Starting up with Virtuzone

The Agenda’s Tom Urquhart and our partners at Virtuzone discuss the big issues affecting startups and SME’s in the region. Hear everything you need to know about starting your own business from getting a license to growing your company. Highlights include interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, covering topics including e-commerce, leadership and how to get investors for your business.

Subscribe to this podcast

Episodes

  • Are you just a boss, or a true leader?

    Friday, 11 April 2025

    38 minutes

    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 Consulting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • The Psychology of Selling: Pitch, Persuade, Close

    Friday, 4 April 2025

    43 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Finding the Right Business Partner

    Friday, 28 March 2025

    40 minutes

    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 Naji, Founder of JST Ventures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Can a viral moment lead to business success?

    Friday, 21 March 2025

    36 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Is solopreneurship for you?

    Friday, 14 March 2025

    37 minutes

    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 guests:  Lara Gedeah, Founder of Cameo Comms Hiam Salibi, Founder of Producer, Thirteen01 Productions Desma D’Souza, Managing Partner, S&K HR ConsultingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Are we really empowering women in business?

    Friday, 7 March 2025

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • "Nice car bro. What do you do for a living?"

    Thursday, 13 June 2024

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Hyperspace changes the entertainment and retail scene with digital-themed parks

    Thursday, 6 June 2024

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Dragon's Den Tej Lalvani on his pet peeves when investing

    Thursday, 30 May 2024

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Does your business need robots?

    Thursday, 23 May 2024

    19 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Mum-preneur: The juggle is real

    Thursday, 9 May 2024

    33 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • From cash flow woes to business success

    Thursday, 2 May 2024

    36 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • From cabin crew to design and furniture business owner

    Thursday, 25 April 2024

    36 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Why a beauty business owner values education and personal development

    Thursday, 18 April 2024

    36 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Gaming in the Middle East

    Thursday, 4 April 2024

    41 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • What's your take on the buy-now-pay-later model?

    Thursday, 28 March 2024

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Do you have a wealth planning strategy?

    Thursday, 21 March 2024

    35 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • In conversation with Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Founder and MD of PRIME Healthcare Group

    Thursday, 14 March 2024

    38 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • How are we supporting female business owners?

    Thursday, 7 March 2024

    39 minutes

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

    Play Download Episode

  • How tokenisation can help startups in the UAE

    Thursday, 29 February 2024

    37 minutes

    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.

    Play Download Episode

  • Life lessons with the founder of The Entertainer

    Thursday, 22 February 2024

    35 minutes

    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's a circus performer and psychotherapist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • "Motherhood inspired me to start my own business."

    Thursday, 8 February 2024

    34 minutes

    08 February 2024: Fal Qadir started multi-sensory centre Mini Explorers. Listen to her story.  Plus, husband and wife Carlos and Francesca tell us how they run CG Barbershop together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Short term rental, long term success

    Thursday, 1 February 2024

    37 minutes

    01 February 2024: Gregory Lewis tells us why his business AirDXB is thriving in Dubai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Thank You: A social enterprise that aims to end global poverty

    Thursday, 25 January 2024

    36 minutes

    25 January 2024: Daniel Flynn launched Thank You with the aim of supporting charities and eradicate global poverty.  Tom and Neil find out all about this growing social enterprise that can soon enter the UAE market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Why networking in your community is good for business

    Thursday, 18 January 2024

    38 minutes

    18 January 2024 William Stenhouse, President and CEO of the UAE Africa Networking Group, tells us why it pays to get involved in your community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Shawn Chidiac: How viral impressions can turn into a lucrative career

    Thursday, 11 January 2024

    34 minutes

    11 January 2024: Comedian Shawn Chidiac has made it big on social media, and is quickly turning his online fame into a fulltime career. Plus, Emirati teenager Abdullah Al Janahi tells us about his brisket business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • SME's in the circular economy

    Thursday, 14 December 2023

    39 minutes

    Meet the businesses thriving in the circular economy, plus learn all about marketing from the best in the business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • How to build a strong brand and make your business go viral

    Thursday, 7 December 2023

    36 minutes

    07 December 2023: What makes a business go viral? We find out from the man behind Aquafun, the world's largest inflatable water park, Ahmed Ben Chaibah.  And how can it build a strong brand? We hear from celebrity media strategist and CEO and Founder of FAME, Sheeraz Hasan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • How do people see your brand?

    Thursday, 30 November 2023

    36 minutes

    That's one big question for businesses to ponder on, including their stand on sustainability, says Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Illustrado Brand Development & Creative Agency. We're also joined by our Success Spotlight of the Week, David MacDonald, Creator of The Fibre Bottle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

  • Empowered Investing

    Thursday, 23 November 2023

    38 minutes

    Investing is power to not let your money lose value overtime, but how? Hear Baytukum Founder Latifa Bin Haider's advices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Play Download Episode

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Music Mix

    7:00pm - 11:00pm

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

  • The Music Mix

    11:00pm - 6:00am

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!