What’s Next brings together the voices shaping tomorrow—thinkers, builders, and leaders from across the globe. From Lagos to Lisbon, Bangalore to Berlin, São Paulo to San Francisco, we explore the ideas that will shape how we live, work, govern, and grow.
Each episode offers one clear insight you can explain at dinner and defend in the boardroom. Global perspectives. Fresh thinking. Better decisions.
What’s Next. Voices shaping tomorrow.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s Next brings together the voices shaping tomorrow—thinkers, builders, and leaders from across the globe. From Lagos to Lisbon, Bangalore to Berlin, São Paulo to San Francisco, we explore the ideas that will shape how we live, work, govern, and grow.
Each episode offers one clear insight you can explain at dinner and defend in the boardroom. Global perspectives. Fresh thinking. Better decisions.
What’s Next. Voices shaping tomorrow.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we explore how the cloud has become the foundation of modern business and how AI is transforming not just technology, but the way leaders make decisions and build teams. Discover why success depends on outcomes, not hype, and how data strategy is now the ultimate competitive edge.
Tune in to learn what the future of enterprise innovation really looks like and how to stay ahead of it. Watch now and see what’s next.
Timestamps:
00:00 The Best Advice to Younger Self
00:30 Explaining the Cloud Simply
01:19 The Next Generation of Cloud
01:53 The Biggest Shift He Witnessed
02:56 Outcome-Based Pricing Models
04:48 Early Adopters vs. Late Movers
06:32 How to Drive Adoption
08:20 Cloud as the Foundation of AI
09:09 Who’s Profiting from AI?
11:54 Will Cloud Capacity Run Out?
14:09 Cloud as Critical Infrastructure
15:12 The Future of AI Decision-Making
17:33 Leading Humans and AI Agents
19:21 Why Most AI Projects Fail
21:09 The One Question Every CEO Should Ask
22:38 Lessons from Two Decades at SAP
24:35 Advice for Young Tech Leaders
27:00 The Next Decade of Enterprise Tech
27:33 Optimism for the Future
Connect with Philip Meissner:
linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Thomas Saueressig:
linkedin.com/in/thsaueressig
#AILeadership #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #EnterpriseTechnology #FutureOfWork #AIinBusiness #DataStrategy #BusinessInnovation #TechLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #CloudStrategy #AIAdoption #DigitalInnovation #BusinessTransformation #FutureOfAI
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Watch our 7-minute highlight to discover how responsible AI can reduce bias, lift unheard voices, and make technology fair for all.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/MEG7WAr6SmE
Apple Podcast: [Apple Podcast Link]
Spotify: [Spotify Link]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Could artificial intelligence, once accused of amplifying human bias, now become one of our greatest tools for building a fairer, more inclusive world?
In this episode, Luana Génot, founder of Instituto Identidades do Brasil, reveals how responsible AI can become a force for equity, innovation, and economic growth. From reshaping corporate inclusion strategies to advising Brazil’s Presidential Council, Luana shows how diversity drives smarter decisions and even better business outcomes. She also exposes why backlash is a sign of progress and how inclusive data can turn bias into breakthroughs.
🎧 Watch now to discover how responsible AI can build a fairer, more competitive future for everyone.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:09 From Advertising to Equity & Inclusion
02:14 How Companies’ Mindsets Have Shifted
04:10 Lip Service vs. Real Change
06:42 Understanding the Backlash Against DEI
09:16 Diversity as a Competitive Advantage
13:14 Measuring DEI Success with KPIs
15:39 Bringing Inclusion to Brazil’s Presidential Council
18:21 What Makes AI Responsible
21:08 Testing AI for Fairness
23:10 Making AI Benefit Everyone
26:26 Hardest Leadership Lesson
28:29 Role Models and Inspiration
31:16 The Brazil She Hopes to See
33:39 What Makes Her Optimistic
Connect with Philip Meissner:
linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Luana Génot
linkedin.com/in/luanagenot
#ResponsibleAI #AIForGood #ArtificialIntelligence #EthicalAI #FutureOfAI #EquityAndInclusion #DiversityInTech #InclusiveInnovation #TechForAll #AIWithoutBias #DigitalTransformation #SustainableInnovation #TechLeadership #SocialImpact #HumanCenteredAI
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve curated a special cut revealing how blockchain’s hidden infrastructure, from data security to energy use, is set to transform finance, technology, and everyday life.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xc3cc9VnT3E
Apple Podcast: [Apple Podcast Link]
Spotify: [Spotify Link]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if blockchain isn’t just about crypto, but the backbone of our future? In this episode, Agnes Budzyn, a former Wall Street executive turned blockchain investor, explains how decentralized technologies are reshaping finance, powering Web3, unlocking the potential of stablecoins, and driving a new wave of digital infrastructure.
From tokenization to regulation, and from hidden risks to massive opportunities, she reveals why blockchain is more than hype. It’s the quiet revolution already changing how we live, work, and connect.
Timestamps:
00:00 Why decentralized tech is the future of finance
01:22 Blockchain as a database and its benefits
03:24 Web3: the next phase of the internet
04:49 Stablecoins and their global potential
06:40 How does stablecoin work
07:34 Traditional vs. decentralized finance
09:00 Risks in blockchain adoption
10:47 Blockchain applications for businesses
12:24 Tokenization & new business models
13:38 Exciting blockchain infrastructure trends
15:51 How will blockchain change our everyday life
18:14 Lessons from the financial crisis at BlackRock
19:42 Hidden risks in today’s finance and tech
20:51 The role of regulators in digital assets
22:32 Coping with stress in high-pressure environments
26:17 Transitioning from Wall Street to blockchain
28:13 Balancing hype cycles with long-term fundamentals
29:42 What makes Agnes optimistic about the future
Connect with Philip Meissner:
#Blockchain #FutureOfFinance #Decentralization #Web3 #Stablecoins #DigitalAssets #BlockchainTechnology #Tokenization #CryptoInnovation #BlockchainForBusiness #BlockchainRevolution #Fintech #FinancialInnovation #DigitalInfrastructure #NextGenFinance
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut unpacking Namibia’s bold hydrogen vision, showing how inspired leadership turned risk into opportunity, why global players are betting on its green future, and what other nations can learn from this daring industrial leap.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/30Z35uWkb9U
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/green-industrialization-namibias-path-to-global-leadership/id1793306908?i=1000727970566
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ExdrbQsGm2SoVYGeDhb1U?si=80ec4f89be7341a7
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can a small nation lead the next industrial revolution? Namibia is betting big on green hydrogen to fuel growth, cut carbon, and build entirely new industries from scratch.
Discover how the country’s bold strategy could transform its economy, inspire Africa, and position Namibia at the forefront of the global clean energy race. Watch now to see how green industrialization is reshaping the future.
Timestamps:
00:00 What Green Industrialization Means to James
01:00 The Boldest Career Move
01:43 Starting the Green Hydrogen Journey
03:04 Making the Case for Hydrogen
04:47 Hydrogen Explained Simply
06:34 Namibia’s Green Industrialization Blueprint
09:24 Visionary Leadership & Early Wins
11:29 Collaboration with Global Partners
13:22 Africa’s Green Hydrogen Alliance
16:19 Turning Strategy into Execution
19:30 Balancing Public & Private Interests
22:38 Africa in the New Global Order
26:04 Namibia’s 10-Year Vision
28:56 Moving from Private to Public Sector
30:56 What James Had to Learn & Unlearn
33:08 Advice for Others
35:51 What Makes James Optimistic
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with James Mnyupe
https://www.linkedin.com/company/james-mnyupe/
Check out James' TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/james_mnyupe_a_small_nation_s_surprising_solution_to_unemployment
#GreenIndustrialization #SustainableDevelopment #Namibia #GreenHydrogen #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergyFuture #AfricanInnovation #EconomicTransformation #ClimateAction #SustainableAfrica #HydrogenEconomy #EnergyTransition #FutureOfAfrica #GlobalSustainability #GreenGrowth
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We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut uncovering how real healthcare innovation comes from the ground up, from Rwanda’s telehealth and drones to Thailand’s community health networks, showing why the future of global health is less about Silicon Valley and more about resilient, human-led systems built to last.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/rjOEVtAxh7k
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/health-leapfrogging-old-systems-with-smarter-solutions/id1793306908?i=1000725632621
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aHRnrf8CS6dTFwN7HSnS5?si=49f90a37553b48d1
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does the future of global health really look like?
In this powerful conversation, Mishti Sivaramakrishnan shares how fragile healthcare systems are being tested by pandemics, climate change, and political conflict—and why resilience, innovation, and community voices are key to survival. From leapfrogging outdated systems to the promise of digital health and telemedicine, discover what’s working, what’s failing, and how we can build a fairer, healthier world.
Timestamps:
00:00 Mishti’s path into public health and why it matters
02:46 Biggest challenges facing global healthcare today
05:23 Why access to care is still so uneven
07:52 Tech trends shaping the next decade of healthcare
10:01 Real-world examples of technology making a difference
13:19 Ground-up innovations vs Silicon Valley solutions
15:30 Leapfrogging: building new healthcare systems from scratch
18:30 A vision for inclusive, tech-enabled healthcare
21:06 Caring for young and aging populations globally
24:55 One wish for global health policymakers
26:11 Small but meaningful actions listeners can take
27:06 Lessons learned from working directly with communities
28:04 Message for future global health leaders
29:11 What makes Mishti optimistic about the future
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmishta-s-964064217/
#GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #Telehealth #HealthSystems #GlobalHealthcare #HealthAccess #HealthcarePolicy #HealthTech #Leapfrogging #CommunityHealth #HealthForAll #FutureOfHealth
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We’ve curated a special 7-minute episode covering Ukraine’s unexpected war, Gaza’s costly strategic errors, rising Taiwan tensions, and why a Second Cold War, and stronger NATO, US, and European action, may be vital to preserving global peace.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ysqIFpoDQ-A
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/defense-the-tech-and-command-skills-to-win-tomorrows-wars/id1793306908?i=1000723524501
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3eNM3tB0H0qRbH8P4UGAXd?si=28db4a13b30b4a97
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the next global crisis is already taking shape? Former NATO commander Sir Richard Shirreff joins us to share blunt insights on the realities of modern warfare, the role of AI and drones, and the flashpoints, from Ukraine and the Middle East to Taiwan, that could spark worldwide conflict. Along the way, he offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and staying prepared in an unpredictable world.
Timestamps:
00:00 Misconceptions about war and risk
01:15 Total defense and Finland’s model
03:50 Threats to the global liberal order
07:24 “War with Russia” predictions vs reality
09:11 Global flashpoints: Middle East & Taiwan
12:33 Preparing for a second Cold War
14:46 Drones, AI, and the future of warfare
16:29 The challenge of information warfare
17:50 Military strategy lessons for business
21:54 Crisis management and readiness
23:54 Building agile leadership
26:16 Leadership lessons from the field
27:06 The hardest order to give
28:09 Surprises in the business world
29:52 Optimism for the future
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-shirreff-409a9618/
#NATO #GlobalSecurity #DefenseStrategy #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #MiddleEastCrisis #TaiwanChina #ColdWar #MilitaryLeadership #AIMilitary #DronesWarfare #InformationWarfare #Geopolitics #CrisisManagement #ModernWarfare
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve curated a powerful 7‑minute cut exploring the surprising truth behind innovation. Hear how the Facebook Like button was born, why breakthroughs are rarely the work of a lone genius, and why real innovation is messy, social, and full of unexpected twists.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/qW6K1FBgC9I
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/imagination-how-bold-companies-thrive-in-a-fast/id1793306908?i=1000721587505
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3W0uhB5AT3SjniZ2naX8kG?si=9kZritJlRFa_043-8DBAlw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the secret to staying competitive in today’s fast-changing world isn’t just data or efficiency—but imagination?
In this episode, Martin Reeves reveals why imagination is the ultimate skill for leaders, how it drives innovation and growth, and why most companies lose it as they get bigger. From the surprising story behind Facebook’s Like button to practical ways CEOs can spark creativity in their teams, Martin explains how to turn imagination into a repeatable process that keeps businesses ahead of disruption.
If you want to know how the best companies create new possibilities—and why imagination could be your biggest strategic advantage – do not miss this episode.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:57 Imagination as the skill leaders can’t ignore
02:10 What holds companies back from using imagination
03:31 Difference between imagination, innovation, and creativity
04:22 Why organizations lose imagination as they grow
06:53 How leaders can bring vitality and imagination back
08:39 Imagination as a repeatable process
10:35 Why companies become too inward‑focused
13:02 The role of imagination in the age of AI
16:20 What strategists should focus on
19:27 The invention of the Facebook Like button
22:08 Why the Like button became so influential
26:49 Lessons the Like button teaches about innovation
30:22 How Martin reinvented his own thinking and career
33:51 How to build a personal learning system
38:18 What makes Martin optimistic about the future
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Martin Reeves
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-reeves
Check out Martin's book: https://a.co/d/jfzu1Bn
#BusinessImagination #InnovationLeadership #StrategyAndInnovation #FutureOfStrategy #AIandInnovation #CreativeStrategy #OrganizationalVitality #DisruptiveLeadership #InnovationCulture #StrategicThinking #CompetitiveAdvantage #LeadershipDevelopment #InnovationInBusiness #BusinessGrowthStrategy #CuriosityAndCreativity
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We've curated a special 7-minute cut unpacking how Qian Liu provides insights into China's transformative economic and technological landscape, challenging global perceptions and revealing innovative approaches.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/6m_yfoK3dSw?feature=shared
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/china-the-rise-thats-reshaping-the-21st-century/id1793306908?i=1000719578400
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2q9IvLcXv5YxbDVkqIJp36?si=abbda594449b43dc
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is China the most misunderstood power in the world?
Economist and strategist Qian Liu joins Philip Meissner to unpack the truth behind China’s rise—economically, politically, and technologically. From explosive innovation and the Belt & Road Initiative to demographics, EVs, and global misconceptions, this episode challenges what you think you know about China—and why getting it wrong could cost the world.
Timestamps
00:00 What Changed Her View on China
02:08 China’s Role in a Changing World
05:33 The Belt and Road Initiative’s Future
07:00 Infrastructure Development
07:59 China Becoming More Assertive
9:53 De-Globalization or New Globalization?
12:12 What Leaders Get Wrong About China
15:44 Advice for Multinational Companies in China
16:32 Where China Will Surprise Us Next
22:59 China’s Future Strategy
25:01 China’s Demographic Crisis
29:06 Navigating Uncertainty
32:02 Advice for Gen Z Professionals
33:25 Reasons for Optimism
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Qian Liu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/qian-liu-01907a2/
#ChinaInsights #Geopolitics #GlobalEconomy #BeltAndRoad #ChineseInnovation #FutureOfChina #DeGlobalization #TechInChina #ChinaStrategy #MultinationalBusiness #FemaleLeadership #GlobalSouth #DemographicsCrisis #EVRevolution #WhatsNextPodcast
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut filled with insights on how true leadership starts with emotional regulation. Discover why shadow work, nervous system regulation, and workplace safety aren’t just wellness trends but essential strategies for leading in uncertain times.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/erc8xjUofmE
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/mental-health-the-hidden-work-every-great-leader-must-do/id1793306908?i=1000717266636
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XZMpkETNrqAy9dYnqSGNG?si=a263520e2eb7462b
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the future of leadership isn’t about power, but emotional regulation?
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais unpacks why unprocessed trauma, unchecked egos, and toxic workplace norms are silently shaping global decisions. She reveals how healing begins with connection, not isolation, and why every leader needs to do their inner work. From AI and mental autonomy to boundary rituals and collective care, this episode will change how you think about mental health, leadership, and our future.
Timestamps:
00:00 The biggest psychological shift the world needs
00:56 Why mental health shapes the future
02:53 Common patterns across trauma survivors and CEOs
03:45 Tech and mental health: helpful or harmful?
04:42 The role of social media in mental health
05:33 Practical tools to improve mental fitness
07:58 Autopilot behavior and building better habits
11:59 How to become a mentally resilient leader
14:02 Creating mentally healthy workplaces
15:44 Why every company needs an in-house psychologist
17:17 The workplace culture shift: are we moving fast enough?
18:46 Innovation in mental health treatment
19:48 A shift from insight to embodied healing
21:05 Protecting mental autonomy in the age of AI
23:20 The next frontiers in human rights
25:54 One global policy to improve mental health
27:19 Rethinking power and vulnerability in leadership
28:59 How Angela stays grounded under pressure
29:45 Navigating decisions: fear vs. freedom
30:48 What makes her optimistic about the future
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
#MentalHealth #Leadership #EmotionalResilience #WorkplaceWellness #PsychologicalSafety #TraumaInformed #FutureOfWork #RelationalIntelligence #BurnoutRecovery #CognitiveLiberty #MindfulLeadership #MentalFitness #AIandMentalHealth #SelfAwareness #HealingTrauma
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We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with insights on why MENA is leapfrogging industries like fintech, healthtech, and agtech and how founders are building billion-dollar companies without taking Silicon Valley-style risks.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Tkuhko7Ycy4
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/mena-the-next-global-startup-powerhouse-for-tech-talent/id1793306908?i=1000715229395
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QTAspWDNmhlblFDYeNA6P?si=wOxkJp4JTcWd99Sar4xfLw
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Think the future of innovation lives in Silicon Valley? It might just be shifting to the Middle East.
In this episode, Noor Sweid—a trailblazing venture capitalist and founder—takes us deep inside the MENA region’s explosive startup scene. From Dubai to Riyadh to Cairo, Noor explains how entrepreneurs are building billion-dollar companies in industries with no legacy players and no rigid rules.
Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about where the world is heading next—this episode will change how you think about opportunity.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:42 What Drives Noor Sweid
01:31 Why She Wrote a Coming of Age Book
02:40 Lessons from 35 Founders Across the Region
05:55 Misunderstanding of MENA Innovation Potential
07:340 Comparing Saudi, Egypt, and UAE Markets
09:30 Why MENA Is Attractive to Builders
10:10 Sectors Where MENA Can Leapfrog
12:46 The Role of Governments and Sovereign Wealth
13:45 What Needs to Happen in the Next 5 Years
15:18 Advice for New Founders in MENA
16:04 How to Succeed in the MENA Region
17:49 Business Culture in MENA
18:34 How MENA Founders Differ from Others
19:52 Women in Tech in the MENA region
20:59 Shark Tank vs. VC Investing
22:22 Reinventing Your Career with Purpose
27:17 What Makes Noor Optimistic About the Future
Connect with Philip Meissner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner
Connect with Noor Sweid
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-sweid-4b5233/
Check out Noor's book: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/1917523432/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1JXTXD7FAAXV3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TeWHU7yYlUJoMdd0grqgyLnRDuvEcbM9i7gNNpXjvC4.SNFHnyEjSWob9LCQgNBpKkzPInVE9E20Z5U7Rpq0CCs&dib_tag=se&keywords=noor+sweid&qid=1747124998&sprefix=noor+sweid%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1
#MENAInnovation #NoorSweid #StartupsInMENA #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #UAEStartups #TechInMENA #FoundersMindset #GlobalTalent #BusinessInDubai #FutureOfTech #InnovationLeadership #WomenInVC #StartupEcosystem #BuildInMENA
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with bold insights on Europe’s tech future — from escaping the buzzword trap of “competitiveness” to building AI factories, smarter investments, and breaking free from overregulation.
Listen to the full episode now!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/YKKo4hW8fzc
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/european-tech-policy-building-a-competitive-digital/id1793306908?i=1000713176512
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xXblKshv4kwfJZofk4sQi?si=b7648816dd0543ee
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.