Podcasts about smes

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

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

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how a Canadian-led firm built a global business solutions company from the ground up, supporting SMEs and creating sustainable employment opportunities across continents.Joining us are Laimina Methuselha, Founder & CEO, and Charles Methuselha, Co-founder & CFO of Global Assist Inc., a 360-degree business solutions firm with teams in Canada, the USA, India, and the Philippines. They share their inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and global impact through people-first leadership.Key Highlights:Global Assist's Origin: Laimina shares how she bootstrapped a global company through determination and client trust. People-First Model: Charles explains how their remote structure attracts global talent and ensures seamless operations. Operational Excellence: How an 80-member team provides human-centered solutions for small businesses. Rise Her Roadmap: Laimina discusses empowering women entrepreneurs and creating shared success. Global Vision: Charles outlines the future of innovation, expansion, and sustainable growth at Global Assist.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how Canadian businesses can strengthen their financial resilience by unlocking hidden value through government funding, R&D tax credits, and tax recovery.Joining us is Antoine Dignat, Chief Operating Officer at Leyton Canada. With over 15 years of experience in innovation financing and global business growth, Antoine shares how Leyton helps SMEs access SR&ED tax credits, recover overpaid taxes, and reinvest savings into innovation—without any upfront cost.Key Highlights:Government Funding for SMEs: How businesses can leverage SR&ED tax credits and grants to fuel sustainable growth. Financial Resilience in Uncertain Times: Why expert guidance is key to protecting cash flow through government incentives. Recovering Hidden Cash: Common tax recovery opportunities and real examples of Leyton helping clients reclaim lost funds. Leyton's Contingency-Based Model: How zero upfront cost and deep expertise drive measurable results for Canadian businesses. Global Vision & Innovation Financing: Antoine's long-term outlook for Leyton Canada's role in empowering SMEs to scale globally.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Dee Coakley, CEO of Irish start-up Boundless, questions whether current AI tools are making hiring better or just replicating existing biases. She talks about why jobseekers need to be cautious with AI-generated applications and how we can leverage AI to enhance human judgement in recruitment.Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.

As digital assets move from speculation to utility, a new wave of platforms is emerging - helping businesses manage payments, payroll, and even treasury functions on-chain. Singapore is becoming a testbed for this next phase of digital finance, with regulated players offering crypto-native business accounts and stablecoin payment rails. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Hassan Ahmed, Country Director, Singapore, Coinbaseto find out what this could mean for SMEs, startups, and the future of everyday business finance in Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Tony from Cover as he speaks with Kgolagano Zaza Leola, the Head of Collections at Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation. In this insightful conversation, Kgolagano shares her experiences and expertise, discussing the economy's current pulse, the challenges SMEs face, and the essential skills needed in the credit insurance industry. Kgolagano also provides a personal glimpse into her career journey, her passion for helping businesses navigate difficult times, and future aspirations for both her and the company. Learn about the misconceptions around credit guarantee insurance and the impactful role this corporation plays in supporting businesses across South Africa.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode, we explore how a strategy-led and human-centered approach to digital marketing can help small businesses stand out, drive conversions, and achieve measurable growth in an increasingly digital world.Joining us is Mohamed Hamad, Founder & President of Third Wunder, a Montreal-based digital marketing agency. With nearly two decades of experience across government, startups, and agencies, Mohamed shares how his team helps businesses align brand, marketing, and technology to create meaningful and results-driven digital experiences.Key Highlights:SME Marketing Challenges: How data-driven strategy helps small businesses boost brand presence and ROI. AI in Marketing: Practical ways for SMEs to use AI to improve creativity and efficiency. Web Design & Trust: Why a strong digital ecosystem builds engagement and drives conversions. Startup Lessons: How creativity and agility can fuel big wins with limited resources. Third Wunder's Vision: How strategy-led marketing delivers sustainable impact and growthSpecial Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. In this episode from our exclusive series AI for SMBs, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping business strategy, productivity, and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada.Joining us is Jordan Steiner, Chief Strategy Officer at Monadical and Founder & CEO of Developer Capital. With 12 years of experience as a portfolio manager before pivoting fully into AI, Jordan combines financial acumen with deep AI expertise to help startups and SMEs build scalable, defensible, and future-ready businesses.Key Highlights:The AI Leap: How Jordan's transition from finance to AI reflects the growing need for early adoption. Privacy & Security: Why AI data protection is crucial and how businesses can safeguard sensitive information. Funding Strategies: What makes an AI startup truly VC-fundable versus suited for non-dilutive funding. Building a Moat: How SMEs can stay resilient and competitive in an AI-driven economy. Custom AI Solutions: How Monadical's Palantir-inspired model empowers Canadian SMEs through tailored AI workflows.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily Smith speaks with Vidya Dinamani, product veteran, coach, and Co-founder of Product Rebels, about how to tell if your team is truly product-led or just paying lip service. With over a decade of experience coaching hundreds of teams, Vidya shares her insights into the critical elements of product maturity, the most overlooked barriers to effective product work, and how Product Rebels' diagnostic framework is helping companies move from chaos to clarity. Chapters00:00 – The customer conversation gap01:28 – Meet Vidya Dinamani and Product Rebels03:35 – Why they built a diagnostic, not an assessment04:45 – Mindsets, competencies, and the missing piece: resources06:28 – AI readiness: the new fourth pillar07:40 – What it really means to be product-led09:59 – How teams are using the diagnostic13:10 – Breaking down the four pillars16:01 – Why access to customers remains a key obstacle17:38 – Patterns, or lack thereof, in product maturity20:26 – AI readiness in context23:59 – A case study: product maturity at scale27:52 – Final thoughts on assessment vs namingWhat we learned from Vidya Most product teams lack customer access: 70–80% of PMs Product Rebels encounter say they've never spoken to a customer.Being product-led requires more than intent: It demands mindset, core competencies, supportive resources—and now AI readiness.Diagnostic, not assessment: Their tool isn't about performance reviews; it's a heat map that reveals where to begin your transformation.AI is not a bolt-on: AI readiness is most effective when integrated into the broader product maturity conversation, not treated as a silo.Start with one thing: Rather than trying to become product-led across the board, identify a single focus area and build momentum from there.Internal PMs need customer framing too: Even teams building internal platforms need customer advocacy and insight.Featured Links: Follow Vidya on LinkedIn | Product Rebels We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A...

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

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

Think "sustainability" is just for corporate giants? Think again. Howie Lim chats with DBS's Chen Ze Ling and Crestar Fans' Shawn Lee to discover how an SME is revolutionising its business with eco-friendly practices and how DBS is making ESG accessible for all. Prepare for insights and inspiration. Synopsis: The Business Times Podcast Channel presents diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis and news covering career, business, markets, investing, current affairs and tech. This episode is produced in collaboration with DBS. Highlights: 02:36 Challenges SMEs face in sustainability 04:27 Drivers for SMEs to adopt sustainability 06:59 Three key features of the DBS ESG Ready Programme 09:02 Crestar's experience in the programme 11:48 Clear business value delivered by the programme More about: DBS SME Banking DBS ESG Ready Programme --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Chen Ze Ling, managing director and group head of corporate and SME Banking, DBS Bank and Shawn Lee, COO, Crestar Fans Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Podcasts: Channel: bt.sg/pcOM Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/pcAP Spotify: bt.sg/pcSP YouTube Music: bt.sg/giK9 Website: bt.sg/podcasts Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming cybersecurity for small businesses, providing proactive defense and peace of mind in an era of growing digital threats.Joining us is Brian Stoner, SVP of Growth at Judy Security, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in global cybersecurity. Brian shares how Judy's AI-powered virtual cybersecurity assistant is redefining protection for SMEs—offering intelligent monitoring, rapid threat response, and affordable enterprise-grade security.Key Highlights:1. The New Threat Landscape: How shadow IT and unapproved AI tools create unseen vulnerabilities for SMEs.2. AI-Powered Protection: How Judy's 24/7 Threat Management and affordable tools secure businesses without full-time IT teams.3. Data Sovereignty: Why knowing where your data lives is vital for compliance, trust, and growth.4. Virtual Cyber Assistant: How Judy uses AI training to strengthen human awareness and real-time protection.5. Future of Cybersecurity: How MSP partnerships will shape the next chapter of small business defense in Canada.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

We look at the new FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back. See more about it here. FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Waffle Recliner reviewed At first our reviewers wondered if the Waffle Recliner was a concept like Emmet's double decker sofa in the Lego movie. Good, dumb, fun, interesting, crazy, impossible, or some mix of all of them. In the demo video there is someone laughing and chatting with a glass of wine in the chair. Initially this raised alarm bells, suppose they spilt the wine, but of course this was the point. The chair is stain resistant, so, as we use the chair for leisure and pleasure as well as work, it does it's job, and ensures it is future proofed, to some degree at least. There are charging ports too, so, like Emmet's buddies initial responses, 'that is the literally the dumbest idea I have ever heard of', maybe, just maybe as our testers pushed back in my conversation with them, it is actually quite handy. If you think about it, how many times are you sitting in your current, pre-waffle chair, with a cable snaking it's way over the edge and up into your lap? Yep, admit it, you have done it, so, therefore, maybe it is not actually quite the dumbest idea ever afterall!? The waffle concept seemed a bit sketchy at first too, just think about all the actual waffle crumbs that could end up in the waffle cushioning? Of course it is better designed than that, and it actually works well. We preferred the green option, and it has a cosy feel to it. A good point made by our testers was the limited range of colours however, they were not sure that, if there were only two colours that these would be the only two that they would offer. Maybe more will be added in the future perhaps. The swivel and rocking sound good in theory, but, you would probably also want to be confident that, once you have found your sweet spot, it is something that you can then fix and ensure that this preferred setting remains locked in place. There is a nice element of fun to the swivel waffle chair and our testers enjoyed road testing it. One to check out perhaps when your boss declines your pay rise, but you can at least counter with this to help you out for your deep thinking moments instead? More about the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner with Waffle Back Experience comfort that moves with your mood. Whether you're relaxing, reading, or chatting with loved ones, the FlexiSpot Power Swivel Rocker Recliner lets you unwind your way - with gentle rocking, smooth swivel motion, and effortless power adjustment for ultimate relaxation. Designed for both comfort and convenience, it reclines up to 135°, includes USB and USB-C charging ports, and features extra padding for superior back and lumbar support. The wide armrests and non-compressed cushioning create a cozy, supportive feel right out of the box. Crafted with easy-care chenille fabric, it's waterproof, oil-proof, and stain-resistant, making maintenance stress-free. From its plush waffle-back design to its modern functionality, this recliner redefines home comfort - so you can relax clean, stay serene, and enjoy every moment. Sale details: From November 12-18 its discounted from 499.99 to 379.99, see here for more information. See more product reviews here. Irish Tech News is an award-winning online publication aimed at keeping you informed of all the latest news from the world of Technology. With the main focus on Irish based news, we cover a wide range of topics from social media and smartphones to start-ups and SMEs. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help pro...

Episode 56 CFO Voices on TReDS | Experiences from India's Business Finance Leaders Welcome back to MSME TALK®. This Industry Insights episode brings together voices from three CFOs to share experience on TReDS, invoice discounting platform for fellow CFOs and Business owners for MSMEs, SMEs , Large , Mid , PSUs enterprises.   Why did we do this episode: Even successful Businesses in other countries are closing because of succession issues , we are witnessing the same in India. Hence we want our Business Entrepreneurs to warm up for Business Legacy.   In this episode, we explore: TimeStamp 00:00:00  Teaser  00:00:22  MSME TALK Podcast Intro  00:00:38  Episode Overview  00:00:59  Disclaimer  00:01:31  Guest Intro – Mr. Dhamarajan  00:02:11  First heard about TReDS?  00:02:57  Key benefits experienced  00:05:04  Did turnover improve?  00:05:35  Profitability or cost savings  00:05:56  Active usage frequency  00:06:32  Number of MSME vendors  00:06:50  Started as buyer and seller  00:08:15  Platform used and experience  00:09:11  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:11:14  Message for large buyers  00:11:36  One guidance or hack  00:13:13  Closing remarks  00:13:43  Guest Intro – Mr. Satish Kotakota  00:16:02  Specific benefits seen  00:18:29  Continued use and future plans  00:21:02  Platforms used and ranking  00:21:52  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:24:19  One key guidance or hack  00:26:01  Closing remarks  00:26:27  Guest Intro – Mr. Mohapatra  00:27:47  Initial perception of TReDS  00:29:32  Benefits experienced  00:31:14  Impact on rating or profits  00:32:46  Vendor relationship improvement  00:32:57  Continued usage of TReDS  00:33:14  Platform used and experience  00:33:51  Message for CFOs and MSMEs  00:36:04  Guidance for other CFOs  00:37:32  Closing remarks     MSMEs & startups are looking for various kinds of supports & upgrade. Are you a Product, Service Provider, Expert, Advisor, Consultant, Mentor for MSMEs/Startups? Reach out to MSME TALK to list your business. Fill the form to help us reach out to you. Hey MSME TALK listeners! Hope you have not missed subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news, blogs, and podcast updates. We don't spam your inbox , hence we have highest rate of letter opening in Industry. Subscribe here for Newsletter. MSME TALK Podcast enters Peak Ranking Chart of 20+ Countries in the Apple Podcast Country Entrepreneurship Category. WhatsApp : Send hi - https://wa.me/918097665085 LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Contact us : connect@msmetalk.comClick to All Social Media , Podcast etc links at one place Please give your rating and reviews on apple podcast or Spotify

Founders Bridge is a specialist advisory firm that helps startup founders and SMEs navigate the complexities of business growth, international expansion, and fundraising. In today’s tough startup climate where access to capital is shrinking, investor scrutiny is rising, and scaling globally has never been more complex, Founders Bridge provides the clarity, strategy, and hands-on guidance founders need to reach the next level. Their team has coached hundreds of founders over the past decade, guiding them through challenges such as slow growth, cash flow pressures, hiring difficulties, and attracting investors. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Doug Peris, Managing Partner, Founders Bridge, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Guest:Lukas Kaminskis is the CEO of Boom Training and Turing College, two organisations focused on transforming tech education across Europe. He's a serial entrepreneur passionate about building learner-first experiences that unlock economic mobility.Benas Sidlauskas is the Chief Business Development Officer at Boom Training and Turing College. A long-time co-founder with Lukas, Benas is driven by creating scalable education models that equip people for the future of work.Episode Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:20 Meet Lukas and Benas: Co-Founders of Turing College1:00 From debating rivals to co-founders2:00 Lukas' first job: rats, grain, and coding bootcamps3:20 Why Lukas turned down a political path5:00 Benas' first hustle: filmmaking at 146:15 The presidential film project that changed everything7:30 Growing up in small towns, dreaming big8:45 Turning down top universities to start something new10:00 Investors said no — so they bootstrapped from scratch11:20 Explaining bootstrapping: lessons and mindset12:40 Organising events without a legal entity14:00 Partnering with Harvard — and how Facebook helped15:20 Getting government backing to bring CS50 to Europe16:45 Flying to Boston and signing with Harvard17:30 What Turing College actually does18:40 Why AI and data skills matter more than ever20:10 Scaling across 80+ countries21:20 Impact stories from Uganda and Nigeria22:40 Acquiring Boom Training and expanding in the UK24:10 The apprenticeship system — and how they're transforming it25:20 Peer-led learning: the secret behind their model26:30 What makes UK apprenticeships restrictive28:00 Levy funding: what SMEs are missing out on29:30 Why upskilling needs to go beyond senior leaders31:00 What Europe must do to stay competitive in AI32:00 Lukas on AI's impact on the labour market33:30 The financial mindset that helped them grow34:20 Benas' biggest money mistake35:10 Lukas' #1 advice on investing in yourself36:00 Money tip: Spend first on “musts”, then “wants”37:10 What success looks like in 5 years38:20 Why education must evolve now39:30 What's broken in the system — and their fix40:30 Their message to young people: take control41:20 Their message to businesses: don't forget the non-power users42:20 Benas' invisible success: resilience through rejection43:20 Lukas' invisible success: 10-year co-foundership44:30 How they complement each other as co-founders45:30 What gets Lukas out of bed: fixing the future of work46:20 What motivates Benas: belief in Europe's innovation potential47:40 Jack's reflections and final thoughts48:40 Outro and thanksEpisode Partners:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Heminway, Executive Chairman of Time to Act, joins the UK Investor Magazine as part of the Aquis Showcase Series running up to the event on 19th November.Please register for the Aquis Showcase here using the code ‘UKINVEST' for a 20% discountTime to Act is an Aquis-listed aggregator platform that builds and acquires businesses in the SME cleantech and renewables engineering sector. Operating under a “Best Owner” principle, Time to Act provides patient-to-permanent capital and strategic support to early and later-stage companies, filling a gap left by the VCT industry.The platform combines a lean corporate structure with capable business-level management teams, offering portfolio companies access to strategic planning, commercialisation advice, financial expertise, and technology support. Unlike traditional funds, Time to Act operates as a hands-on business operator focused on long-term value creation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turn "it's a buyer's market" on its head. In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers shows how advisors can double an SME's sale value by planning early – embedding systems, documenting IP, driving weekly performance, building real business plans, and running annual valuations – so the multiple moves from "average" to outstanding. If you help clients prepare like a listed company, you don't just tidy up before sale – you create the premium. Listen now and learn how to lead, lift the multiple, and help your clients cash out stronger. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube

Building the right thing is hard. Building the wrong thing is easy and costly. In this episode, Jason Sparks, Principal Product Manager at ReUp Education, dives deep into the discipline of continuous validation inside enterprise environments. From managing stakeholder pressure to proactively engaging customers in discovery, Jason shares battle-tested approaches for avoiding the classic trap of solution-first thinking.Chapters0:00 – The risk of unvalidated assumptions1:02 – Meet Jason Sparks and his mission at ReUp3:02 – From college dropout to product leader5:19 – Product-market fit inside the enterprise6:03 – Why most ideas don't need building8:10 – Misalignment: wrong product, wrong market10:05 – Executive interference and assumption management12:33 – Validation is not a one-off14:44 – Continuous discovery in practice15:38 – How to validate enterprise product ideas17:02 – Story decks, user interviews and field testing19:11 – Grading feedback and customer fit21:11 – The danger of over-friendly users23:08 – The power of early champions25:21 – Preparing for and running discovery sessions27:35 – Value testing and competitor awareness29:08 – When to walk away from the wrong customer31:17 – What happens after the meetings33:30 – The role of AI in user research35:46 – What Jason would do differently todayWhat you'll learn from Jason— Validation should be continuous: One round of user feedback isn't enough. Real product-market fit evolves through repeated conversations and iteration.— Assumptions must be challenged: Build a culture where being proven wrong is celebrated, not feared.— Don't let leadership derail discovery: Product managers must set boundaries and bring clarity on the problem space before execution begins.— Grading users is as critical as grading feedback: Identify the right customers to listen to—being nice isn't the same as being the right fit.— Use discovery decks to guide conversations: Jason uses bold assumptions, interactive sessions, and immediate iteration to refine ideas quickly.— Tech accelerates, but doesn't replace, human insight: AI tools for sentiment and semantic analysis are powerful but should supplement—not substitute—real human interaction.Featured Links:We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A...

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we sit down with sustainability expert Gary Brown to uncover why embracing sustainable practices is no longer optional—it's a strategic advantage for SMEs. From cutting operational costs to strengthening brand trust and aligning with global sustainability standards, Gary breaks down simple, practical steps that small and medium-sized businesses can apply today. We explore how SMEs can build sustainability habits that are realistic, meaningful, and profitable. Whether you're just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to refine your strategy, this conversation offers a clear roadmap to becoming a purpose-driven, future-ready organization. Tune in as we dive into:

Eirmersive, the leading voice in Ireland for the immersive technology sector, officially launched the PRISM Manufacturing Programme at an exclusive evening reception attended by programme partners, funders, and manufacturing leaders from across the island of Ireland. In early 2026, the programme will engage manufacturing SMEs across the island to explore deep tech applications, such as immersive, Digital Twin and AI technologies, towards improved efficiencies and optimisation of manufacturing processes. With strong backing from cross-border partners - including InterTradeIreland, Queen's University Belfast, Digital Catapult NI, Dundalk Institute of Technology Regional Development Centre and others - PRISM represents a transformative, collaborative pilot approach to advancing digital innovation and competitiveness across the island. The launch comes following an exceptional day that began with the PRISM Immersive Technology Summit, Ireland's premier all-island gathering exploring the convergence of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twin technologies. The summit welcomed over 200 innovators, business leaders, and researchers, offering a deep dive into how immersive technologies are transforming key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health tech, and energy. Speaking at the launch, Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive, said: "The energy and engagement we witnessed throughout today's summit carried seamlessly into this evening's launch. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme represents the practical next step - moving from discussion to demonstration, and from potential to performance. We're thrilled to see so many stakeholders coming together to drive real innovation across the island." Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation & Business Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology, added: "Today has shown the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation partners. The PRISM Manufacturing Programme will help Irish SMEs embrace immersive technology not as a concept, but as a competitive advantage." Earlier in the day, summit attendees experienced powerful keynote presentations and live demonstrations from global leaders including Brian Cooney, CEO of KUKA Robotics Ireland, and Timmy Ghiuru, Innovation Leader at Volvo Cars. Discussions explored how digital twins, XR, and AI are revolutionising industrial workflows, reducing lead times, and creating safer, more efficient production environments. If you are a manufacturing SME, in NI or the South of Ireland, and you would be interested in registering for the PRISM Manufacturing Programme, visit www.eirmersive.com/prism or contact mark@eirmersive.com. 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.

Great presentations in Tokyo, Sydney, or San Francisco share one trait: a razor-sharp, single message audiences can repeat verbatim. Below is an answer-centred, GEO-optimised guide you can swipe for your next keynote, sales pitch, or all-hands. The biggest fail in talks today isn't delivery—it's muddled messaging. If your core idea can't fit "on a grain of rice," you'll drown listeners in detail and watch outcomes vanish. Our job is to choose one message, prove it with evidence, and prune everything else.  Who is this for and why now Executives and sales leaders need tighter messaging because hybrid audiences have less patience and more choice.  With always-on markets, attention fragments across Zoom, LINE, Slack, and YouTube. Leaders at firms from Toyota and Rakuten to Atlassian face the same constraint: win attention quickly or lose the room. According to presentation coaches and enterprise buyers, clarity beats charisma when decision cycles are short and distributed. The remedy is a single dominant idea—positioned, evidenced, and repeated—so action survives the meeting hand-off across APAC and the US. Do now: Define your message so it could be written on one rice-grain message and make it succinct for the next leadership meeting. Put it in 12 words or fewer.  What's the litmus test for a strong message? If you can't write it on a grain of rice, it's not ready. Most talks fail because they carry either no clear message or too many—and audiences can't latch onto anything. Precision is hard work; rambling is easy. Before building slides, craft the one sentence that states your value or change: "Approve the Osaka rollout this quarter because pilot CAC dropped 18%." That line becomes the spine of your story, not an afterthought. Test it with a colleague outside your team—if they can repeat it accurately after one pass, you're close.  Do now: Draft your rice-grain sentence, then remove 20% of the words and test recall with a non-expert.  How do I pick the right angle for different markets (Japan vs. US/EU)? Start with audience analysis, then tune benefits to context. In Japan, consensus norms and risk framing matter; in the US, speed and competitive differentiation often lead. For multinationals, craft one core message, then localise proof: reference METI guidance or Japan's 2023 labour reforms for domestic stakeholders, and SEC disclosure or GDPR for EU/US buyers. Whether pitching SMEs in Kansai or a NASDAQ-listed enterprise, the question is the same: which benefit resonates most with this audience segment—risk reduction, growth, or compliance? Choose the angle before you touch PowerPoint.  Do now: Write the audience profile (role, risk, reward) and pick one benefit that maps to their highest pain this quarter.  How do titles and promotion affect turnout in 2025? Titles are mini-messages—bad ones halve your attendance. Hybrid events live or die on the email subject line and LinkedIn card. If the title doesn't telegraph the single benefit, you burn pipeline. Compare "Customer Success in 2025" with "Cut Churn 12%: A Playbook from APAC SaaS Renewals." The second mirrors your rice-grain message and triggers self-selection. Leaders frequently blame marketing or timing, when the real culprit is a fuzzy message baked into the title.  Do now: Rewrite your next talk title to include the outcome + timeframe + audience (e.g., "Win Enterprise Renewals in H1 FY2026").  What evidence earns trust in the "Era of Cynicism"? Claims need hard evidence—numbers, names, and cases—not opinions. Treat your talk like a thesis: central proposition up top, then chapters of proof (benchmarks, case studies, pilot metrics, third-party research). Executives will discount adjectives but accept specifics: "Rakuten deployment reduced onboarding from 21 to 14 days" beats "faster onboarding." B2B, consumer, and public-sector audiences vary, but all reward verifiable sources and clear cause-and-effect. Stack your proof in three buckets: data (metrics), authority (laws, frameworks), and example (case).  Do now: Build a 3×3 proof grid (Data/Authority/Example × Market/Function/Timeframe) and attach each item to your single message.  Why do speakers drown talks with "too many benefits," and how do I stop? More benefits dilute impact; pick the strongest and double-down. The "Magic Formula"—context → data → proof → call to action → benefit—works, but presenters keep adding benefits until the original one blurs. In a distracted, mobile-first audience, every extra tangent taxes working memory. Strip supporting points that don't directly prove your main claim. Keep sub-messages subordinate; if they start competing, they're out. In startups and conglomerates alike, restraint reads as confidence.  Do now: Highlight the single, most powerful benefit in your deck; delete lesser benefits that don't strengthen it.  What's the fastest way to improve clarity before delivery? Prune 10% of content—even if it hurts. We're slide hoarders: see a cool graphic, add it; remember a side story, add it. The fix is a hard 10% cut, which forces prioritisation and reveals the true spine of the message. This discipline improves absorption for time-poor executives and buyers across APAC, Europe, and North America. If a slide doesn't prove the rice-grain line, it goes. Quality over quantity wins adoption.  Do now: Run a "10% reduction pass" and read your talk aloud; if the message lands faster, lock the cut list.  Conclusion & Next Steps One message. Fit for audience. Proven with evidence. Ruthlessly pruned. That's how ideas travel from your mouth to their Monday priorities—across languages, time zones, and business cycles.  Next steps for leaders/executives: Write your rice-grain line and title variant. Build a 3×3 proof grid and assign owners to collect evidence by Friday. Cut 10% and rehearse with a cross-functional listener. Track outcomes: decisions taken, next-step commitments, or pipeline created. FAQs What's a "rice-grain" message? It's your core point compressed into ≤12 words—easy to repeat and hard to forget.  How many benefits should I present? One main benefit; others become proof points or get cut.  How much should I cut before delivery? Remove at least 10% to improve clarity and retention.  Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg delivers globally across leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs. He is the author of Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, Japan Presentations Mastery, Japan Leadership Mastery, and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training; Japanese editions include ザ営業 and プレゼンの達人. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn/X/Facebook and hosts multiple weekly podcasts and YouTube shows including The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show and Japan Business Mastery. 

Abbey kicks off Season 2 of ESG in Practice from the Nobel Peace Center with Dr. Aiko Yamashita—AI and data science expert, climate activist, and incoming CTO of Fortifai. They discuss Aiko's journey from activism to corporate ESG leadership, why SMEs need simpler sustainability solutions, and how small steps from individuals and companies can create ripple effects for global impact.

Timestamps04:53 - Product-Led vs. Sales-Led Growth14:22 - How to Educate a Slow-Moving Market24:43 - Sales Metrics in a product vs sale- led approach34:16 - Choosing between product-led or sales-ledThis episode was produced by Founders Hive — a community of founders, experts, and investors driving entrepreneurship in Switzerland. We support early-stage startups in becoming investment-ready and guide them through the fundraising journey. As a partner of the Entrepreneurship Training programme, empowered by Innosuisse — Switzerland's innovation agency — we contribute to strengthening startups, SMEs, and research institutions in their innovation and growth.Checkout this link to learn more about Founders Hive, empowered by Innosuisse.Episode Summary:Igor Martin is the CEO of Hydromea, a Swiss deep-tech company building underwater wireless networks and portable intelligent robots to make data collection below the surface faster, safer, and cleaner. He holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Saint Louis University.Ramzi Bouzerda is the Founder and CEO of Droople, a B2B cleantech startup developing a water intelligence platform that digitizes the “last mile” of water, from faucets to appliances, combining IoT, AI, and SaaS to help buildings save resources and money. He holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science from EPFL. In this Opposing Views episode, they debate what really drives startup growth: sales-led or product-led strategies. Drawing from opposite industries - one building beneath the ocean, the other inside buildings. They reveal how timing, product maturity, and customer education shape growth models.They discuss why hybrid models often win in industrial tech, how to balance education with revenue, and what metrics truly matter beyond vanity KPIs. The conversation also dives into managing long sales cycles, using customer feedback loops to guide product evolution, and the ultimate truth every founder learns: great sales can't save a bad product.The cover portrait was edited by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smartportrait. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't forget to give us a follow on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠so you can always stay up to date with our latest initiatives. That way, there's no excuse for missing out on live shows, weekly giveaways or founders' dinners.

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

Welcome to the PRmoment podcast. Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Lorraine Emmett, the founder and MD of the award-winning B2B tech PR agency, EC-PR.EC-PR is a boutique specialising in B2B PR for engineering, science, and technology scale-ups. They typically partner with high-growth B2B tech brands and companies with 50 to 999 employees, working with Strategic Marketing Leaders and CMOs to elevate brand awareness and influence.Today, we'll dive into her insights on how B2B companies can gain a trust advantage. Before we start, our PR Masterclass the Agency Growth Forum is now live. Virtual and face to face tickets are now available.This event always sells out so if you do want a face to face ticket, be quick. Genuinely, don't hang about. Check out PRmasterclasses.com or the homepage of PRmoment for the full speaker lineup.Also, do check out PRmoment's TikTok content, it'll keep you up to date with the best creative campaigns in PR, interviews with interesting PR folks and our weekly Good and Bad PR content with Andy Barr.Also, thanks so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors the PRCA.Here's a summary of what PRmoment founder Ben Smith and founder and managing director of EC-PR Lorraine Emmett discussed on the PRmoment Podcast.Why the emotion of trust is a spectrum. How does Lorraine define trust in a B2B communications environment?Is trust in B2B a function of brand and product?As communicators is it possible to create trust? Or is it a symptom of customer experience?Why is thought leadership an important tool for creating trust?Lorraine talks about Coleman Park's 7 Pillars of thought leadership in our pre show chat and why she finds them an important reference point. What are Coleman Park 7 pillars of trust?How do you build trust in a B2B market?Isn't pretty all of a PR/comms team output related to thought leadership in one way or another? The Edelman-LinkedIn B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report consistently highlights the power of thought leadership in building trust and directly influencing the B2B purchase journey. Lorraine talks us through the finding of that report and the implications for how B2B PR and comms teams create and partner with influencers.EC PR's recent The Trust Advantage report looks at how trust is important for SMEs. Lorraine talks us through the key findings of your The Trust Advantage report. What are the outcomes of thought leadership in B2B markets? Are they both defensive and offensive?What does the best practice measurement of B2B thought leadership look like?

Why do great product ideas fail to gain traction? According to Elena Luna, it's rarely about the strategy and more often about the storytelling. In this episode of The Product Experience, Elena Luneva, a seasoned CPO, GM, and Maven instructor, joins Randy Silver live from INDUSTRY 2025 to explore how product leaders can better communicate the why behind their product decisions. What we learned from Elena— Speaking 'User' isn't enough – Executives care about business impact, not just engagement metrics.— Translate features to financials – Frame product initiatives in terms of ARPU, opex savings, or revenue impact.— Use storytelling with data – Combine real user insights with projections to make your case.— Seasonality matters – Product testing should account for time-of-year and market behaviour.— Align go-to-market early – Synchronising product and sales is key to driving measurable outcomes.— Ask better questions – Start with: What is it? Why does it matter? How much will it cost? When will we get it?Chapters 2:45 – The Ceiling for Great PMs4:09 – Speaking Executive5:22 – Case Study: Nextdoor Maps9:52 – Translating Engagement to Revenue10:49 – Embedding Finance into Product Thinking12:43 – Pivoting During COVID14:36 – Business Fluency at All Levels16:00 – Building Context Across Teams18:26 – The Four Questions20:06 – Thinking in Horizons22:43 – Shifting Accountability26:23 – CPMO vs. CPTO27:43 – Common Mistakes29:42 – Seasonality & Cannibalisation32:29 – Practical First Steps34:21 – Credits & OutroFeatured Links: Follow Elena on LinkedIn | Elena's Substack | Industry Conference Cleveland 2025 recap at Mind The Product | Sign up to Elena's coaching course We're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A...

How to reshape culture in Japan without breaking what already works.  What is the first question leaders should ask when inheriting a Japanese workplace? Start by asking better questions, not hunting faster answers. Before imposing a global "fix," map what already works in the Japan business and why. In post-pandemic 2025, multinationals from Toyota to Rakuten show that culture is a system of trade-offs—language, seniority, risk appetite, client expectations—not a slogan. Western playbooks prize decisive answers; Japan prizes deciding the right questions. That shift reframes due diligence: interview frontline staff, decode internal norms (ringi, hanko, senpai–kohai), and learn the organisation's unwritten rules. Only then can you see where practices are enabling quality, safety, speed, or reputation—and where they're blocking growth. Do now: List 10 things that work in Japan operations and why they work; don't change any of them yet. Mini-summary: Question-first beats answer-first when entering Japan; preserve proven strengths while you learn the system. Why do "HQ transplants" often fail in Japan? Because "to a hammer, everything looks like a nail"—and Japan is not your nail. Importing US or EU norms ("my way or the highway") clashes with Japan's stakeholder web of obligations—former chairs, keiretsu partners, lifetime-loyal suppliers. Start-ups may tolerate higher churn, but large listed firms and SMEs in Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka optimise for harmony and long-term trust. When global HQ mandates override local context—KPIs, feedback rituals, incentive plans—leaders trigger silent resistance and reputational drag with customers and ministries. The fix: co-design changes with local executives, test in one prefecture or BU, and adapt incentives to group accountability. Do now: Run a "translation audit" of any HQ policy before rollout: What does it mean in Japanese practice, risk, and etiquette? Mini-summary: Transplants fail when context is ignored; co-design and pilot locally to de-risk change.  How are major decisions really made—meeting room or before the meeting? Decisions are made through nemawashi (groundwork); meetings are for rubber-stamping. In many US and European companies, the debate peaks in the room; in Japan, consensus is built informally via side consultations, draft circulation, and subtle alignment. A head nod in the meeting may mean "I hear you," not "I commit." Skip nemawashi and your initiative stalls. Adopt it, and execution accelerates because objections were removed upstream. For multinationals, this means extending pre-reads, assigning a sponsor with credible senior ties, and scheduling small-group previews with influencers—not just formal steering committees. Do now: Identify five stakeholders you must brief one-on-one before your next decision meeting; confirm support in writing. Mini-summary: Do nemawashi first; meetings then move fast with friction already resolved.  Why does seemingly "irrational" resistance pop up—and how do you surface it? Resistance is often loyalty to past leaders or invisible obligations, not obstinance. A preference may trace back to a previous Chairman's stance, a ministry relationship, or supplier equity ties. In APAC conglomerates, these "silken tethers" can't be seen on an org chart. Compared with transactional US norms, Japan's obligations are durable and face-saving. Leaders need a "terrain map": who owes whom, for what, and on what timeline. Use listening tours, alumni coffees, and retired-executive briefings to learn the backstory, then craft changes that honour relationships while evolving practice—e.g., grandfather legacy terms with sunset clauses. Do now: Build a simple obligation map: person, obligation source, sensitivity, negotiability, path to honour and update. Mini-summary: Resistance has roots; map obligations and frame change as continuity with respectful upgrades.  Is Japan slow to decide—or fast to execute? Japan is slow to decide but fast to execute once aligned. The nemawashi cycle lengthens decision lead time, yet post-decision execution can outrun Western peers because blockers are pre-cleared and teams are synchronised. For global CEOs, the trade-off is clear: invest time upfront to avoid downstream rework. Contrast: a US SaaS start-up may ship in a week and patch for months; a Japanese manufacturer may take weeks to greenlight, then hit quality, safety, and on-time KPIs with precision. The right question isn't "How do we speed decisions?" but "Where is speed most valuable—before or after approval?" Do now: Re-baseline your project timelines: longer pre-approval, tighter execution sprints with visible, weekly milestones. Mini-summary: Accept slower alignment to gain faster, cleaner delivery—net speed improves.  How should foreign leaders communicate "yes," "no," and real commitment? Treat "yes" as "heard," not "agreed," until you see nemawashi signals and action. Replace "Any objections?" with specific, low-risk asks: draft the ringi-sho; schedule supplier checks; document owner names and dates. Use bilingual written follow-ups (English/Japanese) to lock clarity. Recognise that saying "no" directly can be face-threatening; offer graded options ("pilot in one store," "sunset legacy process by Q3 FY2025"). Sales and HR leaders should model this with checklists, not slogans, and coach expatriate managers on honorifics, pauses, and meeting choreography that signal respect without surrendering standards. Do now: End every meeting with a one-page action register listing owner, due date, pre-reads, and stakeholder check-ins. Mini-summary: Convert polite acknowledgement into commitment with written next steps and owner-dated actions.  Quick checklist for leaders Map what works; don't fix strengths. Co-design with local execs; pilot first. Do nemawashi early; verify support in writing. Honour obligations; design respectful sunsets. Trade decision speed for execution speed; net wins. Close with action registers, not vibes. Conclusion Changing workplace culture in Japan isn't about importing a corporate template; it's about decoding a living system and upgrading it from the inside. Ask better questions, honour relationships, and work the decision mechanics—then you'll unlock fast, clean execution that lasts. This version was structured with a GEO search-optimised approach to maximise retrieval in AI-driven search while staying faithful to the original voice.  FAQs What is nemawashi? Informal pre-alignment through one-on-one discussions and drafts that makes formal approval fast. It reduces friction and protects face. Why do HQ rollouts stall in Japan? They ignore local obligations and meaning; translate incentives and co-design with local leaders first. Can start-ups use this? Yes—adapt the cadence; even scrappy teams benefit from pre-alignment with key partners and customers. Next steps for executives Run a 30-day listening tour. Pilot one policy in one prefecture/BUs with sunset clauses. Train managers on nemawashi and action-register discipline. Re-baseline timelines: longer alignment, shorter execution. Author Credentials Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

In this episode of Insurance Tomorrow, Vanessa welcomes Nicky Johnson, Head of Workforce Change and Productivity at Allianz UK, and Shazia Ejaz, Director of Research at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to navigate the skills shortage in the UK, what this means for businesses, and the insurance implications. We dive into: How the skills shortage impacts SMEs The implications for insurance costs, including claims costs How workforce planning can help businesses stay resilient The benefits of risk assessments to prevent claims How apprenticeships can help SMEs bring skills into their business 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.

Show Notes: Shifting political priorities and economic pressures over the past couple of years have seen several countries scale back climate commitments contributing to the growing gap between climate pledges and real-world emissions (still rising).What does this mean for a ‘Just Transition' and Net Zero? While there is no silver bullet, IUCN and UNEP emphasise Nature based Solutions (NbS) can be pivotal for climate mitigation and adaptation, when pursued alongside rapid decarbonisation globally.To discuss NbS, and climate change I recently caught up with Swapan Mehra a global leader in climate action and ecosystem conservation. In this deeply insightful conversation Swapan spoke about how NbS is a holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis, through a spectrum of actions designed to protect and restore ecosystems while simultaneously delivering co-benefits for biodiversity, communities and individuals. We also spoke about…

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. This episode of OECD podcast features Joni Rakipi from ETH Zürich and is hosted by Shayne MacLachlan from the CFE. Joni, originally from Albania and now based in Zürich, explains deeptech as solving complex problems through scientific breakthroughs, emphasising its long-term impact. He highlights barriers young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access for foreign nationals and regulatory hurdles, advocating for open doors and deregulation to foster innovation. The episode encourages young entrepreneurs and policymakers to engage with these insights. Tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in his own words. As Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Shayne MacLachlan engages with policy issues concerning SMEs, tourism, culture, regions and cities to name a few. He has worked on a number of OECD campaigns including “Going Digital”, "Climate Action" and "I am the future of work". Joni Rakipi holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Management, Technology & Economics (METC) from ETH Zürich. He currently holds the role of Investor Connect Program Manager at ETH Zürich; an initiative of ETH Entrepreneurship aimed at connecting investors with spin-offs of ETH Zürich. From 2022 – 2024, he served as President at the ETH Entrepreneur Club. He is heavily involved in the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Switzerland and other neighbouring countries. To learn more, visit the YEPA hub https://yepa-hub.org/ Find out about the OECD's work on inclusive entrepreneurship https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html and the Missing Entrepreneurs 2023 Report https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ 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/newsletters

We're excited to bring you highlights from this week's “Monday News Drop” episode of The ASHHRA Podcast! Co-hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo were back in the studio to tackle two of the hottest topics shaping healthcare HR today: a shakeup in leadership expectations and the non-stop momentum of AI.Episode Highlights1. No One Wants to Lead! Luke and Bo dove into an eye-opening article on “Conscious Unbossing” – a rising Gen Z trend where employees are opting out of formal leadership roles in favor of deepening subject matter expertise. The big takeaway? People want career growth options that DON'T require managing others!Key discussion points:Rethinking career pathing beyond the “leadership ladder”Lending respect and recognition to subject matter experts (SMEs), even when they choose not to manage peopleBuilding parallel career tracks, lateral moves, and project-based recognition for non-managerial talentHumility in the workplace: Valuing leaders AND non-leader contributors2. AI Isn't the Future—It's the Present Every HR article (and podcast!) these days is talking about AI. Bo and Luke stressed the urgency around not just learning about AI, but also actively implementing and adapting to it—especially agentic AI in HR functions like talent acquisition.Organizations that delay AI adoption risk falling dangerously behind the competition—think “flip phone vs. iPhone.”AI is shifting HR from transactional work to strategic ‘people architect' roles—are you ready to evolve?HR positions won't disappear, but tasks ARE changing: repurposing roles, reskilling teams, and continuously learning is the name of the game.Don't be afraid to learn! Even if you're near retirement, find your AI enthusiast successor and help them lead the charge.3. Trending Topic: Staff Well-Being & the Power of the SME Bo and Luke touched on staff well-being—mental health, burnout prevention, and flexible scheduling—as top priorities for healthcare HR, emphasizing that SMEs in these areas can lead important change without managing teams.Fun FavoritesRedefining generational names (RIP, “Generation PT Cruiser”!).The coming age of affordable AI-powered robots—the Jetsons' future is closer than you think.What's Next? ASHHRA's Annual Conference is coming to Savannah on May 17-19, 2026! Check the show notes or ASHHRA website for more info, and join us LIVE on the podcast at the event.From Our Sponsors...Optimize Pharmacy Benefits with RxBenefitsElevate your employee benefits while managing costs. Did you know hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions annually than other industries? Ensure cost-effective, high-quality pharmacy plans by leveraging your hospital's own pharmacies. Discover smarter strategies with RxBenefits.Learn More here - https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZNStreamline HR Compliance with oneBADGEhealthcareSimplify screening, credentialing, and compliance for healthcare HR. oneBADGEhealthcare from ISB Global offers a tailored solution to keep your workforce compliant and efficient. Built for healthcare leaders, it's your all-in-one compliance tool.Get Started here - https://isbglobalservices.com/onebadgeunitedstates/ashhra/ Support the show

Hui Jing's life reads like a TVB drama.Her mum was forced to be the sole provider for the family after her dad landed them in bad debt. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hui Jing understood the importance of money & joined the work force young - at the below-legal age of 15 - for a mediocre RM4/hour.It wasn't easy.But it kickstarted a series of jobs that saw her go from working as at McDonald's to The Body Shop to becoming a finalist for the Red Bull Female Driver Search in 2009 (they were offering a cash prize) to becoming an insurance agent (where she learned the joys of passive income) to joining a radio station as a road runner and finally…Co-founding one of Malaysia's fastest growing local convenience store chains, Bila-Bila Mart.Which is on track to hit a whooping RM150+ million in revenue & 100 stores by the end of 2025, with an IPO on the horizon!Not bad for a Brickfields girl who was once kidnapped & held ransom due to bad family debts. If there's one thing that clearly stands out about Hui Jing's story, it's this: Taking riskDuring the interview, she spoke of how:“Throwing everything outta the window (i.e. leaving corporate) sounded like an adventure. I wanted that adventure. Because I was just thinking, okay, now I have no commitments. I don't have a family… If I don't do it, if I don't risk it, I don't really see how is the world outside, when am I gonna do it?”That said, life hasn't been without its challenges.Once at a bar, she was told, “Jing, you talk too much as a female. Can you shut up?”And also advised to stop working and to “ask your husband to feed you.”Needless to say, that lit a fire in Hui Jing that led to the founding of Bila-Bila Mart, where she also spoke about:✨ How Dettol saved Bila-Bila Mart (they opened their first physical store during MCO)✨ Their first breakthrough (pivoting from the idea of selling hot food → kedai runcit model)✨ The process for local SMEs getting their items into Bila-Bila Mart✨ Dealing with chauvinistic men who question Jing's very young team✨ Why you are the decision maker of your own fateDon't forget to subscribe for future STIMY episodes!Special thanks to Bila-Bila Mart for sponsoring this episode.

Even though 40% of young people would prefer to be self-employed, the reality does not match their aspirations. If young people were as active in entrepreneurship as 30- to 49-year-old men, there would be an additional 3.6 million more young entrepreneurs across OECD countries. In this episode of OECD podcasts, Alix Philouze chats to Elina Cohen-Peirano, CEO & founder of URONE and a young entrepreneur who founded her first company at the age of 17. They discuss all things youth entrepreneurship – from balancing entrepreneurship and studies to the policy challenges facing youth entrepreneurship and the legacy of the YEPA programme, tune in to hear from a young entrepreneur, in her own words. Alix Philouze is a communications co-ordinator at the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, where she works with both the SME and Entrepreneurship division and the Cities, Urban Policies and Sustainable Development division. She holds a degree in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin. Elina Cohen-Peirano is a young serial entrepreneur driving systemic change in entrepreneurship education through Urone, her company which partners with academic, business and institutional actors across Europe. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship a lever for youth empowerment, innovation and inclusion. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy (YEPA), led by the OECD and the European Commission, contributing to international dialogue and policy action. To learn more: • The YEPA hub: https://yepa-hub.org/ • OECD work on inclusive entrepreneurship: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/inclusive-entrepreneurship.html • The missing entrepreneurs: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-missing-entrepreneurs-2023_230efc78-en.html To learn more about the OECD, our global reach, and how to join us, go to www.oecd.org/about/ 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/newsletters #oecd #oecdpodcasts

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily and Randy speak with Dan Dalton (Director of Product Management at Sage) about the current state of product management, and how the role must evolve in today's climate.Chapters0:00 Introduction: product management at a crossroads1:00 Dan Dalton's background and path into product3:00 The evolution of product management: 2010 to today8:15 Framework‐fundamentalism, the broken ladder & career expectations13:45 Why many product careers are being set up to fail19:20 Responding to disruption: returning to basics, focusing on impact24:40 The role of soft skills and mindset in product leadership28:55 How Dan's team operates: fast prototyping, design system, code assets31:10 Hiring and developing product talent: soft skills over tick‐boxes35:30 AI, hype and bubbles: what product leaders need to keep in mind40:15 The mental flywheel: pragmatism, curiosity, resilience, detachment45:00 Wrap up & closing remarksFeatured Links: Follow Dan on LinkedIn | Sage | 'Why is everyone hating on Product Managers?' feature by Peter YangWe're taking Community Questions for The Product Experience podcast.Got a burning product question for Lily, Randy, or an upcoming guest? Submit it here. Our HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A...

AWS says it's fixed the problem that's disrupted many of the world's biggest websites. Sean Farrington's joined by the former cyber chief of the UK Government to get his take on the bigger picture. Also, Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she can save businesses £6bn per year before the end of this Parliament. As she announces measures aimed at reducing the form filling process for SMEs, we delve into what that means. And as British Wool reports its strongest sales in more than a decade, its chief executive will be telling us why.