What’s your legacy? Host Brett King connects with the 695th Lord Mayor of London, Michael Mainelli, who is the first American born Lord Mayor of London. A scientist, economist and accountant, as well as a self-proclaimed space junkie who studied aerospace at Harvard (fun fact his father was at one time involved with the Apollo capsule for Boeing), the Lord Mayor shares some of the key initiatives that will keep him busy during his mayoralty — climate change, space debris removal, a smart economy networks project, and most importantly that London is a partner when it comes to solving global problems, it is a solutions center for technology, science, engineering and finance.

Then, a new podcast Beyond Banking by CBD Talks! from the Commercial Bank of Dubai. Beyond Banking by CBD Talks! delves into trends that drive the UAE, middle east, and global economies. In the first episodes host Brett King has welcomed phenomenal guests, and covered topics from climate and sustainability to unicorns and the future of money and banking, while spotlighting leaders shaping financial services and the UAE, Frank Bisignano, CEO, Fiserv and Her Excellency Raja Al Mazrouei. Learn about the UAE and other regions by downloading Beyond Banking by CBD Talks! via Amazon, Apple, or Spotify. From digitization to decarbonization, through the evolution of AI, and the advent of smart economies, listen as we foster conversations Beyond Banking, with an eye towards the future. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-banking-by-cbd-talks/id1711240163

Read the entire transcript here.

Brett King and Jason Henricks open the show, highlighting the Breaking Banks tradition of exploring innovation and introducing their guest, Michael Mainelli, the 695th Lord Mayor of London.

Michael Mainelli reflects on his journey to becoming Lord Mayor, the responsibilities of the position, and the legacy of this historic role.

Michael shares insights on his background in aerospace, his father’s work on Apollo, and how space exploration connects with global sustainability goals.

A deep dive into the role of AI in building smart economies, the ethical considerations, and the intersection of finance, technology, and global problem-solving.

The discussion shifts to climate finance, carbon markets, and how London plays a role in creating sustainable solutions to the global climate crisis.

Michael introduces innovative approaches to solving the growing issue of space debris, including insurance bonds and technologies for debris removal.

Exploring London’s reputation as a center for finance, science, and technology, and its potential to foster international collaboration on pressing global challenges.

Michael outlines his vision for London’s future and the broader role of highly autonomous economies, post-scarcity economics, and evolving societal values.

The hosts reflect on the episode, preview the “Beyond Banking” podcast series, and share how listeners can engage with Breaking Banks and Michael Mainelli.