Episodes
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Ramzy Abdul-Majeed, the visionary behind iconic Dubai hospitality brands like Claw BBQ and Okku. Explore Ramzy's incredible journey from a successful career in finance and private equity to becoming a major player in the Dubai F&B scene. Learn about the evolution of the Dubai market, the challenges faced in launching top-tier dining venues, and the importance of building strong, homegrown brands. Discover the intricacies behind opening a restaurant in Dubai, creating unique culinary concepts, and hear exclusive insights into future expansion plans that focus on making Dubai a global hub for exceptional dining experiences. If youâre a business owner, entrepreneur, or just passionate about the F&B industry, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Donât forget to subscribe to stay updated with more fantastic guests from various industries.00:00 Introduction 00:43 From Finance to Hospitality: Ramzyâs Joruney01:51 The Evolution of Dubai's Hospitality Scene 04:12 Creating Homegrown Brands in Dubai05:40 Challenges of Launching a Restaurant07:58 The Success of Okku17:36 Expanding with New Brands21:01 Navigating Internal Challenges23:57 The Evolution of Dubai's F&B Scene26:08 Challenges in the Restaurant Business27:36 The Reality of Operating in Dubai30:13 Innovative Concepts and Reinvention37:39 Future Expansion Plans44:37 The Importance of Building a Solid Foundation45:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Join us in this episode of Raising The Barr as we sit down with Sammy, a trailblazer in the hair and beauty industry originally from Manchester, now thriving in Dubai.
Sammy shares her inspiring journey from a teenage hairdresser to a successful entrepreneur, overcoming industry stereotypes and building a thriving hairdressing and online training business. She dives into the power of social media, the rapid growth of the hair extensions market, and how evolving trends are shaping the industry.
Tune in for an energetic conversation packed with practical advice on social media marketing, business growth, and staying authentic in your career.
00:00 Welcome to Raising The Barr
00:17 Meet Sammy: A Trailblazer in Hair and Beauty
00:46 Sammy's Early Passion for Hairdressing
02:52 Overcoming Stereotypes in the Hairdressing Industry
04:02 The Impact of Social Media on Hairdressing
08:11 Dealing with Online Trolls
10:31 Transitioning to Education and Training
15:45 Building an Online Training Platform
19:33 Empowering the Next Generation of Hairdressers
20:27 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
21:37 The Importance of Client Relationships
23:35 Social Media Strategies for Success
28:25 Balancing Work and Personal Life
36:53 The Future of Hair Extensions
39:19 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future
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Episodes manquant?
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Join us for an electrifying episode of Raising The Barr as we explore the extraordinary entrepreneurial journey of Jonny Dodge, a serial entrepreneur who started his career owning a nightclub in London, before moving into the world of Formula One and ultimately becoming the CEO of My Ocean and Your Sky.
Jonny shares insights into his passion for luxury travel experiences, the power of networking, and the importance of following one's passions. He discusses his groundbreaking ventures in yacht and private jet brokerage, as well as his most audacious project yetâspace travel.
Learn about his philosophy on business, community building, and living a life filled with extraordinary adventures. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and dreamers alike.00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr
00:18 Meet Johnny Dodge: From Nightclubs to Formula One
12:37 The Birth of My Ocean: A Passion for Yachts
14:33 The Evolution of Yacht Ownership
21:35 Building a Community of Luxury Experiences
26:55 Aviation Ventures and VIP Charters
28:02 Disrupting Industries
29:54 The Power of Thinking Big
31:09 The Rise of Private Jet Demand
32:51 Space Travel and Future Prospects
36:41 The Importance of Mentors
43:16 Adventures and Business Lessons
50:51 Future Goals and Community Building
52:15 Conclusion
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In this episode of Raising The Barr, we kick off 2025 by speaking with Dan Lawrence, who has coached NFL superstars, world championship boxers, Premier League footballers, and top CEOs.
Dan takes us on a journey through his world of health, wellness, and elite performance, revealing the secrets behind coaching some of the most driven individuals on the planet. From mastering single-minded focus and building resilience to understanding how environments shape success, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.
Discover how Dan customizes training and nutrition plans to meet the unique demands of high-performing athletes and busy executives alike. Whether you're striving for peak performance or simply looking to level up your daily routine, you wonât want to miss the actionable tips, powerful stories, and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from one of the worldâs leading performance coaches.
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr00:17 Introducing Dan Lawrence00:52 Dan's Journey into Fitness01:55 High Performance Athletes02:14 Coaching at the Top Level03:28 Lessons from Working with Champions05:19 Transition to High Net Worth Individuals07:53 Traits of High Performers13:21 Balancing Business and Fitness26:12 Starting Your Fitness Journey26:25 Importance of Sleep and Recovery26:42 Optimising Nutrition for Performance27:12 Daily Non-Negotiables for Health28:17 Movement Outside of Training29:46 High Performance in Corporate World31:28 Comprehensive Health Assessments37:17 Building a Personal Brand44:22 Key Lessons from Champions47:35 Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Raising The Barr, we welcome Kasper Jakobsen, the founder of Seven Yachts, Dubaiâs leading luxury yacht charter company.
Kasper shares his journey from a background in app and web development to establishing Seven Yachts, he discusses the challenges of the yacht charter business in Dubai and reveals key strategies for maintaining luxury standards and building lasting client relationships.Learn about the importance of authentic service, strategic partnerships, and the nuances of yacht chartering in Dubai. Don't miss Casper's insights on running a successful high-end business in one of Dubaiâs most competitive markets.
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Meet Kasper: Founder of Seven Yachts
00:37 The Story of Seven Yachts
01:10 Challenges and Lessons Learned
03:05 Building a Luxury Yacht Brand
05:30 The Importance of Quality and Service
11:26 The Role of Referrals and Influencers
14:21 Authenticity and Personal Branding
18:12 Marketing Strategies and Social Media
22:49 Delivering the Ultimate Yacht Experience
26:14 The Importance of Service in Hospitality
27:02 Yacht Chartering in Dubai vs. Europe
27:32 Challenges of Long Charters in Dubai
28:15 Exploring Abu Dhabi by Yacht
29:55 The Evolution of Yachting in Dubai
30:27 The Business of Yacht Ownership
31:29 Seasonal Peaks and Operational Challenges
35:10 The Shift Towards Private Ownership
36:39 Attracting and Managing Yacht Owners
42:15 Expanding to New Markets
46:11 Quick Fire Questions
51:22 Conclusion
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In this episode of Raising The Barr, we sit down with Toby Harris, owner of DXB Sports Massageâa top sports therapy business in the UAE.
Hear Toby's inspiring journey from international athlete to successful entrepreneur, as he navigates challenges and thrives in a competitive industry. Discover Tobyâs unique marketing tactics, his partnership with GymNation, and his plans for expanding into recovery rooms.
Gain valuable insights into brand building, networking, and the power of a personal touch in sports therapy. Tune in and let Tobyâs story of growth and leadership inspire you!
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Meet Toby Harris
00:54 Toby's Journey into the Massage Game
01:42 From University Events to Sports Therapy
03:40 Starting DXB Massage in Dubai
05:51 The Challenges of Scaling a Business
08:17 Building a Personal and Business Brand
12:06 Strange Client Encounters
13:21 Leveraging High-Profile Clients and Influencers
17:00 The Importance of Partnerships and Networking
23:19 Handling Pressure in Business
23:52 Building Relationships with Your Team
24:09 Exciting Opportunities in Dubai
24:32 Career Pathways and Incentives
25:20 Challenges in the UAE Job Market
27:35 Navigating Competitiveness in the Industry
28:05 Unique Selling Points of DXB Sports Massage
30:35 The Importance of Networking
34:12 Future of Recovery Rooms
38:27 Impact of Technology on the Industry
41:01 Pain Thresholds and Client Experiences
43:02 Quickfire Questions
44:47 Conclusion
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Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE:
Website: â https://jamie-barr.comâ
Instagram: @itsjamiebarr
Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Spencer Lodge, who transitioned from a hugely successful sales career to become the host of Dubai's most listened to podcast. Spencer opens up about his journey from humble beginnings, overcoming personal hardships, and the pivotal lessons he gained in the world of sales.
He also shares his motivation behind entering the media industry, where he now creates powerful documentaries, shining a light on critical issues like human trafficking. This conversation is packed with inspiration, offering valuable insights on overcoming adversity, achieving success, and using that success to make a meaningful impact.
Whether youâre a budding podcaster, entrepreneur, or simply looking for motivation, you wonât want to miss this transformative episode!
00:00 Introduction
00:39 Spencerâs Early Life and Career Beginnings
01:50 The Importance of Hard Work and Sales
03:34 Overcoming Rejection in Sales
05:25 The Value of Commission-Based Earnings
07:02 The Role of Sales in Business Success
14:38 Transition to Podcasting
15:38 Securing High-Profile Guests
27:42 The Importance of Experience in Podcasting
28:12 Techniques for Podcast Guest Outreach
29:22 Core Elements of a Successful Podcast
30:31 Starting a Podcast: Practical Tips
32:21 Consistency and Personal Branding
34:28 The Value of Routine and Discipline
36:42 Empowering Others to Succeed
40:25 Dealing with Change and Success
43:05 Future Plans and Media Ventures
46:15 Redefining Success and Helping Others
51:02 Quickfire Questions
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Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE:
Website: â https://jamie-barr.comâ
Instagram: @itsjamiebarr
Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Chloe Mac, the founder of Chloe Mac Consultancy. Chloe shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for beauty to leading her consultancy, helping small to medium-sized businesses develop their own beauty products.
We dive deep into the product development process, from conception to delivery, and discuss the impact of branding and legalities. Chloe also highlights the role of TikTok in revolutionizing the beauty market and shares insights on micro-influencers and market trends.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that's filled with actionable tips for budding beauty entrepreneurs.00:00 Introduction
00:31 Chloeâs Journey into the Beauty Industry
02:20 The Birth of a Beauty Consultancy Business
03:54 Developing Custom Products for Clients
05:15 The Importance of Branding and Packaging
11:05 Challenges in Sourcing and Legalities
15:37 Client-Centric Approach in Product Development
16:27 Building Supplier Networks
17:55 The Impact of TikTok on the Beauty Industry
20:05 Challenges and Strategies for Small Businesses
23:26 Financial Benefits of Having Your Own Products
24:34 Future Trends and Innovations in Beauty
28:49 Chloeâs Top Tips for Success
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we welcome Stephan Duvivier, a former college high jump champion who transformed his life after career-ending injuries to achieve global coaching success. Stephan shares his powerful journey, from navigating the devastating challenges of a shattered athletic career to reigniting his ambitions with a new goal: the 2028 LA Olympics.Stephan's story is a testament to the power of resilience and passion. He dives deep into his mission to optimise the human body and mindânot just for peak athletic performance but for living an enhanced, fulfilling life. Stephan candidly discusses the mental and emotional battles he faced and how these experiences fuelled his drive to create a coaching business that empowers both athletes and entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential.In this episode, Stephan also unpacks the strategies behind growing a thriving online coaching business, the critical role of storytelling in connecting with clients, and the savvy use of social media to amplify his brand. Whether youâre an athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone eager to elevate your life, Stephan's insights offer invaluable guidance.Donât miss this inspiring conversation packed with practical advice for achieving lasting success. Be sure to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more incredible content and guests!00:00 Introduction 00:20 Stephanâs Athletic Journey01:27 Overcoming Injuries and Mental Struggles03:48 Transition to Coaching 06:59 Building an Online Coaching Empire09:51 Marketing Strategies and Social Media Growth22:29 Content Creation and Team Building23:48 Repurposing Content for Efficiency24:37 The Importance of Consistent Messaging25:32 Expanding to Other Platforms26:59 Personalized Training Programs29:16 Success Stories and Client Transformation31:06 Holistic Approach to Health and Performance36:22 The Importance of Routine and Structure38:13 Olympic Aspirations and Training46:52 Top Tips for a Successful Online Coaching Business
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In this episode of Raising The Barr, we sit down with Sam Royle, the founder of SoSquared, an innovative platform thatâs redefining the influencer marketing landscape. Sam shares his journey from having no social media experience to creating a data-driven platform that seamlessly connects influencers with brands.We dive deep into the evolution of influencer marketing, exploring how community-building, AI, and analytics are revolutionizing campaign strategies. Sam offers valuable insights on selecting the right influencers, managing partnerships effectively, and the emerging trends in social commerce.Donât miss this in-depth discussion packed with actionable advice for brands eager to elevate their marketing game and make smarter, data-informed decisions.00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr00:17 Introduction00:50 Sam's Journey into Influencer Marketing01:31 Building So Squared: Vision and Core Values02:47 The Infrastructure of So Squared04:45 Connecting Brands and Influencers06:20 Key Factors for Successful Influencer Campaigns08:50 Managing Influencer Relationships15:18 Brand Safety and Influencer Conflicts18:20 The Future of Social Commerce24:27 SoSquared's Analytical Approach27:08 Navigating the Influencer Marketplace27:33 The Evolution of Content Creation28:03 Influencer Marketing Regulations29:00 The Power of Social Media Advertising32:13 Measuring ROI in Influencer Marketing34:07 The Future of Social Commerce44:27 The Role of AI in Influencer Marketing48:52 Staying Ahead in Influencer Marketing49:54 Top Tips for Brands
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we meet Christiana Maxion, the founder of the groundbreaking dating app, Maxion, which is revolutionizing the dating scene in Dubai. Christiana shares her inspiring journey from kindergarten teacher to leading matchmaker, revealing how she transformed her offline matchmaking agency into a global success.
Join us as Christiana delves into the role of AI in matchmaking, the importance of adapting strategies, and her ambitious vision for expanding Maxion. She also highlights the impact of personal branding, storytelling, and paid advertising in building Maxion's thriving user base. The episode wraps up with Christiana recounting an extravagant first date experience that included a private charter to Paris.
Tune in for valuable insights into digital marketing strategies and the future of dating technology.
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Christiana's Journey
01:36 The Birth of Maxion
02:12 Transitioning to Tech
04:32 Building the Maxion App
14:43 Launching Maxion
20:56 Customer Feedback and AI Integration
21:55 Success Stories and User Experience
23:39 Marketing Strategies and Growth
26:07 The Role of PR in Business
30:04 Future Plans and Market Expansion
34:36 The Human Element in Dating
36:28 Wild First Dates in Dubai
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Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE:
Website: www.jamie-barr.com/podcasts
Instagram: @itsjamiebarr
Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In this episode of Raising The Barr, we welcome Chris Kiernan, the founder of Practical, a leading meal prep service in the UAE. Chris discusses how Practical was born from his background in food marketing and nutrition coaching, emphasising the importance of transparency and straightforwardness in the food business.
He shares the company's journey, initial challenges, and the steps taken to build a brand that focuses on practical and flexible meal plans. Chris also delves into the marketing strategies that have led to Practical's success, the importance of community building through strategic partnerships, and the future of the meal prep delivery industry.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into building a brand that sells itself in a competitive market.
00:00 Introduction 00:59 Chris Kiernan's Journey 01:28 The Birth of Practical01:45 Vision and Goals of Practical03:19 Early Steps and Challenges04:29 Understanding Nutrition07:46 Marketing Strategy and Brand Values11:13 Identifying the Customer Base16:10 Product Offering and Menu Development25:41 Building the Practical Website26:24 The Importance of a Functional Website26:56 Key Elements of the Practical Website27:20 Challenges with Traditional Meal Plans28:31 The Unique Onboarding Process of Practical30:03 Retention Rates and Client Satisfaction31:42 Discount Strategies and Market Positioning34:26 Partnerships and Ambassadors40:37 Leveraging Social Media for Growth48:06 The Future of Meal Prep Delivery53:31 Top Tips for Marketing a Meal Prep Service
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Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE: Website: â https://jamie-barr.comâ Instagram: @itsjamiebarr Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Gary Allen, Managing Director of Strada, a leading real estate agency in Dubai.
Gary shares his captivating journey from being a chartered accountant in Liverpool to becoming a key figure in Dubai's real estate market. He discusses the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that have defined Stradaâs success, emphasising the importance of attention to detail, consistent marketing efforts, and upholding company values.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Gary's story provides invaluable insights into building a successful brand in a competitive market.
Tune in to discover the secrets behind Strada's growth and how you can apply these lessons to your own business journey.
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr
00:53 Garyâs Journey from Liverpool to Dubai
03:26 Founding Strada: Vision & Challenges
10:06 Marketing Strategies & Social Media
22:07 Strada's Growth & Company Culture
25:13 Emerging Trends in Dubai Real Estate
26:05 Exciting New Projects in Dubai
28:08 Strada's Agility and Innovation
30:58 Personal Drive & Ambition
35:17 Future of Strada and Real Estate in Dubai
45:20 Final Thoughts and Top Tips
____________________________________________________
Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE: Website: https://jamie-barr.com Instagram: @itsjamiebarr Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In this episode of Raising the Barr, we sit down with Jay Smedley, a maestro of the nightlife events industry, who shares his remarkable journey from playing football for Leicester City to co-owning a global luxury concierge businesses and high-end restaurants.
Jay discusses the core values that shaped his career and the challenges he faced transitioning from football to the events industry. He delves into his innovative marketing strategies, the impact of social media, and the meticulous planning required for organising exclusive events.We explore the evolution of his businesses, including luxury concierge services in Dubai and Ibiza, the wild success of the Anchored cruise ship festival, and his recent ventures into restaurant ownership. Jay highlights the growth of his events business, the importance of marketing and branding, and the challenges of maintaining brand consistency and relevance.
Tune in as Jay offers insights into the events and concierge industry, discusses his future plans, and shares invaluable lessons from his unique career journey.
00:00 Introduction01:18 From Football to Nightlife03:41 The Birth of VIP Events07:39 Anchored: A Festival at Sea12:15 Marketing Strategies and Social Media15:44 The Luxury Concierge Business18:20 Enhancing the Customer Journey20:33 The Impact of SEO and PPC21:08 Navigating Competition in the Concierge Industry22:17 Ibiza's VIP Experience23:26 Expanding to New Destinations24:06 Venturing into Restaurants and Bars25:33 Building a Strong Brand Identity28:21 Adapting to Marketing Changes29:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life32:59 Future Plans and Expansion
____________________________________________________
Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE:Website: https://jamie-barr.comInstagram: @itsjamiebarrInstagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
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In the first episode of Raising the Barr, we welcome businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Matt Haycox. Matt shares his incredible journey of making millions, losing it all, and bouncing back tenfold, along with insights into building a powerful personal brand.
From his early business ventures to becoming the biggest strip club operator in the UK, Matt discusses the pivotal moments of his career. Learn how he leveraged personal branding, digital marketing, and strategic networking to rebuild his empire. Don't miss out on valuable lessons on authenticity, content creation, and the power of online reputation management.
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Barr00:38 Introducing Matt Haycox01:22 Matt's Early Entrepreneurial Journey03:45 Venturing into the Leisure Industry04:52 The Rise and Fall of a Strip Club Empire06:58 Rebuilding After Bankruptcy07:39 The Importance of Personal Branding09:36 Authenticity in Personal Branding17:37 Creating a Memorable Brand Identity26:48 The Importance of Telling Your Story27:19 Navigating Social Media27:42 Balancing Personal and Business Content28:23 The Role of Consistency in Social Media31:15 The Power of Paid Advertising33:39 The Evolution of Podcasting35:53 The Value of Networking45:35 Managing Online Reputation50:51 Public Speaking and Personal Branding51:55 Key Tips for Building a Personal Brand52:57 Conclusion
Thanks for tuning in! We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Connect with us on social media or visit our website for more insights.
DISCOVER MORE:
Website: https://jamie-barr.com
Instagram: @itsjamiebarr
Instagram: @raisingthebarrpodcast
