In this episode of the Breakthrough Moments podcast, I’m joined by Othman Boukrami, the Chief Investment Officer and Deputy CEO of TCX, a fund dedicated to enabling sustainable lending in developing countries. Othman shares his journey from Citigroup to the African Development Bank and ultimately to TCX, where he helps alleviate poverty by addressing the challenges of dollar-denominated debt. We dive into TCX's mission to provide local currency lending solutions and reduce exchange rate risks for the least developed countries. Othman also reflects on the impact of the financial crisis and the importance of innovative financial solutions in development finance. Tune in for an insightful discussion on sustainable finance and the future of TCX.Connect with Othman on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/othman-boukrami-0219946/?originalSubdomain=nlLearn more about TCX: https://www.tcxfund.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to TCX and Sustainable Finance03:55 Othman's Journey: From Citigroup to TCX09:21 The Importance of Non-Profit in Sustainable Lending15:45 Impact of the Financial Crisis on TCX20:07 Engaging Investors: The Mission of TCX23:34 Real-World Examples of Debt Challenges26:46 Cultural Perspectives in Development Finance28:39 Adoption of Local Currency Solutions32:11 The Vision for TCX's Future35:34 Final Thoughts and Questions for the Future
#SustainableFinance #LocalCurrencyLending #PovertyAlleviation #DevelopmentFinance #FinancialCrisis #ImpactInvesting #EmergingMarkets #CurrencyExchange #ExchangeRateRisk #DevelopingCountries #TCX #InnovativeFinance #FinancialSolutions #NonProfit #GlobalDevelopment #EmergingMarketFinance #SustainableInvestments #FinancialInclusion

In this episode of the Breakthrough Moments podcast, I'm joined by Katalin Varga, who shares her incredible journey from law to business. After completing my law degree and working in academia, I transitioned to the family business during the 2008-2010 financial crisis, where all hands were needed on deck. I talk about how my father established our company in 1991, originally focusing on various industries before we shifted into insolvency procedures. Over time, we expanded into a diverse portfolio including industrial real estate, tourism, and consultancy.We dive into how trust, team culture, and leadership helped us thrive during challenging times. I share insights on our non-hierarchical structure, where we use a flexible, mission-based approach to maximize creativity and potential within our team. This approach has allowed us to continuously innovate and adapt, ensuring we keep moving forward even when facing tough challenges.
We also discuss the exciting opportunities arising in Hungary’s economy, particularly with Chinese investments and the growing industrial landscape in our region. Tune in to hear how we navigate these challenges and opportunities, and how our core competencies have driven both our consultancy work and our ventures.
Connect with Katalin on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-varga-katalin-7635-pecs/Learn more about the Pannon Group: https://pannoncegcsoport.hu/Follow the Pannon Group on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pannoncegcsoport/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Katalin Varga and Her Journey03:02 The Evolution of the Family Business06:08 Navigating the Financial Crisis08:59 Building a Trust-Based Team Culture11:53 Innovative Management and Organizational Structure15:09 The Duality of Consultancy and Venture21:55 Hungary's Economic Landscape and Future Opportunities
#BusinessLeadership #Innovation #TeamCulture #Insolvency #TrustInBusiness #NonHierarchicalStructure #CrisisManagement #HungaryEconomy #FinancialCrisis #EntrepreneurshipJourney #VentureBuilding #Consultancy #BusinessGrowth #HungaryInvestments #EconomicShift #ChineseInvestments #LeadershipJourney #FamilyBusiness #InnovativeManagement #BusinessStrategy #IndustryGrowth

In this episode of Breakthrough Moments, I sit down with Asli to talk about her journey from working in large corporate companies like Siemens to embracing intrapreneurship and advising startups. We dive into how she navigated corporate disappointment, found inspiration in the startup world, and built an entrepreneurial mindset within a big organization.We also explore the transformative power of AI, how it's shaping both employee and customer experiences, and the impact of innovation culture inside companies. Asli shares her insights on productivity, adaptability, and the importance of being flexible in a fast-changing world.Stick around as we discuss startups, impact investing, and how to pivot when the time is right.
Connect with Asli on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-asli/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Intrapreneurship02:54 Navigating Corporate Disappointment05:55 Fostering Innovation in Corporations09:06 The Startup Ecosystem and Intrapreneurship12:03 AI Projects in Financial Services14:55 Generative AI Trends in Startups18:01 Enhancing Employee Experience with AI20:54 Client Experience Innovations24:01 Future Plans and Impact Ventures27:09 The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability
#Entrepreneurship #Startups #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #CorporateCulture #Intrapreneurship #Technology #FutureOfWork #Productivity #ImpactInvesting #SuccessMindset #EntrepreneurialMindset #Adaptability #Resilience #StartupAdvisor #VentureCapital #TechTrends #DigitalTransformation #BusinessSuccess #Strategy #InnovationCulture #ScalingStartups #CareerGrowth #BreakthroughMoments #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of Breakthrough Moments, I sit down with Szymon Paroszkiewicz, a seasoned entrepreneur in the digital marketing space. We dive into his journey—how he built GreenParrot, the first Polish social media agency, and later expanded into a full-service digital agency. Szymon shares how he bootstrapped his business with zero capital, the challenges of scaling, and why long-term thinking is key to success in marketing.We also explore the evolution of digital marketing, from the early days of convincing businesses to invest in Facebook and YouTube to today’s AI-driven landscape. Szymon breaks down the power of AI in marketing, how it’s changing the way we work, and why small, agile teams can now achieve massive results. We also discuss Human Intelligence, his platform that connects businesses with top freelance marketing experts, and his insights on the future of marketing agencies.
If you're curious about how AI is reshaping the industry, what it takes to stay ahead of the curve, and why failing more might be the key to success, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Connect with Szymon on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/szymonp/?originalSubdomain=ptLearn more about Szymon's company: www.hiondemand.com
#DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AIinMarketing #MarketingTrends #MarketingAgencies #Bootstrapping #MarketingInnovation #InfluencerMarketing #SmallBusinessTips #MarketingAutomation #ArtificialIntelligence #ContentMarketing #MarketingSuccess #StartupLife #FutureOfMarketing #TechEntrepreneur #MarketingTools #FreelanceMarketing #ClientRetention #BusinessStrategy #MarketingEvolution #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaMarketing #MarketingLeadership #AIRevolution

In this episode of Breakthrough Moments, I sit down with Wojciech Falowski, a pioneering engineer and founder of Ecol-unicon, who has spent over three decades advancing sustainable practices in Poland. We dive into his journey from launching a company during Poland’s transition from socialism to capitalism to becoming a key player in environmental protection. Wojciech shares how his company has evolved from consulting to full-scale production, developing innovative solutions for water management, rainwater treatment, and wastewater purification. We also discuss the impact of government changes on business operations, the role of cross-border partnerships in driving sustainability, and the importance of using both technology and nature-based solutions to solve environmental challenges.
We touch on his personal passion for mountaineering, his aspirations for the future, and what keeps him motivated after 30 years in business. If you’re interested in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the realities of working with municipalities and governments, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
👉 Connect with Wojciech on LinkedIn:   / wojciech-falkowski-11524878  Learn more about Ecol Unicorn: https://ecol-unicon.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Wojciech Falowski and Eco Unicorn06:11 The Journey of Establishing Eco Unicorn11:27 Technological Advancements in Environmental Protection21:59 Challenges in Water Quality Management32:28 Cross-Organizational Partnerships for Sustainability38:02 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
#Sustainability #WaterManagement #EnvironmentalEngineering #EcoInnovation #GreenTechnology #ClimateSolutions #NatureBasedSolutions #RainwaterHarvesting

In this episode of Breakthrough Moments, I sit down with Rich Barrett to explore his entrepreneurial journey. Rich has built and sold multiple businesses in the technology and logistics space, including Parcel Monkey. We dive into the ups and downs of scaling a company, the challenges of international expansion, and the lessons learned from setbacks—like a key supplier going bust and a warehouse burning down. Rich shares his thoughts on navigating uncertainty, the importance of rational thinking, and how a strong team makes all the difference.We also talk about what the future of delivery looks like, the impact of competition, and how entrepreneurs can prepare for the unexpected. If you're looking for insights on growing a business, handling challenges, and making smart strategic moves, this episode is for you.
Connect with Rich Barrett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribpx/ Learn more about Parcel Monkey: https://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/about-us
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rich Barrett's Entrepreneurial Journey02:08 The Origin Story of Parcel Monkey06:07 Growth and Evolution of Parcel Monkey10:18 Facing Major Setbacks: Supplier Bankruptcy and Warehouse Fire16:33 Handling Crises: Rational Responses to Unexpected Challenges19:54 Reflecting on the Journey: Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations21:41 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Embracing Change and Control24:05 Challenges of International Expansion: Lessons Learned29:28 Navigating the Exit Process: Staying Involved After Sale34:09 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: A Mindset Shift38:33 Future-Proofing Business: Envisioning the Next Decade
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #TechFounder #Logistics #Ecommerce #ScalingBusiness #Resilience #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership #SuccessStory #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #BusinessLessons #FounderJourney #StartupChallenges #InternationalExpansion #BusinessExit #MindsetMatters #OvercomingObstacles #CEOInsights #TechInnovation #SmallBusiness #OnlineBusiness #GrowthMindset #BreakthroughMoments #RichBarrett #PodcastEpisode #BusinessWisdom

In this episode of Breakthrough Moments, I sit down with David Liddle, a pioneer in conflict resolution, to explore his journey from working in race relations to reshaping how organizations handle conflict. We dive into how he founded the TCM Group, what sparked his shift from individual mediation to institutional change, and why leadership plays a critical role in workplace culture.David shares how organizations can move from being reactive to proactive when it comes to conflict, the importance of listening to employees, and how culture hubs can transform HR. We also touch on the surprising parallels between community conflict and workplace disputes, the real impact of unresolved tensions, and how companies can start making real change today.
If you’re interested in building a more engaged, high-performing workplace, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Connect with David on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liddledavid/ Learn more about the TCM group: https://thetcmgroup.com/
00:00 Introduction to Conflict Resolution and David Liddle03:02 David's Journey: From Race Relations to Conflict Resolution05:51 The Impact of Conflict in Communities and Workplaces09:03 Transitioning from Individual Mediation to Institutional Change11:52 Building a Business Case for Conflict Resolution15:09 Leadership's Role in Shaping Workplace Culture17:55 Proactive vs Reactive Conflict Management20:50 Case Study: Transforming the London Ambulance Service23:52 Celebrating HR Impact and Best Practices25:50 Transforming Conflict Management in Organizations29:45 Listening to Employees: The Key to Change32:11 Understanding Culture Hubs35:19 The Antidote to Traditional HR Practices38:31 The Need for Culture Hubs in Modern Organizations40:20 Balancing Work on vs. In the Business
#Leadership #ConflictResolution #HR #WorkplaceCulture #Mediation #OrganizationalChange #CorporateCulture #PeopleFirst #EmployeeEngagement #FutureOfWork #HighPerformanceTeams #CultureHubs #WorkplaceTransformation #HRInnovation #BusinessLeadership #ManagementStrategies #ProactiveHR #TransformationalCulture #WorkplaceMediation #TrustInLeadership #HumanResources #WorkplaceWellbeing #CorporateGrowth #CompanyCulture

In this episode, I sit down with Neil Cunningham, CEO of Civic Group, to explore his journey from an electrician to leading a company in intelligent transportation systems. We dive into how Civic Group started, the challenges of breaking into a complex industry, and the role of innovation in staying ahead. Neil shares his experience in building a strong team, fostering a culture of trust, and expanding the business into new markets like Lithuania.We also discuss the importance of data in urban planning, the realities of scaling a company, and how leadership evolves over time. Neil opens up about the moment he realized he needed to step back from the daily grind to focus on long-term strategy. He shares his thoughts on health, personal growth, and making the most of life as he reaches a milestone birthday.
This conversation is packed with insights on business, leadership, and innovation—tune in to hear Neil’s story.
Connect with Niel on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-cunningham-a5714023/ learn more about Civic Group: https://civic.ie/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Neil Cunningham and Civic Group05:44 Industry Challenges and Innovations12:06 Fostering a Culture of Innovation19:15 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Help24:20 Transforming Leadership and Management Structure32:12 Expanding Horizons: The Move to Lithuania42:40 The Quest for Business Potential and Future Growth
#Leadership #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmartCities #UrbanPlanning #TrafficManagement #Transportation #ITS #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #Success #TechInnovation #GrowthMindset #CEO #BusinessSuccess #Resilience #DataDriven #ScalingUp #CompanyCulture #Trust #Teamwork #BusinessExpansion #GlobalBusiness #Technology #UrbanDevelopment #Strategy #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerSuccess #FutureThinking #ProblemSolving

In this episode of the Breakthrough Moments podcast, I sit down with Aman Rawat from Fastlane Devs to dive into how they are making AI tangible for businesses. Aman shares his journey from civil engineering to AI, how Fastlane Devs is helping retail and manufacturing companies streamline processes, and the launch of their AI tool, MyPAL. We talk about overcoming skepticism in AI adoption, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the importance of collaboration. Aman also gives insights into the future of AI, data privacy concerns, and how businesses can make AI work for them. If you're curious about where AI is heading and how it can actually empower people, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!Connect with Aman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanrawat/Follow Fastlane Devs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastlanedevs/people/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fastlane Devs and AI Integration02:58 Aman's Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights06:05 The Role of AI in Enhancing Business Processes08:58 Understanding MyPAL: The AI Tool for Collaboration12:10 Navigating AI Agents and Their Applications15:01 Overcoming Objections in AI Adoption18:03 The Future of AI in Business and Society
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessAutomation #StartupGrowth #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #AIIntegration #MachineLearning #ProcessAutomation #RetailTech #ManufacturingInnovation #BusinessStrategy #Leadership #AIForBusiness #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #EnterpriseAI #Automation #TechForGood #ScalingStartups #BusinessGrowth #AIAdoption #Productivity #Collaboration

In this episode of the Breakthrough Moment podcast, I sit down with Pero Mićić, a pioneering entrepreneur and founder of the first private foresight company in the German-speaking world. Pero shares his fascinating journey, from being inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of his peers to building a career focused on helping companies become more future-proof.We talk about his early days of self-employment, the challenges of working with a team, and the importance of having a shared mission. Pero introduces the concept of "future glasses," a unique framework for navigating uncertainties and creating long-term strategies. He also explains how family-owned companies approach foresight differently from public corporations, offering insights into what makes them more sustainable in the long run.Join us as we explore the value of emotional intelligence, leadership dynamics, and farsighted thinking in building businesses that are ready for the future. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a business leader, this conversation is packed with practical insights and timeless lessons.
Connect with Pero Mićić on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peromicic/Check out Pero's Platform: https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pero Mićić02:58 Pero's Entrepreneurial Journey05:53 Building a Team and Company Growth09:00 Communication and Leadership Dynamics
14:51 The Journey of Future Management20:59 The Concept of Future Radar27:09 The Five Futures Glasses32:57 Family-Owned vs. Public Companies39:01 The Future of Business Leadership
#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #FutureProof #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Foresight #FutureGlasses #EmotionalIntelligence #SustainableBusiness #LongTermThinking #BusinessLeadership #Innovation #FutureManagement #FamilyBusiness #PublicCompanies #VisionaryLeadership #StrategicPlanning #BreakthroughMoment #Podcast #PeroMicic #BusinessInsights #FarsightedThinking #CorporateStrategy