

What's Next with Philip Meissner
Philip Meissner
What’s Next brings together builders, thinkers and leaders whose work matters. From Berlin to Bangalore, Lagos to San Francisco, the podcast explores how technology and thought leadership change how we work, govern, and build.Each episode focuses on one idea that matters. Clear enough to explain over dinner, solid enough to stand up in the boardroom. Global perspectives, sharp thinking, and insights designed to improve decision quality.What’s next. Building the Future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

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.


