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Security expert Jonathan Baier joins Brittany Arthur to explore how business leaders can approach AI security strategically. Learn practical frameworks for implementing AI while protecting what matters most to your organization.

What You'll Learn

Reframe Security as Strategy

• How security teams can accelerate AI initiatives rather than slow them down
• The three types of AI security every executive must understand: of AI, from AI, and with AI
• Moving from "we need AI" to identifying specific value-creating opportunities

Bridge the Gap Between Business and Security

• Practical frameworks for non-technical leaders to have meaningful security conversations
• Why 70% of AI success depends on people, not algorithms
• How to ask the right questions when you don't have deep technical knowledge

Master the Innovation-Protection Balance

• When to take calculated risks vs. when to proceed more cautiously
• Real examples of companies navigating AI security decisions
• Starting with business problems rather than AI solutions

Key Takeaways

✅ Security becomes a competitive advantage when technology access is democratized

✅ Your differentiators are data, process, and people—not the technology itself

✅ Every business question becomes a security question at scale

✅ Curiosity and mindful experimentation beat both paralysis and reckless confidence

✅ Small companies need shared security understanding, not dedicated security officers

3 Power Quotes for Sound Bites

1. On AI's Limitations

"AI gives us what we ask for and not necessarily what we need."

2. On Taking the Right Approach

"You actually shouldn't start with AI. You should start with what is your problem that you're trying to solve?"

3. On Security Team Partnerships

"I think many security teams want to be helpful, but they've sort of gotten stereotyped as they're going to get in the way. And so they're not used to someone coming and saying, hey, let's work together and figure out how to do this. But I think they're very much excited to do that."

Connect with Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbaier/

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We're living through what Dr. Staples calls "an inflection point with the global political economy"—a moment when the assumptions that guided business strategy for decades no longer apply. For senior executives, this creates both unprecedented complexity and extraordinary opportunity.

This 50-minute conversation offers something rare: the strategic depth to understand not just what's changing, but how to think about change itself.

The Questions That Shape Strategy

On Transformation

"The space for not doing anything has gotten smaller and smaller. The opportunity to make excuses for not innovating has diminished."

We explore why innovation has shifted from "nice to have" to existential necessity across Asia-Pacific, and what this means for organizations still approaching AI as incremental improvement.

On Geopolitical Reality

"Don't make us choose between China, our biggest trading partner, and America, our biggest investor."

Dr. Staples illuminates how middle powers are navigating an increasingly complex world where your technology choices have become geopolitical decisions—and why understanding this is crucial for any global executive.

On Strategic Ownership

"You have to take ownership of AI because it could be fundamental to what your business becomes."

We examine why the most successful organizations are treating AI as a strategic capability to own, not a service to outsource, and how this shapes everything from board composition to operational planning.

What You'll Discover

Historical Context for Modern Challenges
How past technological transformations offer frameworks for navigating today's complexity, from the Industrial Revolution to containerization to electrification.

Regional Opportunities in Plain Sight
Why Vietnam is becoming the quiet beneficiary of US-China tensions, how Malaysia is threading the needle between superpowers, and what Singapore's digital government reveals about the art of the possible.

The Three Models of AI Governance
How America's "unfettered innovation," China's "state control," and Europe's "individual sovereignty" approaches are creating different competitive landscapes across regions.

Practical Frameworks for Uncertainty
Dr. Staples' approach to "controlling what you can" while geopolitical forces settle, and why scenario planning has become an essential leadership skill.

This isn't about predicting the future—it's about developing the strategic thinking to navigate fundamental uncertainty. Whether you're making technology architecture decisions, planning market entry strategies, or simply trying to understand how global forces shape local opportunities, this conversation provides frameworks that transcend immediate headlines.

As Dr. Staples notes: "We've had waves of disruption before and we've adjusted and adapted. The question is whether this time is fundamentally different—and how do we think about that?"

For leaders who prefer depth over speed, context over quick fixes, and strategic thinking over tactical reactions.

Sometimes the most practical thing you can do is step back and understand the forces shaping your decisions.

Connect with Andy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystaples/

https://geopolasia.com/

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塚本奈々美さんに迫る - モータースポーツとビジネス界のあらゆるルールを打ち破った女性。ブラジル生まれ、日本育ちの移民の子として育ち、レーシング・ドリフト・ラリーの3分野で活躍する世界唯一の女性プロドライバー（有名な「三刀流」）でありながら、大陸をまたぐパーソナルブランド帝国を築き上げた彼女の物語。

このエピソードで学べること

✨「人と違う」ことを最大のビジネス武器に変える方法

✨ 男性社会でスポンサーシップを獲得した個人ブランディング戦略

✨ なぜ専門化ではなく「アンド」アプローチを選んだのか（あなたも実践可能）

✨ チャンス評価とブランド保護のための意思決定フレームワーク

✨ 高速モータースポーツから学ぶ驚きのビジネス教訓

人生を変える洞察

💡 「あなたのような人」が存在しない業界での生き抜き方

💡  日本のビジネス文化における本物の関係構築術

💡  なぜ彼女が自動車メーカーになろうとしているのか（本当です！）

💡  東京にモータースポーツ施設建設の戦略

💡  工場労働者の娘から国際的レーシングスターへのマインドセット転換

🎯 このエピソードは起業家、ビジネスプロフェッショナル、パーソナルブランド構築中の方、そして「それは無理」と言われたことがある全ての人に最適です。

これは単なるレーシングストーリーではありません。障害をチャンスに変え、本物の関係を築き、予想外の方法で価値を創造するマスタークラスです。奈美さんは、時として最も強力なビジネス戦略は単に「本物の自分でいること」だと証明しています。

 今すぐ視聴して、可能性の再定義を発見しよう！🚀

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合同会社デザイン思考日本の2025年の未来シグナルの研究について、2人の特別な共同ホスト、つまり2つのAI音声と共に深く掘り下げます。ビジネスのやり方を再構築する4つの重要なトレンドを探求していきます：

🔸 AI + Human - AIと人間の知性が協力パートナーとして機能 

🔸 Autonomous Partnerships - 戦略的独立性を持って動作するAIエージェント

🔸 Immersive Reality - 物理世界とデジタル世界のシームレスな融合 

🔸 Biological Interactions - 人間の生物学的反応に応答するテクノロジー

我々のAIゲストが、先進的なリーダーたちの戦略的決定を既に推進している研究を分析します。これは、テクノロジーが実際にどこに向かっているのかについて、内部者の視点を得ることと考えてください。

Signals研究は、我々の戦略的業務における内部指針として始まりました。我々が発見したのは、AIのハイプサイクルを越えた明確さ、つまり競争優位性に直接変換できる洞察に対する、業界全体に渡る広範囲な渇望でした。

我々の洞察は伝統的にクライアントやパートナー向けに限定されてきましたが、今日のAI環境はより透明性のあるアプローチを求めています。そのため、我々はこのレポートを公開することを選択しました。我々のコミットメントは、Human Centered, AI Accelerated™が実践においてどのような意味を持つかについて有意義な議論を推進することです。

このレポートは、先進的な経営陣がAIの変曲点を戦略的優位性に転換し、人間の叡智とAI能力の融合点で前例のない価値を創造している様子を明らかにします。

あなたのシグナルへようこそ。

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We're diving deep into Design Thinking Japan's Future Signals 2025 research with two special co-hosts, two AI voices exploring the four critical trends reshaping how business gets done:

🔸 AI + Human - AI and human intelligence as collaborative partners 

🔸 Autonomous Partnerships - AI agents operating with strategic independence 

🔸 Immersive Reality - Physical and digital worlds becoming seamless 

🔸 Biological Interactions - Technology responding to human biology

Our AI guests break down research that's already driving strategic decisions for forward-thinking leaders. Think of it as getting the insider perspective on where technology is actually heading.

The Signals research began as an internal compass for our strategic work. What we discovered was a widespread hunger across industries for clarity beyond the AI hype cycle—insights that translate directly to competitive advantage. 

While our insights have traditionally been reserved for our clients and partners, today's AI landscape demands a more transparent approach. That's why we've chosen to share this report publicly. Our commitment is to drive meaningful conversation about what Human Centered, AI Accelerated™ means in practice. 

This report reveals how forward-thinking executives are turning AI's inflection point into strategic dominance—creating unprecedented value at the convergence of human wisdom and AI capability. 

Welcome to your signals. 

...

Resources:
* Full Future Signals 2025 report: designthinkingjapan.com
* Strategic consultations: [email protected]

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Welcome to the Business Karakie Podcast. Today's episode reveals the untapped potential of AI through design leadership. Design expert Fede Ponce shares how multimodal design systems - not just visual interfaces - are the key to building trust in AI. From autonomous vehicles to daily digital interactions, Fede offers surprising insights about how emotions and cultural context shape successful AI adoption. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the future of AI and design leadership.

Key Points and Takeaways 

✨ Redefining AI Implementation Through Design

• Key Point: The success of AI initiatives depends on design leadership, not just technical capability
• Takeaway: C-suite leaders must prioritize design thinking in their AI strategy to ensure meaningful adoption

✨ The Trust Imperative

• Key Point: Trust in AI systems is built through sophisticated design transparency
• Takeaway: Organizations need to invest in design systems that make AI decision-making visible and understandable

✨ Cultural Intelligence in AI Design

• Key Point: AI interfaces must adapt to cultural contexts, particularly in Asian markets
• Takeaway: Success in global markets requires culturally-informed design systems

✨ Future of AI Interaction

• Key Point: Next-generation AI interfaces will be dynamic and context-aware
• Takeaway: Organizations need to prepare for a shift from static to adaptive AI systems

✨ Leadership in the AI Age

• Key Point: Design leaders must focus on meta-level thinking rather than just tools
• Takeaway: C-suite executives should champion design in AI strategy

Five Strategic Insights from Fede Ponce

1. "The automation paradox shows us that as user perception of automation increases, their cognitive effort decreases. Without proper design for transparency, this creates significant business risks."
2. "Leaders need to move beyond thinking about AI as a tool and focus on meta thinking - understanding how AI arrives at solutions and how humans interact with these processes."
3. "Future design systems must be multimodal, considering all human senses and cultural contexts. This is particularly crucial in markets like Japan where user expectations are sophisticated."
4. "The future of business interfaces lies in dynamic, context-aware AI systems that adapt to user needs and organizational contexts."
5. "Design leadership in the AI age isn't about mastering tools - it's about understanding how to create meaningful human-AI collaboration frameworks."

Connect with Fede here; 

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Welcome to this episode of the Business Karaoke Podcast, where we delve into the transformative world of design thinking and change management with Ryan Hart, a seasoned expert in customer experience and innovation. Ryan's journey spans multiple industries and continents, bringing a wealth of knowledge from his work with global giants like PwC, HSBC, and Pacific Life.

In this episode, Ryan shares his insights on how organizations can successfully navigate the complex landscape of innovation by reframing problems, empathizing with users, and fostering both top-down and grassroots change. Whether you're a leader seeking to drive organizational transformation or an individual aiming to make an impact from within, Ryan's practical advice and compelling stories offer invaluable guidance. Join us for an engaging conversation that uncovers the secrets to unlocking innovation and achieving lasting success in today's fast-paced business world. Don't miss out on these powerful lessons that could change the way you approach business challenges!

Key Points and Takeaways

✨ Reframing Problems for Innovation

• Key Point: Organizations often focus on solving the wrong problems due to misidentified issues.
• Takeaway: Start by reframing the problem to understand the core issues, often through customer research and usability testing, to drive innovation effectively.

✨ Importance of Customer-Centric Design

• Key Point: Empathizing with user needs is essential for successful change management and design thinking initiatives.
• Takeaway: Conduct deep research to understand customer and employee needs, ensuring that solutions are aligned with their expectations.

✨ The Role of Change Management in Design Thinking

• Key Point: Change management is integral to implementing design thinking and innovation strategies.
• Takeaway: Approach change as a collaborative process, involving stakeholders at all levels to ensure initiatives are adopted and sustained.

✨ Challenges and Opportunities in Transformation

• Key Point: Transformation efforts must consider organizational maturity and readiness for change.
• Takeaway: Be aware of the "frozen middle" in organizations and work to engage all employees in the change process.

✨ Balancing Leadership and Grassroots Initiatives

• Key Point: Successful change requires both top-down and grassroots support.
• Takeaway: Encourage leadership to be accessible and foster grassroots initiatives that empower employees to drive change.

Five Key Quotes from Ryan Hart

1. "Reframing the problem is often the first step in truly understanding the core issues organizations face."
2. "Empathy is at the heart of successful design thinking and change management; without it, initiatives often fail to resonate."
3. "You can't change the direction of an oil tanker on a dime; transformation takes time and commitment."
4. "Grassroots initiatives, driven by passionate employees, can be just as powerful as top-down strategies in driving change."
5. "Always keep an eye on the needs of the customer; they will guide you toward the right direction."

Connect with Ryan here.

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Welcome to this episode of the Business Karaoke Podcast, where we explore the intricate dynamics of manufacturing in Japan as a foreign-led startup. Today, I am incredibly proud to introduce Beau Becker, a unique mix of entrepreneur, executive, and engineer, who is making waves in Japan's business landscape. Beau is the Founder of Reiwa Pharmaceuticals and brings a wealth of experience in international business development, strategic partnerships, and manufacturing operations, with notable experience in both Japan and China. His journey from the United States to Japan, and his dedication to cultural integration and linguistic proficiency, offers invaluable insights into building strong manufacturing relationships in Japan. Join us as we dive into Beau's experiences, challenges, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Key Points and Takeaways

✨ Trust in Manufacturing Partnerships
👉 Key Point: Trust is the cornerstone of successful manufacturing partnerships in Japan.
🎯 Takeaway: Building trust requires direct communication and frequent visits to manufacturing sites to foster mutual understanding and reliability.

✨ Cultural Integration and Language Proficiency
👉 Key Point: Mastering the Japanese language and understanding cultural nuances are crucial for effective business operations.
🎯 Takeaway: Invest time in learning the language and culture to build stronger, more respectful business relationships.

✨ Flexibility in Product Development
👉 Key Point: Flexibility and adaptability in product design are essential when working with Japanese manufacturers.
🎯 Takeaway: Be prepared to make adjustments based on manufacturing capabilities and quality standards to achieve successful outcomes.

✨ Challenges for Startups
👉 Key Point: Finding reliable partners and maintaining quality are significant challenges for startups in Japan.
🎯 Takeaway: Approach initial product designs with flexibility and adapt them to align with manufacturing capabilities.

✨ Long-Term Vision and Commitment
👉 Key Point: A long-term commitment and vision are vital for sustained success in the Japanese market.
🎯 Takeaway: Cultivate enduring relationships with partners and continuously strive for improvement and innovation.

Five Key Quotes from Beau Becker

1. "Trust is the cornerstone of successful manufacturing partnerships in Japan. Without it, you can't build anything lasting."
   • Emphasizing the fundamental role of trust in business relationships.
2. "Learning Japanese and embracing the culture are not just beneficial; they are essential for anyone serious about doing business here."
   • Highlighting the importance of cultural and linguistic integration.
3. "Flexibility in product design and development is crucial. You have to adapt to the manufacturing capabilities and standards here."
   • Stressing the need for adaptability in product development.
4. "Startups face the dual challenge of finding reliable partners and maintaining high-quality standards. It's not easy, but it's possible with the right approach."
   • Discussing the challenges and opportunities for startups in Japan.
5. "A long-term commitment to your vision and partnerships is what will ultimately lead to success in the Japanese market."
   • Advocating for a sustained, long-term approach to business.

These insights and more await you in this episode of the Business Karaoke Podcast. Tune in to learn from Beau Becker's rich experiences and gain a deeper understanding of building successful business relationships in Japan.

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先日のビジネスカラオケポッドキャストでは、Beau Becker氏が日本の製造業について語りました。彼は、成功するためには製造パートナーとの信頼関係が欠かせないと強調し、工場を直接訪問して信頼を築く重要性を説きました。また、スタートアップにとって、信頼できるパートナーを見つけることや品質を維持することが大きな課題であることも共有しました。そのため、初期の製品デザインに対して柔軟性を持ち、製造能力に合わせて適応させることが求められると述べました。

外国人でもあるにもかかわらず、Beauさんは私にもっと日本語のエピソードを復活させるよう勧めてくれた。だから、久しぶりの日本語エピソードとして彼を紹介できることをとても嬉しく思う。

さらに、彼は日本語スキルの重要性にも触れ、日本の製造業者との円滑なコミュニケーションのためには日本語が不可欠であると強調しました。Beau Becker氏は、日本の製造業は高品質と信頼性で知られており、円安が外国企業にとって大きなチャンスを提供していることから、「メイド・イン・ジャパン」ブランドの強みを活用するべきだと語りました。

最後に、製品開発においては妥協が必要であり、最も重要な側面を優先しつつも柔軟に対応することが成功の鍵であると述べました。Beau Becker氏の経験と洞察は、日本の製造業と協力する際の課題と機会を深く理解するための貴重な指針を提供しました。

以下は、ビジネスカラオケポッドキャストのエピソードのハイライトと学びです。

✨ 製造パートナーとの信頼構築の重要性
👉 ポイント: 製造パートナーとの信頼関係が成功の鍵。
🎯 学び: 工場を訪問して直接コミュニケーションを取り、信頼を築くことが大切。

✨ 製品開発の課題
👉 ポイント: 信頼できる製造パートナーを見つけ、品質を維持するのは困難。
🎯 学び: 初期デザインを製造能力に合わせて適応させる柔軟性が必要。

✨ 日本語スキルの重要性
👉 ポイント: 日本の製造業者と取引する際には日本語スキルが不可欠。
🎯 学び: 交渉やコミュニケーションを円滑に進めるために、日本語を学ぶか、日本語ができるチームメンバーを参加させることが重要。

✨ 日本の製造業への楽観視
👉 ポイント: 日本の製造業は高品質で信頼性があり、円安が外国企業にとってのチャンスを提供。
🎯 学び: 「メイド・イン・ジャパン」ブランドを活用し、成長機会を探る。

✨ 製品開発の柔軟性
👉 ポイント: 製造能力に適応し、実現可能性を維持するために妥協が必要。
🎯 学び: 製品の重要な側面を優先し、成功するために柔軟性を持つことが重要。

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beaubecker/
Website: https://www.reiwaseiyaku.co.jp/

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Matthew Kyle is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of weConnect and Co-Founder of Arigato Travel. Matthew shares his remarkable skill in taking a vision to venture, not as the No. 1 but as the No. 2. This important story highlights the often underappreciated role of the second-in-command in business success.

Matthew's career is a testament to the power of adaptability, having transitioned from professional basketball to strategic business roles. Known for his genuine curiosity and dynamic communication skills, Matthew has driven impressive growth throughout his career by making his supportive roles incredibly impactful.

Tune in to learn how supportive leadership, trust, and effective communication can transform visions into thriving ventures. Whether you're a founder or a supportive leader, this episode offers valuable insights on scaling businesses, managing expectations, and leveraging personal strengths for success. 

8 Key Points and Takeaways

✨ Importance of Adaptability and Finding Your Place
👉 Key Point: Matthew emphasized the significance of finding a role that suits you, even if it's not the founder or CEO.
🎯 Takeaway: It's crucial to understand your strengths and passions and align them with a role that allows you to thrive, regardless of titles.

✨ The Value of Being a Supportive Number Two
 👉 Key Point: Matthew highlighted that you don't have to be the founder to make a significant impact and find fulfillment in your work.
🎯 Takeaway: Embrace roles that allow you to support and amplify the vision of the founder, contributing to the company's success.

✨ 3. Expectation Management
👉 Key Point: Mismanaged expectations can lead to disappointment and disengagement.
🎯 Takeaway: Set realistic expectations and strive to under-promise and over-deliver to build trust and maintain motivation.

✨ 4. Transition and Evolution
👉 Key Point: Recognize when it's time to pivot or evolve in your career to find fulfillment and happiness.
🎯 Takeaway: Evaluate your current role and assess if it aligns with your long-term goals and personal fulfillment. Don't be afraid to make changes if necessary.

✨ 5. The Power of Trust and Communication
👉 Key Point: Trust and clear communication are essential in both professional and personal relationships.
🎯 Takeaway: Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with your colleagues and partners. Communicate openly and clearly to avoid misunderstandings and build a cohesive team.

✨ 6. Balancing Multiple Roles
👉 Key Point: Navigating multiple roles, such as being a spouse and business partner, requires clear boundaries and communication.
🎯 Takeaway: Identify and acknowledge the different hats you wear and communicate effectively to balance personal and professional dynamics.

✨ 7. Leveraging Personal Skills for Business Success
👉 Key Point: Matthew's experience as a professional athlete and his ability to adapt played a crucial role in his business success.
🎯 Takeaway: Leverage your unique experiences and skills to add value to your business and differentiate yourself in the market.

✨ 8. Embracing Continuous Learning and Improvement
👉 Key Point: Matthew emphasized the importance of continuous learning and creating standard operating procedures to scale businesses effectively.
🎯 Takeaway: Commit to continuous improvement and learning. Develop clear procedures to ensure consistency and scalability in your business operations.

Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkyle/