Starting Up with Virtuzone Podcast

Tom and Neil discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of dealing with clients and customers. They're joined by: Vishal Menon, founder of Fireflies ME, Charles Dersahakian, Managing Partner at CVML Riyaz Sutterwala, CEO and founder of View Emirates Sports Club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom and Neil explore the power of belonging in a community with those who have built thriving and solid ones.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does your business struggle with cash flow?  Cash flow is the number one challenge for small businesses. So what's the solution?  Tom and Neil unpack this topic with entrepreneur and finance expert Roota Mittal, We Do Events Founder Reham Damanhouri and Chief Growth Officer Waleed Zouki.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom and Neil discuss the truths and takeaways of moving your business to the UAE. They're joined by guests: Salman Moghimi, CEO of Peyk - attended school in the UAE, started his delivery business in the UK, and now in the UAE, manufacturing multi-purpose robots! Katy Holmes, CEO of British Chamber of Commerce ... supporting a growing number of UK businesses entering the UAE Mousa Azar, CEO of HAWE...

Tom and Neil discuss the qualities of a great leadership, especially in this day and age when workplace hierarchy is seeing a massive shift. They're joined by special guests: James Michael Lafferty, Former CEO of Fine Holdings, Coca Cola and P&G. Olympic coach and trainer. Dr. Corrie Block, Executive Coach and Author of Chief Executive Coach Catherine Jeha, Head of Training, ProClipse Consulti...

From real estate to soft skills, our guests break down what it takes to sell—especially when it’s hard. Plus, the one line they swear by when closing a deal! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The right business partner can help you scale faster, push further, and actually enjoy the ride. But the wrong one? That could be the most expensive mistake of your life. Tom Urquhart and Virtuzone MD Paul Bryson dive into the dynamics of business partnerships with three founders who’ve lived it: Vardhan Kapoor, Co-founder & CEO of Firstwork, Charbel Hachem, CEO of Dayf Homes, and Houda...

The viral Dubai chocolate has led to worldwide success and soaring sales.  We discuss the power of  virality with social media experts Anand Raman, Amani Khan and Dhruv Maniar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solopreneurship is on the rise in the UAE and it's often glorified as the ultimate freedom—owning your time, making all the decisions, and reaping the full rewards of your work. But is it the best path for everyone, especially when a business has the potential to grow beyond what one person can manage? Tom and Paul unpack the pros and cons of running a business on your own with our special g...

Tom and Neil gain some powerful insight from fintech leader Amnah Ajmal and Female Fusion founder Jen Blandos. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ayman Al Yaman's viral videos have been viewed one billion times. Together with his big brother Ghazy, they tell Tom and George how they turned their social media fame into a money making machine.  Plus, Olly Collis left his cushy job in the UK to move to Dubai and start his own content creation company, Sub60.  He tells his story.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexander Heller, CEO and Founder of Hyperspace, tells us how he built Hyperspace venues Aya Universe and House of Hype, and why Dubai was the perfect place to start his venture.  Plus, Laundryheap boss Deyan Dimitrov tells us how his team can pick up, wash and return your clothes in 24 hours or less.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tej Lalvani grew Vitabiotics into a £400 million business. He shares some advice on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when investing in a business. Plus, FIFA sports agent Saif Rubie tells us how he deals with the ups and downs of the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fadi Amoudi of IQ Robotics tells us how to use automation to grow your business. Plus, Kushal and Sagar of Publish tell us how  to craft the perfect Founder's story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MUMpreneur: Does the term empower - or patronise - mothers who run their own businesses? We get the thoughts of investor, entrepreneur and mum of four Kelly Marie Hodgkin. Plus, what should your website look like? Monish Chandiramani, Founder and CEO of Yeepeey, offers some advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mermaids of Arabia founder Josephine Adams told Tom and Neil about how she hit rock bottom, and why she kept going. We also discussed a movement that allows small businesses to exchange resources in the wake of the floods with Rana Hijarasouli, founder of The Surpluss.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Design House CEO Sharon O' Keefe tells us how she started his design and furniture business while working as cabin crew in Dubai.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mariela Marcantetti started hair removal business Furless Permanent in 2016 and has since been educating aspiring beauty technicians. Meanwhile Renata Messarra of Reborn Consultancy gives us tips on how to promote your own business without spending a fortune on ads. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As game developers from overseas flock to the Middle East to explore the market, we meet one who's coming from Spain- Manel Sort, CEO and Founder of Games For A Living. We also discuss diversity and inclusion with Farrah Qureshi, CEO of Global Diversity Practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet the man behind Tabby, co-founder Hosam Arab, who tells us why e-commerce has brought him so much success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 March 2024: We asked the team of experts at Cone Marshall about how to pass on your wealth to the next generation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 March 2024: Tom and Neil find out how Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group, started his hospital empire.  Plus, familiarize yourself with all the SME laws with Jennifer Arkhurst, Founder and Executive Director of Arkhurst and Abdella Solicitors.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07 March 2024: Lack of funding and worklife balance are only some of the challenges  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 February 2024: We demystify tokenisation and tell you how it can help startups and consumers  with Ahsan Sharif,  Head of Corporate Business for Zand Bank and John Patrick Mullin, CEO & Co-founder of MANTRA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 February 2024: Donna Benton told Richard and Neil how she built, exited and later on rejoined her brainchild The Entertainer, and the lessons she learned along the way.  Mahmoud Bartawi sold Under500, a business he built from the ground up, to Kitopi, a $1.6billion unicorn, and is now mentoring other entrepreneurs.  And can you juggle two careers at the same time? Miguel Angel Polonia can - he'...