ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA | THE NO1 PODCAST IN DUBAI

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

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

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

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/

In this episode of ALGO, join us as we go on a journey, discussing a lot of different topics from our 2024 New Year's plans, spending Christmas Day in Dubai on a Yacht as well as interesting conversations we’ve recently had with creatives. We also discuss what we believe you should focus on in 2024, weaknesses we need to stop to make our 2024 more productive, and lastly what we believe are the biggest opportunities of 2024. We hope you enjoy this episode and wish you a Happy New Year! (00:00) Intro (00:20) Raj & Vik’s New Years Plans (02:15) Raj’s Conversation with Alv on Experience Design (05:02) Our Conversation with Drock AKA the Man Behind GaryVee’s Content Machine (07:12) Yacht Party & Lunch for Christmas Day (10:50) Rest in Peace Farah Khaleck (12:10) Jus Reign is Back (15:50) Don’t sleep on AI in 2024 (21:31) Get good at Learning How to Learn (27:21) Process’ are Important (28:36) Stop Over Consuming Content (31:32) Vik on Needing to Stop Procrastinating (33:40) Business’ Need to be More Thoughtful about Content (36:10) You Should Move to the UAE in 2024 (37:49) Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (39:26) Don’t Let People Drain Your Energy Connect with the show http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod This episode was recorded at Tara Rose Podcast Studios. For more information check out Tara Rose Salon Arenco Warehouse 10, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai +971 4 324 6613 http://www.tararosesalon.com info@tararosesalon.com

Back to a classic episode format this week as Raj and Vik discuss Instagram leveling up to a marketing technology firm for the masses with split A/B testing, what kept Raj and Vik from recording ALGO for 6 months and their highlights of 2023. (00:00) Feedback on the SoleDXB Episode (00:28) Tara Rose Podcast Studio Details (01:12) What we'll be discussing today (01:25) Instagram launches Split A/B testing of captions (07:23) Why Gary Vee, Steven Bartlett and Mr Beast keep changing thumbnails (10:38) Instagram is making creators level up (11:53) How split testing can create better brands online (21:46) Indo Warehouse Dubai show 6th January 2024 (23:50) Scarface Tiny Desk Performance Review (No Spoilers) (29:24) Why Raj follows US Politics (30:05) Why we haven't published ALGO since the summer (30:43) My Friends Your Friends in London, New York and Toronto (33:29) Raj is a Course Director for Chartered Institute of Marketing (34:08) Shout out to Creative Content Agency clients (37:00) Working with celebrities again (45:30) Getting healthy is easier your 40's (48:41) Raj's thoughts on the business becoming systemised (50:35) How Raj spots trends in other cities to bring back to Dubai (54:38) Why all-hands meetings are the most expensive things for a business (59:09) First and Ten Productions shout out (59:01) Vik loved working with Ryan Serhant (01:01:22) Raj loved working with Jay Shetty (01:03:53) Daniel Priestley is Raj's 2024 pick (01:05:47) Daniel Priestley is Dizzee Rascal (01:07:05) Raj responds to critics on his strategy (01:08:39) Raj's plans for ALGO in 2024 (01:09:24) Raj's plans for his own brand in 2024 (01:10:09) Raj's plans for Creative Content Agency in 2024 (01:12:06) Raj's plans for The 4Ps of Content in 2024 (01:12:21) Raj's plans for My Friends Your Friends 20 in 2024 (01:15:05) Tara Rose Salon shout outs (01:15:58) Shout out to Park Hill Clothing Connect with the show http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/algo.pod This episode was recorded at Tara Rose Podcast Studios. For more information check out Tara Rose Salon Arenco Warehouse 10, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai +971 4 324 6613 http://www.tararosesalon.com info@tararosesalon.com

In this episode of ALGO, Raj, Vik, and special guest Kish sit down to deeeep dive into the incredible world of Sole DXB 2023. From its music programming on stage and celebrations of Arab pride to the incredible value for money and benefits to Dubai - we cover it all in 90 minutes. Massive shoutouts to the team at Sole and all the friends and artists we met. You can check some of the video content on https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod Highlights include: (00:00) Intro (00:53) Sole DXB Overview Breakdown (01:44) Why Sole is the most important weekend in Dubai (02:44) Comparing Sole to Hip Hop 50 in NYC + London (06:34) Arab Pride & Culture at Sole DXB (10:30) Brands and Activations at Sole DXB (14:30) The Programming of Sole DXB (16:10) Why booking Jadakiss was genius (18:48) Busta Rhymes at Sole DXB (23:24) Honeycomb HiFi x Sole DXB (24:30) Russell Peters at DEF JAM x Jibber with Jabber (25:07) Ghostface Performs at Sole DXB Opening Party (28:25) DJ Shadow at SoleDXB (29:24) Lupe Fiasco at SoleDXB (30:06) What makes SoleDXB untouchable? (31:23) SoleDXB should release a $1000 ticket (37:37) Big Daddy Kane at SoleDXB (40:55) Arlo Parks at SoleDXB (43:00) Dijok at SoleDXB (44:28) Toby Nwigwe at SoleDXB (46:20) Yasiin Bey at SoleDXB (46:55) Spliff Star catch up at SoleDXB (47:53) SoleDXB is 10 AED per hour (49:34) AJ x Mazzi crush it with Jibber with Jabber Live (51:55) Falafel for the People food review at SoleDXB (53:18) AmongstFew stand at SoleDXB (54:58) Sunday at Sole DXB (55:13) Rahzel Beatboxing at SoleDXB (59:16) Omar Offendum at SoleDXB (1:03:26) Sampa The Great at SoleDXB (01:04:09) Joey Badass at SoleDXB (01:05:55) SoleDXB Set Design x Ticket Categories (01:11:42) Parvane x Elo at SoleDXB (01:12:43) Busta Rhymes x Spliff Star Close SoleDXB (01:15:34) The UAE Mixtape at SoleDXB (01:17:53) Mazzi at SoleDXB (1:20:28) Shout Outs (1:21:44) Launching MFYF in New York, Toronto and London (01:23:54) DJ Kishmeister on ItchFM (01:26:10) Will the SoleDXB founders come on ALGO? (01:27:18) SoleDXB is net positive for immigration Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/kishmeister/ https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch "ALGO: A Lot Going On with Raj Kotecha" on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode, Raj and Adnan discuss a HUGE set of notes Raj took at Collision Conference, North America's biggest tech conference. Raj spent time with newcomers and billionaires in the tech scene and gathered an insane series of takes on AI and the future of the web, creativity and content. This is a must-listen for fans of the show and clients of Creative Content Agency.

In this episode, Alex, Adnan, and I discuss the My Friends Your Friends New York City event, AI tools for events as well as the missing Titanic submarine. (00:00) Intro (00:36) MFYF NYC Breakdown (11:42) AI Tools for events (14:56) Out & About (31:02) Missing Titanic Submarine Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe https://www.instagram.com/adnanbasrai https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch A Lot Going On on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode Vik, Adnan and I discuss space travel and its benefits for humanity, the recent video by Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri, about how their algorithm works, and of course our new favourite topic, artificial intelligence. (00:00) Intro (01:54) Out and about in Dubai (09:44) The Case for Space - a deep dive into the advantages of space travel (15:48) Why should people care about space travel (38:20) A deep dive into Adam Mosseri's video about Instagram's algorithm (1:02:40) The rise of intelligence through Artificial Intelligence (1:10:44) How Artificial Intelligence helps an agency work with a client (1:24:50) Raj's advice for everybody in 2023 Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/adnanbasrai https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch A Lot Going On on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

In this episode we deep dive into the emerging two-horse race of Open AI vs Google and discuss strategic 2nd mover advantage, along with how large language models and AI can be placed over narrow data models like your favourite e-commerce site or your business's P&L to give you insights. (00:00) Intro to Adnan Basrai co-hosting (01:25) Trying Teff Cookies that were gifted to us (05:05) Did ChatGPT prompt Google and other tech companies to speed up their innovation? (08:37) Rapid innovation cycles as a trend (Apple VR headsets, AI, etc) (15:25) Dealing with AI job losses and skills transfers (24:15) Raj used OpenAI to make a DJ set playlist (30:01) Using LLM's in regulated markets and over narrow data sets (36:40) Are young entrepreneurs fascinated with Elon, Bezos, Zuck, Chamath? (36:05) Why Jay-Z, Biggie and Nas are considered the GOATs (40:57) Why Jay Z is the last technical GOAT

This week Raj is back from London after watching the KSI vs Joe Fournier fight at OVO Wembley. He talks about why the Misfits boxing franchise is genius and his history with some of the people behind the match.

In this episode, Arjun and I fall into a conversation early on about loving your own work and some of the reasons behind it. We then talked about the creative process and the role of AI including chat GPT's latest announcements about plug-ins and automation, along with the impact on social media advertising. Enjoy.

In this episode, Raj Kotecha and Arjun Shah talk about the shift in verification across Facebook and Twitter and the impact of AI. This episode is more of a deep dive on one subject, but if you work in social, content and brand building, it's a must-watch. (00:00) Where ALGO has been and introducing Arjun (10:42) The verification talk starts

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss: (00:00 Intro (03:29) The Grammy’s (07:29) Jay Z's Grammy Performance (08:23) Harry Styles Performance (09:09) Mick Jagger comparison (13:08) Jay Z Grammy Performance Breakdown (16:30) Beyoncé Breaks Grammy Record (20:00) Chris Brown Disses Robert Glasper (23:15) Zoom Lays Off 15% of Employees  (36:58) Google VS Microsoft AI browser  (39:15) LinkedIn AI (48:51) Sharjah 3-Day Weekends  (51:33) White Men Can't Jump Relaunch (56:10) Nimesh Patel on Group Chat Podcast (01:04:50) Lil Yachty Album (1:10:34) Shout Outs  Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe https://www.instagram.com/algo.pod https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

This week Raj and Vik are joined by their buddy Sal to discuss the following topics. (00:00) Intro with Vik & Sal (02:10) Mr Beast cures 1000 blind people (13:00) Facebook hits 2bn users (20:50) 50k Free Flights to Hong Kong (25:35) Dubai allows express weddings (31:49) Will Smith announced Bad Boys 4 (45:54) Jay Z Wins in Bacardi Suit (54:15) Starting from Scratch on DDFD Podcast (55:50) Phat Tuesdays on Amazon Prime (57:12) Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua on ROAD Podcast (58:45) KSI: In Real Life (01:01:00) Aziz Ansari Netflix Special (01:01:39) Taste of Dubai Festival Review (01:04:52) Dubai Glow Garden (01:08:30) Raj's Promo Interview Tour (01:10:51) Rishi Kotecha's Birthday

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex and I discuss: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Morgan Stanley $1mn fine (11:38) Bloomberg takes shots at Elon Musk (19:41) Ultra Abu Dhabi Announced (29:34) Alan Cummings Returns OBE (50:54) Enky Boys Dad Passes Away (54:43) Content Recommendations (1:02:35) Shout Outs Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast

ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA - we've gone viral.  Earlier this week the wonderful team at Earn Your Leisure posted our Beyoncé in Dubai clip and it got a LOT of views and comments.  We talk about that and more.   (00:00) Topics this episode (02:10) Our Beyoncé clip went viral (11:26) Will artists do Vegas-style residencies in Dubai? (13:45) Will Bollywood do residencies in Dubai? (18:31) Why did Justin Beiber sell his music rights for $200M USD (35:09) Why is Chinese retailer Shien doing a pop-up store in Dubai? (43:21) Tik Tok wants staff back in the office (49:45) Why Has Apple Launched a Privacy Charm Offensive? (59:39) Sotheby's & Jordan Brand Launch Notorious BIG Air Jordan (01:04:48) Content Recommendations Andrew Huberman & Rick Rubin (01:14:00) MKBHD reviews Apple's New M2 Mac Mini's & MacBook Pro's (01:15:15) Shout Outs

On today's episode of ALGO: A LOT GOING ON WITH RAJ KOTECHA we talk about (00:00) Intro (02:04) Beyoncé is cheap at $24m (09:14) Will the performance sell to Netflix? (16:00) Why $24m is a low price for Beyoncé (19:45) Will Royal Atlantis do an annual event? (23:02) Ashanti, Ja Rule, Fat Joe & Akon Dubai show (28:35) Reviewing each performance (42:25) Better ways to use Coca-Cola Arena (46:28) Usher's Lovers and Friends Las Vegas Show (49:01) Flo Rida wins $82.6m Damages in Celcius Case (59:10) Usain Bolt has $12m Stolen (01:02:46) Twitter Bans 3rd Party Apps (01:15:00) India Surpasses China's Population (01:29:30) Content Recommendations (01:37:02) Shout Outs Connect with us http://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha http://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria http://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe

On today’s episode of ALGO Vik, Alex, and I discuss: (00:00) Intro (00:41) Welcome Back Alex (01:36) Apple VR Headset Announced (16:34) Elon Musk Loses $200bn (20:01) Tim Cook’s $49m Pay Cut (27:54) Will Saudi Arabia Buy The WWE (38:00) UAE Allow Teenagers to Run Businesses (50:06) Chris Brown Beats Elvis Presley As Male Singer with Most Gold-Certified Singles (54:52) Euston shooting (1:01:50) Content Recommendations: (1:02:03) Lex Fridman X Mr.Beast (1:03:46) Rich Roll X Seth Godin (1:07:00) Ozark (1:09:01) Why Brilliant Minds Are Moving to Dubai - Vishen Lakhiani (1:11:15) Divine on Hot 97 (1:13:40) Strech & Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives (1:15:50) Black Bird (1:16:57) Jay Shetty X Kevin Hart (1:19:25) Out & About in Dubai (1:19:54) The Nice Guy Dubai (1:22:50) San Beach Dubai (1:24:35) Dubai Boat Party (1:25:51) Emmy Squared Pizza (1:33:46) Shout Outs Connect: https://www.instagram.com/rajkotecha https://www.instagram.com/vikmorjaria https://www.instagram.com/alexchristophe https://www.rajkotecha.com/ Listen and watch THE RAJ KOTECHA SHOW on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Stitcher, and more at https://www.rajkotecha.com/podcast