Dariush Soudi is a British-Iranian entrepreneur, investor, and public speaker based in Dubai. He is the founder and lead speaker of Gladiator Summit, a business and personal growth event attended by thousands globally.

Over a 40-year career, Dariush built several multi-million-dollar businesses, lost everything more than once, and rebuilt from scratch. He openly shares these experiences to help others succeed without repeating the same mistakes.

Today, Dariush uses his platforms: summits, podcasts, and coaching programmes to teach practical skills rooted in real-life business challenges.

Founder of Arena Capital and Gladiator Mastery Program

Dariush Soudi began his business journey more than 40 years ago. Over the years, he has built companies across sectors like sales training, parking solutions, AI engagement platforms, consulting, and veterinary care. One of his most active ventures is Arena Capital, a group that supports new and growing businesses across the region. Through this, he invests in startups and builds business systems that are simple and effective.

He also created the Gladiator Mastery Programme, a personal development and business growth system built from his own life lessons. These lessons didn’t come easily. Dariush has faced serious health issues, including two heart attacks. He also survived a knife attack and went through major financial losses. These moments shaped his belief in discipline, focus, and action.

Instead of giving up, he used each setback to build again, stronger and smarter. Today, both Arena Capital and Gladiator Mastery reflect that journey. They support people who want to build something real, even when the odds are against them.

Known for Tough-Love Speaking Style With Practical Business Advice

Dariush Soudi has built a reputation as a direct and results-driven speaker. His talks are based on real-life business experiences, not theory. He often speaks about sales, leadership, mindset, and financial discipline. His approach is simple: tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Many describe his style as “tough love”—he pushes people to take responsibility, take action, and stop making excuses.

In 2025, Dariush was invited to speak at Mindvalley’s Future Human event, where he shared the stage with global speakers and thought leaders. Over the years, he has also spoken alongside names like JT Foxx, Brad Lea, Vishen Lakhiani, and others.

These speaking events have taken him to conferences, private seminars, and online platforms across the UAE and beyond. Whether in front of a few hundred or a few thousand people, Dariush focuses on giving practical advice that audiences can apply immediately in their businesses and personal lives.

Founder and Headline Speaker at Gladiator Summit

In 2024, Dariush launched Gladiator Summit, a business and personal growth seminar held in Dubai. The first event gathered over 500 people. By the second summit later that year, attendance grew to over 2,500 entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners from around the world.

Gladiator Summit is built on four pillars: mindset, business growth, sales, and discipline. The goal is to help people face challenges directly, make better decisions, and build stronger businesses. The summit features well-known global speakers, but Dariush remains the main speaker and host. He shares his own experiences: what worked, what didn’t, and what he learned through trial and error.

Speakers at the event have included Vishen Lakhiani, Regan Hillyer, Kris Fade, and other international names. Each summit combines practical business lessons with personal development topics, so attendees leave with clear strategies they can act on right away.

Dariush created Gladiator Summit not just as a one-day event, but as a movement. It’s now one of the most followed business events in the UAE, with plans to expand globally in the coming years.

Hosts #DariushAnswers and Raw Talks Podcast

Dariush Soudi shares his business experience online through his podcast, In The ARENA With Dariush Soudi. This show has become one of the most popular business and motivation podcasts in the UAE.

It includes different series formats. One of the most-watched is #DariushAnswers, a short video series on his YouTube channel. In these episodes, he gives straight answers to real questions about money, mindset, and business. Each video is focused, practical, and drawn from his personal journey.

For deeper conversations, Dariush hosts the Raw Talks series, where he interviews entrepreneurs, investors, creators, and public figures. These longer episodes go beyond surface-level advice. Guests speak openly about failure, decision-making, personal setbacks, and what it really takes to grow in business and life.

One of his most popular YouTube videos, The Truth About Money, explores how money works in the real world and why most people stay stuck. His channel also includes behind-the-scenes moments, personal reflections, and lessons from daily business challenges.

Across platforms, Dariush uses his voice to teach what schools don’t: how to lead, build, and bounce back.

Connect with Dariush Soudi

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business or personal growth, join Dariush Soudi live at the upcoming Gladiator Summit. This one-day event brings together global speakers, practical strategies, and a community of people ready to level up

Reserve your seat now and be part of a day that could change how you think, work, and lead.