Is crypto actually real, or just "fugazi"? Dubai technology lawyer Andal Seshadri (Legal Counsel, 10 Leaves) breaks down how virtual assets really work: why fiat currency isn't as stable as we think, the anonymity problem and the Travel Rule, whether crypto can help the unbanked, the private-key scams catching people out, how Dubai's regulator VARA licenses crypto companies, and why AED 2,000 slices of tokenized Dubai property sold out in 3–4 minutes, "almost like Coldplay concert tickets."Host Abubakr Sajith goes in a skeptic. Andal doesn't try to convert him. She explains how the rules actually work.⚠️ Andal speaks from a legal perspective. Nothing in this episode is financial advice.📖 Read the newsletter: [SUBSTACK LINK]🎧 Listen on Spotify: [SPOTIFY LINK]CHAPTERS00:00 Trailer00:42 Meet Andal Seshadri01:27 From law school to crypto law03:42 Is crypto even real?07:35 Crypto vs. cash: which is more stable?09:46 The anonymity problem: KYC and the Travel Rule12:29 Why blockchain if SWIFT already works?15:36 Crypto for the unbanked18:51 Who needs crypto education? Hot wallets, private keys and scams22:46 Tokenizing Dubai real estate: VARA, title deeds and AED 2,000 shares24:24 So… should you invest?26:08 CreditsGUESTAndal Seshadri, Legal Counsel at 10 Leaves. Technology lawyer specialising in virtual assets, based in Dubai.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andalseshadri/HOSTAbubakr Sajith, Host/Producer, The Dollar DiariesKEYWORDScrypto, cryptocurrency, is crypto real, crypto regulation, VARA, VARA Dubai, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, virtual assets law, crypto lawyer Dubai, Dubai crypto, UAE crypto regulation, fiat currency, Travel Rule, KYC, enhanced due diligence, anti money laundering, SWIFT vs blockchain, crypto for the unbanked, financial inclusion, hot wallet vs hard wallet, private keys, crypto scams, Telegram scams, tokenization, tokenized real estate, fractional property Dubai, Dubai Land Department, title deed tokenization, PRYPCO, PRYPCO Blocks, Ctrl Alt, regulatory sandbox, tokenomics, meme coins, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, personal finance, The Dollar Diaries podcast#crypto #Dubai #VARA #tokenization #personalfinance #TheDollarDiariesB-ROLL (stock footage, Pexels licence: free to use; credit appreciated)Pexels: https://www.pexels.com- Business meeting: https://www.pexels.com/video/people-in-a-business-meeting-discussing-about-data-and-charts-on-the-table-3246669/- Dubai skyline: https://www.pexels.com/video/skyscrapers-on-shore-in-dubai-10567969/- Contactless payment: https://www.pexels.com/video/smartphone-shopping-supermarket-terminal-4121750/- Banknotes: https://www.pexels.com/video/close-up-video-of-a-money-3977228/- Supermarket: https://www.pexels.com/video/pov-shopping-in-a-busy-supermarket-35226314/- Card payment: https://www.pexels.com/video/a-man-paying-with-credit-card-6683942/- Crypto market charts: https://www.pexels.com/video/dynamic-cryptocurrency-market-analysis-37978559/- World map & passport: https://www.pexels.com/video/close-up-shot-of-a-world-map-with-passport-on-top-7009788/- Online banking: https://www.pexels.com/video/man-typing-his-bank-card-details-6613675/- Passport: https://www.pexels.com/video/close-up-video-of-a-hand-holding-a-passport-7010548/- Wall Street: https://www.pexels.com/video/finance-nyse-wall-street-new-york-city-4319342/- Village from above: https://www.pexels.com/video/drone-footage-of-village-houses-5488116/- Hacker at a laptop: https://www.pexels.com/video/hacker-typing-on-laptop-in-dark-room-39191965/- Blockchain on a laptop: https://www.pexels.com/video/a-footage-of-a-blockchain-on-a-screen-of-a-laptop-9588294/- Founders meeting: https://www.pexels.com/video/men-talking-while-holding-a-pen-7414172/- Dubai towers: https://www.pexels.com/video/low-angle-view-of-address-sky-view-in-dubai-7168645/- Concert crowd: https://www.pexels.com/video/concert-crowd-with-red-stage-lighting-39204687/- Real estate agent: https://www.pexels.com/video/real-estate-agent-explaining-to-his-clients-8814712/- Network cables: https://www.pexels.com/video/blue-colored-cables-1085656/- Reading charts: https://www.pexels.com/video/a-woman-reading-the-graph-in-the-office-7580273/Maps © OpenStreetMap contributors (openstreetmap.org/copyright).Music: The Dollar Diaries theme (#0002).

In this episode of The Dollar Diaries, we sit down with Jodi Thompson, the Group Head of Recruitment at White Co Real Estate. With a background in HR and a relentless attitude towards achieving her goals, Jodi shares her fascinating journey of moving to Dubai nine years ago on a whim and thriving in the real estate industry ever since. Her story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges head-on.During the insightful conversation, Jodi delves into the intricacies of recruitment in the real estate sector, shedding light on the qualities that make a successful sales agent and how to identify the right fit for a company like White Co. She also shares valuable advice on the importance of perseverance, mindset, and adapting to new environments, drawing from her personal experiences of overcoming homesickness and cultural shocks when she first moved to Dubai. Jodi's story serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating career transitions and seeking to excel in a competitive industry.Join us in this episode of The Dollar Diaries to discover how Jodi's unwavering determination and positive mindset propelled her towards success in a new country and a challenging industry. Learn valuable insights on recruitment strategies, personal growth, and the power of embracing change with open arms. Whether you're considering a career shift or simply seeking motivation to pursue your goals relentlessly, Jodi's story will leave you inspired and empowered to take on new opportunities with confidence and resilience.Meet the Team:A dynamic mix of personalities and expertise, each bringing unique energy to the table. Abubakr Sajith, the unofficial leader (even if he didn’t ask for it), keeps things running smoothly with his finance, IT, and entrepreneurial background. Gazala Parkar, the PR pro, is the team’s caring yet no-nonsense mother figure, while Guhaesh Subramanian, the ever-networking master's student, plays the carefree uncle. Anas Memon is the resident numbers guy deep in finance, MA, and private equity. At the same time, Aditya Poddar, with his love-hate relationship with his 9-to-5, embraces his role as the team’s laid-back producer. Eiman Ansari, the cybersecurity expert, provides comedic relief when she shows up alongside Liz Ann D’Souza, the creative force with a film and content creation background. And then there’s Zainab Netterwala, the IT and computer science whiz, who takes on the role of the little sister in this eclectic, ever-evolving crew.Connect with Us! 🌐X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/dollar_diariesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollardiariespodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedollardiariespodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedollardiaries📬 Join Our Community!Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://thedollardiaries.media/Join the SPEND LESS Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FG67aEgWQa5IP1W1ue5J8sJoin us weekly as we explore how to make, manage, and multiply your money! 🎧💵 Let's make those dirhams dance! 💃🕺00:00:00 - Intro00:01:40 - Role in Recruitment at White and Company00:07:42 - Qualifications vs. Performance00:10:51 - Business Model and Commission Structure00:16:40 - Importance of Closing Deals00:17:40 - Sales Approach00:21:11 - Active Deal Closing00:30:15 - Conclusion and Thank You

Join Muhammad Shayan, Founder/Partner at Milkshake Studios, on an insightful journey through the world of storytelling and branding. Discover how Shayan's passion for creativity and meaningful narratives led him to establish Milkshake Studios at a young age, driven by a vision to create impactful content that resonates with audiences on a deep level.In this engaging podcast episode, Shayan delves into the importance of authenticity and specialization in the competitive landscape of media and production. By sharing personal anecdotes and experiences, he emphasizes the value of storytelling as a powerful tool to connect with audiences and evoke emotions. Shayan's commitment to quality and trust in his team shines through as he navigates the challenges of scaling a creative business while staying true to his core values.Experience the magic of storytelling and branding by exploring Milkshake Studios' unique approach to content creation. From captivating narratives to thought-provoking campaigns, Shayan's dedication to delivering impactful stories sets Milkshake Studios apart in the realm of media production. Join the journey of creativity and authenticity with Milkshake Studios, where every flavor of storytelling promises a fresh and unforgettable experience.Meet the Team:A dynamic mix of personalities and expertise, each bringing unique energy to the table. Abubakr Sajith, the unofficial leader (even if he didn’t ask for it), keeps things running smoothly with his finance, IT, and entrepreneurial background. Gazala Parkar, the PR pro, is the team’s caring yet no-nonsense mother figure, while Guhaesh Subramanian, the ever-networking master's student, plays the carefree uncle. Anas Memon is the resident numbers guy deep in finance, M&A, and private equity. At the same time, Aditya Poddar, with his love-hate relationship with his 9-to-5, embraces his role as the team’s laid-back producer. Eiman Ansari, the cybersecurity expert, provides comedic relief when she shows up alongside Liz Ann D’Souza, the creative force with a film and content creation background. And then there’s Zainab Netterwala, the IT and computer science whiz, who takes on the role of the little sister in this eclectic, ever-evolving crew.Connect with Us! 🌐X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/dollar_diariesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollardiariespodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedollardiariespodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedollardiaries📬 Join Our Community!Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://thedollardiaries.media/Join the SPEND LESS Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FG67aEgWQa5IP1W1ue5J8sJoin us weekly as we explore how to make, manage, and multiply your money! 🎧💵 Let's make those dirhams dance! 💃🕺00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:36 - Inspiration behind creating a production house00:11:17 - Personal connection to storytelling00:16:44 - Importance of quality in production00:26:40 - Sustainability in project work00:28:26 - Learning from client experiences00:31:06 - Different branches under a taxi company00:35:54 - Impact of surrounding influences00:40:57 - Personal growth and learning over the years00:48:12 - Balancing corporate and personal storytelling