The CEO Retort
Tim El-Sheikh
The CEO Retort is a thought-provoking podcast that inspires critical thinking, challenges conventional narratives, and explores the complexities of our world. The show brings leading experts and thinkers to examine how science, business, health, politics, technology, and AI shape our lives, industries, and societies.
Hosted by Tim El-Sheikh — a serial tech and AI entrepreneur since 2002, one of the first-generation AI pioneers at Google Campus London, biomedical scientist, and ex-pro athlete. He is currently at the frontier of human-centric Augmented Intelligence with his company Nebuli.com.
Hosted by Tim El-Sheikh — a serial tech and AI entrepreneur since 2002, one of the first-generation AI pioneers at Google Campus London, biomedical scientist, and ex-pro athlete. He is currently at the frontier of human-centric Augmented Intelligence with his company Nebuli.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 6min
Misinformation Watch: ICE committed a crime, turning the US into a permanent state of emergency!
Scott Lucas returns to help us break down the ICE actions in Minneapolis that descended America into a permanent state of emergency, and how this fits into Trump's escalating global tensions.After what felt like a whirlwind of a week, Scott Lucas returned to help us unravel the ongoing state of emergency that seems to have become America’s new normal.The situation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Minneapolis is a mess, to say the least, after Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, mother of three, and poet, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 7, 2026.Scott and I also touched on Venezuela and Greenland, where the geopolitical chaotic chess game is in full swing. The Trump administration’s moves are insane, but are they sustainable?Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:02:46) – Why Scott feels we are now living in a constant state of emergency!(00:07:14) – Detailed debunk of the narratives around the ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis (Part 1)(00:18:09) – Ad to help you navigate media bias(00:20:16) – Detailed debunk of the narratives around the ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis (Part 2)(00:29:54) – Why the US administration is not a full authoritarian regime and The Death Star, with complicit media.(00:43:58) – Quick update on Venezuela and how US oil companies have destroyed Trump's oil claims.(00:52:50) – Despite the awful ICE situation and global threats caused by Trump's administration, there is actually some good news!(00:57:53) – With ICE's unhinged, violent targeting of American citizens, can this spill over into full-blown armed violence?Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2026/01/15/scott-lucas-ice-committed-a-crime-turning-the-us-into-a-permanent-state-of-emergency/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortFree Newsletter: https://newsletter.ceoretort.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 11min
Emergency Episode: The consequences of America's invasion of Venezuela are worse than you think
Professor Scott Lucas returns to our first live guest emergency episode to discuss the current geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela, explore the historical context, and examine how it sets the stage for today's political and economic landscape.One of the standout points Scott made exclusively on this show was the idea of "regime coercion" rather than outright regime change. This subtle shift could have significant implications for Venezuela's future.Join the conversation and explore a complex web of politics, power, and strategy. I'm eager to see how it all unfolds.This is a replay and remastered version of the live guest episode we held on January 6th, 2026. Join our free newsletter to get notified for future live sessions: https://newsletter.ceoretort.comTimestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:02:55) – The shambolic nature of the US invading Venezuela and the kidnapping of Maduro. What is really going on?(00:10:56) – Trump's bizarre press conference, his apparent health decline and the spread of misinformation(00:17:36) – It's regime coercion, not regime change!(00:21:16) – Considering Trump's obvious mental decline, who is actually in charge?(00:29:17) – The broader implications for Latin America and the future of Greenland's independence(00:37:06) – Implications on the EU and international law from this Venezuelan crisis(00:45:12) – Are we entering an international system of anarchy, and what is the MAGA grassroots' reaction?(00:59:32) – Are there any clear indicators emerging as to the direction of play with Venezuela?(01:04:46) – What impact will this entire situation have on the regular people globally?Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2026/01/08/scott-lucas-the-consequences-of-americas-invasion-of-venezuela-are-worse-than-you-think/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Jan 2, 2026 • 1h 13min
The 2026 Reckoning: Why You Should Be Paying Attention Now (Live Replay)
In January 2025, I discussed why it was the rising era of “IoS” (Internet of Shit). Not only did it exceed my expectations, but it has set the path for 2026, which will be the year of reckoning, and it won’t be pretty.This is a replay of our very first livestream on YouTube, available in the live section of our channel.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:01:41) – 2026 plans for the CEOR podcast and events, and our positioning against other podcasts(00:24:35) – Is 2025 a turning point that would force political change that would influence AI's future?(00:30:06) – 2026 predictions: It has now gone far beyond AI!(00:42:46) – What the current VC focus on "gamification of everything" tells us about the tech sector's direction in 2026(00:53:36) – Is China going to win the so-called "AI war" in 2026?(01:04:14) – Will the 2026 reckoning burst the AI bubble, and will Trump play a role in bailing out AI companies?Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/solo/2026/02/02/the-2026-reckoning-why-you-should-be-paying-attention-now/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Dec 22, 2025 • 48min
Emergency Episode: The Trump Epstein Cover-up | Scott Lucas
In this emergency episode, recorded in my chaotic kitchen, our good friend, the brilliant and veteran political and economic professor, Scott Lucas, returns to dissect the latest political and economic fallout from the latest Epstein files release – beyond the political theatrics.The files, shrouded in heavy redactions, sparked a wide outcry for transparency and accountability. We delved into the political dynamics at play, questioning the motives behind the selective media focus and the broader implications for public trust.We also explored the potential global repercussions of the scandal on America's political and economic landscape.Join the conversation now as we continue this journey of discovery and dialogue, challenging the status quo and striving for a future where truth and justice prevail. This is our 2025 Christmas message.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:03:47) – Why is the current release of the Epstein files clear evidence of a cover-up? Full legal and intelligence analysis.(00:11:36) – Confirmation that there is almost no mention of Trump and certain government officials throughout these files through engineered manoeuvring, media spin and DoJ's deletion of files online.(00:21:42) – Is this chaotic release and handling of the file an engineered incompetence or genuine incompetence?00:24:20 – What is the reaction from the MAGA members and the wider public? Is this a turning point?(00:31:07) – What impact the this entire Epstein scandal have on America's standing in the world and the impact on the American economy?(00:41:05) – 2026 outlook and a message of hope and persistence for all listeners for a positive future.Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/12/22/emergency-episode-with-scott-lucas-the-trump-epstein-cover-up/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 48min
UK's First Academic AI Leader: AI will always need human creativity in order to exist
A deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI and the current push against genuine innovation, from engineering to the arts.Professor Shushma Patel is the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Artificial Intelligence at De Montfort University (DMU) in the UK. As a prominent figure in computing, engineering, and media education, Shushma is the first person in the UK to hold a senior university leadership position dedicated solely to AI.With nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, working as a lecturer, researcher, and academic leader, Shushma is a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in promoting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and leadership.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:04:05) – How Shushma's overseeing a unique faculty mergers of Computing, Engineering and Media with Arts, Design & Humanities(00:14:56) – Tim and Shushma discuss the importance of being outliers and how it impacted their careers in AI(00:32:15) – Tim and Shusham debate whether there is a need for AI degrees and courses(00:38:54) – The biggest problem in the world of AI is a lack of people's understanding and real-world applications beyond the hype(00:44:48) – Is AI really replacing jobs, or is it "fake layoffs"?(00:50:48) – What does a successful deployment of AI models look like in the real world and business applications?(00:59:28) – AI's negative impact on families, younger generations and their learning skills, and why educators and parents need to act(01:10:47) – How corporations manipulate consumer perceptions and pricing using AI(01:17:22) – How the tech sector pushes toxic and negative narratives against students and young people, painting a hopeless picture for their futures(01:31:04) – Why supporting diversity, disability and mental health is critical for better innovation that actually serves peopleEpisode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/12/15/shushma-patel-ai-will-always-need-human-creativity-in-order-to-exist/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 23min
The mother of the $38 billion FemTech sector who is challenging gender bias
An inspiring and no-nonsense discussion about entrepreneurship with Ida Tin, the mother of FemTech, who is the co-founder and former CEO and chairwoman of Clue, one of the most trusted female health apps with over 10 million active users across 190 countries.Ida has won several prizes for her entrepreneurial work with Clue.Before starting Clue, Ida led motorcycle tours around the world for 5 years with MotoMundo, the motorcycle touring company she cofounded with her dad, Hjalte Tin.She wrote a book about her travel adventures, inner and outer, “Directress”, published in Denmark in 2009. Ida currently lives in Berlin and has two children.She is an active campaigner on responsible leadership, sustainability, the ethical use of data and AI, gender equality, and societal change through technology and cultural innovation. This conversation was recorded in 2024, before I decided to launch the podcast. Yet the talking points are so relevant to today’s hype-driven AI world that I felt the episode needed to be revived and included in the CEOR debates. It also demonstrates the reality that AI has not really changed much. It’s my counterparts behind the technology who keep on moving the goalposts.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:01:52) – CEOR Special Spotify Reward(00:03:59) – Ida shares the extraordinary entrepreneurship journey that led her to building one of the largest apps in the world.(00:09:52) – How did Ida and her cofounders come up with the term "FemTech" and why was it so revolutionary on an international scale?(00:15:38) – Why is the tech sector and the world of business in general so disconnected from women's health and performance?(00:22:02) – The key advantages of mission-driven entrepreneurship and why the patriarchy is damaging for both men and women entrepreneurs.(00:32:11) – How society, education and parents "accidentally" damage girls' confidence in life(00:36:05) – After raising $70 million in VC funding, why did Ida walk away, and why are more entrepreneurs walking away from investors?(00:41:46) – Why entrepreneurs must conduct due diligence on investors? Tim used to ask investors where they got their money from!(00:47:40) – How the system and shareholders, not regulations, stifle innovation, especially people-centric and responsible deeptechs.(01:06:53) – How did Ida and her team build an ethical business at scale, despite having VC and shareholders?(01:13:20) – Why real innovation and problem-solving come from a nuanced reality check and accepting the ugly truths of any given problem.(01:15:39) – Ida's vision for the future and her plans post her resignation from Clue.Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/12/08/ida-tin-the-mother-of-the-38-billion-femtech-sector-challenging-gender-bias/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
Veteran AI Experts: The AI bubble is much worse than we ever expected
The tables have turned! Tim El-Sheikh is being interviewed by Ben Byford on his show, The Machine Ethics Podcast, discussing why the AI bubble is far worse than we thought and how it has become a financial nightmare.Ben is a good friend of our show here at The CEO Retort and a previous guest who discussed digital ethics and ethical AI, without the hyperbolic doom-and-gloom fantasy.As part of our collaboration, I’m the guest this time, and Ben and I discuss podcasting, the history of OpenAI, London startups, AI use cases, and whether GenAI is even safe.But the key topic of our discussion is the AI bubble, snake oil salesmen, and whether we need all these data centres.Above all, we are exploring the financial implications post the AI bubble explosion.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:01:45) – CEOR Intro(00:02:25) – Tim's journey with AI as a deeptech entrepreneur since 2002 and why he decided to launch The CEOR podcast.(00:08:53) – Why Tim believes Google is still the dominant force in AI today, not OpenAI, based on his observations at Google Campus London.(00:10:32) – How did the current wave of AI cause the rise of the AI bubble?(00:22:03) – What impact does the AI bubble have on regular people's lives?(00:27:19) – What makes this AI bubble different?(00:33:30) – The failure of the AI sector in justifying their claims that AI "can change everything" and the dangerous consequences of this delusion.(00:39:39) – Replacing humans is a fantasy. It's about profit and control, not innovation. There is nothing new here!(00:46:10) – The "anti-human" rhetoric from the AI sector, coupled with aggressive and unlawful data grab, thought manipulation and why it must stop.(00:52:30) – What could the world look like after the AI bubble bursts?(00:56:37) – Why "AI Data Centres" are not "long-term" investments with big ROIs like railways.01:01:20) – Why nonprofits and socially responsible AI research and services will play a critical role in the post-AI bubble cleanup.(01:05:12) – Tim's advice on how to protect yourself from chatbots' praise!Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/12/01/collab-episode-the-ai-bubble-is-much-worse-than-we-thought-its-a-financial-nightmareSupport our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 22min
Scott Lucas: How Epstein changed US politics forever | Misinformation Watch
Professor Scott Lucas returns for the latest edition of our Misinformation Watch series, and we delved into the tangled web of political manoeuvring and misinformation that has gripped both the Democratic and Republican parties over the past two weeks.Professor Scott Lucas is a highly experienced and globally renowned expert in American politics, US and British foreign policy, and a wide range of international affairs, with a specific focus on the Middle East, Iran, Europe, and Asia. He also has expertise in new media, intelligence services, and propaganda.Scott has also been an active journalist since 1979 and is the founder and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView, a prominent news site that provides daily news and analysis of global affairs.Scott is a frequent and leading political analyst on major international media outlets, including Times Radio, BBC, CNN, Sky News, Al Jazeera English, France 24, and Deutsche Welle, which significantly contributes to his global recognition.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:01:38) – CEOR Intro(00:02:19) – The tangled political manoeuvring of the Democratic and Republican parties(00:09:11) – Epstein Survivors' campaign video calling for the release of all the Epstein files(00:10:29) – What Epstein emails reveal about Trump's knowledge of Epstein activities(00:18:54) – The multi-layered misinformation storm created by Trump and his supporters to cover up the Epstein scandal(00:27:23) – Be very careful of what you read on social media around the Epstein revelations(00:29:33) – Could the Trump Administration have doctored the files while holding back their release?(00:34:27) – How some elements of the media are politicising the Epstein scandal, ignoring the victims and the culprits(00:39:06) – The reasons behind and the impact of the US government shutdown on people's lives, and the release of the files.(01:01:20) – When Trump's presidency ends, how can the public demand new laws to control and scrutinise future presidents?(01:14:44) – How to differentiate between misinformation, disinformation and propaganda, and take responsibility for the information you choose to consume!Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/11/24/scott-lucas-how-epstein-changed-us-politics-forever/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Nov 17, 2025 • 2h 5min
Leading zoologist: How animals reveal secrets of our intelligence
Dr Arik Kershenbaum is a globally renowned zoologist and researcher at Girton College, University of Cambridge, specialising in animal communication and astrobiology.Arik is an international bestseller for his book, The Zoologist’s Guide to the Galaxy, and has also released a more recent book, Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication.His research and books explore the science of animal communication and its implications for understanding ourselves and potentially extraterrestrial life.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:03:31) – What is the true meaning of intelligence, and how did it evolve?(00:12:40) – Do animals talk, and does language mean higher intelligence?(00:18:59) – Why wolves and dolphins have closely related communication dynamics?(00:21:23) – Group thinking, conflicts and shared intelligence demonstrated by wolves and dolphins (00:29:48) – Why do humans question their existence and the meaning of life, while animals don't?(00:35:40) – What has Arik's research in zoology and astrobiology revealed about humans' evolution?(00:40:35) – Are humans aliens? Why do we appear to be different from all other animals?(00:40:35) – Why do humans feel disconnected from the environment and earth?(00:47:55) – How technology made humans less intelligent, too comfortable, and less robust(00:49:57) – How our limited interpretation of intelligence influences the growth of AI(01:00:44) – Tim and Arik debate whether machines can ever become intelligent and conscious(01:17:36) – Can AI help us translate animal communication and define consciousness?(01:23:11) – The peculiar case of Alex the parrot and his cognitive and communicative abilities(01:32:45) – Based on Alex the parrot's anomaly, could parrots or any other animals have evolved linguistically like humans in a different environment?(01:37:08) – Based on Arik's data models, how will humans and animals evolve in the next 4 million years?(01:44:05) – Astrobiology and intelligence beyond Earth: What alien civilisations look like if they were 1 million years ahead of us?(01:50:06) – Arik's fascinating story with zoology, his upcoming expeditions with his new AI techEpisode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/11/17/arik-kershenbaum-how-animals-reveal-secrets-of-our-intelligence/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
Responsible entrepreneurs and investors are the only hope for a better future
A pioneer of British streetwear and impact investing, Roger Wade founded Boxfresh in 1989 and launched the world’s first pop-up mall, BoxPark Shoreditch, in 2010, which has since expanded to Croydon and Wembley.After achieving successful exits from both businesses, Roger founded and became chairman of Boxfund VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, purpose-driven consumer brands with a focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values.Timestamps:(00:00:00) – Preview(00:04:02) – The big problem with today's investors and VCs and their obsession with hype over longevity(00:13:13) – Why UK-based investors pushing for quick exits and selling to US corporations is a bad idea for sovereignty(00:18:21) – Can Europe challenge US investment dominance, especially under the Trump Administration?(00:21:00) – How is Brexit the real catalyst for the UK's economic chaos and empowered US vulture capitalists(00:23:32) – Why business sectors and professionals need to start understanding and scrutinising current geopolitics(00:36:00) – How our political leaders allowed major US corporations to destroy the British economy(00:46:00) – Roger Wade's remarkable story, from poverty and racial attacks, to one of the UK's most pioneering entrepreneurs and VCs(00:58:17) – The courage to challenge the status quo for business professionals, and why they must start speaking out now!(01:04:23) – How powerful US corporate lobbying groups have a dangerous influence on UK politics and business(01:11:50) – Have the current broken, divisive politics and the Middle East conflict exposed the weakness of the status quo(01:17:34) – Roger's hopeful view of the future: Are you a lover or a hater?Episode Notes & Citations:https://ceoretort.com/podcast/guest/2025/11/10/roger-wade-responsible-entrepreneurs-and-investors-are-the-only-hope-for-a-better-future/Support our independence by becoming a member:https://CEORetort.com/SupportCheck out our new YouTube channel, The CEO Retort Extra: youtube.com/@ceoretortextraSponsors & Offers:Brain.fm – Peak your productivity on demand with Neuromusic. Get an extended 30-day free trial without limits. Go to Brain.fm/CEORGround News – See how media bias affects news coverage. Get 40% off top tier: https://check.ground.news/CEORetortSaily eSIM – Stay connected worldwide. Use code CEORetort5 for 5% off 10GB & 20GB plans: https://ceoretort.com/sailySubscribe to The CEO Retort:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEORetortApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ceo-retort/id1767132889Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ytJdrSK0yGL2OZfTitnp8Connect with Tim El-Sheikh:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timelsheikh
