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Episode Title: 🇨🇳Osmosis: The Unbroken Self🇳🇱

We rarely pause to see those caught in between the acceleration of AI and the shifting of Geopolitical lines - the living bridges silently carrying the weight of nations.

Sometimes, a conversation about technology stops being about machines and progress and instead reveals the quiet, very real toll on a human holding 2 worlds together.

This is one of those conversations.

What began as a standard episode recording that quite quickly became something far more profound.

My guest didn’t just speak about digital transformation, the strategic dance of cross-border innovation, and geopolitical manoeuvring, he actually embodied it! The dialogue shifted from mechanics and marvels of tech to something deeply human. I found myself listening not to expertise alone, but to a person who has become a living bridge between nations.

Through this exchange, I witnessed the toll such a role can take, the weight of carrying two flags in an age dominated by AI and relentless digital progress. It made me wonder: how many other unseen bridges walk among us, silently holding worlds together while bearing the unspoken cost of connection?

We often say, “this is a must-listen,” but this episode truly earns it. Beyond what you’ll hear on the mic, there were moments of candour, vulnerability, and rare insight. For that, I’m grateful to my guest, whose honesty turns this discussion into something far more resonant than a technical exploration.

___

John Lin is a rare, compelling figure. Someone who walks the fault line between East and West, carrying with him a dual cultural identity (Chinese and Dutch) that few can navigate so seamlessly; building bridges along the way. But that balancing act is never straightforward. In boardrooms and negotiations, the question looms: Which self do I lead with? Which identity wins the deal?

It all started as a clinical exploration of bridging East and West in commerce and innovation, then it quickly changed. What emerged wasn’t just the mechanics of deal-making across hemispheres, but the PERSON who is the bridge. And in that space, the questioning stopped being tactical; it was human.

As mentioned, this is not your standard Heads Talk episode. But in the BRICS & Geopolitics Series, we have to talk about blurred lines and border crossings, not only for trade and diplomacy but for people and minds.

Humans moving across cultures are like osmosis and diffusion in motion, reshaping the space they enter and carrying traces of each place they’ve been.

I relate deeply to John’s journey. I too have felt the weight of expectation, the silent request to perform for approval. But with age, time, stubbornness and a sharper instinct for self-preservation, I’ve learnt to resist.

For every John out there: walk into those less-than-welcoming spaces and deliver your genius - nothing else. That’s the bridge. That’s enough.

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Episode Title: 🇨🇳Made in China 2025: Digital Evolution & Global Tech Influence🇨🇳 

We continue the #HTBRICSSeries on Heads Talk with a returning guest from three years ago, Ashley Dudarenok. Her first episode remains one of my personal favourites, and I’m delighted to have her back. This time, we reconnect to discuss how China’s fast-moving tech ecosystem has evolved and what its trajectory means for both global markets and the BRICS alliance.

Ashley is one of Asia’s most prominent voices on Chinese digital transformation and a leading expert in digital marketing, consumer innovation, and platform strategy. Based in Hong Kong, she’s the founder of two successful ventures guiding businesses through China’s complex market landscape - Alarice and ChoZan. A bestselling author, keynote speaker, and vlogger, Ashley’s insights are frequently featured on the BBC, CNBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal.

In this episode, we catch up on China’s shift from hypergrowth to strategic tech autonomy, its emerging leadership in global innovation, and how businesses worldwide can adapt to a rapidly evolving digital future.

Topics Covered:
◽️China’s Shift from Hypergrowth to Strategic Tech Autonomy
◽️Business Strategy & Market Entry: Glocalisation and Local Brand Storytelling
◽️Top 5 Chinese Innovators Reshaping Global Markets
◽️Future-Proofing Strategies: Rural Digital Revitalisation, “Little Giant” SMEs, Dual-Circulation 2.0
◽️Rise of Dark Markets and Informal Digital Commerce: Impacts on Tech Leadership and Global Trade Dynamics
◽️Green Transformation and Low-Carbon Tech Leadership
◽️Industrial Policy & Tech Sovereignty: Progress and Gaps in “Made in China 2025”
◽️Demographic Pressures and Changes with lasting effects
◽️AI, Robotics, and Machine Substitution in Supply Chains
◽️China’s Innovation Trajectory Toward 2030 and Beyond

Ashley's 1st Episode with Heads Talk here

NB: Due to a slight time delay during recording, you may notice moments where Ashley and I overlap or sound like we’re talking over each other. My apologies for that.

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Eton Mess Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

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Episode Title:🇨🇭CFO Frameworks in an Uncertain World🇨🇭

We take a brief pause from the #HTBRICSSeries (BRICS & Geopolitics) this week on Heads Talk to spotlight a compelling release from the 💵 ℙ𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕦𝕝 𝕎𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕎𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥 & 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕪💵 series. 

In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, I’m joined by returning guest and Fortune 50 Executive Claudia Cordioli, now Group CFO at Zurich Insurance Group. In fact, given the breadth and depth of our discussion, this conversation could easily sit within the current BRICS and Geopolitics series, touching on governance, sovereignty, global markets, and systemic risk.

Claudia shares what’s energised her since stepping into the Group CFO role. She discusses Zurich’s approach to risk and resilience, the strategic use of AI across the business, and the evolving role of today’s CFO:- a favourite Heads Talk topic first explored with Claudia 4 years ago during her time as CFO at Swiss Re. We cover how Zurich is preparing for emerging liabilities; leading in an era defined by interconnected crises; and measuring ROI beyond the balance sheet. Claudia also reflects on the non-financial indicators that matter, and the skills she never expected to need but now sees as essential.

A vital episode that speaks directly to the major issues shaping the insurance sector and the global economy.

Topics Covered
◽️The CFO+, AI-Native Finance, and the Future of Financial Leadership
◽️Financial Resilience in the Age of Polycrisis
◽️Zurich’s Cyber Risk Strategy and Capital Model Adaptations 
◽️Climate Risk, Systemic Events & the Evolution of Reinsurance
◽️AI Governance, Risk, and Accountability in Insurance Operations
◽️ROI of AI: Measuring Impact Beyond the Balance Sheet
◽️Algorithmic Liability and the Finance Function’s New Mandate 
◽️Navigating the CFO Role in a Time of Global Transition
◽️From Swiss Re to Zurich: Strategic Shifts and Leadership Lessons 
◽️Public-Private Partnerships and New Risk Transfer Mechanisms 
◽️Global Insights: Leadership Reflections from Emerging Markets
◽️Talent, Transformation & the Skills CFOs Didn’t Know They’d Need 

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Mocha Chai Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsored by
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Episode Title:🇶🇦Digital Sovereignty & The Gulf Tech Frontier🇶🇦

Another thought-provoking episode of Heads Talk this week as I sit down with an influential figure in the Gulf’s digital transformation space. 

Giorgio Torre, a leader in data, sustainability and technology advisory, KPMG, with a broad international remit, but a particular focus on the GCC region, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Giorgio and I first planned this conversation over a year ago. A lot has changed since then. So this is a timely, refreshed discussion exploring how the Gulf is boldly positioning itself as a global technology and AI sovereignty powerhouse. From quantum computing and autonomous energy systems, to culturally relevant Arabic-language AI models, Giorgio’s insights are grounded in strategy, policy and lived advisory experience across governments, central banks and regulatory bodies.

Giorgio is not just an advisor, he’s a voice of influence in the region, with over 120,000 followers and more than 12 million monthly views on LinkedIn. His posts ignite discussions across industry, policy and academia.

Topics Covered
◽️Gulf Digital Sovereignty and Strategic Tech Independence
◽️AI Turf War: DeepSeek, OpenAI, and GCC’s Position
◽️Qatar’s “Fanar” and the Rise of Culturally Aware AI Models
◽️Fusion of Quantum Computing and AI in the Gulf
◽️GCC's shift from Hydrocarbon Dependency to Digital Innovation
◽️Qatar & Saudi Arabia’s AI Strategies in Energy, Security, and Autonomy
◽️Developing local AI Ecosystems and Talent Pipelines across the GCC
◽️Regulatory Innovation and Cross-border Digital Diplomacy
◽️Why Qatar is Emerging as a Magnet for Business, Careers & Innovation

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Peach Cobbler Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsored by
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Episode Title:🇻🇳Common Prosperity🇰🇭

It’s always a little more special when a familiar face joins me on Heads Talk. This week’s guest is not only a globally respected transformation leader, but also a former colleague from our time together at KPMG in London. A lot has changed since then, but what hasn’t changed is his deep insight and global perspective.

I’m joined by Ross Macallister, Senior Partner, Head of Advisory, and Managing Partner of Consulting at KPMG Vietnam and Cambodia, where he also sits on the Executive Committee. Ross brings more than 35 years of international leadership in business and technology transformation, spanning the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and most significantly, Asia.

In this conversation, we focussed on the Southeast Asian business landscape, i.e. Vietnam, Cambodia and China; and talk candidly about the regional nuances of delivering large-scale consulting programmes in fast-evolving markets. As part of the #HTBRICSSeries, Ross shares real-world examples. 

Before his role at KPMG Vietnam & Cambodia, Ross held C-suite Executive positions in some of the most complex markets in the world, including Group CIO and Divisional CEO at ChemChina, a global Fortune 250 company, where he led one of the most significant turnaround and restructuring programmes in China. He was also Head of Energy, Natural Resources & Chemicals Consulting at KPMG China, driving advisory for SOEs and multinationals alike.

We talk strategy, geopolitics, technology, and the future of professional services, all with that signature Ross calm and clarity. It’s an episode rich in practical wisdom, and a few warm throwbacks to our time in KPMG UK too.

Topics Covered
◽️ Leading transformation in complex global environments
◽️ Balancing global consulting standards with Southeast Asian cultural and economic realities
◽️ Delivering future-ready business & IT solutions in Vietnam & Cambodia
◽️ Navigating the strategic shift of the "China Plus One" model
◽️ Contrasting regulatory and market dynamics between China, Vietnam and Cambodia
◽️ Competitive role of SOEs in Asia and lessons for Western corporations
◽️ Evolving role of consultants in emerging Southeast Asian markets
◽️ How advisory services must adapt to rapid technological change
◽️ Future outlook for consulting across both Asian and European markets

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Eton Mess Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

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Episode Title: 🇮🇹The Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 2 🇮🇹

In this second and final part of this special on Heads Talk, I wrap up my conversation with Paolo Sironi, Global Research Leader in Banking and Financial Markets at the IBM Institute for Business Value.

If you missed Part 1, you can find the link here. Definitely worth a listen first.

This episode is officially the longest recorded on Heads Talk, and perhaps one of the most reflective. We unintentionally veered away from the core mechanics of finance and found ourselves exploring its philosophical layers. Paolo described money as “emotion” , and of course, I got him to explain what he meant by that. He spoke about money as a vessel of memory, trust, and time, not just a tool or transaction. It was a poignant moment. Paolo invites us to consider not just how money moves, but why it moves us.

He describes money as a language of human intent, shaped by our fears, our choices, and our need to make meaning in uncertain systems. At the moment we are driven by speed, algorithms, and data, this episode asks a slower, deeper question: What does money really mean to us individually, collectively, emotionally?

A profound listen.

Topics Covered
◽️ Lessons from the startup trenches and global tech ecosystems
Paolo’s candid reflections on entrepreneurial missteps, the power of platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and what the European innovation landscape can learn from Italy 

◽️ Money is more than a medium of exchange. It's a human construct built on shared emotion, narrative, and temporal relationships

◽️Philosophy of financial systems: Exploring finance as a social technology, not just an economic one. How design, trust and belief shape our collective financial reality

◽️ Value creation in embedded and creator-led finance across the creator economy and digital ecosystems

◽️ Explainable banking as a strategic advantage. Treating AI transparency as essential to trust, loyalty and competitive edge not just regulatory compliance

◽️ Programmable money and infrastructure evolution. Recognising the growing role of Stablecoins and CBDCs in reshaping financial infrastructure and bank relevance

◽️ Speed, purpose and future of financial relationships. With 'instant everything' purpose, trust and meaningful engagement define lasting value

◽️ Rethinking financial identity and meaning. Must move beyond efficiency to address deeper questions of belonging, self-determination, and human intent

Episode Sponsored by
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Episode Title:🇰🇪Explorer and Adopters of New Technology, By Nature🇰🇪

Another insightful episode of Heads Talk today. It was such a pleasure to speak with my guest today. I found her content incredibly thoughtful and walked away with a much deeper understanding of the fintech, finance, and growth landscape in East Africa, especially their sharp focus on strategic partnerships.

Wangeci Kanjama is the CFO of Spiro, a pan-African company leading the way in sustainable mobility and smart battery solutions. She joined the organisation in November 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience across finance, strategy, and operations.

Before Spiro, she held senior leadership roles at M-Pesa Africa, including Finance Director and Director of Partnerships & Special Projects. She also spent nearly two decades at Safaricom Plc, heading up various strategic finance functions.

It was so refreshing to hear about the developments across the African continent, and the intentional leapfrogging happening with purpose. Wangeci also shares insights into Spiro’s strategic alignment with the BRICS+ alliance, particularly with some of its newer members and the exciting collaborations underway. Have a listen.

Topics Covered
◽️Kenya’s Financial Leadership in Africa: What’s driving Kenya’s status as East Africa’s financial and ICT hub, and how it can sustain its edge amid growing regional competition
◽️CFOs as Strategic Catalysts in Africa, innovation leaders with a growing need for strategic and cross-functional skills
◽️Scaling Fintech Across Africa, adaptable platforms and navigation of diverse regulatory landscapes
◽️Innovative Financing for Sustainable Mobility
Spiro is delivering sustainable mobility through innovative financing models tailored to Africa’s infrastructure needs
◽️Strategic Partnerships and Public-Private Collaboration, to accelerating energy and mobility transformation across the continent
◽️Kenya and BRICS+ Alignment
◽️Financial Integration into Global Investment Networks
◽️Kenya’s Financial Services DNA, success in fintech, financial culture, and talent development is drawing international attention

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Mocha Chai Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

Episode Sponsored by
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Episode Title: 🇮🇹The Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 1 🇮🇹

In this 2-part special on Heads Talk is a masterclass in all things fintech, regulation, and behavioural banking, brought to you by my brilliant guest. 

You know those rare moments when you hear someone speak and think, “If only they were my professor back in the day”? This is one of those moments. My guest doesn’t just talk about his subject, he lives it. A natural educator, his insights hit with the clarity and depth of a keynote, no matter the continent. And yes, I'm  convinced that even if I took a summer break to Ulaanbaatar in Outer Mongolia or Iquitos in Peru, he would be there doing a Keynote at the same time. This guy is global!

Paolo Sironi is the Global Research Leader in Banking and Financial Markets at the IBM Institute for Business Value. With a career spanning startup founding, quantitative risk management, and now global thought leadership, Paolo is widely regarded as one of the most listened to voices in fintech and financial AI. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, regulation, and human behaviour in the transformation of banking systems. He is also a bestselling author of Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies and the host of The Bankers' Bookshelf podcast, where he continues to shape conversations around digital finance, platform economies, and the evolving trust landscape between financial institutions and customers.

Funnily enough, I first came across Paolo through mutual connections, which led me to his work and thought-provoking posts. 

Topics Covered
◽️Agentic AI and the Redefinition of Trust: How agent-based systems are influencing fiduciary responsibility and transforming customer relationships with autonomous financial decision-making systems
◽️Governance & Risk in AI-driven Finance: Why trust in machines hinges on transparency, explainability, and robust ethical frameworks, and what kind of governance structures are needed to support them
◽️Digital Identity as the Backbone of Ethical Finance: How digital identity is becoming foundational for secure financial access, and what risks financial institutions face if they fail to lead in building interoperable and privacy-preserving identity frameworks
◽️AI-Driven Personalisation in Financial Services: Exploring real-time analytics, embedded intelligence, and how banks can use behavioural data for meaningful, contextual client experiences
◽️The Future of Financial Inclusion and Platform Ecosystems: Linking identity and inclusion in platform economies and examining whether traditional institutions risk obsolescence in the face of decentralised and user-controlled identity systems

Episode Sponsored by
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Episode Title:🇨🇳The Thucydides Trap🇨🇳

An insightful and timely episode for the #HTBRICSSeries on Heads Talk exploring the realities and the risks of The Thucydides Trap: the historical pattern where a rising power threatens to displace an established one, often resulting in conflict.

Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, Founder and President of the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG), is a leading academic in the fields of geopolitics, global governance, and international trade. His previous roles include serving as a Counsellor to China’s State Council, Vice Chairman of the China Association for International Economic Cooperation, and Director at the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.

In this episode, Dr Wang brings a measured and strategic perspective on how the United States and China might avoid escalation and manage their complex relationship through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He provides a sharp, nuanced analysis of global diplomacy in an increasingly multipolar world, looking into China's unique approach to international engagement, the rationale behind the expansion of BRICS+, and why reforming global governance is now a critical imperative.

Together, we move past familiar headlines to explore the underlying logic of China's development strategy, foreign policy goals, and use of soft power. Dr Wang also shares his perspective on democracy’s evolution, arguing for a broader, more adaptive understanding in light of technological progress and diverse governance models.

We touch on key themes such as globalisation, securitisation, and China's partnerships across the Global South. All framed through the lens of strategic cooperation rather than ideological rivalry. This episode is a rare glimpse into China's thinking, offering a #FlyOnTheBoardroomWall view of its diplomatic philosophy and long-term global outlook.

Topics Covered
◽️ BRICS+ expansion as a tool of multilateral rebalancing
◽️ ASEAN economic integration and China's strategic participation
◽️ Soft power as a geopolitical lever in great power dynamics
◽️ Visa Liberalisation as a Diplomatic Signal and Economic Driver
◽️ Evolving calculus of China US strategic rivalry
◽️ China's deepening ties with the Global South
◽️ Transition from Export-led Growth to Tech-driven Development
◽️ Infrastructure diplomacy through Belt and Road and beyond
◽️ Africa: Focal point for China’s soft power deployment
◽️ Reframing foreign aid without political conditions
◽️ Future of democracy in a post-Westphalian context
◽️ China's vision for a more inclusive and multipolar global order

ABOUT THE HOST
Collaboration w/t
◽️CGTN - China Global Television Network Publications by Dr Wang 1. Springer  2. .Routledge #AF

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Episode Title:🇻🇳Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy & 20 Year Plan for High Income Status🇻🇳

Another insightful and timely episode of Heads Talk as part of the BRICS & Geopolitics series (#HTBRICSSeries).

In a significant development, Brazil, Chair of BRICS 2025, officially announced on June 13 that Vietnam has been named one of 10 BRICS partner countries. This new partnership format expands engagement with key emerging economies without granting full membership status.

Vietnam joins a select group of BRICS partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The move shows growing recognition of Vietnam’s importance in global supply chains, its emerging tech ecosystem, and its geopolitical balancing efforts.

The episode features Hang Vu, CEO of RSI Consulting Asia, a strategic advisory firm that guides global investors and local enterprises through Vietnam’s complex and fast-evolving market landscape.

Hang previously held Senior Executive positions at Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, where she led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across high-growth sectors including technology, retail, real estate, and healthcare.

Now, through RSI, Hang works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and strategy, advising firms on navigating regulatory reform, geopolitical risk, and digital transformation. All within the context of Vietnam’s Vision 2045, which aims to achieve high-income, developed nation status.

Topics Covered
◽️ Strategic Implications of Vietnam’s BRICS Partnership
◽️ Vietnam’s Role in the Multipolar Global Order
◽️ Innovation Hubs and State-Backed Tech Acceleration
◽️ Digital Infrastructure and AI Adoption in Vietnam
◽️ Navigating Regulatory Reform and SOE Transformation
◽️ Industrial Policy and Vietnam’s Climb Up the Value Chain
◽️ Vision 2045: Strategic Sectors and National Development Goals
◽️ Market Access and Risk Mitigation for Foreign Investors
◽️ Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s Non-Aligned Strategy in Practice
◽️ Advisory at the Intersection of Policy, Capital, and Technology

So download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Mocha Chai Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋

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