The Global Discussion

Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Kim Polley, Co-founder of Frontièr Advisory, a firm that helps organizations navigate some of the world's most complex markets. Their conversation focused on reputation, trust, and the evolving challenges global businesses face when entering or operating in high-stakes environments. 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Kim Polley 00:36 - What is Frontiè...

Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Mays Elansari, a seasoned marketing leader known for her sharp strategic mind, storytelling skills, and ability to bring brands to life across industries and regions. With experience at some of the world’s most recognized names, including McCann Erickson, BBDO, Subway, and Pinkberry, Mays has built a career around balancing creativity with commercial impact. She is...

Joanne Sweeney, the author of AI Playbook, CEO of the Public Sector Marketing Institute, and Owner of the Digital Training Institute, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. Joanne has worked at the intersection of journalism, communications, and digital transformation for many years, constantly adapting her skills to stay ahead of change. She has carved out a unique sp...

Host Simon Hodgkins welcomes Alastair McDermott, an AI consultant, speaker, trainer, and the founder of HumanSpark•ai. Alastair is also the author of "Use AI, Stay Human" and the host of "The AI-Powered Business Leader" podcast. His perspective on artificial intelligence blends deep technical expertise with a clear focus on people, empathy, and real-world results. 01:25 - Pivot...

Jona Hysa, a London-based social media strategist, founder of Time4PA, and the driving force behind the Moving Women Forward community, speaks with Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. Jona’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive in both business and life. 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Jona Hysa 01:07 - From A...

James Louttit, Founder and Lead Trainer at Impactful Project Management, is in discussion with Host Simon Hodgkins on The Global Discussion to discuss a common challenge faced by leaders and team members: how to deliver results without burning out. 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest James Louttit 00:40 - James’s hospital epiphany and shift from effort to impact 04:59 - The eight lenses...

Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Iza Dabek, a Rapid Transformational Practitioner and Founder of Healing Habits Coaching. Iza works with high-achieving professionals, creatives, and founders to help them break through the subconscious patterns that keep them stuck, particularly those tied to self-sabotage, low confidence, and burnout. 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Úna Herlihy 00:39...

Úna Herlihy, Founder & CEO and Chief Matchmaker at The Indie List, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Based in Ireland, Úna built Ireland's leading curated freelance network for marketing and creative talent, bridging experienced professionals with purposeful clients through thoughtful matchmaking. 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest Úna Her...

When it comes to turning complex technologies into compelling stories, few do it with the clarity, warmth, and precision of Andie Cooper, International PR Director at Beachhut PR. On this episode of The Global Discussion, host Simon Hodgkins sat down with Andie to explore the evolving world of public relations, the unique challenges of working with tech companies, and the importance of communicati...

Jim Carlough, Chief Sales Officer at mPulse, is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and technology. With a proven track record of empowering leaders and launching his new book, Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, Jim joins Simon Hodgkins to unpack how integrity, empathy, and laughter can define outstanding leadership in today's world. 00:00 – Introduction Jim Carlough...

If you've been wondering how SEO is evolving in the age of AI, this episode of The Global Discussion is one you'll want to spend time with. Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Maeva Cifuentes, Founder of Flying Cat Marketing, to discuss the shifting landscape of search, content, and digital strategy. Maeva brings sharp insight, deep experience, and a clear voice to conversations that cut thro...

Niamh Cooper has a way with words. Whether she's helping a global brand craft compelling content or guiding aspiring writers to start their first story, her passion for storytelling runs deep. 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Niamh Cooper 03:40 – Launching “Word Matters” 04:13 – Writing for Humans in an AI World 10:12 – Enter the Stan Challenge 13:00 – Starting a 30-Day Writing Challenge 16:16 – The “Fi...

Jamie Schwartzman, Founder of Flux Branding and a seasoned brand strategist with over three decades of experience in creative direction, psychology, and business transformation, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode. 00:00 – Introduction & Welcome 01:07 – What Is Brand Strategy? 03:14 – Brand as a Long-Term Asset 05:25 – How AI Is Changing Branding 09:20 – The IDEA Method Explained 1...

There's something quietly electric about hearing someone talk when they've truly followed a hunch into uncharted territory and made something real out of it. That was the vibe when Pia Mailhot-Leichter, founder of Kollektiv Studio and author of Welcome to the Creative Club, joined The Global Discussion podcast with Host Simon Hodgkins. 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:51 - Agency Life a...

Host Simon Hodgkins catches up with David Carson, a marketing innovator and creative strategist who has turned the idea of "dumb thinking" into a superpower. With a rich background in advertising, entertainment, and brand innovation, David shares his unconventional philosophy that might inspire your next big idea. 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome 01:45 - Dumb Ideas as the Secret Sauce 02:19 - Wh...

Host Simon Hodgkins welcomed a genuinely inspiring guest: Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, Instigator and CEO of The Big Idea. With a powerful personal story and a passion for reshaping education through creativity and problem-solving, Kim is not just talking about change—she’s building it from the ground up. 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 00:26 – From Trauma to Firestarter 02:10 – Discovering Desig...

In this episode of The Global Discussion, Matt Lyles—Customer Experience (CX) Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and member of the Board of Directors at CX Accelerator, joins Host Simon Hodgkins for a wide-ranging conversation that unpacked the evolving world of customer and employee experience. With a career rooted in marketing, brand management, and CX leadership at FedEx, Matt now helps businesses wo...

In this episode of The Global Discussion, Host Simon Hodgkins speaks with Jamie Mackenzie, a multi-bestselling author, international speaker, and coach. Jamie's journey is one of transformation—shifting from a high-flying corporate career to a mission-driven path focused on growth and storytelling. His passion for the power of stories has not only shaped his own success but is now inspiring bu...

Mack Garrison, Co-Founder of Dash Studio, a high-end animation and motion design agency, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. Mack's passion for creativity, problem-solving, and community-building shone through as he shared insights on the evolving landscape of motion design, marketing, and the power of authentic storytelling. 00:00 - Introduction 00:26 - How Mac...

Jaime Schwarz joined The Global Discussion podcast with Host Simon Hodgkins, offering deep insights into the future of branding, AI-driven brand identity, and the evolving role of businesses in a post-AI world. His journey—from a successful career in advertising to pioneering brand therapy and digital authentication—reveals a visionary approach to brand-building that prioritizes authenticity, adap...

Billy Samoa Saleebey, Co-Founder and CEO of Podify, joins Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode of The Global Discussion. Billy shared his incredible journey—from making films in Hollywood to revolutionizing onboarding at Tesla and now leading the charge in the podcasting industry. 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 00:54 - From Hollywood to Solar Energy 03:11 - Working at Tesla & Creating a Glo...

Erica Orange, Partner at The Future Hunters, a leading futurist consulting firm, joined host Simon Hodgkins on The Global Discussion podcast for an insightful conversation on the future of AI, human adaptability, and the evolving landscape of truth. With nearly two decades of experience, Erica brings a deep understanding of sociocultural, technological, economic, geopolitical, and environmental tr...

Mine Dedekoca is the Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Work Studio, with over a decade of experience in remote work and a passion for fostering positive workplace cultures. Host Simon Hodgkins meets with Mine on this episode of The Global Discussion, where Mine shares her insights on the evolving work landscape and the importance of well-being in professional settings. A Remote Work Exp...

The Global Discussion welcomes a true expert in digital marketing—Gavin Duff, the Head of Digital at Friday Agency, Lecturer, Keynote Speaker, and Author of the brilliantly titled book Hiding Dead Bodies: Your No-Nonsense Path to SEO Glory. Gavin catches up with Host Simon Hodgkins for a compelling discussion. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in digital strategy, SEO, analytics, and e-com...

Host Simon Hodgkins catches up with Anne Ravanona, CEO and Founder of Global Invest Her, to discuss her groundbreaking work in tackling one of the world's most persistent inequalities—the funding gap for women entrepreneurs. Anne's passion for empowering women entrepreneurs is palpable. With a bold mission to fund one million women entrepreneurs by 2030, she is spearheading a global moveme...