The Global Discussion

Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion and a respected voice on technology, innovation, and business transformation, explores the next critical phase of artificial intelligence in this thought-provoking episode. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in decision-making systems, the challenge shifts from capability to governance. Simon examines productivity, accountability, automation, organiza...

Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion and a recognized voice in global business, technology, and localization, explores how automation and accountability are redefining vendor relationships in the age of artificial intelligence. As large language models make multilingual content generation faster and more accessible than ever, enterprises are asking whether localization vendors are still n...

Karen Boswell, Global CEO of Consulting, Experience, and Performance at M+C Saatchi Group, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode. 00:00 – Global CEO, Karen Boswell 01:10 – Career Journey: From Design to Transformation 02:40 – Why Humans Must Lead AI 04:15 – What Is an Agentic Organization? 07:10 – Making AI Work in Business 10:20 – Thinking Fast vs Future Back Strategy 12:45 – Brand vs A...

Simon Hodgkins, Founder of The Global Discussion and international business strategist, speaks about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence adoption in Ireland. Drawing insights from the AI Island 2026 report, Simon explores how organizations are transitioning from experimentation to operational deployment and what leadership teams must do to scale AI responsibly.00:00 – Introduction to AI...

Simon Hodgkins, Founder of The Global Discussion and international business leader, shares a thought-provoking solo perspective in this episode exploring one of the biggest misconceptions about artificial intelligence. Is AI really like a person, or are we framing the conversation incorrectly? Simon argues that treating AI as if it were human can lead to strategic mistakes in leadership, governanc...

Amanda Slavin, Founder of The Future Frequency and an engagement strategist working at the intersection of education, technology, and AI, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins in this episode. Amanda shares insights from her journey across education, hospitality, marketing, and technology, and explains how engagement frameworks can reshape how we learn and interact with information. The conversation exp...

Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion podcast, explores the rapidly evolving FinTech sector in this episode, highlighting the key trends shaping the future of financial services. From the growing role of artificial intelligence to the increasing importance of regulation, compliance, and trust, Simon outlines nine important areas that financial leaders, innovators, and technology profession...

Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion, explores the idea that AI is not simply a tool upgrade but a true work redesign moment, reshaping productivity, leadership, and value creation.00:00 – Introduction: AI as a Work Redesign Moment01:12 – Why Productivity Was Never About Speed03:05 – AI as Exposure: Questioning Performative Work05:48 – Where the Biggest Productivity Gains Are Happening08:...

Simon Hodgkins, Host of The Global Discussion, explores “The Great Acceleration” in this solo episode, unpacking the key strategic themes emerging from ARK Invest’s Big Ideas 2026 report. He examines how artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, and energy systems are converging to reshape economic structures, compress timelines, and redefine competitive advantage. 00:00 – Introduction: The G...

In this episode of The Global Discussion, Host Simon Hodgkins steps away from the traditional interview format to explore a pivotal shift underway in the world of artificial intelligence. The first act of AI was loud. This second act is potentially far more powerful. Drawing on real-world trends and patterns across technology cycles, Simon makes the case that we have already moved beyond the infra...

Simon Hodgkins speaks with Omaid Hiwaizi on this episode of The Global Discussion. Omaid Hiwaizi has been busy navigating the intersection of creativity, technology, and human behavior. His story, which he shared on The Global Discussion podcast, is shaped by migration, curiosity, and a relentless desire to work on ideas that matter. It is also the story of someone who refuses to view innovation a...

David Quinn brings a mix of theatre, advertising insight, and cultural curiosity that feels both refreshing and grounded on this episode of The Global Discussion. As founder and Business Director of Bloom, the Dublin-based creative and strategic agency, David has spent decades helping challenger brands punch above their weight. His work with Brady Family Ham is the example most people know, but th...

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Simon Hodgkins catches up with Amanda Wallace on this episode of The Global Discussion. As Director of CDH Consultants Ltd, Amanda brings two decades of executive experience, combining a deep understanding of people with the complex realities of business transformation.00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Amanda Wallace02:50 - From “office politics” to stakeholder management05:02 - The sp...

Charlotte Otter, a former journalist turned executive coach and founder of Otter Advisory, is in conversation with Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion. The topics include leadership, reputation, and what it really means to build trust in a world that never stops changing! 00:33 - Charlotte's journey, journalism to SAP to Otter Advisory, and change leadership MSc 04:13 - Wh...

Carolina Arroyo, the Founder and Managing Director of EC Peasy Communication, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of The Global Discussion to explore how companies can scale their revenue without expanding headcount. 00:35 - EC Peasy mission and services 01:39 - From cold calling to smarter outbound systems 06:38 - Content that drives sales, 80 percent research, and the 50-30-20 mix 12:49 -...

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...