Business Daily

Tim Brown, co-founder of Allbirds and former New Zealand footballer, shares his fascinating journey from sports to sustainable footwear. He dives into his passion for design, sparked during an entrepreneurship class, and how he tackled industry challenges while reviving New Zealand's wool sector. Tim discusses the hurdles of launching on Kickstarter, the importance of measuring carbon footprints, and Allbirds' commitment to sustainability. He also reflects on navigating the complexities of business growth and the realities of global supply chains.

Chris Morgan, founder of the Safe Flight camera shop in Berlin, shares insights on the booming sales of analogue cameras fueled by celebrity endorsements. Yuji Igarashi from Fujifilm discusses the surprising demand resurgence and their plans for production expansion. Emiliano Vittoriosi, who runs popular analogue workshops, highlights the rising costs of film and the importance of hands-on experiences in darkrooms. Together, they explore how analogue photography encourages a slower, more intentional approach to capturing moments.

Afia Eri is a young member of Japan's lower house and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, passionately discussing the barriers women face in politics. Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice-President of the University of Tokyo, highlights efforts to increase female faculty in STEM through the UTokyo Gender Equity Initiative. Yumiko Murakami, co-founder of W Power Fund, reveals funding gaps faced by female entrepreneurs and addresses safety issues in the startup ecosystem, advocating for a cultural shift towards greater support for women.

Lily Jamali, a BBC technology correspondent based in San Francisco, joins John Danielson, a finance professor at the London School of Economics, and Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities. They dive into whether the current AI surge is a bubble or the onset of a new industrial revolution. Jamali highlights massive investments and warns many companies aren't yet monetizing AI. Danielson draws parallels with the dot-com bubble, while Ives maintains that heavy tech spending signals a transformative era. The debate tackles demand, investment strategies, and future profitability.

Isabella Weber, an economist from UMass Amherst, discusses bold proposals for making New York City more affordable, such as free buses and universal childcare. Andrew Ryan from the Citizens Budget Commission highlights fiscal challenges and the city's budget constraints, questioning the feasibility of these ambitious plans. Michelle Fleury, BBC's North America correspondent, shares insights on business reactions to the mayoral race and Mamdani’s appeal. Together, they explore the complexities of addressing affordability in the city that never sleeps.

Harry Stine, the visionary founder and CEO of Stine Seed Company, shares his remarkable journey from four-year-old tractor driver to head of the world's largest private seed firm. He discusses his early fascination with plant breeding, sparked by noticing unique soybeans. The conversation dives into the intricate process of seeds and patents that protect innovations, highlighting his company’s significant role in US agriculture. Stine also addresses public concerns about GM crops and reflects on his legacy, overcoming personal challenges while advancing crop genetics.

In this discussion, Amanda Stevenson, a Canada energy correspondent at Reuters, examines the challenges and prospects of Canada's energy ambitions. Heather Exner-Perrault from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute advocates for LNG exports, spotlighting their economic benefits and lower greenhouse gas intensity. Deborah Yedlin, President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, shares insights on regional economic impacts and job creation. The trio explore the push for energy superpower status while balancing environmental concerns and Indigenous perspectives.

Kate Clark, Co-director of the Afghanistan Analyst Network, shares insights on Afghanistan's deteriorating economic landscape post-Taliban takeover in 2021. She discusses the staggering 25% GDP decline and the challenges of a struggling banking system amidst severe international sanctions. Local businesses face collapsing consumer demand, particularly impacting women entrepreneurs. Despite these hurdles, Clark highlights the potential of the private sector to drive recovery, emphasizing the need for improved banking and investment to foster self-sufficiency.

In this engaging discussion, K-beauty experts like Anne Majewski of SoulCeuticals and Seung-Koo Kim of Hwarangpum dive into the essence of K-beauty. They tackle the rising challenge of authenticity amid a surge of non-Korean products claiming the label. Counterfeiting is a major concern, as highlighted by Mark Lee's findings about fake products online. The guests also debate whether Korean manufacturing and cultural roots are essential to K-beauty's identity, along with the role of holistic philosophy in its definition.

Giovanna Ventola, founder of the online job-hunter community Rise, shares insights from her journey through repeated layoffs and the challenges of job seeking. She discusses the increasing trend of spending on career coaching and AI tools, while reflecting on the mixed results they yield. Giovanna emphasizes the power of community support over paid services and warns about scams in the industry. With a view on how AI is reshaping the job market, she offers tips for adapting and standing out, focusing on skills and genuine connections.