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The Real Rendezvous Podcast
Introducing Melie Dunod: Co-founder & CEO of August and founder of Foyer Imuhira
On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Melie Dunod co-founder and CEO of Exclusive Lifestyle Network and holiday home co-ownership firm, August which offers families hassle-free holiday home ownership, granting families access to multiple beautifully designed properties in a range of iconic destinations such as the Alps, the French Riviera, Tuscany and other luxurious locations across Europe.
Born in Paris and raised by a family of entrepreneurs predominantly in the real estate space, property has played an integral role in Melie’s life since early childhood. Her passion for entrepreneurship began to take root during her teenage years, when she became increasingly determined to move to London to establish her own company. After connecting with Nico, the duo have now become known as the getaway experts with their ground breaking firm, August, which has integrated luxury and real estate in a very unique way.
Melie is also the founder and president of @Foyer_Imuhira, an East African based charity which adopts deprived children, giving them hope for a brighter future. Supporting over 16 children in Burundi, Melie has transformed the lives of many young children in Burundi. This episode is definitely one not to miss with a rising star, an absolute disruptor in real estate.
Sponsored by V1 & The Luxury Property Forum. Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue and Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.
#therealrendezvous #meliedunod #augustcollection #luxuryhomes #luxuryvacation #vacationhomes #luxurytravel #realestatenews #propertynews
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Introducing Giles Hannah, Super Prime International Real Estate Expert
01:06:14|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome a true authority in luxury prime real estate—none other than Super Prime International Real Estate Expert, Giles Hannah!Giles has established himself as a global expert in super-prime property, advising some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. His extensive career has taken him from London to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, collaborating with prestigious developers and branded residences, including landmark projects Red Sea Global and AMAALA for Public Investment Fund (PIF). In this conversation, Giles shares insights from his remarkable career journey. It all began at Savills’ Knightsbridge flagship office, where he was soon seconded to One Hyde Park, the Mandarin Oriental Residences project that redefined London’s luxury real estate scene. From there, he joined the exclusive world of Christie's, gaining unparalleled exposure to the super-rich and the pinnacle of luxury living. Notably, he is known to have spearheaded the record-breaking sale of Château Louis XIV for over $300 million as reported —the highest reported real estate transaction in the world at the time.In recent years, Giles has concentrated his expertise in the Middle East, advising sovereign wealth funds and leading developers on transformative projects across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. And the journey doesn’t stop here—2025 promises even more exciting ventures. Stay tuned!Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation.Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.#therealrendezvous #gileshannah #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #superprime #primeproperty #primerealestateIntroducing Charlie Walsh - Head of Residential Sales & Marketing at The OWO
01:08:52|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Charlie Walsh, Head of Residential Sales & Marketing at The Old War Office (OWO).Charlie was introduced into the world of property through his love for movies. After a boring work experience stint at a stockbroking firm, he was later offered an opportunity at a property company. The adventure of travelling to sites, seeing developments in person kick cemented his interest in the industry. Though some experiences in his career knocked down his confidence, he was still very eager to a life in the world of property later. This passion landed him opportunities to spearhead international sales for high profile schemes including 1 Grosvenor Square, Lincoln Square, Holland Park Gate, Savills to name afew under his belt.With an incredibly extensive background in the super prime sector, Charlie landed his dream job working with the Hinduja family to transform The Old War Office, one he calls 'the most iconic building'. Infused with a rich, cultural legacy from, being the home to King Henry VIII to the home of Britain’s Ministry of Defence in 1906, the journey of turning the former government office into a haven of luxury hospitality 120 years after doors shut to the public was one Charlie 'found amazing and one that was I hugely honoured to complete'.Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation.Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.#therealrendezvous #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #brandedresidential #primeproperty #theowoIntroducing Will Castle: International Business Development Director, CBRE
01:03:24|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Will Castle, International Business Development Director at CBRE. Trigger warning, this episode contains discussions around suicide.Will Castle is one of the well-known ambassadors of Movember, the leading charity changing the face of men’s health focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. He openly talks about his journey with mental health after he lost his father to suicide in 2012.Having accidentally stumbled upon the Movember charity during the 2020 lockdown, he gradually began speaking about men's mental health and helping other people navigate their challenges. A strong believer in suicide prevention and mental health, Will does various talks, encouraging men to open about their feelings and mental struggles. Tune into this incredibly inspirational episode.Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation.Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.#therealrendezvous #willcastle #movember #mensmentalhealth #menshealth #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #cbre #suidicepreventionIntroducing Daniel Daggers, Founder & CEO of DDRE Global
01:33:15|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Daniel Daggers (aka Mr Super Prime), founder of DDRE Global.Daniel is a well-known face for many in the world of real estate. Some call him a disruptor, others may know him as a mentor or the star on Netflix's Buying London (the UK’s answer to Selling Sunset). A broken collar bone (following a football injury) and a failed surveying course led Daniel into the world of the estate agency, where he discovered he had a knack for selling property from the age of 17. After a 12-year stint at Knight Frank, he set off to create his own company, DDRE Global in 2020.A true disruptor, Daniel created the company with a vision of revolutionising traditional real estate, using social media to build an online audience to sell luxury property to high value clients. The content agency encourages agents to act as influencers, connecting directly to their customers. He also stars in Netflix's 'Buying London' which follows Daniel and his team as they promote some of the most expensive homes in London as well as behind-the-scenes look at the high-end homes looking for super wealthy buyers.Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation.Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.#therealrendezvous #danieldaggers #buyinglondon #sellingsunset #superprime #netflixshow #superprimeproperties #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #housingmarket #propertymarket #propertytrendsIntroducing Russell Quirk: Property Expert and Co-founder of Proper PR
59:08|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Russell Quirk, property expert and the co-founder of Proper PR to the podcast!Russell is a property expert with regular appearances on the BBC, LBC, Talk TV and GB News and extensive experience in both the traditional and online estate agency sectors. With over 25 years experience within the residential property sector, he is known for his candid and often controversial commentary on the property, government policy and the wider industry. With a regime change and a new Labour government, we couldn't wait to hear his views on the impact on the property industry, his career and future market trends.Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation.Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.#therealrendezvous #propertypr #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #housingmarket #propertymarket #housingtrends #propertytrendsIntroducing Tina Necrason: Executive Vice President of Residential, Montage International
01:00:34|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Tina Necrason, Executive Vice President of Residential at Montage International to the podcast!With over 20 years in the luxury real estate and branded residency sector, Tina is recognised as a global leader with her expertise in extending luxury hotel brands into lifestyles across new and emerging markets. Her career started in the marketing and branding teams at the luxurious brands including @Marriott, @Ritz Carlton, @Viceroy and Tides brands, @Raffles and @FourSeasons. Tina then joined Montage International, the ultra luxury management and hospitality global company and gives us a glimpse of what it's like to work on projects in the branded resi sector. It was an incredibly fascinating story.Supported by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation. Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency.Introducing Claire Reynolds: Managing Partner, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
01:09:27|On this episode, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Claire Reynolds, Managing Partner of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty to the podcast!Claire was introduced into the world of property through her father's interest in renovating derelict houses. From a young age, she was immersed into the world of making beautiful homes, a passion that would lead her to a highly successful 18 year career at Savills. She stepped out of the comfort zone after being headhunted to her current role, tasked with spearheading London’s super-prime market at UK Sotheby’s International Realty, a fun but rather terrifying feat. On the episode, the trio also discuss the importance of embracing video across social media marketing for the luxury property brand, a move that has accumulated positive outcomes for the company and their clients.Claire also talks openly about her divorce, an experience she says allowed her to 'learn more about myself through that whole journey.' Despite some challenges (and long hours) along the way, this once-upon-a-time shy girl has become one of the highly respected people in the industry.In partnership with Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation. Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue, Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency. #therealrendezvous #sothebys #luxurylifestyle #superprime #luxuryresidential #luxuryhomes #sellingsunset #luxuryrealestate #luxuryproperty #auctionhouse #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #womeninrealestate #womeninproperty #realestate #luxurybrands #leadersinproperty #femaleleaders #internationalrealestate #internationalproperty #residentialpropertyIntroducing James Price: Vice President of Residential at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
58:14|On this episode,Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome James Price: Vice President of Residential at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts to the podcast!James' career started in the golfing industry, pivoting to the stock market before landing his feet into the property industry at Knight Frank. Falling in love with property, his career in branded residences would expose him to the incredible beauty of the international property market. Operating over 53 branded residences properties (and another 30 on the way) globally, James gives us the insight into how branded resi has changed over the years and what it's like to work at the very top tier of international development at the renowned Four Seasons.He also shares the story of how he met his wife at work and some fantastic nuggets on some of the life lessons he's learnt along the way both in his personal life and career.Sponsored by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation. Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue and Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency. #therealrendezvous #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #womeninrealestate #womeninproperty #leadersinproperty #femaleleaders #internationalrealestate #internationalproperty #luxuryhotels #fourseasons #residentialproperty #residentialrealestate #primeresi #brandedresidences #brandedresiDemystifying Menopause - IWD Special with Nicola Green
56:16|On this International Women's Day special, Caroline Donaghue and Priya Rawal welcome Nicola Green (workplace menopause expert). The final installment in our IWD episodes addresses menopause, one of the most unspoken matters that affects women's performance at work.How does menopause affect women in the workplace you ask? Unbeknowst to many, the symptoms of menopause are far beyond just the infamous hot flushes. The symptoms can be debilitating, affecting work performance and even forcing thousands of women to leave their jobs. Simple things like making small decisions and controlling emotions become incredibly hard, making these women develop anxiety and become more prone to depression in the long run.While menopause is a personal issue, employers have a very positive role to play and to actively support their female staff, there has to be education and taking the fear out of these conversations which Nicola does on this special.Sponsored by Angel O'Donnell & V1 Architectural Visualisation. Follow Caroline @caroline.donaghue and Priya @priya.rawal.london and the podcast page @therealrendezvous on Instagram and LinkedIn. Produced by BBE Podcast Agency. #therealrendezvous #commercialproperty #propertypodcast #realestatepodcast #womeninrealestate #womeninproperty #leadersinproperty #femaleleaders #womenleaders #leadersinsbusiness #diversityandinclusion #DEI #propertymanagement #internationalwomensday #womensrights #menopause #womenintheworkplace #menopauseawareness #meenopausesupport