The G&T Sessions

In this episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, Andrew Turner speaks with Luca Arrigo, a serial entrepreneur, founder of AI Model Agency and now CEO of Better Studio. They discuss Luca's journey from selling tickets for events in Malta to launching multiple startups, including his latest venture in the fashion industry using AI technology. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in the startup world, the intersection of technology and fashion, and Luca's vision for the future of AI in the industry. In this conversation, Luca Arrigo discusses his journey towards becoming an independent politician in Malta, emphasising the importance of a regret minimisation lifestyle and the startup mindset in politics. He shares insights on creating a manifesto for change, engaging with the media, and his surprising meeting with the Prime Minister. Luca reflects on the challenges of political perceptions and the importance of real-world impact, while also offering advice to the younger generation about the value of learning and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:53 Luca's Startup Journey 08:08 The Five Startups Before 25 14:19 Transition to Fashion and AI 20:01 The Future of AI in Fashion 24:24 Embracing a Regret Minimization Lifestyle 25:03 The Startup Mindset in Politics 26:54 Creating a Manifesto for Change 28:52 Engaging with the Media and Public 30:12 Meeting the Prime Minister: A Surprising Call 32:57 Navigating Political Perceptions 34:16 The Importance of Real-World Impact 38:39 The Drive to Build and Create 40:56 Advice to the Younger Generation Links  / luca-arrigo   https://negozju.com/ https://betterstudio.io/

Welcome to the latest episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, it was a pleasure to have Steve Suarez, Founder & CEO of HorizonX Consulting on the show, who has recently moved to Dubai to focus on quantum consulting and entrepreneurship. We discuss Steve's transition from HSBC to starting his own company, Horizon X, and the exciting opportunities in the UAE for technology and innovation. The conversation delves into the potential of quantum technology, its comparison to classical computing, and the future intersection of AI and quantum advancements. In this conversation, Steve Suarez discusses the transformative potential of quantum computing, its applications in optimisation and machine learning, and the cultural nuances of doing business in the Middle East. He shares personal experiences from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. The discussion also touches on the significance of continuous learning and the need to embrace frustration as a catalyst for change. Steve Suarez, founder and CEO of HorizonX Consulting, boasts a distinguished innovation and transformative leadership career. He is also currently an External Advisor to Bain & Company, and with prior experienceas Global Head of Innovation, Global Functions at HSBC, Steve's fervour for cutting-edge solutions led to the creation of HorizonX Consulting. His dynamic leadership is reshaping how businesses approach innovation, offering strategic insights and growth-oriented methodologies. Over three decades, Steve has excelled in consulting, telecommunications, and finance, leading complex strategic initiatives, fostering organisational change, and managing diverse teams. He advises senior executives, holds non-executive board roles, and speaks at top tech conferences, exemplifying his commitment to advancing innovation. As an MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School alumnus, he embodies a lifelong dedication to excellence. Links from Steve  / stevesuarez   (Linkedin) https://www.horizonxc.com/ (HorizonX Website) https://learn-xpro.mit.edu/horizonx (Use Promocode: HorizonX) https://thequantumindex.com/ (The Quantum Index) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Steve Suarez 03:05 Steve's Move to Dubai and Quantum Consulting 06:10 The UAE's Vision for Technology and Innovation 09:06 Transitioning from HSBC to Entrepreneurship 11:59 The Birth of Horizon X 14:57 Understanding Quantum Technology 17:56 The Future of Quantum and AI 20:59 Comparing Classical and Quantum Computing 22:22 The Promise of Quantum Computing 24:17 Navigating Hardware Constraints in Quantum 26:41 Opportunities in the Middle East 27:43 Cultural Adaptation in Business 31:39 Peaks and Valleys of Entrepreneurship 39:34 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, host Andrew Turner speaks with Scott Newton about the evolving nature of strategy in today's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. They discuss the importance of having a dynamic strategy that adapts to changing environments, the shift from traditional planning to more flexible approaches, and the impact of misinformation on decision-making. Scott emphasises the need for organisations to cultivate a data culture to ensure that their strategies are informed by accurate information, ultimately leading to better outcomes in an ever-changing landscape. In this conversation, Scott Newton and Andrew Turner explore the current limitations of AI technology, the challenges faced by autonomous machines, and the importance of up-skilling for a tech-driven future. They discuss the implications of productivity gains and market disruption, the ethical use of technology, and Scott's journey into strategy and technology. The conversation also touches on resilience in business amidst crises, understanding business cycles and risks, and offers valuable advice for founders and startups regarding capital and growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 02:49 Navigating Strategy in a VUCA World 11:25 The Evolution of Strategic Planning 20:51 Emergent vs. Planned Strategies 28:06 Misinformation and Its Impact on Strategy 32:23 The Limitations of Current AI Technology 34:26 Autonomous Machines and Their Challenges 35:48 Up-skilling for a Tech-Driven Future 37:54 Productivity Gains and Market Disruption 39:24 Navigating Ethical Technology Use 41:44 Scott's Journey into Strategy and Technology 44:48 Resilience in Business Amidst Crises 48:35 Understanding Business Cycles and Risks 50:19 Advice for Founders and Startups 54:45 The Cost of Capital and Business Growth Scott is The Managing Partner of Thinking Dimensions, and a member of the Board of Directors at Sirius (Netherlands,) and Strategy Tools (Norway.) Scott works with Boards, CEOs, Private Equity, and senior leaders on Strategy, M&A, and Digital Transformation with an emphasis on embedding sustainability into their business models today and for the future. His experiences have taken him to North America, Latin America, Europe, MENA, and Asia Pacific assisting global organisations. Scott and his teams focus on building new business model portfolios, future proofing the organization, and linking impact to sustainable growth and profitability. Technology and the implications to industry shifts are major points of attention in the boardroom and C-Suite, and with more than 25 years of international experience in advisory activities balanced between both multinational and family-controlled enterprises, Scott has had the unique opportunity to assist more than 250 CEO’s and Senior Leaders. The organisations Scott works with achieve speed, alignment, and most importantly bold growth outcomes by focusing on a long-term view. Linkedin Profile  / scottbnewton  

n this episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, Andrew Turner welcomes back Alejandro Canonero, who shares insights from his recent PhD research on the success and failure of AI, SaaS, and cloud companies. The conversation delves into the chaos of go-to-market strategies, the importance of leadership and alignment in organisations, and the critical role of ecosystems in modern business. Alejandro and Andrew explore the evolution of business ecosystems, the importance of building partnerships in technology, and the role of trust and collaboration in achieving success. Alejandro also shares key messages from his book 'War of the Ecosystems', emphasizing the necessity of being part of an ecosystem to thrive in today's technology landscape. Alejandro has held leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected technology companies, including Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Teradata, Documentum EMC, Criteo, and HP. He was a founding member of the AWS Marketplace Team in EMEA and the AWS partner team for the public sector. As the leader of Google Cloud’s global partner ecosystem public sector team, Alejandro has driven new strategies that have impacted ecosystem development, social inclusion, market share, and revenue growth. Alejandro’s unique approach to combining strategic vision with practical execution is critical to his ability to deliver results. He has created and implemented innovative programs and growth-focused initiatives rooted in a deep understanding of how ecosystems work and how to leverage them for sustainable success. Being kidnapped and surviving the experience pushed him out of his country, where he pivoted and earned a master’s in business administration (MBA) in London. Defying his challenging circumstances, he embarked on a transformative journey across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, relentlessly pursuing personal growth. He became a certified Ironman triathlon coach and conquered multiple Full Ironman races, channeling his triumphs into raising funds for the Children’s Tumour Foundation. ​As a scuba diving instructor and shark diver, he embraces challenges outside his comfort zone as life adventures, always looking to push past his limits and learn from every experience. ​These experiences have taught him the importance of humility, discipline, perseverance, focus, grit, and mental toughness when pursuing one's life purpose. Alejandro’s dedication to evolution is not limited to his professional career or academics but to a holistic personal growth life journey. Alejandro and his wife Veronica are raising four children. They are actively involved in the community for young girls and boys, leading them on exploratory adventures to "Be Prepared" for life. This role as a mentor to the next generation reflects his belief in giving back and a profound commitment to helping others. His story is one of resilience and continuous growth, based on the belief that success is not only about individual achievement but also about contributing to the greater ecosystem of life by lifting others up along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:05 Alejandro's Recent Achievements and PhD Journey 11:54 The Chaos in Go-to-Market Strategies 19:11 Leadership, Alignment, and Ecosystem Management 27:14 The Importance of Ecosystems in Modern Business 32:57 The Evolution of Business Ecosystems 35:03 Building Partnerships in Technology 38:10 Trust and Collaboration in Ecosystems 41:01 The Importance of Community Engagement 44:07. Sharing Knowledge and Giving Back 48:11 Key Messages from 'War of the Ecosystems’ Alejandro’s Book: https://a.co/d/1G0r8dC War of The Ecosystems Website:https://www.waroftheecosystems.com/se... Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/AudiobookWoE Linkedin:    / canonero  

In this latest episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, host Andrew Turner welcomes guests Daniel Corazzi and Jay Scott-Nicholls to discuss the evolving landscape of technology, particularly in the realms of extended reality (XR) and immersive media. The conversation explores their respective businesses, innovative projects, and collaborations with notable artists. They delve into the future of virtual events, corporate training in VR, and the ongoing evolution of the metaverse, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging and accessible experiences for users. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of XR technology, the impact of digital interactions on social skills, and the balance between virtual and physical experiences. They explore the future of technology, particularly for 2025 and beyond, and share insights for founders navigating the emerging tech landscape. The discussion highlights the potential of XR to enhance human connections while also addressing the challenges of loneliness and superficial relationships in a digital age. Daniel Corazzi is the founder and CEO of eyeora XR is a groundbreaking technology company that is redefining how Extended Reality content is created, shared, experienced and monetised. Driven by a passionate belief in the power of XR to enhance everyday life, we have created a social platform that brings together XR ‘Creators’ and XR ‘Explorers’ into one connected network. Driving content creation for the platform is a turnkey ‘studio’, that gives entertainers, athletes, brands, rights holders, influencers, businesses and educators all the tools they need to connect and engage with their audience through the ultimate experiential medium of XR. No high-entry costs, no coding, no lengthy post-production – it's Extended Reality (XR) made simple.  Today Daniel with years of experience in the music sector which allowed him to gain valuable connections and expertise i.e as a front man / co-manager of many original bands, from touring to running a recording studio and learning how, what, why it can be a challenge to sustain a career for some artist, which became the initial focus and motivation for his tech innovation projects. Over 15 years leading tech teams and working with some of the UK’s leading tech brands, all leading him to founding eyeora XR in 2017 and developing the platform in 2019. The vision is to bridge the gap from traditional 2D social, creation & distribution methods with future XR communities in any hardware available from one united platform. Jay Scott-Nicholls After spending several years in creative agencies, and seven years leading editorial and photographic teams around the world for National Geographic Magazine, Jay founded Circus in 2012. The agency has since established itself as a leading creative technology studio - producing award-winning brand experiences using 360, 3D, virtual reality and virtual worlds technology. As Creative Director, Jay has directly overseen the delivery of innovative projects for brands such as Spotify, Red Bull, Goldman Sachs, United Nations, BBC, Barclays, NHS, SpaceNK, Hilton, L’Oreal, Dyson, Bacardi, English Heritage, O2, BT, Science Museum and the Houses of Parliament. Links www.eyeora.com www.circus360.uk Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the G&T Sessions Podcast 03:14 Meet the Guests: Daniel and Jay 04:56 Exploring Extended Reality and Immersive Media 12:10 Innovative Projects: The OuterNet and Beyond 15:40 Collaborations with Artists: CeeLo Green and Burna Boy 20:52 The Future of Virtual Events and Experiences 27:35 Corporate Interest in Virtual Reality Training 30:57 The Evolution of the Metaverse 34:00 The Evolution of XR Technology 39:09 Social Skills in the Digital Age 46:04 Balancing Digital and Physical Interactions 52:09 The Future of Technology and Its Impact 58:02 Insights for Founders in Emerging Tech

Ravi Ramachandran, CEO of Eidolon AI and startup expert, teams up with Dave Brewster, co-founder of August Data and Eidolon AI, to dive into the transformative world of Agentic AI. They discuss the evolution of AI from chatbots to sophisticated agents and the vital role of curiosity in tech adoption. The duo highlights the importance of open-source solutions and modular design in enhancing AI capabilities. They also address the challenges enterprises face, emphasizing grassroots adoption and the collaborative spirit essential for thriving in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

In this episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, Andrew Turner interviews Bruno Goffin, a seasoned leader with extensive experience in corporate environments, particularly at GE and Procter & Gamble. The actual turbulent world has cancelled old models and today young talents lack reference if they want to have an impact. However COURAGE remains one wisdom which remains paramount, especially if you want to defend your personal values. Here is a practical mentoring guide on courage. Bruno shares his journey from a small village in Belgium to becoming a commercial director and executive vice president. He discusses the importance of courage in leadership, the impact of childhood experiences on personal growth, and the valuable lessons learned from Jack Welch, General Electric CEO. Bruno emphasizes the need for young leaders to manage their own destinies and the significance of emotional intelligence in business. In this engaging conversation, he shares his insights on leadership, courage, and the evolving dynamics of the workplace. He recounts his experiences at Procter & Gamble, illustrating the importance of taking risks and challenging the status quo. Bruno emphasizes the need for young leaders to embrace their authenticity, develop emotional intelligence, and cultivate resilience in a rapidly changing world. He also discusses the significance of mentorship and the value of storytelling in leadership development, providing actionable advice for aspiring leaders. This was a wonderful episode to record together with Bruno just before the end of 2024, and now publishing to the world as our first episode of 2025 to set the tone for the year ahead. Enjoy !! Bruno has accumulated over 40 years of management at C level at blue chips like Procter & Gamble, General Electric and turnaround companies in multi sectors internationally. Today, I am embarking into a give back mentoring program for young leaders, putting courage at the centre of my program.  Bruno has over 20 years European commercial management at P&G and GE; over 25 years international management, consulting and training in multiple industries: Pharma, FMCG, Press, Luxury, Industrial… Certified trainer Process Communication Model (EQ). Fluent English, French, Italian Author: Successful Young Leaders are Courageous Link to Bruno's Book on Amazon SUCCESSFUL YOUNG LEADERS ARE COURAGEOUS: A practical guide and toolkit to boost young managers’ personal impact in a highly unpredictable world by Bruno Goffin | October 2024 https://bit.ly/3ULm7fI Visit his website for more info. https://www.courageousyoungleaders.com/

In this episode of the G&T Sessions podcast, Andrew Turner interviews Wes Bush, a prominent figure in the Product-Led Growth (PLG) space. They discuss the evolution of buyer preferences, the shift in sales dynamics, and the importance of creating a user-centric experience. Wes shares insights from his books, including the Product-Led Playbook, and emphasizes the need for companies to operationalize PLG strategies across all departments. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding user needs, creating depth in strategy, and building competitive moats around products. In this conversation, Wes Bush discusses the nuances of product-led growth, emphasizing the importance of niche tools in AI, the concept of 'first strike' in user experience, and the critical role of product design and education in achieving success. He highlights successful examples of product-led companies and the need for a focused go-to-market strategy, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the business landscape. Here is the link to Wes's latest book - Product Led Playbook on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Product-Led-Playbook-Self-Serve-Dominate-ProductLed-ebook/dp/B0DJ3854MV/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1 Listen until the end for an Special Gift from Wes ;)

In this conversation, Andrew Turner interviews Charlie Winton, founder of OK Positive, about his journey as a startup founder and his mission to help people improve their mental health. They also discuss the importance of self-awareness, dealing with rejection, and the challenges of implementing effective well-being strategies in corporate environments. Charlie discusses the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace. He emphasizes the need for personalized and accessible support, using technology to provide individuals with the tools and resources they need to improve their mental health. He also highlights the role of AI in alleviating repetitive tasks and allowing humans to focus on creativity and collaboration. He shares his experience of incorporating his business in Malta and the potential for growth in the well-being industry. He emphasises the importance of motivation and individualised approaches to well-being, rather than setting generic goals or targets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Funny Story 04:01 Charlie's Journey and the Birth of OK Positive 06:04 Understanding Mental Health Issues 10:33 Triggering Events and the Importance of Change 18:02 Combining Mental Health and Startup Founder Challenges 25:33 Well-Being Strategies in Corporate Environments 28:50 The Effectiveness of Well-Being Surveys and Interventions 32:16 Streamlining Processes and Providing Instant Support 32:40 Personalised and Accessible Support 34:07 The Role of Technology and AI 35:43 Growth Opportunities in the Well-being Industry 52:42 Motivation and Individualised Approaches Links www.okpositive.org https://www.okpositive.org/download

We are joined today by Jeremy Bassett, founder of Co:Cubed and SuperBenji. They discuss the MADFest event, Jeremy's background in finance and marketing, and the journey of starting Co:Cubed and SuperBenji. They also touch on the challenges of change management and the role of AI in sales. Jeremy shares his vision for SuperBenji and how it aims to make sales technology easy and intuitive to adopt. Jeremy Basset, founder and CEO of Super Benji, shares his journey from working in a corporate environment to becoming an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging failure, learning from it, and moving on to the next thing. Basset discusses the process of stepping out of his previous business and launching Super Benji, highlighting the need for a gradual transition and testing the waters. He also shares his experiences of taking holidays and the challenges of being off the grid. Basset reflects on the peaks and valleys of his career, including leaving the corporate world of Unilever and the lessons he learned from those experiences. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start with a problem, leverage their unique abilities, and test their ideas with feedback from others. Basset also discusses the power of AI and the opportunities it presents for innovation. And his admission as you can see below off running 6 marathons in 6 days across Africa, which is pretty impressive. Go Go Go Jeremy !!! Enjoy Links Try the demo: https://www.superbenji.ai/emaildemo Website https://www.superbenji.ai