Unlearn

Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we explore the transformative experiences, strategies, and mindset shifts essential for true innovation and growth. Today, I’m honored to host Crystal Lee Gonzalez, a trailblazer in strategic growth and innovation across Southeast Asia.Born and raised in the Philippines, Crystal has spent the last fifteen years shaping and scaling some of the region’s most prominent brands. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of NoneAway and was previously the Co-Founder of PICK.A.ROO. Her leadership has left a significant mark on multiple industries, serving as the Former CEO of Canva Philippines & Southeast Asia, Former President & Managing Director at HonestBee, and Former Regional Head of Southeast Asia at Viber. With a career spanning top-tier organizations, she also held key roles as the Group Account Director at Tribal Worldwide, Head of Branding at Lazada Group, and Marketing Head at YAHOO.Beyond launching and leading businesses, Crystal finds deep fulfillment in mentoring emerging talent and reshaping industries through innovation. Her expertise is now encapsulated in her upcoming book, Innovate to Elevate: Transforming Markets and Minds in Southeast Asia, a must-read for those looking to make a lasting impact in technology and strategic development.Key Takeaways:Scaling Global Startups: Crystal details her strategies for business expansion in Southeast Asia.Embracing Challenges: Insights into overcoming obstacles in high-growth environments.Unlearning for Growth: How adapting and unlearning fuels innovation.Leveraging Personal Experiences: Crystal's approach to creating solutions from personal pain points.Additional Insights:The NoneAway Model: Crystal demonstrates how strategic thinking and operational excellence revolutionize real estate.Adapting in High Growth Markets: Mastering the challenges of rapid expansion and market dynamics.Innovative Solutions from Personal Insights: How Crystal’s personal experiences inspire practical business innovations.Prepare for an insightful conversation with Crystal Gonzalez on Bringing fresh ideas to startup strategies and cultivating a culture of innovation and strategic growth.Episode Highlights: [00:35] - Episode Introduction"In the Philippines, there are 120,000 reported scammers in real estate. This is why, even with a legitimate broker, I felt unease and anxiety until I received the keys to my house."[01:18] - Guest Introduction: Crystal Lee Gonzalez"Welcome to the Unlearn Podcast. Today, I'm honored to host Crystal Gonzalez, a leader in strategy and growth who has developed and scaled renowned brands across Southeast Asia."[03:03] - Viber's Launch Story"It started when I met Talmon, the founder. My first question was simple: Why are you in the Philippines?"[07:50] - Nurturing Empathy and Innovation "Okay. So interesting fact. I promise you this is connected to my answer. So my dad and actually my sister, now my younger sister, they're both psychiatrists."[16:15] - The Role of Relatability in Product Adoption"When we added more words to our copy and analyzed our data, we changed our messages to offer free chat and calls for your family and friends abroad"[26:08] - Discussion on Market Needs and Solution Development"I kid you not, my earliest memories involve playing role-playing games with my childhood friends where I was signing checks."[31:27] - Vision for a Seamless Real Estate Experience"I've always promoted and highlighted issues, even if I wasn’t the founder or creator."[42:11] - Building Trust in Philippine Real Estate: A Digital Solution "I didn’t feel safe. Despite dealing with legitimate brokers, the anxiety of 120,000 reported real estate scammers in the Philippines lingered until I held the keys. I kept wondering.why hasn’t this been solved yet?"[53:51] - Conclusion and Future Aspirations"Just the way you discuss this issue, your previous achievements, and the team you are building indicate you're set to do something truly amazing."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts: Crystal Lee Gonzalez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalleegonzalez/ NoneAway : https://www.linkedin.com/company/noneaway/ PICK.A.ROO:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/pickaroo/ Canva : https://www.linkedin.com/company/canva/ Honestbee: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honestbee/ Viber: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rakuten-viber/ Tribal World : https://www.linkedin.com/company/tribal-worldwide/ Lazada: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lazada/ Yahoo: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yahoo/ Websites:   NoneAway: https://noneaway.com/ PICK.A.ROO: https://pickaroo.com/ Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Honestbee: https://www.honestbee.com/ Viber:https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/Lazada : https://group.lazada.com/Yahoo: https://www.yahooinc.com/ _________________________________ Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbook FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we explore the stories, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive real innovation and growth. Today, I’m glad to be joined by Diana Stepner, a true trailblazer in the world of product management and people-centered leadership.A Silicon Valley native, Diana has spent over two decades building and leading global product teams for companies like Monster, Cheapflights (later acquired by Kayak), Salesforce, and Razorfish. As Co-Founder, at Product Gold and Former VP of Product Management at Pearson, she has honed her expertise in creating impactful solutions. Along the way, she discovered that while launching great products is exciting, helping people launch their careers is even more rewarding..Diana’s passion for fostering talent and preparing organizations for the future shines in her new book, Next-Gen Product Management: Future Proof Your Career. It’s a must-read for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, teams, and innovation.We dive into her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the practical advice she has for product leaders looking to thrive in an ever-changing world.Check out her website at www.dianastepner.com to learn more. Key Takeaways:Product vs. Project Management: Diana explains the key differences.  Supercharging Product Managers: How top contributors maximize impact.  Winning with Teams: The power of cross-functional collaboration.  Breaking Into Product Management: Trends shaping new career moves.Additional Insights:The Product Gold Framework, Diana shows how adaptability and empathy unlock market opportunities.  Engagement in the Digital Age by mastering attention in a world full of distractions.  Thinking Differently in Business: How challenging norms drives big advancements.Prepare for an enlightening discussion with Diana Stepner on transforming traditional product strategies and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.Episode Highlights: [00:33] -Episode Introduction "One of the trends that we're seeing in product management is this rise of a super IC. People are able to do a whole lot more because of AI than they could have done before."[01:33] - Guest Introduction "Today, we’re joined by Diana Stepner, an expert in product management and people-centered leadership. Diana has built leading global product teams at companies like Product Gold, Monster, Salesforce, and Razorfish."[03:08] - Shift from Project to Product Management "People kept saying, 'Oh, you're a project manager.' And I'm like, 'No, I'm not a project manager. I am a product manager.' Over time, people began to realize that it actually was a skill or an expertise."[10:44] - The Role of Collaboration in Product Management (corrected from 10:49) "You need all of those instruments to come together to really make the music sing, and companies still don't realize that."[16:08] - The Rise of Super ICs "You're having these people be able to go much farther down the development path than what they did previously. And I think that's fascinating because it makes total sense."[19:18] - The Evolution of the Mini-CEO & One-Person Unicorns "For me, it feels like it's the incarnation of the mini-CEO. Now there's this billion-dollar unicorn narrative where one person is expected to do everything with AI."[27:00] - The Role of Asynchronous Communication & AI in Workflow Efficiency "It's funny, sometimes people get freaked out when I summarize a meeting in three minutes and email them key points before they've even left the call!"[30:48] - The Future of Product Management "I believe we need to evolve, but that also means we need to welcome in the next generation who bring their own unique perspectives."[35:33] - Conclusion and Next-Gen Product Management Book Promotion "My book, Next Gen Product Management, is for those who want to future-proof their careers and thrive in this evolving industry."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts: Diana Stepner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianas/ Product Gold : https://www.linkedin.com/company/productgold/ Monster: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monster/ KAYAK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayak/ Salesforce: https://www.linkedin.com/company/salesforce/ RazorFish: https://www.linkedin.com/company/razorfish/ Pearson: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearson/ Websites:   Personal Website: https://www.dianastepner.com Product Gold: https://www.productgold.com/ Monster: https://www.monster.com/  KAYAK: https://www.kayak.com/ Saleforce: https://www.salesforce.com/ap/ RazorFish: https://www.razorfish.com/ Pearson: https://www.pearson.com/ Get your copy of Next-Gen Product Management today! Order now at https://www.nextgenproductmanagement.com/ _________________________________ Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbook FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Emily Ross, co-author of Just Evil Enough, is a brand strategist with a unique blend of marketing and circus performance experience. She discusses subversive marketing strategies, emphasizing how creativity can transform challenges into opportunities. Emily highlights the attention economy's impact on marketing, drawing lessons from disruptors like Tesla. She believes that turning flaws into strengths can lead to powerful advantages, advocating for consistency as the key to success, rather than mere brilliance.

John Cutler, Head of Product at Dotwork and former Senior Director at Toast, dives into the messy world of product management. He discusses the importance of embracing complexity to drive innovation and shares how unlearning rigid practices can fuel team growth. John highlights his writing journey as a powerful tool for shaping ideas and fostering connections. The conversation also touches on evolving product management practices and the necessity for empathy and adaptability in a fluctuating market.

Welcome to the UNLEARN Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Lee Vorthman, Vice President of Strategic Security Initiatives at Oracle. Lee leads a global team to protect and strengthen Oracle's operations. He is also a Global CISO Advisory Board Member at HMG Strategy and an Advisory Board Member for Phoenix Security. His career began in the US Navy, and he has since held key roles across defense, technology, cloud, education, and oil & gas industries. Lee’s past roles include Chief Security Officer for Oracle's Advertising group, leading Global Security Engineering at Pearson Education, and serving as Chief Technology Officer for Federal Civilian Agencies at NetApp. In this episode, Lee shares insights on leveraging technology for growth, navigating cultural transformations, and building resilient organizations.Key Takeaways:Mastering Security Fundamentals: Lee highlights the importance of staying grounded in foundational security practices while adopting innovative technologies like AI to address evolving challenges.Building Trust and Influence: Discover Lee’s techniques for fostering collaboration, psychological safety, and cultural change to drive impactful security initiatives.The Power of Diverse Skills: Learn why developing a broad skill set across disciplines like engineering, finance, and HR is essential for empathetic leadership and effective problem-solving.Additional Insights:Cultural Change in Security: Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with Lee Vorthman on leadership, innovation, and building resilient organizations!Balancing Speed and Resilience: Insights on how businesses can prioritize innovation while maintaining strong operational fundamentals.The Future of Cybersecurity: Exploring emerging trends like AI and their implications for addressing new and complex threats.Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation with Lee Vorthman on leadership, innovation, and building resilient organizations!Episode Highlights: 00:36 - Episode Introduction"We're always going to have new technologies. But that doesn't negate the fact that you still have to master the fundamentals."01: 03 - Barry introduces Lee Vorthman as a seasoned cybersecurity expert and VP of Strategic Security Initiatives at Oracle.02:27 - Personal Background and Military Influence"I grew up in a military household and started in technology before joining the military."05:33 - Evolution of Security Leadership"Security leadership now touches every aspect of a business, requiring a broad understanding beyond just technology."11:15 - Navigating Accountability vs. Ownership"In the civilian world, I’m accountable for risks I don’t always own, which requires building alliances."15:05 - Techniques for Overcoming Resistance"Two techniques I use to convince people: the switcheroo and Jedi mind trick for breaking resistance."22:35 - Challenges in the Security Industry"The industry tends to chase shiny new technologies while neglecting critical fundamentals."28:06 - Excitement About Emerging Technologies“I love when new technology comes out because it allows security people to put their hats on to make it  safe.”30:25 - Closing Remarks"It’s been an amazing journey, and I appreciate sharing these stories on the podcast."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts: Lee Vorthman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leevorthman/Oracle:https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle/US Navy: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-navy/HMG Strategy: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hmg-strategy-llc/Phoenix Security: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenixsecuritycloud/Evanta, a Gartner Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evanta/Websites:   Lee Vorthman (Blog): https://blog.370security.com/author/lee1fbb48c29971/Oracle: https://www.oracle.com/US Navy: https://www.navy.mil/HMG Strategy: https://hmgstrategy.com/Phoenix Security: https://phoenix.security/Evanta, a Gartner Company: https://www.evanta.com/_________________________________ Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbook FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Welcome to the UNLEARN Podcast! Today, we’re joined by an inspiring leader in global banking and transformation, Ani Filipova. With over two decades of experience, Ani has made her mark as a former international banking executive, setting up and managing three banks, including Citibank Bulgaria. She also led the transformation of a $2 billion business across 16 countries as Regional COO for Citibank Treasury and Trade Solutions in Asia.Ani’s path to success was anything but conventional. Fueled by a passion for travel, she overcame rejections and seized every opportunity to explore the world and build a remarkable career. Now, Ani is reshaping her journey through a “portfolio career,” as the Founder & CEO of Change Advisory, drawing from her wealth of experience to inspire others with insights on leadership, transformation, and reinvention. Key Takeaways:Exploring Beyond Boundaries: Ani’s journey of growing up behind the Iron Curtain, finding creative ways to explore the world despite restrictions.Speaking Up and Taking Risks: Strategies Ani used to conquer anxiety, master the art of speaking up, and embrace bold decisions in high-stakes situations.Global Team Collaboration: Insights on fostering alignment and driving collaboration across diverse teams to achieve success in complex, multinational organizations.  Additional Insights:Embracing Change: Ani highlights the challenges and rewards of adapting to digital transformation.Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Understanding local customs as a foundation for trust and teamwork.Unlearning to Grow: Letting go of old habits to thrive in evolving business landscapes.Get ready for an inspiring and transformative conversation with Ani Filipova on embracing change, leadership, and the power of reinvention!Episode Highlights: 00:36 - Episode Introduction"If you don't speak up, if you don't show your work. If you don't share your opinions, that's not good at all.01:27 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces Ani Filipova‘’Ani Filipova, an inspiring leader whose journey spans across continents, industries, and perspectives’’03:10 - Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain"I saw the world through books... Pippi Longstocking inspired me to dream about traveling to far-off places."12:59 - Leadership Across Cultures"You can’t pretend to care about people’s aspirations—you have to truly understand what drives them to build trust and alignment."25:01 - Overcoming Personal Challenges in Leadership "I realized I needed to stop taking everything personally—it was a turning point that helped me approach challenges more confidently." 27:56 - Speaking Up in Leadership Meetings "I remember waiting for the right moment to contribute, and when I did, the adrenaline rush was overwhelming, but it was worth it."37:44 - Adapting Banking to the Digital Era "Transitioning from three-day payments to three-second transactions required rethinking systems, processes, and customer expectations."42:11 - The Challenge of Unlearning"To succeed in today’s fast-changing world, leaders must unlearn old habits and embrace continuous listening and collaboration."45:33 - Closing Reflections"It’s about reinvention—helping others see their own potential and embrace transformation in their careers."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts: Ani Filipova:  www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova Citibank: www.linkedin.com/company/citi Change Advisory: www.linkedin.com/company/the-change-advisory AdVentura Works SA.: www.linkedin.com/company/adventura-works Websites:   Ani Filipova - Change Advisory: www.anifilipova.meCitibank: www.citigroup.com/global AdVentura Works SA.: www.adventura.works _________________________________ Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbook FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Welcome to the UNLEARN Podcast! Today, we’re joined by a true pioneer in digital transformation and customer strategy, David C. Edelman. With over three decades at the forefront of marketing and digital transformation, David most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer at Aetna/CVS, where he led transformative shifts in customer engagement. Before that, he co-led McKinsey’s Global Digital Marketing and Sales Practice and held key leadership roles at Digitas and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), advising top executives worldwide.Now, David is bringing his expertise to Harvard Business School, where he shapes the next generation of leaders and advises CXOs on driving digital agility and building resilient teams. In this episode, he shares insights from his latest book, Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI. We’ll explore the different types of AI, where and how to use them, and the evolving role of AI across the C-suite. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with David Edelman on the future of customer strategy in the age of AI. Key Takeaways:Personalized Connections with AI: David’s “five promises” framework—Empower, Know, Reach, Show, Delight—guides personalized customer experiences. AI Beyond Marketing: Personalization extends beyond marketing into a holistic, C-suite-level strategy. Data to Value: Examples from Aetna using data to simplify interactions and deliver targeted recommendations.Balancing Innovation and Trust: David stresses trust in AI, focusing on data privacy and ethical personalization.Additional Insights:Promise and Pitfalls of AI: Emerging AI tools make data integration accessible, helping smaller companies compete with industry giants.Managing Expectations: The importance of transparency and data use comfort in creating personalized, non-intrusive customer experiences.Unlearning Old Mindsets: David encourages that leaders must shift from traditional tactics to a customer-centric, AI-driven approach.Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Introduction "If you’re trying to connect with customers using personalization, there are essentially five promises that you’re making to them." 01:35 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces David Edelman, a veteran in digital transformation and customer strategy. “David has spent over three decades at the cutting edge of marketing and digital transformation.” 03:06 - Early Influences: Creativity and Leadership in Marketing “I became the music director of my high school show from just simply being a saxophone player.” 08:33 - From Marketing to AI-driven Strategy “The thing I had to unlearn is that it’s not just about marketing... it’s about strategy and customer experience.” 10:03 - Using AI for Personalization: Shopify and Brinks Case Studies “So Shopify, who has a free trial and then offers to convert people to paid subscriptions... it’s over 500 combinations.” 19:26 - Educational Personalization: The Aetna Video Initiative “People don’t understand it, they make mistakes... so we found a provider that could create personalized videos.” 25:25 - The Five Promises of Customer Strategy “Empower me, know me, reach me, show me, delight me.”  37:59 - Closing Thoughts and The Future of AI in Personalization “We’ve got to show good things, good experiences that are happening in ways that are trustful and appropriate.” Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts: David C. Edelman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveedelman/ Aetna: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aetna/ McKinsey: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mckinsey/ BCG: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boston-consulting-group/ Digitas: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitas-north-america/ Harvard Business School: https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-business-school/ Websites:   Aetna:  https://www.aetnacvshealth.com/ McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/ BCG: https://www.bcg.com/ Digitas: https://digitz-digitas.com/ Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu/ _________________________________ Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbook FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Mastering venture capital and ethical growth is essential for startup success. Today’s guest, Andy Budd, shares insights from his journey as Founder and CEO of Clearleft, Venture Partner at SeedCamp, and Founding Member of Adobe’s Design Circle. Andy has evolved from a designer to an investor and advisor, bringing a focus on ethical growth practices and high-impact startup development.As the author of The Growth Equation, Andy draws on over 20 years of experience to help companies achieve product-market fit and sustainable growth. His work with SeedCamp and other startups focuses on behavioral science and ethical growth strategies to build resilient, user-centered businesses.In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly explores Andy’s approach to venture capital, leadership, and how his design roots influence his support for founders.Key Takeaways:The Transition from Design to Venture Capital: Andy shares his journey from designer to venture capital partner, highlighting the unique insights that his design background brings to his work with startups.The Importance of Humility in Leadership: Andy emphasizes the value of hiring individuals who excel in areas beyond one’s own expertise, fostering a team culture of shared growth and continuous improvement.Supporting Startups Through Challenges: Known for working closely with startups facing obstacles, Andy describes how his collaborative approach helps companies pivot, adapt, and ultimately thrive.Ethical Growth Over “Growth Hacking”: Andy discusses the significance of ethical growth practices, contrasting them with conventional “growth hacking,” and focusing on strategies that promote sustainable and user-centered growth.Additional Insights:The Influence of Behavioral Science in Product Development: Andy explains how understanding human behavior enhances product design and growth, encouraging founders to integrate behavioral science for more meaningful user engagement.The Role of Patience and Empathy in VC: Andy reflects on his approach to venture capital, prioritizing empathy and patience with founders to cultivate trust and strong, lasting partnerships.The Changing Landscape of Startup Investment: Andy shares his views on how venture capital is evolving, especially as design-thinking and user experience become increasingly vital for high-growth startups. Episode Highlights:0:39 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces Andy Budd, Startup Advisor, Investor, and Coach. “Andy has extensive experience in design and startup advisory.”03:31 - Transition from Design to Venture Capital"I've always been inspired by others...there was an agency that really inspired Clearleft back in the day called Adaptive Path."​06:58 - Unlearning Practitioner to Leader“The main thing I had to unlearn was moving from a practitioner to a leader, where you need to let go and trust others.”15:56 - Emphasis on Character and Integrity in VC“If you're rude to the driver or the person at reception, it shows a lot about your character.”24:34 - The Growth Equation: Helping Founders Find Product-Market Fit"One of my reviewers said it’s like having a pocket coach. Why spend thousands on an online course when you can get the framework in a book?"​33:32 - Role of Behavioral Science in Growth "I'd demonstrate it with an example. So an example is economics... economists thought we were rational actors, that we’d make logical decisions about the future, like saving for retirement. But people tend to choose instant gratification, which is where behavioral economics comes in."​37:26 - The Ethical Approach to Product-Led Growth“Product-led growth has been one of the biggest trends in the last few years, around how we can use our products and the way we design them to attract more users and drive engagement.”45:13 - Andy’s Thoughts on Growth Hacking vs. Ethical Growth"A big part of my book is actually about how you look at growth, but in a more moral, reasonable, and acceptable way. I hate the idea of growth hacking."46:42 - Wrap-up & Final Thoughts: Barry and Andy discuss the ongoing importance of community and knowledge-sharing."Everyone, get yourself a copy of The Growth Equation!”Follow Our GuestLinkedIn Accounts:  Andy Budd, Clearleft, Adobe, Seedcamp Websites:  Andy Budd - Personal Site, Clearleft, Adobe, Seedcamp _________________________________Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now: https://bit.ly/InnovationPortfolioWorkbookFOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Mastering executive search and building lasting business relationships are essential for successful transformations. Today’s guest, Michael A. Morell, shares insights from his journey at Riviera Partners, a top executive search firm, and as a former member of the Technology Advisory Board at Bridgewater Associates.Michael A. Morell is the Founder and Managing Partner of Riviera Partners, with over two decades of experience in executive search. After starting his career in technology, a poor interview experience sparked his idea to create a better approach to recruiting. Today, Michael and his team help tech companies make high-stakes hires, transforming how top talent is identified and placed in Silicon Valley and beyond. Riviera Partners continues to deliver executive search solutions for some of the most innovative companies around the world.In this episode, host Barry O’Reilly explores Michael’s approach to executive recruitment, the importance of patience in relationship-building, and how Riviera Partners leverages technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results.Key Takeaways:The Power of Patience in Relationship Building: Michael shares why patience is critical in executive search and enterprise sales, where building strong, lasting relationships can lead to long-term success.Consistent Delivery of High-Quality Experiences: Michael emphasizes how consistent, positive experiences set Riviera Partners apart, explaining how a focus on quality service helped them build a reputable brand in executive recruitment.The Role of a Clear Vision: Michael discusses the importance of a simple and clear company mission that empowers employees to make decisions aligned with the company’s values.Adapting to Technological Advances: As technology has evolved, so has Riviera Partners. Michael shares how the firm leverages data and technology to enhance the recruitment process and provide better insights for clients.Additional Insights:Learning Through Experience: Michael’s shift from technology to recruitment highlights the value of diverse experiences and risk-taking in meaningful work, as he reflects on the challenges of building Riviera Partners.The Changing Recruitment Landscape: Michael discusses how tools like LinkedIn have democratized recruitment and shares his excitement about AI and machine learning’s potential to transform executive search.The Future of Workplace Flexibility: Michael reflects on the pandemic’s impact on remote work, emphasizing the balance between flexible environments and the importance of in-person interactions for leadership roles.Episode Highlights:00:40 - Introduction to the Episode: Barry introduces Michael A. Morell, Founder of Riviera Partners“Michael has over two decades of experience in executive search.”03:19 - The career transition into recruitment“About 3 or 4 years into that, I got a random call from a recruiter who said, 'Hey, we’d love to grab coffee.' Long story short, I had coffee, she showed me a couple of opportunities—this was around the 2000 timeframe—and it was just the most awful experience I’ve ever had."06:34 - Michael applies his long-term sales experience to relationship-building in executive search“I had the patience to develop these relationships, but I thought, it couldn't be that complicated.”15:27 - Delivering Consistent, High-Quality Experiences“For us, it was really about one thing: how do we consistently deliver a great experience?”24:17 - Navigating the shifts in recruitment technology“The Rolodex became LinkedIn, and suddenly all the information was democratized. You can start to anticipate changes, but fundamentally, every client and every candidate is unique.”34:02 - Embracing workplace flexibility and hybrid models“We went from everyone needing to be on-site to realizing remote could work. Now, we’ve evolved to a hybrid model, balancing in-person and remote roles.”36:59 - The future of recruitment with AI and machine learning“I’m excited to see how AI can enhance our processes, from finding insights in data to improving client and candidate experiences.”Follow Our GuestLinkedIn: Michael A. Morell, Riviera Partners,Bridgewater Associates.Websites:  Riviera Partners, Bridgewater Associates_________________________________Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now:https://bit.ly/46uZ7q0FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreilly Personal site: https://barryoreilly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/ Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreilly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/ Email: hello@barryoreilly.com

Driving innovation in technology and business transformation demands visionary leadership, seamless integration of business and tech strategies, and a willingness to take risks. Today's guest, David Gledhill, exemplifies these qualities as he shares his experience leading DBS Bank through a remarkable digital transformation and beyond.David Gledhill is a seasoned technologist and business leader. As the former Group Chief Information Officer at DBS Bank for over 11 years, he spearheaded the bank’s technology and transformation efforts, building a high-performance culture and integrating technology into the core of the business strategy. Under his leadership, DBS achieved global recognition for its digital transformation, and David’s journey has been featured in Harvard Business Review as one of the top global transformations. After his time at DBS, David held a senior role at Lloyds Banking Group, further enhancing his expertise in large-scale transformation. He is now a non-executive director at companies like Singapore Airlines and serves as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company.In this episode, host Barry O'Reilly invites David to discuss his leadership journey, from reshaping the technology at DBS to embracing a digital-first strategy. David offers insights on making tough decisions, aligning business with technology, and leading organizations through massive change.Key Takeaways:Technology as a Strategic Driver: David emphasizes the shift from viewing technology as a support function to recognizing it as a core driver of business strategy. He explains how leading with a digital-first mindset can unlock new growth opportunities.]Bold Decision-Making in Leadership: David shares the importance of making tough decisions early in leadership roles. He describes how scrapping failing projects and resetting strategies allowed DBS to pivot successfully.Building a High-Performance Culture: David highlights the significance of creating a culture where business and technology teams share accountability. His “two in a box” leadership model at DBS encouraged joint ownership of goals and outcomes.Learning from Tech Giants: Drawing inspiration from companies like Google and Amazon, David discusses how studying these tech giants helped DBS adopt cutting-edge practices in cloud computing, data analytics, and agile development, setting them apart in the banking industry.Additional Insights:Fostering a Culture of Storytelling: David highlights the importance of storytelling in driving organizational change. At DBS, he brought in a journalist to craft compelling narratives around early successes, which helped engage teams and build momentum for transformation.From Technologist to Strategic Leader: David’s transition from a technical expert to a strategic business leader is a testament to the evolution required in leadership roles. He reflects on how moving from deep technical work to overseeing large-scale business transformation broadened his leadership perspective.The Role of Technology in the Future of Banking: David reflects on the future of the financial industry, noting that technology will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation and improving customer experiences. He emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation to stay competitive in the fast-changing digital landscape.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to the episodeBarry introduces David Gledhill, highlighting his role as former Group CIO of DBS Bank and his contributions to the company’s digital transformation.04:12 - David on his early career and technical roots"I started off even when I was 11 or 12, building stuff with electronics and did computing electronics at university."05:13 - The turning point of joining DBS"When my career progressed, I became more of an exec... And then back in 2008, an opportunity came to join DBS Bank and become a CIO again, and get really back into tech."12:21 - Scrapping the core banking system"They’d spent like $300 million of a $200 million budget. And the estimate was this is going to take another five years and another billion dollars to complete."12:36 - Rebuilding the technology strategy at DBS"I had to basically scrap that whole program and restart... it was a total reset of strategy, roadmap, people, everything from scratch."17:31 - Creating success with the ‘buy, sell, hold’ strategy"We came up with this what we call the buy, sell, hold diagram... I love the system, and do more with it. Sell it to get rid of it. Hold is kind of meh but it'll keep going for now."24:21 - The platform model and joint leadership"We created a ‘two in a box’ leadership model, where a business leader and a tech leader had joint KPIs... business KPIs, customer service levels, tech modernization – everything."31:47 - The ‘Gandalf’ moment and digital-first strategy"We looked at Google, Amazon, Netflix, Apple, LinkedIn, Facebook, and I came up with this idea of what if we were the D in Gandalf?"37:33 - Lessons for the future and technology’s role in business growth"It’s hugely satisfying when you see that happen... they’re doing some super risky things, which may or may not play out, but that’s great fun to be part of."Follow Our GuestLinkedIn: David GledhillWebsite: DBS Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Singapore Airlines, McKinsey & Company_________________________________Download my free innovation map I use to help companies like Google and Nike figure out the gap between their current state and desired state.Download Now:https://bit.ly/46uZ7q0FOLLOW THE HOST:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryoreillyPersonal site: https://barryoreilly.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryoreillyauthor/Twitter: https://x.com/barryoreillyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryoreilly/Email: hello@barryoreilly.com