Don't Do That, Do This

With financial pressures and market uncertainty impacting businesses across the region, we recently sat down with Paul Leggett, Partner, and Jennifer Frenis, Director, Turnaround and Restructuring at Deloitte Middle East, for a conversation on how businesses can navigate financial distress. From understanding the early pressure signs to managing stakeholders and complex legal frameworks, this epis...

With cyber threats on the rise in the region over the past year, we sat down with William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, a leading cyber security consultancy operating across Scotland, UAE and the US. From the realities of today’s threat landscape to the consequences of underinvestment, the discussion sets out what businesses need to understand to protect operations and navigate cyber risk a...

This episode focuses on the evolving role of the modern CFO, from fractional recruitment to why financial leadership is critical for business growth. BCCD CEO Katy Keenan speaks with Adnan Haroon, Founding Regional Director at The CFO Centre, a proven leader with over 24 years of experience driving financial performance across multiple geographies. Adnan breaks down what it takes to succeed as a C...

In this episode of Don’t Do That, Do This!, Katy speaks with Nathan Farrugia, CEO of Vistage UAE, author, and world record-breaking adventurer, to explore what leadership really looks like when your job is coaching CEOs. From boardrooms to endurance sports, Nathan shares hard-won lessons on resilience, decision-making, inclusivity and leading under pressure, including how setting a world record fo...

This episode could transform the way you think about your health. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to live longer, feel better and prevent illness. We interviewed one of Dubai’s leading health experts, Dr Hasan AlOgaily from King’s College Hospital London, to reveal the simple, practical changes that can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience in fam...

In this episode, we speak with Neil Orvay, Founder of Evolution U. A Harvard Law-trained negotiation expert, Neil brings over 30 years of international business experience across Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney, and London. With a background in investment banking and as a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) trainer, he has coached more than 5,000 executives across sectors, helping them build key...

In this episode, we have Madeleine Mendy, Partner at Bin Sevan Advocates, and the powerhouse behind one of Dubai’s top family law practices. With over two decades of legal experience in England and the UAE, Madeleine is a go-to expert for high-net-worth divorces, child custody battles, and complex cross-border cases. In this episode, she shares what it’s really like navigating divorce law in the G...

How does health insurance work in the UAE - and what should you know before moving? In this episode, Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa, joins Katy Holmes to discuss key aspects of the healthcare landscape in Dubai and the wider UAE. Topics include: * Health insurance in the Middle East * The role of employers and employee responsibility * Current trends and challenges in...

On this episode, we are joined by Richard Fitzgerald, CEO and Founder of Augustus Media, an award-winning modern media company operating in the UAE and KSA. Augustus Media is the force behind popular platforms like Lovin Dubai, Lovin Saudi, and Smashi. With a career in media and advertising that began in 2006, Richard brings insights from his experience at agencies across Ireland, the UK, and the...

In this episode we’re speaking with Ramy Jallad who is the Group CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Ramy has over 30+ years in business development, FDI attraction and digital transformation and is a key figure in the UAE’s business landscape. Under Ramy’s leadership, RAKEZ is growing into one of the largest economic zones in the region, supporting thousands of companies from around the...

In this episode, Katy sits down with Pete Henderson, the founder and CEO of E2G FOOD, a UK-headquartered social enterprise on a mission to feed communities in need across the globe. Tune in to hear everything about: - Their innovative, sustainable food solution, kind to both people and the planet - Why they chose the UAE as their MENA base - Their business model - How to support or get involved wi...

For this episode, we spoke to Dustyn and Luke who founded HEMO Data in 2022 to help organisations leverage and transform their data into a strategic asset for growth. Over the past few years Hemo Data has grown to a team of 20 and a customer base of over 50 customers. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our community. Join us at an upcoming event: https://britishchamberdubai.com/ev...

In this episode, we spoke to 3x Olympian, founder of ROAR Fitness and BCCD Member Sarah Lindsay. ROAR Fitness is the only London and Dubai based personal training gym that offers clients an Olympic-style training experience. Their highly experienced team of nutritionists, strength coaches and world-class personal trainers provide the most comprehensive, results-oriented training experience imagina...

In this episode, we're joined by reputation expert Michael Farrant. Michael is the Founder and CEO of Farrant Group, a global strategic communications firm specialising in managing the reputation of leading companies, political organisations and private individuals. With expertise in navigating some of the world's most complex communications challenges, Michael brings invaluable insights to this e...

In this episode, we are joined by Jill Davidson, Vice Consul of the Consular Team at the British Embassy in Dubai. Jill shares vital information and guidance for UAE residents in Dubai and their visitors, including the essential “dos and don'ts” for British expats in the UAE. This episode is a must-listen. Join us for the full conversation with Katy Holmes and Neil Sheth. Discover the BCCD and con...

Join us as we explore the innovative world of fractional recruitment, where flexibility meets opportunity with Amy Brill from The Brill Collective and Sarah Jones from Rayne Consulting. In this episode, we delve into how this emerging model is transforming hiring across various sectors, benefiting both companies and candidates. Discover how businesses can tap into specialised talent on-demand, whi...

On this episode we spoke with Nick Smallman, the Founder and CEO of Working Voices, which is a global professional skills consultancy specialising in communication and leadership. He advises global blue-chip clients on engagement, productivity and retention and counsels leaders on increasing revenue through simple internal adjustments. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our commun...

In this episode, we are joined by Ummair Butt, founder of Direct Debit System and responsible for bringing direct debit to the UAE – a big idea and big conversation coming up! Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our community. Join us at an upcoming event: https://britishchamberdubai.com/events Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

On this episode, we have Chris Miller and Kate Markham. Chris is the Founder of In-Cre-Mental, a Dubai-based wellness company helping individuals and businesses to identify the incremental steps to achieve incredible results. Kate is the founder of ThinkSmart Software, an online class management and booking system for children’s activity providers with offices. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1...

We’re talking to Fazeela Gopalani who is the Head of Eurasia and Middle East at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Fazeela is responsible for leading the operations in 22 countries and representing members across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ members in our community. Join us at an upcoming event: https://britishchamberdubai.com/...

On this episode, we hosted Erika Doyle. Erika is a true champion of the zero-alcohol revolution. The Founder of Drink Dry, the GCC’s first and only premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace, Erika is a well-known and revered figure in the beverage industry. What started as an e-store, Drink Dry is now a firm mainstay in the retail and hospitality sector across the UAE, with their product offering n...

Today, we’re talking to John Martin St. Valery OBE about starting, growing and thriving in the region. John is a veteran Dubai expat who has lived in the country for more than 20 years and now advises a small group of fast growth businesses.   John shares his experience of expanding a business to Dubai and the importance of building relationships and connections in the region.   Discover the BCCD...

On this episode, we have Marisa Peer, a world renowned speaker, Rapid Transformational Therapist and bestselling author. Marisa has spent over three decades treating a client list that includes international superstars, CEOs, Royalty, and Olympic athletes. We’re talking about building a successful community and building a resilient and positive mindset. Discover the BCCD and connect with 1100+ mem...

Today, we're discussing the topic of taking risks and launching and growing a business in Dubai with Chris and Amanda Redmond. They are the founders of RedHolt, a global recruitment agency that provides expert search and advisory services. Originally, Chris and Amanda decided to relocate to Dubai in order to provide a better lifestyle for their family of four. After a few months, they recognised t...