Changing Careers with Conrad Chua

Startups focus a lot on product, marketing and growth functions but as they mature, there is an increased focus on the finance function. This is not just to control costs but also to put money where the best growth opportunities are. There is also a need to look at the longer-term in addition to short-term. Akshay Sarma is a CFO at axio, one of India's fast growing startups. He has had extensive experience in finance working for large multinationals and also in the startup world. Akshay will tell us his views on how the finance function adds value to a startup, how the CFO should work with others and the skills one needs to be a great CFO.

What drives the UK economy and what are its future prospects? Professor Simon Deakin is the Director for the Centre for Business Research at CJBS and he will share his thoughts especially on the crucial aspects of productivity and investments shaping the UK's economic landscape.

1. Explore the Role of Services: Understand why services are the backbone of the UK economy.

2. Deep Dive into Productivity: Discover the causes of low productivity growth, its implications, and potential solutions to this critical issue.

3. Investment Insights: Examine current investment figures.

4. New Policy Strategies: Learn about the state of public finances and the growth levers within a tight budget.

Are you optimistic about the UK economy’s growth prospects in the next 5 years?

Discover the Challenges and Opportunities:

We'll explore the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize industries, from steel production to aviation. Learn about the technological and economic hurdles that need to be overcome for widespread adoption. Ujjwal Pandey has co-written a case on green hydrogen and we'll discuss key factors that will determine its success, including cost reduction, policy support, and technological advancements.

🚀 Dive into AI implementation, ethics and regulation! 🚀

Curious about how enterprises are navigating the complex world of AI implementation? Join us for an eye-opening livestream featuring Imogen Palmer and Faisal Sultan two people at the coal face of enterprise AI implementation and regulation.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

1. **LLMs vs SLMs**: Understand the differences and make informed decisions.

2. **Ethics and Regulation**: Navigate the major frameworks and ethical considerations in AI.

3. **Supplier Questions**: What to ask when bringing in off-the-shelf AI models.

👥 We'll also explore the roles of Chief AI Officers and AI ethicists, and discuss how companies can address anxieties around AI adoption.

Join us to learn, ask questions, and share your experiences in how your company is handling AI implementation.

Join Us for a Deep Dive with Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan! 🧬**

Are you ready to learn about the current science on ageing? 🌟 We're thrilled to announce our upcoming livestream with Prof. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize-winning biologist and author of "Why We Die."

🔍 **What You'll Learn:**

- The science behind aging and the pivotal role of proteins in our biology.

- Insights into groundbreaking research in gerontology and its future impact.

- How public health advancements have changed life expectancy and what challenges remain.

- The intersection of Silicon Valley innovation and the quest to extend human lifespan. Can we trust Silicon Valley tech bros with the keys to longevity?

🏢 **Business of Longevity:**

- How will companies and societies adapt to an aging workforce?

- Strategies for employing people beyond traditional retirement age.

- Tips for individuals to manage their careers if we’re going to live until 90 or 100.

🌐 **Don't Miss Out!** Whether you’re a business leader, a policy maker, or just curious about the future of ageing, this livestream will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways.

👥 **Engage with Us:**

What do you think about the future of ageing? Do you think the person who will live to 150 is already alive today? How do you think businesses should prepare for an older workforce?

Diving Deep into the Future of E-Commerce 🚀

📦 How are innovative models like Temu reshaping shopping globally?

Join us for an enlightening live session with Somesh Dwivedi, Global e-Commerce Director at Essity, as we explore new e-commerce strategies and what they mean for businesses and consumers alike. In this episode, you’ll gain insights into:

1. Innovative Business Models: Understand the mechanics behind models like Temu.

2. Marketing and Customer Experience: How are e-commerce platforms optimizing marketing spend. How do e-commerce companies handle the ballooning costs of returns?

3. Competitive Dynamics: A deep dive into the strategic differences between Shopify and Amazon, and the broader implications for global e-commerce players.

4. Role of AI in e-commerce

Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or simply curious about the future of shopping, this discussion will arm you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of e-commerce.

Ready to explore the future of agribusiness in Africa? Africa is not one homogenous market so join us to learn more about the nuances. Join this livestream with Micheline Ntiru, a powerhouse in sustainable ventures! 🚀

Discover:

1. Cutting-edge investments transforming African agribusiness.

2. How farmers are adapting and thriving.

3. Insights into entrepreneurship, eMobility, VC funding, and women in business.

Be part of the conversation shaping an exciting continent's future.

Ready to dive into the fascinating world of music, AI, and gender equity? Join Mira Howard, executive at record label Snafu Records , for a livestream that pulls back the curtain on the music industry!

Discover the inner workings of record labels and artist revenue streams. Learn why Taylor Swift re-recorded her music and how AI is revolutionizing artist discovery at Snafu. We'll also tackle the crucial topic of gender inequity in the music business and explore the impact of streaming and financialisation on the industry.

Gain insights on:

- The roles of record labels vs. record companies

- How artists earn through streaming, touring, and sales

- The use of AI in music

- Addressing gender gaps and empowering female talent

- The relationship between record companies, artistes and platforms like TikTok and YouTube Music

Don't miss this chance to understand the dynamics that shape the music we love!

What’s your take on AI's role in the future of music? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

In many companies, there are several layers between developing strategy and the customer. The best plans and presentations crumble on the first contact with customers and the best companies can rapidly collect, clean and learn from customer data.

Whether you are grappling with customer churn, or figuring out what's going on between strategy and execution, our guest Vignesh Chandran has more than 10 years of experience working with top companies on precisely these problems.

Learn how you can develop better strategies that can be better executed based on good data.

Dive into the heart of finance with David Pitt-Watson, a pioneering figure in responsible investment and a passionate advocate for the finance sector's societal role. As a co-founder of Hermes Focus Funds, David brings a wealth of experience and insight into how finance can serve a greater good. David is also a Visiting Fellow at CJBS and teaches the award-winning course Purpose of Finance.

**Why Should You Tune In?**

**Experience and Expertise**: Gain insights from David's extensive career, including his leadership in creating the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and his advocacy for finance as a force for positive societal impact.

**Unlock the True Potential of Finance**: Explore David's vision for a finance industry that fulfills its true purpose, supporting sustainable development and contributing to a better world.

**Challenges and Opportunities**: Learn from David's unique perspective on the current state of the finance sector, its impact, and the transformative path forward.