Radar - by nexxworks

In this episode of the Radar podcast, Steven, Peter, and Pascal discuss the latest trends in AI and software development, particularly focusing on the transformative impact of platforms like Cursor. Peter shares insights from his recent tour in Silicon Valley, where he observed a significant shift in software development practices, emphasising that developers are becoming exponentially more efficient due to AI tools. The conversation also touches on the implications of these changes for traditional software companies and the potential for a post-SaaS world. Additionally, Pascal highlights the evolving landscape of AI in China, including new regulations aimed at preventing emotional manipulation and ensuring responsible AI development. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of creativity in China, driven by a new generation eager to innovate and redefine cultural narratives.

AI, software development, Cursor, Silicon Valley, China, innovation, SaaS, emotional manipulation, creativity, regulations

00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections

In this end-of-year Q&A episode of Radar – by nexxworks, Steven Van Belleghem, Peter Hinssen and Pascal Coppens trade rapid-fire questions, big-picture predictions, and just enough geopolitics to make your coffee taste like a defense budget.

They kick off with Disney’s rumored OpenAI partnership—because nothing says “family brand stewardship” like giving the internet access to Mickey and Minnie (with “guardrails,” aka a legal department the size of Luxembourg). From there, they jump to Australia’s under-16 social media ban and the obvious question: will teens comply, or will they simply evolve thumbs capable of bypassing any rule known to man?

Then it’s on to Taiwan tensions (is March 2026 a trip, or an accidental history documentary?), Europe’s recurring role as the world’s most beautifully regulated turtle, and the tech that’s actually underhyped for 2026: AI glasses, driverless cars finally leaving their 2011 hype cocoon, and humanoid robots shifting from “lab demo” to “factory coworker who never calls in sick.”

To close, they each pick their indelible 2025 moment—from OpenAI’s user explosion, to Steven’s 75-year-old mom adopting ChatGPT like it’s a new hobby, to Trump–China trade dynamics and Pascal’s conviction that DeepSeek will still be a headline in a decade.

AI promised us rocket fuel and handed us… work slop.

In this episode of Radar – by nexxworks, Steven Van Belleghem, Peter Hinssen and Pascal Coppens dissect a wild year in AI and look ahead at what’s coming next for innovation, marketing and customer loyalty.

The trio starts with DeepSeek and what its sudden rise says about the next wave of AI capabilities. They unpack the phenomenon of work slop – endless AI-generated garbage clogging our feeds and inboxes – and explore why Klarna’s AI journey proves that human oversight is still non-negotiable. From there, they move into Hollywood and beyond: AI-generated actors, synthetic influencers and the coming clash between creativity, ethics and efficiency.

Things get even more sci-fi when humanoid robots enter the chat. Pascal zooms in on how China is racing ahead in robotics, AI integration and its next five-year plan focused on productivity and innovation. Meanwhile, Apple is struggling to find its AI groove, raising sharp questions about its future as the world’s favourite innovation icon.

Underneath all of this runs a bigger story:

What happens to customer loyalty when algorithms do the choosing? How much marketing intuition can we afford to lose in a world obsessed with data? And which jobs and entry-level roles get eaten first as AI creeps deeper into the workflow?

Suppose you’re trying to make sense of AI, DeepSeek, Klarna, work slop, customer loyalty, humanoid robots, Apple, marketing, predictions and innovation. In that case, this episode is your slightly sarcastic, fully human guide through the chaos of what’s next.

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In this episode, the hosts discuss Pascal's upcoming book on China's future innovations, insights from a recent trip to Silicon Valley, and the geopolitical implications of the Nexperia case. They explore the significance of rare earth materials in global trade dynamics and the evolving landscape of personalisation in marketing driven by AI technologies. The conversation highlights the resurgence of enthusiasm in Silicon Valley, the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, and the need for companies to adapt to a rapidly changing market.

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In this month’s Radar conversation, Peter Hinssen, Pascal Coppens and Steven Van Belleghem look beyond the headlines of artificial intelligence to the deeper shifts shaping leadership.

They share how a simple keynote sparked doubts about whether real videos were AI generated and what that says about leading in a disclaimer society where trust must be earned, not assumed. They explore Alex Karp’s claim that innovation has barely advanced since the 1970s apart from AI, and challenge leaders to direct this one true breakthrough toward problems that matter.

The trio also discuss why people with the least knowledge of AI adopt it fastest, the bold scale of China’s national AI+ plan, and how customer expectations of “smart” experiences are outpacing what many companies deliver.

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In this Never Normal Heroes debut, Peter Hinssen and Frederik Anseel, Dean of Sydney Business School and professor of leadership, dive into the impact of AI, geopolitical turbulence and rapid digital disruption on the way organizations prepare for change.

Frederik explains why traditional forecasting and annual budgets no longer work, and why leaders must build collective capability, strengthen social skills, and develop the courage to act without perfect information.

He calls it “running in the fog”—building the muscle to anticipate, adapt and stay resilient while the world shifts around you.

They look at everything from the future of higher education to the rise of adaptive leadership, offering a clear, grounded take on how leaders can stay resilient and move forward in an age of constant uncertainty.

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Peter shares a first look at his new book, The Uncertainty Principle — all about leading through chaos and constant change.

The team digs into Meta’s $15B move to grab top AI talent from Scale AI — and what that says about the new power plays in Silicon Valley.

Pascal breaks down the growing tension around Chinese talent in US tech, and how student visa crackdowns could spark a reverse brain drain.

Meanwhile, Steven gets into Barbie teaming up with OpenAI, why Apple might be slipping behind, and how post-COVID habits are still reshaping how we shop, trust, and connect.

It’s a fast-paced episode full of bold takes, unexpected turns, and just the right amount of chaos.

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This week on Radar – by nexxworks, your favourite digital musketeers – Peter, Steven, and Pascal – return with a whirlwind of updates, hot takes, and tech-fueled banter.

Peter’s teasing a new book. Steven's been nerding out on Starlink beaming Wi-Fi into planes (goodbye in-flight boredom!). And Pascal? Let’s just say he’s got thoughts – big thoughts – on China’s AI game.

From robotic marathons to AI therapists with boundary issues, the trio dives deep into the wild, weird, and world-changing shifts in tech. They break down:

How China’s AI strategy is out-iterating the West

Why shopping with OpenAI could make impulse buying dangerously easy

The rise of AI companions (Meta’s Llama gets compared to Dieselgate – yes, really)

What the US–China tech race means for your next online ad

And why AR shopping in China is so much more than gimmicky filters

Toss in a few zingers, a surprising take on yearly AI reviews (should ChatGPT get a performance appraisal?), and reflections on the future of AI scientists vs. human creativity, and you've got a spicy episode not to miss.

Grab your earbuds. It's bold. It's brainy. It's Radar.

Peter’s back from Boston, Pascal’s gearing up for a new China tour, and Steven shares inspiration from Seth Godin. In this episode, we talk about the real stories behind AI, why Mi Xue is the BYD of fast food, and what happens when Microsoft and OpenAI hit turbulence.

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Europe is throwing big money at AI—will it pay off? Steven, Pascal, and Peter break down the AI Summit in Paris and the $200B data center gamble. Meanwhile, China’s AI comeback is heating up—Jack Ma is back, humanoid robots are making moves, and the race is on. Plus, a look at the biggest hits (and flops) from this year’s Super Bowl ads, and what it all says about marketing’s future.

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