#365: Elie Khouri Reveals How He Landed Shark Tank Dubai, What It Means To Be An Entrepreneur & The One Skill You Need In Life To Succeed

This week’s guest is Elie Khouri, a Lebanese-French businessman, entrepreneur, art patron and media leader. Best known as the founder and chairman of Vivium, a Dubai-based single-family office. A driving force in the communications industry, he has served as chairman of Omnicom Media Group for the Middle East and North Africa since 2019, following a successful 13-year tenure as CEO. Beyond his corporate achievements, Khouri is widely recognized for his support of contemporary art and entrepreneurship and has gained further visibility as an investor on Shark Tank, where he backs innovative ideas and emerging businesses. Today, his focus is on growing his family office, generating long-term wealth and driving a transition toward alternative investing. In this episode, we explore Elie’s journey as an entrepreneur and investor, with his experience on Shark Tank Dubai and his approach to evaluating businesses. The discussion covers the skill of sales, the role of social media, and lessons from his time at Omnicom, as well as the challenges of leading across cultures, finding talent and the values shaped by his upbringing. Elie also shares perspectives on inspiration, mental health and AI as a growth enabler, before reflecting on building a family office, investing in start-ups and the qualities that define true entrepreneurship. Please welcome to the show, Elie Khouri.   1:26 – Elie on Shark Tank Dubai and evaluating the quality of businesses 9:15 – The role of social media in sales 12:00 – Elie on Omnicom 16:29 – The challenge of running a successful business across different cultures 23:24 – Elie’s inspiration 28:40 – The rise of mental health issues 32:45 – The role of AI as an enabler 38:51 Investing in start-ups (some hugely successful, others failures) 53:45 – What success means to Elie 1:01:01 – Failure as a driver of growth   Show Sponsors:   AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences. https://bit.ly/AYS-Developers     Socials:   Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en  https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/  https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV  https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/    Follow Elie Khouri on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliekhouri/

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Formerly the Unscripted Podcast with Spencer Lodge Join Spencer Lodge as he connects with the most fascinating personalities in Dubai. A city that rose from the desert sands to become one of the most ambitious, innovative and inspiring places on Earth. Behind its glittering skyline are people with stories just as extraordinary - pioneers, dreamers and doers who dared to turn bold visions into reality. Made in Dubai is where those stories are told. Hosted by Spencer Lodge, each episode is a front-row seat to conversations with the people shaping the UAE’s future — from business leaders and record-breakers to cultural icons and creative disruptors. But this isn’t just about their success. It’s about the journey - the risks they took, the challenges they faced and the moments that defined them. It’s about the unique magic of Dubai: a place where ambition meets opportunity, where cultures from around the world collide to create something truly special and where anything feels possible. Whether you’re an entrepreneur searching for your next big move, someone curious about life in the UAE or simply in need of inspiration, Made in Dubai is your invitation to step inside this vibrant city and meet the people who make it remarkable. If it was made in Dubai, you’ll hear it here.