It's About Time!

Many years ago I sat down among friends and we begun to talk at about our struggles in business and how we overcame them. We found each others experiences enriching and decided to get together at least once a week to share our achievements as well as defeats. Shortly our defeats became springboards to new lessons, successes, and achievements. This podcast wants to continue that feeling by engaging into a light hearted conversation in which our guests will delight us with their life's adventures, defeats and successes and how they got where they stand today. It's About Time... Let's Start!

It's About Time! is a business podcast hosted by Cristobal D. De Nadai Albornoz, with 10 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Cristobal D. De Nadai Albornoz hosts It's About Time!, a business show with 10 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  "The IT Man"

  Sep 13, 202652 minS1

  Well what do you know, another episode is ready! Today I want to introduce to this amazing gentleman: Ilkham Shakirov! Some guests arrive at your door through thirty years of quiet persistence. Others crash through it — like the wall of 56-degree heat that greeted Ilham at Dubai Airport's Terminal 3 in July 2016, after a rerouted journey that began with a flight cancellation on the very morning tanks rolled into Istanbul. Ilham's story starts earlier, though — in Tashkent, 1984, the year of his birth and the era of perestroika, when the Soviet Union was beginning to open itself to the world. His childhood held the textures of a vanished country: summers spent hauling watermelons off trucks at the neighborhood fruit market for pocket change, the vague sorrow of a boy who missed becoming a Young Pioneer because the whole system dissolved around him before he turned seven. It was a childhood without drama, he insists — parents who kept their jobs, a land so generous that, as Uzbeks say, if you plant a stick, it becomes a tree. By 2002, while still a university student, he had built one of Tashkent's first popular web chat platforms — over 2,000 active users strong, an empire measured in servers and dial-up connections. When two businessmen approached him asking, half-joking, half-serious, if he could build an adult website, he took the money and never looked back. He never finished his degree either. Instead, he walked straight into the machinery of a nation modernizing itself: Uzinfocom, the government IT company at the frontline of Uzbekistan's digital awakening. There, Ilham helped repatriate the country's top-level domain (.uz) from private hands in Germany back to national control — a piece of technical diplomacy that coincided with registered domains leaping from 8,000 to over 100,000. Later, as technical project manager, he tore open more than 120 junctions of one of Central Asia's oldest cities to install the traffic cameras and management systems that would define Tashkent's streets for a generation. Then Abu Dhabi called. A semi-governmental company headhunted him to design data centers and geo-fencing intelligence for oil fields — radar systems, perimeter security, the invisible architecture protecting some of the most valuable real estate on earth. Four years of that, and a move to Dubai in 2018 for love — for Katya, the artist who would marry him a year later on a boat, at a party witnesses still speak of. What followed could have ended the story. July 2020: pandemic lockdown, a job gone, a bank loan outstanding, a baby on the way. Fifteen hundred CVs sent into the void. And then Katya — who, as Ilham tells it, saw in him a man he could not yet see in himself — refused to let him fall. So instead of seeking a boss, he became one. IT handyman first: fixing cameras, sorting Wi-Fi. Then smart homes: lighting, climate, security sensors, glass-break detectors, even electronic anti-drone systems. And finally, inspired by a stranger on YouTube, the craft that fused his technical mastery with his artistic soul — home cinema design and sound engineering, culminating recently in a Dolby Atmos installation aboard a private yacht. That project sits under an NDA. Naturally. Today Ilham runs his own company, fielding inquiries from Sharjah to Saudi Arabia, dreaming of twenty-five-seat cinema rooms and full building-management systems for hotels. He is, in equal measure, a serious cook of Uzbek classics — the plov, the borscht, the kazy his friends still request — a photographer taught composition by a painter's eye, and a man whose philosophy fits in a single breath: enjoying the life, enjoying the technology, sharing the knowledge. Come and join me as we unravel his amazing story! It's About Time! If you want to talk to Ilkham you can reach him on his socials: Instagram: @ilkham.sh Home Integrated Improvement Solutions (https://hiis.site) Got Questions? Want to know more? Get in Touch! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @itsabouttimeiat

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  Episode #9

  "John Conte"

  Aug 30, 202657 minS1

  Welcome once again to "It's About Time" Today I have the great pleasure of introducing you to my dear friend Fabio. Fabio Grilli is a Real Estate Development & Design Advisor whose career spans large-scale real estate development, masterplanning and architectural design across the Middle East and Europe. Combining a strong design background with extensive experience on the developer side, his work focuses on shaping the vision, development strategy and design direction of complex urban and architectural projects. Born and raised in Italy, Grilli developed an early sensitivity to architecture, landscape and the quality of urban space—an influence that has remained central throughout his career. His professional path has taken him across Italy, The Netherlands and the Middle East, working with international architecture practices, consultants and leading real estate developers before establishing himself in Dubai. Over the past decade, he held senior leadership roles at EMAAR Properties, one of the world’s leading real estate developers, where he was responsible for the design and development of major residential, mixed-use and masterplanned projects. His work contributed to some of Dubai’s most prominent destinations, including Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Hills Estate, Emaar Beachfront and Port Rashid. At EMAAR, Grilli operated at the intersection of real estate development, design and execution, overseeing projects from their earliest strategic and conceptual stages through design development and delivery. His role involved defining development visions, guiding international consultant teams and ensuring that architectural ambition remained aligned with commercial, functional and long-term urban objectives. Among the projects that have most shaped his professional experience, Dubai Creek Harbour holds particular significance. Conceived as a major new urban district for Dubai, the development brings together residential neighbourhoods, hospitality, commercial uses, parks, waterfront spaces and cultural destinations at metropolitan scale. Grilli has been closely involved in its evolution over many years, gaining the unusual perspective of seeing masterplanning and architectural decisions move rapidly from concept to construction and, ultimately, into the everyday life of the city. Today, as Founder of DOMOS, Grilli advises real estate developers, investors and project stakeholders across the Middle East and Europe. Working alongside a network of senior specialists and international design practices, DOMOS provides strategic advice on the vision, development strategy, positioning and design direction of large-scale developments, masterplans and architectural projects. His approach places design within the wider framework of real estate development. Rather than treating architecture as an isolated discipline, Grilli focuses on the relationship between urban vision, market positioning, product definition, commercial objectives, user experience and long-term value creation. This perspective allows him to bridge the often separate worlds of development strategy and architectural design. Alongside his professional practice, Grilli is actively involved in academia and the international debate around cities and real estate development. He has lectured and contributed to academic programmes, conferences and professional forums on topics including real estate development, urban transformation, masterplanning, architecture and the future of cities. His academic engagements include Harvard University, Sciences Po Paris and LUISS Business School. He also holds an academic position at IUAV University of Venice, where he lectures within the Advanced Master “Fare Masterplan”, contributing his experience in large-scale development and contemporary city-making. Through IUAV, Grilli also serves as Special Advisor to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on initiatives related to the reconstruction of territories affected by crisis, with a focus on post-crisis urban regeneration, infrastructure planning and resilient development. His ideas and professional experience have been featured in publications, books, podcasts and international industry platforms, addressing subjects ranging from masterplanning and mixed-use development to architectural quality, urban culture and the relationship between beauty and commercial development. Central to Grilli’s philosophy is the belief that successful real estate development must reconcile economic viability, functional performance and architectural quality. His Italian cultural background continues to inform his conviction that beauty, proportion, landscape and public space are not secondary considerations, but fundamental components of places capable of generating lasting social and economic value. Now dividing his time between Italy and Dubai, he continues to work across the UAE, the wider MENA region and Europe. If you want to know more about Fabio you can follow him on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grillifabio/ SEO Fabio Grilli — Senior Architect & Design Executive in Dubai | UAE Meta Description Fabio Grilli is Head of Design & Development at Emaar Properties in Dubai, UAE. Overseeing landmark projects like Dubai Creek Harbour, Emaar Beachfront & more. 25+ years experience. About Fabio Grilli — Leading UAE Architect & Design Director Fabio Grilli is a renowned senior architect and design executive based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates . With over 25 years of luxury architecture and landmark concept design experience , he currently serves as Head of Design & Development at Emaar Properties , one of the world's most prestigious real estate developers. Current Role: Head of Design & Development at Emaar Properties As Design Director at Emaar Properties Dubai , Fabio Grilli manages the complete design process from initial concept through consultant supervision to detailed project execution. His responsibilities encompass the development of large-scale masterplans across the UAE, MENA region, and Europe . Key projects under his leadership include: ProjectLocationScale Dubai Creek Harbour | Dubai, UAE | 7.3 million sqm Emaar Beachfront | Dubai, UAE | Mixed-use waterfront Dubai Hills Estate | Dubai, UAE | Residential & commercial Professional Background & Education Architectural Education Master's Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning — University of Ferrara, Italy Professional training across international firms in The Netherlands, Italy, and UAE Years of Experience 25+ years in architectural design and real estate development Extensive expertise across Middle East and European markets Key Projects & Achievements Dubai Creek Harbour — Signature Masterplan Fabio Grilli identifies Dubai Creek Harbour as his proudest achievement — a transformative district featuring: 700,000 sqm dedicated to parks and public spaces 60,000 sqm for cultural activities 900,000 sqm for commercial uses 5,800 residential units 24 hotels and mixed-use amenities This development represents a new urban centre reshaping Dubai's skyline and waterfront landscape. Thought Leadership & Speaking Engagements Grilli is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and universities, addressing topics including: Sustainable design principles Mixed-use development strategies Vertical city concepts Large-scale masterplanning impact Publications & Media Appearances PublicationDateFocus Secrets of The Construction Industry | April 2024 | Industry insights Constructing You Podcast | February 2023 | Design leadership Dubai Italia Experiences | November 2022 | Cultural architecture Compasses Magazine | July 2022 | Urban regeneration Awards & Recognition Arabian Business Achievement Honoree (2Y) Recognized among industry titans for design innovation and project leadership excellence Fabio Grilli's Design Philosophy "The real added value is having been raised surrounded by the beauty of our urban, landscape and cultural spaces." Grilli attributes his design sensibility to his Italian heritage , emphasizing that culture and architecture in Dubai are deeply interconnected. His approach prioritizes: Creating beauty and harmony in contemporary developments Ensuring functional excellence alongside aesthetic ambition Delivering long-term impact through thoughtful masterplanning Contact & Professional Presence Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates LinkedIn: Fabio Grilli (500+ connections, 5,500+ followers) Affiliation: Emaar Properties Related Search Terms architect Dubai, Emaar Properties design director, Dubai Creek Harbour architect, luxury architecture UAE, masterplanning Dubai, Italian architect UAE, senior architect Middle East, real estate development Dubai, sustainable design expe Got Questions? Want to know more? Get in Touch! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @itsabouttimeiat

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  Episode #8

  "The Maestro"

  Aug 16, 202654 minS1

  Welcome to " It's About Time "! Join me today as I introduce you to Maestro Michele Gelemini! Michele Gelmini is an Italian composer, entrepreneur, and chief executive based in Dubai. He honed his craft studying Harmony and Counterpoint at the Conservatorio Luca Marenzio in Darfo Boario Terme, Italy, and went on to build an international career composing for broadcast media and film soundtracks across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. His accolades include the award for Best Original Score at the Feel the Reel International Film Festival (2018) for The Windsor Paradox . His portfolio spans the theme for MTV's MTV Up , the FashionTV track "Trillionaire"—which climbed to the Top 20 on the iTunes Italian Dance chart— years of compositions for the Mediaset music library, and, most recently, an original score for Abu Dhabi's Al Sadeem Observatory documentary Cosmic Odyssey , in which orchestral and electronic textures are woven together against vivid astronomical imagery. In 2014, Gelmini founded MM Entertainment ( Musica Maestro ), a Dubai-based music consultancy providing piano and composition instruction, live entertainment for private and corporate events, and bespoke composition services. To date, the firm has delivered upwards of 70,000 sessions to some 1,800 clients throughout the United Arab Emirates. Needless to say Michele has achieved a great deal since he venture forth from Italy so come join us because " It's About Time " to get started! If you want to know more about Michele you can follow him on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/musicamaestro/ SEO Michele Gelmini — Composer, Entrepreneur & CEO in Dubai Michele Gelmini is an acclaimed Italian composer, entrepreneur, and CEO based in Dubai, specialising in original music for film, broadcast media, and corporate events. With a career spanning Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, he is the founder of MM Entertainment ( Musica Maestro ), one of the UAE's leading music consultancies. Musical Education & Background Gelmini studied Harmony and Counterpoint at the Conservatorio Luca Marenzio in Darfo Boario Terme, Italy. His formal training laid the groundwork for a versatile composing career encompassing orchestral scoring, electronic music production, and commercial sound design for television, film, and branded media. Film Scoring & Award-Winning Work Gelmini received the Best Original Score award at the Feel the Reel International Film Festival in 2018 for The Windsor Paradox . More recently, he composed the original score for Abu Dhabi's Al Sadeem Observatory documentary Cosmic Odyssey , a project that blends orchestral and electronic music with immersive space imagery. Television & Broadcast Compositions His extensive portfolio includes the theme for MTV's MTV Up , the track "Trillionaire" for FashionTV — which reached the Top 20 on the iTunes Italian Dance chart — and years of original compositions for the Mediaset music library, one of Italy's largest broadcasting networks. MM Entertainment — Dubai Music Consultancy Founded in 2014, MM Entertainment ( Musica Maestro ) is a Dubai-based music consultancy offering: Piano and composition tuition Live entertainment for private and corporate events Bespoke composition services for media and brands To date, the firm has delivered over 70,000 sessions to 1,800 clients across the UAE, establishing itself as a trusted name in the region's music and entertainment industry. Got Questions? Want to know more? Get in Touch! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @itsabouttimeiat

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  Episode #7

  "The Angel of Music"

  Aug 2, 202655 minS1

  Welcome to " It's About Time "! Join me today as I introduce you to Cynthia Khabsa. Cynthia Khabsa, a 33-year-old Lebanese multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey began before she could even read. Painting since childhood, Cynthia was profoundly inspired by her mother, Mona Khabsa—a distinguished visual artist who holds a Master's degree in Visual Arts from ALBA University in Lebanon. Growing up surrounded by brushes, canvases, and her mother's artistic spirit, Cynthia developed an early and unwavering passion for the arts that has only deepened with time. Her academic path reflects this lifelong dedication. Cynthia holds a Master's degree in Interior Architecture from USEK in Lebanon, a qualification that sharpened her eye for space, composition, and the dialogue between art and environment. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she currently shares her wealth of knowledge as an art teacher at the Antonine Sisters school, shaping young minds and nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers. Cynthia's visual artwork—where she describes her process as translating rhythm into color and color into emotion—has been showcased in both solo and collective exhibitions across Lebanon and Dubai. Her exhibitions have drawn media attention from outlets such as OTV and Dubai TV, cementing her reputation as a distinctive voice in the regional art scene. But painting is only part of Cynthia's story. She is also a classically trained violinist whose bow brings melodies to life with breathtaking skill and emotional depth. Her operatic voice is equally compelling—she has studied opera repertoire, including Handel's "Non lo dirò col labbro," under the guidance of Marie-Therese Hobeika at the Lebanese Conservatory. As an entertainer, Cynthia brings all of these disciplines together, moving fluidly between the concert stage, the gallery wall, and the classroom with an ease that speaks to her extraordinary versatility. Splitting her time between Dubai and Lebanon, Cynthia maintains an active online presence where thousands follow her creative journey across social media, sharing in her violin performances, vocal showcases, painting sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her artistic life. Cynthia represents something truly rare: a seamless convergence of disciplines where violin, opera, painting, architecture, and teaching don't merely coexist but enrich one another—each feeding into a singular, deeply personal creative vision. So sit back and relax because " It's About Time " to get started! If you want to know more about Cynthia you can follow her on: @cynthiakhabsa.artist Got Questions? Want to know more? Get in Touch! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @itsabouttimeiat

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  Episode #6

  Let's Talk: What is Luxury? - Part 2

  Jul 19, 202637 minS1

  Welcome to " It's About Time "! Today we will do something different: I want to have a chat on the ideologies of luxury and the many faces it may have. The english language defines luxury as: luxury /lŭg′zhə-rē, lŭk′shə-/ noun Sumptuous or extremely comfortable living or surroundings. "lives in luxury." Something that is desirable but expensive or hard to obtain or do. "did not have the luxury of working in an up-to-date laboratory." A free indulgence in costly food, dress, furniture, or anything expensive which gratifies the appetites or tastes. Anything which pleases the senses, is not necessary for life, and is also costly, or difficult to obtain; an expensive rarity; Contrasted to necessity. "silks, jewels, and rare fruits are luxuries; in some countries ice is a great luxury." "From the Merriam Webster Dictionary" I like the definition, I find it quite extensive... yet I feel it lacks more depth. As we explored this topic while recording this episode, I have come to the realization that Luxury, a concept commonly understood, tends to be quite boundless into what it can include into each single individual's understanding. To emphasize on this, I decided to query Gemini AI and asked it what luxury was and the answer was quite interesting: Luxury is defined as a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort . It often involves indulgence in items or experiences that provide pleasure or satisfaction, though they are not essential for survival. Historical Context Origins : The term "luxury" comes from the Latin word luxuria, meaning excess or extravagance. Historically, luxury was associated with the wealthy and powerful, characterized by tangible goods like precious metals, gemstones, and fine fabrics. Traditional Luxury : Before the Industrial Revolution, luxury was primarily a status symbol, linked to handcrafted and rare items that distinguished the elite from the general populace. Evolution of Luxury Industrial Revolution Impact : The advent of mass production made luxury goods more accessible, prompting brands to adapt their strategies to attract a broader audience while maintaining an air of exclusivity. Modern Interpretations : Today, luxury encompasses not just material possessions but also experiences. There is a growing emphasis on experiential luxury , where unique and memorable experiences are valued over physical items. Current Trends Sustainability and Ethics : Modern luxury increasingly focuses on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and personalization. Consumers are looking for brands that reflect their values and offer unique, high-quality products. Experiential Luxury : This includes personalized services, bespoke travel, and wellness experiences, highlighting a shift in consumer priorities towards memorable moments rather than mere ownership of goods. Luxury continues to evolve, reflecting changes in societal values and consumer preferences. Again, an interesting answer... but it lacks more depth. it did touch on some interesting concepts such as sustainability and ethics, but as mentioned previously it seems too general. Not being satisfy by this, I wanted to have a deeper conversation on the topic with two people whom I believe work with luxury as part of their entrepreneurial carriers. Dr. Omar Fabbro, an expert in cosmetic dentistry, runs his own practices on Jumeriah Road, one of the most VIP areas in the Dubai, UAE. His perception of esthetics as well as his knowledge of the medical field, makes him a unique speaker with some incredible insights on the topic. Ksenia Dolgova, a talented Jewelry and fashion designer, runs her practices all over the globe, working for a niche set of customers, creating bespoke pieces of both jewelry and accessories. She has travel the world and attends some of the most exclusive conventions for both Jewelry and Design, this has allowed her to nurture a deep understanding of what luxury means. Thanks to them, we will try to understand and go deep into what the meaning of Luxury is in todays world as well as what does it mean and represent for each of us. So sit back and relax because " It's About Time " to get started! If you want to know more about Dr. Omar Fabbro and Ksenia Dolgova you can follow them on: @doctorfabbro @axiniafashion Got Questions? Want to know more? Get in Touch! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @itsabouttimeiat

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