Have you ever wondered how developing countries are adapting to the rise of cryptocurrency? Or how AI is transforming the way we experience crypto payments in physical retail outlets? In today's episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I enjoy a conversation with Peko Wan, co-CEO of Pundi X, to explore these very questions.  Pundi X, celebrating its 7th anniversary, has been at the forefront of the crypto revolution, playing a pivotal role in making cryptocurrency accessible to merchants and consumers alike. From deploying their innovative POS solutions to solidifying partnerships with governments and retailers, Pundi X has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in fintech. Peko brings over 15 years of IT industry experience and a wealth of knowledge from her time at companies like Opera Software and Ogilvy & Mather. Together, we discuss how crypto payment adoption has evolved since 2017, particularly in developing countries, where currency devaluation and inflation are driving a bottom-up approach to adoption. Peko also dives into how Pundi X is leveraging AI to enhance crypto payments, from managing liquidity pools to AI-driven mechanisms for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. As we explore the challenges and opportunities in the world of crypto payments, Peko shares insights into Pundi X’s upcoming initiatives, including a data marketplace platform launching this November. This initiative will empower users to contribute, annotate, and sell data for AI model training, creating new opportunities for innovation in the space. How do you see AI reshaping the future of crypto payments? And will developing countries lead the charge in crypto adoption? Tune in, and don’t forget to share your thoughts!

What does it take to turn a life from near rock-bottom to extraordinary success? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I sit down with Jeff Lerner, founder of ENTRE Institute, who shares his inspiring story of transformation. In 2008, Jeff was a struggling jazz musician with mounting debt, facing personal and professional challenges. Yet, in just a decade, he reinvented himself—building multiple 8-figure businesses, transforming his personal life, and founding ENTRE Institute, a platform designed to help others achieve “whole life” success. We dive into Jeff's life philosophy, shaped by his unique 3 Ps framework—Physical, Personal, and Professional—which emphasizes the balance needed to create lasting success. ENTRE Institute has already enrolled over 250,000 students, combining entrepreneurship training with personal development to address the often-overlooked gaps in traditional business education. But how does Jeff see the future of entrepreneurship evolving, particularly with the integration of AI? He offers insight into how AI can revolutionize the entrepreneurial world, while stressing the importance of maintaining authenticity and personal value in a rapidly digitizing landscape. This episode isn’t just about business—it’s about optimizing all aspects of life. Jeff discusses the power of disciplined focus, proactive decision-making, and aligning your actions with a higher purpose, while sharing practical advice for anyone looking to harness the transformative potential of AI. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or employee, Jeff’s story offers both motivation and actionable strategies for achieving success across life’s domains. Are you ready to unlock your potential? Tune in to hear Jeff's incredible journey and learn how to bring balance, purpose, and innovation into your own life. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts—how are you leveraging AI in your work, and what life transformations are you aiming for?

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m joined by Ada Lopez, Senior Manager of Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office, recorded live at Lenovo Tech World in Seattle. Ada is on a mission to make AI more inclusive, accessible, and free of bias, and her passion for driving change through technology is truly inspiring. We dive into the critical issue of AI bias and explore how algorithms, often unintentionally, reinforce gender, racial, and social biases. Ada breaks down real-world examples, from AI systems used in criminal justice to everyday applications like Google searches and loan approvals, illustrating how bias can creep into these systems. She also shares how Lenovo is actively working to mitigate AI bias through its product diversity office, ensuring that inclusivity and accessibility are built into the design process from the start. Ada also sheds light on how Lenovo’s AI initiatives are making a tangible difference, including their partnership with the Scott Morgan Foundation to help ALS patients preserve their voices, and the creation of tactile markings on ThinkPads to support users with visual impairments. We also discuss the excitement within Lenovo’s development teams about building ethical AI systems and fostering empathy in product design. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI, the challenges of ensuring fairness and accessibility in technology, and how major tech companies like Lenovo are leading the charge for responsible innovation. Join us as we explore the impact of AI on our lives today—and what’s next for the technology of tomorrow.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I’m live from Lenovo Tech World in Seattle with Linda Yao, where my guest shares exclusive insights into what’s next for AI and how it will impact businesses and individuals alike. We also delve into the live demonstrations at the event, including Lenovo’s collaboration with the Scott Morgan Foundation to help ALS patients communicate using AI. This powerful display underscores Lenovo’s commitment to using AI for social good, and Linda explains why these initiatives are at the forefront of Lenovo’s mission to create smarter AI for all. Additionally, Linda reveals the challenges businesses face when implementing AI, especially when it comes to demonstrating ROI. She introduces Lenovo’s “AI Fast Start” program, which is designed to accelerate results for enterprises. We also discuss Lenovo’s hybrid AI portfolio and how businesses across industries are leveraging AI templates to transform their operations. Join us as we explore the future of AI and how Lenovo is pushing the boundaries of technology, not only to solve complex business problems but also to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business leader navigating the AI landscape, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode, I enjoy a discussion with Qianying (Jane) Wang,  VP, Lenovo Technology Committee Secretary-General, General Manager of Research’s Technical Strategy & Innovation Platform. Recorded live at Lenovo Tech World, Jane shares her journey with Lenovo over the past decade, highlighting the rapid evolution of technology and the company's commitment to innovation. With a focus on the theme of augmented intelligence, Jane explains how Lenovo is redefining the role of AI in personal computing. She emphasizes that AI is not just about artificial intelligence; it's about enhancing human potential and improving user experience. As the largest PC maker in the world, Lenovo aims to integrate AI seamlessly into home and enterprise PCs, helping users navigate the complexities of technology. We also explore the concept of hybrid AI and its implications for user privacy, the cognitive overload many face in the digital age, and how AI can serve as a companion to manage information more efficiently. Jane delves into the exciting advancements in 3D experiences and how Lenovo’s innovations aim to bring these technologies closer to users. Join us as we uncover the future of technology through Jane’s insights, and discover how Lenovo is poised to shape the landscape of AI and human interaction.

In this episode, I explore the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and business strategy with Vlad Rozanovich, Senior Vice President of Lenovo's Infrastructure Solutions Group. Recorded live at Lenovo Tech World, Vlad discusses Lenovo’s comprehensive AI-ready portfolio, designed to accelerate the adoption of hybrid AI solutions across enterprises. He addresses a pressing concern for many organizations: the return on investment (ROI) of AI technologies. Vlad shares his experiences from engaging with over 110 CIOs and CTOs worldwide, shedding light on what businesses can expect when integrating AI into their operations.  We also discuss specific use cases, including customer service chatbots and code generation for IT, that showcase immediate benefits and efficiencies gained from AI applications. This episode highlights Lenovo’s innovative approaches to data management and sustainability through advancements like liquid cooling technologies. As the industry moves towards smarter, AI-driven solutions, this discussion serves as a crucial resource for business leaders aiming to navigate their AI journey effectively.   

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I welcome back Andy Tay from Accenture to unpack insights from their latest report, "Reinventing with a Digital Core." As organizations strive to remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape, Tay emphasizes the pivotal role of a robust digital core in driving sales and business performance. He outlines three fundamental tenets for companies aiming to build a strong, profitable, and innovative foundation: re-engineering systems for AI operations, tailoring digital advancements to specific needs, and balancing technical debt with future investments. With the business world shifting towards AI readiness, Tay highlights how leading companies, which increase their strategic innovation investments by at least 6% annually, are positioned to redesign processes, launch new products, and expand into new markets. He explains that prioritizing digital core improvements can lead to automatic enhancements in other areas, simplifying the journey toward achieving a competitive edge in the market. Furthermore, Tay discusses the necessity of allocating approximately 15% of IT budgets to mitigate technical debt while ensuring that organizations maintain evergreen IT capabilities. We discuss how a strong digital core can catalyze business reinvention, with top performers experiencing up to 20% higher revenue growth and 30% increased profitability. Tay also emphasizes the balanced approach needed for AI integration, urging companies to start small, scale rapidly, and prioritize responsible implementation. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the integration of cloud infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity as essential components of a modern digital core. Tay also touches on the future outlook for digital transformation, highlighting the importance of innovation culture, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships in driving continuous reinvention. To explore more about these topics, you can access the full report here: Accenture's Reinventing with a Digital Core. Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only provides a roadmap for digital transformation but also equips organizations with the strategies needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. What strategies do you believe are essential for businesses to achieve a successful digital core?

How can businesses bridge the growing tech skills gap and build a future-ready workforce? Today on Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Drew Firment, Cloud Strategist at Pluralsight, to explore how organizations can address this challenge head-on. As technology evolves, the need for upskilling and continuous learning has never been more urgent. Drew shares insights from Pluralsight's 2024 Technical Research Report, revealing that while cloud computing and cybersecurity remain in high demand, many organizations are still struggling to provide the right skills to their teams. Drew explains how Pluralsight’s platform is helping to close this gap through personalized learning paths, hands-on labs, and real-time feedback. With a focus on connecting individual skills to organizational outcomes, Drew highlights how companies can save up to £22,000 per employee by investing in upskilling rather than hiring new talent. We also discuss the shift in learning models, moving from knowledge retention to human intelligence skills like critical thinking and creative problem-solving—skills that will be crucial in an AI-driven world. Additionally, Drew shares how organizations can create a culture of continuous learning, where employees are empowered to expand their skill sets, take non-linear career paths, and contribute to long-term digital transformation goals. From overcoming organizational inertia to fostering a sustainable learning culture, Drew provides practical advice for businesses looking to future-proof their workforce. How can companies prioritize upskilling and create a more adaptable, innovative team? Join us for this insightful discussion, and let us know how you see the future of learning and development evolving.

What does it take to ensure that cutting-edge AI innovations are ethically sound? Today, live from Adobe MAX, I sit down with Grace Yee, Senior Director of Ethical Innovation at Adobe, to explore the intersection of ethics and AI in real-time. As Adobe unveils its latest advancements at the event, Grace shares how the company's ethical AI program has evolved to meet the challenges posed by generative AI, including Adobe Firefly. Grace has been spearheading Adobe's AI ethics program since its inception, and she offers exclusive insights into the global AI ethics governance structure she leads. This framework ensures that every AI feature Adobe develops—whether for creative tools or enterprise solutions—adheres to the company’s principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency. She walks us through the ethics review process, explaining how Adobe evaluates AI products for risks like bias and stereotypes, and collaborates with product teams to ensure innovations align with ethical standards before launch. Grace highlights the behind-the-scenes work her team does to support new products. From collaborating with native speakers on multilingual support for Adobe Firefly to running risk discovery exercises for high-risk features, her team ensures that innovation is always balanced with responsibility. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday experiences, how can we continue to innovate while keeping ethics at the forefront? Grace’s perspective offers a window into how Adobe tackles this challenge head-on. This week Adobe MAX will explore the future of AI, the role of ethics in tech innovation, and what it means for companies and creators alike. How do you think ethical frameworks will shape the next wave of AI development? Tune in and share your thoughts!

What connects a career rooted in the automotive world to leading research and development at one of the world’s fastest-growing EV charging companies? Today, Richard Earl, Director of R&D at EO Charging, reflects on his professional journey and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.  With a nod to Steve Jobs' famous words, "You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward," Richard takes us through how his experiences shaped his vision for the future of energy autonomy, where smart energy technologies are at the forefront of the EV revolution. In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, we’ll explore the world of electric vehicle charging from the perspective of a company that’s making waves on a global scale. Founded in 2014, EO Charging provides cutting-edge, end-to-end EV charging solutions to some of the world’s largest corporations, including Amazon, Tesco, and DHL. Richard shares insights into how EO is tackling the complexities of electrification, from managing corporate fleets to addressing emerging consumer concerns like "charge anxiety." We’ll dive into the UK government’s 2035 zero-emission mandate and the significant hurdles still faced, such as the lack of incentives and clarity that could hamper mass EV adoption. Richard emphasizes that while government policies may be inconsistent, businesses are moving forward with electrification due to its clear financial and environmental benefits. He also highlights the role of new technologies, such as the ISO 15118 protocol and smart charging innovations, that are set to transform not just EV performance but also the charging experience itself. How does a company like EO Charging help organizations achieve their net-zero targets? And what is needed from governments to align policy with the ambitions of a greener future? Join us as Richard Earl explains how EO Charging is creating a new ecosystem of energy autonomy and what lies ahead for the EV industry. As we connect the dots between the present and the future of EVs, what role do you think governments should play in supporting the transition? Let us know your thoughts!