Heads Talk

• 260 - Ross Macallister, Managing Partner: BRICS Series, KPMG Vietnam & Cambodia - Common Prosperity

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title:🇻🇳Common Prosperity🇰🇭It’s always a little more special when a familiar face joins me on Heads Talk. This week’s guest is not only a globally respected transformation leader, but also a former colleague from our time together at KPMG in London. A lot has changed since then, but what hasn’t changed is his deep insight and global perspective.I’m joined by Ross Macallister, Senior Partner, Head of Advisory, and Managing Partner of Consulting at KPMG Vietnam and Cambodia, where he also sits on the Executive Committee. Ross brings more than 35 years of international leadership in business and technology transformation, spanning the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and most significantly, Asia.In this conversation, we focussed on the Southeast Asian business landscape, i.e. Vietnam, Cambodia and China; and talk candidly about the regional nuances of delivering large-scale consulting programmes in fast-evolving markets. As part of the #HTBRICSSeries, Ross shares real-world examples. Before his role at KPMG Vietnam & Cambodia, Ross held C-suite Executive positions in some of the most complex markets in the world, including Group CIO and Divisional CEO at ChemChina, a global Fortune 250 company, where he led one of the most significant turnaround and restructuring programmes in China. He was also Head of Energy, Natural Resources & Chemicals Consulting at KPMG China, driving advisory for SOEs and multinationals alike.We talk strategy, geopolitics, technology, and the future of professional services, all with that signature Ross calm and clarity. It’s an episode rich in practical wisdom, and a few warm throwbacks to our time in KPMG UK too.Topics Covered◽️ Leading transformation in complex global environments◽️ Balancing global consulting standards with Southeast Asian cultural and economic realities◽️ Delivering future-ready business & IT solutions in Vietnam & Cambodia◽️ Navigating the strategic shift of the "China Plus One" model◽️ Contrasting regulatory and market dynamics between China, Vietnam and Cambodia◽️ Competitive role of SOEs in Asia and lessons for Western corporations◽️ Evolving role of consultants in emerging Southeast Asian markets◽️ How advisory services must adapt to rapid technological change◽️ Future outlook for consulting across both Asian and European marketsSo download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Eton Mess Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋Episode Sponsored by◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟ABOUT THE HOST#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTBRICSSeries #HeadsTalkPodcastSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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• 259 - Paolo Sironi, Global Research Leader: Fintech Series, IBM - The Fintech Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 2

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title: 🇮🇹The Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 2 🇮🇹In this second and final part of this special on Heads Talk, I wrap up my conversation with Paolo Sironi, Global Research Leader in Banking and Financial Markets at the IBM Institute for Business Value.If you missed Part 1, you can find the link here. Definitely worth a listen first.This episode is officially the longest recorded on Heads Talk, and perhaps one of the most reflective. We unintentionally veered away from the core mechanics of finance and found ourselves exploring its philosophical layers. Paolo described money as “emotion” , and of course, I got him to explain what he meant by that. He spoke about money as a vessel of memory, trust, and time, not just a tool or transaction. It was a poignant moment. Paolo invites us to consider not just how money moves, but why it moves us.He describes money as a language of human intent, shaped by our fears, our choices, and our need to make meaning in uncertain systems. At the moment we are driven by speed, algorithms, and data, this episode asks a slower, deeper question: What does money really mean to us individually, collectively, emotionally?A profound listen.Topics Covered◽️ Lessons from the startup trenches and global tech ecosystemsPaolo’s candid reflections on entrepreneurial missteps, the power of platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and what the European innovation landscape can learn from Italy ◽️ Money is more than a medium of exchange. It's a human construct built on shared emotion, narrative, and temporal relationships◽️Philosophy of financial systems: Exploring finance as a social technology, not just an economic one. How design, trust and belief shape our collective financial reality◽️ Value creation in embedded and creator-led finance across the creator economy and digital ecosystems◽️ Explainable banking as a strategic advantage. Treating AI transparency as essential to trust, loyalty and competitive edge not just regulatory compliance◽️ Programmable money and infrastructure evolution. Recognising the growing role of Stablecoins and CBDCs in reshaping financial infrastructure and bank relevance◽️ Speed, purpose and future of financial relationships. With 'instant everything' purpose, trust and meaningful engagement define lasting value◽️ Rethinking financial identity and meaning. Must move beyond efficiency to address deeper questions of belonging, self-determination, and human intentEpisode Sponsored by◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟ABOUT THE HOST  #AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeriesSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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• 258 - Wangeci Kanjama, Group CFO: BRICS Series, Spiro - Explorer and Adopters of New Technology, By Nature

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title:🇰🇪Explorer and Adopters of New Technology, By Nature🇰🇪Another insightful episode of Heads Talk today. It was such a pleasure to speak with my guest today. I found her content incredibly thoughtful and walked away with a much deeper understanding of the fintech, finance, and growth landscape in East Africa, especially their sharp focus on strategic partnerships.Wangeci Kanjama is the CFO of Spiro, a pan-African company leading the way in sustainable mobility and smart battery solutions. She joined the organisation in November 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience across finance, strategy, and operations.Before Spiro, she held senior leadership roles at M-Pesa Africa, including Finance Director and Director of Partnerships & Special Projects. She also spent nearly two decades at Safaricom Plc, heading up various strategic finance functions.It was so refreshing to hear about the developments across the African continent, and the intentional leapfrogging happening with purpose. Wangeci also shares insights into Spiro’s strategic alignment with the BRICS+ alliance, particularly with some of its newer members and the exciting collaborations underway. Have a listen.Topics Covered◽️Kenya’s Financial Leadership in Africa: What’s driving Kenya’s status as East Africa’s financial and ICT hub, and how it can sustain its edge amid growing regional competition◽️CFOs as Strategic Catalysts in Africa, innovation leaders with a growing need for strategic and cross-functional skills◽️Scaling Fintech Across Africa, adaptable platforms and navigation of diverse regulatory landscapes◽️Innovative Financing for Sustainable MobilitySpiro is delivering sustainable mobility through innovative financing models tailored to Africa’s infrastructure needs◽️Strategic Partnerships and Public-Private Collaboration, to accelerating energy and mobility transformation across the continent◽️Kenya and BRICS+ Alignment◽️Financial Integration into Global Investment Networks◽️Kenya’s Financial Services DNA, success in fintech, financial culture, and talent development is drawing international attentionSo download⏳grab a cup of Bird & Blend Tea Co. - Mocha Chai Tea ☕️& have a listen🛋Episode Sponsored by◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟ABOUT THE HOST#AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTBRICSSeries #HeadsTalkPodcastSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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• 257 - Paolo Sironi, Global Research Leader: Fintech Series, IBM - The Fintech Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 1

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title: 🇮🇹The Globetrotter That Got Away… Until Now! - Part 1 🇮🇹In this 2-part special on Heads Talk is a masterclass in all things fintech, regulation, and behavioural banking, brought to you by my brilliant guest. You know those rare moments when you hear someone speak and think, “If only they were my professor back in the day”? This is one of those moments. My guest doesn’t just talk about his subject, he lives it. A natural educator, his insights hit with the clarity and depth of a keynote, no matter the continent. And yes, I'm  convinced that even if I took a summer break to Ulaanbaatar in Outer Mongolia or Iquitos in Peru, he would be there doing a Keynote at the same time. This guy is global!Paolo Sironi is the Global Research Leader in Banking and Financial Markets at the IBM Institute for Business Value. With a career spanning startup founding, quantitative risk management, and now global thought leadership, Paolo is widely regarded as one of the most listened to voices in fintech and financial AI. His work focuses on the intersection of technology, regulation, and human behaviour in the transformation of banking systems. He is also a bestselling author of Banks and Fintech on Platform Economies and the host of The Bankers' Bookshelf podcast, where he continues to shape conversations around digital finance, platform economies, and the evolving trust landscape between financial institutions and customers.Funnily enough, I first came across Paolo through mutual connections, which led me to his work and thought-provoking posts. Topics Covered◽️Agentic AI and the Redefinition of Trust: How agent-based systems are influencing fiduciary responsibility and transforming customer relationships with autonomous financial decision-making systems◽️Governance & Risk in AI-driven Finance: Why trust in machines hinges on transparency, explainability, and robust ethical frameworks, and what kind of governance structures are needed to support them◽️Digital Identity as the Backbone of Ethical Finance: How digital identity is becoming foundational for secure financial access, and what risks financial institutions face if they fail to lead in building interoperable and privacy-preserving identity frameworks◽️AI-Driven Personalisation in Financial Services: Exploring real-time analytics, embedded intelligence, and how banks can use behavioural data for meaningful, contextual client experiences◽️The Future of Financial Inclusion and Platform Ecosystems: Linking identity and inclusion in platform economies and examining whether traditional institutions risk obsolescence in the face of decentralised and user-controlled identity systemsEpisode Sponsored by◽️Accxia - 𝔼𝕦𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖'𝕤 𝕃𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕤𝕥 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕦𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔸𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕟ABOUT THE HOST  #AFlyOnTheBoardroomWall #HTFintechSeriesSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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• 256 - Dr. Henry Huiyao Wang王辉耀, President: BRICS Series, Center for China & Globalisation (CCG) - The Thucydides Trap

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title:🇨🇳The Thucydides Trap🇨🇳An insightful and timely episode for the #HTBRICSSeries on Heads Talk exploring the realities and the risks of The Thucydides Trap: the historical pattern where a rising power threatens to displace an established one, often resulting in conflict.Dr Henry Huiyao Wang, Founder and President of the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG), is a leading academic in the fields of geopolitics, global governance, and international trade. His previous roles include serving as a Counsellor to China’s State Council, Vice Chairman of the China Association for International Economic Cooperation, and Director at the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.In this episode, Dr Wang brings a measured and strategic perspective on how the United States and China might avoid escalation and manage their complex relationship through diplomacy rather than confrontation.He provides a sharp, nuanced analysis of global diplomacy in an increasingly multipolar world, looking into China's unique approach to international engagement, the rationale behind the expansion of BRICS+, and why reforming global governance is now a critical imperative.Together, we move past familiar headlines to explore the underlying logic of China's development strategy, foreign policy goals, and use of soft power. Dr Wang also shares his perspective on democracy’s evolution, arguing for a broader, more adaptive understanding in light of technological progress and diverse governance models.We touch on key themes such as globalisation, securitisation, and China's partnerships across the Global South. All framed through the lens of strategic cooperation rather than ideological rivalry. This episode is a rare glimpse into China's thinking, offering a #FlyOnTheBoardroomWall view of its diplomatic philosophy and long-term global outlook.Topics Covered◽️ BRICS+ expansion as a tool of multilateral rebalancing◽️ ASEAN economic integration and China's strategic participation◽️ Soft power as a geopolitical lever in great power dynamics◽️ Visa Liberalisation as a Diplomatic Signal and Economic Driver◽️ Evolving calculus of China US strategic rivalry◽️ China's deepening ties with the Global South◽️ Transition from Export-led Growth to Tech-driven Development◽️ Infrastructure diplomacy through Belt and Road and beyond◽️ Africa: Focal point for China’s soft power deployment◽️ Reframing foreign aid without political conditions◽️ Future of democracy in a post-Westphalian context◽️ China's vision for a more inclusive and multipolar global orderABOUT THE HOSTCollaboration w/t◽️CGTN - China Global Television Network Publications by Dr Wang 1. Springer  2. .Routledge #AFSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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