Podcasts about smes

Public speaking isn't just about talking; it's about influencing, connecting, and leaving a mark that lasts long after the last word is spoken. Most people find public speaking daunting, but does it have to be that way?  Public speaking is one of the biggest challenges for people no matter the industry. Some people are natural-born speakers. The others, not so much. In this episode of the Construction Genius podcast, Eric is joined by John Zalepka, a seasoned public speaking coach, to explore practical strategies to overcome fear, move beyond overconfidence, and connect with the audience. From crafting story-driven presentations to handling technical failures with grace, they explain how preparation, practice, and authenticity can turn speeches into powerful moments.  John Zalepka is an author and seasoned speaking coach who helps corporate leaders to effectively communicate brand messages with a confident voice. He serves as Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) and is Chair of the Communications Committee for the International Firestop Council (IFC). He is the author of ‘The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between.'  HIGHLIGHTS [01:27] The most common fears and barriers to public speaking. [04:19] Clarity in public speaking. [07:42] Extemporaneous speaking. [09:16] Finding a common ground with an audience. [12:16] The power of storytelling. [18:16] Capturing the audience's attention. [21:33] Handling tech failures with grace. [30:44] Signature phrases and closing techniques. RESOURCES Connect with John Zalepka LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/zalepka/  Email - john@corporatebrandinc.com  Website - corporatebrandinc.com                    stifirestop.com  The Presenter's Playbook: A blueprint for delivering impactful presentations for SMEs, FNGs & everyone in between by John Zalepka amazon.com/dp/B0FDCL2HSS    90-Day High-Performance Dashboard You can't afford to let your people drift. To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.   Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to: Get clear on what matters most. Drive focused action and accountability. Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.   Success doesn't happen by accident. It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency. Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.     Resources to Help You Win in Construction

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What does it take to move from order-taker to trusted partner in CME writing? That's the single question driving this new season of Write Medicine. In this 15-minute teaser episode, Alex introduces the season theme—Craft to Confidence: A CME Writer's Season of Growth—and gives you a preview of what's ahead. You'll hear how guest interviews and solo tactical episodes will work together to help you build your skills, expand your visibility, and strengthen your confidence as a CME writer. Whether you're transitioning from academia, clinical practice, or another writing specialty, this season will give you both the craft tools and the career clarity to thrive in continuing medical education. Episodes to Look Forward To Designing for learning with Sarah Atwood Hot Seat Coaching on attracting content projects and integrating academic skills into CME Leveraging Milkshake Moments with Michelle Skidmore Identity, trauma, and resilience with Hope Lafferty Solo walk-throughs on interviewing SMEs, turning education gaps and needs into activity agendas, publishing manuscripts, and more This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Episode: How Leaders Build Trust Through TransparencyHost: Donna Peterson, World InnovatorsGuest: Alfred Leach, President of Leach AdvisorsEpisode Summary-Today, businesses everywhere are facing disruption — from leadership changes and mergers to geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain pressures, and new technologies like AI. In these moments of transition, trust becomes the most valuable currency a company has.In this episode, host Donna Peterson speaks with Alfred Leach, President of Leach Advisors, about how companies can communicate with transparency, align employees and stakeholders, and protect corporate reputation during times of uncertainty. Drawing on years of guiding organizations through mergers, acquisitions, crises, and cultural shifts, Alfred shares what leaders should prioritize when disruption strikes and how to ensure their company's “why” stays at the center.Whether you're leading a global brand or a mid-sized company, this episode is filled with actionable insights on trust, communication, and long-term brand relevance.Key Takeaways You Can Implement Right Away-Put employees first. Communicate internally before external announcements; employees are your strongest brand evangelists.Transparency builds trust. Be open about challenges, own mistakes, and share lessons learned. Silence almost always erodes credibility.Segment your messaging. Tailor communications for employees, customers, investors, and media — each stakeholder group has unique needs.Leverage subject-matter experts. Credibility grows when leaders and SMEs speak directly to key industry issues.Use AI thoughtfully. AI is a powerful tool, but content must align with brand voice and purpose to build trust and stand out.Define and refresh your “why.” A clear sense of purpose anchors organizations through change and inspires employees and customers alike.Consistency matters. Stay visible, authentic, and relevant — don't disappear during challenging times.Episode Chapters-00:00 Introduction: Why Trust Matters in Times of Change01:15 The Global Reset — Uncertainty in Today's Business Climate04:05 Communication Priorities During Mergers, Acquisitions & Crises08:12 Transparency vs. Legal & Competitive Realities12:30 Why Employees Must Hear It First16:45 Building Brands People Trust — The Role of Subject-Matter Experts22:10 AI and Brand Voice — Balancing Innovation with Authenticity29:05 Defining the “Why” — How Leaders Stay Grounded in Purpose35:18 Adaptation, Innovation & Long-Term Relevance41:40 Closing Insights: Be Real, Stay Consistent, Build TrustCall to Action-If your company is navigating change, this episode will help you strengthen communication and protect trust.

Insurance for small businesses has always been complex, expensive, and underserved. But what if technology and partnerships could change that?In this episode of Building Tomorrow's Insurer, host Nigel Fellowes-Freeman sits down with Eric Mignot, Founder and Chairman of +Simple, to explore how one of Europe's most ambitious digital brokers is reshaping SME insurance.From CFO at Suez, to leading Hiscox, to launching +Simple, Eric's journey shows how insights from telecoms, utilities, and digital banking inspired him to reinvent insurance distribution.Tune in to hear:Why expense ratios—not loss ratios—are the real challenge in SME insuranceHow +Simple scaled to 14,000 brokers across five countriesThe role of technology in simplifying underwriting, claims, and accountingWhy programmatic M&A and capacity pooling became game-changersEric's lessons on raising capital, partnering smartly, and scaling across EuropeThis is a must-listen for anyone building insurtech, rethinking distribution, or leading digital transformation in insurance.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith speaks with Sally Foote, a seasoned product leader whose journey from product roles to C-suite commercial leadership spans Carwow, Go Compare, and The Guardian. They unpack the increasingly vital intersection between product, marketing, and sales.Sally explains why growth is a shared responsibility, how product managers can become commercially fluent, and why understanding marketing economics is now critical. Expect actionable advice on working across functions, owning growth levers, and designing products that fuel acquisition and retention. Whether you're in B2B or B2C, there's something in here for every product leader looking to elevate their commercial impact.Key Takeaways:— Modern product managers must understand marketing funnels, ROI, and acquisition costs to create scalable impact.— Propositions beat PPC: In saturated digital channels, differentiation must come from product innovation.— Stop the handoffs: A strict separation between product, marketing, and sales creates missed opportunities and inefficiencies.— Product roadmaps matter to the business: While sometimes shunned by PMs, roadmaps help align and activate sales and marketing functions.— Product marketing isn't enough: What's needed is cross-functional growth thinking—not just better product copy.— B2B is a rich source of insights: Embedding PMs in sales cycles and advisory panels unlocks product innovation directly from the source.— AI is reshaping go-to-market: From focus groups to pricing strategies, machine learning is changing how teams make commercial decisions.— Your funnel is only as good as your data: PMs should design products with marketing data needs in mind to drive better acquisition performance.Featured Links: Follow Sally on LinkedIn | YourRoom AI focus group | Carwow | Watch Sally's 'Maximum Possible Products' talk at #mtpcon London 2019 | Sustainable living made easy with Bower Collective Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Port of Waterford has lodged a direct planning application with An Coimisiún Pleanála for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Capable Terminal at Belview, County Kilkenny. This marks a major milestone for the company, the oldest Port in Ireland, with its application reinforcing Waterford's ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of the country's renewable energy sector. The application follows the recent granting of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) by the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), which provides the legal basis for the Port to seek permission to develop the new infrastructure. Securing the MAC was a crucial step in advancing the South East as a hub for offshore wind, and it now allows the Port of Waterford to progress its vision of building a purpose-designed ORE terminal. The scale of the proposed development reflects both the immediate and long-term needs of the sector. Central to the project is a 250-metre extension to the existing wharves at Belview. The application also provides for extensive land reclamation, new quayside operator support facilities with workshops and warehouses, berthing pontoons, and two separate three-storey office and staff buildings for ORE operators. The development includes a replacement electricity substation, underground services, roof-mounted solar PV arrays to generate renewable power on site, and a dedicated biodiversity enhancement area of approximately 1.8 hectares. The investment will transform the Port's capacity to support large-scale offshore renewable energy projects, creating the conditions for Waterford to act as a strategic staging ground for major developments such as the proposed Tonn Nua Offshore Wind Farm and future projects across the Celtic Sea. With Ireland committed to generating 7 GW of offshore wind by 2030, the ORE Capable Terminal at Waterford is designed to support this target and beyond. This positions the Port not only as a logistics gateway, but as a leader in delivering a just transition to a low-carbon economy for the South East and the wider country. The economic potential is equally significant. Beyond its immediate construction and operational benefits, the ORE Capable Terminal represents a long-term investment in sustainable business and regional prosperity. The project will generate high-quality jobs across maritime operations, engineering, logistics, and green technology, while also creating opportunities for SMEs and local suppliers to integrate into the offshore wind supply chain. Speaking on the application, CEO at Port of Waterford, David Sinnott, says, "This is a landmark day for Port of Waterford. Our application is about more than new infrastructure - it's about creating jobs, driving growth in the South East, and helping Ireland meet its 2030 climate goals. Waterford has been a maritime gateway for over a thousand years, and now we are ready to lead Ireland into its offshore renewable future."

Cyber threats are escalating, and SMEs are finding themselves increasingly in the firing line, from phishing and ransomware to costly business email compromise. Yet a QBE survey shows fewer than 4 in 10 SMEs in Singapore carry cyber insurance, with many citing cost or doubts about relevance. The real challenge is understanding what’s at stake: the financial risks of downtime, how coverage fits alongside basic cyber hygiene, and whether insurance should be treated as core to risk management. Sam Russell-Vick, Senior Cyber Underwriter, QBE Asia, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the rising risks, why uptake remains low, and how SMEs can balance prevention, protection, and preparedness in 2025 and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aubrey Masango speaks to Yamkela Tywakadi, Founder of Blank Page Books, an award-winning author and publisher on the book titled 'Rising From The Township' she co-authored . They also touch on the realities of being an entrepreneur in South African townships and the ambition it requires stay a sustainable and growing business from there. Tags: 702, The Aubrey Masango Show, Aubrey Masango, Entrepreneurship Feature, Rising From The Township, Business, SMEs, Dr Steven Zwane, Resilience, Ambition, Making a difference The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SIRO and Vodafone Ireland have been announced as the official connectivity partners for REACH, Roscrea's new Enterprise Hub. As part of the SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative, REACH will enjoy seamless, high-speed fibre broadband. Located in the heart of Roscrea, REACH is the 25th hub to join the Gigabit Hub Initiative. The hub was officially opened this week with representatives from the REACH Board, elected representatives, Tipperary County Council officials and other key stakeholders all in attendance. The Gigabit Hub Initiative, delivered by SIRO and Vodafone, provides gigabit fibre connectivity to remote working and digital hubs across Ireland. REACH joins a network of successful hubs, including Dundalk's Creative Spark, Galway's PorterShed, and Skibbereen's Ludgate Hub, all of which have benefited from the initiative. With SIRO's full-fibre broadband offering speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second, the hub provides fast and reliable connectivity to meet the business needs of all companies and individuals working with the REACH hub. REACH offers a supportive environment for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and freelancers to growing SMEs. The hub features 11 private offices, 10 hot desks, and shared workspaces, catering to a variety of business needs. It is already home to key organisations driving regional growth, including Tipperary Education and Training Board, a leading education and training provider, and Herdwatch, a Roscrea-founded agri-tech company transforming livestock and pasture management across Ireland, the UK, and beyond. REACH is set to become a key driver of business growth in Roscrea, offering entrepreneurs, SMEs, and remote workers the space and connectivity they need to thrive. Its strategic location, combined with SIRO's full-fibre broadband, ensures that businesses can operate with the same level of digital infrastructure as those in any major urban centre. SIRO is a leading full-fibre broadband operator, rolling out a 100% fibre broadband network across Ireland. Its network is currently available in multiple locations across Tipperary, including Cashel, Nenagh, Thurles, Clonmel, and Roscrea. Brendan Hyland, Chairperson of REACH, thanked SIRO for their engagement and support of the project: "This project has taken many hours of dedication from the Board and supporters. Today, we are proud to stand in a modern, future-proof building that will attract enterprise and innovation to Roscrea. It will stand as a flagship for innovation and renewal in Roscrea. This outstanding facility has received over €2.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Tipperary County Council has provided an additional €774,000 in funding." John Keaney, SIRO Chief Executive Officer, commented: "REACH is a fantastic addition to Roscrea, providing businesses with a state-of-the-art space to work, collaborate, and grow. Powered by SIRO's full-fibre broadband, this hub will help businesses and entrepreneurs compete on both a national and international scale. We are delighted to partner with Vodafone to deliver world-class connectivity to this hub and support Roscrea's economic regeneration." Ciaran Barrett, Commercial Operations Director of Vodafone Ireland, added: "Connectivity is more than just infrastructure - it's about empowering people and businesses to thrive. At Vodafone, we're committed to ensuring that every customer, whether in a city or a town like Roscrea, has access to the same high-quality digital experience. Through our partnership with SIRO, REACH will offer seamless fibre broadband that enables entrepreneurs, SMEs, and remote workers to stay connected, productive, and competitive in today's world."

Venture capital funding into Irish SMEs in the second quarter fell to its lowest level in ten years, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association VenturePulse survey published today in association with William Fry. Funding plummeted to €112.6m, from €494m in the same quarter last year. This is the lowest figure the IVCA has recorded since the second quarter in 2015. As a result, funding in the first half of the year fell by 14% to €645.5m from €752.7m the previous year. "The fall off would have been worse if not for a record first quarter 2025, which saw an increase of over 100% to €532.8m compared to the same period last year," commented Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association. She added that the quarterly result was largely explained by an 81% pullback by international investors, which invested €69.5m in the quarter, compared to €375.3m the previous year, a shortfall of over €305m. "This is a timely warning sign for Ireland and highlights the need for us to stand on our own feet in terms of funding and backing for our brightest and best indigenous start-ups, instead of depending on volatile international support," she said. Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, said that bearish international sentiment was reflected in quarter two deal sizes. "There was only one deal (Nomupay) in the 30m+ category, compared to five last year. Funding fell by 88% to €37m from €300.3m." There was also only one deal in the €10 10m+ category (Kota), down from six rounds last year. Funding fell by 87% to €12.4m from over €100m. "There was a falloff in all deal sizes, with the exception of those under €1m," added Sarah-Jane Larkin. "Seed funding, or first rounds by SMEs, fell by over a half to €25.5m." She added, "The IVCA applauds the recent DETE report, which found that 'there is a need for future government intervention to improve the supply of scaling finance'. This new data emphasises the urgency of the situation. "In an increasingly isolationist global economic market, it is more important than ever that we are not dependent on international capital or sentiment and have the capacity to fund our own indigenous winners." The life sciences sector with €255.3m (40%) led the way in funding for the half year, followed by cybersecurity (18%); fintech (14%); software (9%); and AI & machine learning (8%).

Srish Agrawal is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor based in Kolkata. He's the driving force behind A1 Future Technologies and creative ventures like Logo Design Team and AnimatedV. Beyond building businesses, he helps shape them. He is a partner at Seeders VC, where he identifies and backs promising startups, especially in branding, marketing, and digital transformation.Known for his optimism and hands-on energy, Srish doesn't just fund ideas. He helps bring them to life. As a speaker and mentor, he has walked SMEs through strategy challenges and growth gaps, delivering practical insights that actually move the needle.Connect With Srish Agarwal -LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/srishagrawal/ Connect With Pritika -Podcast Related Emails - connect@pritika.coInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/pritika.looniaListen to the full podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/@PritikaLooniaOfficial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/captainpritika/Learn From Me - www.pritika.co Listen to my podcast on - Jio saavn - https://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/sage-up-with-pritika-loonia/2/ZukCx7qhBVQ_ Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/7ErewAP263SgLXOUE8V0SI?si=f0c13ec52bb74062 Apple Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/sage-up-with-pritika-loonia/id151762994500:00:00 - 00:02:06 - Trailer00:02:07 - 00:08:06 - How not to PANIC when a new Ai comes along00:08:07 - 00:10:30 - This SKILL will never be beaten by Ai00:10:31 - 00:14:28 - Students NETWORKING kaise seekhe 00:14:29 - 00:18:04 - How to use Ai for you BENEFIT00:18:05 - 00:21:37 - How to use ChatGPT like no one else is00:21:38 - 00:32:04 - Genius ways to use Ai for BUSINESS 00:32:05 - 00:36:15 - Should I hire an Ai AGENCY for my business?00:36:16- 00:43:34 - Ai can be SCARY as well

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand.In today's episode, we focus on competition law and its vital role in creating a fair and innovative marketplace for businesses. We'll discuss how the Competition Bureau works to protect competition, how small businesses can comply with competition law, and the resources available to help businesses navigate this landscape.Joining us today is Majid Charania, Director of Compliance and Outreach at the Competition Bureau. Majid will provide insights into how the Bureau fosters competition and how businesses can ensure they're operating within the law.Key Highlights:1. Why Competition Law Matters to Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Majid explains the importance of competition law for small businesses and how it impacts their operations.2. How the Bureau Helps Protect and Promote Competition: How the Competition Bureau protects and promotes competition, benefiting small businesses and consumers.3. How to Protect Your Business with Compliance Measures: Practical steps for small businesses to ensure compliance with Canadian competition law and avoid legal issues.4. Available Resources for Businesses: The resources and guidance the Competition Bureau offers to help businesses understand their competition law obligations.5. Reporting Anti-Competitive Behavior: What to do if a business suspects anti-competitive behavior and how to report it.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

We know about the importance of evaluation, especially from the ADDIE process. But most evaluations end with adding in more content. What if the solutions to our learning design problems were to destroy clutter? On today's episode, let's talk about making our designs clearer and concise.  Read the transcript / article with this link

Stephen Grootes speaks to Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief economist at Econometrix , about the government’s major labour reform aimed at protecting smaller firms with limited HR capacity. In other interviews, Ulrik Bengtsson, new CEO of Sun International, chats to the group reports steady half-year results. Income rose 3.2% to R6.2 billion, while adjusted headline earnings grew 5.9% to R555 million. Bengtsson says the company’s casinos, online gaming, hotels and resorts give it a strong base for future growth. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Cybertify, we unpack why legal practices are increasingly such attractive targets for cyber criminals, the ways they get past defences, and what firms can do to ensure that the “doors are locked”. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with William Welch, the principal solutions architect for the legal sector and AI security at Cybertify, about who the company is and the work he does, why the risks inherent with cyber security are so much more prominent for Australian law firms at present, why every business is a potential target, the need for “locked doors”, why law firm owners aren't fully across the dangers, and the lessons and takeaways from recent breaches in the legal space. Welch also delves into what BigLaw practices need to be doing right now, ensuring systems are talking to each other properly and having the right point people, what SMEs must be doing at present, the questions those smaller firms need to be asking, overcoming concerns about being time-poor, understanding the changing landscape, and how best Cybertify can help. To learn more about Cybertify, click here.

Process Mining—a technology and technique that Gartner just called “early mainstream” in one of their last reports.But many people still don't know exactly how to approach this thing. They listen to the vendors talking about technical integrations and all the fancy features, which—to be honest—can be pretty overwhelming for someone who is just looking at it.That is why Roland wrote his second book about “Successful Process Mining Projects,” which will be released in a bit more than a week from now on Sep. 15. It is full of real-life experiences and advice for the newbie who tries to make sense of all the new terms and possibilities.To introduce you to the content and approach, we recorded an episode talking about the book while J-M tried to be the tough investigative journalist that he wants to become—spoiler alert, there were still some softball questions

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore the recruitment challenges facing Canadian SMEs and how businesses can attract and retain top talent in a competitive labor market.Joining us is Zag Dutton, Founder and President of Career Connections Canada Inc, a recruitment firm that has been delivering tailored hiring solutions since 1995. With more than three decades of expertise, Zag shares proven strategies for sourcing high-caliber candidates and building lasting client partnerships.Key Highlights:Founding Journey: Zag shares how her need for balance and independence led to creating Career Connections Canada.Recruitment Solutions: Strategies to help SMEs avoid hiring pitfalls and find high-caliber candidates.Lasting Relationships: How Career Connections integrates candidates as long-term assets for client success.Commitment to Excellence: The principles behind the firm's “client comes first” philosophy.Awards & Recognition: What recent accolades mean for the firm's reputation and impact in recruitment.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Ahead of the 2025 National Ploughing Championship, Bank of Ireland's head of Agriculture Sector Eoin Lowry talks about the changing landscape of farming in Ireland. We are also joined by Stephen Coen from Senus, an Irish start-up, that is making environmental health reviews available to Irish farmers.Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

Hakeem Adebiyi and Jason Bryll (Parable Associates) unpack how to turn scattered data into usable insight that speeds decisions, aligns KPIs across teams, and drives real ROI. We cover BI vs. stock EMR/CRM charts, culture and UAT champions, common mistakes, costs/tools for SMEs, and what AI will realistically change next.Still running on gut feel? Learn BI tactics that speed decisions and prove ROI—without a massive team.EMR charts aren't strategy. Build BI that aligns KPIs, fixes bottlenecks, and grows your practice. 

Mark Laurence and I had a great discussion on AI and the future and A.icehouse, a new initiative for SMEs that he is working on with Icehouse, to learn more about the future of AI and what it might mean for companies and directors and business owners as well as charities and other organisations.  Have a look at these links to find out more.   A.icehouse website: https://www.theicehouse.co.nz/a.icehouse   Ten Past Tomorrow site: https://www.tenpasttomorrow.com  Icehouse: https://www.theicehouse.co.nz  For more episodes visit www.theseeds.nz  More on A.icehouse: "You don't need to master every new app, platform or update. You need practical and pragmatic AI knowledge that powers your business to navigate the evolution AI is asking of you. AI is moving faster than leaders can follow. It can feel overwhelming, noisy, and hard to know what really matters. A.icehouse is designed to give Kiwi SME owners and senior teams clarity, in practical and tangible ways. No hype. No waffle. We focus on AI literacy and skills first, then layer in the tools so you can build the confidence to make better informed decisions. Back in 2000, Icehouse helped SMEs make sense of the internet and the knowledge era. Today, with applied AI expertise from Ten Past Tomorrow, we're helping businesses make sense of AI and the intelligence era. In A.icehouse you'll find: Plain-English explanations and demonstrations to build AI literacy around what AI is, what it isn't, and how it is reshaping business models and industries, right now. Practical AI skill training, so you yourselves become powerful users of frontier AI tools to drive radical and immediate efficiency and productivity in your own roles. Pragmatic strategies and maps so you can drive the same AI-powered efficiency and productivity as mentioned above, throughout your entire organisation Time-respectful sessions designed for busy leaders. Honest conversations about unknowns and trade-offs, not hype or silver bullets. A mix of formats, from quick webinars, online courses, to live in-person in-depth symposiums; so you can choose what fits your time and needs. A trusted partnership: Icehouse's 20+ years of SME support with Ten Past Tomorrow's applied AI excellence."

Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre has announced the launch of its new AI Accelerator Programme for Manufacturing Companies, a ten-week hybrid initiative designed to help businesses across Ireland understand, adopt, and scale artificial intelligence effectively. For many manufacturers, the hardest part of AI adoption is knowing where to begin. AIM's new Accelerator helps turn uncertainty into action - guiding companies toward the most valuable use cases for their operations. Starting on 1st October 2025, applications are now open to manufacturing companies of all sizes and sub-sectors. The programme is delivered by the National AI Studio for Manufacturing at AIM Centre, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021- 27. Supporting AI Adoption in Irish Manufacturing The AI Accelerator provides a structured pathway from AI strategy to deployment, enabling participating companies to build a working demonstrator tailored to their specific needs. The programme blends online delivery with in-person events, including access to Ireland's National AI Studio for Manufacturing. Over the ten weeks (one day per week) participants will gain: • A working AI demonstrator aligned with their operations, paired with a structured use case brief to support future deployment. • Guidance on integrating AI within existing ERP and data systems. • Access to industry-specific use cases, demos, and prototypes, highlighting tangible opportunities for business transformation. • Expert guidance on governance, risk, and compliance - including EU AI Act requirements. • Insights into scaling AI across operations. AIM Centre advises teams of two people attend from each company, ensuring both strategic and technical perspectives are represented. Accreditation and Funding Support The programme is CPD-accredited by Engineers Ireland, recognising its value in professional development. To support participation, SMEs can access up to 80% funding, while larger companies can also avail of significant funding support. This ensures that businesses of all sizes can take advantage of the opportunity to future-proof their operations with AI. AIM-ing for Real Results "Irish manufacturing is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Through this programme, we aim to demystify AI and give companies the tools, confidence, and practical outcomes they need to adopt it responsibly and at scale and with measurable business impact" - David Bermingham, Director of AI, AIM Centre. How to Apply Applications are open now. To find out more or register your interest, visit: www.aimcentre.ie/ai-accelerator-programme More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Luncedo Mtwentwe from Vantage Advisory, about how South Africa’s tourism sector, despite its immense potential and recent recovery, still faces critical challenges, especially in empowering SMEs to compete globally through infrastructure, digital adoption, and streamlined compliance. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product decisions built on daily-active metrics fall apart when your customers show up once a year, or once a decade. In this episode, Randy Silver talks to Vivek Kumar about building and growing low-frequency products, from property and tax to jobs and dating. Chapters04:25 — What makes a product “infrequent”? Episodic use and recall decay07:05 — Rethinking PMF: penetration and market share over retention curves10:36 — When iteration is slow: prioritising problems under seasonal cycles14:28 — BELT framework: behaviours, enduring vs transient problems, lock-ins21:56 — Spotting enduring problems: “what will still matter in 10 years?”24:11 — ICE framework overview for infrequent products26:03 — Engagement: active retention, complexity, single- vs constant-touch29:55 — Predictable vs unpredictable retention; referrals as a strategy31:06 — Lifetime retention: seeding frequency hooks (e.g., estimates, salary data)33:01 — Distinctiveness and brand: why CAC collapses when you own the memory33:48 — Control over experience: monetisation through end-to-end journeys36:13 — Research that works: ethnography, diary studies, “follow-me-home”40:22 — Example: discovering the real tax filing pain (document collection)43:04 — Ethics and value: “cures vs treatments”, utility vs entertainment productsFeatured Links: Follow Vivek on LinkedIn | Atlys | The Steps 'Grow and managOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Fix it before it breaks. That simple idea sets the basis for maintenance management and makes the difference between a manufacturing facility that's constantly putting out fires and one that runs like clockwork. Preventive maintenance isn't rocket science, but it does require changing how we think about equipment care and maintenance activities. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com  

Three Ireland has announced it is committing a €100,000 bursary fund and a suite of technical supports to small businesses through its Grants for Small Businesses programme. Now entering a milestone fifth year, the programme offers a mix of financial support and connectivity solutions to help Irish SMEs grow and thrive. Since Three launched the initiative in 2021, the programme has provided over €750,000 in funding, products, services and strategic support to small businesses across Ireland. This includes marketing and PR assistance, access to Three Ireland's business tools and expert guidance on how to run a successful business. Bernard Brogan, the Chief Commercial Officer and Co-founder of PepTalk and former Dublin footballer, has been announced as a new judge for this year's programme. The programme is funded by Three Ireland and delivered in partnership with small business support platform Enterprise Nation. In 2025, 10 selected businesses will receive €5000 in cash and €5000 worth of Three connectivity and device solutions. Padraig Sheerin, Head of SME, Three Ireland, said: "Three is committed to helping businesses of all sizes across Ireland grow and innovate through our connectivity products and solutions. Our grant programme offers small businesses not only financial support but also practical guidance and mentorship from Three's team of business experts. Since the launch of the SME Grant Programme five years ago, the winning teams have experienced remarkable growth and we're proud to contribute to their success as they continue to expand." Bernard Brogan, co-founder of PepTalk spoke about his involvement on this year's programme: "Initiatives such as this are crucially important for supporting SMEs in Ireland and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. The business environment is rapidly evolving, with connectivity becoming increasingly central for all businesses. Three's financial and practical support will have a hugely positive impact for the winning firms - I look forward to working on this year's programme and seeing the high-calibre of different businesses come through." Former winner of the Three Ireland Grant Niamh Tallon will also return to the judging panel this year, bringing her expertise and continued support for Ireland's small business community. Niamh Tallon, founder of Her Sport and winner of the 2021 Three Ireland Grant, said: "Winning Three Ireland's Grants for Small Businesses programme was a game-changer for Her Sport. The funding and expert support helped us grow our team, boost our visibility, and put the right tech foundations in place to scale as a young business. I'm delighted to return as a judge this year, and get a chance to meet the next wave of inspiring entrepreneurs. Having experienced the challenges of starting out in business, I encourage all SMEs to apply - you could be the next success story to emerge from the Three SME Grant Programme."

Ireland's small and medium-sized businesses are facing what some are calling a “silent slowdown,” with serious implications for jobs and the wider economy. According to one of the country's leading accountants, Neil Hughes of Azets Ireland, many SMEs have already burned through their cash reserves and goodwill from suppliers—and are now teetering on the edge of a crisis not seen since 2012. Unemployment has already crept up from 3.9% to 4.9%, and the warning signs are flashing red for thousands of businesses across the country. To get a sense of how this is playing out on the ground and what can be done to support Irish SMEs, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Jean McCabe, Clare-based CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, and owner of Willow and David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association.

The Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) is inviting businesses to participate in an exciting, free webinar, 'Unlock Innovation with SETU,' on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at 12:00 p.m. This one-hour online event is designed to showcase how companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can partner with SETU's world-class research and development centres to drive growth, boost competitiveness, and accelerate innovation. SETU is home to four of Enterprise Ireland's Technology Gateways, each offering specialised expertise and state-of-the-art facilities: SEAM (Advanced Manufacturing), PMBRC (Pharmaceutical & Molecular Biology), Design+ (Product Design), and the ICS Technology Gateway at Walton Institute (Digital and Communications Technologies). During the webinar, speakers will share insights into emerging trends, breakthrough innovations, and real-world applications relevant to industries across the region. The webinar will begin with a welcome from Dr James O'Sullivan, Head of Commercialisation at SETU, who will provide an overview of SETU's industry engagement model. He will be followed by short presentations from experts, including Dr Ramesh Raghavendra on advanced manufacturing, Liam Fitzgerald on digital transformation, Ailish Delaney on product and industrial design, and Dr Niall O'Reilly on the latest developments in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The session will conclude with a live panel discussion and audience Q&A, offering participants a valuable opportunity to connect directly with Gateways and explore how SETU can support their innovation goals. This webinar is particularly relevant to business owners, technical managers, start-ups, scale-ups, and innovation teams interested in collaborating with academic research centres to develop new products, processes, or services. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, the event will provide clear, practical guidance on accessing funding, research support, and advanced infrastructure through SETU's Technology Gateways. Organised by the Walton Institute in partnership with Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Toys4Engineers, this event reflects SETU's continued commitment to driving regional innovation and supporting enterprise through collaboration. Webinar Details Title: Unlock Innovation with SETU, Connecting regional business with world-class expertise Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Online (Zoom) Cost: Free Registration: Register now on Eventbrite For more information on SETU's Technology Gateways and how your business can get involved, visit www.waltoninstitute.ie or contact the team directly at info@waltoninstitute.ie. Don't miss this chance to explore how collaborative innovation with SETU can unlock your business's potential. The four Technology Gateways are part of the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

In Episode 2 of this 6-part series, Rob Brown explains why clients no longer value accountants as form-fillers and why they are demanding advisors who bring foresight, strategy and fluency.With 70% of SMEs saying they would switch firms for more proactive advice, advisory is no longer optional. Rob shares the evidence, real-world examples and a 5-step playbook to align your work with client expectations.This is not about firms. It is about you — your visibility, your relevance and your survival.Sponsored by Infinite Ties, led by Deneen Dias, empowering US firms to scale Client Advisory Services through peer-to-peer learning and training.**Key Takeaways*** 70% of SMEs would switch firms for more advice (Thomson Reuters)* Compliance is commoditised. Advisory is the expectation* Clients want foresight, strategy and sector fluency* AI can fill forms but cannot advise* 5 steps to start aligning with client demand today* Episode 2 of 6: The Accountant's Survival Guide**Killer Quotes*** “Clients don't want form-fillers. They want advisors”* “Advisory is not optional. It's the expectation”* “70% of SMEs will switch firms for more advice”* “If you stay silent, someone else will step into your client's ear”* “Advisory is the only safe harbour left in accounting”Want help becoming more visible and authoritative? Explore Rob Brown's Personal Brand Interview service.The Accounting Voices Podcast is aimed at accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally.You can find this on youtube here: https://youtu.be/EpLuGfrNaYE◣━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◢The Accounting Influencers Podcast serves accounting firm leaders, managers and partners looking to build their executive presence, influence and credibility both internally and externally. The show focuses on helping professionals strengthen their personal brand, stay informed about industry changes, and navigate disruptive forces affecting accounting business models and trends. The content includes solo insights from host Rob Brown as well as interviews or panel discussions with industry leaders. Check out the show on your preferred podcast app or platform, or go to the Accounting Influencers YouTube channel for all of the episodes in video format. Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrownThanks to our sponsors:ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.comIf you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.

For over 15 years Kris Morawski's passion & mission in life has been to help SMEs get more qualified leads & become more visible on the web, even if they're on a tight budget. When built with intention and integrated into a smart, well-thought-out marketing strategy, your website becomes a powerful business tool: one that can increase sales, save time, and drive sustainable growth.But here's the challenge:How can you compete online without a big business budget?That's the question that's shaped everything Kris does. Since day one, he's been obsessed with finding affordable, effective ways to help small business owners grow—without wasting time or money.He believes the perfect mix lies in combining: • AI-powered automation to save time and scale smartly • With intelligently designed websites that are built to convertIf you're looking to: • Attract more qualified leads • Increase sales and revenue • Find new customers • Or simply grow your business sustainably…then chat to Kris

Gain actionable strategies to elevate your business with expert insights from Pazbi Zavatzki, founder of Kickass Online Ltd. Discover the biggest digital mistakes SMEs make, how to leverage AI effectively, and how neurodiversity drives innovation in entrepreneurship. A must-watch for anyone seeking online growth!===============================================

Cameron Levick has been helping organisations map out a clearer path to growth for almost three decades. His track record of success begins with some of Australia's best known organisations in the food and beverage and telecommunication sectors - and continues with Plungie.He helps SMEs, private equity firms, and other investors build growth paths that are simpler, more effective, and less demanding on business owners'.Cam combines considerable expertise in strategic sales and marketing, organisational transformation, brand development, and performance enhancement, with a commitment to premium quality service, breakthrough thinking, inspiring vision, and market-leading results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Randy Silver and Lily Smith sit down with Katja Forbes, Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank, design leader, and lecturer, to explore the fast-approaching world of machine customers.Katja shares why businesses must prepare for a future where AI agents, autonomous vehicles, and procurement bots act as customers, and what this means for product managers, designers, and organisations.Key takeawaysMachine customers are here already. From booking services for Tesla cars to procurement bots closing contracts, AI-driven commerce is no longer hypothetical.APIs are necessary but insufficient. Businesses need to think beyond plumbing and address trust, compliance, and customer experience for non-human agents.Signal clarity matters. Organisations must make their value propositions machine-readable to remain competitive.Trust will be quantified. Compliance signals, ESG proof, uptime guarantees, and reliability ratings will replace human gut instinct.New roles will emerge. Trust analysts and human–machine hybrid coordinators will be critical in shaping future interactions.Ethics cannot be ignored. Without careful design, agentic commerce could amplify consumerism and poor societal outcomes.Practical first step. Even small businesses can prepare by structuring their product and service data into machine-readable formats.Product managers must adapt. The skill to manage ambiguity, think systemically, and anticipate unintended consequences will be central to success.Featured Links: Follow Katja on LinkedIn | Katja's website | Sign-up for pre sale access to Katja's forthcoming book 'The CX Evolutionist'Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Profitability isn't a matter of luck—it's the result of smart, deliberate strategies. In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Managing Director and Founder of ESS BIZTOOLS, unpacks why pricing is one of the most critical levers for small business success. Peter challenges the traditional “historian's role” of accountants, urging professionals to step forward as trusted advisors who help SMEs set charge-out rates, create budgets, and monitor performance in real time. Drawing on years of experience and insights from industry leaders, he highlights why so many SMEs are struggling – and why accountants must do more than prepare tax returns after the fact. You'll discover: ✅ How to guide clients in calculating charge-out rates that truly reflect costs and profit goals. ✅ The importance of ongoing KPIs, cash flow forecasts, and performance reviews. ✅ Why SMEs need proactive advisory – not retrospective compliance. ✅ Practical ways to use tools and calculators that take the guesswork out of pricing. If your clients are undercharging, guessing their margins, or missing key performance indicators, they're not just at risk – they're running blind. This episode shows how you can step into the role of “profit partner” and deliver the strategic advice SMEs are crying out for. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

Sarah Lalor, General Manager ESG and Sustainable Finance at Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) explains the bank’s multi-pronged approach to supporting businesses at every stage of their sustainability journeys. It’s a wonderful case study of how one organisation can multiply its ESG impact by influencing the organisations it supports. In conversation with Ashurst’s Elena Lambros, Sarah takes us on a whistle-stop tour of CBA’s strategy to assist businesses of all sizes. They discuss how SMEs and mid-market businesses are shifting from what Sarah describes as a “curiosity mindset” to an “action mindset”. This is being driven through a combination of: Savings including lower energy bills Enablers such as CBA’s asset finance for energy-efficient equipment, solar and EVs for businesses of all sizes, Green Loans and Sustainability-Linked Loans for larger businesses Expectations from investors, and procurement requirements from larger businesses that are subject to new mandatory climate-related disclosures. While acknowledging the challenge for small businesses to devote time to ESG strategy, Sarah emphasises the proven commercial rewards of doing so. She also explains how Sustainability-Linked Loans work and she illustrates the value of the ‘S’ in ESG (e.g. social outcomes such as employee wellbeing). Sarah and Elena highlight some industries that are embracing sustainable finance, such as hospitality, retirement living and aged care, and commercial property. And they welcome the sustainable finance taxonomy which promises to bring greater consistency and confidence in the market. They also emphasise the commercial benefits for small businesses that don’t wait, but instead seize the initiative. As Sarah points out, SMEs that go beyond compliance and really embrace ESG now can access new markets, win more contracts and tenders, and be more attractive propositions for customers and potential employees alike. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Founders Connect, Peace Itimi sits with Chikodi Ukaiwe, the Founder and CEO of Salad Africa, to uncover his incredible journey through banking, tech, entrepreneurship, and eventually building one of Africa's most impactful fintech startups. Salad Africa is transforming how small businesses and employees access credit in a continent where banks often say “no.”Chikodi shares his inspiring background, growing up in a university community that shaped his leadership spirit and resilience. He studied Computer Science at Babcock University and began his career in banking before pursuing his master's. But his return to the banking world was met with rejection, sparking a shift that would lead him to disrupt the African tech ecosystem.His wife submitted his CV at Jumia, and in 2012 the Jumia founders took a bold bet on him, appointing him as Head of Growth and Partnerships. That role became a defining moment in his career, setting the stage for what was next. After two and a half years, Sim Shagaya recruited him to join Konga, where he spent over four years building one of Nigeria's leading e-commerce brands.Chikodi later ventured into consulting, worked with the Nigerian government for over two years, and during the COVID-19 pandemic founded a nonprofit initiative called Show Love to support small businesses. Though that venture failed, it inspired him to launch Salad Africa, a platform providing salary advances and credit access to SMEs and employees.Starting Salad Africa was no easy feat. Chikodi talks about the many rejections he faced when fundraising and how Techstars became a turning point for him and his company. Through that five-month accelerator, Salad Africa secured its first major funding and laid the foundation for growth. Today, Salad has achieved incredible milestones, from raising capital to partnering with companies like Glovo.In this conversation, Chikodi opens up about the toughest challenges of entrepreneurship, including being sued for two years in a corporate dispute, navigating multiple failures, and rebuilding from scratch. He also shares the biggest lessons he has learned about resilience, leadership, fundraising, and building a business that solves real problems.If you're an entrepreneur, aspiring founder, or someone interested in the African startup ecosystem, this conversation is packed with raw insights, real stories, and practical advice on navigating rejection, finding the right partners, and building a company that lasts.Timestamps:00:53 - Peace's Intro01:48 - Why Salad?02:57 - Who is Chikodi?10:42 - Chikodi's career journey & business background30:24 - The real process for starting a business34:33 - Journey into Techstars37:33 - Key milestones44:17 - Business challenges46:46 - Crazy stories51:10 - Biggest lessons learnt01:02:02 - Key takeaway from Chikodi's storyFounders Connect is a platform that tells authentic stories of African founders, operators, and professionals. Watch, learn, and be inspired by how Africa's tech ecosystem is being built from the ground up.#FoundersConnect #AfricanStartups #SaladAfrica #PeaceItimi #ChikodiUkaiwe #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding #AfricanTech #InspiringFounders

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture ECB President is pushing the WEF climate agenda, she wants the banks in charge and to dictate how to tax the people. Germany's economy is in a recession. Trump is bringing the manufactures to the US. The Fed is trapped, if they lower a little Trump will blame them, Trump and Bessent made it clear it must be a big cut. The [DS] is currently using the Judiciary as a delay tactic. They will try to delay Trump's Executive actions, but this will fail and they know it. The [DS] will then move into the next phase and this is what Trump is countering now. He is dismantling their riots right in front of their eyes. The National Guard and Military will clean it the cities before the D's can push their agenda. The playbook is known and Trump is forcing the [DS] to exactly where he wants them.   Economy https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1959976919585173984 The ECB's Mandate: The ECB supervises major banks in the Eurozone through the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM). Lagarde argues that climate-related risks fall within this supervisory duty because they can directly impact banks' balance sheets and operations. She disagrees with views (likely from the interviewer in this case) that central banks should not involve themselves in climate issues, insisting it's not about environmental activism but about basic risk management.   Christine Lagarde's emphasis on the ECB's duty to assess climate change risks for banks aligns with and is influenced by the World Economic Forum's (WEF) broader climate agenda, though it's not exclusively driven by it. The WEF has long promoted the integration of climate risks into financial systems as part of its push for sustainable finance, global economic resilience, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.   This fits into the WEF's "Great Reset" and sustainable development goals, which call for rethinking capitalism to address climate threats. Central banks like the ECB are seen as key players in this, through "greening" finance (e.g., tilting investments toward low-carbon assets). German Economy Shows No Signs Of Emerging From Recession  Germany's Mittelstand Collapses as “Investment Booster” Flops The German economy shows no signs of emerging from recession. The monthly Mittelstand index, compiled by the consulting firm DATEV, confirms that the downturn continues unabated. The crisis has spread across virtually all sectors of the economy. The recovery announced by the German government remains a summer fantasy. Data collected in July through DATEV's monthly survey of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) describes the economic situation as extremely fragile—with no upturn in sight. SMEs saw revenues fall by 1.7 percent year-on-year in July. The corresponding business cycle index dropped, seasonally and calendar adjusted, to 91.9 points—firmly anchored in recession territory.   Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1959877151680770323  ” Germany's universal welfare system is one of the most comprehensive in Europe, covering healthcare, unemployment benefits, pensions, housing aid, family subsidies, and more. But the strain of demographic aging, high immigration, and mounting debt obligations has led to growing political pressure to reform or scale back entitlements. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.

Possible Utopia is the podcast where we explore the intersection of politics, gender, and leadership to imagine a better world. From addressing challenges of safety and well-being in public life to uncovering the motivations that drive individuals, we look at the stories behind those shaping our societies. Together, we take on difficult questions, confront systemic barriers, and reimagine a more inclusive and just political landscape.This is not just a conversation about policy and gender; it is a journey toward possibility, a utopia we can begin building today. Let's explore it togetherMeet our host of Possible Utopia, Kanksshi Agarwal, Founder of NETRI Foundation, India's first incubator for women in politics, featured in LiveMint's 100 Women Shaping India, TEDx speaker, and Cyril Shroff Scholar at University of Oxford.About the Episode with Kartik DesaiIn this episode, we welcome Kartikeya N. Desai, an investing and development finance expert and Founder of Desai & Associates.Kartik Desai, an impact investor at leading Indian funds and advisor to foundations and policymakers on blended and outcome finance, explains how capital can advance gender and climate goals.

BUSINESS: New BSP system makes SMEs credit score assessment easier | Aug. 24, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimesSubscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimesdv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forty-two percent of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses report that another cost increase could lead to closure, with 35 percent managing finances themselves and 13 percent relying on friends or family instead of professional accountants. Only 30 percent use external financial experts, while 27 percent still depend on manual processes and just a third are fully automated. Nearly one in five business owners spend up to 40 hours monthly on financial administration, and 24 percent experienced cashflow issues in the past year. Forty-five percent believe they would be better leaders without financial admin burdens, and 35 percent say they spend more time on finance than business growth. Half of leaders find future planning nearly impossible, and only a quarter prepare for recession scenarios.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Throwback episode, Josh interviews Tyler Greg, founder of Ampd, about the game-changing strategy of driving Google Ads traffic directly to Amazon listings. Tyler explains how leveraging Google Ads—rather than sending traffic to standalone e-commerce sites—enables sellers to capitalize on Amazon's superior conversion rates and boost keyword rankings. They discuss Amazon's own traffic arbitrage, the benefits of Amazon-compliant (white hat) tactics, and how sellers can maximize ROI, reduce fees, and build defensible brands by combining external traffic with Amazon's brand-building tools. Actionable tips for scaling to 8 figures and beyond are shared throughout.Chapters:Amazon's Google Ads Arbitrage Explained (00:00:00)How Amazon buys Google Ads cheaply, drives traffic to search result pages, and resells clicks at a higher price.Introduction to Tyler and Ampd (00:00:40)Josh introduces Tyler Greg and Ampd's expertise in Google Ads to Amazon traffic.Ampd's Origin Story (00:01:12)Tyler shares how Ampd started as a data science platform for Google Ads to DTC stores in 2015.Transition to Automated Bidding (00:02:04)Google's shift to automated bidding forced Ampd to rethink their approach and product offering.Early Focus on Shopify and BigCommerce (00:03:08)Ampd built tools for Shopify/BigCommerce, but struggled with low conversion rates on DTC stores.Switching Traffic to Amazon (00:04:23)Ampd decided to send Google Ads traffic to Amazon for higher conversion rates and better results.Amazon Affiliate Program Insights (00:05:18)Using Amazon's affiliate program, Ampd discovered 30% of Google Ads clicks resulted in Amazon purchases.Conversion Rate Analysis (00:05:50)Discussion on how often external traffic buys advertised vs. other products, and the impact on conversion rates.Why Amazon Incentivizes External Traffic (00:07:18)Explains Amazon's motivation for encouraging sellers to drive external traffic due to high overall conversion.Amazon's Massive Google Ads Spend (00:08:18)Tyler discusses Amazon's huge annual spend on Google Ads and the two main ad types: Shopping and Search.Difference Between Shopping and Search Ads (00:08:34)Breakdown of how Amazon uses Shopping ads for direct listings and Search ads for broader traffic.How Brands Can Compete with Amazon Ads (00:10:06)Case studies on replacing Amazon's ads with your own to get cheaper, more direct traffic to listings.Building a Competitive Moat with External Traffic (00:10:39)Josh explains how external Google Ads traffic can help brands dominate and protect their Amazon position.Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:11:19)Summary of strategies: boosting keyword rankings, using white hat tactics, and testing Google Ads to Amazon.Three Key Focus Areas for Google Ads to Amazon (00:12:19)Emphasizes keyword selection, ad copy, and optimizing landing/store pages for best results.Shopify vs. Amazon for Google Ads Traffic (00:13:35)Tyler compares benefits of sending Google Ads to Amazon vs. Shopify, including conversion rates and branding.Brand Referral Bonus and Seller Fees (00:14:32)Explains Amazon's 10% brand referral bonus, making fees competitive with Shopify for Google Ads traffic.Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:15:09)Wrap-up and final remarks on the value of sending Google Ads traffic to Amazon.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  Ampd  Shopify  BigCommerce  Amazon Affiliate Program Amazon Attribution Transcript:Tyler 00:00:00  But what Amazon does with search ads is they buy it on Google often, you know, 30, 40, $0.50 per click. The average CPC on Google is about $0.60. They buy it first, call it $0.60, and they send it to a search result page. They do search, find, buy and you're not allowed to do it. Amazon. Yeah, of course they sent it to a search result page where they then have that page covered in sponsored ads. Yeah, that all cost $1.30 per click. Yeah. And so Amazon buys it for 60. They resell that traffic for $1.30. And they take that difference there. Arbitrage again. It's fascinating. Yeah it's it's genius. Genius.Josh 00:00:40  I never thought of it that way. But now I'm like my mind is now open. And I'm like, okay, that that makes ten times more sense now. Today I'm excited to introduce you all to Tyler. Greg Tyler and his team at Ampd are big data analysts who have spent seven plus years building Google ad tech and now bring that technology and knowledge to the Amazon industry, allowing Amazon sellers to unlock Google ads.Josh 00:01:03  Welcome to the podcast, Tyler.Tyler 00:01:05  Hey Josh, thanks so much for having me today and excited to be here and talk a little bit about Google ads. But, you know, talk about e-commerce in general.Josh 00:01:12  How did Ampd get started? What brought you to where you guys are today? And what I would argue to say is the kind of the name brand of bringing external Google ad traffic to Amazon.Tyler 00:01:24  Yeah, definitely. And so kind of quick background on Ampd is we are Google ads to Amazon experts. That is all we do. I kind of joke about like that is all we know. I don't know anything else other than Google ads, to Amazon. but we know a little bit more. And, the background on our company is we started right around 2015, just like you guys. And we started as really a data science platform for Google Ads to DTC stores. And it was a great journey. We built out a really incredible data science engine that was able to analyze Google Ads data, and then we worked with a lot of agencies to help them drive efficiency.Tyler 00:02:04  Find unproductive spin. Find areas to double down using data using our data science engine. And about two years ago, our engine was all focused on manual keyword adjustments. So hey, your bids at $0.15, if you up it to $0.32, you're going to unlock $10,000 of revenue. You should do that, right? But two years ago, Google started going to all of our agency partners saying, no more manual bidding. You need to do automated bidding. And Google is pushing all their automation, right? And we're saying they're going, If Google's not letting us do manual bids and they're incentivizing agencies to not do manual bids but do automated bids, where does that leave us? Right. Right. And so we're kind of looking around going, okay, what do we do now? Like we have all this Google Ads data. We have all this Google Ads expertise. What do we do? And so we started saying, okay, what if we started pointing that engine and helping, you know, SMS this was originally we were more focused on large enterprise companies.Tyler 00:03:08  Okay, what if we started focusing on SMEs and we actually built a Shopify and BigCommerce app that allowed sellers to quickly and efficiently create Google Ads campaigns from scratch and send them into their Shopify store. And that basically tabled all of our data science, keyword modeling, probabilistic engine and all that stuff, and started earlier in a campaign, which was the campaign creation side. And we started sending all this traffic to a lot, mostly Shopify. And the conversion rates just weren't really there. So we would help thousands of brands, but it would bring in traffic to their website. But then we had to start getting into this world of, okay, well, you're getting good traffic. And we had to sta...

Send us a textIn this episode, we chat with Rinse Jacobs, Co-Founder and CEO, of Zazu, a new SME-focused FinTech platform launching in South Africa. We explore why Zazu chose South Africa as its starting point, what sets it apart from traditional banks and other neobanks and how it plans to simplify business banking for SMEs.Highlights:Customer experience - No more queueing for hoursBreaking down bundling and unbundlingBuilding trust in a risk-averse marketRinse Jacobs' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinsejacobs/Zazu's Website: https://www.get-zazu.com/Darren Franks' Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenfranks/Titc's Website https://titc.io/

Send us a textJoin Nathan on this episode of BetaTalk as he sits down with Olly Cutting, Johann Kühns, and Pranjal Arya from HomeTree. The team from HomeTree shares their incredible journey, from a boiler installation company to a multifaceted energy services provider. We learn how Olly and Pranjal's economic backgrounds, combined with Johann's expertise in Climate Change management and finance from Imperial College London, have shaped their innovative, data-driven approach.The Customer Journey FlywheelThe conversation centers on HomeTree's innovative business model, structured around a "customer journey flywheel" with three key divisions:Home Cover: Offering service plans for boilers and heat pump installations, rivaling big players like British Gas.Renewable Installations: Specializing in the installation of solar, battery, and heat pump systems.Renewable Financing: A crucial division that helps customers overcome the significant upfront cost of new energy systems, making the transition more accessible.This flywheel model ensures that customers are supported at every stage of their energy transition.A Different Approach to AcquisitionNathan and his guests discuss HomeTree's unique strategy of acquiring local SME's (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), like the respected IMS Heat Pumps Ltd led by Emma Bohan. They explore why this approach is so beneficial for both HomeTree and the acquired businesses. HomeTree's data revealed that customers prefer working with local installers, and this acquisition model allows them to scale while maintaining a personal touch.Beyond TechnologyThe discussion also highlights that the move to renewable energy isn't just a technological change; it's a behavioral shift for customers. Nathan shares his thoughts on how the Guild of Master Heat Engineers can collaborate with HomeTree to help both the company and its customers navigate this transition, building on the great conversation they started over dinner.

In this "Best-of" edition of the Vital Health Podcast, Duane Schulthess revisits two listener favorites on the future of medicines in Europe. First, former MEP Pernille Weiss explains how the European Parliament reshaped the EU’s General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) to better support innovation while respecting member state control over pricing and reimbursement. Then, Niklas Blomberg, Executive Director of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), outlines how Europe’s largest public-private partnership is convening pharma, medtech, regulators, HTAs, payers, and patients to solve pre-competitive hurdles from real-world data to digital endpoints. Key Topics Parliament Process: How Parliament shaped the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) and why it rejected incentives tied to launches in all 27 member states. Innovation and Access: Avoiding rock-bottom pricing that causes shortages and using quality-of-life outcomes in pricing and reimbursement decisions. EU vs National Roles: Where joint procurement helps, and where member-state control over pricing and reimbursement should prevail to reflect health system differences. From IMI to IHI: Evolution from the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) to the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), a cross-sector platform convening pharma, medical devices, diagnostics, imaging, regulators, health technology assessment (HTA) bodies, payers, clinicians, and patients to solve pre-competitive evidence needs such as real-world data and digital endpoints. Data and Regulation: Working within the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European Health Data Space (EHDS), and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act using federated access, shared standards, and a regulatory sandbox to pilot novel technologies. SME Pathways: How small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) join funded consortia via brokering events, with current examples in lung cancer real-world data and cardiovascular prevention and care. Originally broadcast Sep 4, 2024 (Weiss) and Jul 3, 2024 (Blomberg). Edited and compiled Aug 2025. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith and Randy Silver are joined by Kirsten Mann, former CPO at Prospection and now startup founder and board member, to discuss how product leaders can play a vital role on company boards. Drawing from her own board experience and a research series interviewing founders and directors, Kirsten explains why product, culture, and customer insight must be central to boardroom conversations.Key Takeaways— Product's Place on Boards: Product is a strategic lever, boards should treat it with the same seriousness as financials.— Culture as a Strategic Asset: Culture emerged as the most frequently cited factor in board-level success—more than AI or tech.— From Operator to Overseer: Transitioning to a board role requires stepping back from execution and focusing on governance and strategic guidance.— Communicating with Boards: Product leaders must avoid jargon, speak in terms of customer problems, outcomes, and investment returns.— The Risk of Exclusion: If your product team isn't presenting to the board, that's a red flag.— Practical Preparation: Aspiring board members should build financial literacy, start with non-profit boards, and cultivate visibility through writing or public speaking.Chapters00:00 – Culture over strategy: Why getting culture right matters more than clever planning00:45 – Meet Kirsten Mann: Introduction and credentials01:45 – Career transition: From CPO at Prospection to board member, investor, and startup founder04:50 – Early board experience: Saving a youth club through governance and tech06:45 – Product's value on boards: Bringing customer and tech insight into strategic discussions08:00 – Oversight, not execution: Adjusting from exec roles to governance roles09:50 – Frustration sparks research: Why Kirsten began writing about product leaders on boards11:00 – Product strategy ≠ support: The board's risk-first mindset Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Michael Haynes, SME growth strategist and author of Listen, Innovate, Grow, shares practical, buyer-driven strategies to help small and medium businesses succeed in the B2B space. From listening deeply to markets, to innovating smartly, to scaling effectively—this conversation is a masterclass in sustainable growth.00:34- About Michael HaynesMichael is an SME Business Growth specialist.He's the founder and principal consultant of Listen Innovate Grow.He's also a co-author of a book titled  Listen Innovate Grow, a guidebook for startups and SMEs to acquire and grow business for B2B customers. 

Send us a textMarc Jardine: From Fatima Days to the Helm of RBCIn this episode, Corie sits down with Marc Jardine, Managing Director and VP of Commercial Banking at RBC Royal Bank Trinidad and Tobago. They reflect on their shared Fatima College roots, school days, and the importance of mentorship and fatherhood. Marc opens up about his unexpected career path—from dreams of ornithology to finance, agriculture, and now banking leadership.The conversation dives into life lessons from Fatima, his experiences studying at Morehouse, the realities of oil and gas and agriculture, and how those shaped his approach to business and leadership. Marc also discusses the changing face of banking in Trinidad and Tobago, the role of SMEs, the challenges of foreign exchange, and the importance of balancing technology with personal connection.Beyond banking, Marc shares candid thoughts on fatherhood, giving back, sustainability, and why beach cleanups, youth mentorship, and personal discipline (yes, even sharpening knives) keep him grounded.This is a conversation about roots, responsibility, and reshaping what leadership can look like in Trinidad and Tobago.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Randy Silver speaks with Dariusz Dziuk, Product Lead for Music Expression at Spotify, about the origins and evolution of Canvas, the looping visuals that accompany music tracks. From early assumptions and first principles thinking to scaling and measuring marketplace success, he shares how a bold experiment turned into one of Spotify's most engaging features.Key Takeaways— Balancing Art and Science: Product management often lives between structured analysis and intuitive creativity—success lies in mastering both.— First Principles and Assumptions: Questioning defaults—like static, square cover art—can open doors to bold innovation.— Real Stakes Drive Real Creativity: Artist engagement with Canvas only truly emerged once the stakes felt genuine and public.— Marketplace Thinking: Canvas succeeded because it delivered value for all marketplace participants—creators, consumers, and the platform itself.— Innovation Through Structure: Weekly design sprints and rapid prototyping allowed Spotify's innovation lab to explore and discard ideas quickly, eventually landing on Canvas.— Scaling Insights: Measurable impact came later—higher engagement, saves, shares, and a new visual identity for music on Spotify.— Artist-Centric Focus: Prioritising the needs of the supply side (artists) can unlock cold start challenges and marketplace growth.Chapters0:00 – Marketplace Thinking at Spotify1:20 – Darius Jurek's Journey into Product2:45 – From Engineering to 0-to-1 Product Innovation4:00 – Is Product Management an Art or a Science?6:30 – The Brief: Connecting Creators and Fans8:20 – Building an Innovation Lab10:00 – Exploring Dozens of Ideas11:45 – Why Canvas Won Out13:10 – The Challenge of Validating a New Format16:00 – Questioning the Assumptions Around Cover Art19:00 – Real Stakeholder Feedback and Creative Buy-In21:00 – Marketplace Metrics of Success23:30 – Canvas and the Evolution of Music Discovery26:00 – Visual Design, Collaboration, and Artist Empowerment28:00 – Darius on Supplier-Led Product StrategyFeatured Links: Follow Dariusz on LinkedIn | Dariusz's website | Spotify | '#mtpcon @ Pendomonium 2024 Encore' recap Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

ชมวิดีโอ EP นี้ใน YouTube เพื่อประสบการณ์การรับชมที่ดีที่สุด https://youtu.be/MMUF665yBDg คัมภีร์ AI agent ฉบับ SMEs ชกข้ามรุ่น เล็กล้มยักษ์ เมื่อ AI เป็นมากกว่าแค่เครื่องมือ เพราะมันคือเป็น ‘อาวุธลับ' ช่วยให้ธุรกิจ SME ชกข้ามรุ่น แข่งขันกับองค์กรใหญ่ได้จริง The Secret Sauce เอพิโสดนี้ เคน นครินทร์ มาพร้อมคู่มือ เปลี่ยนผ่านองค์กรสู่ AI-Driven Company ที่จะช่วยให้ SME สามารถเริ่มต้นทำ AI Transformation ได้อย่างเป็นระบบ ตั้งแต่หลักการคิด, การประเมินความพร้อม, การลงมือทำจริงด้วย Roadmap 7 ขั้นตอน ไปจนถึงแนวทางการวัดผล หรือ ROI ให้คุณได้นำไปปรับใช้จริงทันทีหลังดูจบ

ชมวิดีโอ EP นี้ใน YouTube เพื่อประสบการณ์การรับชมที่ดีที่สุด https://youtu.be/MMUF665yBDg คัมภีร์ AI agent ฉบับ SMEs ชกข้ามรุ่น เล็กล้มยักษ์ เมื่อ AI เป็นมากกว่าแค่เครื่องมือ เพราะมันคือเป็น ‘อาวุธลับ' ช่วยให้ธุรกิจ SME ชกข้ามรุ่น แข่งขันกับองค์กรใหญ่ได้จริง The Secret Sauce เอพิโสดนี้ เคน นครินทร์ มาพร้อมคู่มือ เปลี่ยนผ่านองค์กรสู่ AI-Driven Company ที่จะช่วยให้ SME สามารถเริ่มต้นทำ AI Transformation ได้อย่างเป็นระบบ ตั้งแต่หลักการคิด, การประเมินความพร้อม, การลงมือทำจริงด้วย Roadmap 7 ขั้นตอน ไปจนถึงแนวทางการวัดผล หรือ ROI ให้คุณได้นำไปปรับใช้จริงทันทีหลังดูจบ