Heads Talk

• 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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• 255 - Hang Yu, CEO: BRICS Series, RSI - Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy & 20 Year Plan for High Income Status

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title:🇻🇳Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy & 20 Year Plan for High Income Status🇻🇳Another insightful and timely episode of Heads Talk as part of the BRICS & Geopolitics series (#HTBRICSSeries).In a significant development, Brazil, Chair of BRICS 2025, officially announced on June 13 that Vietnam has been named one of 10 BRICS partner countries. This new partnership format expands engagement with key emerging economies without granting full membership status.Vietnam joins a select group of BRICS partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. The move shows growing recognition of Vietnam’s importance in global supply chains, its emerging tech ecosystem, and its geopolitical balancing efforts.The episode features Hang Vu, CEO of RSI Consulting Asia, a strategic advisory firm that guides global investors and local enterprises through Vietnam’s complex and fast-evolving market landscape.Hang previously held Senior Executive positions at Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates, where she led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across high-growth sectors including technology, retail, real estate, and healthcare.Now, through RSI, Hang works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and strategy, advising firms on navigating regulatory reform, geopolitical risk, and digital transformation. All within the context of Vietnam’s Vision 2045, which aims to achieve high-income, developed nation status.Topics Covered◽️ Strategic Implications of Vietnam’s BRICS Partnership◽️ Vietnam’s Role in the Multipolar Global Order◽️ Innovation Hubs and State-Backed Tech Acceleration◽️ Digital Infrastructure and AI Adoption in Vietnam◽️ Navigating Regulatory Reform and SOE Transformation◽️ Industrial Policy and Vietnam’s Climb Up the Value Chain◽️ Vision 2045: Strategic Sectors and National Development Goals◽️ Market Access and Risk Mitigation for Foreign Investors◽️ Bamboo Diplomacy: Vietnam’s Non-Aligned Strategy in Practice◽️ Advisory at the Intersection of Policy, Capital, and TechnologySo 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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• 254 - Paul Donovan, Group Chief Economist: BRICS Series, UBS - Economists, Tell A Better Story

  Let us know your thoughts. Send us a Text Message. Follow me to see #HeadsTalk Podcast Audiograms every Monday on LinkedInEpisode Title:🇬🇧Economists, Tell A Better Story🇬🇧We kickstart the new series on Heads Talk with the formidable Paul Donovan, Group Chief Economist at UBS.I’ve had Paul on my radar for several years, and I was thrilled when he agreed to join the show to discuss all things Economics and Geopolitics. This is the BRICS & Geopolitics series, #HTBRICSSeries, where we explore global developments around money, trade, politics, conflict, and everything in between.This episode was packed with great insight. A strong opening for the series! I highly recommend following Paul’s blog Economics Without Jargon. I’ve been a subscriber for a while now, and his sharp, early-morning commentary is a must-read (or you can listen to the audio). At Heads Talk, we aim to provide balanced discussions. While many guests will speak on the rise of the BRICS alliance, Paul challenges this narrative. He argues BRICS is not a proven concept but more akin to the G20. Perhaps a talking shop, rather than a coordinated economic force. A fascinating take and typical of his candid nature. That is exactly why I’ve wanted to have him on the show for quite some time.Topics Covered◽️Shifting Balance of Global Power◽️Dollar Dominance and Challenges from Emerging Blocs◽️Economic Nationalism and the Return of Prejudice Politics◽️Post-Bretton Woods System and the Search for Stability◽️Reserve Currency Changes and the Rise of Localisation◽️Supply Chain Restructuring and Strategic Realignments◽️Export-Led Growth Models and Their Viability Today◽️Interpreting Geopolitical Signals Through an Economist’s Lens◽️Decoding Policy Noise and Its Economic Consequences◽️Making Economics UnderstandableSo 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 #HeadsTalkPodcastSubscribe to Pauls' Economist: Without The Jargon hereSupport the showFollow, Support, Contact Heads Talk - A Fly On The Boardroom Wall LinkedIn Website Twitter Email at [email protected]

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