Between the worlds of media, tech and entrepreneurship, Raj Kotecha has had A Lot Going On. In this podcast, Raj combines his diverse life experiences across Dubai and London with over 25 years of business expertise. It's raw, real and funny. Raj is founder of Creative Content Agency, a content strategy firm based in Dubai and London and My Friends Your Friends, a massive global network bringing together bright people in major cities. He is also a Course Director for the UK's Chartered Institute of Marketing, specialising in AI and content production. www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
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April 19, 202650 min
Cipha Sounds: From Intern to International Legend working with Jay Z, Dave Chappelle, Rihanna & more
We finally got Cipha Sounds on the show - the definition of someone that has A Lot Going On - from DJ, to A&R, to comic - this guy has really been around the block and is a legend in NYC - I've been planning this chat for a long time - I hope you enjoy it.(00:00) Cipha Sounds Introduction(00:31) First impressions of Dubai(02:13) Working with Mo Amer(03:07) Getting trashed in Egypt Press(05:05) How DJing Shaped Cipha's Future Success(08:30) Does every artist NEED to struggle?(09:40) Interning for Funkmaster Flex at HOT 97(11:25) How Ciph crafted his on-air personality(12:30) Launching the first-ever hip hop podcast(14:50) How podcasts benefited from Juan Ep(17:17) How to craft an authentic voice(19:38) Dave Chappelle rewatching specials(21:50) Balancing multiple professions(27:03) Producing hit records with Nina Sky, Rihanna(31:45) Working with Jay Z / Roc-La-Familia(32:50) Rihanna Still Loves Ciph(34:00) Cipha's Biggest Career Regret(34:50) When Cipha used Proof to Negotiate(39:25) What motivates Cipha (not money)(42:24) Cipha's favourite thing ever(43:17) When Ciph Dissed Raj in the Club(44:48) Jay Z's Character(46:00) Dave Chappelle's Character(48:09) On Not Getting Credit
April 6, 20261 hr 1 min
Yash Tosar - The Real Rich Dad - 74 Year Old Millionaire Money Manager on the War Against Cash
On this episode of A Lot Going On, Raj sits down with Yash Tosar, founder of 1st Financial Foundations, whom he calls the real-life "Rich Dad".Yash walks us through going from a young boy in Kenya to a millionaire money manager in the UK.Yash shares his story and many golden nuggets of wisdom on wealth management, pension plans and retiring well.He also breaks down exactly what to do if you have £10k, £100k, or £250k saved up, ensuring your cash works for you.Chapters:(00:00) Yash Tosar Introduction(00:17) Does money deserve its "bad" reputation?(00:57) Wealth disappearing in 3 generations(05:11) Making money work starts with striking when the opportunity arises(07:18) Good debt vs bad debt(8:43) Yash's early years in Kisumu(11:08) Losing his father at 21(13:23) Yash's Grandfather mentor(14:44) Lessons from VW Audi(16:09) "I hope they sack you" shock moment(18:12) Watching his boss blow a fortune(20:48) Yash's "aha" moment with pensions(26:34) Good accountants vs Great accountants(28:37) Combining IFAs and proactive accountants(31:36) Becoming co-head of the family with his Grandfather(35:41) Yash's legacy(37:16) Why Yash will never fully retire(41:44) What to do if you have £10k, £100k, or £250k to invest(1:00:00) Is there shame in being rich?Learn more from 1st Financial Foundations’ channel:https://www.youtube.com/@UC6E_4bhWi963mmaxpv9NWkgAnd follow them on social for more practical guidance:https://www.instagram.com/1stfinancialfoundations/https://www.instagram.com/yashtosar/https://www.linkedin.com/in/yash-tosar-ifa-milton-keynes/https://www.linkedin.com/company/1st-financial-foundations/ABOUT RAJ KOTECHARaj Kotecha is an internationally recognised content strategist, brand builder and community developer.Notable projects include working with Gary Vaynerchuk, Aldar, Tony Robbins, Wu-Tang Clan, Russell Peters, Steven Bartlett, Sugarhill Gang, Fatman Scoop and Daniel Priestley.Day to day, Raj is CEO of Creative Content Agency and runs My Friends Your Friends, a global community of talented connectors.Connect with Raj:https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkotecha/RAJ'S BRANDS AND PROJECTS:🚀 Creative Content Agency: A management consulting firm cross-dressing as a content agencyhttps://www.instagram.com/creative.content.agency/https://www.creativecontentagency.com/🧑🧒🧒 My Friends Your Friends: Bringing together a curated group of talented people meeting via mutual friends for vibes, conversations and meaningful connections.https://www.instagram.com/myfriendsyourfriends/https://myfriendsyourfriends.com/☕️ The Landing Club: Every relationship you need to fast-track your success in Dubaihttps://www.instagram.com/thelanding.club/https://thelanding.club🎧 Check out more A Lot Going On (ALGO) Podcast Episodes:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3RDJUu5Cv16q9XXgsKAenyApple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/algo-a-lot-going-on-with-raj-kotecha-the-no1-podcast-in-dubai/id1570026259
March 25, 202627 min
Bhaven Ondhia Shatters UK Money and Mortgage Myths | ALGO EP 76
In this episode of A Lot Going On with Raj Kotecha, we’re talking money and mortgages with Bhaven Ondhia.Bhaven is Managing Director of 1st Financial Foundations — a UK-based financial advisory firm helping everyday people and businesses take control of their money, make smarter mortgage decisions, and build long-term financial freedom.With 30+ years of UK mortgage experience, Bhaven breaks down everything from first-time buyer schemes and remortgaging to income protection and investment property, in plain English — no jargon.Episode Chapters:(00:00) Introduction: Thought leadership in the finance space and social media(01:47) Being proactive in personal finance(02:46) The biggest financial black swan event(04:05) The biggest blind spot for UK mortgage buyers(05:43) Costs in property purchases that many miss(07:14) When is the right time to get a mortgage?(09:14) The best way to deal with the long-term commitment of a mortgage(10:49) Mortgage mindset tip for first-time buyers(13:07) Is it true that a mortgage is “good” debt?(14:43) What you need to consider before consulting a mortgage adviser(17:26) Income protection 101(19:34) What if your partner dies during your joint mortgage?(20:14) Why is it a good idea to get life assurance?(21:41) What if I am no longer able to work and earn an income?(25:01) What is key person assurance for business owners?(26:24) Final thoughtsLearn more from 1st Financial Foundations’ channel:https://www.youtube.com/@1stFinancialFoundationsAnd follow them on social for more practical guidance:https://www.instagram.com/1stfinancialfoundationshttps://www.instagram.com/bhavenondhia/https://www.linkedin.com/company/1st-financial-foundations/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhaven-ondhia-mortgage-broker-london/ABOUT RAJ KOTECHARaj Kotecha is an internationally recognised content strategist, brand builder, and community developer.Notable projects include working with Gary Vaynerchuk, Aldar, Tony Robbins, Wu-Tang Clan, Russell Peters, Steven Bartlett, Sugarhill Gang, Fatman Scoop, and Daniel Priestley.Day to day, Raj is CEO of Creative Content Agency and runs My Friends Your Friends, a global community of talented connectors.Connect with Raj:https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkotecha/RAJ’S BRANDS AND PROJECTS:🚀 Creative Content Agency — A management consulting firm cross-dressing as a content agencyhttps://www.instagram.com/creative.content.agency/https://www.creativecontentagency.com/🧑🧒🧒 My Friends Your Friends — Bringing together a curated group of talented people meeting via mutual friends for vibes, conversations, and meaningful connectionshttps://www.instagram.com/myfriendsyourfriends/https://myfriendsyourfriends.com/☕️ The Landing Club — Every relationship you need to fast-track your success in Dubaihttps://www.instagram.com/thelanding.club/https://thelanding.club🎧 Check out more A Lot Going On (ALGO) Podcast episodes:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3RDJUu5Cv16q9XXgsKAenyApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/algo-a-lot-going-on-with-raj-kotecha-the-no1-podcast-in-dubai/id1570026259
November 7, 202546 min
"Dubai is an Impulse Purchase" - Former Private Banker Amish Sheth on Why Millionaires Are Moving to the UAE | ALGO EP 75
Amish Sheth is the CEO and founder of three real estate service companies in Dubai — Property Junction Real Estate, The Prive Hospitality Vacation Homes, and The Prive Interior Design. Born and raised in Dubai, Amish has journeyed from private banking to building a group of companies that guide real estate investors from start to finish — from navigating and purchasing property, to operating holiday homes, managing rentals, and exiting investments profitably.With deep roots in Dubai and extensive experience in both financial and property sectors, Amish offers insider insights into one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:28) Amish's group of businesses(01:54) The Dubai real estate hype(04:15) Have investors missed the best time to profit in the Dubai property market?(06:26) What investors need to know about Dubai's secondary market(10:46) Dubai vs the world in terms of immigration, foreign investment and business(14:03) The biggest Dubai myth busted(14:51) How Dubai became the world's top tourist destination(20:37) How to make money in Dubai real estate(25:32) Dubai's hottest handovers in 2028(27:23) The small window of opportunity for investing in Dubai Maritime City(29:48) Short-term rental pricing strategies(33:40) Revenue optimisation for holiday homes and short-term rentals(38:56) Dubai broker talent war and hiring for value(40:39) The realities of brokerages and broker rev shares(42:46) The role of personal branding in the real estate business(43:59) Passing down the family's property business(45:10) Advice for his son on his 1st day in real estate
July 16, 202537 min
I Became The CEO I Never Had - Romaa'l Patel | ALGO EP 74
Dubai based real estate entrepreneur Romaa'l Patel talks journalling, making time for family and how she grew into the CEO she always needed for her team at TheProperty.ae. At some points a heavy listen, but very necessary.
July 16, 202534 min
From Leeds to Leads - Talking Dubai Real Estate with Thomas Fawcett | ALGO EP 73
I'm joined in studio by entrepreneur and cofounder of TheProperty.ae Thomas Fawcett
February 20, 202458 min
Unlocking Dubai's Billion Dollar Restaurant & Retail Market with James Poole | ALGO EP 72
James Poole is CEO and Founder of Seven Fronds and is responsible for bringing world-class retail and F&B brands like On Running and Gitano to the UAE.
He is also part of the My Friends Your Friends community, so Raj and Vik invited him on to ALGO to learn more about what's enticing huge brands to set up in the Middle East. We also cover what gives these brands the best chance of survival in 2024.
Highlights from our chat with James Poole:
(00:00) Intro
(00:54) What is James Poole’s Background?
(07:31) Where is James Poole Now in 2024?
(10:02) How does James Poole Prepare a Brand to Speak to Operators?
(11:47) What NOT TO DO Entering a Market as a New Brand
(18:47) Is it Worth Opening a New Brand in Dubai in 2024?
(20:57) Why Dubai is an “A” Market
(24:18) GITANO Dubai’s Success Story
(30:33) What to Think About When Consulting a Brand
(35:09) The Success Story Behind On-Running
(40:32) How & Why Networking is so Important?
(44:14) What Should an Up-and-Coming Brand Think of?
(52:45) Biggest Trends & Opportunities for Brands in Dubai’s 2024 Market
(57:12) Thank You to James Poole
Connect with the show
https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod
Learn More about Seven Fronds
https://sevenfronds.com/
Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too
February 11, 202449 min
AI Questions EVERY Business & Employee is Asking in 2024 (Deep Dive) | ALGO EP 71
In this episode of ALGO, we have Vik joining us as we dive into the world of AI. From its potential to preserve digital legacies to its impact on company profits, we explore the multifaceted aspects of AI. Plus, learn how to integrate AI into your business and life starting today.
Stay tuned for all this and more, including updates on My Friends Your Friends 20.
Highlights:
(00:00) Intro
(02:46) Where is AI Today & How Should You Think About it?
(14:12) AI could keep people in your business even after they die.
(20:10) Will AI Affect Company’s Bottom Line?
(31:36) What Do People Want to Know About AI?
(34:27) AI Will Optimize Everything You do
(40:14) How To Start Using AI Today
(44:57) My Friends Your Friends 20 is Almost Sold Out
Connect with the show
https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod
Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too
February 3, 20241 hr 21 min
Ed Sheeran Rocks Dubai, Ali Abdaal Inspires London, MFYF 20 Announced | ALGO EP 70
In this episode of ALGO, we have Vik joining us as we dive into a packed agenda, covering everything announcing the My Friends Your Friends 20 Cohosts, to New Year's Eve parties with the best DJs in Dubai, as well as Ed Sheeran's record-breaking ticket sales show in Dubai.
We also discuss the latest TikTok and Universal contract drama, and we can't forget that Apple will start allowing third-party apps onto only the EU app store.
Highlights:
(00:00) Intro
(00:47) MFYF Co-Host list
(17:22) Vik’s 2023 NYE House Party
(19:07) Raj’s 2023 NYE Plans took a complete 180° turn
(21:29) NYE DJ's at Monkey Bar
(26:32) Listening to Vinyls at Honeycomb Hi-Fi
(28:51) Reggae on the Roof at Paros
(33:58) Is the Music Scene in Dubai Evolving?
(37:02) Ed Sheeran's Dubai Show Review
(44:20) Ali Abdaal & Sahil Bloom’s Talk at LSE
(51:13) Apple Allows Third-Party App Store
(1:02:25) Tiktok and Universal Beef
(1:12:53) Omar Agamyy on Instagram
(1:14:53) Raj Kotecha’s Interview with VISIONARY MAGAZINE
(1:16:27) Raj on the Thad Cox Podcast
(1:17:56) Matt Gray on Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal
(1:19:28) Shout Outs
Connect with the show
https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod
Search for ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA on Spotify and Apple Podcast too
January 29, 202421 min
Raj Opens Up Like Never Before for Visionary Magazine | ALGO EP 69
This special episode of ALGO features Raj answering questions that were used to write the following article for Visionary Magazine.
https://www.visionary-mag.com/post/renaissance-man-raj-kotecha-talks-his-come-up-tech-hip-hop-crazy-encounters-with-fat-joe-and-more
Raj dives into the early days of his first job to the essential life lessons learned from family, exploring the balance of business studies and event promotion. You’ll get to hear the behind-the-scenes story of Raj meeting hip-hop icons DJ Khaled and Fat Joe. Raj also talks about the intersection of hip-hop and tech and the state of the hip-hop scene in the Middle East.
Raj also opens up about the origin of My Friends Your Friends, and shares insights from the three most important lessons from his long career.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:55) What was your first ever job?
(01:44) What are the most important lessons you learned from your parents & grandparents?
(03:42) How did you balance studying business & party promotion?
(05:09) What made you keep working & start an agency after an exit instead of taking a break?
(06:33) The story behind meeting DJ Khaled & Fat Joe
(09:03) Where do hip-hop & tech intersect & how do they influence each other?
(10:17) What do you think bout the hip-hop scene in the Middle East/Dubai & what does it need to blow up?
(12:50) Does AI benefit or hinder creatives?
(14:46) Which city is at the top of your list & why?
(16:33) What is the origin story of MyFriendsYourFriends and what’s the future of it?
(18:33) Which of your event brand is your favorite & why?
(19:45) From the beginning of your journey till now what are the 3 most important lessons?
Connect with the show
http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha
http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria
http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod
Connect with Majid & Visionary Magazine
https://www.instagram.com/visionarymagazine/
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