Episodes

  • In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers with @CharityMajors, CTO and Co-Founder of @Honeycomb.io, the pioneers of observability for complex systems.

    Charity’s career has been built on designing and managing massive distributed systems at Parse (acquired by Facebook), Facebook, and Linden Lab (makers of Second Life). She’s also the co-author of #ObservabilityEngineering and #DatabaseReliabilityEngineering (O'Reilly).

    In this conversation, we don’t hold back! Charity and Aziza dive into what’s causing tears of joy and tears of frustration in the tech world as well as discussing:

    🔍 Why observability is crucial and the shift from Observability 1.0 to 2.0 👀 The need for transparency and accountability in leadership 🌍 Performative DEI, personal values, and advice to future selves 🔑 What it means to be a CTO — going beyond traditional roles and assumptions 🤖 Why AI won’t build your teams, and the importance of junior engineers 💡 Socio-technical pathways to high-performing teams

    ...and so much more! 🌟

    Cut The Onion, hosted by @AzizaOBeirne, is a mini-series where we peel back the layers of tech roles, exploring the stories of those working in tech across various industries. Honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward! Brought to you by @SmartOSC- www.smartosc.com

  • Today, we're peeling back the layers with Philip Gill, CTO at SmartBox Group - the number one experience #gift provider in Europe, selling millions of gifts every year!!

    From #QualityAssurance to #CTO, it's a road less traveled, but it comes with incredible stories and perspectives.

    These stories include Phil’s experience working in various countries before joining Smartbox a decade ago. How he has surrounded himself with smart, driven, and passionate people, who always keep user experience at the heart of their work.

    As a CTO, Phil advocates for #sustainable working environments and avoiding single points of failure.

    In this episode, we hear all of this and more…

    🔑How to build trust and agility in tech teams 🤝 The importance of calling BS (B*llsh*t) on some #AIhype and finding real value 🛠️His thoughts on #BuildVSBuy 📈 The Keys to Delivering Strategic Projects: Lessons from Smartbox's #eCommerce Rebuild ⏱️ How to Improve #CycleTimes and Team Happiness 🚫 The importance of Zero Distraction 💬 How to Empower Decision-Making and Shorten Decision Chains 00:00:40 - Introduction and Typical CTO Day 00:03:37 - Balancing Planned and Operational Work 06:54 - Importance of Collaboration and Quality 10:45 - Evolution of CTO Roles and Leadership 00:14:04 - Challenges and Hype in AI Industry 17:04 - Custom Solutions and Expertise 00:20:07 - Business Continuity Challenges 23:36 - Evolution of Scalable Systems 00:27:22 - Delivering Major eCommerce Projects 00:33:41 - Advice for Digital Transformation Success

    Cut The Onion, hosted by @AzizaOBeirne, is a mini-series where we peel back the layers of tech roles, exploring the stories of those working in tech across various industries. Honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward!

    Brought to you by @SmartOSC

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  • In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers with Florian (Flo) Pasquier, CTO at Carma. From engineer to co-founder and CTO, Flo’s career has been filled with eye-opening twists, turns, and valuable lessons! We’ll be getting a front-row seat to his brilliant mind and experiences and hearing about why building strong engineering teams with empathy and storytelling is critical for navigating the fast-changing tech landscape.

    You’ll hear all of this and more:

    📈 Continuous Learning & Strong Foundations – Why these are essential for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. 🔧 The Tech Leader Toolbox – From DevOps and CloudOps to SecOps (Security Operations), CTOs are managing an increasingly complex set of tools and responsibilities. 📣 Bridging the Gap – How CTOs and technical leaders can connect technology with decision-makers to drive meaningful impact. 📖 Storytelling & Leading by Example – Why these tools are crucial for shaping boardroom conversations and promoting tech understanding across an organization. 💰 Tech as a Revenue Enabler – The challenge of shifting the perception of tech teams from cost centers to value-driven enablers—and the cultural change needed to make that shift.

    About Carma: Carma is a fully digital car dealership, offering a wide range of quality pre-owned vehicles at fixed prices, delivered right to the home with a 7-day returns policy with no questions asked! Visit their website hereAbout Cut The Onion: Cut The Onion is a mini-series where we peel back the layers of what it truly means to be a Chief Technology Officer. We’re diving deep into tech roles that are often misunderstood, exploring the stories of leaders across various industries, and bringing you the honest takes, trends, and tips you need to move forward. It is all brought to you by SmartOSC - With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an award-winning digital commerce agency of 1,000+ experts, across seven countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the US, and the UK. Check out our website: https://www.smartosc.com/

  • “We cannot solve a misuse of trust in people with blockchain technology. But I think what we can solve is the trust in systems challenge.”

    Today, we're peeling back the layers with Sebastian Bode, The VP of Engineering at the Cardano Foundation. Sebastian turned his childhood dream job at Ubisoft into a career that’s spanned robotics, automotive, finance, and now blockchain! After years as an engineer, Sebastian made the leap to leadership and realized what really excites him isn’t just solving technical problems—it’s working with people and creating environments and systems that thrive on truth, education, resilience, and adoption. We spoke to Sebastian to hear about his experience, getting to the core of his motivations and the future of the Cardano Foundation.

    Here’s what you can expect to hear:

    💡 Blockchain Education, Literacy, and Regulation ⚙️ Chang hard fork and decentralized governance 🚀 Innovations and trends that he is keeping a close eye on 🔎 Leadership advice - The importance of curiosity and stepping out of the blockchain bubble

    ...and much more! Also, this week, over 10,000 attendees from over 25 countries will gather in Dubai for the Cardano Summit 2024. The Cardano Foundation will be joined by speakers such as Binance CEO Richard Teng and Animoca Labs Co-Founder and Chairman Yat Siu at the global blockchain event. The Cardano Summit brings together industry leaders, blockchain enthusiasts, regulators, policymakers, engineers, and developers. You can still get tickets by clicking the link below, listeners of Cut The Onion also get a lovely 10% discount on tickets by using the code: CDS24MEDIA10https://summit.cardano.org/

    What is Cut The Onion, we hear you ask? It’s a mini-series where we peel back the layers of tech roles. We’ll be getting to the core of tech roles that can oftentimes be misunderstood and exploring the stories of those working in tech across a multitude of industries - bringing you honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward.

  • In this premiere episode of our brand-new mini-series Cut The Onion, we're kicking things off by sitting down with Joel Beasley, the creator of @ModernCTO (ModernCTO.io)Joel Beasley is somewhat of a CTO whisperer - he’s interviewed almost 1,000 CTOS since releasing his book ‘Modern CTO’ and podcast of the same name. In this episode, Joel takes us behind the curtain to share the lessons he’s learned from countless conversations, his personal journey as a CTO, and what is the source code of his being, his core, and what moves him forward in life. We’ll peel back layers on:

    Joel’s biggest frustrations with the tech industry The innovations that bring him the most joy The power of focusing on "the next right thing" Why you "fall to the level of your systems" How to figure out what type of CTO you really are…and more insights from one of the most fun, engaging, insightful, and HONEST voices in this space.

    If you want to skip to any point:

    00:00:24 - Journey into Podcast Creation 05:14 - Evolution of Media and Podcasts 10:24 - The Tidal Wave of AGI That is Coming 14:57 - AI Transparency and Challenges 19:58 - Data Center Operation and Innovation 24:32 - CTO Roles and Self-Awareness 29:27 - Understanding Organizational Needs 34:15 - Designing Systems for Success 39:10 - Mentoring and Personal Growth 49:38 - Perseverance and MotivationCut The Onion is a mini-series where we peel back the layers of what it truly means to be a Chief Technology Officer. We’re diving deep into tech roles that are often misunderstood, exploring the stories of leaders across various industries, and bringing you the honest takes, trends, and tips you need to move forward. It is all brought to you by SmartOSC - With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an award-winning digital commerce agency of 1,000+ experts, across seven countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the US, and the UK. Check out our website: smartosc.com

    #CTO, #Podcast, #ModernCTO, #GaryVaynerchuk, #Microsoft, #Interviews, #Technology, #AGI, #Future, #Death, #AI, #VeniceAI, #Transparency, #Ethics, #NanonuclearTechnology, #ZeusAndOdinReactorSystems, #Misconceptions, #Communication, #Leadership, #BusinessSystems, #Mentorship, #Principles, #Laundry, #Robots, #NeverGivingUp

  • Cut The Onion is a playful acronym for CTO (Chief Technology Officer), reflecting the multifaceted nature of the role.

    Like an onion, the CTO role has layers that, when peeled back, reveal even more beneath the surface.

    We’ll be getting to the core of tech role that can oftentimes be misunderstood and exploring the stories of those working in tech across a multitude of industries - bringing you honest takes, trends, and tips for going forward.

  • If you could speak to your future self, what advice would you offer? That’s the question we've been asking our guests this season. To celebrate #InternationalPodcastDay, we’re wrapping up this season with a special compilation of sage advice from our brilliant lineup!

    From savoring the wins, and trusting your gut, to promoting people sooner, this season has been filled with invaluable wisdom to help you move forward.

    We’ll also have a very exciting announcement to make so make sure to stay to the end to hear about it!

    In this episode, you’ll hear from:

    Simon Torring the CEO and Co-founder of Cube Asia Andre Menezes Co-founder of TiNDLE Natalie Dau Author of Run Like a Woman Terry O’Connor Strategic Advisor to Bain & Company, Trustana, SmartOSC and more Jeffrey Tan President of the Singapore Computer Society Catherine D Henry Author of Virtual Natives Dennis Trawnitchek CTO of SCBX Andy Chang Global Head of Marketing Tech at Electrolux Emily Hinks, Co-Founder and CEO of Mischief Makers Mint Kaewmanorom Head of Analytics & AI Business Development at True Digital
  • Are traditional office cultures meeting their end? What happens when you start investing in the ROI of Human Connection? (Spoiler alert: great things will happen!)

    In this episode of #TheForwardPodcast, we're joined by Emily Hinks, founder and CEO of Mischief Makers. She’s shaking up the Future of Work with her delightfully unconventional, human-centered approach to team collaboration and growth, using facilitation as fuel for good! Emily shares her mischievous methods that have attracted brands like Netflix, Spotify, Nike, and Greenpeace into her orbit. Whether you’re a team member, manager, founder, or CEO—hybrid or fully remote—you can expect relatable, practical tips and real-world examples that highlight the rewards of investing in Human Connection for a brighter future at work. If you’d like to skip along to key moments that work best for you - here you go:

    03:32 Why Emily started Mischief Makers 08:07 The Importance of fun and mischief in the workplace 12:18 Effective meeting communication 17:07 Can AI help us spend more time on creativity?21:36 Case studies for facilitation 26:12 Building workplace connections 31:17 Organizational statements implemented 36:53 Budgeting for fun activities 42:49 Addressing hybrid session challenges 48:34 Move Forward and Leave Behind 54:24 Future self advice

    Check out Emily’s Check-in Generator for a fun way to energize your meetings or explore Mischief Makers’ Hybrid Facilitation Training to lead groups more effectively in today’s evolving work environment.

    You can find out more at Mischiefmakers.co and EmilyHinks.com! About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviours, tools, and trends they'll leave behind, and those they'll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership. Each episode is hosted and edited by Aziza O'Beirne.

  • “We have to leave behind the fear of what might go wrong and replace that with the opportunity of what happens if it goes right.”

    We’re so happy to have Terry O’Connor OBE on this episode of #TheForwardPodcast! With over 20 years of experience transforming global businesses and a track record that includes CEO roles at Courts Asia and Matahari.

    Today, Terry brings his strategic vision and fresh perspectives to companies like Bain and Company, Mirakle, and Trustana.

    He’s also the author of Why Not? The Story of a Retail Maverick and Courts, and has received numerous accolades, including an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Stirling.

    In this episode, Terry shares his unique insights on:

    Transforming Global Businesses

    The Importance of Feedback and Learning from Mistakes

    The Future of Retail in Southeast Asia: Decision-Making and Digital Strategies

    Tech Vendor Partnerships: Moving Beyond the Pitch

    Breaking Down Internal Silos

    Opportunities and Threats of AI

    What Brands Should Embrace Moving Forward

    What CEOs Should Leave Behind

    And much more!

    Episode Breakdown:

    01:00 OBE: Honors

    02:45 Future of Leadership, Retail

    04:01 Balancing Life's Aspects

    06:12 Career: Start to Finish

    08:52 Action Overcomes Fear

    10:37 Strategy: Curiosity, Collaboration

    13:11 Decision-Making: Doors Analogy

    15:38 eCommerce and Retail Challenges

    17:06 Adapting Communication

    21:11 Building Trust: New Offerings

    26:57 AI: Power and Threats

    30:46 What is Technology for? Improving Lives?

    31:00 AI Chatbots: Helpful or a Hindrance?

    32:15 Change Management with Technology & Enhancing Data Literacy

    32:48 What Does Good Execution Mean?

    33:18 Vendor Reliance Issues

    34:48 Agile Tech Partnerships

    37:08 Marketing in Tech Decisions

    38:45 Team Involvement in Projects

    40:16 Future of Retail

    43:19 Sustainability Focus

    45:10 What Makes A Good Leader?

  • Click here to VOTE for us at the Asia Podcast Awards with Radio Info and Radio Days: https://lnkd.in/gVCdHQugWe'd be so grateful for your votes in two categories

    1. Best Interview Podcast (The Forward Podcast)

    2. Best Money and Business Podcast (The Forward Podcast)

    Thank you!! Now, enough about us. Please meet our next brilliant guest:

    Andre Menezes started his first business at 12 years old and looked at life, processes, and products with a simple question: Is there a better way?

    Years later, this question led him from engineering to co-founding TiNDLE, which raised $130 million in capital, setting the record for the largest “Seed and Series A” ever raised by a plant-based meat company.

    So, what was the recipe for success that took TiNDLE from starting from scratch during a global pandemic to becoming a world record breaker for funding? And what’s next for Andre?

    📈 How can the lessons learned from this venture help businesses move forward? 🥩➡️🌿 What is the future of the meat industry in the face of plant-based alternatives? 🤔 How can businesses tackle the challenges of changing consumer habits?

    In this episode, we dive into his incredible journey—from overcoming the challenges of starting a business from scratch to his strategies for success, his predictions for the future of the food industry, and the emerging trends in consumer behavior.

    Episode Breakdown:

    00:00 Tech vs. Food Challenges

    00:47 Guest Intro: AndresAndre Menezes

    03:49 Starting the Plant-Based Protein Venture

    06:23 Teamwork in Business Challenges

    09:07 Flaws in Animal Food Production

    13:12 Changing Views on Meat Consumption

    16:08 Insights on Future Food Leadership

    19:45 Navigating Startup Uncertainty

    23:00 Success in Rapid Growth

    28:11 Expanding Business Internationally

    34:18 Trends in Consumer Health

    43:36 Defining Leadership in Business

  • “Brands are challenged when it comes to #Web3 concepts, #metaverseplatforms, and #gaming. But guess what? That's your job. Brands need to pay more attention to this.”

    In this exciting episode, we dive into the world of emerging technologies with Catherine D. Henry, a pioneer in spatial computing and a top global expert on the Metaverse and Web3. Catherine takes us through the journey of how immersive and interactive experiences have evolved, from the early days of gaming to the widespread adoption of AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

    We’ll discuss how the pandemic accelerated the convergence of these technologies, leading to long-term shifts in how we live and interact with digital media. Catherine shares her insights on the latest trends, the impact of major players like Meta and Apple, and the importance of being ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing landscape.

    We also explore Catherine's impressive background, including her education in marketing and economics, and her passion for trend forecasting and how that has allowed her to create her own dream job and lead to her writing the best-selling book “Virtual Natives”

    This episode is a must-listen for businesses, entrepreneurs, tech fans, and anyone curious about the future:

    🔮 “Gen Z represents 50% of the global workforce and will be at the beginning of their peak earning years by 2030, which is just four and a half years away. We need to think about how we will prepare for this new generation. Gaming is a fundamental part of where our customers are”

    🎮 “Every company will need a gaming division because this is the new media platform.”

    🔄”What does reciprocity look like for your brand? Instead of crafting a perfect message, maybe let your audience create something new with it. Let people play and enjoy your brand.”

    Key moments:

    00:00 - Introduction: VR passion and undervaluation of technology04:10 - Acceleration of AI and spatial computing07:50 - Challenges in retail and dominance of UGC10:33 - Importance of online brand communities and fandom13:02 - Shifting focus to Gen Z and future customers15:21 - Embracing reciprocity and evolving with culture18:03 - Importance of community and adaptable tools for Gen Alpha20:08 - Disruptive education and cross-generational learning experiences21:39 - Changing expectations of future employees and office culture23:36 - Gen Alpha's emphasis on community, inclusivity, reciprocity26:04 - Identifying new talent and embracing multiple careers28:19 - Advice for the future and staying curious

  • Supply chain logistics is a messy place right now. So what does the future hold?

    When it comes to transformation and digital development the Supply Chain industry is one of the slowest sectors to progress, so we’ll be speaking to someone who has spent two decades frivolously learning and seeking to create change in logistics infrastructure, customs compliance, shipping, and supply chain technology.

    A self-described industry busybody, Jeffrey Tan wears many hats. Currently, as the president of the Singapore Computer Society’s Supply Chain Management Chapter, leading efforts in technology adoption within the industry and shaking up the status quo.

    In his episode, we look at the current pain points and future challenges for global supply chains and logistics. We’ll be exploring how new retail and startups may impact legacy systems and looking to the future of what needs to be done and changed within this space.

    ✅ The missing pieces for driving successful transformation within the supply chain and logistics industry

    ✅Singapore's journey as a logistics powerhouse and its role in reshaping global trade

    ✅ Can blockchain really create the change that it has been hyped to create within the industry?

    ✅ How Southeast Asia is reshaping the manufacturing landscape and what it means for regional economies

    ✅The impact of eCommerce and smaller businesses on global supply chains and logistics

    ✅ The hidden world of logistics and discover how it shapes our everyday experiences

    ✅ Embracing failure and learning from losses

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Challenges and progress in the logistics industry

    06:42 - Career journey and industry development involvement

    15:54 - Importance of networking and pro bono work

    23:40 - Impact of COVID-19 on logistics sector

    1:01:00 - Relocation of manufacturing to Southeast Asia

    1:10:37 - Adoption of technology and new retail model

    1:18:05 - Importance of agility and entrepreneurship in organizations

    1:26:42 - Strategic partnerships and soft skills in organizations

    1:35:01 - Slow adoption of technology in logistics sector

    1:43:02 - Importance of resources and business models

    1:52:15 - The future of logistics and supply chain

    2:00:06 - Embracing curiosity and continuous learning in life

    About The Forward Podcast: In a world where technology intertwines with every aspect of our lives, how do industry experts and leaders plan to navigate forward? Explore bold moves and strategies for success amid constant disruption. Learn the ideas, behaviors, tools, and trends they'll leave behind, and those they'll carry forward to shape the future of work, life, and leadership.

    About SmartOSC: With 18 years in operation, SmartOSC is an award-winning digital commerce agency of 1,000+ experts, across seven countries including Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the US, and the UK. Check out our website: smartosc.com

  • “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

  • “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

  • 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 teams

    And so much more!

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Cut The Onion is a playful acronym for CTO (Chief Technology Officer), reflecting the multifaceted nature of the role. Like an onion, the CTO role has layers that, when peeled back, reveal even more beneath the surface. In this mini-series, we’ll explore the core of tech roles that can often be misunderstood and explore the stories of those working in tech across a multitude of industries. We'll bring you honest takes, trends, and tips for moving forward.

  • 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

  • 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