LIT- Luca's Insight Track

Welcome back to Off Track, the space where I step away from the guest chair, speak completely unscripted, and share the insights that genuinely matter. No notes. No filters. Just honest reflections shaped by real conversations and real life.This week’s Christmas Special explores why this time of year feels different, softer, slower, and more meaningful. It’s the one moment in the calendar that invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate what’s already here.Here are the three insights that shaped this episode:1️⃣ Embrace the DowntimeAfter nearly 360 days on the treadmill, Christmas gives us permission to rest. A chance to slow down properly, switch off without guilt, and recharge before the new year. If we don’t take the break now, we carry exhaustion into the months ahead.2️⃣ Remember the Meaning Behind ChristmasBeyond the marketing and early decorations, there’s a deeper message: reflection, humility, and togetherness. Whether you’re religious or not, this season invites us to reconnect with the values beneath the noise.3️⃣ Practise Gratitude for What You Already HaveWhile New Year’s pulls us toward the future, Christmas brings us back to the present. It’s a moment to appreciate family, safety, warmth, and connection, privileges many don’t have. The small, imperfect moments often become the ones that matter most.As I share the chaos and joy of Christmas with my wife and two young boys, I’m reminded how precious these fleeting moments are.The older we get, the fewer Christmases we get all together, and the more important it becomes to notice the ones we still have.Honest, reflective and straight from the heart. This is me, off my chest and off the cuff.Welcome to Off Track.

Welcome back to Off Track, the space where I step away from the guest chair, speak completely unscripted, and share the insights that genuinely matter. No notes. No filters. Just honest reflections shaped by real conversations and real life. This week I dive into a word we hear everywhere yet rarely experience in its purest form: authenticity. It is the most overused word of the year and the most misunderstood. And understanding it has changed the way I host, coach and show up in my own life. In this Off Track, I unpack three insights that will reshape how you think about being real, being seen and being yourself. 1. The Rise of the Real: Why authenticity has become the most valuable currencyIn a world full of polish and personas, only one thing cuts through. Realness. People feel it immediately. And the more the world leans on tech, the more human truth becomes our only true differentiator. 2. The Vulnerability Threshold: How connection really gets builtAuthenticity is impossible without vulnerability. Not oversharing and not hiding. Just enough that the audience recognises something they have felt too. This is where trust begins and where real communication lives. 3. Purpose in Plain Sight: Alignment as the foundation of true authenticityThe most authentic people are the ones whose personal values and professional purpose finally match.  I share how my podcast, coaching and personal work converged to reveal my own purpose: helping others unlock their real voice. Honest, reflective and straight from the heart.This is me, off my chest and off the cuff.

This bonus episode of Luca's Insight Track goes Off Track as I dive into something that’s been gnawing at me for weeks: why does everyone say they’re “busy” or “surviving”… yet no one actually says how they are? This reflection turned into three big insights about honesty, opinion, and the widening gap between what we think and what we say. 1️⃣ The gap between what we think and what we say is exploding Most people live in the shadows, scrolling, judging, observing, never expressing.In a world obsessed with being “PC,” where everyone tiptoes to avoid offending anyone, honesty has become rare. But 2025 demands something different: a real voice, not a polite one. Silence is no longer neutral, it’s erasing our individuality into a sea of sameness. 2️⃣ Having an opinion isn’t enough, you need to voice it We live in a time when AI is flattening everything. If you don’t speak up, you disappear.After nearly 70 episodes, I’ve seen it over and over: 70% of guests stay at 35,000 feet. Safe. Balanced. Polished. Forgettable. People don’t get inspired by “on the one hand, on the other hand.” They get inspired by people who pick a side. Love or hate, at least it’s real. At least it’s human. Your voice is the only thing that separates you from the algorithm. 3️⃣ We’re lying to each other every day, starting with “How are you?” “Busy.” “Surviving.” “All good.”We’ve replaced honesty with convenience. Less than 10% of people answer truthfully, and when we do speak, we give headlines, not stories. If we want deeper relationships, deeper conversations, deeper lives…we need to tell the truth — to ourselves and to each other. Honest, reflective and straight from the heart. This is me off my chest and off the cuff. Welcome to Off Track.

Dubai’s global success isn’t luck — it’s strategy, vision, and decades of intentional choices. In this special HSMAI Middle East live episode, we sit down with Aida Al Busaidy, AVP of Consumer Advocacy, Celebrity Management, and Social Media at DET, to unpack the real engine behind Dubai’s rise. We dive into:• How Dubai transformed from “desert” to global benchmark• What it takes to manage 40+ social channels for a city• Why third-party advocacy beats influencers• How long-term strategies like D33 and the 2040 vision shape the next 50 years• Why people aren’t pushed from elsewhere — they’re pulled into Dubai• The mindset, creativity, and leadership behind the city’s momentum. If you want to understand how great brands — and great cities — are built, this conversation is a blueprint.

This bonus episode of Lucas Insight Track goes Off Track where I share the personal insights that surfaced after my live event recording with Aida Al Busaidy, AVP for Consumer Advocacy, Celebrity Management and Social Media at Dubai Tourism DET. In this Off Track I unpack three key insights: 1️⃣ Events are mattering more, but connecting less In a world obsessed with AI and tech, real human connection has never been more valuable. Personal branding is now a true differentiator and events are a powerful stage to stand out, yet most fall flat. The reason is simple. Weak audience engagement and very little meaningful involvement. 2️⃣ Push or Pull? Dubai wins anyway…  As the UAE celebrated National Day, Dubai felt busier, brighter and more filled with opportunity than ever. Tourists arrive and many end up staying. Are they drawn to Dubais energy or escaping what they know. These days it is genuinely hard to tell. 3️⃣ Regional rivalry is actually regional unity  The GCC is booming. Riyadh. Abu Dhabi. Dubai. Doha. All rising. All thriving. Competition does not divide us. It sharpens us. And the regions greatest competitive edge remains unchanged. Our hospitality. Honest reflective and straight from the heart. This is me off my chest and off the cuff. Welcome to Off Track.

This bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track takes you Off Track, where I share the reflections that surfaced after being named in the ‘Best of 2025 Podcast’ by Apple Podcast, and stepping back and examining the craft of podcasting and the year I’ve had.  In this Off Track, I unpack three big insights:  1. Do numbers and awards really matter that much?They matter, but not enough to obsess over.  Metrics hold weight, but they’re only one indicator. Real progress comes from keeping a wider, more grounded view of what success actually looks like.  2. The best guests know who they really are. After hosting around 40 guests this year, the standout conversations came from those clear on their story, brand, and positioning. Self-awareness is the root of true insight.  3. Podcasters need a better value exchange. As podcasters, we put so much in time, energy, money and often get little back. Value grows when we focus on personal development, meaningful feedback, and actually appreciating recognition rather than racing past it.Honest, reflective, and straight from the heart.  This is me, off my chest and off the cuff. Welcome to Off Track.

This bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track takes you Off Track, where I share the personal reflections that surfaced after my conversation with Rasha Hamzeh, Managing Director of The Inhouse Agency, Executive Producer of this show… and yes, my wife. In this Off Track, I unpack three big insights: 1️⃣ Marketing has changed, dramatically. We’ve slipped into a world of copy-paste campaigns, platform obsession, and performance metrics ruling creativity. When no one takes risks, talent suffers, and churn rises. The industry isn’t short of ideas; it’s short of bravery. 2️⃣ Marriage is a lot like a podcast. It demands consistency, effort, and intentional energy. Working with your partner isn’t easy, respect, trust, and friendship are the foundation, but even then, the work never stops. 3️⃣ Rasha’s belief in me made me ask a deeper question: Can someone else’s faith in you truly shape both your conscious and subconscious mind? Her unwavering belief in me doesn’t just support me, it merges with me. At some point, her conviction becomes indistinguishable from my own thoughts. It’s as if our minds start working in unison, expanding the arena of what’s possible to a level I couldn’t reach alone. Raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart, this is me, off my chest and off the cuff. Welcome to Off Track.

In this episode of luca’s insight track, Luca sits down with Rasha Hamzeh — his wife, executive producer, and the real force behind the show.What happens when your partner is also your business partner?They talk about running startups, parenting, working together, and what really goes on behind the camera. From building The Inhouse agency to balancing marriage and media, Rasha opens up about the lessons, challenges, and moments that shaped their journey.This is the most personal episode yet — raw, honest, and filled with insights on partnership, purpose, and keeping it real when life gets busy.Listen now to hear the conversation that usually happens after the cameras stop rolling.

This special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track takes you Off Track — where I share the personal insights that stayed with me after my powerful conversation with Mohamed Al Banna, advisor to the UAE Royal Family, serial investor, and CEO of Lead Ventures. Mohamed’s mindset around networking, belief, and energy inspired me to reflect deeply and in this improvised episode, I unpack three takeaways that might shift how you think about success and decision-making in today’s world. 1️⃣ In an AI-driven age, who you know now matters more than what you know. Intelligence is accessible, but relationships build real momentum. 2️⃣ Having a Plan B might sound smart, but it often signals doubt. When you fully commit to Plan A, you move differently. 3️⃣ The true green flag in any investment or partnership? A person’s energy. It’s the fastest, most reliable signal of alignment, or a warning to walk away. Raw, unfiltered, and straight from the heart — this is me, off my chest and off the cuff. Welcome to Off Track.

What happens when Mohamed Al Banna — adviser to the UAE royal family, Group CEO of Lead Ventures, and serial investor — sits down to talk energy, entrepreneurship, and the art of building networks?In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam explores how Mohamed went from watching his father struggle in real estate to becoming one of Dubai’s most connected business leaders and a mentor shaping the next generation.This isn’t just about business — it’s a raw, inspiring, and often funny deep dive into risk, resilience, and reading people. Mohamed shares why he sometimes loses padel matches on purpose, why there are no guarantees in business except death, and why daily habits like smiling and giving can transform your life.Luca and Mohamed unpack the secrets behind the UAE’s rise — from visionary leadership and bold initiatives to a culture that rewards action. They explore “contacts vs. contracts,” mentoring with integrity, and why energy is the ultimate green or red flag in any deal.And it goes deeper.Mohamed opens up about the art of mentoring without exploitation, balancing network-building with knowledge-building, and a personal philosophy built around giving, gratitude, and faith. From a green “Mafi Mushkila” mug to a safe word called “Belief,” this conversation is full of stories, lessons, and practical insights you can use tomorrow.Whether you’re a founder, investor, policy watcher, or simply curious about the inner workings of Dubai, this episode is a masterclass in relationship capital, entrepreneurial mindset, and creating opportunities that matter.

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode is inspired by my incredibly insightful conversation with Karen Abou Jaoude, co-founder of The Wise Parent - a company designed to help parents be the best version of themselves for their kids. Our episode, explored all the facets of parenting, whilst she was 8 months pregnant with her second child!  In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I learned following my conversation with Karen. The first is rooted in our definition of what is a good parent. This differentiates from person to person, based on our past, our values and our partner. My personal definition? To nail the basics on what your kids actually want and need. In this episode I also cover the generational divide between us and our parents in terms of whose parenting was right and whose was wrong and why information is not always a good thing. The final insight is about who actually teaches who, the parent or the child. The blessing of having kids is that they actually force us to rediscover the best of who we are by reminding us on the importance of removing our own limiting beliefs we had formed when we were kids.  In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

Parenting, presence, and breaking old patterns. In this heartfelt episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Karen Abou Jaoude—parenting coach, co-founder of The Wise Parent, and daughter of previous guest Zena El Khalil. Eight months pregnant and leading a mission to transform family life, Karen shares powerful insights on what it really means to raise confident, thriving children.Karen opens up about her journey as both a coach and a mother, why true parenting starts with “re-parenting” yourself, and how breaking intergenerational habits creates space for healthier families. She and Luca explore everything from boundaries and routines to raising culturally aware kids, reframing discipline as teaching rather than punishment, and why gentle parenting may sometimes be too gentle.They also dive into the bigger questions parents face today: Are we better parents than past generations, or just more overwhelmed with information? What does it mean to bring a child into such a divided world? And how can small daily moments of connection matter more than big parenting “fixes”?This episode is as raw as it is practical—blending humor, honesty, and wisdom. Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or simply reflecting on your own childhood, Karen’s message is clear: good parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence, growth, and love.

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode is inspired by my wonderfully open and insightful conversation with Farah Al Qaissieh, the founder of the stutter movement here in the UAE. As well as having a stutter, Farah suffered the tragic loss of her brother who also had a stutter, which propelled her to take action to help as many people as she can with this less talked about neurological disorder.In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I learned following my conversation with Farah. The first is that not having ‘a why’ to how we live our life and make our decisions has never been more dangerous for our mental health; without a clear purpose, belief and conviction in what you’re doing, our passion is subdued, and we can’t be fulfilled. Secondly, taking a minute to actually stop. To reflect. To ask the right questions that are always the hard questions. This is the starting point for finding purpose. Finally, we have to practice harder to give people the space they need to figure things out, to give more space for understanding, and give more space for patience. My chat with Farah was delightful, but also incredibly insightful.In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

Stuttering, stigma, and the power of voice. In this inspiring episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Farah Al Qaissieh—Emirati social entrepreneur and founder of the UAE’s first stuttering support community. For more than a decade, Farah has been breaking stereotypes, building safe spaces, and helping people who stutter discover confidence and embrace their true voices.Farah shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with a stutter, the school incident that made her realize she was “different,” and the powerful moment she freed herself by beginning every presentation with: “My name is Farah, and I stutter. Please bear with me.” She also opens up about a promise she made to her late brother Mansour—one that inspired her to host the first International Stuttering Awareness Day in the Middle East and create a community where no one feels alone.Together, Luca and Farah uncover insights about stuttering that most people don’t know: why it impacts boys more than girls, why many stutter more in their mother tongue than in a second language, and why something as simple as introducing yourself or ordering coffee can feel like climbing a mountain. They also challenge misconceptions—from assuming stuttering is caused by nerves, to offering sympathy instead of acceptance.But this conversation is bigger than speech. It’s about resilience, identity, and finding strength in difference. Farah talks about parenting three young boys, rediscovering play through a Lego mug, using “elephant” as her safe word, and the daily reminder that every voice deserves to be heard.Whether you stutter, know someone who does, or simply care about authentic stories of courage and humanity, this episode will inspire you to listen more deeply, speak more honestly, and embrace the unique voice that makes you who you are.

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my refreshing and open conversation with Ebrahim Abbas - a proud Emirati Gen Z influencer with millions of followers and a clear mission to debunk myths around the UAE.In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that stuck with me following my conversation with Ebrahim. The first is why UAE attracts so many people to come live here, and why it is a powerful message and example to other countries on how to effectively incubate and nurture incredible opportunities for a diverse body of people. The second insight looks at the inter generational divide between Millennials, Gen Z Gen Alpha - they each bring something to the table, but the combination of all 3 can actually unlock something special. Finally, I give my view on which social channel is the ultimate ‘hero’ and if I was a betting man - which channel would be the one to focus on!In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

What happens when Ebrahim Abbas, the 27-year-old Emirati truth-teller, sits down to discuss fighting fake news, the rise of Gen Z, and defending the UAE online? In this episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam flips the mic to the TikTok powerhouse whose viral myth-busting videos have sparked debate, reflection, and real-world impact.This isn’t just about views—it’s a raw, thoughtful, and often funny deep dive into resilience, identity, and telling the truth online. Ebrahim shares his journey from accounting student and Big Four auditor to self-made millionaire investor and outspoken creator, explaining how surviving health challenges rewired his hunger to live fully.Luca and Ebrahim explore loving your country out loud: calling out misinformation, navigating online influence and accountability, and discussing Gen Z ambition and the rise of Gen Alpha. They dive into fast cars, slower lives, and the ethics of going viral—why sources, credibility, and protecting truth matter more than winning arguments.Whether you’re a creator, brand strategist, policy watcher, or curious about the Gulf, this episode is a masterclass in honest storytelling, media literacy, and digital impact.

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my incredible and personal conversation with Zeina Abboud, a practitioner of ‘Theta’ as a healing modality. I have been a client of Zeina’s for over a year.  In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I have taken from my overall lessons with Zeina as well as from the recent episode we shared together. The first reaffirms my conviction that our minds are absolutely the most powerful things in the universe, with the ability to put us firmly in the driving seat of our own lives - provided our subconscious is free from limiting beliefs that shackled us since childhood. The second focuses on how to deal with narcissists and the required values you must have, and finally the perfect balance that spirituality can play in our healing, even when combined with science.  In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

What happens when a deeply intuitive healer steps into the spotlight to share her near-death experience, her journey into the subconscious, and her mission to help others reclaim their power? In this extraordinary episode of Luca’s Insight Track, host Luca Allam is joined by Zeina Abboud—a theta healer, trauma specialist, and spiritual guide—for one of the most profound and emotionally charged conversations to date.This isn’t a surface-level exploration of alternative healing. It’s a deeply layered, intimate dialogue that delves into what it really means to heal—from early childhood trauma, toxic relationships, and even death itself. Zeina reveals how theta healing removes limiting beliefs from the subconscious mind, rewires the brain, and empowers individuals to rediscover their inner strength and purpose.But Zeina's authority doesn’t come just from theory—it comes from surviving the unimaginable. After being clinically dead for 1 hour and 17 minutes, she returned to life with clarity, conviction, and a renewed mission. Her account of visiting the "Council of 12" and her insights into the unseen spiritual world will leave you questioning the nature of consciousness, destiny, and what it means to truly be alive.Together, Luca and Zeina explore pressing themes of modern mental health: why so many people feel stuck, the invisible weight of narcissistic abuse, how childhood beliefs shape adult patterns, and the internal fear that stops us from owning our lives. They also debate the legitimacy of spiritual healing in the scientific age—citing pioneers like Bruce Lipton, Joe Dispenza, and Gregg Braden who are proving that energy, emotion, and biology are inextricably linked.Is healing mystical or methodical? Can alternative modalities like theta healing be more than just complementary to traditional therapy? What role do free will and destiny play in our journey? And how do we protect our energy in a chaotic world that rarely allows us to pause and reflect?This conversation is as practical as it is soulful, filled with real stories, surprising insights, and raw vulnerability. It challenges the cynical and comforts the curious—especially those quietly searching for meaning, wholeness, and peace.Whether you believe in God, the universe, or just the power of the mind, Zeina Abboud’s story is a living testament to human resilience, spiritual depth, and the radical possibility of change.This episode is a must-watch for anyone on a journey of self-discovery, trauma recovery, or conscious transformation. Let it be the nudge you need to reconnect with your purpose—and own the life you were always meant to live.We are -- Global first: Face-to-face interview with ChatGPT (avatar)- Apple Podcasts: Best So Far 2025 (Top 10)- Podeo: Best Trailer 2024 winner- YouTube: 162K+ subscribers • 2M+ total viewsRankings:UAE: #5 Society Culture • Top #16 Overall • #2 English SCLebanon: #2 Society Culture • Top #9 OverallSaudi Arabia: #19 Society Culture • Top #72 OverallEgypt: #16 Society Culture • Top #95 Overall

This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my fantastic marketing conversation with Moadh Bukhash, the former CMO of ENBD and the current CMO of Pure Health.  In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I took from my chat with Moadh. The first is where has the marketing magic gone? The absence of great advertising campaigns in 2025 vs the past is worrying as creativity, passion & inspiration seemingly have been replaced with data obsession and sticking to the safe and trusted approaches. The second insight is around the over-focus on short term results and how it plays into the hands of the CEO and CFO - at the expense of the CMO and long term business growth. Finally, why misunderstanding AI and its role in the marketing dynamic, offers an even bigger threat to removing creativity entirely from this industry.  In this unfiltered and improvised episode, I share my own personal insights and values that continue to shape who I am. Off my chest and off the cuff, welcome to Off Track.

What happens when one of the region’s top marketeers steps away from boardrooms to reveal the truths behind the industry? In this thought-provoking episode, Luca sits down with Moadh Bukhash—CMO of PureHealth, former CMO of Emirates NBD, and member of the renowned Bukhash family—to explore the art, struggle, and future of marketing.This isn’t just about ad campaigns. It’s a candid, often humorous masterclass in creativity, leadership, and legacy. Moadh reflects on his journey from Mubadala and Enoch to steering some of the UAE’s most powerful brands, while unpacking timeless questions: Does the agency make the client—or vice versa? How do you build trust in “utility” brands like banks and petrol stations? And why is the hardest job of any CMO not driving revenue, but transcending generations?They explore a shifting landscape—where AI can generate assets but not inspiration, where agencies must evolve beyond bloated overheads, and where authenticity is the only true differentiator. Along the way, Moadh shares personal insights on Arsenal fandom, growing up in a high-profile Emirati family alongside Anas Bukhash, and how culture, respect, and passion shape not only teams but entire industries.Can marketing still inspire in a world obsessed with data and short-term funnels? What role should purpose play? How do you protect creativity under cost pressure? Moadh opens up about resilience during the 2008 crash, lessons from Arsène Wenger, and why he prefers supporting his family story over chasing the spotlight. From safe words (“zebra”) to fainting classmates and ice-breaking family names, the conversation blends wisdom with warmth.Whether you’re a CMO, agency leader, brand strategist, or simply curious about how marketing really works—this is essential listening. Packed with real-world lessons and candid humor, Moadh’s journey reminds us that marketing is about respect, passion, and the power of storytelling across generations.