Podcasts about smes

Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Rupam Tandon,  Financial Executive with 30 years of experience across banking, asset management, and insurance. She's also a certified Independent Director (IoD), ESG specialist, and startup mentor. She talks about her journey starting in a small town to traveling the globe and literally spreading her wings. Gayatri Kalyanaraman, Host for Software People Stories podcast and co-founder Sangatna Angels welcomes Rupam Tandon and sets the tone for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and governance. Highlights of the conversation are here01:00 – Early Career and Foundations in FinanceRupam shares her beginnings in Dubai's financial industry during the 1990s — a period of rapid banking expansion — and lessons on trust, relationships, and financial discipline.03:00 – London Years & the Global Financial Crisis She moves to London to work with asset managers and hedge funds, witnessing firsthand the subprime crisis and collapse of major institutions like Lehman Brothers and AIG.07:00 – Return to India & Setting Up Global Operations Rupam explains her decision to return to India for family reasons and how she helped transition a major bank's operations from Ireland to Bangalore — navigating SEC and FCA audits successfully.10:00 – The Shift to Insurance and Building Communities She discusses moving from investment banking to insurance, leading initiatives in Risk, ESG, and Cyber, and mentoring senior executives.13:00 – Reflections on Technology & Automation From manual processes to automation and bots — Rupam contrasts the early years of finance with today's data-driven governance and the rise of straight-through processing (STP).16:00 – Navigating Change and Cultural Adaptation Growing up in Lucknow and moving across continents, Rupam reflects on adapting to different work cultures, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities.20:00 – Decision-Making and Balancing Life & Work Rupam shares personal stories about taking career risks, balancing motherhood, and receiving mentorship and compassion from colleagues during turbulent times.24:00 – Continuous Learning & Board Readiness She outlines her professional upskilling journey — courses from ISB, IIM Bangalore, and IoD — and her belief in lifelong learning as a foundation for effective governance.27:00 – Second Innings: Purpose and Governance for the Future Rupam shares her vision for the next decade — mentoring startups, strengthening governance frameworks, and shaping ethical, transparent organizations. Memorable Quotes:“Success without ethics is incomplete.”“Governance isn't about control — it's about responsibility.”  “It's time for stewardship — to give back, guide, and help the next generation grow with integrity.”“Even the strongest institutions can collapse if governance, risk, and culture are not aligned.”https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupam-tandon/After nearly three decades of experience across industries and markets, She is now embarking on my second innings with a focus on startup governance and scaleups. Her journey has been a diverse one, spanning Global roles (in UAE & UK, India) in business strategy, branding, communications, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about helping companies build strong, sustainable foundations for growth. As an alumnus of Lucknow University and the Indian School of Business (ISB), where she specialized in Negotiation as part of an Executive Management Program, I've honed my ability to adapt and thrive in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.My Core Strengths:- Strategic Oversight: Managing boards/foundations and aligning teams with business goals- Business Model Innovation: Identifying opportunities at the intersection of strategy, branding, product development, and customer experience- Start up consulting , Fintech, Finance based business.- Reputation Building: Creating narratives that enhance corporate reputation and build trust- Communications Strategy: Developing integrated communication plans to engage stakeholders and drive impact- Mentorship & Coaching: Supporting founders, leaders, and teams to grow through personalized guidance and coaching- Crisis Communications: Navigating through challenges to protect and strengthen brand reputation- Networking & Ecosystem Building: Cultivating strategic partnerships and growing influential networks- CSR & Sustainability: Defining and driving impactful corporate social responsibility initiativesRupam Tandon is a certified board director and former investment banker with expertise in governance, risk, and sustainability. She advises startups and SMEs on ethical leadership and board resilience, teaches ESG and stakeholder strategy to executives, and mentors emerging leaders. She advocates for policy-led reforms in India's entrepreneurial governance landscape.

Unlock the secrets behind SME success with one of the UK's fastest-growing banks! In this episode, Mike Greene sits down with Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, to discuss how Allica is transforming business banking for small and medium-sized enterprises. Discover why so many entrepreneurs are choosing Allica, the challenges SMEs face when seeking finance, and how combining cutting-edge technology with a personal touch can make all the difference. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about the future of banking, this episode is packed with advice and real-world insights.

Mobin is also the Founder and Chairman of the Global and Commonwealth SMEs Club (GCSME). Under his guidance, the organisation has significantly advanced SMEs, particularly in developing nations, by addressing global poverty, promotes inclusive and impactful SME-driven economic development across 80+ countries.The Global and Commonwealth SME Club (GCSME Club) is a global platform that connects business leaders, policymakers, and innovators. To know more about Mobin Rafiq, visit: Mobin Rafiq Interview Questions00:00 - 01:16 Coming Up01:17 - 03:20 Introduction03:21 - 17:13 Early life17:14 - 30:32 Networks are important30:33 - 48:52 Empowering SMEs with skills48:53 - 56:32 Major challenges of SMEs56:33 - 01:00:50 commonwealth global theme club01:00:51 - 01:06:08 true characteristics of entrepreneurs01:06:09 - 01:13:17 Failure is the biggest teacher01:13:18 - 01:26:30 Challenges of an entrepreneur01:26:31 - 01:27:07 Words of Wisdom01:27:07 - 01:27:17 ClosureUseful Links and Resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mobin-rafiq-4609b913/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://gcsme.club/About businessabc.nethttps://www.businessabc.net/About citiesabc.comhttps://www.citiesabc.com/​​​​​​​​​​​ About fashionabc.orghttps://www.fashionabc.org/ About Dinis Guardahttps://www.dinisguarda.com/https://businessabc.net/wiki/dinis-guardaBusiness Inquiries- info@ztudium.comSupport the show

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can harness digital transformation, AI, and immersive technologies to fuel growth and innovation in a fast-changing world.Joining us is Adrian Moise, Founder and CEO of Aequilibrium, one of Canada's top digital agencies known for its award-winning digital product design. With over 20 years of experience and a background at Ubisoft and Electronic Arts, Adrian shares his insights on digital strategy, XR and AI in training, and building experiences that enhance both business performance and human impact.Key Highlights:Digital Transformation Fundamentals: Steps for SMEs to begin their digital journey and avoid common pitfalls. The F1 Playbook for Strategy: How small businesses can apply Formula 1's principles of continuous improvement and precision. XR and AI in Immersive Training: How technology is revolutionizing scalable, hands-on learning for small businesses. Strategic Data Use in AI Training: The importance of ethical, high-quality data for effective and responsible training solutions. Aequilibrium's Global Vision: Adrian's mission to create digital experiences that drive innovation and measurable business growth.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.

In a climate where many organisations are nervously dialling back on their social and environmental commitments, a surprising group is emerging as the new purpose pioneers - B2B brands. In this episode of Can Marketing Save the Planet?, we sit down with Dave Vann, MD of agency, said & done, to unpack their latest revealing research, ‘The Purpose Reckoning,' which surveyed over 300 businesses. Our conversation delves into the current situation we are seeing across the business landscape where leaders feel caught between political and economic pressures to stay quiet, and their personal desire to be more outspoken and drive impact. Dave shares a whole host of key findings such as, while organisations overall are pulling back, this trend is heavily influenced by size and exposure to the US market. Larger, US-connected firms are retreating, while smaller UK-focused SMEs are largely "carrying on as before." A central insight which we dive into is that B2B leaders are notably bullish on purpose, with “87% believing it will be a key differentiator in the future”. We explore why the B2B landscape is uniquely positioned for this, citing factors like emotionally-driven procurement decisions, a lower risk of public backlash compared to B2C, and the need to build resilient, future-proof supply chains. Dave issues a powerful call to action for marketers, urging them to step up and guide their organisations with both courage and strategic savvy. "We've got to be brave and we've got to be smart. This isn't just about doing the right thing. This is good for business.” When asked about the future of business, Dave hopes, we're in a place where the baseline has risen and there's just a widespread acceptance that of course business is here for improving the lives of people and the planet that we live in." And, we couldn't ages more. Tune in as we talk to Dave about: How, not talking about purpose isn't universal. Why B2B organisations see purpose as a future differentiator and aligns with the growing humanisation of B2B marketing. Why there's a significant disconnect between corporate action and personal conviction. How many leaders wish their organisations were more vocal, even as external pressures force them to dial back. The need to look beyond compliance. Regulation may set a baseline but true progress requires a "care" mindset which focuses on genuine impact and brand building. The need to find your strategic niche, which aligns with your business, customers, and differentiates you from your competitors. For more information: said & done website: https://www.saidanddone.co.uk/ ‘The Purpose Reckoning' research: https://www.saidanddone.co.uk/purpose-reckoning-research Dave's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-vann/ We also talk about the recent MarketingKind webinar-turned-podcast he sharfed. And so, here's a link to that: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ty-heath-thomas-kolster-dave-vann-on-b2b-marketing-purpose/id1725793542?i=1000733018569 Enjoy - and if you love the podcast, share with your friends, family and colleagues. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet. 

Stephen Grootes interviews David Morobe Regional General Manager At Business Partners about the benefits of economic recovery and the fiscal framework for SMEs, the impact of global pressures such as tariffs, SMEs’ confidence in the GNU, and the key issues highlighted by our SME Confidence Index. 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.

In this episode of Nevermind The Pain Points, we dive into the complexities and challenges organisations face during post-merger and acquisition (M&A) transformations.  Host and Clarasys Subscription and Customer Experience Practice Lead Tom Carpenter is joined by Rebecca Clark of Sojourn Solutions, a marketing operations consultancy, and Moray Busch, who heads the M&A practice at Clarasys, to explore how to successfully navigate integration.  The discussion focuses on the need for early preparation, including setting a clear vision and involving on-the-ground teams from the start, as well as the importance of establishing clear decision-making authority and governance to operationalise the program. They outline the critical roles for an effective integration team, including C-suite sponsorship, SMEs, and a product ownership function to manage technology and business tension. Ultimately, they argue that M&A is an opportunity for transformative change, advocating for using Customer Experience (CX) to resolve internal conflicts and urging companies to adopt a 'greenfield' architectural mindset over simply performing a transactional 'find-and-replace' integration.  Packed with practical advice on people, process, and technology, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in an M&A transformation program.  Listen here or visit our website for the transcript: https://clarasys.com/insights/thinking/podcast/navigating-post-merger-integration-challenges-and-opportunities

Everyone's talking about AI with panic and hesitation. But if you're a coach, this moment holds huge potential. In this episode, Jo explores four coaching niches that are rising because of AI and what that means for your next steps.Timestamps[00:00] The shift AI is creating[01:12] Opportunity 1: Organisational change for SMEs[03:18] Opportunity 2: Executive personal brand support[04:52] Opportunity 3: Productivity and decision coaching[06:40] Opportunity 4: AI integrated coaching tools[08:55] The real differentiator[10:58] Your next stepAI may be evolving quickly, but the value of clear thinking, leadership and human support is rising just as fast.Choose one of the four opportunities and gently explore it this week — not from pressure or fear, but with curiosity and intention. I'd love to hear what you discover. Feel free to share your reflections with me on LinkedIn — I'm always happy to continue the conversation.Useful LinksOnline Workshop: Dare Greatly in The Coaching Arena, December 4 Learn about The Business of Coaching programmeSignature Solution CourseDownload the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026)Grow Your Business Without the Tech Overwhelm - One Stop Coach ShopFree Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for CoachesHow to secure more coaching clients' free trainingDownload the 12 ways to get clients nowConnect with Jo on LinkedInRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.comEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.Mentioned in this episode:✨ 2026 Coaches' Planner – Your Three Ways to Join InA few years ago, I couldn't find a planner that truly supported coaches - something that balanced growing a business with growing as a person. So, I created one. Three years on, it's become a trusted tool for hundreds of coaches to plan an aligned and prosperous year. You can now choose the option that suits you best (links below) 1️⃣ Free Digital Download – Get instant access to the online version of the 2026 Coaches' Planner. 2️⃣ Printed Planner on Amazon – Order your copy to write in and keep by your side all year. 3️⃣ Dare Greatly Online Workshop – Thursday 4 December – Join me live as we plan together. You'll receive a printed planner in the post plus a few thoughtful extras. Whichever option you choose, my...

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how businesses can uncover hidden operational waste and turn data into a powerful asset for driving energy efficiency and maximizing ROI.Joining us is Keith La Rose, Chief Revenue Officer at CopperTree Analytics, a Canadian SaaS company that specializes in helping businesses identify and eliminate inefficiencies to optimize operations. Keith discusses how data-first strategies can empower businesses to reduce costs, create value, and achieve sustainable growth through intelligent building management.Key Highlights:Hidden Money in Business: How CopperTree detects invisible waste and flags inefficiencies using Kaizen. Case Study: How a high-rise in Los Angeles saved $150,000 in one year by optimizing operations. Turning Cost Centers to Profit Centers: How giving teams access to data can drive performance and value. Sustainability That Pays: How small businesses can save money through sustainable practices, with a case from the University of Otago. Leadership & Innovation: Key lessons from leading a high-performance culture and CopperTree's vision for the future of PropTech.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.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how small and medium-sized businesses can scale smarter by combining AI, strategy, and fractional executive leadership to build resilience and accelerate growth.We're joined by Carrie-anne Mercer, Founder of Mercer Marketing & Advisory, a Fractional CMO and executive advisor working with global forums and AI-driven companies like Ethicrithm and Crosure Inc. With two decades of experience across SaaS, cybersecurity, and FinTech, she brings a rare blend of calm leadership, global perspective, and AI-enabled strategy to help businesses operate with clarity and confidence.Key Highlights:AI: Good, Bad, Ugly: How SMEs can benefit from AI while managing risks like data leaks, hallucinations, and bias.Fractional Leadership: Why part-time executive expertise gives SMEs strategic strength without full-time cost.Resilience Mindset: How global crisis leadership shaped Carrie-anne's approach to calm, smart AI adoption.Tech for Good: How work with The Cambridge Forum guides her focus on ethical, community-centered technology.AI-Driven Growth: Her long-term vision for helping SMEs scale through smarter marketing and client value creation.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.

In this episode, Nina Olding, Staff Product Manager at Weights & Biases and formerly at Google DeepMind, working on trust and compliance for AI, joins Randy to explore the UX challenges of AI‑driven features. As AI becomes increasingly woven into digital products, the traditional UX cues and trust‑signals that users rely on are changing. Nina introduces her framework of the three “A's” for AI UX: Awareness, Agency, and Assurance, and explains how product teams can build this into their AI‑enabled products without launching a massive transformation programme.Key Takeaways— As AI features proliferate, the UX challenge is less about the technology and more about how users perceive, understand and trust the interactions.— Trust is based on three foundational dimensions for AI‑enabled products: Awareness, Agency, Assurance.— Awareness: Make it clear when AI is involved (and when it isn't). Invisible AI = risk of misunderstanding. Magical AI without context = disorientation.— Agency: Give users control, or at least the option to opt‑out, define boundaries, choose defaults vs advanced settings.— Assurance: Because AI can be non‑deterministic, you must design for confidence—indicators of reliability, transparency about limitations, ability to question or override outputs.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why AI products are failing on trust00:47 – Nina Old's journey from Google DeepMind to Weights & Biases03:20 – The UX of AI: It's not just a chat window04:08 – Introducing the Three A's framework: Awareness, Agency, Assurance08:30 – Designing for Awareness: Visibility and user signals14:40 – Agency: Giving users control and escape hatches21:30 – Assurance: Transparency, confidence indicators, and humility28:05 – Three key questions to assess AI UX30:50 – The product case for trust: Compliance, loyalty, and retention33:00 – Final thoughts: Building the trust muscleFeatured Links: Follow Nina on LinkedIn | Weights & Biases | Check out Nina's 'The hidden UX of AI' slides from Industry Conference Cleveland 2025We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. 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...

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

In today's MadTech Daily, we look at Channel 4 launching an AI ad tool for SMEs, Jack Dorsey backing diVine, a Vine reboot featuring its video archive, as well as Jeff Bezos becoming co-CEO of Project Prometheus.

Stop Chasing Sexy Startups: Why Boring Businesses Win in Africa Fifteen years ago, Kyle Schutter had a choice: get a PhD in biofuels or move to Africa and start a biofuel company. He chose the second option — and landed in Kenya after what he calls the “blue cheese test”: if a country could produce local blue cheese, it probably had enough cold chain, middle class and basic infrastructure to build serious businesses.  His first venture, a biogas company selling to low-income farmers, raised money and revenue… but never made a profit. His second, a Thai restaurant in Nairobi buying from poor farmers and selling to rich Nairobians, was profitable from month one. That contrast led him to a simple conclusion: a good entrepreneur in a bad business will still lose.    Today Kyle runs Kuzana, an investment and acceleration platform that backs what he proudly calls “boring and profitable businesses” — soybean aggregators, agri-SMEs, and other non-flashy companies that feed the economy and can grow without burning cash. Kuzana offers small, fast capital (starting around $20k), plus a 12-week programme focused on focus, professionalisation and community. On average, companies in the programme 2x their revenue and gross profit in just 12 weeks.  We talk about why tech in Africa is often overbought, why SMEs face 100% interest locally while the same trade can be financed at 10% in Europe, and what it takes to mint 1,000 millionaires from “boring” businesses. Along the way, Kyle shares concrete stories — like Greenwells, a soybean aggregator that 4x'd in seven months and produced Kuzana's first on-paper millionaire. If you care about where real, scalable wealth in Africa will come from, this episode is a sharp, honest reality check.

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers unpacks why only 15% of SMEs currently see their accountant as a true Key Strategic Partner – and what you can do to change that. You'll discover how to reposition your firm from "tax return provider" to virtual CFO, delivering Financial / Commercial / Management Accounting advisory services that help SMEs survive, thrive, and scale up. Peter also shares practical insights on debtor management, cash flow, the innovation journey, and capital raising – and outlines how the ESS BIZTOOLS product packages (including a limited-time 75% Black Friday discount) can fast-track your road to advisory excellence. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

We talk to Marie O'Connor, chief operating officer of Sogeti in Ireland, about her forecasts for GenAI over the next few years and how firms can scale using the technology.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.

Hiring is one of the most important and most difficult decisions any leader can make. Beyond qualifications, the right hire can depend on cultural fit, growth potential, and even timing. For SMEs, the challenge is even sharper, every role matters, and resources to recruit, train, and retain talent are often limited. Eugene Goh, Advisor and Co-Founder of TalentKraft joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how SMEs can approach hiring more strategically, and what effective talent decisions look like in resource-constrained environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where's Your Social Proof? with Shehnaaz Latif is the latest edition of the Business Awards Show. We talked to Shehnaaz, the founder of TOOT Services Limited, about the critical importance of social proof for businesses and award entries. She also told us about her annual event in December, The Impact Showcase. Shehnaaz's Journey: Despite being naturally shy, Shehnaaz built a 22-year career helping charities and businesses gather evidence of their impact. The name "TOOT" stands for "Tell Others Out There" - encouraging people to celebrate their successes rather than hiding their achievements. Key Distinctions: Shehnaaz clarifies the differences between testimonials, reviews, and case studies: Reviews can be positive, negative, or neutral Testimonials are "mini stories with happy endings" - always positive Case studies are deeper, longer-term narratives tracking experiences over time with ripple effects Best Practices: Ask the right questions at the right time in the right format Avoid leading questions like "How happy are you with my service?" Gather evidence throughout the client journey, not just at the end Follow up with clients 6-12 months later for case studies Use composite case studies when dealing with sensitive topics Ensure proper consent, especially for vulnerable clients The Impact Showcase: Shehnaaz hosts an annual event (first Wednesday in December) where business owners celebrate their impact through client success stories. Her Takeaway: Focus on service over sales - when motivated by genuine impact, the money follows naturally. Build authentic relationships with clients to gather meaningful testimonials that demonstrate real transformation.   About Shehnaaz Shehnaaz Latif is an Impact Expert and Wellbeing Advocate with over 22 years' experience helping charities, commuinities and purpose-led businesses collect evidence of the difference their work makes and feedback to learn from. A trauma-informed social researcher and independent evaluation consultant, she's worked with leading funders and grassroots changemakers to design frameworks, capture outcomes, and celebrate real stories of change.  Through her business TOOT services, Shehnaaz now trains organisations and speakers to build ethical, independent social proof that turns quiet impact into visible influence. She is the founder of The Impact Showcase which is an annual event allowing changemakers to connect and share their impact, with heart.   {1:59} Shehnaaz's road to starting TOOT and where the name came from. {5:30} How Shehnaaz works with clients. {7:48} The difference between reviews, testimonials, and case studies. {11:10} How to create a case study. {13:55} Getting reviews in sensitive situations. {17:42} Tailoring testimonial requests to get the right responses. {22:00} Working with charities, corporates, solopreneurs, and SMEs. {23:35} The Impact Showcase Event. {25:45} What's next for Shehnaaz? {31:20} Advice for other entrepreneurs.   Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk                                         https://bestsmeawards.co.uk/ Connect with Shehnaaz:  https://tootservices.co.uk/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/toot-services-ltd/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shehnaaz.latif Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Tootservices YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shehnaazlatiftootservicesltd The Impact Showcase: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-impact-showcase-registration-881249961357?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Thursday 20 November 2025 The big banks claim they are looking after small businesses and competition in the sector is hotter than ever. The local share market falls to a new, near six-month low. Scientists provide upgraded warnings about ultra-processed foods. Wages growth stabilises, but that doesn’t mean we can expect rate cuts. Donald Trump calls a female reporter “Piggy.” Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, six ways to save big this Black Friday. Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWhen decisions can't wait for perfect data, you need methods that actually work in the real world. We sit down with Brian Moon to pull naturalistic decision making out of journals and into the field where cops, medics, operators, and executives make consequential calls under stress, time pressure, and uncertainty. The conversation opens with a clear critique: elegant lab studies often miss the work. From there, we rebuild on stronger ground; agency, process, and the lived patterns of true expertise. Brian traces why experience isn't just hours served but exposure to hard problems, responsibility for outcomes, and honest feedback that reshapes judgment. We unpack how experts blend rapid recognition with deliberate checks, using counterfactuals to keep first interpretations from hardening too soon. If you lead training, you'll get specific moves: design scenarios that force ownership of the whole problem; capture tacit cues through structured debriefs; and teach a shared language for uncertainty so teams can flexecute as conditions change. We also push into high-friction topics like use-of-force errors and pathways to violence, showing how process signals, not labels or post-hoc narratives, offer the best chance to prevent bad outcomes.Across the hour, you'll hear how to spot and grow real SMEs, why credentials alone fall short, and how to engineer environments where sensemaking becomes a habit instead of a hope. Whether you work a midnight shift or a corner office, you'll leave with practical tools to clean up your decisions this week and a sharper lens for understanding human behavior where it actually happens: on the street, on the line, and in the moment. If this conversation helps, share it with a teammate, subscribe for more, and drop a review so others can find it. Darwin's People: AMAZONSupport the showWebsite: https://thehumanbehaviorpodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHumanBehaviorPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbehaviorpodcast/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ArcadiaCognerati More about Greg and Brian: https://arcadiacognerati.com/arcadia-cognerati-leadership-team/

Fresh out of the studio, we commemorated the 10th anniversary of the e-Conomy SEA [Southeast Asia] Report with Sapna Chadha from Google, Florian Hoppe from Bain & Company, and Cassie Wu from Temasek, celebrating a decade of tracking Southeast Asia's digital transformation. The panel reflected on the region's remarkable achievement of reaching $300 billion in GMV—exceeding the original $200 billion goal by 1.5x—alongside revenue growth of 11x over the past decade. The panellists examined pivotal themes including Southeast Asia's position as the world's most AI-curious region with three times more interest than elsewhere, the explosive rise of video commerce and the maturation of digital financial services. The conversation explored the expansion from SEA-6 to 10 ASEAN countries, the ecosystem's resilience through multiple crisis cycles, and the shift from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable profitability. The episode concludes with each panellist sharing their vision for 2030, emphasizing building trust in AI adoption, creating an inclusive AI economy that benefits SMEs alongside large platforms, and navigating the AI transition gracefully to unlock innovation while addressing employment challenges—underscoring Southeast Asia's evolution from digital catch-up player to global innovation leader rewriting the playbook for digital adoption."We set this audacious goal of 200 billion by 2025. People told us we were crazy. In 2016 when we put that ambition out there, we've actually reached 1.5x that and we've hit 300 billion. And so it's just reflective of this incredible economy." - Sapna Chadha"Indonesia e-commerce still I think is larger or about the same size as all of India e-commerce. And yet the attention tends to be a little bit veering away from Southeast Asia, but this is actually a real economic powerhouse I think for all of Asia Pacific." - Florian Hoppe"Southeast Asia as a region, as we think about digital economy adoption, we are not playing catch up anymore. In many ways we're leading the digital adoption. We're writing how digital economy, how digital adoption could look like for a population and demographic like us." - Cassie WuProfiles: Sapna Chadha, Vice President Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google Asia PacificFlorian Hoppe, Partner at Bain & CompanyCassie Wu, Director, Southeast Asia at Temaseke-Conomy SEA 2025: https://economysea.withgoogle.com/Episode Highlights:[00:00] Quote of the Day by Sapna Chadha, Florian Hoppe & Cassie Wu[01:17] 10th anniversary of e-Conomy SEA Report[03:00] Digital economy hits 300 billion, exceeding goals[04:09] Ecosystem resilience through multiple crisis cycles[06:10] Report expands from SEA-6 to ASEAN-10[08:13] Southeast Asia most underappreciated AI opportunity[09:31] Indonesia e-commerce matches all of India[10:04] Region leading digital adoption, not catching up[12:13] Cash no longer king, payments fully inverted[13:00] Revenue growth 11x over past decade[15:00] 300 billion GMV despite headwinds and tariffs[16:00] Video commerce grew 5x in three years[19:03] Digital payments north of 60% of transactions[23:32] Super apps unique to Southeast Asia ecosystem[25:45] Data center capacity growing faster than anywhere[27:01] Lower labor costs delayed AI adoption initially[31:00] Ecosystem healthier than ever before[33:08] Talent is the critical AI bottleneck[35:19] Digital infrastructure must align with green economy[39:00] Southeast Asia remains globally underappreciated[40:39] Can Southeast Asia leapfrog into AI era[43:00] ClosingPodcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format.

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

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has chosen the winning consortium that will lead EIT Water, the new Knowledge and Innovation Community in the Water, Marine and Maritime sectors and ecosystems. This marks a major step towards securing the continent's water future, and to deliver innovations that can respond to environmental, economic and social pressures of Europe's water systems. The EIT's tenth Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) will apply an integrated approach across freshwater, marine and maritime sectors and ecosystems to solve water-related challenges. EIT Water will support entrepreneurial education and skills development, innovation projects as well as business creation by connecting innovators, researchers, and educators to Europe's largest innovation network. EIT Water Launched Building on the EIT's proven model of powering innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship, this new KIC will contribute directly to the EU's priorities for a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe - turning local potential into European impact. With an on-the-ground presence in all EU Member States, the EIT ensures that new technologies and innovative solutions are developed and rapidly deployed where they are needed most. The KIC will focus on the following areas: water scarcity, drought, and floods; marine and freshwater ecosystem degradation; the circular and sustainable blue economy. Meet the Winning Team Behind EIT Water The winning team, Allwaters consists of 50 partners from 24 countries, including leading industry partners, universities, research organisations, ports, non-governmental organisations, SMEs, amongst others. Independent experts reviewed the proposals, and the top teams presented to the EIT Governing Board before the final selection. Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, said: 'Water connects all parts of our society and economy - from food and energy to industry and biodiversity. With EIT Water, Europe is strengthening its ability to manage and protect this shared resource more sustainably and innovatively. This new community will play an important role in the implementation of the Water Resilience Strategy and the building of a water-smart economy in Europe. A water-smart economy that works for people, nature, and our competitiveness.' Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said: 'A healthy ocean and resilient freshwater systems are two sides of the same coin. EIT Water will help us bridge the gap between blue and green innovation by empowering local communities, businesses, and researchers. Supporting the delivery of the European Ocean Pact, it will contribute to restoring ecosystems, protecting marine life and securing a sustainable future for Europe's water and maritime sectors.' Stefan Dobrev, Chairperson, EIT Governing Board said: 'We are proud to welcome EIT Water to the EIT Community, which will be a platform for collaborative innovation, bringing together business, research, and education with strong industry involvement to deliver real solutions for Europe's water challenges. By combining the EIT's proven innovation model with Europe's leading water experts and industries, we can turn today's pressing water crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth, resilience, and global leadership.' Michelle Williams, Coordinator, Aarhus University (Allwaters consortium), said: "We are truly honoured to lead EIT Water and to help shape Europe's response to one of its most pressing challenges. Water is life - and safeguarding it requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment. Together with the EIT and our partners across Europe, we look forward to developing solutions that make our water systems more resilient, circular, and sustainable for generations to come." NEXT STEPS To facilitate EIT Water's establishment, the EIT will provide the KIC with a startup grant of up to €5 million ...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Leighton Freene and Murray Thompson of Kinetic IT as they unpack the mechanics shaping the digital transformation of the Australian Defence Force. The trio also discuss a range of subjects, including: The pivotal role of digital technologies as the backbone of the ADF's shift towards an increasingly information-driven, technology-enabled "integrated, focused force". The growing complexities, opportunities and risks stemming from cloud computing and artificial intelligence – not only in their military and industrial applications but also in how they are exploited by adversaries across all five warfighting domains. Defence's ongoing digital transformation and the sheer scale of what is required to build, secure and sustain the systems that will be critical to preserving Australia's qualitative edge in an era of great-power competition. The rising importance of strong cyber hygiene across Defence, industry and the broader national security community, including disciplined identity management, multi-factor authentication, secure-by-design software development, routine patching, strict access controls and a culture that treats cyber security as a collective responsibility rather than a technical add-on. How strengthening cyber hygiene at every level – from defence SMEs to prime contractors, uniformed personnel to senior decision makers – is becoming essential to hardening the digital backbone of the ADF and safeguarding Australia's most sensitive capabilities from compromise. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Send us a textWe trace how cyber policy tries to catch up with fast-moving threats, from decades-old laws to a new push for offensive capabilities. Along the way, we unpack what real resilience looks like for SMEs, critical infrastructure, and the talent pipeline that holds it all together.• Verona's route from public policy to cybersecurity• Why slow law and fast threats collide• Updating the Computer Misuse Act and research protections• Offensive cyber, deterrence, and ethical guardrails• Zero days, decision latency, and operational windows• SMEs and supply chains as systemic risk• Secure by design and secure by default at scale• State cyber reserves and public–private secondments• Talent gaps, pay gaps, and global accreditation• EU and UK moves to standardize skills and tighten rules• Government roles in funding, convening, and capability buildingFind Verona on LinkedIn: Verona Johnstone Hulse. Read NCC Group's Global Cyber Policy Radar on the NCC Group website or via Verona's LinkedIn postsInspiring Tech Leaders - The Technology PodcastInterviews with Tech Leaders and insights on the latest emerging technology trends.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow the Podcast on Social Media! Tesla Referral Code: https://ts.la/joseph675128 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@securityunfilteredpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secunfpodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecUnfPodcast Affiliates➡️ OffGrid Faraday Bags: https://offgrid.co/?ref=gabzvajh➡️ OffGrid Coupon Code: JOE➡️ Unplugged Phone: https://unplugged.com/Unplugged's UP Phone - The performance you expect, with the privacy you deserve. Meet the alternative. Use Code UNFILTERED at checkout*See terms and conditions at affiliated webpages. Offers are subject to change. These are affiliated/paid promotions.

Today we're going to hopefully figure out what the hell is going on with the alcohol law changes, we'll take a look at the newly announced tax on low-cost imports to protect local SMEs, and as usual you guys can look forward to some foreigners behaving badly as well as some feel good news.

Venture capital funding into Irish technology SMEs rose by 8% to €207.9m in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association Venture Pulse survey, published today in association with William Fry. Funding for the nine months to end September fell by 10% to €853.4m from €945.3m the previous year. The total number of deals in the same period fell from 153 to 135. "Third quarter data provided some relief following a dismal second quarter this year when funding fell to €112.6m, its lowest in ten years," commented Caroline Gaynor, chairperson, Irish Venture Capital Association. "Hopefully, we are starting to see some confidence and stability return to the market, but it remains a challenging time for early-stage companies." She added that following the blow to investor confidence caused by the United States' April 2nd tariff shocks, international investors had started to return to the market. International VC investment into Irish SMEs rose to €146.7 m in the current quarter compared to €69.5m in the second quarter of this year. She said that bright spots in the overall data were deals in the €1m- €5m range, which accounted for 30 out of the 39 transactions in this quarter. Transactions in the €1-€3m category rose by 35% to €35.6m compared to the same time last year. Deals in the €3-€5m range increased by 18% to €34.7m. However, funding in the €10m-€30m category fell by two-thirds to €26m while €5-€10m deals dropped by 74% to €13.5m, compared to the same quarter last year. There was better news in the €30m+ category where medtech company, ProVerum raised €62m, and AI machine learning firm, Nory raised €34m. Sarah-Jane Larkin, director general, IVCA, said that while there was some healthy activity, gaps remained in the third quarter, particularly in seed funding and transactions under €1m, both of which disappointed. Seed or first rounds fell by 30% to €23.4m from €33.5m, compared to the same quarter last year. Seed funding for the first nine months was down 31% to €88.3m from €127.2m last year. Despite this shortfall, the IVCA director general said: "The process for deploying the Government's €250m Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2025-29 is well underway. We are optimistic that the environment for very early stage Irish companies seeking first round funding will pick up in the first half of next year." Lifesciences was the most successful sector to date this year, raising funds of €361.6m or 42% of the total in the first nine months. This was followed by Cybersecurity at €136.3m (16%); AI and machine learning €97m (11%); Fintech €92.2m (11%) and Software €66.2m (8%). 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.

On the heels of acquiring BT Communications Ireland, the CEO of Speed Fibre Group Peter McCarthy overseas a network of more than 10,000 km of fibre connecting 94 towns across Ireland. He is on a mission to future-proof Ireland's growing digital economy.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.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, small businesses, solopreneurs, creators, and consultants who feel overwhelmed by AI and don't know where to start. You'll learn how a completely non-technical founder used Generative AI to transform two businesses, pivot her career, and build AI-driven systems without writing a single line of code. In this episode of Open Tech Talks, host Kashif Manzoor speaks with UK-based entrepreneur Marnie Wills, whose journey with Generative AI began unexpectedly while franchising her children's PE business. A copywriting challenge introduced her to Jasper AI, and that single moment reshaped everything. Within two years, she used AI tools to fix messaging issues, transform her franchise model, exit her online fitness business, and finally launch her consulting practice. Marnie breaks down how she built her AI-first operating system using ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Abacus AI, and NotebookLM. She explains why customizing your AI, training it on domain knowledge, and owning your data matters for the coming wave of agentic AI. She shares a powerful real example: building a full CRM + GPT workflow for a keynote speaker in 90 minutes using no-code tools. The system identifies events, drafts applications, and enables a VA to manage the entire pipeline, an example of how AI amplifies human roles rather than replacing them. The conversation also explores ethics, the myth of privacy, overwhelm in SMEs, and the misconception that AI = automation. Her philosophy is simple: AI should amplify humans first. Automation comes last. By the end, you'll understand why courses are no longer the main path, how "10,000 hours" has become "10,000 prompts," and why your next breakthrough may come simply from talking to an AI daily. Episode # 174 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marni Wills and Her Journey 02:49 The Impact of Generative AI on Business 06:03 Practical AI Implementation Strategies 08:51 Creating Custom AI Models and Data Ownership 11:56 Vibe Coding: No-Code Solutions for Entrepreneurs 14:38 Learning and Adapting in the AI Landscape 17:30 Ethics and Intellectual Property in AI 20:36 Common Challenges for Small Businesses 23:34 Future Skills in an AI-Driven World Today's Guest: Marnie Wills, Founder, Business with AI Strategist, AI Consultant & Trainer She is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and international athlete, dedicated to revolutionizing the integration of AI into everyday life and business. LinkedIn: MarnieWills What Listeners Will Learn: How a non-tech founder transformed two businesses using Jasper AI, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and agentic tools Why the AI-first mindset matters more than tools, coding, or technical background How to build your personal AI operating system using 5–6 core tools daily Why custom instructions, private models, and a "second brain" dramatically improve AI output Real examples of vibe coding and building no-code platforms with Lovable, Replit, and GoMocka How to reimagine your workday using AI as your Chief Operating Officer Why most people are "lazy AI users" and exactly how to avoid that trap Why automations should come last and why amplifying humans comes first The biggest challenge SMBs face (overwhelm) and the simplest way to begin The future of AI agents and agent-friendly websites Resources: MarnieWills

Let's talk about 5 AI-proof assessments you can add into your online learning experiences!

Ireland has emerged as a global leader in the AI era, ranking fourth worldwide for AI diffusion (adoption and usage) according to Microsoft's latest AI Diffusion Report. This achievement reflects Ireland's strong digital infrastructure, skilled workforce, and commitment to innovation, placing Ireland alongside nations like Singapore, the UAE, and Norway in shaping the future of technology. Globally, AI is spreading at an unprecedented pace. The report reveals that 1.2 billion people have used AI tools in under three years, making AI the fastest-adopted technology in history, outpacing the internet, personal computers, and smartphones. For Ireland, this rapid uptake signals a thriving ecosystem where businesses and individuals are embracing AI to boost productivity, creativity, and competitiveness. Recent research from Trinity College Dublin, in partnership with Microsoft Ireland, reinforces this trajectory. The AI Economy Index 2025 predicts that AI could add €250 billion to Ireland's economy by 2035, with 91% of organisations already using AI - nearly double 2024's figure. However, the study highlights the need for inclusive skilling and governance to ensure SMEs and the public sector keep pace. Insights from Microsoft's Ireland Work Trend Index 2025 further underline AI's transformative role in the workplace. Adoption is up 27% year-on-year, with 54% of workers believing AI skills broaden career opportunities and 41% saying AI helps them work smarter. Yet, access and training gaps remain, making employer-led skilling critical to unlocking AI's full potential. As AI becomes a general-purpose technology, Ireland's position shows what's possible when innovation meets investment. The challenge now is ensuring responsible and inclusive adoption so every organisation and worker can share in the benefits. To fully participate in an AI-driven economy, people need the digital skills and technical proficiencies to use AI tools productively and responsibly. Without this foundation, AI risks becoming a technology that only a segment of society can leverage, deepening inequality rather than broadening opportunity. Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland, commented; "I'm delighted to share that Ireland ranks 4th globally for AI diffusion - a testament to the creativity, ambition, and collaboration happening across the country. The AI Diffusion Report, published by Microsoft's AI for Good Lab, reveals that Ireland stands out as a global leader, behind only Singapore, the UAE, and Norway. This achievement reflects the strength of our digital infrastructure, our skilled talent base, and our national commitment to innovation. Ireland's position shows what's possible when innovation is matched with investment. As AI becomes a general-purpose technology, our focus must remain on inclusive access and responsible deployment to ensure its benefits are shared by all." Note: Ranking is adjusted for population size (per capita basis) to ensure fair comparison between countries. Read the full AI Diffusion Report here. See more stories here.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith speaks with Vidya Dinamani, product veteran, coach, and Co-founder of Product Rebels, about how to tell if your team is truly product-led or just paying lip service. With over a decade of experience coaching hundreds of teams, Vidya shares her insights into the critical elements of product maturity, the most overlooked barriers to effective product work, and how Product Rebels' diagnostic framework is helping companies move from chaos to clarity. Chapters00:00 – The customer conversation gap01:28 – Meet Vidya Dinamani and Product Rebels03:35 – Why they built a diagnostic, not an assessment04:45 – Mindsets, competencies, and the missing piece: resources06:28 – AI readiness: the new fourth pillar07:40 – What it really means to be product-led09:59 – How teams are using the diagnostic13:10 – Breaking down the four pillars16:01 – Why access to customers remains a key obstacle17:38 – Patterns, or lack thereof, in product maturity20:26 – AI readiness in context23:59 – A case study: product maturity at scale27:52 – Final thoughts on assessment vs namingWhat we learned from Vidya Most product teams lack customer access: 70–80% of PMs Product Rebels encounter say they've never spoken to a customer.Being product-led requires more than intent: It demands mindset, core competencies, supportive resources—and now AI readiness.Diagnostic, not assessment: Their tool isn't about performance reviews; it's a heat map that reveals where to begin your transformation.AI is not a bolt-on: AI readiness is most effective when integrated into the broader product maturity conversation, not treated as a silo.Start with one thing: Rather than trying to become product-led across the board, identify a single focus area and build momentum from there.Internal PMs need customer framing too: Even teams building internal platforms need customer advocacy and insight.Featured Links: Follow Vidya on LinkedIn | Product Rebels We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. 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...

In this month's episode we welcome the CEO of Projectworks, Mark Orttung, to discuss how his company's software is facilitating growth among the construction and engineering sector's vital small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We start by learning from Mark about why Projectworks' offerings are particularly suited to SMEs and how it can help to provide them with insights and analysis that can help to guide them from strength to strength. We learn that, in turn, this simplifies these businesses' market processes and enables them to spend time more effectively on their projects. Our discussion then widens out to discuss how this technology is already having an impact in Australasia and America before taking a global sector view on how capacity can be improved across the board through the kinds of outputs that Projectworks provides. Prior to the interview portion, host Rob Hakimian is joined by NCE senior reporters Tom Pashby and Thomas Johnson to discuss the latest developments with the geological disposal facility and arguments over Welsh rail funding.

In this episode of the Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers explores why so many SMEs are still failing – and how accountants, bookkeepers and advisors can change that story. Drawing on Michael Gerber's "Dreaming Room" concept, real client case studies and the ESS BIZTOOLS Starter Package, Peter shows you how to build systems, introduce virtual CFO-style support, and position your firm as the strategic partner SMEs desperately need to survive and grow. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

We look at the new FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back. See more about it here. FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Waffle Recliner reviewed At first our reviewers wondered if the Waffle Recliner was a concept like Emmet's double decker sofa in the Lego movie. Good, dumb, fun, interesting, crazy, impossible, or some mix of all of them. In the demo video there is someone laughing and chatting with a glass of wine in the chair. Initially this raised alarm bells, suppose they spilt the wine, but of course this was the point. The chair is stain resistant, so, as we use the chair for leisure and pleasure as well as work, it does it's job, and ensures it is future proofed, to some degree at least. There are charging ports too, so, like Emmet's buddies initial responses, 'that is the literally the dumbest idea I have ever heard of', maybe, just maybe as our testers pushed back in my conversation with them, it is actually quite handy. If you think about it, how many times are you sitting in your current, pre-waffle chair, with a cable snaking it's way over the edge and up into your lap? Yep, admit it, you have done it, so, therefore, maybe it is not actually quite the dumbest idea ever afterall!? The waffle concept seemed a bit sketchy at first too, just think about all the actual waffle crumbs that could end up in the waffle cushioning? Of course it is better designed than that, and it actually works well. We preferred the green option, and it has a cosy feel to it. A good point made by our testers was the limited range of colours however, they were not sure that, if there were only two colours that these would be the only two that they would offer. Maybe more will be added in the future perhaps. The swivel and rocking sound good in theory, but, you would probably also want to be confident that, once you have found your sweet spot, it is something that you can then fix and ensure that this preferred setting remains locked in place. There is a nice element of fun to the swivel waffle chair and our testers enjoyed road testing it. One to check out perhaps when your boss declines your pay rise, but you can at least counter with this to help you out for your deep thinking moments instead? More about the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back Experience comfort that moves with your mood. Whether you're relaxing, reading, or chatting with loved ones, the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner lets you unwind your way - with gentle rocking, smooth swivel motion, and effortless power adjustment for ultimate relaxation. Designed for both comfort and convenience, it reclines up to 135°, includes USB and USB-C charging ports, and features extra padding for superior back and lumbar support. The wide armrests and non-compressed cushioning create a cozy, supportive feel right out of the box. Crafted with easy-care chenille fabric, it's waterproof, oil-proof, and stain-resistant, making maintenance stress-free. From its plush waffle-back design to its modern functionality, this recliner redefines home comfort - so you can relax clean, stay serene, and enjoy every moment. Sale details: From November 12-18 its discounted from 499.99 to 379.99, see here for more information. See more product reviews here. Irish Tech News is an award-winning online publication aimed at keeping you informed of all the latest news from the world of Technology. With the main focus on Irish based news, we cover a wide range of topics from social media and smartphones to start-ups and SMEs. 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 pro...

Interview recorded - 4th of November, 2025On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of welcoming on Shaun Rein. Shaun is the Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group (CMR), the world's leading strategic market intelligence firm focused on China. During our conversation we spoke about what is happening on the ground in China, the tariff strategy, consolidation in Chinese manufacturing, secular shift in US excellence, End of the American Empire and more. I hope you enjoy!0:00 - Introduction1:49 - What is happening in China?5:29 - Second order tariffs9:42 - Tariff strategy13:11 - China trade unfairness18:04 - Consolidation of China21:19 - More upside in China?23:59 - Secular shift?26:22 - Trade war ending?29:59 - End of the American Empire?Shaun Rein is the Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group (CMR), the world's leading strategic market intelligence firm focused on China. He works with Boards, billionaires, Heads of States, CEOs and senior executives of Fortune 500 & leading Chinese companies, private equity firms, SMEs and long/ hedge funds to develop their China growth, political and investment strategies. Rein authored the international best-sellers "The War for China's Wallet: Profiting from the New World Order," "The End of Cheap China"​ & "The End of Copycat China."​ Publishers Weekly named "Cheap"​ a "Top 10 business book for 2012." The Financial Times called "Copycat"​ "Intriguing" and said of Wallet: “Mr. Rein's insider tales of what it takes to work in contemporary China are insightful...a toolbox for those who want to work with Chinese companies make it a worthwhile read.”Rein is regularly featured in the Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times. His op-eds have appeared in the New York Times. He frequently appears on CNN, BBC, MarketPlace, CNBC, Bloomberg, PBS and MSNBC. Rein formerly taught executive education classes for London Business School and was a weekly columnist for CNBC and Forbes. He also wrote a column for Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Rein is one of the most sought out keynote speakers focused on innovation, consumer trends and the economy in China.Shaun Rein - Website - http://www.cmrconsulting.com.cn/xsyX - https://x.com/shaunreinYouTube -  @shaunrein4708 WTFinance -Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wtfinancee/Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/67rpmjG92PNBW0doLyPvfniTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtfinance/id1554934665?uo=4X - https://twitter.com/AnthonyFatseasThumbnail image from - https://basc.berkeley.edu/the-u-s-china-trade-war-whats-next/

In this episode of Lessons from Learning Leaders, we chat with Katrina Kennedy—consultant, facilitator, and author of the new book, Learning That Lasts: Reflection Activities for Trainers and Designers.Katrina shares her accidental start in L&D, which began when her manager at the District Attorney's office needed someone to train new staff for a reorganization: “Katrina, you can talk,” she was told. Over the past 28 years on her own, she discovered her passion for helping new trainers and subject matter experts (SMEs) design and facilitate powerful learning experiences.The Monumental Shift: It's Not About YouKatrina reflects on her journey from unknowingly “telling” to intentionally facilitating. Like many trainers, she initially had the mindset of an empty vessel ready to be filled. The monumental shift came during a conference session where she witnessed participants deeply interacting. She realized, “This is about them”.She reinforces that the number one rule of training is “It's not about you”. This realization is freeing for SMEs, reducing their nervousness because they know the focus isn't entirely on their performance. Instead, the goal is to impress the participants with their own discoveries.The Critical Failure Point: Learning TransferKatrina joins the host in preaching the absolute importance of learning transfer. The host notes that training often fails after the classroom because the trainer considers their job done, and the manager assumes the training worked. If the training isn't transferred to the field, performance isn't improved.Katrina emphasizes that transfer success begins before the training, by ensuring the learning is aligned with organizational needs and securing buy-in from managers and participants.Common Transfer Failures:* Running Out of Time: Trainers pack too much content and neglect the vital time needed for reflection.* No Support: Pushing people out the door without follow-up, supportive nudges, or an accountability partner.The Phlebotomist Test: Practice Over ContentTo shake the mental model that training is only about the transfer of information, Katrina uses a memorable story:If you are going to have blood drawn, do you want the phlebotomist to have a lot of content knowledge, or do you want them to have practiced and reflected on what they're doing?The clear answer (practice!) reinforces the need to give people time to practice and receive feedback.Katrina's book, Learning That Lasts, is a practical reference guide with research-backed reflection activities that help ensure learning transfers to the workplace.Key Takeaways* Rule #1: It's not about you: The most profound shift for a trainer is realizing the job is to facilitate their learning, not show off your knowledge.* Transfer is a Trainer's Responsibility: If you slack on the transfer strategy, the entire training fails because you haven't improved performance.* Reflection is Not an Afterthought: Time must be intentionally designed into the session for practice and reflection.* Practice is Paramount: Use the phlebotomist test to prove that practice and reflection are superior to content volume.Katrina Kennedy's Book and Contact:* Book: Learning That Lasts: Reflection Activities for Trainers and Designers* Contact: Connect on LinkedIn or visit katrinakennedy.com. Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

In Dublin, coffee sometimes falls from the sky via drone delivery Earlier this autumn I spoke with ORF Radio Austria for their technology programme Digital.Leben about something that's already part of everyday life in parts of Dublin: coffee, groceries, and takeaways delivered by drone. The short feature, broadcast on 29 October 2025, looked at how Irish company Manna Aero has turned what began as a pilot project into a real delivery service. The interview came about after meeting Franz Zeller, Head of Science and Innovation at ORF's Wissenschaft Unit, during Maker Faire Rome 2025. I was reporting for Irish Tech News as part of an international press group supported by the Italian Trade Agency and Innova Camera, the Rome Chamber of Commerce agency that runs the fair. How the Interview Happened Maker Faire Rome is Europe's largest festival of invention and creativity, bringing together researchers, artists, and small startups to show how technology can be practical, playful, and shared. Franz and I were part of the same international press delegation, invited by the Italian Trade Agency to visit the fair. In conversation with him, I mentioned that drones now deliver coffee to my home in Dublin, , and showed him a short video on my phone. He was intrigued. Austria has been cautious with drone trials, and the idea of receiving a flat white from the sky was something new. The interview took place one morning on the Gasometro Ostiense site, a former industrial complex turned innovation hub, just before the fair opened fully to visitors. Maker Faire Rome 2025 For more on Maker Faire Rome 2025, visit the Irish Tech News feature: Maker Faire Rome - Festival of Innovation "In Dublin fällt der Kaffee manchmal vom Himmel" "My name is Billy Linehan. I am a journalist with Irish Tech News. We have a home delivery service from Manna Aero, and every morning I can order a flat white dropped into my garden. When it arrives, there's a noise, you can hear the propellers overhead. It's cheaper than a car delivery and more environmentally friendly than using a van or motorbike. Whatever you want, your Chinese takeaway or whatever, you just order on the app, choose the item, and the drone arrives overhead. It lowers the package gently on a little string, and you can even watch the approach live on the map." That short exchange, broadcast nationally on Ö1 Radio Austria, reached a wide audience. It showed how Manna Aero has normalised drone delivery in the suburban area of Blanchardstown in Dublin, something that once sounded like science fiction. Listen here, find out about Dublin's Drone Delivery service, in German and English Why It Matters The interview was brief but said a lot about how technology travels. A conversation at an Italian innovation fair became a science-radio feature in Vienna. It reminded me how closely connected Europe's research and creative communities are. It also showed how public curiosity about practical innovation remains strong. Drone delivery may still be local, but its implications for sustainability, logistics, and convenience are global. A more detailed article on Manna Aero's work in Dublin 15 will follow soon here on Irish Tech News. Programme Note This segment aired on Digital.Leben, Ö1 Radio Austria, on 29 October 2025. The programme was produced by Franz Zeller, Head of Science and Innovation at ORF's Wissenschaft Unit. A longer five-minute version is available on the ORF website until April 2026: Digital.Leben, Kaffee aus der Luft Billy Linehan Billy writes for Irish Tech News on innovation, tech-for-good and entrepreneurship, covering events in Ireland and abroad. Alongside journalism, he's a business mentor and consultant at Celtar Advisers and has advised hundreds of owners of SMEs and startups. He also co-founded and organises StartUp Ballymun, Dublin's longest-running entrepreneurship series. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 T...

Ireland's Connected Hubs model is breaking new ground in Europe, as regions in Finland and France begin rolling out pilot projects based directly on the Irish system. Through the CODIL Pilot Action, Ireland's experience is now informing regional policy, digital infrastructure, and community hub strategy beyond its borders. Western Development Commission (WDC) oversees the Connected Hubs platform and network on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC said the international adoption of the Connected Hubs model highlights Ireland's growing influence in shaping the future of work: "The Connected Hubs initiative is proof that big ideas tested in the west of Ireland can scale internationally. What started as a regional innovation to support rural communities is now informing digital and enterprise policy across Europe. This international expansion shows how the WDC's approach to pilot, prove and then scale can deliver real impact, not just for the west but for regions across the EU seeking to build smarter, more connected communities." In recent months, Liam Horan and Leah Fairman, both WDC, represented Ireland at in-person engagements with regional stakeholders in South Ostrobothnia, Finland, and Laval, France, respectively. Their visits included site tours of coworking hubs, local SMEs, academic institutions and community innovation spaces in the context of how Ireland's experience with remote work hubs can be tailored for local contexts. CODIL is a European project that aims to improve regional innovation policy instruments to better support the emerging distributed-team innovation model and its key component - highly skilled mobile knowledge workers. As the nature of innovation has fundamentally changed, policy instruments that support innovation must also change if they are to effectively support this changed post-COVID innovation ecosystem. Údarás na Gaeltachta are among the lead partners in the project. The CODIL project enables Finnish and French partners to trial the core functionalities of the Connected Hubs platform, including the hub directory, booking engine and event calendar. Through a 'sandbox' environment, these partners will simulate their own hub entries and explore the platform's community management features. This phase will also include knowledge-sharing, applying lessons from Ireland's approach to hub onboarding, community building and visibility. "These international engagements are a real vote of confidence in the Irish model. What began as a regional response to the needs of rural communities has grown into something with relevance far beyond our shores. It's a reminder that local innovation when backed with the right support can lead the way in rethinking how we live and work," added Stephen Carolan Head of Connected Hubs and Digital Innovation at the WDC. During his presentation in Seinäjoki, Liam Horan introduced the Connected Hubs project, from its inception within the Western Development Commission to becoming Ireland's national remote working infrastructure. He outlined the impact of hub networks on regional enterprise, inclusion and climate goals, and discussed the roadmap for future platform developments. Looking ahead, delegations from Finland, France and Scotland will attend the fourth annual National Hub Summit in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway on the 13th of November. They will join Irish and international speakers to discuss the evolving role of hubs in economic development, climate action and digital inclusion. This international interest reinforces the value of Connected Hubs as a leading European good practice and strengthens Ireland's reputation as a frontrunner in innovative and inclusive remote work infrastructure. See more stories here.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul is joined by strategic advisor and podcast host Moataz Mukhaimer to explore the intersection of finance and strategy, where true business impact is made. With over 20 years of experience guiding SMEs, family-owned businesses, and startups across the Middle East, Moataz explains why finance professionals must step beyond Excel and deeply understand the business to add real value. From diagnosing problems through numbers to designing KPIs that reflect a company's vision, this episode is a masterclass in how FP&A can lead, not just support.Moataz Mukhaimer is a strategic and financial advisor with over 20 years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. A graduate of McGill University (MBA) and Boston University (BA in Accounting & Finance), he specializes in helping businesses identify challenges and align strategy with execution. His client portfolio spans sectors including retail, med-tech, e-commerce, ed-tech, manufacturing, and software.Expect to Learn:Why cash from operations is the true measure of business valueHow to design KPIs that align with both strategy and financial outcomesWhy most pricing problems are rooted in poor positioning, not high costsHow to diagnose problems through both numbers and conversationsThe two most important habits for connecting finance with strategyHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Most companies aren't overpricing, they're underpricing and positioning poorly.” - Moataz Mukhaimer“Cash from operations is the truest form of value creation.” - Moataz MukhaimerMoataz Mukhaimer reminds us that the power of FP&A lies in understanding the whole business, not just the numbers. By aligning strategy with financial planning, simplifying KPIs, and focusing on communication, finance professionals can become essential partners in growth. If you're ready to elevate your impact, this episode is for you.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Moataz:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/Website - https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.com/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[04:05] - What Defines Great FP&A?[05:56] - Great Planning in Action[08:40] - Cash Flow is Queen[14:15] - Why Budgeting Often Fails[26:45] - Pricing: The Hidden Problem[30:04] - Moataz's Four-Part Strategy Framework[33:07] - Diagnosing Problems Through People and Numbers[36:27] - Advice for Connecting Finance to Strategy[40:09] - Hosting Business Talk and Giving Back[43:36] - FP&A Fast Five[48:31] - Final Advice:...

WPP recently unveiled Open Pro, its AI self-serve offering. It's betting big on the move, hoping it will unlock new clients including SMEs. But can it do so without eating into its traditional agency services? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with Akhil Nigam, CoFounder at Finmo, and we answer the critical question: How can global businesses transform their fragmented treasury operations into unified, intelligent systems that drive growth?He shares insights on why SMEs deserve better treasury solutions, how real-time payment rails are transforming cash management, and why MO AI is becoming the intelligent co-pilot every finance team needs.

Building the right thing is hard. Building the wrong thing is easy and costly. In this episode, Jason Sparks, Principal Product Manager at ReUp Education, dives deep into the discipline of continuous validation inside enterprise environments. From managing stakeholder pressure to proactively engaging customers in discovery, Jason shares battle-tested approaches for avoiding the classic trap of solution-first thinking.Chapters0:00 – The risk of unvalidated assumptions1:02 – Meet Jason Sparks and his mission at ReUp3:02 – From college dropout to product leader5:19 – Product-market fit inside the enterprise6:03 – Why most ideas don't need building8:10 – Misalignment: wrong product, wrong market10:05 – Executive interference and assumption management12:33 – Validation is not a one-off14:44 – Continuous discovery in practice15:38 – How to validate enterprise product ideas17:02 – Story decks, user interviews and field testing19:11 – Grading feedback and customer fit21:11 – The danger of over-friendly users23:08 – The power of early champions25:21 – Preparing for and running discovery sessions27:35 – Value testing and competitor awareness29:08 – When to walk away from the wrong customer31:17 – What happens after the meetings33:30 – The role of AI in user research35:46 – What Jason would do differently todayWhat you'll learn from Jason— Validation should be continuous: One round of user feedback isn't enough. Real product-market fit evolves through repeated conversations and iteration.— Assumptions must be challenged: Build a culture where being proven wrong is celebrated, not feared.— Don't let leadership derail discovery: Product managers must set boundaries and bring clarity on the problem space before execution begins.— Grading users is as critical as grading feedback: Identify the right customers to listen to—being nice isn't the same as being the right fit.— Use discovery decks to guide conversations: Jason uses bold assumptions, interactive sessions, and immediate iteration to refine ideas quickly.— Tech accelerates, but doesn't replace, human insight: AI tools for sentiment and semantic analysis are powerful but should supplement—not substitute—real human interaction.Featured Links:We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. 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...

In Episode 160 of Cybersecurity Where You Are, Sean Atkinson and Tony Sager sit down with Alan Watkins, CIS Controls Ambassador, to explore how the CIS Critical Security Controls® (CIS Controls®) empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to build practical, scalable cybersecurity programs.Alan shares his journey from law enforcement to IT leadership in the City of San Diego and how his passion for supporting SME security led him to become a champion of the CIS Controls. The episode highlights the importance of translating complex cybersecurity guidance into actionable steps that SMEs can realistically implement even with limited resources.Here are some highlights from our episode:00:49. Introductions to Alan, his career path, and his connection to the CIS Controls11:43. How Alan supports SMEs to mature their cybersecurity postures18:04. The work of CIS Controls Ambassadors to "memorialize" security best practices22:23. The need to translate how cyber hygiene supports business success25:31. CIS WorkBench and in-person communities as avenues to get involvedResourcesImplementation Guide for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises CIS Controls IG1Establishing Essential Cyber HygieneEpisode 132: Day One, Step One, Dollar One for CybersecurityEpisode 97: How Far We've Come preceding CIS's 25th BirthdayPCI & CIS: Partners in Data Security2024 DBIR Findings & How the CIS Critical Security Controls Can Help to Mitigate Risk to Your OrganizationPolicy TemplatesIf you have some feedback or an idea for an upcoming episode of Cybersecurity Where You Are, let us know by emailing podcast@cisecurity.org.

How sustainability reporting, biodiversity, and NGO partnerships can shape the next wave of corporate responsibility.In this new episode of the Healthy Seas Podcast, we explore what lies beyond ESG compliance — and how companies can turn sustainability reporting into real environmental impact.Our guests Elena Cicoria and Giuseppe Cais from Diligea, a Benefit Corporation specializing in ESG consulting, share what they've learned working with businesses of all sizes, from banks to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).They explain why sustainability can no longer be treated as a side project, what's missing in most corporate strategies, and how new reporting regulations in Europe are reshaping the way companies integrate environmental and social performance into daily operations.Together, we talk about:The hidden opportunities behind ESG reportingWhy biodiversity — not just carbon — should be part of every business strategyThe growing role of transparency and accountability in fighting greenwashingHow oceans connect to every industry, even those far from the coastAnd how NGOs like Healthy Seas can help companies move from reporting to real impact — through tangible restoration, circular economy, and education projects.Whether you're a sustainability manager looking to strengthen your company's ESG strategy or a business curious about meaningful partnerships, this episode offers both clarity and inspiration.If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Healthy Seas is a marine conservation organization whose mission is to tackle the ghost fishing phenomenon and turn this waste into an opportunity for a more circular economy. They do this through clean-ups, prevention, education, and working with partners who recycle and repurpose this material. The podcast is hosted by Crystal DiMiceli.

Guest post by Isobel Rimmer, who is founder of international training and development consultancy, Masterclass Training, and author of Present with Presence: Everything you need to plan, prepare and deliver with impact in any situation published by Rethink Publishing I've trained hundreds of tech professionals, from IBM mainframe pre-sales engineers to the geekiest white hat hackers, consultants and data analysts, to speak with presence and confidence in customer meetings, conferences and events. In this article, I share what makes the best stand out and truly own the room. Presentation Skills, to Present with Presence There was a time when tech professionals, particularly in high level customer meetings, were expected to stay mute, speak only when spoken to, and then only in words of one syllable. How times have changed - and rightly so. Subject matter experts, SMEs, are critical to success in tech. Whether a systems architect, security specialist, pre-sales engineer, systems integrator or IT services professional explaining how the 'tech' will work, your ability to make what you say meaningful to every member of your audience, however technical, will make you stand out. And that's a key point. Just how technical is your audience? You probably take what you do for granted. You're comfortable with the 'tech' and you know the jargon. But that may not be true of the people you're speaking to. If you want to own the room, the first step is to assess the level of technical skill in the room. Most people are too polite to say they don't understand when things get complicated. They don't want to look foolish not knowing the latest acronym or piece of jargon. I once spent a whole day hearing about the 'uniques' of a major IT vendor when, to my horror (and that of the speaker), one audience member, looking confused, asked which version of 'Unix' he was talking about… No one likes a 'smart Alec' either, so your ability to pitch at the appropriate tech level will make you a star. Rarely does it work to try and impress with superior tech knowledge. One of the best ways to stand out is to introduce 'stories' and 'characters' into your presentations. I remember an amazing tech pitch at a Gartner event when the speaker used two hand puppets (and no notes) to explain his product's roadmap. Unique, fun and incredibly easy to understand. Whether you call them stories, case studies, use cases or citations, the outcome is the same. A story, told well, builds credibility, shows you 'know your stuff,' demonstrates your ability to solve serious technical problems and demonstrates the value you bring. A story is so much more memorable than a list of facts and figures. My 5D framework used by thousands of consultants globally allows you to bring even the most technical use case to life. A good story allows your audience to relate to you, your work, and how that can help them, increasing the likelihood of a 'virtual nod' because they see themselves in your story too. The first D - description - sets the context and gives validity to your story. If you've done similar work for a major global player, your audience will sit up and listen. The second D - dilemma - is where we share the challenges, issues and concerns the other customer faced. This does many things - it boosts your credibility and, if you choose the right story, shows what your audience is facing, too, connecting you more intimately. The third D - desire - is what the characters in your customer story wanted. This makes your story 'human' and relatable. Perhaps the CIO needed to overcome a major security issue, but was struggling to get budget from the Board, wanted to demonstrate a return on their ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to t shareholders, or ensure their systems were safe in the cloud following an outage. Your fourth D - delivered - is what you did. This is a pivotal moment. The best tech presenters, the ones who can really hold a room, understand that this descrip...

At this year's Data Center Frontier Trends Summit, Honghai Song, founder of Canyon Magnet Energy, presented his company's breakthrough superconducting magnet technology during the “6 Moonshot Trends for the 2026 Data Center Frontier” panel—showcasing how high-temperature superconductors (HTS) could reshape both fusion energy and AI data-center power systems. In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show, Editor in Chief Matt Vincent speaks with Song about how Canyon Magnet Energy—founded in 2023 and based in New Jersey and Stony Brook University—is bridging fusion research and AI infrastructure through next-generation magnet and energy-storage technology. Song explains how HTS magnets, made from REBCO (Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide), operate at 77 Kelvin with zero electrical resistance, opening the door to new kinds of super-efficient power transmission, storage, and distribution. The company's SMASH (Superconducting Magnetic Storage Hybrid) system is designed to deliver instant bursts of energy—within milliseconds—to stabilize GPU-driven AI workloads that traditional batteries and grids can't respond to fast enough. Canyon Magnet Energy is currently developing small-scale demonstration projects pairing SMES systems with AI racks, exploring integration with DC power architectures and liquid-cooling infrastructure. The long-term roadmap envisions multi-mile superconducting DC lines connecting renewables to data centers—and ultimately, fusion power plants providing virtually unlimited clean energy. Supported by an NG Accelerate grant from New Jersey, the company is now seeking data-center partners and investors to bring these technologies from the lab into the field.

The 2025 State of the MSP Report from TechPartners reveals a rapidly evolving managed service provider (MSP) industry, with nearly half of surveyed MSPs reporting revenues below $5 million. This indicates a market ripe for consolidation, as 60% of MSPs express interest in acquiring other firms while 28% are open to being acquired. The report highlights a shift in MSP roles, with 68% positioning themselves as one-stop-shop partners and 44% identifying as security partners, reflecting a growing demand for enhanced service offerings. However, only 16% of MSPs have audited their internal processes for compliance, suggesting that many are investing in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) on unstable foundations.Flamingo, a Miami-based startup, has launched OpenFrame, an open-source platform designed to reduce costs for MSPs, which typically operate on low-profit margins of 8-12%. With $2.2 million in pre-seed funding, Flamingo aims to enhance operational efficiency and profitability, potentially increasing margins to 50-60%. Meanwhile, SuperOps has introduced an AI-native unified endpoint management platform targeting IT departments directly, consolidating workflows across various operating systems. This shift raises questions for MSPs about competition and the evolving landscape of IT service delivery.Air IT Group has rebranded to focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK by integrating AI and automation into their service model. This approach aims to transform technology from a burden into a growth enabler, addressing the underutilization of technology among SMEs. The company emphasizes the importance of enhancing customer experience and improving internal resource utilization, showcasing a trend where MSPs are moving from merely fixing technology to driving business outcomes.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the implications of these developments are significant. As the industry matures, those who standardize, document, and measure outcomes will gain leverage in a consolidating market. The focus on governance and accountability in AI deployment will be crucial, as automation increasingly takes on operational tasks. MSPs must adapt their business models to prioritize outcome-based delivery rather than traditional billing methods, ensuring they remain competitive in a landscape where AI capabilities are becoming commonplace.Three things to know today00:00 TechPartner's 2025 MSP Report: Small Firms Chase AI, While Consolidation Accelerates04:12 Flamingo's OpenFrame Challenges Legacy RMMs as SuperOps Goes Direct and Air IT Doubles Down on AI07:47 Agentic AI Forces a Redesign: Why Governance, Not Gadgets, Will Define the Next MSP Era This is the Business of Tech.    Supported by:  https://saasalerts.com/mspradio/

Why do great product ideas fail to gain traction? According to Elena Luna, it's rarely about the strategy and more often about the storytelling. In this episode of The Product Experience, Elena Luneva, a seasoned CPO, GM, and Maven instructor, joins Randy Silver live from INDUSTRY 2025 to explore how product leaders can better communicate the why behind their product decisions. What we learned from Elena— Speaking 'User' isn't enough – Executives care about business impact, not just engagement metrics.— Translate features to financials – Frame product initiatives in terms of ARPU, opex savings, or revenue impact.— Use storytelling with data – Combine real user insights with projections to make your case.— Seasonality matters – Product testing should account for time-of-year and market behaviour.— Align go-to-market early – Synchronising product and sales is key to driving measurable outcomes.— Ask better questions – Start with: What is it? Why does it matter? How much will it cost? When will we get it?Chapters 2:45 – The Ceiling for Great PMs4:09 – Speaking Executive5:22 – Case Study: Nextdoor Maps9:52 – Translating Engagement to Revenue10:49 – Embedding Finance into Product Thinking12:43 – Pivoting During COVID14:36 – Business Fluency at All Levels16:00 – Building Context Across Teams18:26 – The Four Questions20:06 – Thinking in Horizons22:43 – Shifting Accountability26:23 – CPMO vs. CPTO27:43 – Common Mistakes29:42 – Seasonality & Cannibalisation32:29 – Practical First Steps34:21 – Credits & OutroFeatured Links: Follow Elena on LinkedIn | Elena's Substack | Industry Conference Cleveland 2025 recap at Mind The Product | Sign up to Elena's coaching course We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. 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...