The Rest Is Money

Matt Brittin, former president of Google's Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations, shares insights from his remarkable 17-year tenure at the tech giant. He discusses the seismic shifts AI and quantum computing are causing, even as they threaten Google's own search business. The conversation highlights the urgent need for digital skills training in education and addresses the integration of AI in healthcare, where it can revolutionize patient care despite challenges. Brittin emphasizes collaboration between tech and governments to tackle content moderation and child safety.

Bill Browder, a former investment fund manager and critic of Russian corruption, shares his extraordinary journey from success in post-Soviet Russia to being targeted by Putin. He recounts chilling encounters, including a near-arrest in Spain linked to his activism. Browder discusses the harrowing story of Sergei Magnitsky and the global push for the Magnitsky Act. The conversation also delves into the clash between communism and capitalism, highlighting the dangers of unregulated financial systems and the ongoing fight for human rights amid geopolitical tensions.

Join Sir Bill Browder, a political activist and investor renowned for his role in the Magnitsky Act, as he dives deep into the intricate geopolitics surrounding Ukraine. He discusses how utilizing Russia's frozen assets could shift the tide in the war and explains why Putin might reject any peace proposals from Trump. Browder also examines the potential fallout from the Assad regime's downfall, suggesting that it could expose weaknesses in Russia's military might, further complicating the conflict in Ukraine.

In this insightful discussion, Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and a public finance expert, delves into Labour's spending review and its potential impact on public services. He evaluates whether Wes Streeting can realistically reform the NHS amid existing funding challenges. Johnson also highlights the shortcomings of data on the UK jobs market, raising concerns about economic policies. The dialogues explore systemic inefficiencies and the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve public service outcomes.

Steph and Robert dive into the political unrest sweeping Europe, especially France, and its implications for the UK's economic landscape. They dissect Keir Starmer's balancing act between EU and US relations while highlighting lobbying efforts from Labour veterans. The discussion shifts to the impressive influence of major tech companies, such as NVIDIA and Google, on the global market. They also touch on the contentious links between UK fast fashion and China, rounding off with a light-hearted Bert and Ernie analogy.

The financial fallout of Brexit is laid bare, revealing staggering potential costs of up to £300 billion by 2035. Delve into the detrimental effects on businesses and trade with the EU since leaving the single market. The podcast also discusses the contrasting perspectives of global investors on post-Brexit UK and the urgent need for a national skills service to prepare workers for an AI-driven future. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fair media representation in public decision-making processes on critical issues.

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, passionately advocates for workers' rights and fair labor practices. He dives into the complexities of the new Employment Rights Bill, balancing the needs of workers with business concerns. The discussion also addresses the urgent need to modernize job centers for better support, especially for neurodiverse individuals. Finally, Nowak explores the impact of AI on labor rights, stressing the importance of worker involvement in tech negotiations to combat income inequality and enhance job security.

Jim O’Neill, an influential economist known for coining the BRICS acronym, shares his insights on current global economic dynamics. He discusses the long-term significance of Reeves's budget and warns about Trump's potential threats to the dollar's reserve status. O’Neill also expresses concerns about the BRICS nations' cohesion and their evolving governance. The conversation touches on the impact of fiscal policy on the dollar, the challenges posed by political alliances, and the need for effective governance amid rising populism.

A captivating discussion unfolds as hosts reflect on their experiences at the G20 summit and a lunch with Hillary Clinton. They dive into the implications of rising inflation rates and the impact of Brexit on living standards in Britain. The conversation also tackles the evolving political landscape, particularly around gender equality in leadership. Lastly, they explore the complexities of foreign investments in the UK, highlighting the balance between attracting wealth and ensuring national security.

Dan Neidle, a tax lawyer and campaigner known for his insightful analysis, joins Steph and Robert to discuss the implications of recent tax hikes, particularly the increase in employer national insurance, which he argues harms employment and low-income workers. He critiques Labour's proposed VAT on private school fees and discusses the need for inheritance tax reforms, urging farmers to trust their heirs. Neidle also highlights the complexities of capital gains tax and advocates for fairer tax policies to ensure equitable treatment.