The Global Discussion

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

In this episode of The Global Discussion, Matt Lyles—Customer Experience (CX) Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and member of the Board of Directors at CX Accelerator, joins Host Simon Hodgkins for a wide-ranging conversation that unpacked the evolving world of customer and employee experience. With a career rooted in marketing, brand management, and CX leadership at FedEx, Matt now helps businesses worldwide build loyalty through one powerful principle: simplicity.00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Matt Lyles00:44 - Matt’s Journey: From FedEx to CX Consultant04:11 - AI vs. Human Touch: Finding the Right Balance in CX06:59 - Airline Industry Lessons: Loyalty vs. Cost-Cutting09:42 - The Power of Community: What is CX Accelerator?12:50 - The Business Case for Customer Experience and Simplicity15:33 - The Simple Brand Podcast and the Link Between CX & Employee ExperienceListen 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 Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodesFollow The Global Discussion on LinkedIn, YouTube, Spotify, and more! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Creatives, Leaders, and Thinkers on The Global Discussion. Join the newsletter for updates on new episodes.

In this episode of The Global Discussion, Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Jamie Mackenzie, a multi-bestselling author, international speaker, and coach. Jamie's journey is one of transformation—shifting from a high-flying corporate career to a mission-driven path focused on growth and storytelling. His passion for the power of stories has not only shaped his own success but is now inspiring businesses, individuals, and even schools.00:00 Introduction02:20 The Story Behind 28 Bags of Sprouts09:34 From Corporate CMO to Bestselling Author14:49 Who Jamie Works With19:27 The Role of AI in Storytelling23:24 Looking Ahead: The Next 12 Months25:37 Final Thoughts & How to ConnectListen 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 Facebook Join the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes