The Global Discussion

Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Iza Dabek, a Rapid Transformational Practitioner and Founder of Healing Habits Coaching. Iza works with high-achieving professionals, creatives, and founders to help them break through the subconscious patterns that keep them stuck, particularly those tied to self-sabotage, low confidence, and burnout.00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Úna Herlihy00:39 – Úna’s background in advertising and early career journey02:15 – Transition to freelancing in 2005 and early challenges06:49 – Impact of COVID-19 and how The Indie List began13:10 – How The Indie List is different from other freelance platforms22:16 – Providing business and compliance support for freelancers25:01 – The changing mindset of senior professionals post-COVID33:02 – Future focus on skills development and education initiativesListen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

Úna Herlihy, Founder & CEO and Chief Matchmaker at The Indie List, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Based in Ireland, Úna built Ireland's leading curated freelance network for marketing and creative talent, bridging experienced professionals with purposeful clients through thoughtful matchmaking.00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Úna Herlihy00:39 – Úna’s background in advertising and early career journey02:15 – Transition to freelancing in 2005 and early challenges06:27 – Impact of COVID-19 and how The Indie List began13:14 – How The Indie List is different from other freelance platforms25:05 – The changing mindset of senior professionals post-COVID33:02 – Future focus on skills development and education initiativesListen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

When it comes to turning complex technologies into compelling stories, few do it with the clarity, warmth, and precision of Andie Cooper, International PR Director at Beachhut PR. On this episode of The Global Discussion, host Simon Hodgkins sat down with Andie to explore the evolving world of public relations, the unique challenges of working with tech companies, and the importance of communicating with purpose.00:00 – Introduction: Meet Andie Cooper of Beachhut PR02:45 – Why Local PR Comes First for Startups05:00 – Telling a Value-Driven Story, Not a Technical One07:43 – The Importance of Translating Complexity11:23 – Building Media Relationships That Last15:17 – Helping Founders Become Confident Spokespeople25:36 – How PR Has Evolved With Speed and New Channels32:33 – Using PR to Amplify Women in TechListen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

Jim Carlough, Chief Sales Officer at mPulse, is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and technology. With a proven track record of empowering leaders and launching his new book, Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, Jim joins Simon Hodgkins to unpack how integrity, empathy, and laughter can define outstanding leadership in today's world.00:00 – Introduction Jim Carlough 01:03 – From Healthcare & Tech to Mentoring 04:36 – Pillar 1: Integrity & Trust 05:00 – Authoritarian vs Human Leadership 06:29 – Compassion vs Empathy Defined 07:45 – Stability, Focus & the Bezos Example 08:27 – Humor as a Leadership Tool 13:32 – Lifelong Learning & Mentors 16:39 – Remote Leadership & Video Connection 20:00 – Burnout, Well‑Being & Duty of Care 21:59 – Coaching Program & Future Plans 24:40 – Connect with Jim & Book Info 25:44 – Closing Thoughts on OptimismListen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

If you've been wondering how SEO is evolving in the age of AI, this episode of The Global Discussion is one you'll want to spend time with. Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Maeva Cifuentes, Founder of Flying Cat Marketing, to discuss the shifting landscape of search, content, and digital strategy.Maeva brings sharp insight, deep experience, and a clear voice to conversations that cut through the hype and get to what matters for businesses today.00:40 – How SEO and Search Are Evolving with AI01:10 – Why Ranking #1 Doesn’t Always Mean Clicks03:05 – The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Technical SEO05:00 – Rethinking SEO Metrics in the Age of AI Overviews06:00 – Chasing LLM Visibility: What Actually Matters08:15 – Why Domain Expertise Beats High-Volume Content11:42 – How Brands Can Start Ranking in AI Results22:02 – Empowering Ambitious Women Toward LeadershipListen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes

Niamh Cooper has a way with words. Whether she's helping a global brand craft compelling content or guiding aspiring writers to start their first story, her passion for storytelling runs deep.00:00 – Introduction: Meet Niamh Cooper03:40 – Launching “Word Matters”04:13 – Writing for Humans in an AI World10:12 – Enter the Stan Challenge13:00 – Starting a 30-Day Writing Challenge16:16 – The “Find Your Voice” Retreat20:04 – What’s Ahead: Word Matters & Beyond24:11 – Final Thoughts: Reignite Your VoiceWatch or Listen to The Global DiscussionSpotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4nWeb ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠YouTube ► / @theglobaldiscussion Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes

Jamie Schwartzman, Founder of Flux Branding and a seasoned brand strategist with over three decades of experience in creative direction, psychology, and business transformation, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode.00:00 – Introduction & Welcome01:07 – What Is Brand Strategy?03:14 – Brand as a Long-Term Asset05:25 – How AI Is Changing Branding09:20 – The IDEA Method Explained15:22 – The Concept Behind “Brilliant”20:38 – What's Ahead: AI, Ethics & Embracing Change25:55 – Final Thoughts: Find Your RadianceWatch or Listen to The Global DiscussionSpotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4nWeb ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠YouTube ► / @theglobaldiscussion Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes

There's something quietly electric about hearing someone talk when they've truly followed a hunch into uncharted territory and made something real out of it. That was the vibe when Pia Mailhot-Leichter, founder of Kollektiv Studio and author of Welcome to the Creative Club, joined The Global Discussion podcast with Host Simon Hodgkins.00:00 - Welcome and Introduction00:51 - Agency Life as a Creative SWAT Team02:45 - The "Extinction Moment" That Changed Everything03:47 - A Winding Path from NYC to Copenhagen08:12 - Creativity Meets Coaching: A New Kind of Work16:21 - Writing Welcome to the Creative Club22:38 - What's Next: Audio Projects and Creative Flow26:34 - A Parting Challenge for the CreativesWatch or Listen to The Global DiscussionSpotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4nWeb ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠YouTube ► / @theglobaldiscussion Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes

Host Simon Hodgkins catches up with David Carson, a marketing innovator and creative strategist who has turned the idea of "dumb thinking" into a superpower. With a rich background in advertising, entertainment, and brand innovation, David shares his unconventional philosophy that might inspire your next big idea.00:00 - Introduction & Welcome01:45 - Dumb Ideas as the Secret Sauce02:19 - What is Demify?05:25 - Dumb Ideas that Changed the World10:05 - The Trap of Being Too Smart15:09 - AI & Generating Dumb Ideas20:38 - Working with Big Brands26:07 - Final Thoughts: Let Your Dumb Ideas FlyListen to The Global DiscussionSpotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4nWeb ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videosOthers ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes

Host Simon Hodgkins welcomed a genuinely inspiring guest: Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, Instigator and CEO of The Big Idea. With a powerful personal story and a passion for reshaping education through creativity and problem-solving, Kim is not just talking about change—she’s building it from the ground up.00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction00:26 – From Trauma to Firestarter02:10 – Discovering Design & Defying Expectations03:40 – The Birth of The Big Idea06:30 – Education Reform, ADHD, & Mass Collaboration09:59 – Behind the Scenes: How The Big Idea Works12:33 – Real Stories, Real Impact15:05 – What’s Next for The Big Idea & KimListen to The Global DiscussionSpotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4nWeb ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videosOthers ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes