Hello, and welcome to our final episode of the first season of  "12 Minutes with Berc." 
In this episode, our guest is Ekim Serifoglu, who brings over a two decades of expertise in strategic planning and business development. She is currently serving as Vice President role of Strategy Planning at Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

We dived into resilience in leadership and emphasized how important it is to be staying grounded, adaptable, and emotionally steady through pressure, failure, and uncertainty.

Hello, and welcome back to "12 Minutes with Berc." 

In this episode, we unpack the power of motivation and how it’s evolving in today’s fast-changing work culture.

Our guest, Nazlı Berberoğlu, a seasoned leader in brand management and business development, shares her perspective on intrinsic drive, independent thinking, and staying resilient through uncertainty.

As the Country Manager of Coca-Cola for Bahrain and Qatar, Nazlı draws from real-world leadership experience across the Middle East, discussing how to stay motivated when navigating crises like the pandemic, and how “smart leadership” today means empowering others to unlock their strengths.

 Tune in for a rich conversation on cultivating sustainable motivation in modern work environments.

Hello, and welcome back to "12 Minutes with Berc." 

As you know we were going over World Economic Forum Report "Future of Jobs" in our podcast series. 

As 2025 report is revelaed; we have seen that the Core Skills topics we have covered still exist with more importance for the upcoming years.

Cognitive skills cannot be replaceable by generative AI. AI will replace most of our daily tasks and most of our current skills and capabilities, not the future, but cognitive skills will stay.

Analytical thinking, which is a process of breaking down complex problems into smaller parts to better understand. It involves evaluating data, identifying patterns, and drawing logical conclusions to make informed decisions. In my opinion, also, analytical thinking empowers humankind to ask the right questions.

In this episode, our guest is Tuğba Fırdolaş Efendigil; over a decade of expertise and experience in research and data analytics with a PhD from Yıldız Technical University; experience as a research scientist at MIT and now serving as an Assistant Professor at Boston University. She is renowned for delivering high impact, innovative solutions powered by AI and ML.

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ" another essential skill future professionals need is highlighted. Guest of Berç Çubukciyan in this episode is Adel Baraja, CEO of Publicis Saudi. With over 22 years of global experience in advertising, marketing, brand building and strategic leadership; Adel brings expertise to the table. Previously, Adel showed as Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia; driving “Invest Saudi” Initiative.  
In a world that rapidly evolving, leadership is no longer about holding a title. It is about inspiring others, hosting collaboration and making lasting impact. Social influence, on the other hand it is about the ability to shape perspectives and motivate actions in a positive direction. Together these skills are critical for navigating today's interconnected world and the driving meaningful change. 

In this episode you will find:
* What is Leadership and Social Influence?
* Adapting Leadership for Generation Z
* Key Leadership Skills for Vision 2030
* The Importance of Social Influence
* Empowering Generations through Media and Advertising
* Final Advice for Young Leaders

In just 12 minutes,  in this 9th episode, Berç is hosting one of worlds leader marketing leaders’ to talk about future of skills according to #WEF .
To get to know Adel Baraja: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelbaraja/
Are you ready to gain insights for fostering your personal and professional growth???✨
Listen now! 
Don't forget to follow the podcast to be the first to listen!

Hello, and welcome back to "12 Minutes with Berc." I'm your host, Berc, and today, we’re exploring the core skills you need to know: “Curiosity and Continuous Learning” 
These skills help people adapt to fast-changing technologies and industries. By staying curious and open to learning, they stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Faruk Eczacıbaşı is the president of the Turkish Informatics Foundation (TBV), with the vision of technology for good, a non-governmental organization founded in 1995. In his book "It's Only the Beginning," he explores the opportunities and challenges brought by technological advancements and discusses what the future may hold for the world, both its positive and negative aspects. Also, he is the founder of the Be-Node, a pioneering organization dedicated to reshaping the landscape of how we learn, work, and govern for a sustainable future.
I’m thrilled to have Faruk Eczacıbasi joining us today on "12 Minutes with Berç."

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ"guest of Berc Cubukciyan is Ussal Şahbaz, a thought leader at the intersection of technology, business, and policymaking.
 
With over 20 years of experience, Ussal runs a government affairs consultancy spanning Istanbul and Dubai, and he frequently contributes to global discussions through his columns in Turkey’s leading business newspaper, Ekonomim.
 
Ussal Şahbaz emphasizes how “Empathy and active listening” skills are crucial for effective decision-making and professional success. He explains challenges faced by tech executives and the significance of understanding stakeholders' perspectives. Ussal Şahbaz highlights that empathy is a learnable skill, offering advice for Gen Z to cultivate these abilities in the digital age. 
 
You will find in this episode:
What is Empathy and Active Listening?
Empathy in Decision Making
The Importance of Listening
Challenges for Tech Executives
Empathy as a Learnable Skill
Active Listening in Personal Life
Future Skills for Gen Z
Developing Active Listening Skills
Common Ground in Communication 

✨ Join us as we explore the transformative power of core skills every week; and gain valuable insights & strategies to adapt and excel in an ever-changing #professional landscape.

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ" another essential skill future professionals need is highlighted. Guest of Berç Çubukciyan in this episode is one of Saudi Arabia's most influential leaders in the digital transformation Marwan Al Zamil. 

AI is revolutionizing every sector, with over 20 years of experience, Marwan shares his deep insights into the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in driving the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As Vision 2030 is a blueprint for creating an innovative and sustainable ecosystem in the Kingdom, these technologies are not just tools but foundational elements that drive digital transformation across multiple sectors, including:

• Banking
• National Security
• Real Estate

In this episode you will find:
-The Importance of AI and Big Data
-AI and Big Data as Enablers of Vision 2030
-The Role of Generation Z
-Key Skills for Generation Z
-Data Engineering
-Machine Learning
-Understanding AI and Big Data Applications
-Transformative Impact on Industries
-Emerging Career Opportunities
-Building Careers with AI and Big Data
-Educational Foundation & Real-World Experience 

And of course "Advice for Generation Z"

In just 12 minutes,  in this 6th episode, Berç is hosting one of most experienced engineers and influential leaders in the digital transformation "Marwan Al Zamil" to talk about future of skills according to #WEF .


Are you ready to gain insights for fostering your personal and professional growth???✨

Listen now! 

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ" another essential skill future professionals need is highlighted: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP. Guest of Berç Çubukciyan in this episode is Ani Kharajian.

Ani Kharajian, an expert in executive education and leadership development at Harvard Business School, Global Connector.

How Can Generation Z Embrace Global Citizenship to Drive Positive Change?

One of the most important future skills to have for professionals defined by World Economic Forum is Global Citizenship. 

In this episode you will find:

What is Global Citizenship? 

Why is it Important for Generation Z?
What are the Key Components?
The Importance of Global Citizenship particularly essential for young professionals in Generation Z!
What are the Challenges Faced by Generation Z?
How global citizenship skills can empower Generation Z to contribute to sustainability and social responsibility?

In just 12 minutes,  in this #5 episode, Berç is hosting one of worlds leader academicians’ to talk about future of skills according to #WEF .


Are you ready to gain insights for fostering your personal and professional growth???✨
Listen now! 

Don't forget to follow the podcast to be the first to listen!

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ" another essential skill future professionals need is highlighted. Guest of Berç Çubukciyan in this episode is Jacek Waliszewski.

Jacek Waliszewski, is an Army Special Operations Officer from the US Army with extensive experience in some of the most challenging and dynamic environments.

A writer, and a Green Beret US Army Special Forces Officer. His last Special Forces Mission to Afghanistan was captured in the Award-winning National Geographic Documentary RETROGRADE, which was nominated for 6 Emmys and made it on the Oscar Short List, and Jacek is featured as "Chief Jack."

To get to know Jacek Waliszewski https://www.storiesbyjacek.com/

Are you ready to gain insights for fostering your personal and professional growth???✨
Listen now! 

Next episode will be live next tuesday with one the most popular core skills "Global Citizenship" !

Don't forget to follow the podcast to be the first to listen!

In this episode of "12 Minutes with BERÇ" another essential skill future professionals need is highlighted. Guest of Berç Çubukciyan in this episode is Hana Nemec, Director of External Relations for an upcoming transformative company in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector

Unpacking the core skills you need to thrive in the world of marketing and media—a space that’s not just about advertising but about mastering the art of communication in our digital age.

Understanding marketing and media isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for Gen Z. These skills go beyond posting on social media; they’re about knowing how to connect with people, tell authentic stories, and influence through resonated content.

As a passionate advocate for the opportunities emerging under Vision 2030, Hana's extensive experience in marketing and communications with leading Saudi organizations makes her a prominent and influential voice in the industry.


Meet Hana Nemec! Linked In Link!

Are you ready to gain insights for fostering your personal and professional growth???✨

Listen now! 

Next episode will be live next tuesday with one the most popular core skills "resilience" ! Don't forget to follow the podcast to be the first to listen!