Podcasts about Apac

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ATxKgfca_5w The Hot Seat is this fun, fast and slightly chaotic collaboration of The FMCG Guys and The Women and Retail Media Collective. In this episode, Ana Lau and Daniel are joined by Lisa Tan, a  Retail Media Leader based in Singapore with experience in both Retail and Ad-Tech. The episode opens with rapid-fire personal questions to get to know Lisa before getting into uniquely Singaporean myths, retail market realities, and the quirks of working across tech and retail media. Lisa breaks down the structure of Singapore's retail landscape, and why the country's "boring but safe" reputation is actually a commercial advantage. Through games like This or That and True or False, she shares sharp takes on talent gaps, how retailers behave at the media table , the fragmented state of APAC retail media, and why many networks are still e-commerce operators trying to act like media companies.   More  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fmcgguys/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmcgguys/   Audio Mixing by Modest Ferrer Voice Acting by Jason Martorell Parsekian Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of The FMCG Guys (Dwyer Partners SL) or its partners. The FMCG Guys make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information discussed, and accept no responsibility for any decisions or outcomes based on this content. Listeners are encouraged to seek their own professional advice before acting on any of the topics covered.

Chalked Cast and chill with EmileCole, Greybeard, Mateuss, Gex and the Chalked Squad - Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chalked-cast/support0:00 - Intro / Guest introduction5:18 - New RLCS changes, Kick off LAN and OCE losing their second slot26:08 - 2/3s rule saving MENA and APAC RLCS?38:07 - APAC Roster rundown and APAC preview51:25 - STL to Secret, SAM Roster rundown and SAM preview1:01:20 - SSA Roster rundown, South African FIFAe Roster drama1:13:58 - EU Roster rundown and preview1:23:53 - NA Roster rundown and preview1:35:45 - Is this the most competitive season of RLCS ever?1:39:55 - OCE Roster rundown and Preview1:43:04 - MENA Roster rundown and preview1:49:34 - Patreon Question - Do Cash Cups provide value to emerging regions?1:54:45 - Outro / Early Regional Predictions

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Ignacio Davalos, Content Strategy Director at AIM B2B (a Custom Media company) and an experienced marketer who has led full-funnel B2B and B2C programs for brands like L'Oréal, Gengo, and Lionbridge.Ignacio breaks down how LinkedIn is actually used in Japan, who the real users are, what types of campaigns perform well, and why Western lead-generation playbooks often fail when applied to the Japanese market. He shares practical insights on localization, targeting, tool integrations, and campaign structure, backed by multiple real case studies.If you're a marketer, consultant, or B2B advertiser looking to run LinkedIn campaigns in Japan, this episode gives you a tactical, Japan-specific guide to what works and what doesn't.This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo's leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC.They can help you with:Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian marketsStrategic performance marketing (including LinkedIn Ads)Account-based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot-certified CRM and marketing automationData-driven implementation with cultural expertiseLearn more about AIM B2B here: https://hi.switchy.io/h7TM 00:29 – Introduction 00:56 – Guest Introduction 03:03 – LinkedIn user numbers & growth 07:09 – User demographics in Japan 11:41 – Competitors to LinkedIn 14:10 – How Western companies use LinkedIn 15:50 – How Japan uses LinkedIn differently 18:34 – Japanese vs Western tool integrations 26:30 – French newspaper case study 28:50 – Strengths of LinkedIn as an ad platform 34:39 – Cybersecurity case study 37:29 – How to build a successful awareness-phase campaign 40:10 – Localization of messaging & targeting 48:23 – Japanese vs English ads 49:50 – Pitfall: MBA campaign with low results 51:16 – Common mistakes in follow-up and nurturingConnect with Ignacio Davalos on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ignaciodavalos Link to GEO Strategy Online Webinar from AIM B2B: https://aim-b2b.com/lp/the-master-generative-engine-optimization-strategy/ Looking to take your business to the next level?Let our host Tyson Batino help you scale your company from $100,000 to $10,000,000 with personalized coaching and advisory.

"Come as you are works in Japan when leaders are also willing to read the air and meet people where they are". "Japan isn't as risk-averse as people think; it is uncertainty avoidance and consensus norms like nemawashi and ringi-sho that slow decisions". "In Japan, numbers are universal, but how people feel about those numbers is where real leadership begins". "For foreign leaders, kindness, patience, and genuine curiosity are far more powerful than charisma or title". "Women leaders who embrace their own style, instead of copying male role models, can quietly transform Japanese workplaces".   Joanne Lin is Senior Director, APAC, for Deckers Brands, the American company behind UGG, HOKA, and Teva. Born in Taiwan and raised in Canada, she later completed her MBA at Boston University and began her career in Boston, working in a trading company and then at Merrill Lynch Investment Company. In 2000, she moved to Japan for family reasons and has since built a 25-year leadership career in this complex market. In Japan, Joanne first held senior finance roles, including Head of Finance for Reebok Japan and CFO for Aegis Media, where she worked on mergers and acquisitions. She joined Deckers over thirteen years ago as CFO for Japan and was later asked to step in as interim Country Manager for Deckers Japan. Today she is back in an APAC-wide role, responsible for finance and strategy across 15 markets, including Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Her remit covers subsidiaries and distributor markets alike, requiring constant adaptation across cultures. Throughout her journey, Joanne has learned to reconcile a direct, North American style with Japan's more implicit, consensus-driven culture. Often mistaken for Japanese because of her appearance, she calls herself the "invisible gaijin", using that ambiguity to observe carefully, read body language, and bridge cultural expectations. Her leadership story is one of resilience, curiosity, and the quiet confidence to lead as herself in a country that often expects conformity. Joanne Lin's leadership journey began far from Japan. Born in Taiwan and raised in Toronto, she grew up immersed in North American directness, meritocracy, and straight-talking feedback. After completing an MBA at Boston University, she started her career in Boston, first at a trading company and then at Merrill Lynch Investment Company, building a strong foundation in finance. Numbers, ratios, and cash flows were her native business language long before she ever heard the phrase kūki o yomu — "reading the air" — in Japan. In 2000, she moved to Japan for family reasons, expecting to build a career but not realising how deeply the culture would challenge her assumptions about leadership. She entered the corporate world here without Japanese language skills and without local experience. Physically, many colleagues assumed she was Japanese, or at least of Japanese descent, and treated her accordingly. She jokes that she became an "invisible gaijin": expected to understand unspoken rules despite never having grown up with them. Early on, she discovered that in Japan, silence often speaks louder than words. Concepts akin to nemawashi — the quiet groundwork of building consensus before meetings — and the unspoken pressure to align with the group meant that decisions rarely came from a single, charismatic leader. Instead, she had to watch faces, posture and micro-reactions around the table. While she came from an environment where people said "yes" or "no" clearly, in Japan phrases like "I'll think about it" could mean "no" 80% of the time. Learning to interpret these signals became as important as reading the P&L. Her career advanced steadily through senior finance roles: Head of Finance for Reebok Japan, CFO for Aegis Media leading M&A, and later CFO for Deckers Japan. Over thirteen years at Deckers, she helped steer the growth of brands such as UGG and the fast-rising performance brand HOKA in one of the world's most competitive footwear markets. Eventually, she was asked to serve as interim Country Manager for Deckers Japan, an opportunity that tested her ability to go beyond numbers and lead entire functions including sales, marketing, HR and retail. Joanne's leadership philosophy is grounded in being genuine and transparent. She believes in explaining the "why" behind decisions, giving context, and aligning people rather than simply seeking agreement. She spends time helping non-finance colleagues understand what gross margin, discounts and operating income mean in practical terms, translating finance into everyday language rather than using it as a gatekeeping tool. Engagement surveys, where Japan often scores modestly compared with global benchmarks, have been a recurring theme in her work. Rather than blaming culture, she looks at how questions are worded, how norms shape responses, and then uses those insights to design practical remedies — from "lunch and learn" sessions to cross-functional gatherings and new-joiner lunches with senior leaders. As a woman leader, Joanne has wrestled with impostor syndrome yet chosen to step forward anyway. She sees many high-potential women in Japan holding back, waiting to be "perfect" before raising their hand. Her message to them is clear: trust yourself, recognise your natural strengths in communication and empathy, and accept that no leader — male or female — is ever fully ready. In the end, her story is about blending global experience with local nuance, leading with kindness and clarity, and proving that one can honour Japanese culture while still bringing a distinct, authentic leadership style to the table. Q&A Summary What makes leadership in Japan unique? For Joanne, leadership in Japan is defined by what is not said. The real meeting often happens before and after the official meeting, through nemawashi, where stakeholders quietly shape outcomes. In the room, kūki o yomu — reading the air — is critical: leaders must observe body language, side glances and subtle hesitations to interpret what people truly think. Formal tools like ringi-sho workflows, built on stamped approvals and consensus, reinforce a collective approach to decision-making. Japanese employees often assume the leader should already know their needs without them having to say it. That expectation of intuitive understanding, combined with a strong norm of harmony, makes empathetic listening and patience indispensable leadership skills. Why do global executives struggle? Global executives often arrive with a Western template: clear targets, rapid decisions, direct feedback. In Japan, that can clash with a culture that prizes stability, seniority and group consensus. Leaders may misinterpret indirect communication as indecisiveness or lack of ambition, when in fact people are carefully weighing the impact on the group. Engagement surveys then show Japan at the bottom of global rankings, and headquarters misreads this as disengagement, rather than a reflection of conservative scoring norms. Many foreign leaders also underestimate how much time must be invested in trust-building, one-on-one conversations, and slow-burn relationship work before people feel safe to share ideas or challenge the status quo. Is Japan truly risk-averse? Joanne sees Japan as more uncertainty-avoidant than risk-averse in the pure financial sense. As a finance professional, she knows that commercial risk can be quantified — through scenarios, ratios and forecasts. But in Japan, the social and reputational risks loom equally large: who will be blamed if this fails, what will it do to group harmony, how will customers react? These uncertainty factors slow decisions more than the numbers themselves. Leaders who introduce tools like decision intelligence platforms, scenario simulation or even digital twins of supply chains can help Japanese teams see risk in a structured way, reducing the emotional fear around uncertainty and making experimentation feel safer. What leadership style actually works? The style that works for Joanne is grounded in transparency, modesty and consistency. She leads by example, explaining not only what must be done, but why, and what it means for individuals and teams. She tries to give her people "airtime", resisting the urge — common to many finance leaders — to jump straight to the solution. In practice, that means listening to ideas without immediate judgement, thanking people publicly for their input, and celebrating small wins as much as big milestones. She maintains high standards but increasingly recognises that not everyone should be held to the same work rhythm she sets for herself. Alignment, not forced agreement, is the goal: people may disagree but still commit to the path once they feel heard. How can technology help? Technology, in Joanne's world, is not just about efficiency; it is a bridge between data and human behaviour. Advanced analytics, dashboards and decision-support tools can make trade-offs between margin, volume and investment more tangible for non-finance teams. AI-driven text analysis of engagement comments can surface themes that traditional surveys miss, helping leaders understand sentiment behind Japan's modest scoring patterns. Scenario modelling and digital twins of operations can turn abstract risks into concrete options, making it easier for consensus-driven teams to move forward. At its best, technology supports nemawashi by giving everyone a shared, data-informed picture, rather than replacing dialogue. Does language proficiency matter? Joanne arrived in Japan with no Japanese language ability and was forced to become an intense observer of body language and context. That experience convinced her that leadership is possible without fluency — but far more sustainable with it. Learning Japanese shows respect, reduces distance, and makes informal conversations and humour possible. Even basic proficiency helps leaders understand nuance in ringi documents, hallway chats, and customer feedback. She encourages foreign leaders to invest in language learning not as a checkbox, but as a signal of commitment to the market and to their teams. What's the ultimate leadership lesson? Her core lesson is simple yet demanding: be kind, be open, and be yourself. Leaders should stop expecting perfection from themselves and from others, especially in a country where external shocks like currency swings, tariffs and pandemics can derail even the best-laid plans. Instead, they should focus on doing their best, communicating clearly, and treating people with respect. For women leaders especially, Joanne's message is to step forward even when self-doubt whispers otherwise — to recognise that their strengths in empathy, communication and cultural sensitivity are not "soft" add-ons but central to effective leadership in Japan. In the long run, success here is less about heroics and more about steady, human-centred leadership that people genuinely want to follow. Timecoded Summary [00:00] The conversation opens with an introduction to Deckers Brands, the American company headquartered in Santa Barbara and best known in Japan for UGG, HOKA and Teva. Joanne explains that Deckers historically functions as a holding-style company, acquiring and growing footwear brands, and that Japan is a key market where three major brands are active. She outlines her current role as Senior Director, APAC, overseeing finance and strategy across 15 countries, including both subsidiaries and distributor markets. [05:20] Joanne traces her career arc: Taiwanese by birth, raised in Canada, MBA from Boston University, then finance roles in Boston with a trading company and Merrill Lynch Investment Company. In 2000 she relocates to Japan for family reasons, later becoming Head of Finance for Reebok Japan and CFO for Aegis Media, working on M&A. She joins Deckers over thirteen years ago as CFO for Japan and eventually steps into an interim Country Manager role, before returning to a wider APAC mandate based in Japan. [12:45] The discussion shifts to cultural adjustment. Because she "looks Japanese", colleagues initially assume she understands Japanese norms. She describes becoming an "invisible gaijin", held to local expectations without having grown up here. She learns to read the air, focusing on facial expressions, body language and context. Phrases like "I'll consider it" often conceal a "no", and she gradually becomes adept at interpreting such indirect communication. Her direct North American instincts must be tempered by Japanese expectations for restraint and harmony. [19:30] Finance and human reactions to numbers come into focus. Joanne notes that while sales, gross margin and SG&A appear objective, different functions interpret them in varied ways: finance may celebrate high margins while sales may worry they are under-investing. She stresses the importance of explaining financial concepts in simple terms, almost as if speaking to a 10-year-old, so that everyone can understand consequences. Her temporary shift from CFO to GM broadens her empathy for non-finance views and deepens her appreciation for cross-functional tension. [26:10] Attention turns to team engagement and communication. Japan's engagement survey scores routinely trail global averages, a pattern she attributes partly to cultural modesty and translation issues. Instead of accepting low scores as fate, she focuses on post-survey action: leaders are asked to talk openly with teams, understand expectations, and co-create remedies. Concrete initiatives such as "lunch and learn" sessions and new-joiner lunches with directors help break silos, humanise leadership and create informal nemawashi-like spaces where people can ask questions and share concerns. [33:40] Joanne discusses culture-building under the umbrella of Deckers' "Come as you are" value. She supports self-expression — even store staff in gender-fluid fashion — as long as it's tasteful and customer-appropriate. Her own leadership style is to be genuine, transparent and open about vulnerabilities. She balances the efficiency of top-down directives with the long-term benefits of participation: while consensus-building and alignment take time, they reduce turnover, re-training costs and disengagement. [40:15] Gender and leadership come into sharper focus. Joanne recounts her own bouts of impostor syndrome and the temptation, earlier in her career, to doubt her readiness for bigger roles. She notes that many women hesitate to raise their hands until they feel almost 100% qualified, while men may step up with far less. She encourages aspiring women leaders to recognise their strengths in empathy and nuanced communication, to "give it a try" even when not fully confident, and to view setbacks as learning rather than final verdicts. [47:30] The interview closes with advice for foreign leaders coming to Japan. Joanne emphasises being open, respectful and kind — to oneself and to others. She urges leaders to accept that Japan's deep-rooted culture will not change in a short posting, and that success depends on adapting rather than trying to remodel the country. Learning Japanese, even imperfectly, is both a sign of respect and a practical tool for building trust. Ultimately, she argues, effective leadership in Japan is about balancing data and humanity, global standards and local nuance, ambition and empathy. Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

Coupang is finally profitable. China's KKR Group is redefining offline lifestyle retail. APAC's consumer landscape is shifting fast.In this Five Things Friday — APAC Edition, Ryf Quail and Low Ngai Yuen unpack:• Coupang's record revenue and margin transformation• Logistics innovations powering same-day delivery• How Rocket WOW locks in customer loyalty• China's KKR Group and its explosive offline store growth• The rise of Gen Z lifestyle mega-brands• What global retailers must understand about Asia's momentumA essential briefing for leaders in retail, eCommerce, CX, marketplaces, supply chain, and omnichannel strategy.

Having spent the last week hosting our Singapore conference – IJGlobal Infrastructure Finance Forum: Asia 2025 – it felt only right to record a short podcast recorded from the sidelines.  IJGlobal editorial director Angus Leslie Melville took a break from the conference hall at The Westin Singapore to have a chat with Adrian Aw, managing director of PEI Global.  In a shorter-than-normal episode, Adrian takes the listener through his take-aways from the conference up to that point and then discusses the regional market.  Tune in for this latest episode…   

Welcome to Clio Con Clips 2025, recorded live from Boston and proudly sponsored by Clio, the world's leading legal technology company transforming the legal experience for all.On today's minisode, we get to speak with Denise Farmer. She is Clio's General Manager for the APAC region. Denise is recognised for leading Clio's growth and innovation efforts across Asia-Pacific, expanding the team, and helping drive legal tech adoption in a diverse and rapidly evolving market. Denise emphasises the importance of collaboration, change management, and partnerships with law societies and universities. She is passionate about using technology to improve efficiency for law firms, democratise access to justice, and support pro bono work. Denise is personally excited by the rapid pace of innovation, her growing APAC team and the transformative opportunities technology brings to legal professionals in the region.So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Denise discussing:- APAC Diversity & Opportunity- The Promise of AI & Cloud- Overcoming Change Management- Partnerships for Progress- Access to Justice & Team GrowthConnect with Denise Farmer here - https://au.linkedin.com/in/denisefarmer

In this special on-location episode of One Vision, we welcome Andreas Mettenberger, Managing Director of Synpulse Hong Kong, to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in wealth management. Recorded during the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong FinTech Week, we explore the role of technology in wealth management, differences in regional approaches, and the mindset change needed to create new growth opportunities. Andreas emphasizes the potential of AI to streamline operations and enhance client interactions, anticipating a significant acceleration in AI deployment in the coming years.

Marriott's partnership with Sonder collapses dramatically, with more details unveiled in court filings. REI makes a major return to travel through a new alliance with Intrepid, and Hilton doubles down on a high-growth strategy across Asia Pacific. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy unpacks the chaotic final days of Sonder, why REI is betting big on guided adventures, and how Hilton is positioning itself for long-term dominance in Japan, India, and China. Articles Referenced: Sonder's Final Days: Marriott Lays Out the Timeline in Court Docs Intrepid Travel and REI Partner to Launch Adventure Tours Hilton's Asia Pacific Playbook: China vs. Japan vs. India Honorable Mention: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Good Morning Hospitality, A Skift Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Honorable Mention: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AskAConcierge on IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Skift LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WhatsApp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/skift⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SkiftNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and never miss an update from the travel industry.

Leandro Perez joins to cut through the AI hype and share what's actually working. With Agentforce handling 850,000 conversations and managing 85% of customer inquiries, Leandro reveals the reality behind the marketing claims and addresses the "SaaS is dead" narrative head-on. From managing 30,000 weekly customer inquiries with AI agents to transforming his entire marketing team's workflows, Leandro offers a brutally honest look at what it takes to lead through a technological revolution. This isn't just theory: it's a practitioner's guide to implementing AI at scale, including the mistakes, the breakthroughs, and the systematic approach required to bring an entire organisation along for the journey. Guest Introduction Leandro Perez is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Australia and New Zealand at Salesforce, where he guides strategic direction and market positioning for the world's leading AI-powered CRM.  With a Computer Science degree from UNSW and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, Leandro brings over 20 years of experience combining technical expertise with business acumen.  He previously led global corporate messaging at Salesforce and partnered closely with CEO Marc Benioff. He's a Fellow of The Marketing Academy, serves on the AANA Board, and is a recipient of the Salesforce Chairman & CEO Award. Key Topics AI reality at Salesforce: Agent Force handles 850,000 conversations with 85% resolution"SaaS is dead" narrative: Why enterprise software needs governance, permissions, reliability, not just quick AI codeLeading transformation: Year-long journey from lone voice to company-wide quarterly Agent Force Learning DaysProcess mapping first: Document crown jewel processes to identify pain points before introducing AISystematic change: Company-wide learning days, mandatory training (100% Agent Blazer status), permission to experimentPractical AI adoption: Landing pages, social automation, Slack summaries, 80% email engagement, plus failed experimentsExperimentation culture: Identifying early adopters, showcasing wins, balancing air cover with performance Resources & Links People Mentioned: Marc Benioff - Salesforce CEO & Co-FounderRoby Sharon-Zipser - hipages CEO & Co-Founder Companies & Tools: Salesforce - AI-powered CRM platformAgentforce - Salesforce AI agent platformTrailhead - Salesforce learning platformFisher & Paykel - Appliance manufacturerGoodyear - Tire manufacturerRemarkable - Digital paper tablethipages - Online tradie marketplaceChatGPT - AI chatbotGemini - Google AI assistantPerplexity - AI search toolElevenLabs - AI text-to-speechAANA - Association of National Advertisers Subscribe to the xG Weekly Newsletter for weekly insights on B2B growth across APAC: https://xgrowth.com.au/newsletter Contact & Credits Host: Shahin Hoda Guest: Leandro Perez Produced by: Shahin Hoda and Alexander Hipwell Edited by: Alexander Hipwell Music by: Breakmaster Cylinder APAC's B2B Growth Podcast is Presented by xGrowth

APAC stocks were choppy, cautious, and eventually traded subdued, as the region held a tentative stance ahead of the FOMC minutes and NVIDIA earnings.The Trump administration has been secretly working in consultation with Russia to draft a new plan to end the war in Ukraine, according to Axios sources; Russia said Ukraine attempted to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.BoJ Governor Ueda, Japanese Finance Minister Katayama, and Japanese Economy Minister Kiuchi are set to meet at 09:10 GMT (04:10 EST), according to JiJi; Japanese Finance Minister Katayama is expected to speak to media at 09:30 GMT (04:30 EST).The White House confirmed that US President Trump is set to speak at the US-Saudi investment forum on Wednesday at 12:00 EST (17:00 GMT) in Washington.US Treasury Secretary Bessent said US President Trump may announce the next Fed Chair before Christmas, via Fox News.Looking ahead, highlights include UK CPI, EZ HICP (Final), US International Trade (Aug), FOMC Minutes, Fed's Williams, Logan, Barkin, Miran; BoE's Dhingra, supply from the UK & US. Earnings from NVIDIA, Target & Lowe's. Click for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

When markets are kind, anyone can look like a genius. The test arrives when conditions turn—your systems, skills, and character decide what happens next.  What are the five drivers every leader must master? The five drivers are: Self Direction, People Skills, Process Skills, Communication, and Accountability. Mastering all five creates resilient performance across cycles. In boom times (think pre-pandemic luxury hotels in Japan) tailwinds mask weak leadership; in shocks (closed borders, supply chain crunches) only strong drivers keep teams delivering. As of 2025, executives in multinationals, SMEs, and startups alike need a balanced "stack": vision and values (Self Direction), talent and trust (People), systems and analytics (Process), clear messaging and questions (Communication), and personal ownership (Accountability). If one leg is shaky, the whole table wobbles. Do now: Score yourself 1–5 on each driver; identify your lowest two and set 30-day improvement actions.  Mini-summary: Five drivers form a complete system; strength in one can't compensate for failure in another. How does Self Direction separate steady leaders from "lucky" ones? Self-directed leaders set vision, goals, and culture—and adjust fast when reality bites. Great conditions or an inherited A-team help, but hope isn't a strategy. As markets shift in APAC, the US, or Europe, leaders with grounded values and a flexible ego change course quickly; rigid, oversized egos drive firms off cliffs faster. The calibration problem is real: we need enough ego to lead, not so much that we ignore evidence. In practice that means owner-dated goals, visible trade-offs, and a willingness to reverse a decision when facts change. Do now: Write a one-page "leader operating system": purpose, top 3 goals, non-negotiable values, and the conditions that trigger a pivot.  Mini-summary: Direction + adaptability beats bravado; values anchor the pivot, not the vanity. Why are People Skills the new performance engine? Complex work killed the "hero leader"; today's results flow from psychologically safe, capability-building teams.Whether you run manufacturing in Aichi, B2B SaaS in Seattle, or retail in Sydney, you need the right people on the bus, in the right seats. Trust is the currency; without it, there is no team—only compliant individuals. Servant leadership isn't slogans; it's practical: career conversations, strengths-based job fit, and coaching cadences. Climbing over bodies might have worked in 1995; in 2025 it destroys engagement, innovation, and retention. Do now: Map your team on fit vs. aspiration. Realign one role this fortnight and schedule two growth conversations per week for the next month.  Mini-summary: Build safety, match talent to roles, and coach growth; teams create the compounding returns, not lone heroes. What Process Skills keep quality high without killing initiative? Well-designed systems prevent good people from failing; poor processes turn stars into "low performers." Leaders must separate skill gaps from system flaws. Mis-fit is common—asking a big-picture creative to live in spreadsheets, or a detail maven to blue-sky strategy all day. Across sectors, involve people in improving the workflow; people support a world they help create. And yes, even "Driver" personalities must wear an Analytical hat for the numbers that matter: current, correct, relevant. Toyota's jidoka lesson applies broadly: stop the line when a defect appears, then fix root causes. Do now: Run a 60-minute process review: map steps, assign owners, check inputs/outputs, and identify one automation or simplification per step.  Mini-summary: Design beats heroics; match roles to wiring, make data accurate, improve the system with the people who run it. How should leaders communicate to create alignment that sticks? Great leaders talk less, listen more, and ask sharper questions—then verify that messages cascade cleanly.Communication isn't a TED Talk; it's a discipline. Listen for what's not said, surface hidden risks, and test understanding down the line. In Japan, nemawashi-style groundwork builds alignment before meetings; in the US/EU, crisp owner-dated action registers keep pace high without rework. In regulated fields (finance, healthcare, aerospace), clarity reduces audit friction; in creative and GTM teams, it accelerates experiments. Do now: Install a weekly "message audit": sample three layers (manager, IC, cross-function) and ask them to restate priorities, risks, and decisions in their own words.  Mini-summary: Listen deeply, question precisely, and ensure the message survives the org chart; alignment is measured at the edges. Where does Accountability start—and how do you make it contagious? Accountability starts at the top: the buck stops with the leader, without excuses—and then cascades through coaching and controls. As of 2025, boards and regulators demand both outcomes and evidence. Strong leaders admit errors quickly, fix them publicly, and maintain systems that track results and compliance. Accountability isn't blame; it's ownership plus support: clear goals, training, checkpoints, and consequences. In startups, this prevents "move fast and break the law"; in enterprises, it fights bureaucratic drift. Do now: Publish a one-page scoreboard each Monday (KPIs, leading indicators, risks) and hold a 15-minute review where owners report facts, not stories.  Mini-summary: Model ownership, build coaching and monitoring into the cadence, and make evidence a habit—not a surprise inspection. How do you integrate the five drivers across markets and company types? Balance is contextual: tighten controls in high-risk/low-competency zones; grant autonomy in low-risk/high-competency zones. Multinationals can borrow playbooks (RACI, stage gates), but SMEs need lightweight equivalents to preserve speed. Startups should resist the "super-doer" trap by delegating outcomes early; listed firms should fight analysis paralysis by protecting experiments inside guardrails. Across Japan, the US, and Europe, leaders who pair people development with process discipline outperform through cycles because capability compounds while compliance holds. Do now: Build a "risk × competency" grid for your top workflows and adjust oversight accordingly within 48 hours. Review monthly as skills rise.  Mini-summary: Tune people and process to context; move oversight with risk and capability, not with habit. Conclusion: strength in all five, not perfection in one Leadership success is engineered, not gifted by luck. When conditions turn, Self Direction provides the compass, People Skills provide power, Process Skills provide traction, Communication provides cohesion, and Accountability provides grip. Work the system, in that order, and your organisation will keep moving—legally, safely, profitably—even when the weather's foul.  Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー).

As digital assets move into the regulatory spotlight, few have the global vantage point of Tom Duff Gordon, Vice President of International Policy at Coinbase. With experience ranging from banking at Credit Suisse to steering policy at one of the world's largest crypto firms, Tom offers a rare behind-the-scenes view into how crypto policy is shaped around the world.In this episode, Tom joins Ari, TRM's Global Head of Policy, to unpack the evolving global crypto policy landscape, from the rollout of MiCA in Europe to new frameworks taking shape across APAC, LATAM, and the Middle East. He reflects on how his early TradFi experiences during the global financial crisis informed his belief in blockchain's promise — and why he made the leap to Coinbase.Tom and Ari also discuss:Why Stand With Crypto is redefining grassroots advocacyHow stablecoin and tokenization policy is evolving globallyWhy Coinbase champions both centralized and decentralized financeThe power of crypto storytelling in policymaker conversationsFrom running policy playbooks across continents to running literal miles with Ari at TRM Run Club, this wide-ranging conversation spotlights the people and principles behind crypto's global expansion.

As we move into 2026, AI is no longer a strategic experiment—it's the engine of operational transformation. Across Asia, COOs are stepping beyond traditional oversight roles to become chief orchestrators of AI infrastructure: the complex, dynamic backbone that powers everything from real-time customer insights to autonomous supply chains. But what does it truly mean to build “AI-ready” infrastructure in a region defined by rapid innovation, diverse regulatory regimes, and intensifying pressure on energy and talent?In this PodChats for FutureCOO, we are joined by Tejaswini Tilak, VP, Marketing, APAC, Digital Realty, who will share her perspective on Orchestrating the organisation's AI Infrastructure as viewed by the COO in 2026.1.       How can we ensure our AI infrastructure investments deliver long-term operational agility and business value amid rapidly shifting AI models, regulations, and market conditions across Asia?2.       What operating model enables us to efficiently manage both compute-intensive AI training and real-time, low-latency inference—especially as business units demand responsiveness from factory floors to customer touchpoints?3.       As AI inference moves closer to end users and industrial operations, how must we evolve our edge and colocation footprint to guarantee uptime, performance, and disaster resilience across diverse Asian markets?4.       Given Asia's patchwork of data sovereignty laws, how can we standardize data governance across markets while enabling seamless AI operations and avoiding regulatory penalties or business delays?5.       Beyond raw compute, which operational metrics—such as time-to-decision, energy-per-inference, or cost-per-AI-outcome—should drive our AI infrastructure strategy and investment reviews?6.       How do we balance the surging energy demands of AI with our corporate sustainability commitments and operational cost targets—without compromising scalability or performance?7.       What strategic partnerships—with digital infrastructure providers, energy utilities, and technology vendors—are essential to de-risk and accelerate our AI operational roadmap across Asia in 2026–2027?8.       Drawing from your observations in the market in 2025, what advise can you offer COOs and other members of the C-Suite when it comes to their investment strategies for 2026? 9.       With 2026 just around the corner, what are you expectations of things to come?

APAC stocks extended losses throughout the session following a similar lead from Wall Street, which had seen heavy losses on Monday. Overall newsflow in APAC hours was quiet, although tech stocks were among the laggards in the region.DXY traded flat for most of the session and eventually drifted lower before dipping under 99.50 despite quiet newsflow, but as haven FX (JPY and CHF) gained amid risk aversion. JGB futures saw limited movement at the short end while the long end continued to weaken, pushing the 20-year yield to its highest level since July 1999. Bitcoin saw deep losses and eventually fell under the USD 90,000 mark to levels last seen in April, whilst Ethereum fell under USD 3,000.European equity futures are indicative of a lower cash open, with the Euro Stoxx 50 future down 1.1% after cash closed 0.9% lower on Monday.Looking ahead, highlights include US ADP Weekly Estimate, US Factory Orders (Aug), US Durable Goods (Aug), and Japanese Trade Balance. Speakers include ECB's Elderson; BoE's Pill, Dhingra; Fed's Barr, Barkin. Earnings include Home Depot, Baidu, Medtronic, PDD; Imperial Brands, Diploma.Click for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

A strong coaching culture doesn't just improve performance - it rewires how your teams think, sell, and serve customers. In this episode of the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, we explore how sales coaching, autonomy, and cultural alignment become the foundation for customer centricity and truly value based selling. Harry Kendlbacher sits down with Andre Schindler, GM EMEA & SVP Global Sales at NinjaOne, to reveal how modern sales leadership builds resilient, high-performing teams in fast-scaling environments.

Savills Global Occupier Services leaders from North America, EMEA and APAC discuss how to leverage CRE strategy and the evolving role of Global Capabilities Centers to meet talent, innovation and cost objectives.

In this session, we don't want to give you trends, just facts. Start with helping understand the science of innovation followed by a showcase of Space Matrix's diverse tenant project benchmarks from across APAC.

Why "top-down" selling backfires in Japan's big companies — and what to do instead.  Is meeting the President in Japan a guaranteed win? No — unless the President is also the owner (the classic wan-man shachō), your "coup" meeting rarely converts directly. In listed enterprises and large corporates, executive authority is diffused by consensus-driven processes. Even after a warm conversation and a visible "yes," the purchase decision typically moves into a bottom-up vetting cycle that your initial sponsor doesn't personally shepherd. In contrast, smaller firms or founder-led groups may decide quickly, much like private U.S. SMEs or European Mittelstand. The trap is assuming a Western "economic buyer" model maps 1:1 to Japan's governance norms post-Abenomics (2013–2020) and as of 2025. Treat the Presidential meeting as a door-opener, not a done deal.  Do now: Reframe the "Prez" as an access node; design your plan for everything that happens after the elevator ride down. What actually happens after the big meeting? The President typically delegates "look into this" to a direct report, and your proposal enters an internal review pipeline. A junior staffer performs due diligence, then a section head reviews and either quietly stops the process or passes it up. If momentum builds, the division head circulates a ringi-sho (稟議書) with attached materials for cross-functional stamps (hanko). Each division repeats its own research — Finance, HR, Operations — before any re-contact with you. Compared with U.S. enterprise sales where a single VP can overrule, Japan's system prioritises organisational risk-sharing and face-saving. Expect additional nemawashi (root-binding) conversations you won't see. Every change to scope, pricing, or timing restarts the paper trail.  Do now: Ask early who will run due diligence, which divisions must stamp, and what the ringi packet must include. Why do direct reports sometimes ignore an explicit instruction? Because "check this out" isn't "make this happen" — the President's role usually ends at referral, not enforcement. In large firms (think Toyota-scale keiretsu or Rakuten-class digital groups), middle management owns process integrity. A public "order" in front of you may still be interpreted as permission to evaluate, not a mandate to buy. In the U.S., sellers might push back on "we'll think about it"; in Japan, they really do need to think — collectively. That's not stonewalling; it's governance. The deal can die silently at any stage if the section head sees mis-fit, poor timing (e.g., fiscal year planning in March), or brand risk. Your best lever is equipping mid-levels with a de-risked, spec-tight story that they can defend internally.  Do now: Translate the top-level promise into mid-level proof: ROI math, references in Japan, security/PII notes, and implementation flow. How long does the ringi cycle take, and what slows it down? Longer than Western sellers expect — and it resets with every material change. The ringi-sho builds consensus by circulating for stamps across affected divisions. Each unit repeats checks (vendor risk, budget fit, labour impact under Japan's 2023 work-style reforms, data residency for APAC, etc.). If you tweak scope or price, a fresh ringi often triggers. For comparison, an American SaaS deal might hit Legal once; in Japan, Legal, Information Systems, and HR may all run independent passes. Multi-site rollouts (retail, manufacturing) compound complexity versus single-site pilots. Sellers who rush or "pressure close" risk face loss among reviewers — a reputational cost that kills not just this deal but your next.  Do now: Time-box your asks, pre-bundle likely objections, and avoid last-minute scope surprises that force a re-circulation. How should you re-engineer your enterprise sales motion for Japan? Build a two-track play: executive alignment for vision + operator enablement for approvals. Track A (C-suite): anchor on strategy, external credibility (Japan references, security attestations), and clear business impact by quarter. Track B (middle-down): deliver a ringi-ready pack — problem framing, options matrix, risk mitigations, rollout plan, KPI table (adoption, uptime targets, ROI), and case miniatures from sectors like automotive, retail, and banking. Compared with Europe (works councils) or the U.S. (deal desk), Japan's reviewer set is broader; so your artefacts must be modular and stamp-friendly. Pro tip: craft a Japanese one-pager that a 25-year-old staffer can champion without fear.  Do now: Produce a bilingual ringi kit: exec summary, cost sheet, security appendix, phased pilot plan, and internal FAQ. What if the buyer is a founder-led or SME "one-man President"? Move fast — wan-man shachō environments can green-light on the spot, but still respect downstream implementers. Owner-operators (common in construction, logistics, specialised manufacturers) align closer to U.S. founder-CEO norms: if they decide, it happens. However, success still hinges on managers who must live with the tool or training. Win speed without burning adoption by pre-agreeing a post-signature cadence: kickoff, hands-on enablement, check-ins. Contrast: in multinationals and listed firms, assume consensus first, speed second. Use segmented pipelines and forecasting models for each archetype to avoid "phantom commits" based on executive enthusiasm alone.  Do now: Qualify leadership style early; if it's founder-led, offer rapid pilot + success plan; if it's listed, budget for consensus cycles. Quick internal checklist for a ringi-ready packet Executive one-pager (JP/EN) with outcome metrics and timeline Options matrix (do nothing vs. competitor vs. your solution) Security & compliance appendix (data flows, access, audit) Costing & ROI sheet (12–36 months, with sensitivity) Implementation playbook (roles, training, support SLAs) Reference mini-cases from Japan/APAC peers Do now: Attach this checklist to every enterprise proposal in Japan.  Conclusion: Stop "selling the Prez"; start enabling the process In Japan's large corporates, the President opens a door; the organisation makes the decision. Treat the executive meeting as your starting pistol, not the finish line. Win by equipping mid-levels to say "yes" safely, designing for ringicadence, and pacing your asks. In founder-led firms, move decisively — with respect for the managers who must land the change. That's how you convert enthusiasm into signed, implemented value in Japan, as of 2025.  FAQs Is aggressive closing effective in Japan? No. Pushy tactics create face risk for reviewers and can stall the ringi process; equip, don't pressure.  Do all Japanese companies work this way? No. Founder-led SMEs can decide top-down; listed and multinational firms lean consensus-first.  What documents speed approval? A bilingual, ringi-ready packet: exec summary, ROI, security, rollout, and references.  Next steps for leaders/executives Map the approval path (divisions, stamps, timelines). Build a standard ringi pack and local references. Train your team on Japan-specific cadence and language. Segment forecasts by "founder-led" vs. "listed corporate."  Author credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

How Global Workforce Strategies Are Redefining Talent Acquisition The modern workforce is no longer defined by geography. Astechnology continues to dissolve physical boundaries and offer new options for getting work done, organizations are increasingly exploring offshore and nearshore hiring models to expand their access to global talent. By leveraging these strategies, companies can achieve greater scalability, cost efficiency, and flexibility while maintaining high-quality standards across regions.    On the latest episode of the HRO Today Educational Podcast, Daniel Cornett, Senior Director of RPO for APAC at KellyOCG + Sevenstep, joins host Elliot Clark, CEO of HRO Today, to discuss how talent leaders can successfully navigate the shift toward borderless workforces.    Listen in as Cornett discusses how forward-thinking companies are redefining talent acquisition to create cohesive, collaborative teams across the globe. 

Palfinger AG Elevator Pitch: Key TakeawaysIn this short and focused Elevator Pitch, Felix Strohbichler, CFO of Palfinger AG, provides investors with a clear overview of the company's equity story, growth potential, and strategic direction.Palfinger AG: A Trusted Global Leader in Lifting SolutionsPalfinger AG is a worldwide leader in innovative lifting and handling solutions for industries such as construction, transport, maritime, forestry, and infrastructure. With over €2.4 billion in revenue (FY 2024) and 12,000 employees, the group combines engineering excellence, product innovation, and a strong global service network.Its portfolio includes loader cranes, marine cranes, aerial platforms, hooklifts, and digital fleet systems, used by customers in more than 130 countries.Broad Diversification and Global FootprintAs Felix Strohbichler explains, Palfinger's strength lies in its broad industrial diversification and global presence. With 30 production sites, technology centres across Europe, Asia, and North America, and a comprehensive service network, Palfinger is positioned to serve customers quickly, reliably, and with proximity.This worldwide footprint makes Palfinger one of the most resilient and customer-centric players in the sector.Growth Drivers and Strategic FocusThree pillars drive Palfinger's growth:Innovation LeadershipContinuous investment in smart lifting, connected cranes, and automation technologies.Geographical ExpansionAccelerated growth in North America, APAC, and Marine markets.Service ExcellenceA rapidly expanding aftermarket and digital service business, ensuring long-term revenue stability and customer retention.Felix Strohbichler emphasises that Palfinger's future profitability is built not only on sales growth but also on digitalisation, standardisation, and footprint optimisation — initiatives that unlock significant cost savings and scalability.Financial Highlights: A Testament to Palfinger's StabilityKey TakeawayFelix Strohbichler concludes:“Palfinger stands for innovation, reliability, and global reach. With our broad product portfolio, strong service business, and global footprint, we are well equipped for sustainable and profitable growth.”▶️ Other videos: Elevator Pitch: https://seat11a.com/investor-relations-elevator-pitch/ Company Presentation: https://seat11a.com/investor-relations-company-presentation/ Deep Dive Presentation: https://seat11a.com/investor-relations-deep-dive/ Financial Results Presentation: https://seat11a.com/investor-relations-financial-results/ ESG Presentation: https://seat11a.com/investor-relations-esg/ T&C This publication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. By using this website, you agree to our terms and conditions as outlined on www.seat11a.com/legal and www.seat11a.com/imprint.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent said the China rare-earths deal will “hopefully” be done by Thanksgiving, according to Fox News.US President Trump said he does not think more tariff rollbacks will be necessary; he said top US officials spoke with their Chinese counterparts on Friday and that he is speaking to China about soybeans, according to Reuters.Apple (AAPL) has intensified succession planning for CEO Tim Cook and is preparing for him to step down as soon as next year, according to the FT.APAC stocks traded mostly lower after the mixed lead from Wall Street; European equity futures are indicative of an uneventful open with Euro Stoxx 50 future U/C after cash closed -0.9% on Friday.Bitcoin briefly erased all 2025 gains, falling to near USD 93k as crypto markets suffered over the weekend.Looking ahead, highlights include US NY Fed Manufacturing, Canadian CPI. Speakers include Fed's Williams, Jefferson, Kashkari, Waller; ECB's Lane, Villeroy, de Guindos, Cipollone; BoE's Mann; BoC's KozickiClick for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Cars are no longer just machines, they’re becoming digital ecosystems on wheels. Across Southeast Asia, drivers today want more than horsepower, they want continuous connectivity. The Breakfast Show invites Benson Yeo, SVP Connectivity for APAC, IDEMIA, to unpack how connectivity, identity, and security are redefining mobility, and what opportunities it opens for entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping the future of transport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special on-location episode of One Vision, we welcome Andreas Mettenberger, Managing Director of Synpulse Hong Kong, to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in wealth management. Recorded during the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong FinTech Week, we explore the role of technology in wealth management, differences in regional approaches, and the mindset change needed to create new growth opportunities. Andreas emphasizes the potential of AI to streamline operations and enhance client interactions, anticipating a significant acceleration in AI deployment in the coming years.

European equities opened broadly lower, with all major indices in the red as sentiment soured following weakness in APAC trade; FTSE 100 lags.US equity futures are weaker across the board in pre-market trade as Tech continues to lag on valuation concerns. GBP/USD is in focus this session following reports that Chancellor Reeves has scrapped plans for an income tax rate hike, a move seen as increasing fiscal risks ahead of the November 26th budget.Gilts experienced a volatile session, with the benchmark plunging from 93.37 to 92.07, but has since rebounded modestly on reports around UK forecasts.UKMTO notes of incident off the coast of UAE's Khor Fakkan [near the Strait of Hormuz], believed to be state activity; Vessel is transiting towards Iranian territorial waters.Looking ahead, speakers include ECBʼs Cipollone & Lane, Fedʼs Bostic, Schmid & Logan. Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks were pressured following the sell-off stateside, where tech was hit on valuation and China AI race concerns, while sentiment was also not helped by recent hawkish-leaning Fed rhetoric and mixed Chinese activity data.Chinese activity data was mixed, in which Industrial Production disappointed and Retail Sales marginally topped estimates, but both showed a slowdown from the previous, while Chinese House Prices continued to contract.US BLS said it is working on a plan to release the delayed data and stated, "We appreciate your patience while we work to get this information out ASAP, as it may take time to fully assess the situation and finalise revised release dates", according to WSJ.UK PM Starmer and Chancellor Reeves reportedly ditched budget plans to increase income tax rates, according to FT.European equity futures indicate a lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.3% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.8% on Thursday.Looking ahead, highlights include German Wholesale Price Index (Oct), French/Spanish CPI Final (Oct), EU Trade Balance (Sep), EU GDP Flash Estimate (Q3), Speakers including ECB's Cipollone, Elderson & Lane, Fed's Bostic, Schmid & Logan, Earnings from Swiss Re, Allianz & Siemens Energy.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

On Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Shelly Mittal, Senior Executive Communications at The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD), about APAC's rising role in ad tech, the shift to AI-driven, transparent media buying, and why the open internet matters for brands and consumers alike. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Data Chronicles, host Scott Loughlin is joined by Hogan Lovells partners Eduardo Ustaran and Charmian Aw to examine how regulators are rethinking the relationship between AI, innovation, and privacy. They discuss why many regulators view data protection rules not as obstacles, but as guardrails that can support responsible AI development through tools like impact assessments, transparency, and data minimization.   Eduardo shares insights from the Global Privacy Assembly, which brought together more than 140 data protection authorities from over 90 countries for regulator-led discussions on AI in daily life, cross-border data transfers, children's privacy, privacy-enhancing technologies, and other issues shaping global enforcement trends. Charmian, who leads the firm's Asia-Pacific Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity team, adds an APAC perspective with takeaways from the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum and the region's growing push for interoperability in data transfers and enforcement cooperation.   We also highlight the launch of our Asia Pacific Privacy Legislation Tracker, a new tool that compares privacy requirements across APAC jurisdictions designed to support companies in navigating the region's evolving data protection landscape.

US President Trump signed the government funding bill and announced an end to the government shutdown after the House voted to approve the bill, while Trump said the government will resume normal operations and reiterated a call for money to be paid to people directly to buy healthcare.White House Press Secretary Leavitt said the October CPI and jobs data is likely to never be released, while it was separately reported that there was no official word from BLS on plans for October data.US officials flagged they will reduce tariffs on popular groceries, as pressure mounts to address the cost-of-living crisis, according to FT.APAC stocks followed suit to the mixed performance in the US, with little fresh catalysts as the government shutdown ended.European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.4% after the cash market closed with gains of 1.1% on Wednesday.Looking ahead, highlights include UK GDP (Sep/Q3), EZ Industrial Production (Sep), US Cleveland Fed (Oct), New Zealand Manufacturing PMI (Nov), IEA OMR, BoE Minutes of the Market Participants Group Meeting, Speakers including BoE's Greene, Fed's Daly, Kashkari, Musalem & Hammack, ECB's Elderson, SNB's Tschudin & Moser, Supply from Italy & US, Earnings from Zealand Pharma, B&M European, Burberry, Siemens, Sabadell, Applied Materials, Disney, JD com & Bilibili.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

The global demand for basmati rice has been rising, especially in the Middle East and the EU. As a result, the competition to sell this long-grain variety has intensified in recent years. The world's biggest Basmati suppliers -- India and Pakistan -- claim proprietary ownership over this long-grain Asian indica rice. In this podcast, we will shine some light on the fundamental issues in the basmati trade and the way forward for the two South Asian countries. Join S&P Global Commodity Insights' Asim Anand, manager, agriculture & food pricing, Dipanshi Agarwal, principal analyst, APAC crops, Ayushi Baloni and Namarita Kathait, associate price reporters for agriculture & food, in a discussion about the intricacies of the global basmati trade and why it has become a source of disagreement between India and Pakistan.

In this episode of The Global Ecommerce Leaders Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Jim Okamura deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the state of global retail and ecommerce, anchored by insights from the recent GELF NYC reboot dinner—the first major in-person gathering of the community in some time. With global executives from leading international brands in the room, the event served as both a reunion and a reality check on the forces reshaping cross-border commerce.Jim and Michael reflect on the energy in New York—highlighted by lively discussions around brand integrity, organizational design, and the rising complexity of global go-to-market strategies. Leaders shared how they manage brand consistency across distributors, marketplaces, and wholesale partners, while simultaneously navigating volatile regulatory environments and shifting tariff structures. The hosts explore how pricing—once a simple currency-conversion exercise—has become a multidimensional challenge as identical goods now carry drastically different landed costs depending on origin, routing, and trade agreements.AI also dominated the conversation. Executives compared notes on AI-enhanced content creation, its accelerating demand for high-quality assets, and the tension between efficiency and brand protection. Michael highlights how generative AI is already intersecting with marketplaces, reshaping purchase journeys, and raising questions about attribution, KPIs, and data governance. Jim adds perspectives from his Ebeltoft global meetings, where consultants from Europe, APAC, and beyond echoed similar themes: AI is advancing faster than any previous digital disruption, and brands worldwide are preparing for what many are calling the first true “AI-powered holiday season.”The episode also previews GELF's next six months. First up: a Canada-focused virtual event in early December to analyze cross-border performance and help U.S. brands calibrate their 2026 strategies. Then, an LA reboot dinner in February to reconnect with West Coast leaders, followed by planning for a Global Experts Workshop in early 2026—a hands-on symposium for senior global executives managing complex international networks.Finally, Michael and Jim touch on the growing role of NRF's global shows, the rise of NRF Europe and APAC, and the renewed international momentum behind retail innovation gatherings. As always, they close by inviting brands to reach out, share their challenges, and help shape future GELF programming. This episode is a rich, timely resource for anyone navigating global ecommerce, cross-border growth, trade uncertainty or the accelerating influence of AI on international retail.  Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand. Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus.

On Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews ⁠Shelly Mittal⁠, Senior Executive Communications at The Trade Desk (NASDAQ: TTD), about APAC's rising role in ad tech, the shift to AI-driven, transparent media buying, and why the open internet matters for brands and consumers alike. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Scaling Japan Podcast, we welcome Sam Bird, a marketing and communications executive with over two decades of experience in digital strategy, business development, and B2B marketing. He has served as COO of Custom Media and AIM B2B, and has trained executives and multinational teams across Japan.Sam breaks down how AI is transforming search behavior, and why traditional SEO tactics no longer guarantee visibility in AI-generated results from tools like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity.He explains the growing importance of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), what companies are getting wrong when adapting, and how businesses in Japan can take advantage of the current AI adoption gap.If you're a marketer, consultant, or content strategist looking to stay ahead of the AI curve, especially in Japan, this episode is your inside guide to the future of search.AIM B2B – Integrated Marketing & PR in Asia This episode is sponsored by Custom Media, Tokyo's leading integrated marketing and PR agency since 2008, helping global brands expand across Japan and APAC. They can help you with:Localized storytelling to build trust in Asian marketsStrategic performance marketing for measurable growthAccount‑based marketing (ABM), paid media, GEO, and SEOHubSpot‑certified CRM & marketing automationData‑driven implementation with cultural expertise⁠

APAC stocks traded mixed with the region indecisive amid light fresh catalysts and as participants digested earnings.House Democratic caucus will meet at noon Wednesday in Washington, according to Punchbowl's ShermanUK's Downing Street has launched an extraordinary operation to protect UK PM Starmer amid fears among the PM's closest allies that he is vulnerable to a leadership challenge in the wake of the Budget, according to The Guardian's Crerar.European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.3% after the cash market closed with gains of 1.1% on Tuesday.Looking ahead, highlights include German CPI Final (Oct), Italian Industrial Output (Sep), BoC Minutes (Oct), EIA STEO, OPEC MOMR, Speakers including ECB's Schnabel & de Guindos, Fed's Paulson, Bostic, Williams, Barr, Waller, Miran, Collins; US Treasury Secretary Bessent. Supply from Germany & US, Earnings from E On, Bayer, Infineon, ABN AMRO, Cisco & On.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Welcome to our review of PR pitches and mergers and acquisitions in the UK PR scene with Andrew Bloch. Here we discuss the biggest pitch wins, mergers and acquisitions that the PR sector has seen in November 2025.Andrew is the lead consultant PR, social, content and influencer at the new business consultancy firm AAR and a partner at PCB Partners, where he advises on buying and selling marketing services agencies.Andrew also runs the advisory firm Andrew Bloch & Associates.Before we start, make sure you get your tickets quickly for our PR Masterclass: Agency Growth Forum . It's on Wednesday 26th November 2025, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm GMT. Both face-to-face and virtual tickets are available. The event is held in central London.PitchesVinted appoint Axe+Saw – Social media brief to manage Instagram and TikTok channels globally. Airbus appoint MHP Group – Europe's largest aeronautics and space company appoint a new retained strategic comms adviser following a formal tender process. MHP Group includes agencies MHP, Mischief and La Plage.Formula E appoint M+C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment – global brand and corporate comms brief following a 6 way pitch.Tomme Tippee appoint The Romans for a global PR and influencer brief.Alcohol Change UK appoint Shook and Shape History to deliver its 2026 campaign. Alcohol Change is the charity behind Dry January.The Investment Association appoint M+C Saatchi to deliver a cross-banking sector campaign. The Investment Association – a trade body representing investment managers and investment management firms in the UK Will lead the creative and media delivery of The UK Retail Investment campaign, which will encourage more people to become investors. Co-Op appoint Speed Communications for a joint consumer and corporate brief. Will work alongside in-house team to execute creative, insight-led campaigns through media relations, thought leadership and storytelling.Net Company appoint Cavendish Consulting for government relations and pr brief.Philips Hue appoint Tin Man for a global consumer PR brief.M&A activity for OctoberHeadland acquire Bladonmore - an international digital, brand and content comms agency. W. Bladonmore will retain its identity and has 50 FTEs in London and NY. This is Headland's first acquisition since LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, reinvested in the business in October 2024, having first partnered with the firm in 2021. Headlands is £33M rev in 2024. Clients include Accenture, BAE systems, Danone, KFC, OcadoGolley Slater 100% of shares sold to EOT. 130 members.Next 15 merges 5 companies to form new B2B marcomms firm Pretzl. The new business will be led by Clive Armitage, current CEO of Agent 3. The b2b marketing firms Agent3 Group, Publitek, This Machine, Velocity and Twogether will be unified. Will launch in Feb 26 - 300 employees across 12 offices in North America, Europe and APAC.

This week on Burn Notice, I kick things off with the legend himself—Napalm. Not the K-Pop fashion hashtag, but the real scorched-earth, Vietnam-level napalm. We get into why the establishment is terrified of candidates who aren't owned—like Zohran Mamdani in New York, running on affordability and actually threatening to make

APAC stocks were mostly subdued with the region failing to sustain the positive global risk momentum that had been spurred by US-China trade optimism and US government reopening hopes, while there were few fresh catalysts overnight to fuel the recent rally.US Senate voted 60 vs. 40 to pass legislation to fund the federal government and end the shutdown, while the bill now goes to the House.US House Speaker Johnson is seeking a Wednesday vote on the stopgap bill, and won't commit to an ACA subsidy vote.China is reportedly devising a plan to keep the US military from getting its rare earth magnets and is considering a ‘validated end-user' system to fast-track certain export licenses, according to WSJ.European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 0.4% after the cash market finished with gains of 1.8% on Monday.Looking ahead, highlights include UK Unemployment/Wages (Sep), EZ & German ZEW (Nov), US NFIB (Oct), Weekly Prelim Estimate ADP, Riksbank Minutes, Speakers including ECB's Lagarde, BoE's Greene & Dhingra, RBA's Jones, Supply from Netherlands, Earnings from Porsche SE, RWE & Alcon. Holidays: US Veterans' Day; Canadian Remembrance DayRead the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks traded higher amid the improving US-China trade environment and with hopes of ending the US government shutdown as several Democrats supported Republicans to pass a measure through the procedural vote in a rare Senate session on Sunday.US Senate voted 60 vs 40 to advance the government funding bill through the procedural hurdle, moving it closer towards passage, after 8 Democrats supported the measure in a rare Sunday session.Chinese inflation data over the weekend which printed above forecasts, although factory gate prices remained in deflation.NVIDIA (NVDA) CEO said they have very strong demand in Blackwell chips and asked TSMC (2330 TT) for more wafers to meet strong AI demand.European equity futures indicate a positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures up 1.4% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.8% on Friday.Looking ahead, highlights include Norwegian CPI (Oct), EZ Sentix (Nov), Chinese M2 & New Yuan Loans (Oct), Speech from BoE's Lombardelli, Supply from the UK, Earnings from Hannover Re, CoreWeave & Barrick Mining.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

What does it take to make AI truly work for people — not just profits?In this episode, Rafael Frankel, Director of Public Policy for Asia-Pacific at Meta, joins Danny Levy to share how one of the world's most influential technology companies is driving responsible, transparent, and scalable AI adoption across the region.A former journalist turned policy leader, Rafael brings a rare blend of storytelling, diplomacy, and innovation insight from over a decade shaping tech policy and trust frameworks across APAC.You'll learn:How Meta defines its role in the AI ecosystem — and how it's applying AI to create real-world impact for businesses and communitiesThe truth behind Generative, Predictive, and General AI — what's hype, what's here, and what's nextHow partnerships with Deloitte SEA, AiSee, and Meta's Llama program are accelerating accessible AI innovation in AsiaThe biggest barriers to AI adoption in APAC — and what forward-thinking leaders can do to overcome themRafael's personal lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose from his journey across media, policy, and technologyIf you want to cut through the noise around AI, understand where the next decade is heading, and learn how to lead with clarity in an uncertain world — this is an episode you won't want to miss.Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

  Your audience buys your message only after they buy you. In today's era of cynicism and AI summaries, leaders need crisp structure, vivid evidence, and confident delivery to represent their organisation—and brand—brilliantly. How much does speaker credibility matter in 2025 presentations? It's everything: audiences project their judgment of you onto your entire organisation. If you're sharp, fluent and prepared, stakeholders assume your firm operates the same way; if you're sloppy or vague, they infer risk. As of 2025, investor updates in Tokyo, Sydney, and New York are consumed live, clipped for LinkedIn, and indexed by AI search—so your credibility compounds across channels. Leaders at firms from Toyota and Rakuten to Atlassian and BHP stress rehearsal and message discipline because buyers, partners, and regulators hear signals about reliability long before they see your product. Do now: Audit your last talk: would a first-time viewer conclude your organisation is trustworthy, capable, and disciplined? How do I present my organisation positively without sounding like propaganda? State benefits confidently, then anchor every claim in proof your audience recognises. Overstating capabilities triggers scepticism; neutral facts plus applied benefits overcome it. Reference entities, laws, or standards—e.g., ISO 9001, METI guidelines in Japan, GDPR in Europe—to show your claims live in the real world. Contrast SMEs vs. multinationals or Japan vs. US timelines to demonstrate nuance. Replace fuzzy adjectives ("world-class") with specific outcomes (e.g., "reduced defect rates 18% in FY2024 under ISO audits"). Audiences accept pride when it rides on verifiable evidence they can apply in their own context. Do now: Rework three bold claims into "benefit + evidence + application" sentences your buyers can use tomorrow. What opening grabs attention in the first 15 seconds? Start with a hook that slices through distraction: a killer stat, pithy quote, or compact story. In post-pandemic rooms and hybrid webinars, you're competing with phones and email. Use a "Time/Cost/Risk" opener: "In Q4 2024, procurement cycles in APAC shrank 21%—if your proposals still open with specs, you're already late." Or tell a 30-second story of defeat-to-triumph that spotlights your customer, not your logo. Then preview your message map ("three things you'll leave with"), so listeners know the journey and AI chapter markers index your sections. Do now: Script two alternative openers—a stat and a story—and A/B test them with colleagues before the real audience. What messages should I emphasise—and how often? Decide your one big message, say it early, reinforce it before Q&A, and repeat it in your final close. As of 2025, attention is nonlinear: people join midstream, catch a clip, or ask a question that derails flow. A tight message spine ("We help Japan-market entrants compress trust-building from 12 months to 12 weeks") beats a data dump. Use three proof pillars (customer result, operational metric, external validation) and echo your core line at strategic moments: minute 1, pre-Q&A, and final close. This rhythm works for startups pitching in Shibuya and for multinationals briefing in Frankfurt alike. Do now: Write your message in ≤12 words and place it in your opening, bridge to Q&A, and final close. What counts as convincing evidence in the era of cynicism and "fake news"? Offer vivid, memorable proof your audience can verify or try: numbers, named customers, and testable steps. Quote audited metrics ("FY2024 churn down 2.3% after onboarding redesign"), recognised frameworks (OKRs, ITIL), and respected third parties (Nikkei, OECD, Gartner). Translate facts into benefits ("cut QA cycle from 10 to 6 days") and immediately show how they can apply it ("here's our 3-step checklist"). Cross-compare markets—Japan's consensus cycles vs. US speed—to explain variance, not hide it. The goal: evidence that travels—accurate, sticky, and portable to their context. Do now: For every sweeping statement in your deck, add a proof line: metric, name, or external authority. How do I sound confident and enthusiastic without memorising a script? Use slide headlines as navigation, rehearse fluency, and speak with earned enthusiasm. You don't need to memorise paragraphs; you need mastery of transitions. Treat each slide as a question your headline answers, then talk to the point. Record three practice runs to strip filler ("um/ah"), smooth hesitations, and calibrate pace. Leaders with phenomenal stories often under-sell them—bring the energy you'd expect from a luxury marque unveiling or a resource-sector breakthrough. Enthusiasm signals belief; fluency signals competence; together they convert sceptics. Do now: Replace paragraph notes with 1-line headlines + 3 bullet prompts; rehearse until transitions are automatic. How should I close so people remember—and take action? Use a two-stage close: a pre-Q&A recap to cement the big idea, then a final close to shape the last impression. Before Q&A, restate your message and one action you want (trial, site visit, pilot). After Q&A, re-close with a memorable line that ties benefits to their context ("This quarter, let's turn your Japan market risk into repeatable revenue"). Offer a concrete next step for each segment—enterprise buyers, mid-market, and partners—so momentum doesn't leak after applause. Do now: Script two closes (pre-Q&A and final) and attach the precise call-to-action you want from each audience type. Conclusion Great company talks aren't complex—they're disciplined. Structure for attention, prove with evidence, deliver with fluency and real enthusiasm, and close twice. Whether you're a startup founder or a multinational executive, this cadence protects your brand and accelerates decisions across markets. FAQs What if my industry forbids customer names? Use anonymised metrics, third-party audits, and regulator thresholds to validate outcomes. Provide process evidence instead of logos. How long should this talk be? For 20 minutes, use 5–7 slides. Longer briefings expand examples, not messages. What changes for Japan vs. US? Japan values group risk reduction and stakeholder alignment; show consensus wins. US rooms reward speed and testable pilots. Next steps for leaders/executives Book a rehearsal with two "friendly sceptics" this week. Convert three claims into "benefit + evidence + application." Script the two closes and a one-line core message. Record and review a 5-minute demo talk; remove filler. Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

In this episode, we sit down with Marjorie Woo, an inspiring leader whose career journey spans psychology, social services, corporate leadership, and executive coaching. From her early days growing up and studying in the United States to founding her own business in Asia-Pacific, Marjorie shares the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and lessons that shaped her path. 0:20 Learnings from Felicity 1:40 Who is Marjorie Woo 5:20 Growing up as a child 7:55 Moving to States  10:00 What motivated her to do Social Services and Psychology 13:50 Adapting to her new life in the States 21:45 Having a business was not a 'proper' job  23:00 Her journey with Xerox 28:40 Applying what she has learnt from Psychology 31:30 Moving back to APAC and upskilling in MBA 36:15 How did she stand out in the midst of competition and unconventional norms 40:05 Most important career decision 46:00 Beginning her coaching career 47:35 What's next for Marjorie  49:50 Best career advice

APAC stocks were mostly lower as the region took its cue from the risk-off mood stateside, where sentiment was weighed on by weak US labour market proxies and AI concerns, while sentiment was also not helped by weak Chinese trade data.US President Trump said they will need a game plan if the Supreme Court case on tariffs does not go well, and can do other things, but they are slow in comparison.US President Trump added there are no new tariff announcements coming while the SCOTUS case is pending.US is to block NVIDIA's (NVDA) sale of scaled-back AI chips to China, according to The Information.European equity futures indicate an uneventful cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures +0.1% after the cash market closed with losses of 1.0% on Thursday.Looking ahead, highlights include German Trade Data, Canadian Jobs, NY Fed SCE, US University of Michigan Prelim, Speakers including Fed's Williams, Jefferson and Miran, BoE's Pill, ECB's Elderson & Nagel, Earnings from Daimler Truck.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks were higher as the region took impetus from the rebound on Wall St, where all major indices gained amid dip buying.European equity futures indicate an uneventful cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 futures relatively flat after the cash market closed with gains of 0.2% on Wednesday.DXY traded rangebound after having recently snapped a 5-day rally, despite firmer-than-expected ADP and ISM Services data, while catalysts were quiet overnight10yr UST futures saw some slight reprieve after slumping yesterday; Bund futures languished near the prior day's lows.US President Trump is scheduled to make an announcement at 11:00EST/16:00GMT on Thursday.Looking ahead, highlights include German Industrial Production, EZ Retail Sales, Canadian Leading Index, US Chicago Fed Labour Market Indicators, US Challenger Layoffs, BoE, Banxico & Norges Bank Policy Announcements, Speakers including Fed's Williams, Barr, Hammack, Waller, Paulson & Musalem, ECB's Lane, Nagel, Schnabel & de Guindos, BoE's Bailey, BoC's Macklem, Rogers & Kozicki, Supply from Spain & FranceEarnings from Continental, Commerzbank, AstraZeneca, Sainsbury's, Airbnb, ConocoPhillips & Warner Bros.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks were mixed after an early sell-off following the losses stateside, where tech underperformed amid valuation concerns.European equity futures indicate a lower cash market open with the Euro Stoxx 50 future down 0.7% after the cash market closed with losses of 0.3% on Tuesday.The USD rally has paused for breath (DXY remains above 100), EUR/USD is unable to reclaim 1.15 status, USD/JPY failed to hold below 153.Global fixed income benchmarks remain supported, crude futures lack direction, Gold remains below USD 4k.Looking ahead, highlights include German Industrial Orders, EZ, UK & US Final PMI, EZ Producer Prices, US ADP, US ISM Services PMI, Riksbank, NBP & BCB Policy Announcements, ECB Wage Tracker, US Supreme Court Tariff hearing begins, Speakers including ECB's Nagel, BoE's Breeden, BoC's Macklem & Rogers, Riksbank's Jansson, US QRA, Supply from Germany.Earnings from BMW, Novo Nordisk, Pandora, AMC, Arm, Snap & McDonald'sRead the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

Feeling busier and more distracted than last year? You're not imagining it—and you're not powerless. This guide turns a simple "peg" memory method into a fast, executive-friendly workflow you can use on the spot. Why do we forget more at work—and what actually helps right now? We forget because working memory is tiny and modern work shreds attention; the fix is to externalise what you can and anchor what you can't. As channels multiply—email, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Line, Telegram—messages blur and retrieval costs explode. First, move details out of your head and into calendars, task apps, and checklists. Second, when you must recall live (presentations, Q&A, pitches), use a method that forces order on demand. That's where "peg numbers + peg words + peg pictures" wins: it's fast, portable, and doesn't depend on a screen. Do now: Decide which meetings require live recall versus notes-on-desk. Use tools for storage; use pegs for performance.  What is the Peg Method—and why does it work under pressure? The Peg Method gives you nine permanent "hooks" (1–9) that never change; you hang today's items on those hooks using vivid mini-scenes. Consistency is the trick. When the pegs stay fixed, recall becomes automatic: say the peg, see the picture, retrieve the item—in order. This scales from shopping lists to leadership talking points, risk registers, and sales objections during a live demo. Executives like it because it's device-free, language-agnostic, and works whether you're in Tokyo, Sydney, or Seattle. Do now: Lock your baseline pegs today so they never change: 1 = Run, 2 = Zoo, 3 = Tree, 4 = Door, 5 = Hive, 6 = Sick, 7 = Heaven, 8 = Gate, 9 = Wine.  How do I build pictures that "stick" in seconds? Use A-C-M-E: Action, Colour, Me, Exaggeration—three-second scenes beat perfect ones. Give each peg-scene movement (Action), crank the saturation (Colour), put yourself in the frame (Me), and overdo scale or drama (Exaggeration). You don't need to "see" it like a film; a whispered line works ("Door: Johanna blocks sign-off"). Across markets, this reduces blank-outs because your brain encodes motion, salience, and self-relevance faster than abstract text. Do now: Practise with two items right now—peg #1 Run and #2 Zoo—timing yourself to three seconds per image.  Can pegs really keep a long list in order? (Worked example) Yes—because the order is baked into the numbers, you can recite forwards, backwards, or jump to any slot. Try this city sequence: Sydney, Toronto, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Seattle, London, Mumbai, Vladivostok, Kagoshima. 1 Run: sprint alongside a kangaroo (Sydney) with a starter pistol; 2 Zoo: monkeys hurl "Toronto" nameplates; 3 Tree: a palm bends under a "São Paulo" sash; 4 Door: "Johannesburg" is painted thick across a revolving door; 5 Hive: bees wear "Seattle" face masks; 6 Sick: a syringe squirts the word "London"; 7 Heaven: "Mumbai" descends pearl-white stairs; 8 Gate: a rail gate slams down with "Vladivostok"; 9 Wine: a crate stamped "Kagoshima." Do now: Recite pegs in rhythm—run, zoo, tree, door…—then replay the scenes. Test #7 or #4 out of order to prove the jump-to-slot works.  What if I'm "not visual," get confused, or blank on stage? Say the peg aloud and attach a one-line cue; keep pegs permanent; rehearse forwards and backwards. If imagery feels fuzzy, talk it: "Tree: São Paulo sash." The rhyme is your safety rail. Confusion usually comes from changing pegs—don't. Under pressure, we default to habits; two short reps (forward/back) create enough redundancy to survive a curve-ball question. If lists exceed nine, chunk them (1–9, 10–18) or create a second peg set for a different category (e.g., "Client Risks"). Do now: Lock your 1–9; rehearse your next briefing once forward, once backward, standing up to simulate pressure.  How do I integrate pegs with my 2025 workflow without more cognitive load? Use a two-lane system: tools for storage and pegs for performance; tag owners and dates inside the images to encode accountability. Calendars, CRMs, and project trackers still carry due dates, attachments, and threads. Pegs handle what you must say from memory: topline metrics, names, objections, decisions. For leadership teams across APAC, EU, and North America, this reduces meeting drag and hedges against tech hiccups. Pro tip: weave critical metadata into the scene ("Door: Sarah blocks approval until Friday 17:00"). Do now: Pick one recurring meeting and move its opening five points to pegs; keep everything else in your agenda doc.  Conclusion: design around your brain, don't fight it Your brain isn't failing—you're asking it to juggle too much in noisy environments. Externalise the bulk; anchor the rest with nine permanent pegs and A-C-M-E pictures. In a week, the "snap-back" effect appears: you say the peg, the scene plays, and the item drops into place—without the stress. Do now: Lock pegs 1–9, run the five-minute drill today, and use pegs for your very next high-stakes conversation.  Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan. 

The energy landscape in Asia has been evolving in recent years. With a global push towards renewable energy, the longstanding dependence of many Asian countries on coal comes into the limelight. The discussions surround critical questions about whether these nations will be able to transition from primarily fossil fuel-based to a more clean-powered energy, especially at a time when major coal consumers India and China are trying to increase their self-reliance on coal. Join Andre Lambine, associate director, lead APAC short-term power and renewables research, Tanya Jain, associate price reporter for thermal coal and Anirudh Iyer, senior price reporter for energy transition as they speak to Vaibhav Chakraborty, senior price reporter for thermal coal about the ups and downs of achieving energy stability in Asian countries.

APAC stocks were mostly subdued following the mixed lead from Wall St, where the majority of sectors declined but tech outperformed.RBA kept Cash Rate unchanged at 3.60%, as expected; judged some of the increase in underlying inflation in Q3 was due to temporary factors.European equity futures indicate a lower cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 future down 0.8% after the cash market closed with gains of 0.3% on Monday.DXY is flat, antipodeans lag with AUD softer post-RBA. JPY outperforms, underpinned by a haven bid and more verbal intervention.In a rare pre-budget press conference today, UK Chancellor Reeves will indicate she is prepared to break Labour's manifesto promise not to raise income tax, according to The Telegraph.Looking ahead, highlights include Canadian Trade, US RCM/TIPP, New Zealand Jobs, RBNZ FSR, BoJ Minutes (Sep), French Assembly PLF vote process begins, ECB's Lagarde, Nagel and Balz, BoE's Breeden & Fed's Bowman, Supply from UK & Germany.Earnings from Phillips, Evonik, Fresenius MC, Ferrari, BP; AMD, Supermicro, Marathon, Pfizer & Uber.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

APAC stocks traded mostly higher overnight. European equity futures indicate a mildly positive cash market open with Euro Stoxx 50 future up 0.2%.Chinese RatingDog Manufacturing PMI data disappointed amid a sharp decline in export orders.Fed's Waller said he still advocates for the Fed to cut rates in December and said data fog does not tell you to stop.Crude futures gained at the open as participants digested the latest OPEC+ decision to raise output again by a modest 137k bpd in December before pausing for Q1 2026.In FX, DXY is steady, USD/JPY sits above 154 with Japan away from market, EUR/USD remains on a 1.15 handle, AUD marginally outperforms ahead of RBA this week.Looking ahead, highlights include Swiss CPI, EZ, UK & US Final Manufacturing PMI, US ISM Manufacturing PMI, Speakers including Fed's Daly, ECB's Lane & BoC's Macklem, Supply from BoE Gilt Sale (long-term), US Financing Estimates.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

This weeks guest, Karl Mohan, is a seasoned fintech and crypto executive, currently serving as General Manager for APAC and MEA and Global Head of Banking Partnerships at Crypto.com. With over two decades of experience across traditional finance and emerging technologies, Karl is known for bridging the gap between banking and blockchain innovation. Passionate about financial inclusion and responsible crypto adoption, he advocates for regulation that supports innovation, security, and trust, helping Crypto.com make cryptocurrency accessible to everyone.   In this episode, we explore how technology and regulation are shaping the future of finance, with a focus on the rapid evolution of crypto and digital payments. We discuss why Dubai has emerged as a leading hub for the industry, comparing its regulatory landscape with more democratic societies. We also look at the growing integration of crypto with traditional banking and consider the global shift toward cashless societies.   06:19 – New technologies changing the way we pay and invest 11:25 – The evolution of technology and the role of regulation 14:40 – Why Dubai has become one of the leading crypto financial centres 22:18 – The risks of crypto and how regulation and security are improving trust and confidence 34:57 – The Crypto.com x Trump Media deal and its impact on direct and indirect crypto investment 46:34 – The future of cash, societal behaviours, and the role of crypto 52:26 – Pros and cons of a cashless society and the rise of alternative payment systems     Show Sponsors:   AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences. https://bit.ly/AYS-Developers     Socials:   Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en  https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/  https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV  https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/    Follow Karl Mohan on Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlmohan

How do you prove CPQ value in CFO terms—not hype? In this episode, Cameron Marsh, Analyst at Nucleus Research, breaks down how their ROI Case Study and Value Matrix quantify CPQ outcomes customers feel every day: faster quote cycles, higher throughput with the same team, better margins from pricing, and fewer back-and-forth revisions thanks to visualization. We also dig into why data quality—not model magic—decides CPQ AI success, and where channel vs. direct CPQ returns really land. Key Takeaways: Quantifying ROI like a CFO: Nucleus standardizes benefits into save time, save money, make more money—and they're NASBA-certified in how they measure value. Quote Cycle Efficiency: Typical improvements of 60–80%—from hours to minutes—plus 20–30% more quote throughput with the same headcount. Pricing > Cross/Upsell: Price optimization usually creates more value than cross/upsell alone by protecting margin. Payback Windows: Average CPQ payback in 9–12 months; channel CPQ often sees faster first-year payback, while direct CPQ compounds larger value longer-term. What's Beating AI (for now): Visualization (≈ 25% reduction in quote revisions), Deal Desk Automation (≈ 85% reduction in manual review time), and eSignature are delivering immediate, measurable wins. AI's Real Bottleneck: Inconsistent rules, outdated/fragmented price lists, and weak integrations. Bad data = bad outputs. Market View: Strongest traction in North America enterprise, with growing momentum across Europe and APAC. Vendor Advice: Lead with customer value and usability, not feature lists.