakistan.
EP 133: Ramzi Ghurani, Managing Partner of Petra Insurance
Petra Insurance is one of the leading insurance companies in the UAE with 55 years of experience in the insurance sector. They provide policies for both personal and commercial along with free advice and consultation throughout the policy cycle, clear policies, and easy installments.
EP 132: Kez Taylor, CEO of ALEC Constructions
We’re joined today by Kez Taylor, the CEO of ALEC. A company that’s been setting new benchmarks in the construction industry, with its innovative designs. ALEC has also played a lead role in developing the EXPO 2020 site, as well as taking part in it, by being the only construction company participating this year. You can find them at the ICD pavilion, where they’ll e unveiling their modular housing concept.
E131: Anthony Tattersall, VP EMEA of Enterprise at Coursera
What initially launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, has now become one of the largest online learning platforms in the world. In collaboration with over 200 leading university and industry partners, Coursera is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 82 million registered learners as of March 31, 2021.
EP 130 Rohaid Stanley, Co-Founder of Tryloka
In today's episode of Dubai Works, we’re joined by Co-Founder of Tryloka, Rohaid Stanley. a local enterprise who assist brands in the region in establish meaningful relationships with consumers by utilizing the power of smart product sampling.
Their mission is to provide the campaign strategies and brand identity to prospective consumers, through understanding each business’ USP and integrating it with unfiltered consumer feedback.
EP 129 Hasib Khan, Founder of Udrive
Founded in 2016, Dubai based start-up Udrive was the first to leverage mobility by introducing the rent-by-the-minute concept to the region. Over the last four years, the company has legitimized its service to over a quarter of a million UAE citizens, residents and visitors to complete over 1.4 million trips, delivering estimated savings of approximately 25%, compared to traditional mobility alternatives.
Most recently, Udrive announced that it has closed a US$5M funding round led by prominent regional business leaders and three venture capitalists. With the intention to utilise the funding to further enhance the data analytics capabilities of its platform, with a focus on elevating customer experiences.
EP 128 Payam Honari & Ziad Tariq, Founders of ADASAT
In this episode of Dubai Works, we're joined by Payam Horani and Ziad Tariq, both co-founders of ADASAT, the regions leading platform for premium eyewear.
After 25 years of expertise in the optical field, the founders launched ADASAT in September of 2019. Today, they have transformed the way consumers approach eyewear solutions, with their focused approach to online shopping. Offering authentic and genuine sunglasses, prescription glasses and contact lenses in the region.
EP 127 Phil Harvey, CEO Phoenix Technology
In this episode of Dubai Works, we interview Phil, the CEO of Phoenix Technology, a global leader in cryptocurrency Mining, Hosting, investments and the official Bitmain distributor. He has accumulated a specific skill set over a number of years in various industries such as the British Military, Security, Finance, and Construction.
Having worked in the space with various groups, Phil now combines his passion and experience of operations & planning with Blockchain industry knowledge in setting up Phoenix Technology’s Global operations that spans three continents.
Phil's mission is to lead the company to be the biggest global player and benchmark in the cryptocurrency mining business.
EP 126 Leith Matthews, Founder of Rokpool
On this episode of Dubai Works, we are joined with Leith Matthews, a Dubai based Entrepreneur. He launched his first business in Dubai in 2011 - MAKE Business Hub - the region’s first dedicated creative and entrepreneurial co-working cafe After selling MAKE Business Hub, then joined SNAPPCARD as co-founder to launch and grow the digital loyalty platform.
After Exiting SNAPPCARD, he launched AKIN Barber & Shop - a trend leading men’s grooming business and a change maker in the region. Selling AKIN, He is now launching Rokpool - the region’s first dedicated men’s personal care site.
Today we will discuss that journey, and his latest venture, Rokpool.
Rokpool is an e-commerce and brand development platform built for a new world.
Specialized in the curated collection of world-class skincare, haircare, styling products and smart supplements, for men. Rokpool is the first and the leader in the region to provide such dedication to the category.
EP 125 Naomi Bell, CEO of NRBeauty
In this episode of Dubai Works, we are joined by Naomi Bell, an entrepreneur who went from being a freelancer to opening her own salon in Motor City called NRBeauty, which offers highly qualified therapists and treatments.
The salon bring the worlds leading brands, treatments and technologies to the region. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we'll be discussing how Naomi used her entrepreneurial skills to grow her company, as well as develop a business strategy after the COVID pandemic.
EP 124 Deyan Dimitrov, Founder of Laundryheap
In this episode, we're joined by Deyan Dimitrov, the Founder and CEO of Laundryheap, which is a service that collects, cleans and delivers fresh laundry and dry cleaning in just 24 hours.
Deyan set up Laundryheap in 2014, with a vision of filling the technological and innovation gaps in the dry cleaning industry. Since then, he has successfully scaled Laundryheap to operate across Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia. The service is now used by thousands of people globally, and the company is ranked the 18th fastest growing tech company in the UK by Deloitte.
EP 123 Madhav Dhar, Co-founder and COO of ZāZEN Properties
In this episode of Dubai Works, we're joined by Madhav Dhar, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of ZāZEN Properties. Madhav Dhar handles the real estate product development; from conception through to delivery.
He is also involved in creating, executing and managing the company’s formation, from strategy, government relations, to marketing sales efforts, and customer relationship management.
Launched in 2018, ZāZEN Properties is building unique residential developments in established
communities of Dubai, catering to the mid-market segment consumer and providing a sustainable ‘community within a building.’
Dhar aims to position ZāZEN as a homegrown brand that pushes the limits of what a ‘mid-market product’ should look like across all of ZāZEN’s developments.
EP 122 Elinor Davies-Farn, Founder of Olew Hair
In this episode of Dubai Works, we're joined by Elinor Davies-Farn, a Welsh entrepreneur and founder of natural hair care brand Olew Hair, an award-winning haircare brand that specialises in natural, vegan and cruelty free products specifically designed for curly hair.
The brand was born out of frustration at the lack of natural hair care products, and the need of a solution. With just £100 from her kitchen table in the creative hub of Leyton, East London, Elinor launched the brand in 2018.
All products are made in the UK and Elinor was recently named as a leading 2020 “30 under 30” female entrepreneur.
Elinor decided to bring Olew to the UAE/Gulf region In 2021 due to all of the organic support and loyalty she received from the community in this region.
EP 121 Rafi Dikranian, CMO of SIPPY
In this episode of Dubai Works we interview Rafi, the Co-Founder and CMO of SIPPY – the region’s first digital platform empowering the specialty coffee community to compete against the mainstream players. With 13+ years of experience in retail and a serial entrepreneur, Rafi also heads the Marketing of The Greenhouse – Chalhoub Group’s space for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sippy Beans is the UAE's biggest multi-brand marketplace, connecting coffee enthusiasts with the best roasters in town (specialty only of course).
EP 120 Anisha Oberoi, Founder of Secret Skin
In this episode of Dubai Works, we are joined by Anisha Oberoi, Founder of the Middle East's conscious beauty e-commerce platform for sustainable beauty, Secret Skin.
Secret Skin was born after Anisha fought a year-long battle with breast carcinoma - given the toxicity of the medication to assist with her recovery, Anisha was desperate to use clean, non-toxic beauty products but struggled to find sufficient information or accessibility to such products. Secret Skin is a platform that hosts sustainable, non-toxic beauty and wellness brands that are devoted to the ‘People, Planet and Purpose’.
Today, we'll be diving deeper into the story of Secret Skin, their journey through the pandemic as part of the beauty industry, and a look into their future.
EP 119 Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran, Ex CEO and principal at MEGVIN Advisors LLC
Today we are joined by Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran an innovative entrepreneur and executive leader in the hydrocarbon and chemical sector across the Americas, the Middle East and India with extensive experience in transformational stewardship, navigating organizations through periods of accelerated growth. He is adept at forging alliances with global business partners to enhance synergies, drive profitable growth and maximize ROI.
Dr. Ramesh is a principal at MEGVIN Advisors LLC he is an Executive Board Advisor, a Keynote Speaker and an Academic Author. Today we will be talking about the challenges and learnings of being a leader during difficult times. The impacts of Covid on the oil and gas industry and what kind of future are we going to have as there is a big push towards sustainability.
EP 118 Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group
In this episode of Dubai Works, we are joined by the CEO of Time Out Group, Julio Bruno. Time Out Group is a global media and hospitality business that helps people explore and experience the best of the city through its two divisions – Time Out Media and Time Out Market.
Time Out launched in London in 1968 with a magazine to help people discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over the city. Today, the Group’s digital and physical presence comprises websites, magazines, live events and Time Out Market. Across these platforms Time Out distributes its curated content – written by professional journalists – around the best food, drink, culture, entertainment and travel across 328 cities in 58 countries.
Today we will talk to him about the Time Out Group and its story, the media company’s diversification into the hospitality sector and the impact of covid and the strategy moving forward.
EP 117 Mark Willis, CEO of Turkey, India, Middle East and Africa at Accor
In today's episode of Dubai Works we are joined by Mark Willis, the CEO of Accor for Turkey, India, Middle East and Africa. Pprevious to Mark's appointment, he was the President for the Asia region with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a very dynamic area with a robust expansion strategy to open 30 properties by 2020.
Marks brings with him a wealth of operational experience alongside an intuitive knowledge of India, Turkey, Middle East and Africa, a region that he has worked in for over 20 years. Accor is a worldwide leader in hospitality. They take care of millions of guests all around the world, holding 5,100 addresses.
Today we will talk to Mark about the story of Accor and its long-established success, the hospitality industry and how it is pushing ahead post-pandemic and what is the future of the hospitality industry and what can we expect from Accor.
EP 116 Kashif Bhaor, CEO & Director of BeSoji
Today’s show is sponsored by STEP Food X, - for those that don’t know Step is the leading new media company that hosts events including the largest tech festivals for emerging markets. This year they have announced a virtual event happening on the 25th of May called Food X. It’s the first industry-focused summit that combines the latest trends and tech in the food industry. While the interview is brought to you by STEP Food X the guest and stories told are their own.
In today's episode of Dubai Works, we are joined by Kashif Bhaor who has been in the automotive industry since the beginning of his career. He has worked in Marketing for Dubizzle.com and Dubicars.com, and also been a journalist at YallaMotor.com. With his passion for cars he has founded 86 Club UAE (@86club), and during the pandemic has decided to venture out in the wild world of startups, and create BeSoji.
BeSoji is a UAE-based startup that's changing how people buy cars.They not only inspect vehicles at the seller's location, they test drive on your behalf and work on providing service contracts and extended warranties, meaning you can now buy a car from anywhere in the world and have a warranty to back you up.
EP 115 Dayana Tertyshnaya, CEO of Dialight, Terra & Mare Events, and Fleur Du Desert
Today on the Dubai Works we are joined by Dayana Tertyshnaya a Russian-born and Dubai-based SheEO & Founder of Dialight, Terra & Mare Events, and Fleur Du Desert.
Dialight is a fully functioning videography and photography company with an ALL-FEMALE Team that covers largescale and intimate events with a strong focus on Emirati/ International weddings.Terra & Mare Events is a cultural influence with Middle Eastern flare come together to create Terra & Mare, meaning Land & Sea. A meeting of the same halves, earth and air, land and water, love and the mind. It is in essence a juxtaposition of cultures and traditions. Merging design elements from the Middle East, Europe and far away lands to redefine the contemporary event experience. Lastly Fleur Du Desert is an eclectic combination of exotic blooms and unique floral arrangements that enhance living spaces.
We will discuss the types of businesses she owns, their industries, how she manages to juggle the workload of being a CEO and what it takes to lead and support an all-female team.
EP 114 Nick Walsh, CEO of VMLY&R COMMERCE MENA
On this episode of Dubai Works, we are joined by Nick Walsh the CEO of VMLY&R COMMERCE in Middle East and North Africa heading the network of offices from the hub in Dubai. His business management experience spans across a variety of clients such as BAT, Unilever, GSK, Coca-Cola, Mars, Guardian Audi and BP Castrol to name a few. He is a pioneer in the activation space, focusing on ensuring his team become the authority in the core offerings of commerce and experiential. He is passionate about his people and inspires them to deliver great work through building winning cultures and successful teams.
VMLY&R COMMERCE is WPP’s (a creative transformation company.) newest end-to-end Creative Commerce Company. We deliver engaging new commerce experiences to unlock commercial growth. Built on the commerce expertise of Geometry and scaled through VMLY&R’s connected brand promise, we help modern brands grow by unifying marketing strategies around commerce.
EP 113 Madalina Rotaru, CEO of CAPEX.COM
In today's episode of Dubai Works we have the CEO of CAPEX.com joining us. Aiming to change the way we invest today, CAPEX.com is a global broker dedicated to creating an authentic one-of-a-kind trading experience by blending technology with a customer-centered and education-oriented approach. Our range of award-winning platforms provides fast and flexible access to +2100 assets from multiple markets, including Forex, Shares, Indices, Bonds, ETFs, and Commodities via CFDs.
CAPEX.com has become the first brokerage company to receive "in-principle approval" from Abu Dhabi Global Market back in 2019, this was spearheaded by the CEO Madalina Rotaru. As a highly ambitious woman in the predominantly male-dominated finance sector, Madalina had to face and overcome her fair share of obstacles to break through the proverbial glass ceiling that defers so many women from achieving their career aspirations.
Today we will be talking about how CAPEX.com started out, women in finance and breaking the glass ceiling and how to identify the right stock for you and build an online portfolio.
EP 112 Danny Bates, CCO & Co-Founder of STARZPLAY
In today's episode of Dubai Works, we talk to STARZPLAY. STARZPLAY is a subscription video-on-demand service that streams Hollywood and Arabic movies, TV shows, documentaries, kids’ entertainment, and STARZPLAY original content – to 20 countries across MENA and Pakistan. The company has seen phenomenal year-on-year growth since its launch in 2015, reaching over a million paying subscribers and installed on more than six million devices.
The Co-Founder and CCO Danny Bates has joined us to talk about the amazing growth that STAZPLAY has had. He has more than 20 years’ experience to his role as CCO at STARZ Play Arabia, having spent the past two decades working in the EMEA region’s Satellite Pay TV and Energy sectors.
Today we will be talking about how STARZPLAY came to be, how did the streaming industry get impacted by the pandemic and what are the next steps for STARZPLAY.
EP 111 Stephan Berner, CEO Help AG - Etisalat Digital Cybersecurity
In this episode of Dubai Works, we talk to Stephan who established Help AG ME in 2004 and has overseen the company’s phenomenal growth to date. Today, he is leading Help AG to further increase the organization’s investment, business activity & partnerships across the MENA region.
Help AG is a Cybersecurity Advisor which has the technical expertise and industry-leading next-generation cybersecurity services and solutions. They empower enterprises and government organizations to stay secure. They innovate and embrace the required changes to digitize.
Today we will be talking about the story of Help AG, cybersecurity in 2021 and how has Covid-19 impacted the sector, and lastly, what does the future of cybersecurity look like.