Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana

Hosted by Oriol Plana

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Jun 2025

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Welcome to Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana – Where Tech, Business, and Real Estate Intersect! 🎙️🌍 Step into the world of real estate, investments, tech, vacation rentals, and travel with Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana . This podcast brings together visionaries, industry leaders, and changemakers to explore the latest trends, challenges, and transformative solutions shaping the future. Powered by our main sponsor, mr.alfred , we go beyond the surface, diving deep into the insights that matter. Whether you’re a property investor, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the evolving landscape of business and innovation, this is the place to stay informed and inspired. Join us as we connect the dots between ideas, opportunities, and the future. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation! 🎧✨ #ConnectingDots #OriolPlana #TechBusinessRealEstate #PropTech #VacationRentals #Innovation

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22 recent

June 30, 202541 min

Is cold outreach dead? Or is it the secret to scaling your startup? | Meet Ayhan K. Issacs | Ep 22

How Founders Build Predictable Growth Engines - Ayhan Isaacs on Connecting Dots with Oriol PlanaWelcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by Mr Alfred, the leading property and revenue management system for vacation rentals.In this episode, Oriol sits down with Ayhan Isaacs, founder of Growth Rhino, to unpack what it really takes to launch and scale an early-stage startup and what short-term rental (STR) companies in Dubai can learn from tech go-to-market strategies. What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ Ayhan’s journey from oil & gas operations in Dubai to cold calling in Canada and launching Growth Rhino✅ How early sales and marketing failures inspired him to master outbound and growth strategies✅ Why defining your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) is crucial and why most founders start with the wrong assumptions✅ The difference between working with agencies vs. building in-house marketing teams ✅ Landlord acquisition strategies for holiday home operators in Dubai✅ How content, networking, and cultural understanding are game-changers for real estate and STR companies✅ The importance of building entrepreneurial “muscles” through experience, context-switching, and overcoming early challenges🌍 Whether you’re a tech founder or a holiday home operator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to improve your go-to-market approach, generate leads, and scale sustainably.🔗 Learn more about our sponsor Mr Alfred – the comprehensive PMS for vacation rentals with dynamic pricing, channel management, and marketing tools. Start your free light version at mralfred.com.Visit: www.mralfred.comA special thanks to HiGuests Vacation Homes, our official venue partner, for providing the perfect setting for our podcast.Visit: www.higuests.com👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews connecting the dots between technology, real estate, and entrepreneurship! Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

June 3, 202545 min

SubleasingDubai Meets bnbindubai | Episode-21 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, shot live at Scale Middle East, the region’s largest event for short-term rentals and proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, Dubai’s leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals.In this special edition, Oriol sits down with two of Dubai’s most prominent Airbnb entrepreneurs and content creators - Bergthor Palsson and Redeet Negate – who share the raw truth behind building successful subleasing businesses in one of the world’s most competitive rental markets.In this unfiltered conversation, you’ll discover:✅ The Reality of Subleasing: Why Dubai is not for the faint of heart and how to avoid costly mistakes. ✅ Building in Public: How personal branding on social media is driving business and credibility. ✅ Market Overheating: How subleasing is impacting long-term rental prices in key Dubai towers. ✅ Is Subleasing a Side Hustle? Why this high-stakes game demands full commitment. ✅ Cash Flow, Seasonality, and Scaling: Real numbers, real talk - including how to survive the brutal summer months.Whether you’re an aspiring host or a seasoned operator, this episode delivers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to thrive in Dubai’s booming short-term rental market.🎥 Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. 👉 Visit mr.alfred: www.mralfred.com#ConnectingDots #ScaleMiddleEast #SubleasingDubai #VacationRentals #AirbnbDubai #DirectBookings #PropTech #mrAlfred #ShortTermRentals #BuildInPublicStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

May 6, 202548 min

Meet Miquel Manzanas | Episode 20 | Tecfys | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by mr.alfred – the leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals in Dubai.In this episode, Oriol is joined by his dear friend, Miquel Manzanas, founder of Tecfys, a tech-enabled equipment financing platform.🔥 In this episode, we cover:✅ Skyrocketing Demand for Monthly Rentals Hear how occupancy rates have consistently topped 90% post-COVID and why pricing regulations could disrupt a market that doesn’t have a demand problem—but a supply one.✅ Venture Debt Demystified We unpack the real cost of venture debt, equity kickers, personal guarantees, and the risks that don’t show up on a pitch deck.✅ Smart Equipment Financing: Flexibility Over Draconian Debt Discover how Tecfys offers small businesses breathing room with flexible contracts, asset buy-backs, and tech refurb strategies that traditional banks simply can’t match.✅ The Truth About Barcelona’s Tourism Crisis Is the real problem short-term rentals… or hotel lobby pressure? We dig into the politics behind headlines and why balanced data—not agenda-driven media—should drive regulation.✅ Lessons in Risk, Resilience & Growth From managing a sub-2% loss rate to expanding across four countries, this conversation is a masterclass in calculated growth and tech-first business building.🎧 This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone curious about vacation rentals, B2B fintech, or just what it takes to build something that lasts.Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms.#ConnectingDots #VacationRentals #HiGuests #Tecfys #VentureDebt #StartupFinance #MonthlyRentals #PropTech #mrAlfred #TourismCrisis #RealEstateInnovation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📢 This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, Dubai’s leading Property & Revenue Management System for vacation rentals. Empowering property managers with automation, dynamic pricing, and operational tools to maximize revenue and streamline operations.🌐 Visit: www.mralfred.comStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

March 5, 202539 min

Meet Mark Simpson| Boostly | Episode 19 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a brand new episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, proudly sponsored by mr.alfred – the leading PMS and RMS for vacation rentals in Dubai.In today’s episode, our host Oriol Plana sits down with Mark Simpson, Founder & CEO of Boostly, one of the most influential voices in the vacation rental industry. Mark has helped hosts and property managers generate over £50 million in direct bookings and is on a mission to empower 1 million hospitality owners to cut OTA costs and boost profit margins—all while leveraging cutting-edge AI tools and innovative strategies.In this episode, discover:✅ Boostly’s Journey & Mission: How Mark built Boostly to revolutionize direct bookings for real estate professionals.✅ Insights from Scale Middle East: Mark shares his experience participating in Scale Middle East and his take on the dynamic Dubai market.✅ Personal Branding on LinkedIn: Hear Mark’s tips on building a strong personal brand and using social media to drive business growth.✅ Harnessing AI in Real Estate: Explore the AI tools that are transforming the industry and how they enable smarter, more efficient property management.Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with actionable insights and innovative strategies to boost your direct bookings and transform your business.Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms!#ConnectingDots #Boostly #DirectBookings #VacationRentals #AI #PropTech #mralfred #RealEstateInnovation_________________________________________This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, the leading Property Management & Revenue Management System for short-term rentals. Based in Dubai, mr.alfred empowers property managers with automation, data-driven pricing, and operational efficiency, helping them maximize revenue and streamline management.If you’re in the vacation rental industry and looking to scale your business with cutting-edge tech, mr.alfred is the ultimate solution.Visit: www.mralfred.comA special thanks to Bnbme Homes for providing the perfect setting for our podcast. Their stunning properties served as the backdrop for our insightful conversations, making this episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana truly special.Visit: https://bnbmehomes.com/Stay tuned for more exciting discussions from the heart of Dubai’s real estate and rental industry! 🚀🎙️Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

February 12, 202538 min

Meet Nina Klishevich | Blueground | Episode 18 | Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

New Episode: Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana ft. Nina Klishevich – General Manager at Blueground DubaiIn this episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana, we sit down with Nina Klishevich, General Manager at Blueground Dubai, a global leader in furnished, flexible housing. With a portfolio of nearly 1,000 properties in prime Dubai locations, Blueground is reshaping the way people rent and live.Join us as we dive into:✅ Blueground’s Vision & Model – How they are revolutionizing the short-term and mid-term rental market.✅ Flexibility in Rentals – The growing demand for high-quality, fully furnished rentals for a month, a year, or more.✅ Tech & PropTech Integration – How technology is driving efficiency and guest experiences in the rental industry.✅ Market Trends in Dubai – Insights into the current state of the short-term rental industry and where it’s headed.✅ Challenges & Opportunities – What’s next for the rental market and how companies like Blueground are adapting._________________________________________This episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana is proudly sponsored by mr.alfred, the leading Property Management & Revenue Management System for short-term rentals. Based in Dubai, mr.alfred empowers property managers with automation, data-driven pricing, and operational efficiency, helping them maximize revenue and streamline management.If you’re in the vacation rental industry and looking to scale your business with cutting-edge tech, mr.alfred is the ultimate solution.Visit: www.mralfred.comA special thanks to HiGuests Vacation Homes, our official venue partner, for providing the perfect setting for our podcast. As one of Dubai’s top holiday home operators, HiGuests manages premium vacation rentals, ensuring top-tier hospitality for guests and seamless property management for owners.Their stunning properties serve as the backdrop for our insightful conversations, making each episode of Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana truly special.Visit: www.higuests.comStay tuned for more exciting discussions from the heart of Dubai’s real estate and rental industry! 🚀🎙️Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

December 5, 202437 min

Meet Peter May | Silkhaus | Episode 17 | Next Gen Rentals | Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a New Episode of the Next Gen Rentals Podcast powered by mr.alfred! 🏡In this episode, our host Oriol Plana, CEO and Founder of mr.alfred, sits down with Peter May, Vice President of Operations at Silkhaus, to discuss the evolving trends and innovations in the vacation rental industry across the region.In this insightful conversation, discover:✅ Automation in the Vacation Rental Industry: How automation is shaping the way short-term rental businesses operate and what tools Silkhaus uses to streamline operations.✅ Dynamic Pricing Strategies: Learn about the pricing tools and strategies Silkhaus uses to stay competitive and maximize revenue in the highly dynamic short-term rental market.✅ Short-Term Rental Market in Dubai: Explore Peter’s perspective on the Dubai market, including its unique dynamics, challenges, and opportunities for property managers and investors.✅ Expansion Strategies in Saudi Arabia: Hear about Silkhaus’ plans for Riyadh and their approach to entering the growing short-term rental market in Saudi Arabia.✅ Dubai vs. Saudi Markets: A comparative analysis of the short-term rental markets in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the key differences and opportunities in each region.And much more!🎧 Don’t miss this engaging episode packed with insights into the future of short-term rentals, dynamic pricing, and automation in the vacation rental industry.Special thanks to our Venue Partner HiGuests Vacation Homes for hosting us in a beautiful Dubai apartment. Discover their incredible properties at www.higuests.com.To learn more about mr.alfred, our show sponsor, visit www.mralfred.com.Connect with Peter May on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergreigmay/#NextGenRentals #VacationRentals #DynamicPricing #PropTech #Silkhaus #ShortTermRentals #DubaiMarket #SaudiMarket #RentalAutomation #Podcast #mralfred #HiGuestsJoin us on this exciting Tech Forward Journey. Subscribe now and be part of the Next Gen Rentals! 🏡🔮 #NextGenRentals #VacationRentalInnovation #TechForwardJourneyStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

November 14, 202446 min

Meet Siddiq Farid | Episode 16 | Next Gen Rentals | Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a New Episode of the Next Gen Rentals Podcast powered by mr.alfred! 🏡In this episode, our host Oriol Plana, CEO and Founder of mr.alfred, sits down with Siddiq Farid, Founder of SmartCrowd, MENA's first regulated digital real estate investment platform. Siddiq returns to the show to dive into exciting new updates, milestones, and trends that are transforming the landscape of real estate crowdfunding and digital investment.In this insightful conversation, discover:✅ Future of Real Estate Crowdfunding in MENA: Listen to Siddiq’s vision for the future of real estate crowdfunding, the impact of digital platforms on the property market, and how the evolving regulatory landscape will shape opportunities for investors.✅ Experiences from the Scale Middle East Event: Hear Siddiq’s key insights and takeaways from his experience as a speaker at Scale Middle East, an industry event that brings together leaders from across the region.✅ Crowdfunding as a Real Estate Investment Tool: Explore how crowdfunding and property investment are more accessible by lowering the capital required, creating a unique opportunity for individuals to invest in Dubai’s thriving real estate market.✅ The Discipline of Smart Investments: Siddiq shares his 2 cents on investment discipline, providing attractive deals with targeted returns for investors and keeping a balanced approach to rental and capital appreciation.And much more!🎧 Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable insights into the democratization of real estate investment and how SmartCrowd is leading the way in creating opportunities for everyone to enter the property market.Shoutout to our Venue Sponsor HiGuests Vacation Homes for providing this beautiful apartment in Dubai to record our podcast. Check out more of their stunning vacation homes at www.higuests.com.To learn more about mr.alfred, visit: www.mralfred.comTo Connect with Siddiq Farid, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddiq-farid-cpa-ca-cfa-86025818/#NextGenRentals #RealEstateInvestment #PropTech #Crowdfunding #SmartCrowd #RealEstateInnovation #RealEstateTech #Podcast #mrAlfred #RealEstateAccessibilityStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

October 23, 202456 min

Meet Walid Shihabi | Keyper | Episode 15 | Next Gen Rentals | Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Welcome to a New Episode of the Next Gen Rentals Podcast powered by mr.alfred! 🏡In this episode, our host Oriol Plana, CEO and Founder of mr.alfred, sits down with Walid Shihabi, the Founder & CEO of Hometown and Co-Founder & CSO of Keyper, to discuss the evolving landscape of the vacation rental and property management industries.In this insightful conversation, discover:✅ Walid’s Journey from Investment Banking to Vacation Rentals: Explore Walid’s transition from a 15-year career in investment banking to launching his own vacation rental business, and how that leap shaped his entrepreneurial journey.✅ Building & Scaling a Vacation Rental Business: Learn about the key challenges Walid faced while building Hometown, his successful vacation rental company, and the strategies that helped him overcome obstacles and achieve growth.✅ Regional & Global Hospitality Market Trends: Gain Walid’s expert perspective on the current state of the hospitality market and the emerging trends that are driving change across the region and globally.✅ About Keyper - The smarter way to manage & rent for property owners and tenants in Dubai.✅ Advice for Entrepreneurs: Walid shares actionable insights and advice for budding entrepreneurs looking to break into the world of Entrepreneurship, offering practical strategies for success.✅ Future of Short-Term Rentals: Listen to Walid’s predictions on the future of the short-term rental industry, including key innovations and trends that will shape the sector in the coming years.And much more!🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with expert insights into the vacation rental industry, technology and learn how to thrive in this rapidly growing sector.Shoutout to our Venue Sponsor HiGuests Vacation Homes for providing this beautiful apartment in Dubai to record our podcast. Check out more of their stunning vacation homes at www.higuests.com.To learn more about mr.alfred, visit: www.mralfred.comTo learn more about Keyper, visit: https://www.realkeyper.com/#NextGenRentals #VacationRentals #PropTech #ShortTermRentals #Keyper #HometownRentals #RealEstateTechnology #Podcast #mralfred #RealEstateInnovationStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

September 26, 202437 min

Meet Joel Alexander | Kendal AI | Episode 14 | Next Gen Rentals | Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

Welcome to Season 2 of the Next Gen Rentals Podcast powered by mr.alfredIn this episode, our host Oriol Plana, CEO and Founder of mr.alfred, sits down with Joel Alexander, Founder and CEO of Kendal.ai, to explore how AI is transforming the real estate industry, making processes smoother and more efficient than ever before.In this episode, discover:✅ AI-Powered Real Estate: Learn how Kendal.ai leverages artificial intelligence to help real estate brokers and agents generate and qualify leads 24/7 on WhatsApp, without any downtime or missed opportunities.✅ Lead Nurturing Made Easy: Discover how Kendal.ai’s flow builder keeps potential clients engaged and moving through the sales funnel—completely within WhatsApp!✅ Industry Integration: Hear about Kendal.ai’s seamless integration with platforms like Property Finder and Bayut, and its collaborations with major real estate players like Betterhomes, Strada, and eXp Realty.✅ The Future of AI in Real Estate: Joel shares his vision for how AI will continue to revolutionize real estate by simplifying marketing, operations, and customer management.And much more!🎧 Don’t miss this episode packed with insights on the future of AI in real estate and practical tools that can make your real estate business more efficient.Special Shoutout to our Venue Sponsor Higuests Vacation Homes for supporting us with this beautiful apartment to shoot our podcast. Check out more of their apartments at www.higuests.com#NextGenRentals #PropTech #RealEstateAI #WhatsAppCRM #KendalAI #RealEstateTechnology #Podcast #mrAlfred #RealEstateInnovationStay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

June 12, 202441 min

Meet Lynnette Sacchetto | Real Trust UAE | Episode 13 | Next Gen Rentals | Oriol Plana | mr.alfred

🎙️ Get ready for an enlightening episode of the Next Gen Rentals Podcast! 🏡Join our host, Oriol Plana, CEO and Founder of mr.alfred, as he dives into an in-depth discussion with Lynnette Sacchetto, the Founder of Real Trust UAE and popularly known as the DATA Queen of Dubai Real Estate.In this episode, discover:✅ The evolution and impact of real estate data platforms in the industry.✅ Analyzing short-term rental data in Dubai and its journey towards matching global quality standards.✅ The balance between data protection and data openness.✅ The impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of GDPR in Dubai.✅ The critical role of data in the real estate and short-term rental industries.✅ Lynnette’s perspective on short-term rentals and her personal experience managing her own properties.✅ Insights into why Dubai is among the top cities for investments and investors.And much more!Don't miss out on this insightful conversation packed with expert knowledge and practical advice from one of the leading figures in real estate and PropTech.#NextGenRentals #RealEstate #ShortTermRentals #DataProtection #DubaiRealEstate #PodcastEpisodeTune in now and be part of the Next Gen Rentals community! 🏡-------------------------At Next Gen Rentals, we're proud to have mr.alfred as our main sponsor. mr.alfred is the leading Property Management System (PMS) and Revenue Management Services (RMS) service for vacation rentals. With innovative features and cutting-edge technology, mr.alfred empowers property managers and hosts to streamline their operations, maximize revenue, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.To learn more about how mr.alfred can transform your vacation rental business, book a demo with our mr.alfred today!www.mralfred.comExperience the future of vacation rental management with mr.alfred.-------------------------#NextGenRentals #RealEstate #ShortTermRentals #DubaiRealEstate #PropTech #RealEstateData #DataProtection #Investment #PropertyManagement #PodcastEpisode #LynnetteSacchetto #OriolPlana #mralfred Stay tuned for more insightful conversations only on Connecting Dots with Oriol Plana.#ConnectingDotswithOriolPlana #VacationRentals #Podcast #mralfred #holidayhomes

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