logo
episode-header-image
Oct 3
1h 33m

The Dark Side of Marketing: Budgets, Pro...

Luca Allam
About this episode

What happens when one of the region’s top marketeers steps away from boardrooms to reveal the truths behind the industry? In this thought-provoking episode, Luca sits down with Moadh Bukhash—CMO of PureHealth, former CMO of Emirates NBD, and member of the renowned Bukhash family—to explore the art, struggle, and future of marketing.

This isn’t just about ad campaigns. It’s a candid, often humorous masterclass in creativity, leadership, and legacy. Moadh reflects on his journey from Mubadala and Enoch to steering some of the UAE’s most powerful brands, while unpacking timeless questions: Does the agency make the client—or vice versa? How do you build trust in “utility” brands like banks and petrol stations? And why is the hardest job of any CMO not driving revenue, but transcending generations?

They explore a shifting landscape—where AI can generate assets but not inspiration, where agencies must evolve beyond bloated overheads, and where authenticity is the only true differentiator. Along the way, Moadh shares personal insights on Arsenal fandom, growing up in a high-profile Emirati family alongside Anas Bukhash, and how culture, respect, and passion shape not only teams but entire industries.

Can marketing still inspire in a world obsessed with data and short-term funnels? What role should purpose play? How do you protect creativity under cost pressure? Moadh opens up about resilience during the 2008 crash, lessons from Arsène Wenger, and why he prefers supporting his family story over chasing the spotlight. From safe words (“zebra”) to fainting classmates and ice-breaking family names, the conversation blends wisdom with warmth.

Whether you’re a CMO, agency leader, brand strategist, or simply curious about how marketing really works—this is essential listening. Packed with real-world lessons and candid humor, Moadh’s journey reminds us that marketing is about respect, passion, and the power of storytelling across generations.

Up next
Oct 7
Off Track: Where Did The Marketing Magic Go?
This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my fantastic marketing conversation with Moadh Bukhash, the former CMO of ENBD and the current CMO of Pure Health. In this improvised Off Track episode, I focus on 3 insights that I ... Show More
15m 41s
Sep 30
Off Track: Leadership Beyond Gender, Bias, And Titles
This is a special bonus episode of Luca’s Insight Track. This 'Off Track' episode was inspired by my very informed leadership conversation with Marisa Kamall, the former MD of HSBC and the founder of Gaia network, a women’s leadership network in Dubai. In this improvised Off Trac ... Show More
15m 38s
Sep 26
How Marisa Kamall Survived Burnout and Reinvented Leadership for Women
What happens when a woman at the top of corporate life walks away from a prestigious title, a comfortable paycheck, and a high-stakes role managing over 5,000 people—only to find her voice, her purpose, and her true power on the other side?In this deeply personal and emotionally ... Show More
1h 20m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
Ep 33. Advertising Unplugged: Sasan Saeidi on leading brands in a changing world
Send us a textIn this Advertising-special episode of Money Majlis, we sit down with Sasan Saeidi, global client lead at WPP & VML and the current world president of the International Advertising Association to understand the playbook of modern advertising. Sasan’s journey—from Ne ... Show More
1h 33m
Jul 30
S06.EP13 - Branding in an Age of Autocracy: Marty Neumeier on Trust, Truth & Power
As democracy fractures and trust erodes, branding enters unfamiliar territory. What happens to brand building when truth becomes optional and power consolidates? Learn more at www. justcreative.com/podcast In this episode, we’re joined by Marty Neumeier—one of the most influentia ... Show More
1h 4m
May 2025
Ep 172 - Unmuted: The Raw Truth Behind Brand Power, Parts Work, and the Myth of Imposter Syndrome with Serah D'Laine (Genrator 4/6, RAX Cross of Laws)
⭐️ Get your free Human Design Chart https://www.miranda-mitchell.com/free-human-design-chart-video ⭐️ In this episode of the Provoking Prosperity Podcast, host Miranda Mitchell dives deep into a powerful conversation with Sarah D'laine—a former Hollywood actress turned branding v ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2025
“Your Role Models Are Making You Miserable!” - The Hala 135 | Challenges Faced as a Creative, Telepathic Connections, Overcoming Loss & Practicing Gratitude
Hala Abdallah is a Saudi Arabian content creator, entrepreneur, and global influencer. A graduate of OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. And jewelry design from IGI she combines her passion for art, design, and fashion through her brand, OFA. Known for her striking sty ... Show More
1h 43m
Dec 2024
How Skims and On Create Cultural Relevance
Many fashion brands are realising that operating across multiple cultural sectors is a business necessity. In our social feeds, fashion competes with music, film, and sports for our attention. Learning how to tap into other cultural sectors is something that many fashion brands a ... Show More
25m 30s
May 2025
S06.EP08 - Making Brands Relevant: How to Connect Culture, Creativity & Commerce with Cyril Louis
In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with hybrid creative leader Cyril Louis who is Creative Partner at The Royals and the mind behind campaigns for Beats by Dre, EA Games, and Heineken to unpack how brands can become culturally relevant and commercially effective. We ex ... Show More
44m 28s
May 2025
155. The Brutal Truth About Building a Creative Agency in NYC ft. Shortstache & Chelstache
Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE Download):https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips Learn the 6 Questions to ask on Every Discovery Call (FREE Download):https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycall What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by ... Show More
1h 26m
Sep 12
Ep 40. Culture, Connection, and Change: Adrian Simpson’s guide to effective leadership
Send us a textIn this fascinating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar discusses the world of leadership, innovation, and high-performing organizations with Adrian Simpson, founder and CEO of Wavelength. Adrian, renowned as the “Chief Connector,” shares his unique perspectiv ... Show More
1h 13m
Jun 2025
How can marketers turn ideas into impactful action?
For years, marketers have been helping to shape how consumers think and feel about products that are driving the linear economy. However in this episode of the Circular Economy Show, we explore how they can harness their skills to unlock the opportunities that the circular econom ... Show More
17m 51s