The Global Discussion

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

Mack Garrison, Co-Founder of Dash Studio, a high-end animation and motion design agency, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. Mack's passion for creativity, problem-solving, and community-building shone through as he shared insights on the evolving landscape of motion design, marketing, and the power of authentic storytelling.00:00 - Introduction00:26 - How Mack Garrison Got Into Motion Design03:10 - What Is High-End Animation and Motion Design05:55 - The Secret to High-End Content & Authenticity09:10 - The Changing Marketing Landscape & The Digital Shelf14:11 - The Future of Creative Work & Remote Collaboration18:37 - AI in Motion Design: Opportunity or Threat?Listen 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

Jaime Schwarz joined The Global Discussion podcast with Host Simon Hodgkins, offering deep insights into the future of branding, AI-driven brand identity, and the evolving role of businesses in a post-AI world. His journey—from a successful career in advertising to pioneering brand therapy and digital authentication—reveals a visionary approach to brand-building that prioritizes authenticity, adaptability, and technological evolution.00:00 - Welcome & Introduction01:00 - From Psychology to Advertising03:15 - Brand Therapy - Empowering Brands to Listen and Speak06:30 - How AI is Changing Branding10:45 - The Power of Team Flow in Business15:20 - Web3 & The Future of Digital Ownership18:50 - The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Founders vs. Business BuildersListen 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

Billy Samoa Saleebey, Co-Founder and CEO of Podify, joins Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Billy shared his incredible journey—from making films in Hollywood to revolutionizing onboarding at Tesla and now leading the charge in the podcasting industry.00:00 - Welcome & Introduction00:54 - From Hollywood to Solar Energy03:11 - Working at Tesla & Creating a Global Onboarding Program04:18 - The Shift to Podcasting & Founding Podify06:54 - Lessons from Podcasting & First Principles Thinking10:53 - The Secret to Podcast Growth & What Makes a Show Shareable22:37 - Why YouTube is Essential for Podcasters30:31 - Final Thoughts & How to Connect with BillyListen 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

Erica Orange, Partner at The Future Hunters, a leading futurist consulting firm, joined host Simon Hodgkins on The Global Discussion podcast for an insightful conversation on the future of AI, human adaptability, and the evolving landscape of truth. With nearly two decades of experience, Erica brings a deep understanding of sociocultural, technological, economic, geopolitical, and environmental trends—translating them into actionable strategies for organizations worldwide.00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to The Global Discussion00:22 - Erica Orange on Becoming a Futurist & The Future Hunters03:32 - AI, Time, Trust & Truth: Exploring AI and the New Human Frontier06:44 - Separating AI Hype from Reality: What Can & Can’t AI Do?10:28 - The Challenge of Misinformation & The Carnival Funhouse Effect14:26 - The Future of Power: Billionaires, Governments & AI20:51 - The Rise of Digital Labor & The Neo-Human Workforce25:59 - Final Thoughts: How to Prepare for the FutureListen 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

Mine Dedekoca is the Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Work Studio, with over a decade of experience in remote work and a passion for fostering positive workplace cultures. Host Simon Hodgkins meets with Mine on this episode of The Global Discussion, where Mine shares her insights on the evolving work landscape and the importance of well-being in professional settings. A Remote Work Expert Mine's journey into remote work began in 2012, long before it became as widespread as it is today. Serving as a Country Manager for various organizations, she embraced fully distributed teams, gaining invaluable experience in managing remote operations. This early adoption gave her a unique perspective on the benefits and challenges of remote work. The Launch of Happy Work Studio Recognizing the need for a structured approach to remote work and employee well-being, Mine founded Happy Work Studio. The organization is dedicated to helping companies and individuals adapt to new ways of working, focusing not just on where work is done but how it's accomplished. By emphasizing effective strategies to reduce burnout and increase happiness, Happy Work Studio aims to create thriving work environments. Redefining Productivity and Flexibility During the podcast, Mine highlighted a common misconception about productivity. She emphasized that true productivity isn't about working longer hours but achieving more with less input. By redesigning work processes and embracing flexibility, companies can enhance employee well-being and drive innovation. This approach leads to higher engagement, increased creativity, and improved retention rates. The Rise of Digital Nomadism The conversation also touched upon the growing trend of digital nomadism. Mine noted that today's digital nomads are often highly skilled professionals who choose not to be tied to a specific location. Countries like Turkey are recognizing this shift, introducing digital nomad visas to attract such talent. Mine actively contributes to this movement by organizing events like the upcoming Digital Nomad Fest in Turkey, aiming to foster community and support for location-independent professionals. Looking Ahead As for future endeavors, Mine plans to continue balancing her roles in technology and well-being. Her roadmap includes organizing events focused on remote work and happiness, mentoring startups, and engaging in social responsibility projects to enhance digital literacy among disadvantaged groups. Follow 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. Watch or listen to The Global Discussion Web: https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ Audio Podcast: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Google⁠ | ⁠Apple⁠ Video Podcast: ⁠https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/TGD-YouTube⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn/Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/theglobaldiscussion Others: X, Instagram, and Facebook