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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curious about how to strategically navigate today's volatile business world? Get ready to unlock the secrets of financial success as John Frank, the seasoned CEO and founder of Third Road Management, shares his transformative journey from Wall Street heavy-hitter to the mastermind behind a consultancy that empowers small to mid-sized businesses. Discover how his unique experience with a fast-growing nonprofit illuminated the need for forward-thinking financial strategies, beyond the confines of traditional accounting. Gain invaluable insights on how businesses can tackle modern challenges like fluctuating interest rates and capital spending, and learn the critical times to bring a fractional CFO on board to supercharge growth or break through stagnation. Explore the dynamic intersection of finance and technology as John reflects on pivotal roles in his career, including quality of earnings and leverage finance, and the lessons learned from the turbulent economic times. With a keen eye on the impact of AI, John dissects both the potential and hurdles for small and mid-sized businesses in adopting cutting-edge technology. Understand the strategic moves behind building a resilient team at Third Road Management and see how fractional CFO services offer unparalleled value. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into how strategic financial leadership can drive not just growth but resilience in an ever-shifting economic landscape. Timestamps 00:00:01 - Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast 00:00:30 - John Frank's Transition from Wall Street to Consulting 00:01:45 - Identifying a Gap in Financial Strategies for SMEs 00:03:00 - The Role of a Fractional CFO in Business Growth and Stagnation 00:05:15 - Navigating Economic Challenges: Interest Rates and Capital Expenditure 00:07:03 - Exploring John's Early Finance Roles and Experience in Leveraged Finance 00:08:20 - Insights into Capital Markets and Value Investing from Distressed Investors 00:11:45 - Overcoming Obstacles to AI Adoption in Traditional Industries 00:15:30 - Strategic Decisions Behind Team Growth and Full-Time Hiring 00:17:00 - The Value Proposition of Fractional CFO Services 00:18:30 - Unique Positioning in the Accounting Service Space 00:22:00 - The Blue Ocean Opportunity for Third Road Management 00:24:00 - Reflections on Growth and Maintaining Vision and Mission 00:25:45 - Fostering a Positive Company Culture and Achieving Recognition 00:27:30 - Where to Find More Information About John Frank and Third Road Management 00:28:00 - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts from John Frank   Episode Resources: Connect with John and fill out the form here: https://www.thirdroadmgmt.com/contact/ Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

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

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

Guest post by Ciarán Quilty, Senior Vice-President for International at Intuit Digital transformation has flooded business leaders with tools but what it hasn't delivered, consistently, is confidence. That is the gap that matters more than ever now in the rising AI economy. Above adoption and access is confidence. Despite clear evidence that digitally connected businesses are 2.4x more likely to report higher productivity and 2.3x more likely to see increased revenue, more than 25% of UK small businesses still don't use basic digital tools Because leaders aren't struggling with information, the real challenge is noise. This includes data points with no priority, dashboards without context and ultimately, insights that land too late or vaguely to guide real decisions. The result is something quieter than failure: hesitation. More tools, less certainty Small and medium-sized businesses are making decisions under pressure, with fewer resources and thinner margins than their larger peers. They don't have the luxury of testing every new platform or hiring teams to interpret dashboards. They need to know what matters now. Yet too often, that's not what tech delivers. The reasons aren't surprising: cost, complexity, and a growing sense that many systems overpromise and underguide. If digital tools don't help leaders make faster, more confident decisions, they add friction rather than value. Instead of helping leaders move faster, the wrong tools add layers of prep: comparing dashboards, cross-checking systems, chasing consistency. Insight becomes one more thing to manage, not a source of direction. What confidence actually looks like It's easy to treat confidence like a personal trait. But in business, it's a system-level outcome that comes from seeing what's changed, knowing what matters, and acting early before issues pile up. This is where AI shows real promise. Not in automation at scale, that's a given, but today it's about surfacing signals leaders didn't know to look for. We've seen this already. One SMB leader sends out an invoice. Before hitting send, an AI agent flags the customer's consistent late payments and suggests a late fee. The change takes seconds but improves the chance of on-time payment tenfold. More than a clever feature this is something designed to be relevant to the needs of the business and this is what builds confidence. Because it shows up at the right moment, with a specific, financially relevant prompt, the system provides support, while earning trust while turning technology into partnership. The stack that works: AI and human expertise Technology doesn't build trust alone. Data from the Institute of Coding reveals that just 12% of SMEs have invested in AI training, even though 52% cite lack of skills as a major adoption barrier. The best results come when AI and human advice work in tandem, spotting patterns, prompting better decisions, and giving leaders space to think. Decision-support agents are already shifting what's possible. They flag anomalies, suggest actions, and scale insight without adding weight. But they still leave room for human instinct and judgment. The point isn't to replace the leader but support them in the moments that matter. Done right, this is how technology fades into the background, and true leadership moves forward. Focus over function When leaders are overwhelmed, it doesn't mean they stop caring, they just stop trusting. Second-guessing the data and delaying action, as they wait for certainty that rarely comes. And over time, that doubt creates drag: Momentum slows, decisions stack up and strategy recedes into the background. If we want to rebuild that momentum, we need to stop layering on features and start designing for focus. Because clarity, not complexity, is what turns information into action. Think of a cash flow dashboard that shows declining revenue vs. an alert that tells you: 'Revenue has dipped 12% this month due to two major late payers, would you like to ...

Tony Harcourt CEO & Co-Founder of WorkGuru Tony Harcourt returns to chat with Heather about WorkGuru's recent product updates, the challenges facing SMEs, and the role of automation and integrations in improving day-to-day operations. Summary Today I'm speaking with Tony Harcourt CEO & Co-Founder of WorkGuru WorkGuru is a Project Management solution tailored for SMEs in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and fabrication. In this episode, we talk about . . .   WorkGuru Highlights: Celebrating 7 years. Focus on automating business workflows and enhancing project visibility. Feature Releases Discussed: Workflows Engine: Automate project actions (e.g. invoice alerts, follow-ups). Scheduling Optimization: Drag-and-drop team allocation with load visibility. Gantt Charts: Visual project timelines with logical dependency control. Mobile App Overhaul: New UI with mobile-friendly features including receipt upload. Integrations: Accounting: Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB OCR & Approvals: EasyBills (with PO matching) Payments: Pinch Payments (GuruPay) Task Management: Asana (two-way sync) Document Storage: SuiteFiles, Dropbox, Google Drive Payroll/HR: Tanda integration E-commerce & CRM: New integrations with Shopify and HubSpot Tony's Take on Tech: Clear distinction between automation (repeatable tasks) and AI (tool for speed & code support). AI is useful but not foolproof—best as a developer accelerator. Heather & Tony Discuss: Why advisors should niche and partner with robust platforms like WorkGuru. The importance of support and access—WorkGuru runs live drop-in support twice a week. Upcoming at Xerocon 2025: Branded swag, travel prize giveaway, live demos at the WorkGuru booth. Mid-con party on Emporium Hotel Lina rooftop with Brisbane-based apps. Register here : https://lu.ma/qxj8umqt   Contact details: Tony Harcourt : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-harcourt/ W: https://workguru.io/ Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/ Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/ANISEConsulting X: https://twitter.com/HeatherSmithAU

Stephen Grootes speaks to Prof. Deon Tustin, CEO of the Bureau of Market Research at UNISA, about a concerning new survey revealing that over half of South Africa's small and medium-sized enterprises are at risk of closure within the next 12 months due to severe operating pressures, with 55.3% of respondents warning they may not survive without intervention. 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 The Product Experience, Lily and Randy dive into the nuanced world of team collaboration with Jenny Wanger, product ops consultant. Jenny challenges the overuse of RACI matrices in product teams, arguing they often obscure deeper organisational issues rather than solve them. They discuss better alternatives, the root causes behind requests for RACI, and the value of prioritising human relationships over rigid frameworks. Chapters0:00 – The accountable vs. responsible dilemma0:37 – Meet Jenny Wanger: Product ops and Reforge1:20 – RACI: A quick explainer3:16 – Why RACI falls short in product teams7:00 – Infantilisation and territorialism9:18 – The flaws in the terminology10:14 – The consulted conundrum11:05 – RACI as a conversation starter12:01 – Better alternatives: Rapid and others14:20 – When RACI might be useful18:01 – Team dysfunction and RACI misuse23:00 – A case study in resolving collaboration issues26:00 – RACI as scaffolding, not infrastructure28:02 – AI, documents, and relationships30:05 – Diagnosing the real problem behind a RACI request32:38 – Job descriptions vs. RACI35:25 – Everyone's a bit of everything37:04 – Focusing on mission and collaboration39:57 – Final thoughts and where to find Jenny's workKey Takeaways— RACI isn't a cure-all: It often signals deeper dysfunction like poor team structure, unclear mission, or lack of trust.— Healthy teams don't need RACI: When collaboration and communication are strong, formal frameworks become redundant.— Use RACI as scaffolding: Let it initiate conversations, but don't enshrine it as a permanent solution.— Language matters: Terms like “accountable” and “responsible” are often confused, making the framework less clear than intended.— Consider better alternatives: Frameworks like RAPID offer more clarity around decision-making without creating silos.— Prioritise relationships over roles: Documents don't build culture—conversations and mutual understanding do.Featured Links: Follow Jenny on LinkedIn | Jenny's RACI feature at her website | Dave Johnson's page at The Pragmatic Agilist Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Designing training that is engaging, compassionate and informative is key for instructional designer Hallie Martyniuk, principal at TD3 Consulting. She shares how working in crime victim services has shaped her approach to designing learning  about subjects that need to be addressed with sensitivity.Show Notes:Instructional Designer and educator Hallie Martyniuk shares advice on handling the challenges of delivering effective training on some of the most sensitive topics imaginable including sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse. Her key points include:Trauma-Informed Design Is Essential: When creating training around sensitive topics like sexual violence or abuse, it's critical to assume learners may have personal experience with trauma. Being trauma-informed means balancing emotional content with careensuring that scenarios serve  clear learning objective.Make Training Relevant Through Real-Life Scenarios: Adult learners need to see how training applies to their day-to-day roles. Even with dry content like policy and procedure, Hallie recommends integrating realistic situations to make the material more engaging and memorable.Engagement Goes Beyond Clicking ‘Next': Poorly designed e-learning often feels like a glorified PowerPoint. The best training starts with real-life context, asks questions, and builds in critical thinking to keep learners actively involved.Work Closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): Instructional designers don't need to be experts in every topic—but they do need to ask the right questions. Hallie stresses collaborating with SMEs to understand key concepts, vocabulary, and cultural nuances.Support Learners Beyond the Screen: Sensitive training content can trigger emotional responses. Designers should plan for this by offering resources like hotlines or support contacts in the “where to go” section and preparing facilitators to handle disclosures with compassion and care.Hallie Martyniuk serves as a consultant for one of d'Vinci's educational products, Mandated Reporter Academy. Powered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry's Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide. Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com. Follow us on LinkedInLike us on Facebook

Landmark Technologies, an Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, has announced that it is investing €1.2 million in the launch of a Cyber Monitoring Centre for businesses in Ireland. This new dedicated centre will provide round-the-clock cyber threat monitoring and response for both small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger organisations. Headquartered in Dublin 12, Landmark Technologies is creating five jobs over the next 12 months within the Cyber Monitoring Centre across cyber analyst and management roles. It is launching the facility amid growing demand from customers for advanced security solutions against a backdrop of evolving cyber threats, cybersecurity skills gaps, and talent shortages. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools and skilled security experts, the centre will monitor customers' IT environments and offer proactive protection against increasing threats such as AI-based cyberattacks, ransomware, and business email compromise. Landmark Technologies will also provide cyber awareness training for businesses and their employees. In addition, the investment covers a complete refresh of Landmark Technologies' Dublin headquarters. This new fit outincludes upgraded technology, equipment, and facilities to future proof the company's operations as it continues to grow. Ken Kelleher, Managing Director, Landmark Technologies said: "A growing number of businesses do not have the necessary in-house resources to keep pace with evolving cyber requirements. The coming months will continue to bring new and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and we expect to see a particular surge in AI-based attacks. Our new Cyber Monitoring Centre will provide fully integrated security services to ensure that customers have world-class protection and, in the event of an incident, our highly skilled technical team will respond 24/7 to ensure business can continue uninterrupted. We strive to deliver technology solutions that enable continued growth for our customers, with peace of mind that their operations are ultra-secure." See more stories here. 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.

Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges accounting professionals to think beyond compliance and step up as true business advisors. Are you helping your SME clients build the strong foundations they need for sustainable growth? Or are they operating without the critical systems that drive business success? Peter unpacks the essential structures every small and medium-sized business needs—cash flow forecasting, KPIs, business plans, debtor systems, and the rhythm of meetings. Drawing on real-world advisory experience, he shares practical strategies to: ✅ Improve financial discipline and performance visibility ✅ Prevent costly decision-making mistakes ✅ Implement advisory systems your clients will value ✅ Transition your firm towards high-impact advisory services This episode is a call to action for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors who want to become indispensable to their clients and build stronger, more resilient businesses. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

Since 2023, interest in the keyword “freelancer” in Vietnam has remained consistently high, ranging from 60% to 100% on Google Trends — peaking shortly after the 2024 Lunar New Year (Tiền Phong, 2024). This signals a growing appetite for flexible, independent work. When properly supported, the freelance economy could be a powerful catalyst for sustainable growth in regional areas — helping provinces thrive rather than relying heavily on major urban hubs. It's also a promising strategy to close the urban-rural divide and unlock the full potential of local talent.In this episode of Vietnam Innovators, host Hao Tran speaks with CK Cheong, Founder & CEO of fastwork (fastlance Vietnam) — Thailand's leading freelance services platform, trusted by over 300,000 freelancers and thousands of businesses. Originally from Thailand and educated in the U.S., CK is now spearheading Fastwork's regional expansion with Vietnam as a key market. His mission? To create meaningful job opportunities for everyday workers and empower SMEs to become a new force for economic growth.If you're part of the freelance community — or simply curious about the future of work in Southeast Asia — don't miss this episode.Listen to this episode on YoutubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com

Ivo Dimitrov is co-founder and Chief Venture Officer at Finum, a neobank and financial solutions provider for SMEs and freelancers across Europe. Previously serving as CPO for five years, Ivo transformed his role to focus on high-risk, high-reward products, particularly AI accounting solutions. Before Finum, he co-founded a startup incubator (before the term existed) that launched hundreds of products, including the successful Modul Bank, now a top-three fast-growing SME bank in Russia. Based in Berlin, Ivo brings over a decade of fintech and product development experience to building the future of AI-powered business tools.SummaryIn this episode, Dominic explores the evolution from traditional product management to venture-focused innovation with Ivo, who's pioneering AI accounting solutions that promise to revolutionise how SMEs handle their finances. From his unique "Chief Venture Officer" role to the strategic decision to orchestrate rather than build AI models, discover how Finum is creating proactive AI agents that handle accounting tasks automatically while ensuring human oversight and trust.The conversation delves into the psychology of AI adoption, the importance of conversational UI design, and why the future belongs to companies that can integrate seamlessly into emerging AI platforms rather than compete with them. Ivo shares hard-won lessons from launching AI products in regulated industries and explains why "storytellers" are more valuable than ML engineers in today's AI landscape.DiscoverOrchestration Over Creation: The biggest mistake AI companies make is trying to build their own models instead of orchestrating existing foundation models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. Time-to-market and adaptability are more crucial than proprietary technology.The Storyteller Role: Success in AI products requires "storytellers" - people who can explain complex requirements to AI models in simple terms. This skill is more valuable than traditional ML engineering for most AI applications.Conversational UI Revolution: The future of software interfaces isn't traditional buttons and forms, but enriched conversational experiences that dynamically present the right UI elements based on context and user requests.Proactive vs Reactive AI: The most valuable AI products don't wait for user requests - they proactively identify opportunities, send reminders, and take action, requiring only verification rather than instruction from users.Platform Integration Strategy: As AI platforms like ChatGPT become dominant, success will come from seamless integration rather than platform competition. Think App Store dynamics rather than trying to build competing ecosystems.Trust Through Transparency: AI adoption in high-stakes domains like accounting requires insurance backing, clear reasoning explanations for every decision, and the ability for users to easily override AI choices when needed.The Psychology of AI Acceptance: Humans apply zero-tolerance standards to AI errors while accepting much higher error rates from humans. Overcoming this requires strategic trust-building and demonstrable value delivery.European Market Complexity: Despite appearing unified, Europe requires country-specific approaches - Germans spend 12-17 minutes reading terms and conditions that French users skip through in 7-10 seconds, fundamentally affecting product design and adoption strategies.Connect with Ivo- https://www.linkedin.com/in/millt/Book RecommendationDominic's book Mind Your F**king Business is out nowSign up to receive the weekly newsletter:

Charlie Hunt is a Fractional CFO/COO with 15+ years of experience working in and with start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs across digital marketing, recruitment, SaaS, and eCommerce. She specialises in building scalable financial & operational frameworks that drive profitability, streamline processes, and support data-led decision-making.Charlie works closely with founders and their senior leadership teams to navigate the route to change & scale, aligning finance with strategy, building strong cross-functional foundations, and enabling sustainable growth. Her approach goes beyond the numbers: She focuses on how financial insight connects with people, products or services, and processes to solve real-world problems and drive meaningful outcomes.www.originops.colinkedin.com/in/charlie-hunt-54b7b89a

SMEs ต้องฟัง! เคน นครินทร์ ล้อมวงคุยกับ เฟิร์น ศิรัถยา ผู้ก่อตั้ง Wealth Me Up และผู้ดำเนินรายการ Morning Wealth และโบ๊ท ไผท ซีอีโอและผู้ร่วมก่อตั้ง Builk One Group แชร์ปัญหาที่เจ้าของธุรกิจเจอกันทุกคน ตั้งแต่เรื่องเงิน คน งาน ไปจนถึงการเอาตัวรอดในยุค AI พร้อมเปิดตัว Secret Sauce Superclass for Entrepreneurs หลักสูตรเข้มข้นที่ออกแบบมาให้คุณรู้จุดแข็ง เสริมจุดอ่อน และหาสูตรลับความสำเร็จของตัวเอง เพื่อให้ธุรกิจเติบโตอย่างยั่งยืนในแบบที่เหมาะกับผู้ประกอบการอย่างแท้จริง

Adrian and Renaud explore a significant shift in global electronics production: India surpassing China as the top smartphone exporter to the USA. The discussion covers why this change happened so fast, how Apple and other big tech firms adapted, what this means for SMEs, and how Sofeast is now expanding its own manufacturing footprint in India.   Show Sections 00:00 – India overtakes China in US smartphone shipments 02:20 – How tariffs and trade tensions triggered the shift 03:45 – Why smartphone assembly moved to India so quickly 07:40 – Apple and others had a head start with India SKD kits 11:53 – Vietnam's rising share and India's long-term potential 13:46 – Apple pushes its supply chain to South India 18:17 – Can SMEs benefit from the India shift like Apple? 22:10 – Should you move production to India now? 25:21 – The Sofeast Group's expansion into India 31:58 – Final thoughts on India's emergence   Related content... India overtakes China in smartphone exports to the U.S. as manufacturing jumps 240%, report shows - CNBC Apple's supply chain makeover just gave India a massive win over China - Business Insider Big iPhone exports doth not ring a win - The Economic Times How India beat China to become the biggest smartphone manufacturer for the U.S. - The Times of India India Becomes Leading Source of Smartphone Shipments to the US in Q2 2025 - India Briefing Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

My guest today is S Parthasarathy, better known as Spart who is the founder at CuedIn Technologies.In this episode, Spart shares his extensive journey in the software engineering field. Spart's story begins with his initial projects in COBOL programming at Tata Burroughs and the World Bank, working on critical systems in retail, logistics, and financial sectors. He recounts his impactful stint at SWIFT, contributing to the foundation of what has become modern-day financial messaging systems. Spart reflects on his decision to pivot from electrical engineering to computer science, driven by his interest in the engineering of large systems. He details his tenure at Ramco Systems, implementing document-based transactions, model-based code generation, and achieving several tech milestones, including internet integration and 32-bit upgrades. After Ramco, Spart's continued passion for software engineering led him to co-found a SaaS-based ERP solution company, targeting SMEs. Despite early challenges and market readiness issues, he gained crucial insights into cloud-native architectures.Spart's career path took another turn towards consulting and exploring AI, specifically focusing on probabilistic graph learning and the challenges of natural language processing in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of non-functional requirements, application architecture, and the potential of tools like Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance software development processes. Spart concludes by reflecting on the ongoing evolution of software engineering and his current projects aimed at making software engineering more accessible and efficient with modern tools.Spart has 40+ years of experience in various aspects of software services area covering consultancy, business systems management, product development and Engineering management. Worked with large North American Organizations handling complex projects to implement transaction processing business solutions and data communication networks. Key interests: • Gen AI based solutioning for key business activities • Gen AI enabled SW engineering • Contextual social network driven approach for building business systems • Predictive analytics over operational databases using Bayesian causal networks • Implementing innovative platform based techno-commercial models for software solutions/services delivery. • Cloud computing and SOA based multi-tenant solution Architecturehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/spartp/

Stephen Grootes discusses the SARB's 25 basis point repo rate cut with Mpho Molopyane, Chief Economist at Alexforbes Investments and Dr Azar Jammine, Director and Chief economist at Econometrix. In other interviews, Charlene Louw, CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa, chats about the organization's recent Brewing Business Success webinar, which aimed to support small brewers in navigating compliance and accessing new markets through practical information and networking opportunities. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Charlene Louw, CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa, about the organization's recent Brewing Business Success webinar, which aimed to support small brewers in navigating compliance and accessing new markets through practical information and networking opportunities. 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 Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors to step beyond compliance and embrace their true role as strategic advisors. With SME insolvency rates rising and funding pathways often overlooked, now is the time to help your clients access capital through government grants, R&D tax incentives, and equity-raising options like Early-Stage Innovation Companies and Crowd-Sourced Funding. Peter explores: ✅ Why many SME owners miss out on funding – and how you can change that ✅ The practical steps to help clients get funding ready with business plans, forecasts, KPIs, and capital strategies ✅ How capital advisory services can position your firm as indispensable – and reinvigorate your team ✅ Real-life examples of missed opportunities and how proactive advisors can step in Whether your firm is just starting its advisory journey or ready to expand into capital strategy, this episode offers both a roadmap and a rallying cry. It's not just about numbers – it's about impact. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

We revisit our conversation with Frances Ibe, Chief Experience Officer at Tide. Frances shares invaluable insights on her journey from developer to product leadership and how to avoid common pitfalls during the discovery process.Chapters01:07 – Meet Frances Ibe02:05 – Common Discovery Pitfalls03:34 – Embedding Continuous Discovery04:51 – The Myth of Talking to 20 Customers06:38 – What is a Data Prototype?08:03 – Building Confidence in Product Bets10:42 – Sharing Insights Across the Business13:52 – Keeping Sprint Reviews Engaging15:49 – Discovery Through Observation17:21 – Responding to Data-Driven Disruption18:30 – The Power of Storytelling20:49 – Training Teams in Storytelling22:36 – Maintaining Message Consistency23:48 – Collaborating Across Disciplines25:01 – Francis' Game-Changing AdviceFeatured Links: Follow Frances on LinkedIn | Tide | 'Six things we learned at the Pendomonium and #mtpcon roadshow - London 2024' feature by Louron PrattOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Is the UK's Infrastructure Strategy good news, or bad news, for climate, nature and jobs? Are we really in an ESG winter? And what's the best path to B Corp certification? Find out in the new episode of edie's Sustainability Uncovered podcast, which is provides a UK policy recap as the Government strives to deliver 150 major infrastructure projects this Parliament. We also speak with sustainability experts at SMEs on how they're evolving their strategic work in 2025. Your co-hosts are edie's content editor Sarah George and editor Matt Mace. Our expert guest speakers this episode are: - Mark Coates, vice president at the think tank IPA, part of Bentley Systems - Daisy Hunter, sustainability and innovations manager at Jangro - Joshua Mihill, co-founder of Honest Mobile Sustainability Uncovered uncovers some of the most inspiring and insightful sustainability and climate action stories from across the globe. The show features leader interviews, need-to-know round-ups, listener quizzes and more – all wrapped up into monthly episodes. Whether you're a business leader, climate expert, environmental professional, youth activist, or just have a passion for all things green – this podcast is for you! Say hello: podcast@fav-house.com

When Luke Murphy was growing up in rural Kerry, his father, a chemistry lecturer and environmental scientist, had a habit of turning even the simplest questions into full-scale lessons. "Ask about water testing and you'd get a deep dive into inorganic chemistry. It was fascinating, but also totally overwhelming," Murphy recalls. "It really made me think about how hard it is for experts to communicate the value of what they do." Waking Dreams from County Kerry Years later, that early insight would become the foundation for Waking Dreams Media, the Dublin-based video production company Murphy founded in January 2021. What began as a solo venture during the bleakest days of Ireland's third pandemic lockdown has since evolved into a growing team. Today, Waking Dreams Media delivers strategic video communications for some of the country's most technically complex businesses. But Murphy insists this is not a story about creative cinematography or camera gear. Instead, his team's work is about making complicated ideas easier to grasp. In particular, he's found a sweet spot in helping founders and teams who are building the kinds of products that don't yet have a ready-made market, or whose value can't be easily summed up in a single sentence. "These aren't off-the-shelf products," Murphy explains. "They're innovations, often emerging from research, deep tech, or life sciences. The challenge is not just showing what the product does, but helping someone who's never seen anything like it before understand why it matters." From the story of a gravestone to the story of a product Murphy's entrepreneurial streak showed up early. While completing a degree in Film and Media at UCC, he worked freelance behind the camera to support himself. He also co-founded a startup called The Story Of, a business that used QR codes to link gravestones with short videos about a person's life. The concept gained serious traction, even attracting media attention in Australia. But what Murphy took from that experience wasn't just media momentum. It was clarity about what he actually enjoyed. "I realised I was less interested in being the founder of a tech company than I was in helping tech companies communicate what they do," he says. "I loved the storytelling side, especially when it meant getting to grips with something complex and making it accessible." This impulse shaped the vision for Waking Dreams Media. Today, the company works with clients ranging from UCC Innovation and Blockchain Ireland to SMEs building smart RFID tools or pharmaceutical spinouts. Several of the startups they've supported have gone on to raise high six-figure funding rounds and land enterprise contracts. And they've often usd the videos in pitch decks and investor meetings. In one instance, a multinational client saw over 100,000 organic impressions from a single video campaign. "We start with messaging, not cameras" According to Murphy, the biggest misconception about video production is that it's simply about visuals. "People often assume video means showing up with a camera and recording whatever's there. But that's not how it works when you're dealing with complex B2B products. You can't explain a semiconductor startup the same way you'd shoot a wedding." Devising a strategy is the first stage of every project Murphy takes on. Murphy's team works with clients to clarify their core messaging, and ask questions. What changes in the customer's daily life if they use this product? What makes it different from what already exists? Why should a buyer or investor trust you? That messaging document becomes the foundation for everything else, not just the video but the website, sales deck and investor materials. It is a tool for internal alignment as much as external explanation. As Murphy puts it, "It's not about polishing a script. It's about revealing the story that already exists." Clients say the results speak for themselves. One founder described their Waking Dreams video as "...

Lean BPI, the Irish digital growth consultancy for SMEs and microenterprises, has announced new survey results which reveal that cost is the greatest inhibitor of digital transformation for small enterprises in Ireland. The research found that almost half (46%) of small business owners cite it as a top barrier. The research of 100 business owners in Ireland, running companies with 20 employees or fewer, was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Lean BPI. It found that other major obstacles cited by businesses included legacy systems and cybersecurity risks (36% each) and connectivity issues (29%). The latter appears to be a significantly greater issue for organisations who are fully remote, with 37% who operate this working model saying connectivity is a barrier. Despite concerns among small enterprises regarding the cost of digital adoption, 34% admit they have not made use of any Government digital supports. However, there is strong interest, with 75% expressing a desire to learn more about them. Lean BPI is encouraging small enterprises to prioritise digital transformation and take advantage of available supports to protect themselves from external risks and increasing market competition. Concerningly, one-third (34%) of small business owners feel they are not keeping up with the pace of digital change of their rivals, indicating the importance of digital adoption in remaining competitive. In addition, small enterprises recognise the significance of digital adoption in general, with 64% agreeing digital transformation is helping their business to grow. This is evident in the research which found 38% of businesses are getting further sales and prospective leads through their social media channels. It is therefore unsurprising that 75% plan to invest more in digital over the next 12 months and 70% have a clear digital strategy for their business in place. John O'Shanahan, founder and managing director, Lean BPI, said: "Although cost is a significant factor in digital adoption, government grants can substantially ease the financial burden for small enterprises. The research suggests that inconsistent behaviour may stem from an awareness gap, with over three-quarters of small businesses eager to learn more about the supports available. "With external pressures and intensified competition at play, small enterprises risk falling behind if they fail to adapt to the digital environment. It's essential that they conduct their own research and engage with their Local Enterprise Office Network to help break down the barriers to digital adoption. Encouragingly, the majority of small business owners are already on the right path, with a clear digital strategy in place for their business. With the right supports and guidance available, small enterprises can embrace digital transformation with their arms wide open and strengthen their position within the market in spite of external challenges." See more stories here. 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.

Michael Moore, chief executive of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, takes aim at the lazy caricatures and media misfires that still dominate public perceptions of private equity. Far from asset-stripping villains, today's private capital investors are quietly powering British enterprise — backing thousands of SMEs, creating jobs, driving productivity, and helping build a more resilient, innovative economy.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Insurance Tomorrow, Vanessa is joined by Delvin Tillett, Head of Cyber at Allianz Commercial, and Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET to unravel the cyber risk landscape in the wake of the recent cyber-attacks on leading UK retailers. We delve into: The current cyber risk landscape and how this is impacting SMEs. The role of insurance in tackling these risks. How businesses can address vulnerabilities in their IT systems. What brokers should consider when advising their clients. Emerging cyber risks and how brokers can prepare their clients. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to rate and review to help others discover the Insurance Tomorrow podcast. And, if you're not subscribed yet, tap the follow button so you don't miss out on the latest insights. For more resources, articles, and webinars on business risks and other key topics, visit the Allianz Knowledge Centre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Ndumiso Zulu, CEO of the Masisizane Fund, about the most common funding options available for startups and how these differ from those suited to scaling businesses. They explore the funding landscape, key challenges entrepreneurs face, and how businesses can position themselves for growth. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/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.

Erica Wass, Principal Product Consultant at Brainmates, joins the Product Experience podcast to share pragmatic tools for building strategic foresight into your roadmap. From horizon scanning to backcasting, this episode explores how product teams can harness future-focused techniques—bolstered by generative AI—to improve decision-making, resilience, and impact.Chapters:0:00 – Why foresight matters in product1:00 – Introducing Erica Wass2:30 – How product is changing3:45 – The value of strategic foresight5:00 – Clarifying the term and its importance7:00 – Who owns foresight in the product org10:00 – Techniques: Horizon scanning, scenario planning, backcasting14:30 – Horizon scanning in action: Google & Android16:00 – Scenario planning for resilience21:00 – Tips on running scenario sessions23:45 – Backcasting: Vision-first roadmapping26:00 – Using AI to accelerate foresight30:00 – Product team dynamics in the AI era33:00 – Mistakes to avoid and balancing action with foresight37:00 – Wrap-up and takeawaysKey Takeaways— Horizon scanning helps teams identify early, weak signals that may grow into significant trends.— Scenario planning enables resilience by preparing teams for a range of plausible futures.— Backcasting flips traditional planning by working backward from a long-term goal to define near-term milestones.— Generative AI can democratise access to foresight tools—when used with critical thinking and proper validation.— Product professionals should take a proactive role in guiding strategic conversations, regardless of their title.— Avoid extremes with AI: neither fear it nor over-rely on it. Use it as a pairing partner rather than a replacement.Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Over 6,500 SMEs have been directly supported by the all-of-Government National Enterprise Hub (NEH) in the first 12 months since its launch. The top grants availed of by businesses ranged in value from €3,000 to €7,000 and focused on supporting businesses with cashflow, expansion and productivity to help them deal with concerns around rising costs, and competitiveness. The National Enterprise Hub has attracted over 220,000 active online users to its website over the last 12 months and also offers a full-time dedicated phone line, connecting business owners with specialist advisors who can discuss potential grant options over the phone. The National Enterprise Hub, an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, brings together information and resources on over 250 Government supports from 30 different Departments and State Agencies. Looking ahead, there will be a continued and renewed focus on simplifying business grant applications for SMEs engaging with the National Enterprise Hub. The businesses are from a range of industries however the majority fall within Tourism & Hospitality, retail & consumer products, food, health & beauty, professional services and the construction sector. This free service makes it easier and more efficient for businesses to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, said, "With over 6,500 companies engaging in its first 12 months, the National Enterprise Hub has proven effective in streamlining and simplifying access for SMEs to government supports, equipping them with vital digital and sustainability resources to navigate rising costs and stay competitive. Research from my Department shows that four in five businesses believe sustainability is important. An awareness campaign is currently underway showcasing how the NEH can support businesses in cutting costs through grants such as the LEO's Energy Efficiency Grant and SEAI's Business Energy Upgrade Scheme. My focus now with the NEH is on reducing administrative burdens and red tape for businesses by consolidating multiple grant applications into a single, simplified process. We must redouble our efforts to simplify processes for businesses and make sure that we think about small businesses first. I look forward to its continued growth and positive impact on Irish SMEs." Conor O'Donovan, Head of Start-Ups and the National Enterprise Hub, said: "SME engagement with the National Enterprise Hub has met and exceeded our targets to date, supporting 6,500 businesses within our first year of operation. One of the main aims of the Hub was to engage with businesses who haven't availed of government supports to date and to make the process of availing of government supports faster and easier." "We know that Irish SMEs are operating in a complex environment and being able to access grants and supports is more important than ever. Small businesses who are engaging with the National Enterprise Hub are concerned about rising cost of business and competitiveness - that is why a single source of government supports for businesses is important to ensure that accessing the right information is made easier. The National Enterprise Hub has a team of dedicated advisors who are directing SMEs to the right support that will help them. It's for every business in the country and we'd encourage every business to go online to neh.gov.ie or pick up the phone and start the conversation around your business needs today." Audrey Hughes, CEO of Principle HR, said: "Like so many Irish SMEs, we are focused on providing the highest quality of service delivery to our customers, while remaining competitive. Accessing government supports to assist can feel daunting but the National Enterprise Hub made the process so much easier by putting us in contact with the right agency whose support and expertise fitted our n...

On today's episode of LegalTechTalk Uncovered 2025, we have the honour of speaking with Amir Ali OBE. He is the founder and CEO of Remote Court Users, a legal tech initiative focused on improving access to justice for SMEs through streamlined, digitized debt recovery. A former lawyer and High Court enforcement professional, he also chaired the Civil Court Users Association and was awarded an OBE for his services to court users and the law. His broader mission includes establishing the Legal Aid Foundation to provide free legal advice for those unable to afford it.

On this episode of Private Markets 360°, Chris Botsford, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at ADM Capital, shares his insights on the private credit market in Asia. He explores his extensive experience in investing in underfinanced SMEs, the importance of ESG principles, and the critical role of local relationships in navigating diverse jurisdictions.   Credits:  Host/Author: Chris Sparenberg, Jocelyn Lewis Guests: Chris Botsford, ADM Capital Producer: Georgina Lee www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

Featured Links: Follow Brigitte on LinkedIn | DrDoctor | European Commission Public Health 'Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare' featureOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Manufacturing traceability isn't just a fancy catchword. It's the mark of quality, compliance, and competitiveness for shops of all sizes. Find out what traceability really means for smaller manufacturers, learn how it protects your production process, and discover practical ways to implement it without blowing your budget. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com

AI isn't a buzzword anymore. It's an operating system shift that's already reshaping how we work, sell, and compete. I spoke with Piers Linney, entrepreneur, ex-Dragon, and co-founder of Implement AI, about what business leaders need to know right now to stay relevant.Piers has sat on boards, built companies from scratch, and now helps SMEs navigate the complex and fast-changing AI landscape. He pulls no punches. If you're still dragging your feet on AI, this episode is a wake-up call.We spoke about where AI is really headed, how SMEs can integrate it practically, and why business owners need to focus on the augmented human, not just automation. He also gets candid about how he's advising his daughters on careers in a world where cognitive labour is under threat.This episode will leave you thinking harder and moving faster about how you adapt. Because if you don't, your competitors will.Key TakeawaysAI is still in dial-up phase. Most SMEs aren't ready for what's coming in the next five years.The real advantage is human + machine. Businesses that augment human capabilities with AI will win.Jobs are shifting. Knowledge work isn't safe. Creativity, adaptability, and experience are what matter now.There's no playbook. You need to experiment, test and build your AI roadmap before your competitors do.Advising the next generation. The education system isn't ready. Parents and leaders need to step in.

In this episode of Lets Talk Lean, Ryan Tierney (Lean Made Simple) and Paul Blahyj (Toyota Lean Management Centre) sit down with lean officials Phil Catherwood (Welsh Government), Robert Hernan (Enterprise Ireland) and John McClune (Invest Northern Ireland) to talk what it takes to bring lean to the nations.

What do military aviation and AI workflows have in common? According to Chase Hannegan. founder of Chase AI, TikTok viral sensation and today's guest on Future Craft, it's all about precision, systems thinking, and being willing to suck at something new. Chase went from Marine Corps Osprey pilot to TikTok-famous agent builder. He's now helping thousands of creators and founders move from prompt experiments to real agent-powered execution—no coding required. In this episode, we get into: Why n8n is Chase's go-to platform for building practical, scalable agents The difference between AI workflows and true agents (and why most people get stuck) How to avoid YouTube tutorial hell and actually learn to build with intelligence A live walkthrough of Chase's personal assistant agent (and how you can steal it) What's not ready for prime time (yet), and how to build trust into your stack Whether you're a marketer, founder, or just AI-curious, Chase breaks down agent building in plain language—and shows that it's not about replacing people, but unlocking their time.

Let the girl dad life commence! Here's what I've been up to recently. 

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith and Randy Silver speak with Dee Miller, Director of Product Strategy and Insights for Product Equity at Adobe. Dee shares her personal journey into inclusive design, and discusses how Adobe is moving beyond accessibility compliance to build genuinely usable, inclusive, and emotionally accessible products. Featured Links: Follow Dee on LinkedIn | The Adobe Accessibility Checker | Listen to previous The Product Experience episode: 'Building Accessible Products' with Jonathan Hassell (CEO & Founder, Hassell Inclusion) Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Candice DeVille, co-founder and CEO of AI Copilot, who joined me remotely from the serene gardens of Osaka Castle in Japan, where tech meets tradition in one of the most unexpected podcast backdrops we've had. Candice is on a mission to redefine how small and medium-sized businesses approach AI, treating it not as a trend but as a practical strategy for growth and efficiency. Throughout our conversation, she draws on decades of experience in marketing, media, and digital strategy to explain how SMEs can move away from fear-driven stagnation or scattered adoption and toward a structured, ROI-focused roadmap. We explore the practical challenges that come with implementing AI, from dealing with siloed data and low AI literacy to helping teams embrace change. Candice explains why many organizations fail at AI not because of the tools, but because they overlook the human element. Creating a team of AI champions, especially outside of traditional IT roles, can unlock powerful opportunities by tapping into the unique insights held across the business. A standout moment in our discussion is a case study involving a maintenance company that used AI to automate debt collection. The result wasn't just improved cash flow but something far more personal: their CFO regained two full days per week and used that time to spend with his family. It's a simple example of AI driving real outcomes for both business performance and quality of life. We also discuss common traps like shiny object syndrome, lack of planning, and the hype around agents. Candice encourages business leaders to first get their data in order, take a phased approach, and resist the urge to solve everything at once. Her advice is clear: start with what matters, measure impact, and build from there. So how do you turn AI into a business advantage without overwhelming your team or your budget? And how can you ensure that your approach to technology actually enhances the human side of work? Let's find out.

How can we turn great ideas into lasting social impact? In this episode of the OECD Podcast, Shayne MacLachlan speaks with Jeroen Jutte, Head of the European Social Fund Coordination Unit at the European Commission. They explore how the EU is using its flagship funding instrument to support and scale social innovation—from pilot projects in disadvantaged communities to multi-country initiatives reaching millions. With funding of over €2 billion dedicated to social innovation, the ESF+ offers a powerful model for using public investment to solve social challenges. Tune in to learn how Europe is taking ideas from the ground and turning them into lasting change. To learn more on ESF+: https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en/social-innovation Discover the Local Development Forum: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/oecd-local-development-forum.html Read the report Starting, Scaling and Sustaining Social Innovation: Evidence and Impact of the European Social Fund: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/starting-scaling-and-sustaining-social-innovation_ec1dfb67-en.html Host: Shayne MacLachlan, Public Affairs and Communications Manager at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities Guest: Jeroen Jutte leads the European Social Fund Plus coordination unit in the Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion DG of the European Commission. He has also led units dealing with Romania/Bulgaria, the European Semester (EU economic governance), and one dealing with budget discharge as well as relations with the European Court of Auditors. Mr. Jutte is a macro economist by training. To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/en/about.html To keep up with latest at the OECD, visit www.oecd.org/ Get the latest OECD content delivered directly to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletters: www.oecd.org/en/about/newsletters.html

The managed service provider (MSP) cyber insurance landscape is facing significant challenges, primarily due to the certification process rather than the coverage itself. Edouard von Herberstein, a seasoned expert in complex risk management, recognized the inefficiencies within this system and founded Spectra, the first MSP certification platform acknowledged by major insurers. His insights reveal that the lack of trust and understanding between insurers and MSPs has created a bottleneck, preventing effective collaboration in enhancing cyber resilience and risk management.Spectra's approach focuses on certifying the MSP as an organization rather than individual technicians. This certification process involves a thorough examination of how MSPs protect themselves, the resilience of the solutions they offer, and the deployment of these solutions to customers. By ensuring that MSPs meet specific standards and best practices, Spectra aims to build trust with insurers, who have historically been skeptical of the MSP sector. This certification not only enhances the credibility of MSPs but also provides insurers with a reliable way to assess risk.The conversation also touches on the skepticism that exists on both sides of the insurance and MSP relationship. Many MSPs view insurers as profit-driven entities that often deny claims, while insurers perceive MSPs as lacking value. However, through initiatives like Spectra, there is a growing recognition of the mutual benefits that can arise from collaboration. Brokers are increasingly seeking certified MSPs to refer to clients, creating a new dynamic where both parties can thrive.Finally, the discussion highlights the importance of insurance in the broader context of cybersecurity. While some argue that organizations can self-insure by maintaining sufficient funds for potential breaches, the reality is that many SMEs do not recover from incidents like ransomware attacks. Insurance provides not only financial support but also critical guidance and resources post-incident. By fostering a partnership between certified MSPs and insurers, Spectra aims to create a more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved.  Supported by MSPRADIO : https://mspradio.com/engage/  All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

This week on The Tax Factor Neil Insull and Suzanne Briggs look at Reform’s controversial proposal for a 'Britannia Card' that would let wealthy foreigners pay a £250k fee to move to the UK and live exempt from all tax, and a significant rise in HMRC investigations into high earners, signalling a more aggressive compliance strategy. Elsewhere, the tax gap among SMEs is growing - what’s causing it, and how might it be closed? Plus, in estate planning news, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis may have struck the right chord with tax planning that could legally bypass £80 million in inheritance tax. And finally, as Wimbledon serves up bigger prize pots, Neil and Suzanne reveal how it’s also serving HMRC a bigger slice of the winnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.