Episode 9 - Sean McHugh on the Borderless Digital Economy

Tribe’s Gary Blowers & Sebastian Agren on Real Estate Tokenization, Ownership, and Regulation

In this episode of The Next, host Ahmed Ismail sits down with Gary Blowers, CEO of Tribe, and Sebastian Agren, COO, to break down how real estate tokenization actually works in practice, beyond the hype. Breaking down the concept of how property ownership can be digitized and fractionalized *LEGALLY*, who manages these tokenized properties, how rental income is distributed, and why regulation is a critical trust layer when dealing with real-world assets. From VARA compliance and custody models to tenant rights, secondary markets, and long-term liquidity, this conversation explores how Tribe is building a fully regulated, transparent framework for real estate investing in the UAE. This episode sits at the intersection of blockchain, regulation, and real estate, and what it really means to invest in tokenized property legally and securely.

Episode 9 - Sean McHugh on the Borderless Digital Economy

In this episode of The Next, host Ahmed Ismail sits down with Sean McHugh, Head of Assurance at VARA (Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), to unpack what it really takes to build a trusted regulatory framework in the fast-moving world of crypto, Web3, and digital assets. LISTEN IN TO: * ⁠How the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in responsible innovation * ⁠⁠Why regulation should be seen as a competitive advantage: not a constraint * How cross-border collaboration is reshaping the future of finance, compliance, and consumer protection. TL;DR: How global regulation is adapting to decentralized tech (quite a paradox!) Tune in on one of the world’s most progressive digital asset regulators - VARA.

Episode 8 – Marc Massad on Longevity, Biohacking, and Building a High-Performance Life

In this episode of The Next, host Ahmed Ismail sits down with Marc Massad, former pro athlete and founder of Sportsify+, to explore how biohacking, mindset, and going “back to basics” are reshaping modern wellness. Marc shares how elite performers (from athletes to executives) can extend their healthspan through personalized routines, gut health, fasting, and discipline. From the science of stress and cold plunges to the noise of influencer health trends, they unpack what really works: and why every DECISION starts with understanding your own body. If you’re curious about longevity, performance, and how to future-proof your health in a high-pressure world, this episode is an essential.

Episode 7 – Jehanzeb Awan on Governance, Growth, and the Changing Face of Finance

In this episode of The Next, host Ahmed Ismail sits down with Jehanzeb Awan, founder of J. Awan & Partners, to explore the intersection of finance, governance, and public policy in the UAE. From navigating regulatory pressures in a fast-moving region to the disconnect between government spending and public infrastructure, Jehanzeb offers a candid perspective on how things really work behind the scenes, and what needs to change. The conversation also touches on family offices, ESG greenwashing, the rise of AI in compliance, and why soft power is shaping global financial influence. If you want to understand how regulation, reputation, and real impact collide in the world of finance, this episode is essential listening.

Episode 6 – Oscar Winning Producer Phil McKenzie on the Future of Film, Funding, and Web3

In this episode of The Next, host Ahmed Ismail sits down with Phil McKenzie - Co-Founder of Myco, Goldfinch, and First Flights - to explore how technology is reshaping the entertainment and media landscape, from film financing to global distribution. Phil breaks down why traditional film and TV funding remains opaque and siloed, how blockchain and tokenization can solve long-standing problems around transparency and payments, and why studios only adopt new tools when they create real revenue and efficiency. He also shares insights from building creative ecosystems across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, and why emerging markets are becoming the center of gravity for media innovation. If you want to understand how Web3, AI, and new financial models are transforming content creation and the business behind it, this episode is a must-watch.