The Tech Leaders Podcast

Today’s guest is a serial entrepreneur focused on sustainability in the food and energy sectors. Huw Thomas is the Cofounder, President and COO at Counterfactual Ventures, a venture studio focused on filling gaps in the alt-protein industry to accelerate the 'protein transition'.With a background in computer engineering and renewable energy, it’s been a fascinating journey for Huw. He was the COO of cultivated meat startup New Age Meats, co-founder of renewable energy consultancy SCENE, and CEO of sports nutrition startup Fuelit. Tune in to learn more about dealing with the colossal global meat industry, how to best name the ‘meat alternative’ industry, dealing with regulations, and the need for more curiosity as leaders.Talking PointsHuw’s training in computer engineering (3:22)The stage we’re at in the mass production of alternative protein sources (12:50)When we can expect viable alternatives to meat on a global scale (16:09)Naming the industry for meat alternatives (22:25)The story and mission behind Counterfactual Ventures (31:50)Seeking outcome driven entrepreneurs (36:46)The role of curiosity in leadership (47:00)Links‘Doing Good Better’ by William MacAskillThisThe Good Food InstituteEat JustCounterfactual Ventures‘The Precipice’ by Toby OrdJoe Rogan Experience #1169​ - Elon Musk‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Coveyhttps://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Embracing your uniqueness and authentic voice has been the driving force behind today’s guest success as a leader. Yamini Rangan is the Chief Customer Officer at HubSpot and is working on some ambitious goals for the leading CRM provider. Driven by the motto “helping is the new selling”, I loved learning more about Yamini’s insights into sales and marketing.Coming from an engineering background, Yamini has learnt how sales goes hand-in-hand with technology. With over 24 years experience across sales, marketing, operations, and strategy, she has also worked at Workday and Dropbox. In 2019, Yamini was recognised as one of the Most Influential Women in Business by San Francisco Business Times. Join our conversation as we discuss decision-making patterns, hyper-growth, gender diversity – and booking her one-way ticket from India to Atlanta in her early 20s. Talking PointsHer passion for technology when growing up in a small Indian town (4:49)The technology changes Yamini has seen in India (12:15)Establishing her career in the US (14:12)Key milestones in Yamini’s career (25:46)Joining Hubspot and her ambitious goals (31:05)The fundamentals of sales and marketing (33:56)Making the entire customer journey digital (36:41)How to get noticed as a small business online (38:57)Getting more women into STEM (42:07)LinksHubspot Certified Training‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio‘Trillion Dollar Coach’ by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg, and Alan EagleProject Potentialhttps://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Bitcoin has been in the news recently, the price has hit an all-time high but opinion remains divided. Enthusiasts call it the perfect modern money system yet critics dismiss it as a bubble that resembles a Ponzi scheme. My guest today is the host of the world's #1 bitcoin podcast, "What Bitcoin Did". He isn't a software engineer or monetary economist, he is just a regular guy from Bedford who isn't afraid to ask basic fundamental questions as to why this technology is potentially going to change everybody's lives. For this reason, his content is very accessible to the average person who is looking to learn more about cryptocurrencies.  He also has an incredible story to tell. His career has been full of ups and downs, which Peter reflects upon candidly. Peter talks about building a business and also speaks about a very dark period in his life where his marriage collapsed and he fought drug addiction. They also cover what bitcoin really is and what that means for the average person. A thought-provoking and value-filled conversation. 1. Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3sS4Lyv2. Subscribe at:    - iTunes: https://apple.co/3ocDymB    - Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qyR2KK3. YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qyQLHI4. Twitter: https://twitter.com/TechLPodcasthttps://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Sina left university prematurely to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours. “.. in the right place at the right time”.  His company Yoello has achieved incredible growth in 2020.  The app-less mobile ordering and payment solution is now used by thousands of high street restaurant and hospitality businesses, including Burger King, Subway, and The Grand, York, allowing them to serve their customers securely, efficiently and rapidly.  In this Tech Leaders’ Podcast, Gareth talks to Sina about the path to meteoric success, from his arrival in the UK aged 8 knowing little more than two words of English, his early entrepreneurial projects through to being the owner and CEO of a company that is revolutionising payment systems. Not adverse to risk-taking, Sina talks about his early foray into Bitcoin, leaving university during his final year to start his business (much to his mother’s upset) finding investors, and setting up an experienced board of advisors from the global financial sector. He discusses setbacks, the milestones in Yoello’s growth, his own personal motivation, and how he built the corporate structure. Gareth quizzes him on future plans, the challenges of working remotely when building a new business, on-boarding new employees in such conditions and what he looks for when hiring talent. The future looks very bright for Yoello with expansion into Europe an imminent prospect. https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

The pandemic has forced thousands of Brits to overcome their fear of technology, to embrace this digital world and develop skills to stay connected, both on a personal and professional level. Gareth talks to Kerensa Jennings, BT Group Director of Digital Impact. They discuss her amazing career, working with the likes of legendary broadcasters like David Frost and David Attenborough through to the amazing work she is currently involved with at BT. Kerensa’s career path has been far from linear, holding various roles in the production of television news and documentary programmes, including writing “the Slug’ for the Big Breakfast. Five years within the Royal Household forming strategy and delivery for IDEA CIC award to inspire digital enterprise pre-empted her appointment to her current role. Kerensa and her team are on a mission to provide digital skill acquisition to the masses and upskill those seeking employment. Specific programmes targeted to primary school children, school leavers, small businesses provide the opportunity for users to develop a problem-solving mindset, a crucial skill in today’s rapid, ever-changing world, together with inspiring confidence and adaptability. Find out how Kerensa views the impact of AI and the irreversible technological legacy of Covid-19.https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Gareth interviews CTO of Welsh Water, Rob Norris. Following a piece of impromptu advice from a school friend, Rob embarked on a career in IT, working on some huge projects for diverse and corporate organisations across the UK, culminating in his current position as Chief Technology Officer within a critical national infrastructure organisation. Rob speaks candidly about his humble beginnings, his experience of working in a start-up, the evolution of cyber threats and the importance of challenging conventional wisdom. https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Gareth interviews Paul Clark, CTO of Ocado Group – the company transforming online groceries through a suite of technology, including robotics, AI & ML.  Having joined in 2006, Paul talks candidly about the journey from being a start-up UK grocer, to becoming a global technology provider. They discuss AI, Quantum Computing, Digital Twins and other forward-looking endeavours for Ocado and the wider tech industry. Paul also gives us his views on the current situation and the lessons learned from the pandemic. A fascinating deep dive into one of the most innovative tech companies in the UK, by one of the key figures behind it. https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Gareth interviews Mark Rice who is CIO at global language services provider, thebigword. With almost two decades experience leading commercial and technology departments for national and multi-national companies, Mark's career spans industries including manufacturing, logistics consultancy and most recently language services, where he was promoted to CIo after 11 months! Mark is a product-led leader and talks us through this, along with his experience of implementing efficiency, managing conflict, screening prospective hires and engaging remote teams. We also cover the objectives of thebigword, who are on a mission to make the world a smaller place by breaking down language barriers, supporting global trade and helping people access goods, commerce and services in their own languages. Some amazing anecdotes and advice from a top-of-his game, tech leader. https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Gareth interviews Peter Dowds, founder of Elder HQ, an alternative to residential care homes and one of the fastest growing companies in the UK, aiming is to reshape how society looks after their elderly. Following a stint with a global law firm and couple of business ventures, Peter got involved in the later-life care sector, having seen an opportunity based the high demand for care options, driven by a rapidly ageing population. They discuss Peter's experiences of growing a company and disrupting a well-established industry, the pandemic and his outlook for the future. https://www.bedigitaluk.com/

Gareth interviews Ryan Prince - co-founder and vice-chairman of Realstar Group, who runs a large portfolio of commercial properties across the UK, he founded concept developer, UNCLE, who mix co-working space with, amenity-rich living space, catering to millennial and Gen Z professionals in major UK cities. He also co-founded early-stage venture capital firm, iGabriel at the age of just 21. They unpack this, his experience of investing in early-stage businesses, and Ryan's predictions for the work-space sector in light of the proclivity towards remote-working following the lockdown.https://www.bedigitaluk.com/