In this episode of the Creator Sessions, We sat down with Ghadeer Khub from the Creative & Production Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi — filmed inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum .From 14 internships to leading award-winning campaigns, Ghadeer’s journey is anything but conventional. In this episode, she shares her rise through Australia’s agency scene, her philosophy on data-led destination storytelling, and how her team is reshaping how the world sees Ab...
Jul 07, 2025•25 min
Fresh off the stage at the Web Summit in Qatar, we welcomed Code and Theory’s CEO and Co-Founder Dan Gardner and Chief Strategy Officer Brent Buntin to our office in Dubai — their first visit since we joined the network! In this live-recorded town hall session, Dan and Brent sat down with Tom, Matthew, and Dia to share their vision for the future: from the evolving role of AI in creativity, to what this acquisition means for both Code and Theory and Create. Tune in for insights on innovation, cu...
May 06, 2025•50 min
In this very special episode of the Creator sessions, the partners sit down together to discuss the big announcement revealed last week, that Create. has officially been acquired by Stagwell’s Code and Theory Network. This game changing acquisition didn’t happen overnight. For over 15 years, this team has worked to build this agency up to where it is today. Listen in as Tom, Dia and Matthew detail the process and the lead up, and reflect on their past and the path that lead them all here, and wh...
Jan 07, 2025•37 min
In the latest episode of The Creator Sessions , we sit down with Her Excellency Nouf Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of the Strategic Marketing and Communications Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi . Join us as she shares her passion for showcasing Abu Dhabi to the world and the city's remarkable transformation, driven by its people, culture, and leadership. From her personal experiences growing up to the strategic vision that has shaped the capital, Nouf also opens up ab...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of the Creator Sessions, we sit down with Mariam Solika, the Gen Z communications powerhouse behind COP28 UAE and Founder of THE GOOD NEWS, a platform dedicated to spreading positivity across the Arab world. Join Tala as she dives into Mariam's insights on sustainability, her inspiring career journey, and how she's using social media to drive positive change. Here's how the next generation is shaping the future of climate action and beyond! 🌱💬
Sep 12, 2024•33 min
Listen in to what Ant Middleton, adventurer, author, TV star, host, and all-around inspiration, shared with us when he stopped by our offices to talk to Tom & Dia on The Creator Sessions. From riveting stories about his dicey climb on Mount Everest to powerful advice on building resilience, the conversation was as exciting as it was inspiring.
Aug 26, 2024•59 min
Tom & Dia sat down with our new Executive Creative Director, the one and only Kim Jerbo, to talk about his diverse and exciting career trajectory, his approach to the creative process and the dynamics of client-agency relationships across different markets.
Mar 05, 2024•50 min
Tom & Dia had an inspiring conversation on creativity and the new era of digital marketing with Moadh Bukhash, Chief Marketing Officer of Emirates NBD. From his unexpected career journey to sharing insights on the evolving marketing landscape, this episode is a must-listen for all creatives and industry enthusiasts.
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Majed Al Mansoori, Deputy Executive Director of the Museum of The Future, joined us for a chat about his career growth for the latest episode of Creator Sessions. From youth delegate to engineer to creative marketer and then climbing the ranks at MOTF from Project Manager, Majed has accomplished a lot in just 13 years.
Jan 10, 2024•44 min
Welcome to Episode 2 of Create Echo, the mini podcast that’s on its way to becoming your go-to source for anything company, community and industry-related. In this episode, Kate gives us updates about TikTok's Creator Programme, some new developments over at X (formerly Twitter), and more.
Dec 11, 2023•3 min
Meet marketing maven Katie Golding, Chief Marketing Officer of the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG). We had a blast chatting with her on the podcast about everything from her passion for trail running, women’s empowerment in the region, and many anecdotes from her illustrious career.
Oct 17, 2023•34 min
Introducing: Create Echo 📢 This bi-weekly mini-podcast is your new go-to scoop on all things Create (plus the latest in tech, innovation and much more to keep you in the know)! In this episode, Tala gives us updates about the latest Whatsapp features, some special Emirati Women's Day Episodes of the Creator Sessions, and some developments over at Create.
Oct 05, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1
In the final Emirati Women’s Day episode, Tala invited artist and illustrator Aysha Al Hamrani to the podcast. You may know her as @mnawrah online, and her charming illustrations have been featured in everything from cosmetic campaigns to children’s books. They spoke about Emirati culture, Aysha’s highly self-reflective journey as an artist from the days of yore on Flickr & MySpace, and where she is today as a pioneer in her domain. Find her on Instagram: @mnawrah Fellow artist and friend Ma...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min
In the second episode of our special Emirati Women’s Day series, Tala had a fascinating conversation with Aida Al Busaidy—a woman who’s worn many hats (or should we say sheilas?) in her career. Aida’s impressive journey through the marketing and communications sphere has spanned close to 2 decades and has taken her from journalist to TV presenter to managing campaigns against 30 markets in consumer marketing, featuring everyone from key opinion and community leaders to celebrities. She’s not onl...
Aug 28, 2023•56 min
It’s Emirati Women’s Day and this is episode 1 from our three-episode series to celebrate this special day. Here, Tala Mukaddam sat down with Mariam Al Meraikhi, the Communications and Media Consultant for the UAE Year Of team, for a chat about Year of Sustainability, COP28 and Mariam’s own journey in her life and career. Mariam has many titles to her name outside of Consultant, including CEO and co-founder of Astrocloud Studios, National Experts Program Fellow, and UAE 51 National Day committee...
Aug 28, 2023•50 min
In this episode of the Creator Sessions, Tom & Dia visit Coca-Cola Arena with General Manager, Mark Jan Kar, in the 17,000-capacity venue to talk about everything from absurd rider requests from artists to how the live entertainment landscape has evolved and changed leading up to the establishment of the impressive arena. About Mark: Mark Jan Kar is the General Manager at Coca-Cola Arena, spearheading the team in bringing some of the biggest acts and live performances from across the world t...
Aug 11, 2023•39 min
For this episode, we were joined by Richard FitzGerald , CEO & Founder of Augusts Media. He’s the man behind all your favourite Lovin’ platforms! 😍 Tune in to hear all about the struggles and wins of rapid growth, how to succeed in the content creation industry and a lot more.
May 19, 2023•39 min
We got three of our production superstars—Dia Hassan, Shona Royston and John Hassan—together for a chat about the rise of new tech in production. They spoke about the potential and challenges around AI, VR and AR, and the best tools you need in your production tool belt. Tune in and keep an ear out for our next episode!
Apr 19, 2023•26 min
We gathered some of our performance, strategy and social experts for a fun chat about what’s coming up in their fields. Is influencer marketing the way forward? Are dedicated content creators the key to personalising brands? And how can we all stay on-trend when things keep shifting so rapidly? What did you think? Message us on IG (@creategroup.me) for a chat!
Apr 07, 2023•31 min
Ever wonder how AI will shape the creative process over the next few years? Earlier this month, we let AI behind the wheel of our social channels in a week long experiment, every visual posted, every word you read—it was all AI. So we invited a few of the creative minds behind the project to talk us through the process and share their thoughts on how AI is already having an impact on the industry. Tune in to hear how it went.
Nov 30, 2022•56 min
How is the metaverse changing how we communicate with our audiences? How can brands add value in this space? Tune in to our latest episode with the founders of illusorr.com , the world’s first meta-architecture and technology company. We chat about creating cross-platform, virtual brand experiences, what the metaverse means for the #tourism industry, and how it can impact the future. What did you think? Message us on IG (@creategroup.me) for a chat!...
Nov 03, 2022•50 min
We sat down with Trevor McFarlane, founder of Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research (EMIR), to record a new episode of the #creatorsessions podcast. Trevor brings his wealth of knowledge, regional understanding, and mind-blowing insights to this episode. We discussed: the origin story of EMIR the global economic environment driving factors of positive economic growth in the GCC challenges and opportunities for business leaders in the market About EMIR: Emerging Markets Intelligence and Re...
Oct 12, 2022•1 hr
Tune in with our incredible guest Manal Rostom, the founder of Surviving Hijab, the first Egyptian woman to summit Everest, and a prominent marathoner and mountaineer who has achieved many firsts for Arab women. In this episode, Manal shares the most honest and raw experience of her summit - the overwhelming anxiety, discrimination, and imposter syndrome (as well as the beautiful moments and the incredible support of her community and guide). Find out what got her though as she pushed to the top...
Sep 05, 2022•1 hr 11 min
Look who joined us in the studio, it's our special guest, client, and friend, Anja Petrovski, PR & Marketing Director of VW Middle East. Anja joined us on the podcast to share valuable experiences and her approach to: Personal growth Leadership & Mentors Empathy and Trust Workplace Culture Agency/Client Relationship We hope you enjoy the full conversation. More about Anja: Anja has built a reputation, and a strong following, for authentically championing empathetic leadership, personal g...
Aug 01, 2022•37 min
We know how to pick 'em! Tune in with our very special guest, award-winning entrepreneur and culture evangelist, Lucy d'Abo to learn more about how Lucy and her team at Together are helping companies across the region to shape their culture and move forward in this new normal that we are all navigating since the start of the pandemic. We discuss and share experiences around: - Leadership and building a business, going through a sale and starting again - we love hearing about those aha moments th...
Apr 15, 2022•54 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Welcome back to the podcast with a very special guest, Futures Strategist, bestselling author and one of our favourite people to chat to about mind-blowing 🤯 ideas, it's John Sanei . Tune in with our hosts Tom , Dia & John as they discuss: The psychology for the future: Understand the neuroscience needed to shift your mindset Learn how and why we need to move from complicated to complex and the imagination of new How best to seek discomfort to inspire growth - Victory conditions! We hope yo...
Apr 04, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 1
He's the UAE's first pitmaster and one of our favourite people to talk to, it's Hattem Mattar ! We had an awesome time catching up with Hattem in this episode, tune in for some good laughs and inspiration as Hattem shares more about his story and how he's built such a beloved and authentic brand, centered around community, friendship and family while cooking a BBQ in his backyard. Hattem shares the important life lessons and work ethic that have helped him embody his personal brand - and that's ...
Nov 17, 2021•38 min
Tune in with us as we sit down with Victor Dalmau , Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East , in this episode Tom & Dia ask questions about the adoption of Electric Vehicles in the region and the direction that the automobile industry is moving in, how organisations can lead the way and take responsibility for the impact on our planet. Swapping stories in growth & leadership along the way. 🚀...
Oct 06, 2021•39 min
Tom and Dia discuss the biases that hinder effective decision making and why identifying them within ourselves is key to sustainable growth, both personally and professionally.
Sep 29, 2021•26 min
It’s always a good chat when Tom & Dia get together and start talking about mindset, building resilience, setting goals, and finding support structures as they both embark on some exciting/ difficult / maybe crazy challenges in the months ahead. If you’re interested in personal development, performance & growth in general, this one is for you! 🤓
Sep 07, 2021•30 min
