

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

Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
China: The Rise That’s Reshaping the 21st Century
Is China the most misunderstood power in the world?Economist and strategist Qian Liu joins Philip Meissner to unpack the truth behind China’s rise—economically, politically, and technologically. From explosive innovation and the Belt & Road Initiative to demographics, EVs, and global misconceptions, this episode challenges what you think you know about China—and why getting it wrong could cost the world. Timestamps00:00 What Changed Her View on China02:08 China’s Role in a Changing World05:33 The Belt and Road Initiative’s Future07:00 Infrastructure Development07:59 China Becoming More Assertive9:53 De-Globalization or New Globalization?12:12 What Leaders Get Wrong About China15:44 Advice for Multinational Companies in China16:32 Where China Will Surprise Us Next22:59 China’s Future Strategy25:01 China’s Demographic Crisis29:06 Navigating Uncertainty32:02 Advice for Gen Z Professionals33:25 Reasons for OptimismConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissnerConnect with Qian Liuhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/qian-liu-01907a2/#ChinaInsights #Geopolitics #GlobalEconomy #BeltAndRoad #ChineseInnovation #FutureOfChina #DeGlobalization #TechInChina #ChinaStrategy #MultinationalBusiness #FemaleLeadership #GlobalSouth #DemographicsCrisis #EVRevolution #WhatsNextPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 22, 2025 • 7min
Highlights: Mental Health: The Hidden Work Every Great Leader Must Do
We’ve curated a powerful 7-minute cut filled with insights on how true leadership starts with emotional regulation. Discover why shadow work, nervous system regulation, and workplace safety aren’t just wellness trends but essential strategies for leading in uncertain times.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/erc8xjUofmEApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/mental-health-the-hidden-work-every-great-leader-must-do/id1793306908?i=1000717266636Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XZMpkETNrqAy9dYnqSGNG?si=a263520e2eb7462b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 15, 2025 • 32min
Mental Health: The Hidden Work Every Great Leader Must Do
What if the future of leadership isn’t about power, but emotional regulation? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais unpacks why unprocessed trauma, unchecked egos, and toxic workplace norms are silently shaping global decisions. She reveals how healing begins with connection, not isolation, and why every leader needs to do their inner work. From AI and mental autonomy to boundary rituals and collective care, this episode will change how you think about mental health, leadership, and our future. Timestamps:00:00 The biggest psychological shift the world needs00:56 Why mental health shapes the future02:53 Common patterns across trauma survivors and CEOs03:45 Tech and mental health: helpful or harmful?04:42 The role of social media in mental health05:33 Practical tools to improve mental fitness07:58 Autopilot behavior and building better habits11:59 How to become a mentally resilient leader14:02 Creating mentally healthy workplaces15:44 Why every company needs an in-house psychologist17:17 The workplace culture shift: are we moving fast enough?18:46 Innovation in mental health treatment19:48 A shift from insight to embodied healing21:05 Protecting mental autonomy in the age of AI23:20 The next frontiers in human rights25:54 One global policy to improve mental health27:19 Rethinking power and vulnerability in leadership28:59 How Angela stays grounded under pressure29:45 Navigating decisions: fear vs. freedom30:48 What makes her optimistic about the futureConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner#MentalHealth #Leadership #EmotionalResilience #WorkplaceWellness #PsychologicalSafety #TraumaInformed #FutureOfWork #RelationalIntelligence #BurnoutRecovery #CognitiveLiberty #MindfulLeadership #MentalFitness #AIandMentalHealth #SelfAwareness #HealingTrauma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 8, 2025 • 7min
Highlights: MENA: The Next Global Startup Powerhouse for Tech & Talent
We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with insights on why MENA is leapfrogging industries like fintech, healthtech, and agtech and how founders are building billion-dollar companies without taking Silicon Valley-style risks.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/Tkuhko7Ycy4Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/mena-the-next-global-startup-powerhouse-for-tech-talent/id1793306908?i=1000715229395Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QTAspWDNmhlblFDYeNA6P?si=wOxkJp4JTcWd99Sar4xfLw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 1, 2025 • 28min
MENA: The Next Global Startup Powerhouse for Tech & Talent
Think the future of innovation lives in Silicon Valley? It might just be shifting to the Middle East.In this episode, Noor Sweid—a trailblazing venture capitalist and founder—takes us deep inside the MENA region’s explosive startup scene. From Dubai to Riyadh to Cairo, Noor explains how entrepreneurs are building billion-dollar companies in industries with no legacy players and no rigid rules.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about where the world is heading next—this episode will change how you think about opportunity.Timestamps00:00 Intro00:42 What Drives Noor Sweid01:31 Why She Wrote a Coming of Age Book02:40 Lessons from 35 Founders Across the Region05:55 Misunderstanding of MENA Innovation Potential07:340 Comparing Saudi, Egypt, and UAE Markets09:30 Why MENA Is Attractive to Builders10:10 Sectors Where MENA Can Leapfrog12:46 The Role of Governments and Sovereign Wealth13:45 What Needs to Happen in the Next 5 Years15:18 Advice for New Founders in MENA16:04 How to Succeed in the MENA Region17:49 Business Culture in MENA18:34 How MENA Founders Differ from Others19:52 Women in Tech in the MENA region20:59 Shark Tank vs. VC Investing22:22 Reinventing Your Career with Purpose27:17 What Makes Noor Optimistic About the FutureConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissnerConnect with Noor Sweidhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-sweid-4b5233/Check out Noor's book: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/1917523432/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=1JXTXD7FAAXV3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TeWHU7yYlUJoMdd0grqgyLnRDuvEcbM9i7gNNpXjvC4.SNFHnyEjSWob9LCQgNBpKkzPInVE9E20Z5U7Rpq0CCs&dib_tag=se&keywords=noor+sweid&qid=1747124998&sprefix=noor+sweid%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1#MENAInnovation #NoorSweid #StartupsInMENA #Entrepreneurship #VentureCapital #UAEStartups #TechInMENA #FoundersMindset #GlobalTalent #BusinessInDubai #FutureOfTech #InnovationLeadership #WomenInVC #StartupEcosystem #BuildInMENA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 24, 2025 • 8min
Highlights: European Tech Policy: Building a Competitive Digital Europe
We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with bold insights on Europe’s tech future — from escaping the buzzword trap of “competitiveness” to building AI factories, smarter investments, and breaking free from overregulation.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/YKKo4hW8fzcApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/european-tech-policy-building-a-competitive-digital/id1793306908?i=1000713176512Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xXblKshv4kwfJZofk4sQi?si=b7648816dd0543ee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 2025 • 28min
European Tech Policy: Building a Competitive Digital Europe
In this episode, EU powerhouse and digital policy architect Eva Maydell joins Philip Meissner to unpack the real challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s tech future. From the political tug-of-war behind the AI Act to bold plans for AI factories, she breaks down how Europe can move from overregulation to smart innovation — and why the continent desperately needs a coherent economic security strategy. You’ll find out:- Why is Europe struggling to retain talent?- Where should €10 billion really go to spark innovation?- Can the EU escape its dependency on U.S. tech giants?- And which global partners could help Europe build a smarter, more resilient digital future? If you care about tech, business, or Europe’s role on the world stage — this episode is your front-row seat to the decisions that will define the next decade.00:00 Intro00:30 The Position of Europe in the Global Tech Race01:57 The Biggest Europe’s Strengths02:52 Redefining Competitiveness04:44 Where Should We Invest?05:40 Regulation vs. Incentives07:16 Is the EU Overregulating?09:55 Advice for Business Leaders11:52 Will the AI Act or GDPR Change?14:09 The Trump Factor & US Tech Dependence16:11 Strategic Global Partnerships17:35 The Biggest EU Misconceptions18:40 EU Parliament & Involvement in EU Politics19:19 Hardest Negotiation Lessons21:21 One Thing to Change in Brussels21:34 Dream Headline in 10 Years22:16 What Makes You Optimistic About the Future#DigitalEurope #AIAct #TechPolicy #EUInnovation #SmartInvestment #EconomicSecurity #FutureOfTech #AIRegulation #EuropeTech #DigitalSovereignty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 10, 2025 • 8min
Highlights: Africa: The Youngest Continent Driving Global Change
We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with insights on why global investors often misread Africa and how the continent’s tech hubs and AI innovators are rewriting the narrative. Discover how bold entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and a thriving youth population are shaping Africa’s next chapter.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/HPgkB3OJnSkApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/africa-the-youngest-continent-driving-global-change/id1793306908?i=1000710954672Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nkRSThX5Yyhx0DCG4g7Xb?si=eh4ad87zTKaMDkLTnn9YEA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 37min
Africa: The Youngest Continent Driving Global Change
Africa is rising—and the world needs to catch up.In this powerful episode, Adebola Williams reveals how Africa’s youth, tech boom, and creative industries are transforming the continent into a global force. From AI to agriculture, from storytelling to startups, this is the untold story of a continent full of talent, energy, and unstoppable momentum.He also shares what global investors get wrong about Africa—and what it really takes to succeed on the continent. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about Africa!Timestamps for Audio:00:00 Intro00:27 Africa's Youth and Resilience02:09 Technology & Natural Resources06:57 Misconceptions of Africa by Global Investors09:36 The Role of Tech Hubs13:01 Leapfrogging into AI and Tech16:39 Promising African Markets19:32 What Makes Investors Successful in Africa22:49 Skills for Africa’s Future Workforce25:15 Sectors to Watch: Creative, Tech, Energy, Agriculture27:26 Empowering African Girls29:47 Leadership Through Empathy and Purpose31:48 A Call to Young Africans35:57 What Makes Him Optimistic About FutureConnect with Philip MeissnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmeissner#AfricaRising #FutureOfAfrica #InvestInAfrica #AfricanYouth #AfricaInnovation #TechInAfrica #CreativeAfrica #AfricanLeadership #AfricaEconomy #AfricanStartups #AfricanFuture #AdebolaWilliams #AfricaTech #AfricanExcellence #MadeInAfrica Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 7min
Highlights: Intuition: The Key to Smarter Choices in Uncertain Times
We’ve curated a special 7-minute cut packed with insights on how intuition really works, why it’s more than just gut feeling, and how leaders can sharpen decision-making by combining self-awareness, critical thinking, and neuroscience.Listen to the full episode now!Youtube: https://youtu.be/72KvNRp_BXcApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/intuition-the-key-to-smarter-choices-in-uncertain-times/id1793306908?i=1000709079061Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6DOKDQQV1rXgKeYVIt7daE?si=_sr36qR_Qda2NhpXbdJu2w Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.