Keep It Real With Khadija Podcast

Today we speak with Spencer Lodge. He is an Award-Winning Podcast Host & Business Strategist, and is among Top 100 Most Influential People in Dubai.After making waves in the international financial services and sales industries for over three decades, building some of the largest and most successful multicultural sales forces, and being honored with countless corporate awards, Spencer expanded his role to serve his passion for elevating businesses and peoples’ potential in an integrated way.His perseverance and unstoppable drive inspired him to create The Spencer Lodge Podcast – one of the most listened to podcasts in the region. In each episode, Spencer speaks with the world’s most influential people, experts and thinkers to discover untold truths, unlearned lessons and important insights, redefining the meaning of success and helping his audience lead a meaningful life.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE HOSTKeep it real with Khadija is an interview-based podcast hosted by Khadija Kalifa. As a BBC Apprentice finalist and busy Mumpreneur, Khadija is on a mission to build an empire whilst raising two children, inspiring others to make their passion their profession. Khadija speaks openly about how she grew up in an underprivileged area, turned her daughter's birth trauma into a motivational story, and became a BBC Apprentice finalist, successful business mentor, motivational speaker, property investor and podcast host. Guests of the show speak candidly about life, business, mental health, mindset and making the most of every opportunity. CONTACT METHODWww.keepitrealwithkhadija.comWww.facebook.com/keepitrealwithkhadijaEmail: keepitrealwithkhadija@gmail.com    / info@keepitrealwithkhadija.comKhadija Kalifa Instagram Khadija Kalifa TwitterThis show was brought to you by Progressive Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Khadija is keeping it real with Linda Plant, one of Lord Sugar's most trusted and respected colleagues, and a regular fixture on BBC's The Apprentice as part of the now infamous “Interview Week”Linda has joined the show to discuss the new business landscape and how business leaders can do their part to restore confidence.KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's crucial in today's climate for business leaders to provide reassurance and creativity, in order to help, inspire, and provide valuable resources for those in need of direction.Formal education has its place, but the real entrepreneurs are the ones who have taught themselves. Business acumen does not come from the page, but real experience.The smartest way of being in business is to keep the costs low and focus on the tangible benefits, instead of trying to look as though you're part of the wealthy set.No one should be counted out because of their age. On the contrary, the older generation have lived through recessions, hardships, success and invention,

Since finding fame as one of Lord Sugar's respected interviewers on The Apprentice, Linda Plant has gone on to create a specialised business success course, designed to empower anyone wishing to bring a new idea to market, and to provide guidance on how to successfully run a company.In this week's show, Linda discusses the beliefs that have led her to sharing her experience in this way, and how you can benefit from such an incredible and insightful course of guidance!KEY TAKEAWAYSVoices such as Linda's are an empowering way to engender trust back into the market, following the negative effects of the COVID lockdown. Businesses should not be scared, and need to be energised.Business education is only a part of what people need in order to succeed. There is a wealth of experience that comes from on-the-job business training that education simply cannot provide.Never feel that your time is over just because of your age. You have experience and knowledge that younger generations cannot hope to gain yet.The value

Stephen Kelly's incredible journey through business has seen him head up some of the world's most successful companies. As the ex-CEO of Sage, and Micro Focus International, Stephen has led some of the most powerful and influential businesses in history, and by doing so has changed the way we work and think.Stephen joins Khadija today to discuss his fascinating business career, his philosophies on leadership, and the new governmental roles that have seen him contribute to the many ways in which UK businesses are now able to compete on an international level.KEY TAKEAWAYSIf you feel that you are the natural fit for a role in any company, then nothing is stopping you from doing your research, and writing directly to the CEO of that business in order to let them know. Obey the voice in your head and don't be afraid to ask.Honesty and straightforwardness are often misconstrued as outspokenness and aggression. Never be afraid of a reputation, as they're often wrong.There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the wor

Despite placing as runner-up on the 2019 series of The Apprentice, Scarlett Allen-Horton's business acumen landed her a business deal with Lord Sugar, who acquired a huge stake in Scarlett's company, Harper Fox Global, a specialist recruitment firm dealing with executive-level talent.In this week's show, Scarlett joins Khadija to discuss her experiences on the show, the motivations and inspirations that keep her going, and what life has been like since leaving the show!KEY TAKEAWAYSIt's far more important to be true to yourself than pretend to be someone else. Even qualities we think of as negative can be seen as strengths and assets.It's important to consider our professional reputation, especially having taken part in something so high profile as The Apprentice. The image we project can play a part in people's opinions for years to come.The most successful of entrepreneurs, haven't necessarily achieved anything extraordinary to attain financial freedom. They've simply adopted the correct perspective on work

It's a very high energy show today as Khadija is joined by Alan Barratt, the founder of Grenade, the high-performance product line that has taken the world by storm!Alan discusses his incredible rise to the top, the determination that turned Grenade bars into the number one-selling chocolate bar in the UK, and how Alan balances his success with his personal life.It's an incredible conversation about a story we've all played a part in!KEY TAKEAWAYSAt the outset of the journey, times were tough. By fixing their view on the future they wanted, Alan and his wife worked relentlessly, their labours ultimately paying off when they turned £500 into a multi-million pound brand.Grenade products were never meant to replace a complete diet. They act as a supplement, as a form of diet suppressant, and can impel us to drink more fluids.As a business grows, it becomes less about the hustle and more about balancing. The lockdown has forced Grenade back into start-up phase, and the thrill of the hustle is very exciting.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, anxiety can unexpectedly strike down even the strongest of us. The risk of this is even greater due to the current crisis in the world.In this week's show, Khadija candidly discusses her approach to tackling anxiety, the mental health challenges she faces each day, and the invaluable effects of kindness in today's world.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe first step in dealing with any mental health issues is always to share. Sometimes even the act of vocalising the issue causes it to dilute.You are the best judge of your mental capacity. If the world of social media is causing your anxiety to grow, make sure you streamline it to suit your own happiness.Never feel as though you are the only one with negative feelings. Anxiety and depression are far more common than people realise. Be kind. Be supportive. By increasing the positivity in the world we can turn the tide of negativity together. BEST MOMENTS'The worst thing we can do in the world is pretend we're all okay'

This week, Khadija goes from “Keeping It Real” to Keeping It Real Housewives Of Cheshire, as she chats to TV star and serial mumpreneur, Leanne Brown. Khadija and Leanne talk about the challenges of quarantine and how she's keeping her family safe, the spark of interest that's caused Leanne to want to know more about the world, troubling labels such as “WAG", and the positive ways in which Leanne is using her profile to aid constructive projects and causes.  KEY TAKEAWAYSCOVID-19 has demonstrated to everyone that there are blessings to be found all around in life. From the luxury of a garden to food on the table, we need to keep happiness alive by appreciating the gifts we have.The onset of the Coronavirus has sparked a newfound awareness for many people, in the many endeavours being made to help, and sometimes hinder, the fight against infectious diseases around the world.We are capable of controlling our physiology using mind-set. It takes strength and will, but we can affect the

This week, Khadija keeps it real with the winner of BBC's The Apprentice 2019, Carina Lepore!Carina discusses how it feels to be Lord Sugar's new business partner, how she's teaching her family about the value of hard work, and the burning desire for success that drives her onwards and upwards.KEY TAKEAWAYSSometimes experiences such as The Apprentice, or other business opportunities, can allow us to see our plans from a different perspective, and cause us to completely realign our goals.Children should be instilled with the knowledge that hard work is the only way to success. The window of opportunity is small, so we need to make sure we catch it before it's too late.Every entrepreneur needs a why, but it needs to be a much deeper-rooted reason than simply money.The greatest lesson learned is to be yourself. It's impossible to comprehend the disappointment you would feel if you went through life trying to be something you're not.BEST MOMENTS‘I went in there with the intention of winning. 100%!' ‘I

For the past 25 years, Andrew Bloch has managed the public relations of not just VIPs and celebrities such as Lord Alan Sugar, but also on behalf of brands such as Coca-Cola and Volkswagen.Andrew talks about the proven public relation formula that has led him to worldwide success, the continuous role of marketing and PR in the face of a worldwide disruption, and the delicate balance between celebrity and ingenuity that, if handled correctly, can lead to lasting success.KEY TAKEAWAYSTimes like these serve to remind us of our strengths, and of the incredible efforts of teams we have built and developed. Those among our teams who adapt and rise to the challenge are an inspiration to us all.Those seeking to ignite any newfound fame are wise to use the platform they've been given in order to fulfil their true potential. If they wish to become a businessperson, then act that way. Focus on the business and use the fame to elevate it.Sometimes it's not about having the largest following. It's about having the right f

‘It's sh#t right now but it's not going to be sh#t forever, use the time positively'Khadija is with the Disrupters in the Disruptive Entrepreneur Facebook group sharing live as she gets on a positive rant about what's happening in the world. She looks at what you can do to make positive use of the time and reflects on the ways you can prepare and be proactive.This is a great listen, Khadija's positivity and advice in this episode is refreshing and there is something for everyone. You must listen to this, tune in now!KEY TAKEAWAYSThis is not the end for business it's a great time self-reflection.When you start a business, you don't know if your business will work.It's the risk you take when you start any business.Use this time to proactively review your business plans, strategies and property portfolio.This is time to look at your business and education and work out what you need to do better and differently.Use this 4 to 12 weeks effectively – do all the things you've been too busy to do before.Yo

In todays episode, Khadija is interviewed by Alex Sapala of The Business, Wealth & Mindset Podcast!They discuss Khadija's entrepreneurial journey and how she got started with a cleaning business that she grew to a 6 figure business before taking part in The Apprentice. KEY TAKEAWAYSI googled  the cheapest business to start, got some supplies and went out and got startedI grew it into a successful 6 figure businessEvery entrepreneur needs a really good reason ‘why' you have to want to do it.Everyone has something within them that they can use to drive them forwards.There are some many different things you can do.You have to make things happen and other companies doing the same thing is not a reason to not do it.If they can do it you can do it.It's about having the right mindset and making use of opportunities.You have to accept that things will go wrong and being resilient is key for any entrepreneur.The apprentice was the best thing I've ever doneWhen I went on the show my business was at

Khadija is joined by the winner of The Apprentice 2018, Sian Gabbidon, and Camilla Ainsworth, the runner-up from the same year, for an informal chat about life in the house, life after the house, the friendships they forged during their time on the show, and the all-important question of who they would save if the house was on fire…KEY TAKEAWAYSWherever Sian travels, it always seems to be work. That's an upside and downside of working in the industry she has chosen.The taxi rides during The Apprentice were always a chance for Khadija, Sian and Camilla to exercise their very impressive vocal talents.The Apprentice 2018 contestants seem to have bonded more than any other year. Even today, they regularly get together, and have remained great friends.When asked to describe herself, Sian chose “Northern” as her adjective. “Creative” are the alternative terms.BEST MOMENTS‘I don't really like to clap myself' ‘Hot is good. Thot is not good' ‘You two were never involved

In today's episode, your host Khadija features on Fire in The Belly (with Pete Lonton!)Pete and Khadija talk about the importance of self-development, the axiom that causes her to seize each day, the importance of optimism, and her empowering definition of what it means to have “fire in the belly”.KEY TAKEAWAYSFor Khadija, the want and need for more to life, is the fuel that keeps her growing and moving on. All good entrepreneurs have an unquenchable desire to keep succeeding.You only have one life. If you are presented with opportunities, then you need to try to make the best of them. Count your blessings and realise that you're not here forever. Seize the day.Success in her youth had a converse effect on Khadija. Even though she worked hard and achieved much, she was often looked down upon because of her age. it's a common, and somewhat unfortunate occurrence. People often mistake optimism with naivety. But the ability to see past the negative, to look for the positive in all things, is a r

Sometimes life can come at you so fast, that you don't realise that you've suddenly become an adult. With two children (and one on the way), properties, and several businesses to take care of, life has suddenly crept up on Khadija. But what to do when this sense of overwhelm suddenly hits you?In her unique, humorous and relatable way, Khadija talks about going from carefree to responsible; from happy-go-lucky to high-level-accountable, and all the small things about the process that drive her mad.You've never heard Khadija keep it as real as this before! Buckle up, adults...KEY TAKEAWAYSThe transition from carefree-life to responsible-adult arrives without you knowing it. One minute you're planning where to meet your friends for brunch on a Saturday, the next you find yourself acting as referee to your children and trying to keep the dog exercised!You have to be a “grown up”, even if you're feeling sick and unhappy. It's even worse when you're pregnant, and you have so much to deal with.Kids grow

After her sister's podcast debut some months ago, Khadija's five year-old daughter, Sorayah, has decided that now's the time to step up to the mic herself!Ladies and gentlemen, meet Sorayah, who's here to tell you all about her favourite subjects at school, grills Khadija on ice-cream flavours, her career plans, tells you why the banana went to the doctor's, and reveals her favourite candidates on The Apprentice...There's even time for a special musical guest...KEY TAKEAWAYSMaths is Sorayah's favourite subject, and from the tests given to her by Khadija, it's clear to see why.After much consideration, Sorayah chose to ask her mother about her favourite flavour of ice-cream… (clue: it's a very vanilla answer…)When she grows up, Sorayah wants to be a doctor. If that falls through, she'll be a vet.Sorayah's favourite singer is Ed Sheeran. Her favourite movie is The Greatest Showman.Why did the banana go to the doctor's? And why did the horse cross the road?lIf Sorayah could be any animal, she'd be

One of the best ways to consume content nowadays is through podcasts. Not only does it save time, but it also helps you grasp ideas easier since you hear the emotions in the conversations. In this collaborative episode, Catherine is joined by the Keep It Real with Khadija Podcast host, who is none other than Khadija, to talk about the world of podcasting – from pre-planning to producing to publishing. They talk about how to scout guests, how to select the best VA, why people choose podcasts over radio, how to make a business thrive, and many more. There is also some unwritten podcasting etiquettes between podcasters which you might need to know. Then after the insightful discussion, Catherine plays Khadija's Yes or No game at the end so listen in! KEY TAKEAWAYS As podcasters, where do Khadija and Catherine get their awesome guests?  Khadija, for one, used the VIVA Club (link below) to find the m

Since May of 2019, Khadija has been acting as mentor to Sarah Downs, the co-founder of Doqaru, a business consultancy based in Aberdeen, which focusses on the energy sector. The relationship between them both has flourished through their connection, as both are busy parents, as well as busy in business.In this special episode, Khadija and Sarah talk about how they met, why it works so well between them, the pressures of parenting in business, and the lessons they've both learned from each other along the way.KEY TAKEAWAYSKhadija and Sarah have hit it off completely, partly because they're both mums, but also because they both know what life can be like from a parent's point of view in business, and so have been flexible with each other.Both Khadija and Sarah have found that they have added and gained more value from their online connections when they've connected offline, also. There are only so many things you can sell to an online-only connection.When it comes to The Apprentice, Sarah has no plans to appear

Greggs promised their staff  7 million in bonuses thanks to the success of their vegan sausage rolls and in this episode Khadija reflects on the importance of employee bonuses and incentives, sharing some great examples from her own experience as both an employee and successful business owner.There are lots of things that employees consider important when working, in any sized company, and being recognised for the work they do and being part of the team are key aspects that are important to them and there are ways for employers to recognise the part employees play in the journey to success.Employee benefits are a great way to celebrate the role employees play and provide benefits that make sure they feel valued. Listen in and hear how Khadija successfully achieved this in her business. KEY TAKEAWAYSI first knew about employee benefit schemes when working at a large corporate – they had staff bonuses in the form of Christmas meals and incentive bonuses linked to sales.I also worked for Financia