The Forward Podcast with SmartOSC

“We cannot solve a misuse of trust in people with blockchain technology. But I think what we can solve is the trust in systems challenge.” Today, we're peeling back the layers with Sebastian Bode, The VP of Engineering at the Cardano Foundation. Sebastian turned his childhood dream job at Ubisoft into a career that’s spanned robotics, automotive, finance, and now blockchain! After years as an engineer, Sebastian made the leap to leadership and realized what really excites him isn’t just solving technical problems—it’s working with people and creating environments and systems that thrive on truth, education, resilience, and adoption. We spoke to Sebastian to hear about his experience, getting to the core of his motivations and the future of the Cardano Foundation. Here’s what you can expect to hear: 💡 Blockchain Education, Literacy, and Regulation ⚙️ Chang hard fork and decentralized governance 🚀 Innovations and trends that he is keeping a close eye on 🔎 Leadership advice - The importance of curiosity and stepping out of the blockchain bubble ...and much more! Also, this week, over 10,000 attendees from over 25 countries will gather in Dubai for the Cardano Summit 2024. The Cardano Foundation will be joined by speakers such as Binance CEO Richard Teng and Animoca Labs Co-Founder and Chairman Yat Siu at the global blockchain event. The Cardano Summit brings together industry leaders, blockchain enthusiasts, regulators, policymakers, engineers, and developers. You can still get tickets by clicking the link below, listeners of Cut The Onion also get a lovely 10% discount on tickets by using the code: CDS24MEDIA10 https://summit.cardano.org/ What is Cut The Onion, we hear you ask? It’s a mini-series where we peel back the layers of tech roles. We’ll be getting to the core of tech roles that can oftentimes be misunderstood and exploring the stories of those working in tech across a multitude of industries - bringing you honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward.

Join Joel Beasley, creator of ModernCTO.io and host of the Modern CTO podcast, who has interviewed nearly 1,000 CTOs. He shares his biggest frustrations and joys in the tech world, emphasizing the importance of focusing on 'the next right thing.' Discover why understanding your role as a CTO is essential and how systems dictate success. Joel dives into the impact of AI and the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and resilience within tech leadership—all from a refreshingly candid perspective.

If you could speak to your future self, what advice would you offer? That’s the question we've been asking our guests this season. To celebrate #InternationalPodcastDay, we’re wrapping up this season with a special compilation of sage advice from our brilliant lineup! From savoring the wins, and trusting your gut, to promoting people sooner, this season has been filled with invaluable wisdom to help you move forward. We’ll also have a very exciting announcement to make so make sure to stay to the end to hear about it!  In this episode, you’ll hear from: Simon Torring the CEO and Co-founder of Cube Asia  Andre Menezes Co-founder of TiNDLE Natalie Dau Author of Run Like a Woman Terry O’Connor Strategic Advisor to Bain & Company, Trustana, SmartOSC and more Jeffrey Tan President of the Singapore Computer Society Catherine D Henry Author of Virtual Natives Dennis Trawnitchek CTO of SCBX Andy Chang Global Head of Marketing Tech at Electrolux Emily Hinks, Co-Founder and CEO of Mischief Makers  Mint Kaewmanorom Head of Analytics & AI Business Development at True Digital

Are traditional office cultures meeting their end? What happens when you start investing in the ROI of Human Connection? (Spoiler alert: great things will happen!) In this episode of #TheForwardPodcast, we're joined by Emily Hinks, founder and CEO of Mischief Makers. She’s shaking up the Future of Work with her delightfully unconventional, human-centered approach to team collaboration and growth, using facilitation as fuel for good! Emily shares her mischievous methods that have attracted brands like Netflix, Spotify, Nike, and Greenpeace into her orbit. Whether you’re a team member, manager, founder, or CEO—hybrid or fully remote—you can expect relatable, practical tips and real-world examples that highlight the rewards of investing in Human Connection for a brighter future at work. If you’d like to skip along to key moments that work best for you - here you go:  03:32 Why Emily started Mischief Makers 08:07 The Importance of fun and mischief in the workplace 12:18 Effective meeting communication 17:07 Can AI help us spend more time on creativity?21:36 Case studies for facilitation 26:12 Building workplace connections 31:17 Organizational statements implemented 36:53 Budgeting for fun activities 42:49 Addressing hybrid session challenges 48:34 Move Forward and Leave Behind 54:24 Future self advice Check out Emily’s Check-in Generator for a fun way to energize your meetings or explore Mischief Makers’ Hybrid Facilitation Training to lead groups more effectively in today’s evolving work environment. You can find out more at Mischiefmakers.co and EmilyHinks.com! About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviours, tools, and trends they'll leave behind, and those they'll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership. Each episode is hosted and edited by Aziza O'Beirne.

“We have to leave behind the fear of what might go wrong and replace that with the opportunity of what happens if it goes right.”  We’re so happy to have Terry O’Connor OBE on this episode of #TheForwardPodcast! With over 20 years of experience transforming global businesses and a track record that includes CEO roles at Courts Asia and Matahari.  Today, Terry brings his strategic vision and fresh perspectives to companies like Bain and Company, Mirakle, and Trustana. He’s also the author of Why Not? The Story of a Retail Maverick and Courts, and has received numerous accolades, including an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling. In this episode, Terry shares his unique insights on: Transforming Global Businesses The Importance of Feedback and Learning from Mistakes  The Future of Retail in Southeast Asia: Decision-Making and Digital Strategies  Tech Vendor Partnerships: Moving Beyond the Pitch  Breaking Down Internal Silos  Opportunities and Threats of AI  What Brands Should Embrace Moving Forward  What CEOs Should Leave Behind  And much more!  Episode Breakdown: 01:00 OBE: Honors  02:45 Future of Leadership, Retail 04:01 Balancing Life's Aspects 06:12 Career: Start to Finish 08:52 Action Overcomes Fear 10:37 Strategy: Curiosity, Collaboration 13:11 Decision-Making: Doors Analogy 15:38 eCommerce and Retail Challenges 17:06 Adapting Communication 21:11 Building Trust: New Offerings 26:57 AI: Power and Threats 30:46 What is Technology for? Improving Lives?  31:00 AI Chatbots: Helpful or a Hindrance? 32:15 Change Management with Technology & Enhancing Data Literacy 32:48 What Does Good Execution Mean? 33:18 Vendor Reliance Issues 34:48 Agile Tech Partnerships 37:08 Marketing in Tech Decisions 38:45 Team Involvement in Projects 40:16 Future of Retail 43:19 Sustainability Focus 45:10 What Makes A Good Leader?

Click here to VOTE for us at the Asia Podcast Awards with Radio Info and Radio Days: https://lnkd.in/gVCdHQug We'd be so grateful for your votes in two categories 1. Best Interview Podcast (The Forward Podcast) 2. Best Money and Business Podcast (The Forward Podcast) Thank you!! Now, enough about us. Please meet our next brilliant guest:  Andre Menezes started his first business at 12 years old and looked at life, processes, and products with a simple question: Is there a better way? Years later, this question led him from engineering to co-founding TiNDLE, which raised $130 million in capital, setting the record for the largest “Seed and Series A” ever raised by a plant-based meat company. So, what was the recipe for success that took TiNDLE from starting from scratch during a global pandemic to becoming a world record breaker for funding? And what’s next for Andre? 📈 How can the lessons learned from this venture help businesses move forward? 🥩➡️🌿 What is the future of the meat industry in the face of plant-based alternatives? 🤔 How can businesses tackle the challenges of changing consumer habits? In this episode, we dive into his incredible journey—from overcoming the challenges of starting a business from scratch to his strategies for success, his predictions for the future of the food industry, and the emerging trends in consumer behavior. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Tech vs. Food Challenges 00:47 Guest Intro: AndresAndre Menezes 03:49 Starting the Plant-Based Protein Venture 06:23 Teamwork in Business Challenges 09:07 Flaws in Animal Food Production 13:12 Changing Views on Meat Consumption 16:08 Insights on Future Food Leadership 19:45 Navigating Startup Uncertainty 23:00 Success in Rapid Growth 28:11 Expanding Business Internationally 34:18 Trends in Consumer Health 43:36 Defining Leadership in Business

“Brands are challenged when it comes to #Web3 concepts, #metaverseplatforms, and #gaming. But guess what? That's your job. Brands need to pay more attention to this.” In this exciting episode, we dive into the world of emerging technologies with Catherine D. Henry, a pioneer in spatial computing and a top global expert on the Metaverse and Web3. Catherine takes us through the journey of how immersive and interactive experiences have evolved, from the early days of gaming to the widespread adoption of AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality. We’ll discuss how the pandemic accelerated the convergence of these technologies, leading to long-term shifts in how we live and interact with digital media. Catherine shares her insights on the latest trends, the impact of major players like Meta and Apple, and the importance of being ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing landscape. We also explore Catherine's impressive background, including her education in marketing and economics, and her passion for trend forecasting and how that has allowed her to create her own dream job and lead to her writing the best-selling book “Virtual Natives” This episode is a must-listen for businesses, entrepreneurs, tech fans, and anyone curious about the future: 🔮 “Gen Z represents 50% of the global workforce and will be at the beginning of their peak earning years by 2030, which is just four and a half years away. We need to think about how we will prepare for this new generation. Gaming is a fundamental part of where our customers are” 🎮 “Every company will need a gaming division because this is the new media platform.” 🔄”What does reciprocity look like for your brand? Instead of crafting a perfect message, maybe let your audience create something new with it. Let people play and enjoy your brand.” Key moments: 00:00 - Introduction: VR passion and undervaluation of technology 04:10 - Acceleration of AI and spatial computing 07:50 - Challenges in retail and dominance of UGC 10:33 - Importance of online brand communities and fandom 13:02 - Shifting focus to Gen Z and future customers 15:21 - Embracing reciprocity and evolving with culture 18:03 - Importance of community and adaptable tools for Gen Alpha 20:08 - Disruptive education and cross-generational learning experiences 21:39 - Changing expectations of future employees and office culture 23:36 - Gen Alpha's emphasis on community, inclusivity, reciprocity 26:04 - Identifying new talent and embracing multiple careers 28:19 - Advice for the future and staying curious

Supply chain logistics is a messy place right now. So what does the future hold?  When it comes to transformation and digital development the Supply Chain industry is one of the slowest sectors to progress, so we’ll be speaking to someone who has spent two decades frivolously learning and seeking to create change in logistics infrastructure, customs compliance, shipping, and supply chain technology.   A self-described industry busybody, Jeffrey Tan wears many hats. Currently, as the president of the Singapore Computer Society’s Supply Chain Management Chapter, leading efforts in technology adoption within the industry and shaking up the status quo.  In his episode, we look at the current pain points and future challenges for global supply chains and logistics. We’ll be exploring how new retail and startups may impact legacy systems and looking to the future of what needs to be done and changed within this space.  ✅ The missing pieces for driving successful transformation within the supply chain and logistics industry ✅Singapore's journey as a logistics powerhouse and its role in reshaping global trade ✅ Can blockchain really create the change that it has been hyped to create within the industry? ✅ How Southeast Asia is reshaping the manufacturing landscape and what it means for regional economies ✅The impact of eCommerce and smaller businesses on global supply chains and logistics ✅ The hidden world of logistics and discover how it shapes our everyday experiences ✅ Embracing failure and learning from losses Chapters: 00:00 - Challenges and progress in the logistics industry 06:42 - Career journey and industry development involvement 15:54 - Importance of networking and pro bono work 23:40 - Impact of COVID-19 on logistics sector 1:01:00 - Relocation of manufacturing to Southeast Asia 1:10:37 - Adoption of technology and new retail model 1:18:05 - Importance of agility and entrepreneurship in organizations 1:26:42 - Strategic partnerships and soft skills in organizations 1:35:01 - Slow adoption of technology in logistics sector 1:43:02 - Importance of resources and business models 1:52:15 - The future of logistics and supply chain 2:00:06 - Embracing curiosity and continuous learning in life About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviors, tools, and trends they'll leave behind, and those they'll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership. About SmartOSC: With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an award-winning digital commerce agency of 1,000+ experts, across seven countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the US, and the UK. Check out our website: smartosc.com

“I'm a true believer that you can't force an audience.” How can brands navigate unpredictable times when connecting with their audience? By staying true to yourself, letting go of vanity, being authentic, and cutting out the BS (Bullshit)! In this episode of The Forward Podcast from SmartOSC, we are thrilled to welcome Natalie Dau, a renowned Media Creator, Athlete, and Co-Author of 'Run Like A Woman'. With over 20 years in Asia and 25 years consulting with some of the world's biggest brands, Natalie shares her incredible journey from corporate consultant to ultra-marathon athlete and influential content creator. Natalie has amassed over 700,000 followers as @RockstarArms, traveling the world to deliver powerful talks and inspiring countless individuals. In this candid conversation, we delve into: How to bring a sporting spirit to your work Connecting with audiences authentically and effectively Overcoming outdated preconceptions women face in the workplace The power of vulnerability and inspiration in leadership Trusting your gut and being true to yourself Challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes Continuous self-evolution and rewriting your story Embracing failure and learning from losses

“Banking business used to be low risk and low return. But we don't believe it's going to stay like that.” What rewards await those brave enough to swim against the current? We explore this question further while speaking to Dennis Trawnitschek, the CTO of SCBX. SCBX is described as the mothership of the financial technology business, comprising 12 subsidiary companies that operate across key business pillars: Banking Business, Consumer and Digital Finance Business, and Platform and Technology Business. In our latest episode of The Forward Podcast, we delved into this transformation alongside the cultural shift required for it and how to navigate the changing landscape of banking. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach to technology adoption and AI integration, Dennis shares the captivating story of how SCBX is becoming the mothership of financial technology while still staying true to its 100-year heritage. A significant part of this transformation involves integrating AI into the core of SCBX's operations. So, how can organizations make AI change a real change? In this episode, you’ll hear about that and… ✅The importance of embracing change ✅Navigating AI-driven disruptions ✅Innovation through risk & experimentation ✅Creating a culture of adaption and cross-learning