The Exchange

Today’s guest is Eduard Heger, former Prime Minister of Slovakia, former Minister of Finance, and former member of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

In this episode, we discuss Eduard’s journey from business into politics, what he learned from building his career in post-communist Slovakia, and how he approached leadership during some of the most difficult years in modern European politics. Eduard reflects on becoming Finance Minister at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Slovakia’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, his personal experiences with Volodymyr Zelensky and Mark Rutte, and the role his Christian faith has played throughout his life and career.

We also discuss the leadership of Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi, what today’s politicians can learn from Europe’s post-war generation, and Eduard’s advice to young people: build on experience, join forces, and never give up.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
01:58 Why Eduard Heger entered politics
04:04 Young people, public service and learning from experience
05:47 Building a career in post-communist Slovakia
09:04 What business taught him about political leadership
10:24 Faith, values and the skills needed in politics
12:41 Becoming Finance Minister during COVID-19
15:47 Supporting Ukraine while protecting Slovakia
21:58 What Volodymyr Zelensky is like as a leader
25:16 How a Prime Minister switches off from pressure
27:26 Working with European leaders
28:36 Mark Rutte and leadership at NATO
29:47 Schuman, Adenauer and De Gasperi
33:02 What Eduard would ask Europe’s post-war leaders
35:06 Leadership, public opinion and unpopular decisions
37:05 Eduard Heger’s advice to young people
39:08 Closing thoughts

This interview was hosted by Martin Prinsloo and Jacques Prinsloo.

Feel free to get in touch with any questions, suggestions, or feedback.

Today’s guest is Mark Coggins, former Head of Asian Equities at HSBC, former President & CEO of Kaplan Professional, and co-founder of Cranleigh China.In this episode, we discuss Mark’s journey from accounting to equity research and senior leadership at HSBC, the lessons he learned from analysing and investing in businesses, and what it takes to move from being an analyst to becoming a CEO. Mark also shares what students often get fundamentally wrong about investing, why understanding a business matters more than simply mastering financial models, how AI is changing the role of finance professionals, and why he created InvestUp Challenge to help students develop the practical skills needed to think like an investor.Learn more about InvestUp Challenge: https://www.investupchallenge.comConnect with Jonty Williams:   / jontywilliams  Connect with Mark Coggins:   / mark-coggins-79251b31  Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Mark Coggins’ career journey01:41 Why Mark chose a career in finance and business04:16 From Chartered Accountant to equity research07:18 Standing out in finance and the importance of intuition09:44 Seeing the Asian Financial Crisis before it happened13:04 What does a Head of Asian Equities at HSBC actually do?17:05 Making difficult decisions and managing risk at HSBC21:32 Why students should understand the jobs they are preparing for23:42 How students can better prepare for a career in finance25:49 From analysing businesses to becoming a CEO31:02 The challenges of leading a business and managing different functions33:49 The difference between a good company and a good investment38:27 How experience helps you recognise struggling businesses40:40 Why Mark created the InvestUp Challenge45:34 What students often get fundamentally wrong about investing47:46 Learning to think beyond financial models and spreadsheets49:39 British Airways vs Ryanair: understanding how businesses make money52:52 AI, investing and the importance of asking the right questions55:26 Advice for students at the beginning of their careersThis interview was hosted by Martin Prinsloo and Jonty Williams.Feel free to get in touch with any questions, suggestions, or feedback.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and are shared in a personal capacity. They do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of PwC or any of its member firms.

Today’s guest is Neels Nel, Partner at PwC Middle East, where he leads the firm’s Asset & Facility Management practice. Over nearly three decades, he has advised governments and organisations across more than 27 countries on major transformation programmes, infrastructure, telecommunications, asset management, and valuation.In this episode, we discuss Neels’ journey from growing up in rural South Africa to leading some of the Middle East’s largest transformation projects. He shares insights into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the changing role of consulting in the age of AI, the future of telecommunications, leadership, and the qualities that distinguish exceptional consultants.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Neels Nel’s career journey01:07 Growing up in rural South Africa and joining PwC03:48 Moving to Saudi Arabia and the privatisation of Saudi Telecom08:13 Choosing accounting and taking career risks12:31 Lessons from working across PwC South Africa, UK and the Middle East15:37 Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Vision 203020:30 Progress, governance and privatisation under Vision 203025:26 Advising governments on infrastructure and asset management30:23 Government vs private sector: lessons from both34:52 Why Vision 2030 has progressed so rapidly36:28 The evolution of the telecommunications industry44:36 What makes an exceptional consultant?49:02 Demonstrating problem-solving and analytical thinking51:29 Standing out at PwC and building a successful consulting career53:56 AI, graduate jobs and the future of consulting59:55 Leadership lessons from senior executives around the world01:03:39 Building relationships and doing business in Saudi Arabia01:06:10 Advice to Neels’ 20-year-old selfHosted by Martin Prinsloo, student at Durham University and host of The Exchange.Feel free to get in touch with any questions, suggestions, or feedback.

Today’s guest is one of Britain’s leading experts on modern China. Professor Kerry Brown’s career has taken him from learning Mandarin and living in China.In this episode, we discuss Professor Brown’s journey from studying English literature at Cambridge to becoming a leading China scholar, his experiences living and working in China, and what he learned from meeting senior Chinese leaders, including Xi Jinping during his time as Shanghai Party Secretary.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Professor Kerry Brown’s journey01:15 From Cambridge English graduate to China scholar03:24 Learning Mandarin and discovering China05:09 Joining the Foreign Office and diplomatic career in Beijing07:01 Meeting Xi Jinping in Shanghai09:13 Transitioning from diplomacy to academia12:28 Writing more than 20 books on China14:10 China’s global reputation and the West’s relationship with Beijing17:57 China’s rise and Western perceptions20:05 The challenge of understanding modern China24:10 Why engaging in public debate about China matters25:48 History, archaeology and understanding the past28:51 Taiwan, the status quo and cross-strait relations30:12 Meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders32:01 Why China-West communication has become more difficult33:09 Advice for students interested in ChinaHosted by Martin Prinsloo, student at Durham University and host of The Exchange.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions, suggestions, or feedback.

Max and Marie, founders of M&M Siblings, join The Exchange for a conversation on entrepreneurship, AI, startup ecosystems, and their mission to bring the energy of Silicon Valley to Europe.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and meeting Marie & Max02:04 Max’s journey from music production to AI03:52 Marie’s creative background and entrepreneurship05:03 Building an entrepreneurial mindset11:54 The story behind M&M Siblings15:47 Why Europe needs more innovation hubs19:30 Building startup events across Europe24:02 Finding sponsors and learning by doing27:54 Success stories from the community30:56 Quick-fire round34:41 Where they hope to be in 10 years36:42 How to get involved with M&M SiblingsHosted by Martin Prinsloo, student at Durham University and host of The Exchange.Feel free to get in touch with any questions, suggestions, or feedback.

Benjamin Huthwaite, economist at the Competition and Markets Authority and incoming Government Economic Service Fast Stream economist, joins The Exchange for a conversation on economics, Taiwan, diplomacy, public service, and building a career at the intersection of policy and geopolitics.

Benjamin studied Economics at Durham University, where he combined his degree with Chinese language studies, a year abroad at National Taiwan University, and leadership as Director-General of the Durham Diplomacy Society. Alongside his studies, he developed a strong interest in Taiwan, cross-Strait relations, and geopolitical risk, culminating in a dissertation examining the relationship between geopolitical tensions and Taiwanese foreign direct investment. He has also served in the Army Reserve through the Northumbrian Universities’ Officers’ Training Corps and recently began his career as an economist at the Competition and Markets Authority before joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream.

In this episode, Benjamin reflects on discovering an interest in China and Taiwan from a young age, studying Mandarin, living in Taipei during a politically significant period, and what Taiwan taught him about democracy, diplomacy, and international relations. We also discuss the Durham Diplomacy Society, public service, the Army Reserve, the Competition and Markets Authority, and how students can build meaningful careers in economics and government.

Benjamin discusses:
◽️ Growing up in Nottinghamshire and discovering economics and China
◽️ Learning Mandarin and choosing to study Chinese alongside Economics
◽️ Spending a year abroad in Taipei and experiencing Taiwan firsthand
◽️ Taiwan’s political landscape, cross-Strait relations, and geopolitical risk
◽️ His dissertation on geopolitical risk and Taiwanese foreign direct investment
◽️ Leading the Durham Diplomacy Society and engaging with senior diplomats
◽️ The Army Reserve, public service, and leadership
◽️ Working at the Competition and Markets Authority and joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream
◽️ Advice for students interested in economics, diplomacy, and the Civil Service

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Benjamin Huthwaite background
01:35 Discovering economics, China, and learning Mandarin
06:49 Choosing Taiwan for a year abroad
09:14 First impressions of Taiwan and everyday life in Taipei
10:44 Taiwan’s political system and cross-Strait relations
17:45 His dissertation on geopolitical risk and Taiwanese foreign direct investment
21:15 Building the Durham Diplomacy Society
25:44 Memorable conversations with diplomats and public figures
28:56 The Army Reserve and public service
34:17 Working at the Competition and Markets Authority
36:01 Joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream
38:57 Finding your career path and building a personal brand
41:56 Advice to his first-year university self

Hosted by Martin Prinsloo. Former Member of Youth Parliament for Epping Forest District. Current student at Durham University.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, suggestions, or criticisms.

I'm honoured to be joined by Professor Matteo Iannizzotto,

Matteo's path to Durham has taken him from Florence to London, Rome and Oxford. After studying the Italian equivalent of PPE in Florence, he moved into economics, completing a Master's at Birkbeck and a doctorate at Oxford before joining Durham in 1999. He would go on to play a central role in shaping Durham's PPE programme, while building a reputation as a dedicated teacher with a distinctive voice. Beyond the TLC he is a keen student of Cold War history, and the owner of a 1959 Soviet-built Jeep that served with the East German army until its dissolution.

If you know of anyone interesting or inspiring, feel free to reach out;

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Linkedin Martin Prinsloo

Professor Lindsay is an Emeritus Professor of Public Health Entomology at Durham University, where his work focuses on vector-borne diseases such as malaria and other mosquito-borne infections

He has spent much of his career working across Africa and Asia, collaborating with local communities and international teams on malaria research and control. Alongside his role at Durham, he also holds an Honorary Chair at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine . He is also a former director of the BOVA network, which focused on vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

His work continues to influence global efforts in malaria control.

The mission of The Exchange Podcast is to have thoughtful conversations with inspiring individuals so that we can learn and grow through the exchange of ideas.

Mike Cheung is a final year Education student at Durham University with a strong interest in the intersection of AI and education. His fascination with the subject formed the basis of his dissertation research. He also took part in a 3 month internship in Canada, where he conducted a case study exploring AI’s role in educational settings.

Alongside his academic work, Mike has demonstrated significant leadership within the university community. He co-founded Durham University’s Cantonese Society and has held several leadership positions within Josephine Butler College, culminating in his election as JCR President.

Outside of academia and student leadership, Mike is an avid cyclist who has raised funds for his college through cycling initiatives. He has also volunteered as a teacher in Thailand, reflecting his commitment to education and community engagement on an international scale.