Podcasts about smes

The following article of the Finance & Fintech industry is: “Common Financial Mistakes in SMEs — and How to Avoid Them” by  Manolo Atala, Co-Founder and CEO, Fairplay.

With civil aerospace primes targeting production rates of 75 per month by 2027, and NATO members increasing defence spending to over 2.5% of GDP, business is brisk in the aircraft and defence sectors. The Paris Air Show in June showcased several UK companies that are investing during strong business conditions, says Will Stirling. Bathed in blazing sunshine, Paris Le Bourget Airport hosted the 55th Paris International Air Show from 16 to 22 June. A large UK pavilion featuring over 50 exhibitors joined thousands more. Aerospace is on the rise – the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors contributed £42.2bn to the UK economy last year, marking a 10.4% increase from 2023. Defence is also poised for significant growth: Britain's defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, up from approximately 2.3% in 2024, representing an additional £6bn per year. Furthermore, the government aims to elevate spending to 3% of GDP, potentially adding a staggering £20bn annually on top of the 2.5% baseline by 2030. A large fraction – likely over £20bn annually by 2030 – will be allocated specifically to equipment and weapons programmes such as missiles, submarines, nuclear infrastructure, drones, tanks, and factory expansion. ADS, the aerospace, defence and security industries business group, hosted nearly 100 companies at this year's Paris Air Show, predominantly manufacturing firms that produce everything from machined components, roll forming and composite structures to avionics and AI-powered digital engineering. MTD examines some of the exhibitors' news. Faster composite production for wing tips iCOMAT is a Gloucester-based advanced manufacturing company that has developed an automated composite production process, the Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) process. Working for aerospace primes and defence customers, the RTS, which enables defect-free fibre steering for composites, is helping to advance new lightweight, high-performance structures. The company is one of several innovative SMEs working with GKN Aerospace on a new £12m R&D programme to develop and demonstrate next-generation composite wing and flap structures, called ASPIRE – Advanced Structural Product Integrated Airframe. The project will deliver three full-scale composite wingtip variants for structural testing to ultimate load, allowing the consortium to validate new technologies in highly relevant test conditions. Each wingtip variant will represent a different structural philosophy and technology set. Variant one is a bonded assembly with multiple parts, aligned with GKN Aerospace's design approach. It will validate the manufacture of three wingtip variants. The ASPIRE consortium includes Carbon ThreeSixty, iCOMAT, Lineat, Pentaxia, and the University of Bath, with support from agency Axillium and co-funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute. ASPIRE will also develop an optimised composite flap. The flap demonstration will feature a pre-preg manufacturing approach with RTS skins provided by iCOMAT, tailored fibre-placed brackets from Carbon ThreeSixty, low-energy out-of-autoclave curing moulds, and press-cured ribs. A key programme milestone will be achieving TRL6, Technology Readiness Level 6, for the press-curing of composite ribs. “ASPIRE is a perfect example of the power of UK collaboration to drive aerospace innovation,” said John Pritchard, president for civil airframe at GKN Aerospace. “By bringing together specialist SMEs, academic expertise, and GKN Aerospace's industrial leadership, this programme will accelerate the development of high-rate, sustainable composite wing technologies.” Martin Baker For nearly 80 years, Martin Baker has designed, manufactured and fine-tuned ejector seats in the UK in Denham, Middlesex, and at locations globally. In that time, these devices have saved more than 7,700 aircrew members' lives from over 90 air forces. The seats are fitted to programmes including the F-35 Lightning II, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16 (some versions) and BAE Systems Hawk. At Paris, the company showcased the flagship US16E ejection seat. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft is the company's biggest programme, and the US16E seat equips all variants of the F-35. More than 1,500 US16E seats have been delivered for 12 international F-35 operators; the US16E has saved the lives of 10 aircrew to date. The US16E seat became the genesis for the new Mk18 ejection seat range, with improved ejection performance, reducing the risk of ejection and minimising life cycle costs. The new technology has allowed safe ejection for aircrew with nude weights as low as 46.7Kg (103lbs) and ejection up to speeds as high as 600Kts for aircrew wearing Helmet Mounted Displays, a common peripheral in modern combat operations. Martin-Baker is offering the Mk18 seat range to all the new aircraft trainer and fighter aircraft programmes. The company has doubled its headcount in the last 10 years, and 28 apprentices are enrolled across the business. Complex aerospace systems need AI As aviation becomes more deeply sophisticated and data-reliant, data analytics companies must coordinate. Aerospace engineering companies are prolific users of simulation software to test component performance in different scenarios. AI (artificial intelligence) means you can explore designs 1,000x faster than physics-based simulation, according to Altair Engineering, which was acquired by Siemens in March. In Paris, Altair demonstrated how its solutions are helping the aerospace sector from concept through production to in-flight performance. It applies AI to combine several powerful technologies: digital engineering, smart factories, certification by analysis, digital maintenance, repair and overhaul, and digital twins.  “AI, data, and connectivity are no longer future concepts — they are today's competitive advantages,” said Dr. Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defence, Altair. “Our technologies are helping the aerospace industry achieve next-level performance, sustainability, and innovation breakthroughs.” Demonstrations showed how engineers can reduce design cycles, optimize structures for weight and strength, and improve aircraft performance using intelligent, AI-assisted modelling tools. Beyond the marketing, however, the use of AI in simulation has an essential role in democratising engineering. These solutions empower government agencies and startups to deliver advanced programmes quickly. The Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program gives young companies enterprise-grade tools to bring novel technologies to market faster. Altair has recently partnered with the Campania Aerospace District in Italy to provide over 150 SMEs and startups with access to AI simulation tools, empowering them to work at the same technological level as OEMs and tier-one suppliers. Rocket science inspires students to manufacture The continued growth of the aerospace, defence, and security sectors requires a skilled talent pipeline. ADS also supports Race2Space, a multi-university and company initiative that engages young people in designing and building rockets and space systems. Announced at Paris, Carrie Waters, 18, a first-year physics student at Durham University, has spent the past year helping to build a powerful, 600kg thrust liquid-fuel rocket engine. She is a member of Durham University Spaceflight, a student-run rocket launching team competing in this year's Race2Space. In July, the team will ‘hot fire' their engine at the Westcott Space Cluster during the final stage of the competition. In this crucial test, the engine will be securely mounted and ignited horizontally while connected to pressurised fuel systems. The engine must demonstrate its ability to perform under extreme conditions—delivering the correct thrust, flow rates, and structural integrity—before being launched as part of a future rocket. It's like Heinz Wolff's The Great Egg Race on Rocket Fuel. “I'm really excited, I've never done anything like this before,” said Carrie. “I can't wait to see whether what we've designed and built actually works. It's very daunting. I've had a great time working with the team and learnt so much.” Carrie believes that initiatives like Race2Space are vital for helping students from all backgrounds turn academic learning into career opportunities. She hopes to one day work for organisations like Skyrora or the European Space Agency, contributing to rocket and satellite missions.

Former HSBC Canada CISO Peter Buckley shares practical cybersecurity advice for small and medium enterprises. Despite having fewer resources, SMEs face the same cyber threats as large corporations, ransomware and data breaches.Peter breaks down how organizations can manage 80% of their cyber risk through smart planning and leveraging existing tools, without requiring massive budgets or dedicated security teams. We explore how cybersecurity extends beyond technology into HR practices, organizational culture, and the power of community collaboration.Three Key Takeaways:Have a Plan: Create and regularly test an incident response plan that outlines what to do when things go wrong, who to call, and how to communicate with stakeholders.Make It Collaborative: Use tabletop exercises and casual team conversations about "what if" scenarios to build risk awareness while fostering team building.Build Community: Connect with industry peers to create a network of contacts you can call during a crisis and share resources with non-competing organizations.

This week, I sat down with Stephen Knight, Founder and CEO of Pimento, to unpack how business can turn marketing from a cost into a profit driver.Some of my favourite takeaways from our conversation:✅ The #1 mistake SMEs make when hiring marketing help, and how to avoid it.✅ Why cutting brand spend in a downturn is often a strategic mistake.✅ How to find the right marketing partner in a sea of thousands of agencies.✅ How PE-backed businesses can still build brand equity without losing performance focus.✅ And, what happened when a FTSE30 firm spent just 17p per customer per year on marketing.

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

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

BnM announce today that applications are now officially open for the Accelerate Green Grow 2026 Programme, Ireland's pioneering accelerator for climate-focused enterprises. The programme will commence in January 2026, offering another cohort of scaling sustainability innovators the opportunity to accelerate their climate impact. Now in its fourth year, Accelerate Green continues to build momentum as a hub for the next generation of green leaders in Ireland. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has supported 60 Irish companies, helping them scale their solutions, expand into new markets, secure investment, and collectively contribute over 700 jobs to the Irish economy. A Programme Designed for Growth in the Green Economy The Accelerate Green Grow Programme is designed specifically for established SMEs and STEM entrepreneurs who are either scaling or pivoting their businesses to align with the climate change economy. Areas of innovation include renewable energy, sustainable software, circular economy, biodiversity, healthcare, foodtech, and other environmental sectors. Delivered in partnership with Resolve Partners, the programme combines eight intensive modules of strategic business workshops, mentoring, and industry engagement. Participants will benefit from business strategy and scale-up mentorship, support in investor readiness and articulating their climate impact, connections with policymakers, funders, and enterprise agencies, opportunities to pilot solutions within BnM, and a platform to present their innovations at the programme's capstone conference, attended by over 300 stakeholders. Tom Donnellan, Chief Executive of BnM commented: "Accelerate Green is a cornerstone of our commitment to Ireland's climate transition. We are proud to support innovators who are not only building successful businesses but are also making real contributions to biodiversity, sustainability, and carbon reduction. Accelerate Green Grow 2026 will continue to strengthen Ireland's position as a global leader in climate entrepreneurship. It is an unmissable opportunity for businesses looking to grow and scale in the sustainability sector and I encourage all to apply. I look forward to meeting the newest cohort of Grow participants and to learning more about their unique climate solutions." BnM provides unparalleled support throughout the programme, including access to senior leadership expertise, facilities in Boora, Co. Offaly, and the opportunity for direct collaboration on innovation projects. Each participating company is also introduced to a wide ecosystem of industry experts, research networks, and potential investors - positioning them for rapid growth and global scalability. Notable outcomes from previous cohorts include a collaboration between Hibra Design, an Irish automotive engineering development company (AGG 2023 alumni) and BnM's Land and Habitats team to electrify the BnM tractor fleet. Their pilot programme called Boglands Electric Tractor Re-engineering (BETR) commences this month. Similarly, a joint venture between Acel Energy and Conneely Builders, who met during the Accelerate Green Grow 2024 programme have earlier this year secured a contract to deliver a 1.2MW solar farm at Shannon Airport, supplying up to 20% of the airport's electricity needs. Fiona Nulty, co-founder of Biosense and participant in the Accelerate Green Grow 2025 cohort, reflected on their experience from the year: 'Taking part in BnM Accelerate Green Grow with Resolve Partners has been invaluable for our business. The expert guidance, mentoring, and peer network helped us to sharpen our strategy, build confidence in our direction, and grow our ambition. It is a well-structured, programme that gives real time and support to companies working on complex environmental challenges." Applications can be made at www.accelerategreen.ie. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Pod...

ISO certification is more than just earning a certificate, and it requires continuous maintenance to both retain certification and drive effective improvements. Over the course of your 3-year certification cycle, you will need to ensure your Management System is regularly updated and reviewed so that it remains relevant to the way you're currently working. That in addition to annual tasks such as internal auditing and management review, it can be a lot to keep on top of. Which is why some turn to external ISO Support. In this episode, Steph Churchman explains what ISO Support is, the challenges of managing ISO internally and the benefits of external support. You'll learn ·      What is ISO Support? ·      What tasks can you outsource ·      Challenges of managing ISO internally ·      What are the benefits of ISO Support?   Resources ·      Isologyhub ·      ISO Support Plan   In this episode, we talk about: [02:05] Episode Summary – Steph explains what is meant by ISO Support, explains the challenges with managing ISO internally and the benefits of engaging in external support.   [02:20] What is ISO Support? ISO certification involves a 3-year cycle, where you will be subjected to an annual Surveillance audit by your certification body. On year 3, you will need to undertake a recertification audit, which will determine if you can keep your ISO certification. During that cycle, you will be required to complete annual tasks such as internal auditing, documentation updates and management review to ensure that your management system is effective in driving continual improvement. ISO Support is a service provided by an external party to help facilitate the management of these annual tasks, usually undertaken by a dedicated ISO consultancy. [03:40] What tasks can be outsourced? To learn about what tasks can be outsourced, check out a previous episode. [03:55] ISO Management Challenge #1: Internal auditors not being comfortable about auditing their peers - It may be the case that certain individuals do no get on, however if someone manages a key process or area of the business, they still need to be audited. There's also the chance for auditors to be misunderstood, or have trouble getting the answers they need from auditees. Auditing requires the ability to effectively communicate and make yourself understood. It's quite common for auditees to ask for further clarification on questions asked, so you need to be able to work with them so that they understand what you're really asking. [04:45] ISO Management Challenge #2: Internal auditors not being particularly objective or impartial when auditing leadership – It can be hard to be impartial towards leadership, even if it is ultimately in their best interest! These dynamics can be habitual, but by not pointing out genuine issues or opportunities for improvement, you dimmish the purpose of the exercise. This also involves any leadership being receptive to feedback given. If this hasn't been taken well in the past, it's understandable for individuals to be hesitant doing so again, even if it's a necessary part of the process. [05:35] ISO Management Challenge #3: Fed up with paying for training for a high turnover of internal auditors - Internal Auditing will require a qualification, which will cost money. It's not a tremendous amount for these courses, but it would be an extra thing to budget for, and then there's factoring the time to complete the course which takes away from that individuals other responsibilities. It can also be frustrating when your only Internal Auditor moves on and so you have to train another. Depending on the business, this could happen quite frequently and so ends up being a repetitive expense. You will also need to ensure any current auditors are competent to audit against any new ISO Standards that you may add along the way. [06:35] ISO Management Challenge #4: Managers not having time to update processes - Your Management system is likely owned by either just 1 individual or by a small team within the business. Those involved will already have their plates full with day-to-day operations, and anything ISO related is just another task to add onto that pile. In the eyes of many, they may seem unimportant in comparison, and will continually get shuffled down the priority list until it's time for a Surveillance Audit. There will also be a certain amount of documentation to review and update on a regular basis. Even those with mature systems can experience trouble with duplicated processes, or confusion with old versions, and finding the time to sit and refresh all of that is often hard to accomplish. [07:30] ISO Management Challenge #5: Managers not aware of their legal, regulatory or ISO Standards requirements - As ISO Standards lay out best practice, they do require businesses to be aware of and adhere to relevant legislation and regulations. Managers will likely not be an expert in ISO Standards or legislation, so it can be easy for things to get missed if they've not had sufficient training beforehand. It will take time for relevant individuals within a business to be trained, or complete CPD to be fully competent to ensure full ISO and legal compliance. [08:25] ISO Management Challenge #6: Not updating key information i.e. Risk Register, BCP's, environmental/energy metrics - Monitoring and measuring is a big part of ISO Management. You need to document certain metrics if you want to track them effectively. You will also need to update key documentation, as nothing stays the same forever. Major business changes may prompt updates to key policies and procedures. You may have opportunities to improve that fall out of audits that require certain documentation to be updated. Or correcting things where non-conformities have been raised. These updates are necessary to keep the momentum of a management system going. It needs to grow with you, which it will fail to do if everything documented is only applicable to how your business operated a few years ago. [09:15] ISO Management Challenge #7: Not reviewing key information i.e. Objectives, Environmental/H & S/Data Security trends - Objectives is another key metric that should be reviewed on a regular basis. To not only establish if you are making progress with them, but also to possibly adjust if the original plans were too lofty. They should still be a challenge to obtain, but we're all only human and sometimes our first estimates about what's achievable might be a tad too ambitious. There is also a need to review audit results to see if there's any trends in areas such as info sec, sustainability and risk. This could be opportunities for improvement or some reoccurring issues that need to be addressed. All of this monitoring is going to require dedicated time from relevant personal, including feeding back results and following through with further actions. [10:55] ISO Support Benefit #1: Expertise and Specialisation - Dedicated ISO consultants will keep you up-to-date with the latest standard revisions, interpretations, and best practices. This includes their experience with helping businesses to plan and conduct annual maintenance. They are there as a guiding hand and can be a great sounding board for you if you have questions surrounding ideas or actions that you're unsure about.  Their help ensures your system is maintained effectively and most importantly, compliantly. [11:40] ISO Support Benefit #2: Cost Savings - While there's a fee for outsourcing, it's often more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team or dedicating significant internal resources. As mentioned earlier, you would need qualified internal auditors at the very least, this will require training costs. You also need to consider the time taken out of individual's typical working schedule to be able to conduct annual ISO maintenance, this will take away from their day-to-day tasks. We took this into consideration when creating our ISO Support Plan option, which is a 3-year contract that allows you to stay at a fixed rate for those 3-years. It's a set it and forget it approach to ISO Support, which is flexible on both the number of days required annually in addition to the tasks you'd like support with. [12:35] ISO Support Benefit #3: Reduced Workload for Internal Staff - It's often the case that Individuals, especially in SMEs, often wear many hats. Adding ISO maintenance onto that will impact on their day-to-day activities. Outsourcing frees up their time and resources, allowing them to focus on core business activities rather than the complexities of ISO maintenance. A lot of people don't take training into consideration for people who get handed the task of maintaining a management system. It's a lot of unnecessary stress when they've likely already got enough on their plate. Outsourcing will take a lot of that burden away, and give them a chance to lean on consultant guidance and be able to learn how to manage the tasks without fear of jeopardising the company's certification.  [13:30] ISO Support Benefit #4: Impartiality and Objectivity - An external consultant can offer an unbiased perspective on your management system's performance, identifying areas for improvement that might be overlooked by internal staff due to familiarity, bias or ingrained practices. A fresh pair of eyes can provide a lot of valuable insight, in addition to their lessons learned from other clients. It also helps to have another unbiased voice on your side if you have suggestions for improvement that need presenting to leadership. It should also be noted that impartial audits are a requirement of ISO Standards, this is so you're not marking your own homework all the time. It's another level of assurance that you are doing what you say you're doing. [14:20] ISO Support Benefit #5: Continuity and Risk Mitigation - Employee turnover can disrupt internal ISO maintenance. Outsourcing provides continuity, as any external provider will be available for the duration of an agreed contract, there's no ambiguity on how long you have their support for. They will help you plan out what needs to be done, and facilitate this with the relevant individuals within your business. [15:00] ISO Support Benefit #6: Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness - External specialists will have the experience to help streamline processes and tools for maintenance activities. Making the system and it's running more efficient, leaving you with more time to implement worthwhile changes that reap tangible results. Having their guidance from the start means you'll be hitting the ground running. At Blackmores, we ensure that annual activities are planned out in advance so everyone can be prepared and work on a consistent schedule. [15:40] ISO Support Benefit #7: Enhanced Compliance and Audit Readiness - Outsourced consultants are going to be more adept at ensuring the system remains fully compliant with ISO standards. As they can proactively identify and address non-conformities that could easily be missed by those with significantly less auditing experience. There is a level of experience that is tricky to achieve if you do not regularly conduct internal audits. Consultants know what to look for, and will often have significant industry experience to know what stones to unturn to find issues and opportunities. Afterall, that is the purpose of internal audits, to not only check that process, policies and procedures are being followed, but to seek out where you can be doing better, or fixing issues as your business changes and adapts. [16:40] ISO Support Benefit #8: Focus on Core Business Activities - By offloading the burden of ISO maintenance, you can re-allocate your focus and resources to core business activities and strategic initiatives. ISO Consultants can take a lot of the mental burden of managing ISO systems away. There will still be homework to do on your side, as ultimately, you know how your business works best, but a consultant will guide you through what needs to be done. We know that many of you tasked with ISO compliance in your business have another primary role that requires a lot more of your attention. So make it easier on yourselves with the help of an expert, so you can get on and do what you need to do with minimal interruption. [17:30] ISO Support Benefit #9: Potential for Scalability and Flexibility - Outsourced services can often be scaled up or down based on the business's needs, offering flexibility that an internal team might not be able to provide, especially during periods of growth, crisis or during large projects. ISO Consultants can help either pick up the slack or give you more of the rope to handle annual ISO maintenance depending on what you need or want. At Blackmores, we have an ISO Support Plan that can be tailored to your exact needs, including the options to complete tasks such as:- ·      Conducting impartial internal audits ·      Providing surveillance support ·      Updating legal registers ·      Documentation updates ·      Conducting annual management reviews With 3 levels of support available, we have no issue with you increasing or decreasing days required each year, or varying the tasks depending on where you need the most support. If you'd like any assistance with ISO Support, feel free to get in touch with us, we'd be happy to help. We'd love to hear your views and comments about the ISO Show, here's how: ●     Share the ISO Show on Twitter or Linkedin ●     Leave an honest review on iTunes or Soundcloud. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one. Subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest episodes: Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube |iTunes | Soundcloud | Mailing List

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

Since October 2020, Soumya Dinesh has been Managing Director and Co-Founder of Atula Technologies – a Buckinghamshire based business specialising in bespoke software solutions for SMEs. Soumya grew up in the cantonment city of Bengaluru, India and excelled academically. She originally wanted to become a pilot but did not pursue this, instead opting to go to Pondicherry University where she got a master's degree in finance. This enabled Soumya to go on to work with one of the biggest accounting firms in the world.Despite an enjoyable and enriching stint there, she learnt it was not what she wanted to do, surprising many by taking the reins of an at-home flower delivery company based around her parent's flower shop when she was in her early 20s. It was here that Soumya got her first taste of e-commerce, which would later become the foundations of Atula Technologies. “It led to tremendous growth for the florist shop, which was once a single unit on one high street. We were the most well-known florist in India for several years after that because we could deliver across the country with our branding.” The florist business was later sold, Soumya married Dinesh and moved to the UK. She then retrained in IT and worked for Lloyd's TSB and SONY Corporation. At the same time, Soumya decided to start creating her own chocolates, which gradually spiralled into her own business. Her company Cherish Chocolates earned several Great Taste awards and was sold up and down the country but was eventually wound down after 10 years when she decided to focus on family.Several years later, Soumya launched Atula Technologies with Dinesh, bringing their IT knowledge and experience together. Now in its fourth year, Soumya says it is “onward and upward” with plans for growth and success for herself and her clients. “I have a lot to offer and so much to give back.” https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumyadinesh/www.atulatech.com

In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, we're joined by Guy Hayward, founder of Local Heroes Marketing – a business born from a mission to help independent companies compete against much larger rivals. With over 30 years of experience in global advertising for brands like Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, Guy brings a wealth of insight into how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field through smarter, more authentic marketing. Local Heroes Marketing, launched just over a year ago, is all about enabling SMEs to “punch above their weight.” In our conversation, Guy outlines how storytelling, authenticity, and well-leveraged digital tools can empower smaller businesses to reach and resonate with their audience more effectively than ever before. Key Themes Covered: The power of authenticity and founder-led storytelling in marketing Why PR and influencer marketing can be cost-effective growth levers for SMEs How AI can enhance marketing processes—but only with careful human direction The importance of breaking big goals into manageable actions and tracking progress One standout message from this episode? "Small businesses have something corporates often lack—authenticity and real stories. That's their superpower." Make sure you don't miss any future episodes by subscribing to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts. For now, continue listening for the full story from Guy.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for. If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin You can get in touch with Kevin here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Guy can be found here: guy@localheroes.marketing   Resources: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez -https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-hundred-years-of-solitude-gabriel-garcia-marquez/200038?ean=9780241968581 Xero - xero.com  

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen, where we explore the strategies helping Canadian businesses thrive in today's changing work landscape. Today, we're discussing the transformative power of hybrid work solutions and how flexible workspaces are benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada.Joining us is Terri Pozniak, Executive Vice President and Country Manager for International Workplace Group (IWG). She'll share insights into the benefits of hybrid work policies, IWG's growth in Canada since the pandemic, and why hybrid working is a smart business strategy for SMEs.Key Highlights:1. The Benefits of Hybrid Work Policies to Reduce Costs and Help SMEs Navigate Economic Pressures: Terri will explain how hybrid work policies help SMEs reduce costs and navigate economic pressures, and what are some of the key savings contributing to this impact on the bottom line.2. International Workplace Group's Growth in Canada Over the Past 5 Years: Terri will discuss how the pandemic impacted IWG's growth in Canada, leading to hybrid working becoming the default model, and the specific steps IWG has taken to meet the evolving demands of Canadian businesses.3. Why Hybrid Working Is a Smart Business Strategy for SMEs: Terri will explain why hybrid working is a smart business strategy for small and medium-sized businesses, and how it contributes to increasing professionalism, productivity, and agility in a competitive market.4. How Ricoh Helps SMBs Solve Challenges: Terri will share how IWG, through brands like Regus, Spaces, and HQ, is helping SMBs solve specific challenges, particularly in enabling effective collaboration between onsite and remote employees.5. IWG's Expansion Plans for Canada: Terri will outline IWG's expansion plans for Canada over the next two years to help more companies reduce overhead costs and cut reliance on long-term leases.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/For 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.

อัพเดททิศทางเศรษฐกิจ รวมถึงเทรนด์การลงทุน ทั้งตลาดหุ้น ทองคำ น้ำมัน ผ่านเพจ facebook : เรียลลงทุน กับคุณปิยมิตร ยอดเมือง และคุณขวัญชนก วุฒิกุล สองผู้ดำเนินรายการด้านเศรษฐกิจและตลาดทุน ที่มีประสบการณ์กว่า 30 ปี พร้อมเชื่อมโยงข้อมูลรอบด้าน ทั้งข่าวสารจากในและต่างประเทศ ครอบคลุมทั้งข่าวจากตลาดหลักทรัพย์ฯ และ ก.ล.ต. รวมถึงบทวิเคราะห์จากหลากหลายแหล่งข้อมูล

What began as a side-hustle for Caitriona McGettigan eventually became a passion project and now a fully-fledged business called Luxury Exchange. We talk to McGettigan about how Luxury Exchange, a curated collection of pre-loved designer handbags, clothing, and accessories, is hurtling towards a €4m turnover this year.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.

Despite external pressures, companies in Ireland remain committed to workplace diversity but key challenges persist, according to the recent Business in the Community Ireland Elevate Pledge Report. We speak with Richa Tyagi, Senior Sustainability Adviser at Business in the Community, and Adrienne Daly, Head of Social Impact at Deloitte, about why businesses who remain committed to DE&I will find themselves on the right side of history.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.

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

Senator Craughwell leads the charge to a secure digital future Ireland's digital progress has been extraordinary. From online banking and healthcare systems to remote learning and connected infrastructure, the nation has embraced digitalisation across every sector. However, this transformation has come at a cost. As our digital footprint expands, so too does our exposure to cyber threats. Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue. It is a public concern and a national responsibility. We often picture cyberattacks as distant or unlikely events, something that happens to big tech companies or foreign governments. Attacks in recent years have shown that Ireland is not immune. Irish institutions - such as the HSE in 2021 - have faced serious disruptions, but so too have countless smaller businesses. Many incidents never make headlines but the reality is that companies' systems, data, personal privacy, financial assets, and systems managed by IT and OT (operational technology) are under continuous threat. What makes these attacks so dangerous is not just their sophistication. It's how easily they succeed. In most cases, breaches begin with one thing: human error. It can be as simple as an employee opening a fraudulent email, a manager misunderstanding a digital risk, or a staff member who is unaware that their actions have consequences far beyond their screen. Awareness is the missing link Awareness is the critical missing link in our national defence. Most successful cyberattacks don't rely on elite hacking tools; they rely on people not being prepared. Attackers exploit gaps in understanding - gaps that exist in homes, schools, businesses and public services. Awareness needs to be treated as a core component of Ireland's cybersecurity response. Without it, no software or firewall can offer enough protection. Ireland's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable. They make up most of the country's enterprises and employ the majority of our workforce. Yet, many of these organisations do not have dedicated cybersecurity teams or robust training in place. The same applies to charities, community organisations, and voluntary services - sectors that handle sensitive data and are crucial to local life but often lack the resources or know-how to defend against threats. The risk is real. The consequences are national. Partnered with CJHNetwork, Data Edge have participated in conducting cyber reviews across Ireland. We found that a number of SMEs within critical supply chains have already been targeted by cyberattacks. These organisations support navigation, satellite communication, and other essential infrastructure which are of strategic importance. This highlights the growing vulnerabilities in sectors vital to public safety and national services. Building national cyber resilience Cyber risk is not theoretical. It is here, it is growing, and it is reaching into the heart of our critical infrastructure. So, what must Ireland do? How do we build resilience before the next wave of attacks hits us harder? We need a coordinated national effort - one that combines public awareness, skilled training, and long-term investment. It should also ensure consistent funding and empower policy makers to deliver widespread public engagement. This includes strengthening support for SMEs and community organisations, expanding cybersecurity training and awareness across all levels of society, and building a skilled and diverse workforce through education, outreach, and accelerated recruitment. Ireland must also invest in the infrastructure, tools, and partnerships that will enable long-term resilience and readiness. Our active involvement as part of a national cybersecurity consortium includes participation in discussions at Leinster House and ongoing collaboration with policymakers, and we recognise that collective insights and local experience are key to shaping Ireland's cybersecurity landscape. Currently, a positio...

Most accountants and bookkeepers still deliver what SMEs have come to expect: an annual set of accounts and a tax return. But what if that's no longer enough? In this powerful episode, Peter Towers, founder of ESS BIZTOOLS, challenges the profession to step up and become the trusted strategic advisor every SME desperately needs. From real-time financial insights to weekly performance reviews, Peter reveals how you can help clients make better decisions – faster – using tools like KPI dashboards, business health checks, cash flow forecasting, and the 52-Week Business Enhancement System. Discover how to: ✅ Build retainer-based, Virtual CFO services ✅ Set up weekly and monthly reporting rhythms that drive accountability ✅ Use business evaluations, checklists, and survival strategies to lift SME performance ✅ Add real value beyond compliance – before AI and automation redefine your role If you're ready to stop reporting history and start shaping the future for your clients, this episode is your roadmap. You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

Thomas Longhurst, Head of Strategic Partnerships, YouLendEmbedded finance is boosting business growth for SMEs as industry dynamics are being changed by the power of partnerships. Thomas Longhurst, Head of Strategic Partnerships at global embedded financing platform YouLend speaks to Robin Amlôt of IBS Intelligence, beginning with his thoughts on the recent Money 20/20 conference in Amsterdam. 

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

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

This week, Jason Howell and Jeff Jarvis celebrate the arrival of AI Mode for Jeff! They pick apart all of the defections taking place in AI (much of it heading right for Meta's Superintelligence lab), how AI impersonation is becoming a thing even if it isn't very successful yet, and the arrival of Perplexity's $200 per month plan that includes first dibs at their agentic Comet browser. Subscribe to the YouTube channel! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@aiinsideshow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enjoying the AI Inside podcast? Please rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in your podcatcher of choice! Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 0:00:00 - Podcast begins 0:01:33 - Jeff finally got his AI Mode! 0:10:55 - Circle to Search Gets AI Mode, Gaming Help Arrives, and Pixel Watch Finally Gets Gemini 0:16:51 - Apple Loses Top AI Models Executive to Meta's Hiring Spree 0:24:16 - Ilya Sutskever becomes CEO of Safe Superintelligence after Meta poached Daniel Gross 0:31:09 - xAI updated Grok to be more ‘politically incorrect' 0:35:21 - Linda Yaccarino steps down as CEO of Elon Musk's X 0:37:34 - Fake AI voice impersonating Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacts foreign ministers and US officials 0:41:18 - OpenAI tightens the screws on security to keep away prying eyes 0:46:39 - Channel 4 to offer AI-generated ads for SMEs on its streaming service 0:52:31 - How the Owner of Hidden Valley Ranch Learned to Love AI 0:57:21 - Jeff shows off Epicure for AI-generated recipes 1:00:00 - Perplexity launches a $200 monthly subscription plan 1:00:28 - Perplexity launches Comet, an AI-powered web browser 1:04:44 - Excerpt from our interview with Babak Hodjat, co-founder of the tech driving Siri 1:12:57 - Nvidia Just Became the First Company to Hit a $4 Trillion Market Cap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stablecoins too – and not as a sign of risk tolerance, but to mitigate the risks of fiat debasement, as 80eight macro strategist Shiven Moodley explains. Moneyweb Crypto news articles

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

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

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

Ekco, one of Europe's leading security-first managed service providers, has announced that it has acquired Adapt IT, a Cork-headquartered IT managed service provider (MSP). The new deal, which is Ekco's sixth acquisition in two years, brings Ekco's total acquisition investment to €57 million within this timeframe. In business for more than 20 years, Adapt IT employs 37 people at its Cork location, serving customers in the small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SME) market. Its 300-strong customer base operates in industries such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality, legal, and finance. The deal bolsters Ekco's ability to support fast-growing SMEs with unified, secure, and scalable technology solutions. The acquisition of Adapt IT brings Ekco's global headcount to more than 1,000 employees and adds a seventh Irish location to its growing regional network. In addition to its three sites in Dublin, Ekco now operates in Cork, Waterford, and Laois, as well as across the UK, Netherlands, South Africa, and Malaysia. Adapt IT's expertise in Microsoft solutions will strengthen Ekco's modern working service offering for its customers, and its MSP focus will further build upon Ekco's existing managed service capabilities. Adapt IT's customer base will now benefit from Ekco's suite of advanced cloud services, automation expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities in areas including security information and event management (SIEM), security operations centres (SOC), and backup. As the cybersecurity regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Ekco will also provide peace of mind through its compliance services. Additionally, Adapt IT's teams will be able to avail of comprehensive upskilling, certification, and continuous learning opportunities to keep pace with industry demand. The deal is the latest in Ekco's wider acquisition strategy for growth and brings the total number of businesses acquired by Ekco in the last two years to six. Earlier this year, the company announced the purchase of Predatech, a UK-based cybersecurity consultancy. In 2024, it added UK legal IT specialist CTS to its portfolio of companies. 2023 saw the additions of MSPs Radius and Bluecube, as well as cloud migration and cybersecurity specialist iSystems. Cian Prendergast, CEO at Ekco MSP, said: "The acquisition of Adapt IT is the latest move in our aggressive expansion strategy which targets key acquisitions combined with sustained business growth. This strategy reflects an investment in innovation that will make us in Ekco, and our acquired companies, stronger as a result. We're building a modern, security-first MSP that helps ambitious businesses to operate with confidence and resilience. "Adapt IT, like us, is a cloud-first business that reflects our culture and has had tremendous success in building a nationwide customer base. By bringing our two companies together, we will enhance our regional footprint in a location where we see vast opportunities for our expansion, while also combining our knowledge and services to pioneer the demands of the modern enterprise. It strengthens our position as the go-to IT partner for businesses who want the reliability of a national partner with the responsiveness of a local team." John Levis, Managing Director, Adapt IT, said: "We are delighted to join the Ekco group, an Irish-founded business which is on an impressive growth trajectory. This will enable us to continue to deliver top-tier services to businesses, backed up by the skills and resources of a larger group. We are seeing that even smaller businesses are seeking enterprise-grade IT and cybersecurity solutions - Ekco's expertise will help us to meet this growing demand as the volume and complexity of cyber threats continues to rise." See more stories here.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Tshepo Michael Thlaku of Pulego Technologies as part of Nedbank Business Ignite on 702. Pulego Technologies is transforming public service delivery through smart, digital innovation. Their flagship solution, the Co-City Citizens App, enables real-time interaction between communities and municipalities, allowing users to log service issues like water leaks or power outages and track progress instantly cutting out long queues and call centre delays. Nedbank Business Ignite celebrates resilient entrepreneurs like Thlaku and Reshika, offering standout SMEs a chance to win R200,000 in cash and a R200,000 advertising package on 702. Stay with us as we profile this year’s finalists and honour the grit behind South Africa’s thriving small businesses. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Reshika Ramlal of Out Tasking Procurement Solutions as part of Nedbank Business Ignite on 702 OT Pro is consulting company in supply management. They have developed OT Pro Market place, as an e-commerce platform for corporate buyers to be able to buy from vetted small businesses. Nedbank Business Ignite recognises the resilience of entrepreneurs like Reshika and is rewarding standout SMEs with a chance to win R200,000 in cash and a R200,000 702 advertising package. Stay tuned as we reveal this year’s finalists and celebrate the grit that powers South Africa’s small businesses. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily and Randy speak with Faith Forster about the art of aligning product work with commercial outcomes. From redefining velocity as a function of customer value to implementing impact models that quantify ROI, Faith outlines practical frameworks to help product teams think commercially without compromising user value. She also explores the evolving role of AI in product development, the necessity of syncing planning cycles with business units, and why happy teams are the cornerstone of faster, better delivery.Key takeawaysVelocity = Value: Product velocity isn't about coding speed—it's about reducing time to customer value to improve ROI and lower opportunity cost.Impact Modelling: A disciplined approach to estimating commercial outcomes before development helps product teams understand and justify their work.AI Integration: Teams are expected to primarily use AI tools within three months to boost delivery speed and build organisational capability.Viability from Day One: Pricing and revenue potential must be considered from the outset—not after feature completion.Cross-Functional Alignment: Successful planning requires synchronising product cycles with finance, sales, and marketing calendars.Happy Teams, Better Results: Reducing friction between design, engineering, and product roles directly impacts delivery speed and feature quality.Chapters00:00 – Redefining velocity: Why speed isn't just about code01:05 – Faith's journey from Dex to Legal03:02 – Introducing the commercial value talk04:51 – Understanding the P&L from a product lens08:07 – Why team cost-awareness matters10:00 – Building better impact models12:25 – Increasing ROI through value velocity16:37 – The AI imperative: Adoption, anxiety, and accelerationOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Two Enterprise Ireland-backed companies have won funding approvals of up to €18.75m in the latest competition under Horizon Europe's European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. The two successful companies are CroíValve and Lios. Enterprise Ireland leads the National Support Network for Horizon Europe which helps entrepreneurs to compete and win funding in EIC competitions. To date, 28 Irish companies have secured approvals totalling €175.5m under the EIC Accelerator Programme since the beginning of Horizon Europe in 2021. Trinity College Dublin spin-out company CroíValve is a clinical-stage medical device company focused on developing a minimally invasive device for the treatment of a severe cardiac disease called tricuspid regurgitation. CroíValve's DUO Tricuspid Coaptation Valve system will enable a non-surgical solution for the condition as currently less than one percent of elderly patients receive surgical treatment due to the risks involved in this population. CroíValve previously received funding under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund which is administered by Enterprise Ireland and supports research collaboration to drive disruptive technology development. Lios, a pioneer in acoustic advanced materials technology, is a Dublin company with strong Sligo roots. SoundBounce is an advanced acoustic material developed by Lios that works better than traditional sound dampening materials. Transport, home appliances, power generation, and construction are among the major industries seeking to reduce noise levels. Part of the EU's Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Research and Innovation Programme, the EIC Accelerator Programme provides transformational funding to high-potential, high-risk start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs. Approvals include grant funding of up to €2.5 million combined with an equity investment ranging from €0.5 to €10 million in a blended finance offer. 959 applications were submitted to this latest competition with 150 companies subsequently selected for interview resulting in a total of 40 funding awards to 16 countries. The 40 companies were allocated funding of up to €229m in a combination of grants and equity investments. Almost one third of the selected companies were led by a woman in a key leadership role such as CEO, CTO or CSO. Minister of State for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation Niamh Smyth TD said: "Today's announcement is testament to the research and innovation capability of Irish companies and the vibrancy of the start-up and commercialisation eco-system. Collaboration between Higher Education, state agencies, investors, and business creates a pathway to success, and the government, through Enterprise Ireland, is committed to helping enterprises like Lios and CroíValve to realise their commercial potential. This announcement provides significant funding to support these companies to bring their innovations to the global market, and I wish both every success for the future." Jenny Melia, CEO Designate, Enterprise Ireland, said: "I'd like to congratulate Lios and CroíValve on their successful applications to the highly competitive EIC Accelerator programme. Both companies, working with the EIC, will be able to enhance their entrepreneurial capability and get the critical support required at this juncture in their development and scaling journey. It is particularly welcome to see that both projects have a female-inclusive leadership team which supports Enterprise Ireland's strategic ambition to increase the participation of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership." Lucy O'Keeffe, Co-Founder & CEO, CroíValve said: "Securing European Innovation Council (EIC) funding is very impactful in supporting full alignment of our novel technology with this complex patient population, along with expansion of clinical validation of our DUO System. There is a real unmet clinical need to provide a scalable treatment option for the heterogeneous patient population with tricuspi...

Are we ready for the AI era or are we stuck in an imagination gap? In this special 200th episode, recorded live at Creative Destruction Lab's Super Session, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik sit down with Minister Evan Solomon, Canada's first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. From national sovereignty and productivity to global competition and culture, Solomon outlines a bold vision for Canada's AI future - what he calls a “Gutenberg moment” in human progress.Drawing on findings from the new RBC Thought Leadership report The AI Imagination Gap, this episode explores why Canadian enterprises are hesitating on AI adoption and how the right mix of policy, ambition, and imagination can close the gap. Minister Solomon speaks candidly about the four key pillars of Canada's AI strategy: scaling champions, adoption, trust, and sovereignty, and offers tangible insights into how SMEs, researchers, and public institutions can all benefit from AI's abundance, if the right supports are in place.This wide-ranging conversation dives into Canada's AI spine, the importance of protecting national culture through digital sovereignty, and how government, startups, and citizens alike must embrace this pivotal moment with urgency, collaboration, and creativity. Download AI Report:Bridging the Imagination Gap: How Canadian Companies can become global leaders in AI adoption

This week's Espresso covers news from Justos, DEX, Waltz, Welli, and more!Outline of this episode:[00:29] – Justos lands $16.5M to expand AI tools for brokers[00:43] – DEX raises $1.8M from Grupo Loc[00:54] – Welli raises $25M to expand medical-credit platform[01:10] – Waltz raises $9.1M in debt and equity and expands to Latin America[01:18] – Four Latin American startups join Eatable Adventures' Raíces acceleration program[01:38] – Lotux closes second fund to back Latin America pre-seed startups[01:53] – Integrity Holding buys Alaga to expand digital credit for SMEs[02:04] – Tapi acquires Mastercard's Arcus cash and payments networkResources & people mentioned:Startups: Justos, DEX, Nunatak, Bee Technology, Koji, Sciphage, Waltz, Welli, Integrity Holding, Alaga, Tapi, ArcusVCs: Ribbit Capital, Kaszek, Scale Up, Endeavor Catalyst, Grupo Loc, Pulse Capital, Eatable Adventures, Lotux VC, Setpoint Capital, TLV Partners, Aleph

Stephen Grootes speaks to Shawn Charlie, Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, about how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can adopt green practices to reduce their environmental footprint, increase efficiency, and enhance brand loyalty, despite concerns about upfront costs. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, Founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, explores how accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors can offer powerful value to SME clients through capital raising advisory services. Peter explains the immense opportunity in helping SMEs raise funds through Crowd-Sourced Funding (CSF) Equity Raising and Early-Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) status. These services not only help clients grow without debt but also open new revenue channels for your firm – such as virtual CFO roles and strategic advisory board positions. You'll gain insight into: ✅ How to guide clients through the CSF and ESIC processes ✅ Eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and ATO/ASIC compliance ✅ Why most CSF applications are rejected – and how to help your clients avoid that fate ✅ How your firm can differentiate and grow with these services You can also access our podcast on: Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Audible Spotify YouTube    

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest South Africa, about the government's proposal to cut costs and red tape associated with business licensing. The aim is to unlock the potential of small businesses in South Africa through national policy-level guidance on general business licensing, while also emphasizing the need to ease regulatory burden for small businesses and establish a unified e-government engagement platform, especially for SMEs. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Qasr Solutions, Muhammed Madhi, founder of Qasr Solutions, a consulting firm helping South African businesses shift from reactive to intelligent operations using AI. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Teboho Twala of Zakhaa as part of Nedbank Business Ignite on 702. Zakhaa is an award-winning fintech company creating smart payment solutions for the informal market. Their innovations include card machines, POS systems, and Zakhaa FlexiPay, which helps small businesses like spaza shops collect payments through debit orders, solving a long-standing challenge of credit-based sales. Nedbank Business Ignite recognises the resilience of entrepreneurs like Teboho and is rewarding standout SMEs with a chance to win R200,000 in cash and a R200,000 702 advertising package. Stay tuned as we reveal this year’s finalists and celebrate the grit that powers South Africa’s small businesses. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Understanding the problem puts you 50% of the way to addressing it."In this episode of Books of the Boardroom, Season Three of the CFO Catalyst Podcast, host Sumith welcomes Simon Turner, CFO and ELT member with nearly three decades of experience in finance. Simon shares insights from his unique career path, from serving on nuclear missile submarines in the Royal Navy to becoming a CFO. They discuss leadership, the importance of addressing problems head-on, the evolution of data analytics, the role of ESG in modern business, and the potential impact of AI on SMEs. Simon also offers practical advice for upcoming finance professionals and underscores the significance of integrating operational focus within the CFO role.Thanks for tuning in to Books to the Boardroom! If you enjoyed today's episode, take your leadership journey further:

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

Stephen Grootes speaks to Bulelani Balabala, Business Speaker -Media Contributor -Township Entrepreneur TEA on effective money management strategies for small businesses, offering valuable insights for township entrepreneurs and beyond. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa Follow us on social media 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From time to time, we'll re-air a previous episode of the show that our newer audience may have missed.During this episode, Santosh is joined by Jaime Tabachnik, Co-Founder and CEO at Solvento, a company unlocking the flow of money for truckers in Latin America. During the conversation, Santosh and Jaime discuss the intersection of freight and finance. Jaime shares his transition from civil engineering to logistics and payments, and how his experience led to founding Solvento. The company aims to help SMEs in the Mexican trucking industry by providing software and financial solutions to improve cash flow and efficiency. They discuss Solvento's $50 million lending facility, the specifics of the Mexican trucking market, and the impact of nearshoring. Jaime also addresses venture capital investment in lending models, the potential for transformative change in the Mexican economy, and more.Highlights from their conversation include:Solvento and Logistics Payment Automation (0:41)Jaime's background in Supply Chain and Logistics (1:51)Solvento's Infrastructure for Freight Industry (9:46Lending Facility and Quick Pay Solutions (15:49)Mexican Trucking Industry Insights (22:34)Nearshoring and the Mexican Supply Chain (25:53)Lending Models in Emerging Markets (28:39)VC Investment and Capital Efficiency (30:51)Jaime's Motivation and Industry Impact (32:05)Rapid Fire: Security, Elections, and Interest Rates (34:01)Final thoughts and takeaways (37:01)Dynamo is a VC firm led by supply chain and mobility specialists that focus on seed-stage, enterprise startups.Find out more at: https://www.dynamo.vc/

In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily and Randy sit down with Moshe Mikanovsky—product coach, educator, and host of the Product for Product podcast—to explore what makes an effective product management toolkit. From identifying the real problems in your workflow to choosing and implementing tools that stick, Moshe outlines a pragmatic, user-centric approach to tool selection. Chapters:2:59 – From Engineering to Product Management5:25 – Why Choosing Tools is Hard8:11 – Elements of a Product Stack10:49 – From Roadmaps to Analytics14:01 – A Framework for Selecting Tools18:01 – Comparing Tools Beyond Features21:18 – Test and Validate Your Tool Choices26:01 – Why Implementation is Critical28:04 – What's Changing in Product Tools29:26 – AI and the Future of Product Management32:01 – Keeping Your Stack Modern34:29 – Making the Case for Budget & ROI37:23 – When ROI Forces a Change38:45 – Final Thoughts & Listener Call to ActionFeatured Links: Follow Moshe on LinkedIn | Moshe's Product Manager Toolkit | PostHogOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

Four years ago I interviewed the serial entrepreneur Ollie Walsh, co founder and CEO of Pipit Global. Since then Pipit Global has grown and last month they were taken over by the American paytech company Qenta. I recently caught up with Ollie who is now the president of Qenta.Ollie talks about the journey Pipit Global went on since we last spoke, Covid, AI, Quanta's takeover of Pipit Global and more.More about Ollie Walsh:Ollie was the CEO of Terraforma, the company behind Pipit Global, and is the president of Qenta. He has twenty years experience developing strategies for Start Ups and SMEs to target new markets and to grow. He specialises in building teams and implementing plans and making them work. Ollie holds a MBS at National University of Ireland, Galway. 

Four years ago I interviewed the serial entrepreneur Ollie Walsh, co founder and CEO of Pipit Global. Since then Pipit Global has grown and last month they were taken over by the American paytech company Qenta. I recently caught up with Ollie who is now the president of Qenta. Ollie talks about the journey Pipit Global went on since we last spoke, Covid, AI, Quanta's takeover of Pipit Global and more. More about Ollie Walsh: Ollie was the CEO of Terraforma, the company behind Pipit Global, and is the president of Qenta. He has twenty years experience developing strategies for Start Ups and SMEs to target new markets and to grow. He specialises in building teams and implementing plans and making them work. Ollie holds a MBS at National University of Ireland, Galway. See more podcasts here.

Why you should listenLearn why SMB clients are now the #1 target for cyberattacks and how attackers operate (with shocking real-world examples).Discover how Microsoft partners can add value and margin with simplified cybersecurity services — even without deep in-house expertise.Find out how to protect your firm and clients from ransomware and liability without adding massive overhead or complexity.If you think your clients are “too small” to be a target—think again. Cybercriminals are shifting focus toward SMBs, and Microsoft partners are on the front lines, whether they know it or not.In this episode, I talk to René-Sylvain Bédard (RS), CEO of Indominus Managed Security, about how Microsoft partners can simplify cybersecurity, reduce risk, and turn this into a value-added service—not just an afterthought. You'll learn the real risks, where partners are exposed, and how to protect both clients and your own firm.About René-Sylvain BedardRené-Sylvain has nearly 30 years of experience as a technical architect, is the founder and CEO of Indominus. His work spans consulting firms, governments, telecommunications, aerospace, and SMEs. As a Microsoft partner for over 20 years, he has built strong relationships and received expert training allowing him to position Indominus as a leader in consulting, AI, and managed security services.In 2024, he was sacred "Highly Commended", the 2nd place in the "Best Technology Speaker" category at the Speaker Awards in London and within a few months, Indominus Managed Security was nominated to "Best Tech Company" by the Canadian SME Magazine.In 2025, Rene-Sylvain already published his new book "Secure by design", through Rethink Press and Indominus Managed Security won "Best Cybersecurity for SME", by the Canadian Business Awards.Under his leadership, Indominus is committed to fighting cybercrime globally, using innovative technologies and approaches to protect organizations and individuals.Driven by a passion for helping others and creating a safer world, René-Sylvain is confident that Indominus' expertise will shape a future free from cybercrime. With unwavering commitment to excellence and determination to eradicate cybercrime, he is ready to lead Indominus and its partners towards a safer future.Resources and LinksIndominus.msRené-Sylvain's LinkedIn profileRené-Sylvain's Business cardBook: Secure by Design: A leader's guide to keeping cybercriminals out of your businessWant to become a partner? Email partners@indominus.msPrevious episode: 617 - How Top Consultants Are Winning in 2025Check out more episodes of the Paul Higgins PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube channel:

Transformations are hard, and too often, they fail to deliver on their promise. In this episode of The Product Experience, Lily and Randy speak with Jen Swanson, CEO of Tuckpoint Advisory Group, to unpack why transformation initiatives falter and what it truly takes to succeed.Key Takeaways— Transformation requires intentionality: Real transformation isn't accidental or surface-level; it must be deliberate, comprehensive, and backed by leadership.— Avoid ‘transformation theatre': Pretending to change—without restructuring ownership, processes, or collaboration—is worse than doing nothing at all.— Start with honest orientation: Knowing your starting point is essential before plotting a path forward.— Executive involvement is non-negotiable: Transformations can't be delegated. Leadership must model the change and communicate relentlessly.— Product-led is about mindset, not just teams: Everyone should operate within the product model, but not all need to be on product teams.— Pace matters: Organisations must assess their capacity for change and determine the right balance between ambition and sustainability.— Give grace for the learning curve: People need space to be bad at new things before they get good—psychological safety is essential.Chapters0:00 – Introduction & the myth of sneaky transformations1:01 – Jen's background and path into product2:53 – What transformation really means5:53 – Defining honest orientation8:00 – What is transformation theatre?12:09 – When real change feels fake13:04 – The importance of executive commitment16:04 – Why transformations fail19:11 – Common catalysts for transformation22:06 – Product-led vs product thinking25:00 – Who's in the opOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we're talking about one of the biggest blind spots in leadership today—the difference between leading from fear and leading with trust. So many of us were taught to prioritize logic, results, and control in the workplace. But the truth is, we're emotional beings, not rational machines. And when we ignore the emotional side of leadership, we unintentionally create environments where fear—not engagement—drives behavior. My guest this week is Thomas Gelmi, a global leadership expert who helps organizations strengthen what he calls “human skills”—the emotional intelligence and self-awareness needed to lead with empathy, humility, and trust. In this conversation, we talk about why so many leaders get promoted despite emotional blind spots, and how this disconnect impacts psychological safety, performance, and retention. We also explore the emotional cost of high pressure, what makes 360 feedback so powerful, and how leaders can begin shifting from fear-based habits to more confident, connected leadership. If you've ever wondered whether emotional intelligence really matters in the workplace, this episode makes the business case—loud and clear.About My GuestExecutive Coach Thomas Gelmi has been a trusted advisor to leaders and their teams for more than two decades. His programs, which have attracted roughly 10,000 participants from nearly 90 countries, reflect his adaptability and appeal across cultures and industries. Thomas works in four languages and his clients range from global corporations to SMEs and private individuals worldwide.Thomas draws on an extraordinary biography with exciting milestones, such as his many years as a Maître de Cabine, leading cabin crew at Swissair, and eight years as operations manager of an international leadership development company. In addition to his extensive professional experience, he also gathered years of experience as a trained caregiver, providing psychological assistance to victims in crises, accidents, and other extreme situations.~Connect with Thomas:Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/thomas.gelmi/ LinkedIn: http://ch.linkedin.com/in/thomasgelmi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasgelmi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thomasgelmi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomas.gelmi ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Episode overview: Guidione Machava has a confession: he's tired of being called an "African designer." The Mozambican product designer, now based in France and fresh from stints at Shopify and Paris-based 23point5, reckons that geographic qualifiers automatically strip away a third of your professional value before you've even started. It's a provocative stance from someone who's built his career bridging African markets and global tech giants. Since launching- MozDevz - Mozambique's largest developer community - over a decade ago, Machava has been methodically executing what he calls his "Maria Sharapova strategy": a systematic approach to becoming world-class that he lifted from a Tim Ferriss podcast. The strategy worked. From building communities across six African countries to creating a business directory that attracted 300,000 SMEs, to founding Kabum Digital (Mozambique's leading tech publication), Machava has consistently punched above his weight class. His secret? "Piggybacking" on successful people and refusing to let his environment dictate his ambitions. Andile Masuku probes Machava on the realities of designing for African versus Western markets, why physical product development taught him to appreciate software's forgiving nature, and his mission to prove that world-class design talent can emerge from anywhere, provided you're strategic about how you position it. Key insights: - On strategic positioning: Despite building African communities and solving African problems, Machava deliberately brands himself as a "world-class designer" rather than a "world-class African designer." His reasoning? International clients and collaborators unconsciously devalue geography-qualified talent, even when they won't admit it. - On market realities: Designing for Western markets versus African markets isn't just about different user needs, it's about fundamentally different quality bars. "In Africa, designing a product that works well is a plus. In France, it's the bare minimum," he observes. - On the intersection economy: His time at 23.5—building design tools for made-to-order, sustainable fashion—taught him that the intersection of digital and physical economies is where the hardest, most rewarding innovation happens. Unlike software, physical products offer no "rollback to previous version" option. - On manufactured serendipity: Rather than waiting for opportunities, Machava systematically identified people in positions he wanted to occupy, then found ways to provide value to them. The approach landed him interviews with executives from IDEO, Google, and Facebook for his World Class Designer podcast. Notable moments: 1. How a Tim Ferriss interview with tennis champion Maria Sharapova became Machava's career template for achieving world-class performance in design 2. Why Shopify's hierarchy of priorities—solve merchants' problems first, make money second, never reverse that order—fundamentally changed how he approaches product design 3. The brutal economics lesson he learned at 23point5: physical product margins are tiny, error tolerance is minimal, and mistakes literally end up in landfills 4. His unconventional path from economics degree to postgraduate design studies, convincing Open Window Institute for Creative Arts & Technologies to let him skip three years of undergraduate work The contrarian take: Machava's most provocative insight centres on geographic positioning. Whilst celebrating African innovation has become fashionable, he argues that leading with continental identity in global markets is a strategic error. "If you say just 'world-class designer,' it's a completely different perspective," he notes, drawing from conversations with international colleagues who've confirmed his suspicions about unconscious bias.