

What's Next with Philip Meissner
Philip Meissner
What’s Next brings together the voices shaping tomorrow—thinkers, builders, and leaders from across the globe. From Lagos to Lisbon, Bangalore to Berlin, São Paulo to San Francisco, we explore the ideas that will shape how we live, work, govern, and grow.Each episode offers one clear insight you can explain at dinner and defend in the boardroom. Global perspectives. Fresh thinking. Better decisions.What’s Next. Voices shaping tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 7, 2025 • 33min
Blockchain: Redefining Finance, Technology, and Society
What if blockchain isn’t just about crypto, but the backbone of our future? In this episode, Agnes Budzyn, a former Wall Street executive turned blockchain investor, explains how decentralized technologies are reshaping finance, powering Web3, unlocking the potential of stablecoins, and driving a new wave of digital infrastructure.From tokenization to regulation, and from hidden risks to massive opportunities, she reveals why blockchain is more than hype. It’s the quiet revolution already changing how we live, work, and connect.Timestamps:00:00 Why decentralized tech is the future of finance01:22 Blockchain as a database and its benefits03:24 Web3: the next phase of the internet04:49 Stablecoins and their global potential06:40 How does stablecoin work07:34 Traditional vs. decentralized finance 09:00 Risks in blockchain adoption10:47 Blockchain applications for businesses12:24 Tokenization & new business models13:38 Exciting blockchain infrastructure trends15:51 How will blockchain change our everyday life18:14 Lessons from the financial crisis at BlackRock19:42 Hidden risks in today’s finance and tech20:51 The role of regulators in digital assets22:32 Coping with stress in high-pressure environments26:17 Transitioning from Wall Street to blockchain28:13 Balancing hype cycles with long-term fundamentals29:42 What makes Agnes optimistic about the futureConnect with Philip Meissner:linkedin.com/in/pmeissner #Blockchain #FutureOfFinance #Decentralization #Web3 #Stablecoins #DigitalAssets #BlockchainTechnology #Tokenization #CryptoInnovation #BlockchainForBusiness #BlockchainRevolution #Fintech #FinancialInnovation #DigitalInfrastructure #NextGenFinance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2025 • 8min
Highlights: Green Industrialization: Namibia’s Path to Global Leadership in Clean Hydrogen
We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut unpacking Namibia’s bold hydrogen vision, showing how inspired leadership turned risk into opportunity, why global players are betting on its green future, and what other nations can learn from this daring industrial leap.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/30Z35uWkb9UApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/green-industrialization-namibias-path-to-global-leadership/id1793306908?i=1000727970566Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ExdrbQsGm2SoVYGeDhb1U?si=80ec4f89be7341a7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 2025 • 39min
Green Industrialization: Namibia’s Path to Global Leadership in Clean Hydrogen
Can a small nation lead the next industrial revolution? Namibia is betting big on green hydrogen to fuel growth, cut carbon, and build entirely new industries from scratch.Discover how the country’s bold strategy could transform its economy, inspire Africa, and position Namibia at the forefront of the global clean energy race. Watch now to see how green industrialization is reshaping the future.Timestamps:00:00 What Green Industrialization Means to James01:00 The Boldest Career Move01:43 Starting the Green Hydrogen Journey03:04 Making the Case for Hydrogen04:47 Hydrogen Explained Simply06:34 Namibia’s Green Industrialization Blueprint09:24 Visionary Leadership & Early Wins11:29 Collaboration with Global Partners13:22 Africa’s Green Hydrogen Alliance16:19 Turning Strategy into Execution19:30 Balancing Public & Private Interests22:38 Africa in the New Global Order26:04 Namibia’s 10-Year Vision28:56 Moving from Private to Public Sector30:56 What James Had to Learn & Unlearn33:08 Advice for Others35:51 What Makes James OptimisticConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissnerConnect with James Mnyupehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/james-mnyupe/Check out James' TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/james_mnyupe_a_small_nation_s_surprising_solution_to_unemployment#GreenIndustrialization #SustainableDevelopment #Namibia #GreenHydrogen #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergyFuture #AfricanInnovation #EconomicTransformation #ClimateAction #SustainableAfrica #HydrogenEconomy #EnergyTransition #FutureOfAfrica #GlobalSustainability #GreenGrowth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 16, 2025 • 31min
Highlights: Health: Leapfrogging Old Systems with Smarter Solutions
We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut uncovering how real healthcare innovation comes from the ground up, from Rwanda’s telehealth and drones to Thailand’s community health networks, showing why the future of global health is less about Silicon Valley and more about resilient, human-led systems built to last.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/rjOEVtAxh7kApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/health-leapfrogging-old-systems-with-smarter-solutions/id1793306908?i=1000725632621Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aHRnrf8CS6dTFwN7HSnS5?si=49f90a37553b48d1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 2025 • 31min
Health: Leapfrogging Old Systems with Smarter Solutions
What does the future of global health really look like?In this powerful conversation, Mishti Sivaramakrishnan shares how fragile healthcare systems are being tested by pandemics, climate change, and political conflict—and why resilience, innovation, and community voices are key to survival. From leapfrogging outdated systems to the promise of digital health and telemedicine, discover what’s working, what’s failing, and how we can build a fairer, healthier world. Timestamps:00:00 Mishti’s path into public health and why it matters02:46 Biggest challenges facing global healthcare today05:23 Why access to care is still so uneven07:52 Tech trends shaping the next decade of healthcare10:01 Real-world examples of technology making a difference13:19 Ground-up innovations vs Silicon Valley solutions15:30 Leapfrogging: building new healthcare systems from scratch18:30 A vision for inclusive, tech-enabled healthcare21:06 Caring for young and aging populations globally24:55 One wish for global health policymakers26:11 Small but meaningful actions listeners can take27:06 Lessons learned from working directly with communities28:04 Message for future global health leaders29:11 What makes Mishti optimistic about the futureConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissnerConnect with Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmishta-s-964064217/#GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #Telehealth #HealthSystems #GlobalHealthcare #HealthAccess #HealthcarePolicy #HealthTech #Leapfrogging #CommunityHealth #HealthForAll #FutureOfHealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 8min
Highlights: Defense: The Tech and Command Skills to Win Tomorrow’s Wars
We’ve curated a special 7-minute episode covering Ukraine’s unexpected war, Gaza’s costly strategic errors, rising Taiwan tensions, and why a Second Cold War, and stronger NATO, US, and European action, may be vital to preserving global peace.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/ysqIFpoDQ-AApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/defense-the-tech-and-command-skills-to-win-tomorrows-wars/id1793306908?i=1000723524501Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3eNM3tB0H0qRbH8P4UGAXd?si=28db4a13b30b4a97 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 29min
Defense: The Tech and Command Skills to Win Tomorrow’s Wars
What if the next global crisis is already taking shape? Former NATO commander Sir Richard Shirreff joins us to share blunt insights on the realities of modern warfare, the role of AI and drones, and the flashpoints, from Ukraine and the Middle East to Taiwan, that could spark worldwide conflict. Along the way, he offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and staying prepared in an unpredictable world. Timestamps:00:00 Misconceptions about war and risk01:15 Total defense and Finland’s model03:50 Threats to the global liberal order07:24 “War with Russia” predictions vs reality09:11 Global flashpoints: Middle East & Taiwan12:33 Preparing for a second Cold War14:46 Drones, AI, and the future of warfare16:29 The challenge of information warfare17:50 Military strategy lessons for business21:54 Crisis management and readiness23:54 Building agile leadership26:16 Leadership lessons from the field27:06 The hardest order to give28:09 Surprises in the business world29:52 Optimism for the futureConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissnerConnect with Sir Richard Shirreffhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-shirreff-409a9618/#NATO #GlobalSecurity #DefenseStrategy #UkraineWar #RussiaUkraine #MiddleEastCrisis #TaiwanChina #ColdWar #MilitaryLeadership #AIMilitary #DronesWarfare #InformationWarfare #Geopolitics #CrisisManagement #ModernWarfare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 19, 2025 • 9min
Highlights: Imagination: How Bold Companies Thrive in a Fast-Changing World
We’ve curated a powerful 7‑minute cut exploring the surprising truth behind innovation. Hear how the Facebook Like button was born, why breakthroughs are rarely the work of a lone genius, and why real innovation is messy, social, and full of unexpected twists.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/qW6K1FBgC9IApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/imagination-how-bold-companies-thrive-in-a-fast/id1793306908?i=1000721587505Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3W0uhB5AT3SjniZ2naX8kG?si=9kZritJlRFa_043-8DBAlw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 40min
Imagination: How Bold Companies Thrive in a Fast-Changing World
In this discussion, Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and an expert on business strategy, emphasizes imagination as the key to thriving in today's fast-paced world. He shares intriguing insights about how larger companies often stifle creativity and discusses the significance of the Facebook Like button as a case study in innovation. Reeves offers practical strategies for leaders to reignite imagination in their teams and explains how this skill can be structured into a repeatable process, driving continual growth and adaptability.

Aug 5, 2025 • 10min
Highlights: China: The Rise That’s Reshaping the 21st Century
We've curated a special 7-minute cut unpacking how Qian Liu provides insights into China's transformative economic and technological landscape, challenging global perceptions and revealing innovative approaches.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/6m_yfoK3dSw?feature=sharedApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/china-the-rise-thats-reshaping-the-21st-century/id1793306908?i=1000719578400Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2q9IvLcXv5YxbDVkqIJp36?si=abbda594449b43dc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.