What does it take to go from survival mode to a $370 million exit – all without breaking? &nbsp; Maaz Sheikh, co-founder and CEO of Starz Play, has lived the answer.&nbsp; &nbsp; In this episode, Maaz opens up about the high-stakes journey of building one of the Middle East’s leading streaming platforms, from battling burnout and chasing investment, to navigating a buyout and preparing for what’s next. &nbsp; This is the untold story behind one of the region’s biggest media growth plays, and a powerful conversation about resilience, vision, and the relationships that hold it all together. &nbsp; 01:48 – Where Starz Play fits in the global streaming race 05:52 – COVID’s impact: 6 years of growth in 6 weeks 13:41 – How audiences are shifting, fast 16:55 – Hitting content home runs&nbsp; 21:37 – The power of the right investors 30:00 – Inside the buyout 40:46 – Resilience under pressure 42:23 – Gym time, support, and real relationships 52:27 – The $370 million milestone and what’s next 01:04:32 – Why in-person connection still matters  Show Sponsors: AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp; Allsopp &amp; Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp &amp; Allsopp.    Socials: Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media        &nbsp; Follow Maaz Sheikh on Social Media

#348: Maaz Sheikh on Building Starz Play, Surviving the Storm, and Scaling to $370M

Harvey Bennett is the Co-founder of an Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning based Recruitment tool used to determine whether or not a candidate is a good fit for an organisation, in terms of values, behaviour, or even work ethic. Harvey brings past experience as a startup founder with experience in scaling businesses through securing massive clients, high-quality investors, as well as building successful teams to do it. Harvey's approach to business, innovation, and mindset is a refreshing break from the modern-day belief that anyone is an entrepreneur. Harvey's journey of building this business from the ground up with his wife is an incredible story and I was so excited to have him on the show!

EP 9: Harvey Bennett

Dubai's sporadic, intentional experimental & personal podcast that celebrates people & their creative adventures. Our goal is to inspire, make you think and enhance your social responsibility.

VOD Intro

The official podcast of author, Chairman of The Blue Sky Thinking Group, and passionate content creator, Spencer Lodge.

The Spencer Lodge Podcast is an opportunity to share insights into some of the most interesting conversations Spencer has had with industry experts from different sectors about their journeys and lessons.  Spencer is a leading sales trainer in Dubai and across the Middle East, with some episodes dedicated to specific training and development in the areas of business development and commercial confidence.

For those that attend Spencer's seminars or follow him on social media, this is excellent extra material to grow and develop through the power of combined learning of some of the best business people in the region.

#348: Maaz Sheikh on Building Starz Play, Surviving the Storm, and Scaling to $370M

The Spencer Lodge Podcast

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