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Episode Title: 🇺🇸The Best-Kept Secret🇺🇸

This is a fascinating discussion of the #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk. During my research for this new series, I discovered a role I had previously been unaware of. My guest today was the first to hold this title and role, and we had a brilliant conversation about it. The audiogram below shares a fraction of our findings with you.

Dr. Ashleigh Huffman, the former Chief of Sports Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State, joined me to dissect the complex and often delicate role of sports as a tool for soft power in negotiations. She provided detailed case studies demonstrating the efficacy of various initiatives around the globe. The discussion was truly fascinating - and yes, I do use that word often, revealing the fine line between sports and diplomacy and showcasing the noble causes furthered by her work.

Currently, Dr. Huffman serves as the Vice President of Global Engagement at the Institute for Sport and Social Justice. This episode is a must-listen to understand the significant impact of her contributions to real diplomacy through sports.

Topics Covered:
◽️Breakdown of Soft Power Diplomacy
◽️Sports Diplomacy Portfolio
◽️Is there a Path to the Neutralisation of Sports?
◽️Sports Programmes/Countries Prioritised Based on Geopolitical Importance & Development Needs
◽️Commercial Opportunities in Women's Sports
◽️Thoughts on Boycotting
◽️Genuine Positive Changes or Inadvertently Supporting Regimes
◽️Should International Sports Organisations or Commercial Entities Address Human Rights Violations in Countries Hosting Events?
◽️Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Expectations & Messages)
◽️A view on the Minister of Sports Role
◽️Sports in the Middle East

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

Episode Sponsors:
◽️Delance Swiss Watches
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
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#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title:🇨🇭Sports in Politics Playbook🇨🇭

My guest today has been on the show before. It was a fantastic conversation about Capital Markets and 'The Finance of Things' (FoT). See below for a link to his previous episode. I was excited when he agreed to appear on the show for this series, as I know he will impart valuable knowledge on the world of diplomacy and hostile negotiations. Thoroughly enjoyed this conversation for the #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk. 

Jakob Schaad, a multilingual partner at Lindemann Rechtsanwälte, brings an impressive wealth of experience to the table. He has held significant roles such as Deputy CEO and Head of Private Banking & Asset Management at the Swiss Bankers Association and Deputy Head of International Monetary Relations at the Swiss National Bank.

Jakob has navigated key positions in the financial sector, including serving as Economic, Financial, and Monetary Policy Advisor to former Swiss President Doris Leuthard. His expertise extends to government affairs, geopolitical dynamics, and diplomatic negotiations, making him an invaluable contributor to this series. 

Topics Covered:
◽️Sports Humanising the "Other"
◽️Thoughts on the Paris Opening Ceremony and Olympic Opening Ceremonies
◽️The Work of FIFA Beyond the World Cup
◽️Sponsors, Multinationals & Commercial Influence on the Geopolitics of Sports
◽️The Real Intersection of Sports in Politics
◽️Warring Countries in World Sporting Events
◽️Merits in Boycotting?
◽️Any positives to National Fragmentation in the Sporting World?

Jakob's Previous Episode on Heads Talk: Episode Title -🇨🇭Capital Markets & 'The Finance of Things' (FoT)🇨🇭

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

Episode Sponsored by:
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title: 🇩🇪SportsTech: It’s more than Tech & Entertainment, it’s Politics!🇩🇪

You’ll probably notice that in this #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk, each episode is a little longer than the usual 20 to 40 minutes. The content shared by each guest was so compelling that it would have been sacrosanct to edit out any part of the conversation. You will not be disappointed with what they shared and imparted in the space of sports, technology, and geopolitics.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of a conversation with Rohn Malhotra, Founder and Managing Director of  SportsTechX, a leading market intelligence company based in Berlin that specializes in sports, technology, and innovation. He also holds the position of Investment Director at Match Ventures. This was a thorough conversation about the SportsTech Ecosystem. Take a look at some of the topics discussed. 

Rohn is a highly sought-after speaker at industry conferences and serves as a mentor and judge for prestigious startup accelerators and competitions. Additionally, he shares his expertise as a guest lecturer in MBA programmes.

Topics Covered:
◽️Forensic Definition and Breakdown of the SportsTech Ecosystem
◽️Venture Capitalist Firms Growing Interest in the SportsTech Industry
◽️Elite Sports Team Financial Valuation
◽️Tech Changing Legacy Broadcasters, New Age Broadcasting and Rights Holders
◽️Personalised Broadcasting and Streaming - The Holy Grail
◽️Blockchain and Web3 in SportsTech
◽️Combatting Athletes Cyber Bulling with AI Technology
◽️SportsTech in Formula One
◽️SportsTech X Human High Performance
◽️Cultural Change: In India, Sports is Now a Viable Career Option
◽️The Underrated Tool
◽️SportsTech Today and in the Future

Rohn Malhotra Podcast Mentioned in Episode here

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

Episode Sponsored by:
◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧Outshining 'Rivals': Navigating Competitive Waters with Grace and Grit🇬🇧

I absolutely loved the conversation with my guest today on Heads Talk for the #HTSportsSeries - The Power of Sports Chapter. She exercised grace, originality, complete genuineness and concentration at the most challenging moments and came out on top leaving her rivals behind. This she done through her performance and results when it mattered.  You must listen to her training regime & admire her fortitude. Bravo Alice!

Alice Georgina Nana Dearing is an Olympic Marathon Swimmer & global diversity advocate. She became the first black woman to represent & swim for Great Britain at an Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021, representing a milestone moment for diversity in the sport in the UK.

Her commitment to ensuring swimming is for all led to her cofounding the Black Swimming Association – a charitable organisation that seeks to advocate water safety and inclusion for Black & Asian minorities within swimming. Her work has seen her recognised globally as an advocate for change, including being awarded The Sunday Times Changemaker Of The Year award in 2022 and in 2023 she was announced No.3 on the BBC Woman's Hour Power list. 

Topics Covered:
◽️Olympic Games Gruelling Marathon Swimming Preparations
◽️Swimsuit Technology AdvancementToday
◽️Healthy Competition Vs Duplicitous 'Rivals' & People
◽️Perfectionism
◽️Black Swimmers Association
◽️Sports Power Where it Matters - Society
◽️The English Premier League's Power and Influence Abroad
◽️BBC Woman's Hour Power List
◽️Future of Elite Level Swimming

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

Episode Sponsors 

•  Delance Swiss Watches . The Kate Delance Swiss Watch
• Zalina Premium Matcha - Discount Code Heads Talk10 Here

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries

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Episode Title: 🇫🇷Sporting Powerplay: Unraveling the Global Nexus of Politics, Money, and State Interests🇫🇷

Halfway through my research for this new #HTSportsSeries on Heads Talk, I fortuitously came across a book that covered a large percentage of what the series is all about. The handful of chapters available online were not enough, so I reached out to the author to invite him on the show to discuss its content. I was thrilled when he agreed to do an episode with me, and equally excited when his publisher, Simon Whitmore, sent a copy of the book to read. It was a total page-turner and aligned perfectly with the vision I had for the series. In the comments, you will see a photo of the book taken when it arrived!

Simon Chadwick, Professor of Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School in Paris, Member of Publica Think Tank and Director of the Global Executive MBA in Sport, naturally is the first guest of choice to kickstart this series. This topic is poised to become a major focus in the coming months and years, if it hasn't already. Incredibly fascinated by this subject, to the point of excitement, and I can't get enough of it. The developments happening right now are truly thought provoking —but all eyes are on AI. Take a moment to look beyond AI and see this! Arguably, it is one of my favourite episodes of Heads Talk to date.

Topics Covered:
◽️Soft Power Game
◽️SportsTech: Diffusion Effect
◽️Thoughts on State Investment in Sports
◽️How this Game is Played by Regions/Continents/Warring Countries 
◽️Sports Washing
◽️The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony (Expectations & Messages)
◽️Weaponisation of Sport
◽️Control and Shape of Elite Sports Around the World
◽️The Lot of a Director of Public Policy
◽️Governance Dysfunction in World Sport
◽️Gulf States New Focus and Why
◽️Future of the Soft Power Game

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

Episode Sponsored by Delance Swiss Watches

Featured Partner:
◽️Global EV & Mobility Technology Forum  #GEMTECH24

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTSportsSeries #HeadsTalkPodcast 

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Subscriber-only episode

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧CIO Challenges in the Pandemic 🇬🇧

Heads Talk takes a mini break in preparation for the new series. Here is a lost and now found episode recorded during the pandemic July 2021.  This concludes the #HTFintechSeries 2024 for now. We have 2 other distinguished guests, but their episodes will be released at the agreed time.

Dax Grant was the Chief Information Officer - Global Operations for HSBC. In her role she oversaw the day-to-day Technology aspects of the HSBC’s operations, leading and managing teams around the globe.

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Episode Sponsored by Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Series Partners:
◽️Money 20/20 Europe - Registration
◽️Fintech Week London - Registration and Discount Code HeadsTalk2415

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeries #HeadsTalk #HeadsTalkPodcast 

Follow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall

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Heads Talk takes a mini break in preparation for the new series. Here is the final episode, for now, of the Fintech Series

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Episode Title: 🇫🇷Payment: Strategies, Systems, Schemes, Networks and Rails🇬🇧 🇩🇪🇵🇹

In this episode of the #HTFintechSeries 2024 of Heads Talk we have a dynamic & forthright leader. 
 
For newcomers, we invite you to explore our influential lineup of guests from our successful 2022 series by browsing the hashtag #HTFintechSeries.

Sandra Mianda, the globetrotter, is the Founder & CEO of Paypr.work. She is a seasoned payments strategist with a wealth of experience spanning over 14 years, dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and revenue growth for large corporations. 

Her expertise lies in optimising payment strategies, reducing costs, and streamlining backend processes. Having been involved in numerous international projects, gaining exposure to global payment strategies & large-scale migration initiatives. She remains abreast of the latest industry developments, maintaining a keen interest in regulatory changes and technological advancements within the payments landscape.

Embracing the fintech revolution with a curious mindset, Sandra is particularly intrigued by emerging technologies such as blockchain and their potential to redefine transactional dynamics between brands & consumers.

Topics Covered:
◽️The New Kid On The Block - The Chief Payment Officer
◽️Cloud Enablement in Finance
◽️Payment Strategies - The Definitions
◽️Open Finance and Regulations
◽️Consumer Behaviour
◽️GenAI Impact on Payments

Sandra's Article/Post Mentioned

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

Episode Sponsored by Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Series Partners:
◽️Money 20/20 Europe - Registration
◽️Fintech Week London - Registration and Discount Code HeadsTalk2415

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday.
ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeries

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Episode Title: 🇬🇧CISI's Consistency, Integrity, Ethics and the Value of Regulations🇬🇧

Another great episode from the Finfluencer Series 2024 on Heads Talk. For newcomers, we invite you to explore our influential lineup of guests from our successful 2022 series by browsing the hashtag #HTFintechSeries.

Tracy Vegro brings a wealth of experience & leadership to her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

Before assuming her position at CISI in September 2022, Tracy held influential executive roles at prominent regulatory bodies. Notably, as Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), she drove the implementation of the SRA’s corporate strategy, overseeing pivotal areas such as innovation, regulatory policy, and education. Her impact was similarly profound during her tenure as Executive Director of Strategy & Resources at the Financial Reporting Council, where she led multifaceted teams focusing on strategy, risk management, HR, communications, and economics.

Recognised for her outstanding contributions, Tracy was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year Honours list for her services to business and diversity.

Tracy's dedication to professional development is evident through her participation in programmes such as the High Potential Development Programme, as well as through numerous secondments, including a pivotal role at the co-operative group, where she played an instrumental part in implementing governance reforms.

Topics Covered:
◽️CISI Stock Exchange Beginnings
◽️CISI Global Reach
◽️Example Achievements Within the Organisation
◽️Dissecting Regulations
◽️Lifelong Learning
◽️Financial Literacy Across The Globe

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

Episode Sponsored by EWPS - 𝔼𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕤 & ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕊𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕫𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 and  Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟

Series Partners:
◽️Money 20/20 Europe - Registration
◽️Fintech Week London - Registration and Discount Code HeadsTalk2415

Next week's guest announced on LinkedIn every Monday. Follow me to see.

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#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeries

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Episode Title: 🇨🇳Frankly, My Dear, I don't give a Damn🇨🇳

Another great episode from the Finfluencer Series 2024 on Heads Talk.  For newcomers, we invite you to explore our remarkable lineup of guests from our successful 2022 series by browsing the hashtag #HTFintechSeries.

Richard Turrin, the best-selling author of "Cashless - China’s Digital Currency Revolution" and "Innovation Lab Excellence," is an award-winning executive, thought leader, expert commentator with over two decades of Fintech Innovation Experience. 

Ranked No. 4 on Onalytica's Fintech Influencer list, he's a foremost authority on China’s digital yuan and a leading figure in the global dialogue on CBDCs. 

Having lived in Shanghai for the past decade, Richard witnessed China's transition to a "cashless" society firsthand, inspiring his book. He now focuses on writing and guiding western companies through China’s dynamic tech landscape, offering commentary to international media such as the Wall Street Journal, South China Morning Post, and CGTV’s Global Business. 

Renowned for his candour and witty insights, Richard simplifies complex concepts for his audience.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable and comprehensive dive into China's digital dominance, the impact on the global stage and dispelling misconceptions about China merely imitating the West. Richard offers a compelling narrative on China's growth, challenging traditional notions of innovation.  Heads Talk also managed to get an exclusive from Richard. Listen  to the full episode to find out!

Topics Covered:
◽️Chinese Focus and Innovation
◽️WeChat Pay, Ping An, Financial Platforms
◽️CBDCs:  Dispelling Misconceptions and Contrasting with Cryptocurrencies
◽️Culture of Individual Geniuses Vs Coordinated Team Excellence
◽️De-dollarisation and the Implications
◽️From Russia with CDBCs
◽️ Global Uncertainties and CBDC Rush Amidst Contemporary Challenges
◽️ Space Race of the 60s is the Digital Race of Today
◽️ Preview of Richard's latest Book

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

Series Partners:
◽️Money 20/20 Europe - Registration
◽️Fintech Week London - Registration and Discount Code HeadsTalk2415

Richard Turrin's Book Cashless
Richard's Substack  Blog

ABOUT THE HOST
#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeries

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This episode was recorded Oct 2023.
Episode Title: 🇧🇪Redress The Human Element in Banking🇧🇪

Today marks precisely two years since my last episode release with our guest, marking the inception of the 1st Fintech Series in 2022. In this #HTFintechSeries 2024 episode on Heads Talk, we are delighted to welcome back Rik Coeckelbergs, CEO of The Banking Scene, for a lively conversation. Rik brings with him a wealth of experience & insights garnered from his extensive career in the banking industry.

The Banking Scene is a networking platform facilitating connections among banking professionals & broader financial sector specialists, both virtually & in person.

In addition to spearheading this influential platform, Rik launched the 'Innovations in Payment' group on LinkedIn, now the largest payment-focused community with 101k+ members, where banking professionals collaborate on industry trends and innovations.

And when he's not busy shaping the future of banking through his platform, he's a sought-after speaker on the future of banking & payments. 

Rik is preparing for the release of his forthcoming book due next year/2025.  I've been promised a signed copy by the man himself, and I eagerly await delving into its content. Stay tuned as we plan to feature Rik & his insights on our podcast in the near future, promising an enriching experience for all our listeners.

Topics Covered include:
◽️Taster of Rik's Forthcoming Book
◽️New Ethos in Banking
◽️Misleading Buzzwords in Finance & Tech
◽️Update on Regtech Since Our Last Conversation
◽️Fintech Uncut
◽️Finfluencing
◽️Banking Predictions for the Year Ahead - The Paradigm Shift!

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

Series Partners:
◽️Money 20/20 Europe - Registration
◽️Fintech Week London - Registration & Discount Code HeadsTalk2415

Rik's Previous Episode: Episode Title:- 🇧🇪The Sweet Spot of Regtech🇧🇪
Fintech Uncut Podcast
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