Episoder
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“I'm a true believer that you can't force an audience.”
How can brands navigate unpredictable times when connecting with their audience? By staying true to yourself, letting go of vanity, being authentic, and cutting out the BS (Bullshit)!
In this episode of The Forward Podcast from SmartOSC, we are thrilled to welcome Natalie Dau, a renowned Media Creator, Athlete, and Co-Author of 'Run Like A Woman'. With over 20 years in Asia and 25 years consulting with some of the world's biggest brands, Natalie shares her incredible journey from corporate consultant to ultra-marathon athlete and influential content creator.
Natalie has amassed over 700,000 followers as @RockstarArms, traveling the world to deliver powerful talks and inspiring countless individuals. In this candid conversation, we delve into:
How to bring a sporting spirit to your work
Connecting with audiences authentically and effectively
Overcoming outdated preconceptions women face in the workplace
The power of vulnerability and inspiration in leadership
Trusting your gut and being true to yourself
Challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes
Continuous self-evolution and rewriting your story
Embracing failure and learning from losses
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“Banking business used to be low risk and low return. But we don't believe it's going to stay like that.”
What rewards await those brave enough to swim against the current? We explore this question further while speaking to Dennis Trawnitschek, the CTO of SCBX.
SCBX is described as the mothership of the financial technology business, comprising 12 subsidiary companies that operate across key business pillars: Banking Business, Consumer and Digital Finance Business, and Platform and Technology Business.
In our latest episode of The Forward Podcast, we delved into this transformation alongside the cultural shift required for it and how to navigate the changing landscape of banking. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach to technology adoption and AI integration, Dennis shares the captivating story of how SCBX is becoming the mothership of financial technology while still staying true to its 100-year heritage.
A significant part of this transformation involves integrating AI into the core of SCBX's operations. So, how can organizations make AI change a real change? In this episode, you’ll hear about that and…
✅The importance of embracing change
✅Navigating AI-driven disruptions
✅Innovation through risk & experimentation
✅Creating a culture of adaption and cross-learning
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Manglende episoder?
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After 10 years of rocket growth within the eCommerce space, businesses are asking how they can become more profitable. Effective data is a start. But as more and more technologies and tools emerge that promise businesses the world, it is more important than ever to ensure that you are using quality rather than quantity.
Today we’re exploring Using Data & Insights for Profit: What's Now and Next for Southeast Asia with the brilliant Simon Torring the Co-founder of Cube Asia, a market intelligence company focused on Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Before founding Cube Asia, Simon spent the last 10 years in Southeast Asia’s retail and eCommerce space. His experience includes stints with beauty eCommerce startup Luxola.com and world-leading beauty retailer Sephora, where he led Omnichannel development for APAC ex-China.
Today, Cube Asia helps consumer brands, retailers, and investors understand the online selling environment better through more reliable, granular, and timely market data and insights.
In this episode, we cover:
What makes a great leader? Honest insights you need to hear Lessons on market feedback and decision-making Hallucinogenic data and the quest for validation Emerging trends in Southeast Asian social commerce Key drivers of eCommerce growth and profitability The need for speed in business decision-making Driving innovation in e-commerce strategies Overcoming bottlenecks and building great teamsAnd so much more!
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What does it take to truly transform yourselfand your organization from the inside out? Being completely honest with yourself is a start.
And who better to share their honest stories of progression than our next guest? Andy Chang has spent the last two decades working with global organizations to transform and construct their customer interactions and in turn, has worked to tirelessly transform himself and his mindset.
As a technologist and computer science alumni,Andy's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep-seated belief in the power of technology to shape human experiences. Now as the Head of Marketing Technology, Engagement Solutions at
Electrolux Group, Andy joins us today to share the winding path of his career journey, and the evolving landscape of MarTech, and to discuss both the exciting opportunities and the realities that lie ahead.
In this episode, we cover:
Seizing Opportunities and Navigating Career Paths
The Expectations VS Reality of Computer Science & Software Engineering
Enhancing Consumer Experience with Personalization
The Cost of Transforming into a Data-driven Organization
The Untold Stories about Modern Marketing
Dynamics between marketing and technology teams
The Calling for Marketing Technologists and Industry Maturity in MarTech
Importance of Transparency in Consumer Experiences
Adapting to future trends and technological disruptions
Leadership of the Future
Advice to Future Self
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Mint Kaewmanorom lives a life filled with curiosity, consistently looking at the bigger picture she moves forward by wondering how she can tackle problems with new solutions. So it comes as no surprise that she finds herself in one of the most interesting areas for the future, the Internet of Things.
As Asia embraces digitalization, IoT stands poised to transform industries, offering a glimpse into a future marked by enhanced efficiency and connectivity.
In this episode, we’ll hear about the work that True Digital is doing with leveraging IoT technology in Thailand and how they plan to solve some of the pain points that people and businesses face.
Moving beyond the idea that IoT is gadgets and gizmos – Mint, the Head of Marketing and IoT Solutions at True Digital shines a light on how they are working with entire industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, city management, and entertainment. Described as being “limited only by the human imagination”, the rise of IoT technology presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and connectivity - at the center of bringing these to life in Thailand, is True Digital.
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We're bidding farewell to our beloved Commerce Talk as we venture into
Over the past two years and 30 episodes, we've explored the depths of eCommerce with industry experts. But now, it's time to widen our horizons.
Join us on The Forward Podcast, where we delve into the ever-evolving intersection of technology and our world. From Generative AI to IoT devices and Quantum computing, we're embracing the changes shaping the future of how we will live, work, and lead.
As Peter Drucker said, "The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic." With that in mind, we're inspired by the Forward role in football, those who make bold moves and create pathways ahead.
We'll be speaking to those who are at the forefront of change and future-facing strategies.
With our guests we’ll look at tools, trends, behaviours and ideas that they are leaving behind, and the ones they are choosing to move forward with.SmartOSC and The Forward Podcast is dedicated to delivering actionable insights, guiding you forward with purpose and precision.
Welcome to a new era!
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How many of us really speak directly to our customers and when was the last time we went on their customer journey?
In this episode of Commerce Talk we are talking all about filtered-down insights, the need for psychological safety in innovation, and why it’s important to just be quiet in meetings every once in a while!
With agility in its DNA, across 60 years of business, GQ Thailand has been evolving and shedding its roots from being known as an apparel brand to a problem-solving tech brand that is there to help change your life by simply listening.
With a focus on insights-led product development, GQ's viral product launches have been successful because they resonate with consumers and address the real problems they face. From white shirts that get easily stained, to boxers that are really warm and uncomfortable, GQ Thailand takes pain-points and removes them for their customers.
From the GQWhite Shirt - the Ultimate White Shirt & GQWhite Masks - The #1 selling reusable face mask in the region, GQ Perfect Polo, GQ Perfect Pants, and GQ Cool Tech Underwear, and more, GQ Thailand has managed to sell without having to adhere to the time consumption that fashion-based retailers usually face.
In this episode of Commerce Talk, we are sitting down with George Hartel, the Chief Commercial Officer for Supara Group - GQ Thailand, Southeast Asia's Leading Technical Apparel Brand. Specializing in innovative apparel that solves everyday problems.
With over 20 years of transformation and multinational business experience, George brings a rare and refreshing outlook that challenges the status quo of traditional retail, advertising, marketing, and leadership. From advocating for more “ugly advertising” to removing the filters on what it takes to really understand your customer's journey and needs.
We’ll chat about all of that and we’ll delve into…
✅ The importance of reconnecting with consumers and understanding their challenges
✅ Why authenticity and rawness in advertising can be more effective than polished and perfect content
✅How to create a safe and innovative culture within a company is essential for growth
✅Why leaders must actively listen and engage with their teams and consumers
✅GQ's focus on synthesizing innovation rather than predicting the future has been a successful approach
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From life-changing devices to advancements in leadership, global logistics, secure payments, responsible AI in marketing, and more. In this episode of Commerce Talk, we get front-row seats to the forward-focused minds of some of the biggest global leaders so that we can keep you one step ahead!
You'll hear from...🚚Herbert Vongpusanachai - Managing Director for DHL Thailand and Indochina🖨️Siew Ting Foo - Global Head of Brand and Insights at HP💳 Tee Chayakul - Country Director, Stripe Thailand🧠Mei Lee- Partner at Boston Consulting Group🔒 Jay Hira - Director, National Cyber Security Practice at MinterEllison
00:00 The Future of Marketing: AI, Subscription Models, and Cross-Border Payments
04:05 The Intersection of Generative AI, Global Trends, and Leadership: Insights from Global Leaders
07:52 The Future of Leadership, Marketing, and Cross-Border Activities
14:33 The Future of Trading and Product Deliveries: Insights from Herbert Vongpusanachai
18:29 Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity: Wearable Devices, AI, and Quantum Computing -
Alin leads marketing solutions and partnerships across Southeast Asia for ZALORA - Asia’s leading online fashion destination. He is also responsible for the ZALORA advertising platform (ZAP), where his team helps leading brands orchestrate multi-channel campaigns to drive performance and connect with relevant audiences.
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into Alin's journey from his time with M&S in London to the rapidly growing retail and technology sectors within the Southeast Asian landscape. We'll explore insights from both markets, predictions on emerging trends, and...✅ Retail Media as the next wave of marketing and what brands can learn from this opportunity✅ Customer experiences of the future and the emergence of Generative AI✅ The power of ‘trusting the process’ And that's just the beginning!
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Have you ever wondered why so many great strategies never get implemented? Or why a staggering 67% of implementations fail?
In this episode of Commerce Talk, we sit down with Robin Speculand, one of the world's most sought-after and respected experts in the realm of strategy implementation.
Robin, the former VP of Citibank Singapore, has worked with some of the globe's top-performing organizations to help reshape how they think, act, and approach, implementing their strategies, using his ground-breaking frameworks, tools, and techniques.
As a prolific writer in this field, we'll be delving into his Amazon number-one and international bestseller, 'World's Best Bank, a Strategic Guide to Digital Transformation,' now available in Vietnamese. The book showcases the remarkable journey of DBS Bank Singapore, named by Harvard as one of the top 10 digital transformations of all time.
So what was the secret behind their success?
Beyond uncovering why DBS Bank Singapore succeeded where many stumbled, we'll also explore:
✅ How leaders are taught to craft strategies but not necessarily implement them
✅ The Implementation Compass, a framework for success
✅ The importance of discipline and action
✅ Robin's insights on why having a 'digital strategy' might be a warning sign for businesses
And so much more!
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What’s the driving force that gets you out of bed every morning? For the 600,000+ people working at DHL, it is all about Connecting People and Improving Lives.
This powerful purpose has helped to shape their success in serving over 220 countries and territories allowing for them to deliver over 1.6 billion parcels each year!
In this episode of Commerce Talk, we speak to Herbert Vongpusanachai, the Managing Director of DHL Express International Thailand and Head of Indochina, to hear more about how this purpose comes to life to drive the success of DHL Express.
Prior to joining DHL in 2003, Herbert's journey began at Microsoft Thailand where he was Head of Sales, Partners, and Marketing. He helped launch many products such as Microsoft Windows and Office. Describing himself as a “computer guy” it is the diverse experience that has shaped his remarkable journey. Today, you’ll find him managing the overall operations and strategic growth of DHL Express in the region!
Drawing from over two decades of leadership and logistics expertise, Herbert will guide us through the profound impact of DHL's commitment to improving lives and how it resonates across their global operations.
We also delve into;
The importance of technology and innovation for productivity
Future trends and their impact on global trading
The opportunities for small businesses going global with cross-border selling
Sustainable logistics and the plans for DHL Express to be net zero by 2050
How to get closer to customers by getting away from your desk
How to build a team for success
What makes a good leader in today's world
And so much more!
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How do you define brand purpose and what does it mean for your customers?
It has been proven that brands with purpose are closer to their customers. Today, while the eCommerce space continues to grow and become more cluttered that sentiment may be lost. So, how can brands stand out from the crowd? In this episode, we speak to Siew Ting Foo, the Global Head of Brand and Insights at HP, to understand the importance of purpose and how to define it for your brand. Siew Ting has been 5 times recognized as Asia’s Top 50 Most Influential and Purposeful CMOs and is globally recognized for her incredible work and contributions spanning over 25 years.With extensive experience in multinational marketing and business transformation, she has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world such as Unilever, Mars, and Diageo just to name a few.She is a leader who is anchored in purpose and helps businesses to make a meaningful impact on people's lives and communities. She is a natural innovator, change-maker, and value creator. In addition to sharing the story behind her famous world-first activation with the Johnnie Walker brand and her work to date, we will also delve into: ✅How to strategically navigate being a global brand with a local soul✅The importance of consistency, courage, and creativity ✅How to get closer to customers with limited tools and resources✅How to build purpose within your team and brand✅AI and the marketing function alongside her thoughts on future emerging trends
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What’s the best piece of #advice you’ve ever received? 🤔 To celebrate #InternationalPodcastDay 🎧 we’re delving into invaluable advice that some of our incredible guests have shared on Commerce Talk.
👉From the most impactful advice they’ve received in their careers, to the words of wisdom they would give to their younger selves right through to the advice they would share with today’s leaders. This episode will inspire, motivate, and move you.
If you’d like to delve into the full interviews that were mentioned in this episode, here are the advice-givers in order of appearance on this special episode…
Best advice ever received:
Akanksha Rastogi: S2 - Episode 1
Dr. John Sheehan: S2 - World Health Day Part 3
AI Advice
Dr. John Sheehan: S2 - World Health Day Part 3
What I wish I had known earlier in my career:
Dr. Avneesh Khare: S2- World Health Day Part 2
Advice that I would give to my younger self:
Mei Lee: S2 - Episode 6
Jay Hira: S2 - Episode 9
Advice for entering the eCommerce landscape
Maruay Tangmitrphracha: S2 - Episode 7
The final piece of advice:
Dr. Kanpassorn (Eix): World Health Day Part 1
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“Breach prevention is no longer enough. Today, cyber-attacks have become a matter of when and not if”. Our latest guest, Jay Hira, has spent the last 17 years working with global giants such as IBM, KPMG, Salesforce, EY, and many more and has helped them get close to customers and grow by protecting their data and enhancing their cyber resilience. He is now the Founder and Executive Director of MakeCyberSimple. A non-profit that aims to support small and medium businesses in their efforts to get the basics right when it comes to cyber hygiene. Both online shopping and navigating the world of cyber demand finding the right balance between risks and rewards.
Together, we weave tales of hilarious online shopping mishaps with discussions on Zero Trust adoption and its impact on today’s businesses.
Describing cyber security as “an ever-evolving puzzle”, Jay will help:✅Take the complexity out of the conversation around cybersecurity ✅Give practical strategies to help safeguard your digital presence ✅Share emerging trends that every business needs to keep an eye out for ✅ Explain the Zero Trust Framework and show you how to incorporate it in your business
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What does it take for a family business to continue to thrive, especially in today’s landscape?
At the heart of everything for DoHome, it is customers and their needs. In short, they go wherever their customers want them to be.
As DoHome, Thailand’s industry-leading retail and wholesale business celebrates an incredible 40 years of serving their segmented customers with continued store openings and more, we tap into the mind of Mr. Maruay Tangmitrphracha, Deputy Managing Director – Information Technology and eCommerce to find out what their keys to success are and how they keep customer-centricity at their core.
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We have all experienced a dreaded checkout payment horror story. You go through all of the hassle, put in your card details, your card gets rejected and you have to do it all over again!As businesses of all sizes and backgrounds navigate through increasingly complex payment demands, there's a danger of neglecting the very foundations that allow for sustainable growth.
In this episode, Commerce Talk host Aziza O’Beirne sits down with Tee Chayakul, a visionary leader who led the team responsible for launching Stripe in Thailand just last November.
During this conversation, Tee emphasizes the importance of providing customers with seamless payment journeys. Highlighting the significance of businesses prioritizing their basic payment processing to address the unmet needs of customers while giving an insight into emerging trends that are coming down the tracks that businesses should pay close attention to, such as cross-border payments and shifts towards subscription payment models.
We learn how Stripe supports startups and gain insights into effective frameworks for running a family business. In addition to all of this, for book lovers; Tee shares his two most recommended books for those seeking inspiration as leaders.
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What valuable lessons can we learn by taking a moment to look back and reflect on our personal and professional journey? And how can that help you as a leader or a business? A whole lot, according to Mei Lee, a respected partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and a mastermind of forward-thinking within the industry. With over 20 years of experience working with and growing some of the world's biggest brands such as Disney, Dyson, L'Oréal, Lazada, Adidas, Alibaba, Conde Nast, and many more, Mei Lee brings a wealth of insights to the table.
In this episode, Mei Lee takes us beyond the surface and invites us to take a walk in her world, where she shares incredibly valuable insights and knowledge about the power of reflection and the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to grow both personally and professionally. Mei Lee's remarkable story, from her journey as an immigrant in America, where she had to learn English and fight for her aspirations, to where she is today as a mother, daughter, and leader, serves as an inspirational backdrop. Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking discussion about the significance of reflection, the need to pivot in life, and the future trends and consumer behaviors that ecommerce businesses need to keep a vigilant eye on and the tools that need to be added to leaders toolkits to move forward. Get ready to leave this episode feeling motivated and enlightened thanks to Mei's her invaluable insights and practical strategies.
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Our guest today, Dr. John Sheehan , a respected and future-focused Radiologist, Clinical Director and Healthcare Technologist sheds a light on how collaboration, leadership and continuous learning can help us better serve people in the healthcare industry and beyond.For #WorldHealthDay we delve into some of the latest advances in healthcare technology and speak about some of the interdisciplinary projects that @DrJohnSheehn is working on with industry giants such as Microsoft and so much more!
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In #PartTwo of our World Health Day mini-series on Commerce Talk, we sit down with @AvneeshKhare a Physician turned Med Tech (AI) consultant and educator to talk about the importance of regulation, education and ethics when it comes to AI in Healthcare. We hear about some of the ways in which AI will help to make predictions to improve and personalize patient care and how important #Blockchain will be as a combined tool to facilitate the secure transferring of patient records and more. Join us, won't you?
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In this special episode for World Health Day, we sit down with Dr. Kanpassorn (Eix), the founder of Ooca, a groundbreaking mental wellbeing app that is transforming access to care in Thailand. Dr. Eix shares a story of passion and perseverance and further proves the value of foresight and the importance of empathy and grit in business.
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