In This Episode

In this episode, we explore how curiosity and storytelling fuel innovation, how creative chaos drives breakthroughs, and why narrative is the hidden infrastructure of strategic execution. From founding Australia’s top jingle house to developing real estate portals and investing in Kevin Costner’s geo-triggered audio platform, Simon takes us on a ride through a life defined by relentless exploration and reinvention.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Simon is a prolific writer with over 70 published works and has helped launch ventures like Kevin Costner’s Autio. He has served as Storyteller-in-Residence at McGraw Hill and runs investment projects through Ignition Capital. From engineering systems to crafting narratives, Mills shows how versatile minds shape the world.

This is an episode of the Redefining Podcast series

In This Episode

We dive into what it means to create alpha in a climate-driven economy, why education leapfrogging in developing nations matters, and how AI is both a challenge and a key tool for achieving net-zero targets. Samer walks us through his strategic philosophy—blending hard infrastructure, clean tech, and digital transformation—to generate scalable impact while remaining deeply grounded in business fundamentals.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Beyond finance, Samer co-founded the Valenture Institute in South Africa, providing accessible, online high school education at scale. He previously led World Links ME, a World Bank NGO aimed at integrating digital technology into mainstream education. A systems engineer by training, Samer designed the FAA’s remote maintenance system for U.S. air traffic control while at Lockheed Martin. Today, he’s focused on AI, electrification, and infrastructure solutions to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Neil Smith, an expert in regenerative agriculture and ecological systems. Neil shares groundbreaking insights into the concept of EcoAgro, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological principles into agricultural practices. Key moments include discussions on the historical context of agriculture, the impact of industrialization, and the need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices.

Neil illustrates how ancient civilizations, like the Incas, mastered land stewardship and water management, lessons that are increasingly relevant today. He also highlights the role of technology and data in modern agriculture, advocating for a balance between innovation and ecological health. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore the implications of Web 3 technology in agriculture and the necessity of transparency in food sourcing.

This episode ultimately connects personal choices to broader societal impacts, urging listeners to consider how their food consumption habits can contribute to a healthier planet.

Neil Smith is a leading figure in regenerative agriculture, with extensive experience in carbon sequestration, ecology, soil science, and permaculture. He has worked globally to promote sustainable farming practices that restore ecological balance while enhancing food production.

Neil's career highlights include his involvement with Project Moon Hut, where he applies innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. His educational background in environmental sciences equips him with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between human activity and ecological health.

A passionate advocate for change, Neil emphasizes the need for a shift towards more sustainable agricultural systems that prioritize soil health and biodiversity. His work aims to inspire individuals and communities to take actionable steps towards a more resilient future.

Join David Goldsmith as he speaks with Ross Hamilton, COO of Space Network, who brings a wealth of experience from aerospace engineering to finance and enterprise software. In this enlightening episode, Ross shares key insights on rethinking complexity and adapting to constant change. He emphasizes the importance of understanding complexity from a management perspective, using real-world examples such as emergency response and the intricacies of financial options.

Throughout the conversation, Ross introduces his unique framework, "FUSED," which stands for Future, Usability, Supportability, Execution, and Distribution. He illustrates how each component interrelates to create a robust strategy for navigating complex environments. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they explore the implications of optionality in decision-making and the necessity of adaptability in leadership.

Listeners will gain practical insights into how to approach complexity in their own lives and organizations, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to redefine their future amidst uncertainty.

Ross Hamilton is the Chief Operating Officer at Space Network, where he leverages his extensive background in aerospace engineering, finance, mobile technology, eCommerce, and enterprise software. With prior experience at JPMorgan Capital Markets Technology and GlobalScot, Ross has developed a unique perspective on managing complexity in various industries.

A graduate in aerospace engineering, Ross has been instrumental in driving innovative solutions that address complex challenges. He is passionate about fostering a culture of adaptability and collaboration within organizations. His recent projects focus on integrating advanced technologies into space exploration efforts while ensuring sustainability and operational excellence.

Ross's insights into financial options and strategic decision-making make him a valuable contributor to discussions on navigating uncertainty in today's fast-paced world.

In This Episode

Join us as we redefine tomorrow with our guest, Philippe Kahn, a French American inventor, entrepreneur, and mathematician known for creating the world's first camera phone solution. Philippe shares his journey through innovation, spirituality, and the profound lessons learned from dogs. He emphasizes how dogs exemplify reinforcement and self-supervised learning, drawing parallels to artificial intelligence (AI) development.

Throughout the conversation, Philippe highlights key insights such as the importance of grounding ourselves in nature and emotions, the role of innovation in shaping a better future, and the need for a balanced approach to AI that considers ethical implications. He also discusses how our understanding of sleep can be enhanced through technology, ultimately improving our daily lives.

The discussion takes unexpected turns as we explore the relationship between spirituality and presence in our lives. Philippe encourages listeners to embrace the mysteries of life while recognizing the potential of technology to enhance human experiences.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Philippe Kahn is an accomplished French American inventor, entrepreneur, and mathematician with over 235 issued patents across various fields including IoT, AI, and medicine. He is renowned for developing the world's first camera phone solution that paved the way for modern social media sharing.

Philippe's career highlights include being recognized by Byte Magazine as one of the top 20 most important figures in computer history. He has dedicated his recent work to understanding sleep through AI and machine learning, aiming to improve people's lives globally.

With a background steeped in innovation and a passion for enhancing human experiences, Philippe embodies the spirit of creativity and progress. His insights into the intersections of technology, nature, and spirituality make him a compelling voice in today's discourse on future possibilities.

In This Episode

Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Esther Dyson, a renowned investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist, to discuss the concept of the "court jester" and its implications in today's society. Throughout their engaging conversation, Esther shares her insights on the importance of truth-telling, the value of personal luck acknowledgment, and the necessity of making new mistakes. With captivating anecdotes from her diverse career—from her early days at Forbes to her work with Wellville—Esther illustrates how these themes connect to broader societal issues. The discussion takes unexpected turns, exploring the intersections of AI, human behavior, and the future of well-being.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Esther Dyson is an influential investor, journalist, author, and philanthropist known for her work in technology and health care. She is the executive founder of Wellville, a nonprofit initiative aimed at improving equitable well-being across communities. Esther began her career as a fact-checker at Forbes before becoming a reporter and later owning her own business, EdVenture. With significant achievements in various sectors including space exploration and health care innovation, she has been an advocate for social impact through investment. Esther's educational background includes studies in Russian history and science, which have shaped her unique perspective on global issues.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marianna Leed, founder and executive director of Goal Imagery Coaching Academy. With her extensive background in coaching and education, Marianna shares profound insights on reshaping our thoughts and futures through the power of imagination and emotion. Key moments include her exploration of how our assumptions shape our decisions and the importance of listening to both our own thoughts and those of others.

Throughout the episode, Marianna emphasizes that reshaping tomorrow begins with a clear understanding of our goals and past experiences. She shares personal stories about her journey in coaching and how she learned to embrace both her strengths and weaknesses. The conversation takes unexpected turns, revealing broader implications for personal growth and societal change.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for transforming their mindsets, including techniques for checking assumptions and listening actively. Marianna’s unique perspective encourages us to redefine our narratives and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling future.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Marianna Leed is the founder and executive director of Goal Imagery Coaching Academy, where she specializes in helping individuals harness the power of their imagination to achieve their goals. A twice-elected president of the International Coaching Federation's New York City chapter, Marianna has a rich history in coaching education, having taught at NYU and introduced coaching concepts at the Smithsonian Institute.

Her innovative approach combines emotional intelligence with practical coaching techniques, allowing her clients to reshape their futures effectively. Marianna has co-authored publications on personal branding and is dedicated to empowering others through her work. Currently, she is focused on expanding her academy's reach while continuing to inspire individuals to think differently about their lives.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kevin Surace, Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, as we explore the powerful relationship between joy and success. Kevin, a renowned advocate for AI innovation and holder of 94 patents, shares breakthrough insights on how joy can transform our personal and professional lives. He discusses the importance of cultivating positive emotions and mindsets, offering practical examples of how to apply joy in everyday tasks. The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on the implications of AI in our lives and how it can either hinder or enhance our sense of purpose. Ultimately, this episode reveals broader implications for society as we navigate the complexities of modern life.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Kevin Surace is the Chairman and CTO of Advance and TOKIN, recognized for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and business innovation. With a remarkable career that includes founding billion-dollar organizations and holding 94 patents, Kevin is a thought leader in leveraging technology to drive human progress. He has also made significant contributions to the film industry, showcasing his versatility across various creative fields. Kevin is passionate about helping others find their sense of purpose through joy, making him a compelling voice in today's discussions on personal fulfillment and success.

In This Episode

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gordon Chu, CEO and CTO of Fingra, as we explore the fascinating concept of generating 23rd-century solutions in the 21st century. With over 41 patents spanning fields from medicine to material sciences, Gordon shares his insights on awareness, fear, place, and timelines—key elements that shape our approach to innovation and problem-solving.

Throughout the episode, Gordon recounts personal stories that illustrate the importance of awareness in both personal and professional contexts. He emphasizes how being aware of one’s surroundings can lead to breakthroughs, as well as the necessity of confronting fears that often hold us back. The discussion takes unexpected turns as they delve into the implications of societal pressures and cultural expectations on individual choices.

This episode is not just about technological advancements; it connects deeply with broader societal issues such as food security and environmental sustainability. Gordon's experiences in Hong Kong serve as a backdrop for understanding how place influences our decisions and opportunities. As we navigate these complex challenges, we are reminded that the future is shaped by our collective actions today.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Gordon Chu is the CEO and CTO of Fingra, a company focused on innovative solutions across various industries including biotech and material sciences. With an impressive portfolio of 41 patents, he has made significant contributions to fields ranging from medicine to data science.

A graduate with advanced degrees in science, Gordon's work has been recognized internationally, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. He is also involved in various initiatives aimed at developing new materials that address pressing global challenges.

Gordon's unique perspective is shaped by his multicultural background and experiences living in both the United States and Hong Kong. His insights into awareness, fear, place, and timelines provide valuable lessons for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Celia Mertzbacher, the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International. With a wealth of experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia shares her insights on creating tailwinds for cutting-edge technology ecosystems.

Throughout the conversation, Celia emphasizes the inevitability of technological advances and the diverse stakeholders involved in this process. She discusses how technology is not only a tool for economic growth but also a vital component for national security and public good. One memorable story she shares is about Chris Roofer, who revolutionized the tomato sauce industry by innovating transportation methods, illustrating how human needs drive technological evolution.

The discussion evolves to explore how technology advances through simultaneous discoveries and the importance of understanding these processes to accelerate innovation. Celia references Donald Stokes' "Pasteur's Quadrant," highlighting the balance between fundamental research and practical application. The episode concludes with a focus on how government policy can enhance technology development and the need for better connectivity among stakeholders.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Celia Mertzbacher is the Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium at SRI International, where she focuses on fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance quantum technologies. With extensive experience in emerging technologies and public-private partnerships, Celia has played a pivotal role in shaping innovation policies.

She holds a degree in physics and has contributed to numerous initiatives aimed at promoting a diverse STEM workforce. Celia is also known for her work in developing programs that bridge gaps between research institutions and industry needs, ensuring that technological advancements translate into real-world applications.

Her recent projects include efforts to enhance government funding strategies for technology development and initiatives to connect STEM professionals with K-12 education systems. Celia's insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and education make her a leading voice in redefining tomorrow's technological landscape.