Changing Careers with Conrad Chua: Recent Episodes
The Executive Director of the Cambridge MBA
Conrad's podcast brings you a series of interviews with students, alumni and industry professionals from the wider Cambridge Judge Business School network to give you an insight on how the Cambridge MBA can influence your career path.
The Business of Polling with Sir John CurticePolling shapes political strategy, fuels media headlines, and influences public perception—but how does it actually work? And how did polls do during 2024, the so-called Super Year of elections.You've seen him on the BBC during UK General elections. Now you can join a session with Sir John Curtice, the UK’s most trusted polling expert, as we dive deep into:🔹 What makes a high-quality poll vs. one you shouldn’t trust🔹 How polls balance speed and accuracy—especially in high-stakes elections🔹 Do polls predict elections, or actually influence them?🔹 The biggest mistakes journalists make when reporting poll data🔹 How AI could transform the future of polling
Unlock Elite Performance for Managers. Are you ready to redefine your career and leadership potential? Talbot Stark combines his extraordinary experience in international finance, the US military, and Silicon Valley to teach managers how to become elite performers in today’s competitive world. He is also the author of "Elite Performance for Managers. - Discover the Elite Performance Pillars™ framework to transform your approach to leadership. - Learn why accountability is critical, and why results alone won’t cut it anymore. - Gain actionable strategies to strengthen your team’s productivity and manage upward like never before. What’s your biggest challenge in achieving elite performance as a manager?
Private Credit: A Game-Changer in Corporate Finance? Private credit is rapidly transforming the landscape of corporate finance, particularly in the US and Europe—but what are the corporate governance issues that this might create? Narine Lalafaryan will unpack: - Why private credit has skyrocketed in recent years . - Key differences between private credit, traditional lending, and equity investing. - How private credit funds exert influence in the boardroom and the risks of crossing into shadow directorship. - The impact on companies: How do businesses feel when private credit steps in, and what’s the balance between senior and junior creditors? Key takeaway: Private credit is more than just an alternative to bank loans—it's influencing corporate control and decision-making.
Building a fintech is very difficult. Launching a fintech startup serving the travel business a few months before covid brought travel to a halt is crazy difficult. Raman Korneu, an MBA alumnus from Cambridge Judge Business School and his team, had to make tough decisions quickly if they were to save their start up. Raman talks about his entrepreneurial journey, and how myTU - an online digital banking platform - was born and how digital-first fintechs have a huge advantage over legacy providers.
We all want to work on teams that just click. But you have also worked in dysfunctional ones. Prof Robin Dunbar has devoted his career to studying why teams work and he is the father of the Dunbar number, which observes that humans can only make meaningful connections with 150 other people. He also found that team dynamics change when you go from team sizes of 5 to 15 to 50 to 150. I don't know if Jeff Bezos had the Dunbar number in mind when he said that teams in Amazon had grown too large when they could not be fed with just one pizza. Join us to learn how you can create and lead better teams.
Startups focus a lot on product, marketing and growth functions but as they mature, there is an increased focus on the finance function. This is not just to control costs but also to put money where the best growth opportunities are. There is also a need to look at the longer-term in addition to short-term. Akshay Sarma is a CFO at axio, one of India's fast growing startups. He has had extensive experience in finance working for large multinationals and also in the startup world. Akshay will tell us his views on how the finance function adds value to a startup, how the CFO should work with others and the skills one needs to be a great CFO.
What drives the UK economy and what are its future prospects? Professor Simon Deakin is the Director for the Centre for Business Research at CJBS and he will share his thoughts especially on the crucial aspects of productivity and investments shaping the UK's economic landscape. 1. Explore the Role of Services: Understand why services are the backbone of the UK economy. 2. Deep Dive into Productivity: Discover the causes of low productivity growth, its implications, and potential solutions to this critical issue. 3. Investment Insights: Examine current investment figures. 4. New Policy Strategies: Learn about the state of public finances and the growth levers within a tight budget. Are you optimistic about the UK economy’s growth prospects in the next 5 years?
Discover the Challenges and Opportunities:We'll explore the potential of green hydrogen to decarbonize industries, from steel production to aviation. Learn about the technological and economic hurdles that need to be overcome for widespread adoption. Ujjwal Pandey has co-written a case on green hydrogen and we'll discuss key factors that will determine its success, including cost reduction, policy support, and technological advancements.
🚀 Dive into AI implementation, ethics and regulation! 🚀Curious about how enterprises are navigating the complex world of AI implementation? Join us for an eye-opening livestream featuring Imogen Palmer and Faisal Sultan two people at the coal face of enterprise AI implementation and regulation.🔍 Key Takeaways:1. LLMs vs SLMs: Understand the differences and make informed decisions.2. Ethics and Regulation: Navigate the major frameworks and ethical considerations in AI.3. Supplier Questions: What to ask when bringing in off-the-shelf AI models.👥 We'll also explore the roles of Chief AI Officers and AI ethicists, and discuss how companies can address anxieties around AI adoption.Join us to learn, ask questions, and share your experiences in how your company is handling AI implementation.
Join Us for a Deep Dive with Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan! 🧬 Are you ready to learn about the current science on ageing? 🌟 We're thrilled to announce our upcoming livestream with Prof. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize-winning biologist and author of "Why We Die." 🔍 What You'll Learn: - The science behind aging and the pivotal role of proteins in our biology. - Insights into groundbreaking research in gerontology and its future impact. - How public health advancements have changed life expectancy and what challenges remain. - The intersection of Silicon Valley innovation and the quest to extend human lifespan. Can we trust Silicon Valley tech bros with the keys to longevity? 🏢 Business of Longevity: - How will companies and societies adapt to an aging workforce? - Strategies for employing people beyond traditional retirement age. - Tips for individuals to manage their careers if we’re going to live until 90 or 100. 🌐 Don't Miss Out! Whether you’re a business leader, a policy maker, or just curious about the future of ageing, this livestream will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways. 👥 Engage with Us:** What do you think about the future of ageing? Do you think the person who will live to 150 is already alive today? How do you think businesses should prepare for an older workforce?
Diving Deep into the Future of E-Commerce 🚀 📦 How are innovative models like Temu reshaping shopping globally?Join us for an enlightening live session with Somesh Dwivedi, Global e-Commerce Director at Essity, as we explore new e-commerce strategies and what they mean for businesses and consumers alike. In this episode, you’ll gain insights into:1. Innovative Business Models: Understand the mechanics behind models like Temu.2. Marketing and Customer Experience: How are e-commerce platforms optimizing marketing spend. How do e-commerce companies handle the ballooning costs of returns?3. Competitive Dynamics: A deep dive into the strategic differences between Shopify and Amazon, and the broader implications for global e-commerce players.4. Role of AI in e-commerceWhether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or simply curious about the future of shopping, this discussion will arm you with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of e-commerce.
Ready to explore the future of agribusiness in Africa? Africa is not one homogenous market so join us to learn more about the nuances. Join this livestream with Micheline Ntiru, a powerhouse in sustainable ventures! 🚀Discover:1. Cutting-edge investments transforming African agribusiness.2. How farmers are adapting and thriving.3. Insights into entrepreneurship, eMobility, VC funding, and women in business.Be part of the conversation shaping an exciting continent's future.
Ready to dive into the fascinating world of music, AI, and gender equity? Join Mira Howard, executive at record label Snafu Records , for a livestream that pulls back the curtain on the music industry! Discover the inner workings of record labels and artist revenue streams. Learn why Taylor Swift re-recorded her music and how AI is revolutionizing artist discovery at Snafu. We'll also tackle the crucial topic of gender inequity in the music business and explore the impact of streaming and financialisation on the industry.Gain insights on:- The roles of record labels vs. record companies- How artists earn through streaming, touring, and sales- The use of AI in music- Addressing gender gaps and empowering female talent- The relationship between record companies, artistes and platforms like TikTok and YouTube MusicDon't miss this chance to understand the dynamics that shape the music we love!What’s your take on AI's role in the future of music? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
In many companies, there are several layers between developing strategy and the customer. The best plans and presentations crumble on the first contact with customers and the best companies can rapidly collect, clean and learn from customer data. Whether you are grappling with customer churn, or figuring out what's going on between strategy and execution, our guest Vignesh Chandran has more than 10 years of experience working with top companies on precisely these problems. Learn how you can develop better strategies that can be better executed based on good data.
Dive into the heart of finance with David Pitt-Watson, a pioneering figure in responsible investment and a passionate advocate for the finance sector's societal role. As a co-founder of Hermes Focus Funds, David brings a wealth of experience and insight into how finance can serve a greater good. David is also a Visiting Fellow at CJBS and teaches the award-winning course Purpose of Finance. Why Should You Tune In? Experience and Expertise: Gain insights from David's extensive career, including his leadership in creating the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and his advocacy for finance as a force for positive societal impact. Unlock the True Potential of Finance: Explore David's vision for a finance industry that fulfills its true purpose, supporting sustainable development and contributing to a better world. Challenges and Opportunities: Learn from David's unique perspective on the current state of the finance sector, its impact, and the transformative path forward.
Prof Jennifer Howard-Grenville will do a deep dive into "The Future of Work". Join us to discover the ways to navigate through generational crises, embrace collective leadership, and leverage technological advancements for organizational success. Whether you're a leader, professional, or part of the workforce aiming to future-proof your career, this discussion will equip you with the insights needed for the changing landscape of work.You'll leave with actionable insights, forward-thinking strategies, and a deeper understanding of how to position yourself and your organization for success.
Are you passionate about tackling climate change and interested in the financial strategies that can make a real impact? Cambridge Judge Business School alumni, Baysa Naran and Daniel Duma have worked in the area of climate finance for years and we will talk about the following:- The Critical Role of Climate Finance: Explore why financial investment is fundamental in battling climate change and achieving sustainability targets.- The Current Landscape & The Financing Gap: A deep dive into the present state of climate finance and the urgent need to bridge the funding shortfall.- Innovative Financing Mechanisms:Success stories of public-private partnerships that are changing the game. Learn how these models enhance the risk-return profile for investors, making climate finance more attractive and impactful.Mitigation and Adaptation Funds: How are funds being allocated to support essential climate mitigation and adaptation efforts? - The Future of Climate Finance: How to innovate and expand climate finance, involving key financial players like pension funds to drive broader participation.
Businesses have been implementing analytical AI models for nearly a decade. But few were ready for the advent of generative AI’s ability to conquer the creative activities long thought to be “quintessentially human.” GenAI holds the promise of automating entirely new domains of human activity—and it also evolves faster than prior technologies. In this AI revolution, where there is no “end state,” a company’s competitive advantage hinges on the rate of learning. Those able to learn fastest will not only reap the benefits of the today’s GenAI applications; they will also be poised to exploit the next wave of technological possibilities ahead of the competition.Francois Candelon, Managing Director and Senior Partner of BCG, has worked with senior leaders and boardrooms about digital transformation and will talk about how companies are approaching AI.This session is part of an AI Conference organised by CJBS MBA students.
Are you navigating the complexities of mental health in your teams? Listen to this Balance Sheet podcast where our guests discuss how managers can help employees with their Mental Health challenges. We'll explore innovative strategies and practical tips to support your team's well-being in today's changing work environment. Prof Thomas Roulet is Professor of Organisational Sociology and Leadership at CJBS. He is also co-director of the King's Entrepreneurship Lab at King's College, Cambridge. Thomas has done extensive research on how individuals and organisations can lead social change, and well-being in the workplace. Dr Kiran Bhatti is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist currently working at Wolfson College Cambridge as a private therapist. She has many years of experience providing therapeutic support to a range of individuals and groups across the NHS, third-sector, and education settings.In addition to her clinical practice, Kiran writes and researches on employee wellbeing, workplace stress and mental health. She has written articles on the concept of Wellbeing Intelligence (WBQ), and is also the co-author of a forthcoming book on the topic.
Do you see 2024 as a year of uncertainty or opportunity? We already know that some events from 2023 will continue to have an impact while there are other events that are scheduled to happen. How will the following play out in 2024?Elections and Economics: With the US and UK gearing up for their elections, what impact will they have on the global economic landscape? Geopolitical Tensions and Global Business Impact: What will the economic impact be from the ongoing war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, and will tensions between China and the US flare up during the US elections? How do these conflicts affect global supply chains, energy markets, and international trade relations? Macro-Economic Factors: From inflation trends to employment rates, understand the macro-economic indicators that will shape business strategies in 2024. Big Tech and Anti-Trust Action: Regulators have big tech in their cross-hairs. What is the impact of anti-trust actions? AI Adoption and Business Strategy: How will AI adoption transform business models in 2024?Join CJBS faculty Michael Kitson and Hamza Mudassir as they present their predictions for 2024.
Much has been written about how centers of academic excellence (think Cambridge, Stanford) have given rise to vibrant startup ecosystems. Gerard Grech is the Managing Director of the newly launched Founders at the University of Cambridge initiative which will supercharge the spin out and scaling process for Cambridge. Dive into the world where academic brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit collide to address some of humanity's biggest challenges. 🌟 About This Livestream:Learn and discuss how the University of Cambridge's rich legacy of scientific innovation (DNA, IVF, jet engines, AI) can be harnessed for new venture creation to tackle issues from climate change to healthcare.- The Role of Academia in Startup Ecosystems: Unpack the synergy between academia and startups, and how Cambridge, Europe's science unicorn capital, is paving the way for future innovations.- Gerard Grech's own Journey: Gain insights from Gerard's extensive experience in nurturing startups at Tech Nation and how he wants to empower entrepreneurs with expertise, capital, and community support for global impact- Advice for Aspiring Founders: What should startup founders be aware of.🔥 Why Tune In?- Understand the intricacies of converting scientific breakthroughs into successful business ventures.- Get inspired by stories of innovation and determination from one of the world's top three innovation ecosystems🚀 Who Should Watch?This livestream is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, academic researchers, startup enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, innovation, and business.https://founders.cam.ac.uk/
Europe has long been at the forefront of global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Ambitious plans such as the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 reinforce the region's commitment to reducing hashtag#carbon emissions by 55 percent by 2030 (from 1990 levels) and achieving hashtag#netzero emissions by 2050. However, the energy transition faces new challenges, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the lingering effects of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and economic turmoil, all of which have posed threats to energy security and affordability in EU countries.McKinsey & Company released a report on how Europe could overcome these challenges and achieve an orderly clean energy transition. -https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/five-key-action-areas-to-put-europes-energy-transition-on-a-more-orderly-pathAuthors of the report Tommaso Cavina and Andre Ancleto will join #CambridgeJudge Professor David Reiner to discuss how the European Union can achieve a more orderly energy transition, balancing rapid decarbonization with energy security and economic growth. McKinsey reporthttps://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/five-key-action-areas-to-put-europes-energy-transition-on-a-more-orderly-path
How do you drive new sustainability practices in a company that spans the globe and has millions of customers every day, and which has suppliers across the world? Nira Johri, Chief Sustainability Officer for KFC, will talk about the company works with suppliers and across its global footprint to reach its sustainability goals. Join us to learn if sustainability leads to compromises in taste and price. How does a global organisation share best practices. What is the work of a chief sustainability officer look like and how do you start on that career?
The world is grappling with the question : how to reduce hashtag#carbon emissions to combat climate change. A crucial part of the solution will come from new startups. Chris Coleridge is founder of Carbon13, which has venture building programmes that supports and invests in scalable climate ventures. He also teaches at Cambridge Judge Business School. Chris will talk about the cleantech startup landscape, how investors are looking at cleantech, what are the challenges and opportunities and is it any different from other sectors.
As the demands on businesses increase, corporate boards have to develop skills in new areas to scrutinise and challenge the executive leadership. What are these new skills? How should boards build constructive relationships with the CEO and senior leadership team? Should you consider joining a board as a Non-Executive Director?Faculty Simon Learmount will bring his many years of experience studying and working with corporate boards across different geographies to answer these questions.
The prominence of shareholder activism and M&A are topics regularly discussed in Boardrooms. Boards and Chief Executives often look to external advisers for support in these situations, and Dhruv Sarda (MBA2003) will be joining us to share his experiences from working in the City of London for over 20 years. As an investment banker, management consultant and restructuring adviser, Dhruv has seen several situations unfold up close.Dhruv Sarda is a Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal and one of the early founding members of the firm’s European Corporate Transformation practice. He brings over 23 years of experience advising corporate boards and management teams on M&A, turnarounds and performance improvement topics in both corporate and private equity environments. Mr. Sarda has led a number of corporate transformation cases: for example, serving as interim Chief Transformation Officer at a Fortune 20 business, and has worked on 80+ M&A transactions with values of up to USD14bn, primarily focused on carve-outs and post-merger integrations. Prior to joining Alvarez & Marsal, Mr. Sarda was a Partner at Accenture, and an investment banker at ABN Amro.
Social media gave every brand potentially a global reach but in reality, reach did not equate to a global brand or global marketing. And as geopolitical tensions cause a global reconfiguration of supply chains and market perceptions, is global marketing still a positive? Or do we see a return to more localised marketing?Prof Eden Yin of CJBS will look at different brands are adjusting their marketing strategies in the face of geopolitical tensions, does it all matter to younger consumers, and how has ESG changed global brands' marketing efforts.
The Asset Management industry, which manages more than US$100tn of assets globally, will play a key role if the world is going to combat climate change. Vast amounts of capital will have to redeployed to support the shift towards clean energy and help societies less able to make that change. How does asset management influence company decisions when it comes to sustainability and climate change? Is it simply a case of buying and selling shares in companies? Does the industry exert influence in the boardrooms of companies? Are there regional differences in approaches and what about the backlash against some of these moves in the boardrooms?Amelia Tan, Head of Responsible Investment Strategy for LGIM, will address these issues and more.
Most developed nations have decided that replacing internal combustion engines (ICEs) with electric vehicles (EVs) will be the main measure to combat greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. But while electrification of transport will greatly reduce emissions, what about the supply chain that goes into the production of electric vehicles? Are we trading an ongoing source of greenhouse gases in ICEs for new sustainability challenges in the production of EVs, particularly in the batteries?Natalia Dziergwa with the World Economic Forum will talk about how a circular economy approach to EV supply chains could greatly reduce embedded emissions and address issues related to the raw materials for EVs that will only get worse as production of EVs increases.
CJBS Marketing and Decision Sciences Faculty Vincent Mak will talk about the theory of marketing applied to product launches. And we will use a live case study to see how well the 4 Ps or Roger's 5 Factors explain Apple's decisions related to the VisionPro headset.Join us to learn about product marketing and discuss answers to these questions : whether US$3499 is too high a price for a mixed reality headset; what were the words missing from Apple's product launch? Why did Apple emphasise certain use cases? And many more.
What does the future of work mean for the bread and butter HR issues of attracting, retaining and managing talent? The pandemic forced leaders and managers to figure this out for ourselves and as the dust settles, it is time to think whether HR and other parts of an organisation have to re-evaluate these processes.CJBS Alum Mathias Huber has extensive experience in people management, first in consulting projects with McKinsey and now with Viessman. Join us to hear his thoughts on what leaders, managers and HR departments need to do.
Starting with the fall of Silicon Valley Bank, this crisis has been a long time coming. From the forced merger of UBS and Credit Suisse to the growing pressure on US regional banks, the cracks are showing.What caused this crisis? Was it years of quantitative easing, or is it a case of lax regulation? Are we seeing the exposure of fundamentally weak banks, or is this as bad as it will get?Simon Taylor, Cambridge Judge Business School faculty explores the ongoing banking crisis that has been shaking the global economy.
We explore how businesses can minimize waste, promote sustainability, and generate economic growth by adapting concepts of the circular economy. We will learn how circularity can be implemented in an industry and how it can benefit the environment while still maintaining a profitable business model.Rina L. Einy has a lifelong career in the fashion industry and started culthread, a slow fashion brand that uses recycled materials to make stylish and top-quality clothing. This is an important concept given the amount of waste that the global fashion industry produces. They talk about ways to reduce waste in the fashion industry by designing durable products, using sustainable materials, and creating efficient supply chains.David Block is CFO/COO for circulee, which is on a mission to make green IT simple and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Ewaste is another global problem and so any way to reduce e-waste by repairing, reusing, and recycling of IT products is key.The circular economy is becoming increasingly important in today's business landscape. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies that implement circular practices will be better positioned to meet their expectations and succeed in the marketplace.
Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine was the latest in a series of crises that have engulfed the world and affected businesses, countries and societies. Then there was covid, the US-China tensions, the rise of Trump and other strongmen political leaders, the current banking crisis. Are we truly in an age of permacrisis?Helen Thompson helps us make sense of what's going on. She looks at how slow-moving forces in the energy and currency markets have created tensions within, and between major countries. We are just seeing the first signs of these cracks.Helen's book Disorder : Hard Times in the 21st Century was on the Financial Times Shortlist for Best Business Book and anyone in business should join us to learn from Helen how geopolitics can affect business and society.
How do investors and big pharma assess deals with startups and other companies? It isn't always an M&A, it could be an alliance, a licensing arrangement or some other form of partnership.Anna Gran has worked in many roles in big pharma to spot these opportunities, using her deep science background and an MBA from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. She will talk about these issues and share points about her career.You need to watch this if you are in a startup in healthcare or biotech pitching to investors, or you are working in deeptech and thinking how to make a career switch to the business side, or you want to work in big pharma.
The 2023 Employment Report showed a strong performance by Cambridge Judge Business School MBA students. The class of 2021-22 did extremely well in the face of an uncertain employment landscape with considerable global economic headwinds, with many going into top consulting firms and other interesting areas.A good part of their success came from the School's Careers Office and Careers Director Sadia Cuthbert will join us to bring out the main themes from the Employment Report. This episode shows MBA graduates, students and applicants, how you need to think about your career. How to use your time in business school to make the career transition that you want.
Generative AI such as ChatGPT have captured the public's imagination with its text outputs that alternates between genuinely useful, to the downright boring, to what Microsoft calls "usefully wrong". People are predicting that this use of AI will mean the end of everything from Google's domination of search to the mass retrenchment of copywriters.How will these predictions come to pass? Professor Michael Barrett will talk about how technologies like AI get adopted and propagated. Kellyann Ripnar, COO and co-founder of Fincrime Dynamics, will share how AI is already being used in less public, but no less groundbreaking settings.
From difficulties in obtaining funding to the lack of support and advice, minority-owned businesses face challenges that can make it difficult to succeed.Meet Cambridge Judge Business School research fellows, Professor Simone Phipps of Middle Georgia State University and Professor Leon Prieto of Clayton State University, who will be joined by Yvonne Lardner, an Associate Research Fellow at CJBS, who has done extensive research in the experiences of Black founder-owners in the UK, and hear about their experiences with host Conrad Chua, Cambridge MBA Executive Director.
Despite technological advances, healthcare costs remain high or access is constrained. The Healthcare Utility Initiative seeks to solve this. What if healthcare providers become more like utilities to deliver high-quality products and services at low, equal costs. The initiative aims to develop rapidly scalable not-for-profit business models for healthcare service innovation to improve healthcare delivery, and keep access and costs low. The co-founders of the Healthcare Utility Initiative, Carter Dredge, Lead Futurist at SSM Health, and Professor Stefan Scholtes at Cambridge Judge Business School will talk about the initiative and how it can improve healthcare outcomes.
For decades, banking meant the usual suspects of big household names. There were national champions and only a few truly global financial institutions and almost no new entrants.Technology and regulatory changes have ushered in an age of challenger banks. Banks that offer new products or repackaged existing products for retail and business customers. Will these challenger banks survive and what do they do that incumbents don't do?We hear from two speakers connected to Cambridge Judge Business School, Tim Harvey-Samuel and Dickson Ma. Tim Harvey-Smith spent more than 20 years in equity capital markets and teaches the Finance Concentration for the Cambridge MBA. He is on the board of UK-based challenger bank that caters to SMEs.MBA alumnus, Dickson Ma, worked in finance and the entertainment industries in Hong Kong and was part of the team that started Alipay's operations in Hong Kong. He also worked in livi bank, a virtual bank in Hong Kong.
Automation, AI and Machine Learning are just some of the terms that are driving old-timers in B2B sales and marketing out of board rooms and corporate suites. Learn from some Cambridge MBA alumni on how technology is changing sales, marketing and customer success in B2B.
MBA alumna Jules Robertson talks about the business models and trends around shared work spaces, that were developed and sprung up during and after the global pandemic. From collaborative days to popular locations in cities, what attracts the best talent to your business in the new global flexible market.
Dr Ronita Bardhan from the University of Cambridge School of Architecture, talks about her recent study about working patterns and models post-pandemic. As we navigate the new hybrid and flexible working environment the data and insights she discusses shed light on the journey we are all taking. Link to Dr Bardhan's You Tube page where she talks about social housing, among other topics, in India: https://youtu.be/7JRNDzdiBtM
Cyber security to invasion - the unsettling position after the recent invasion of Ukraine - Cambridge Judge Business School Faculty talks about the East and the economic impact of war.
What business leaders think about innovation in 2022 - MBA alumnus Marco Donzelli (MBA 2009) talks about the market recovery after the pandemic, as Global CEO of global accounting and advisory network, HLB International. HLB Ltd released their annual survey recently and this year's theme was innovation. The results cover discussions from company culture, to innovation and bold leadership to navigating risk in a new global outlook.
For reference - HLB Ltd Annual survey link: https://www.hlb.global/powering-your-innovation-engine/
MBA graduate Robert Ippolito (MBA 2017) talks about starting businesses across Latin America; in the coupon sector and working with the use of bitcoin. Working also in the Ed Tech sector, offering tuition for school children across 19 countries. Robert works in the sales and operations side of the fastest growing online English academy for kids in Latin America.
Dr Joshua Oppenheimer, a leading medical professional and founder of medical tech start up, Transformative, talks about his career transformation and changing careers. His career journey after his Cambridge MBA(MBA 2014)moves from an emergency medical doctor to the CEO of a private AI and software enterprise in the healthcare sector. Still working directly with hospital patients, Joshua manages to juggle two roles while still growing the business and managing the company growth - during a challenging time for the health sector with Covid-19.
From founding the start up charity Halal Gems through to her role as Director of the Muslim Youth Helpline, Zohra takes us on a varied and fascinating journey through her career, since her Cambridge MBA in 2008/2009. From the food industry and supply chains to youth engagement and empowerment, her career as a founder and entrepreneur examines the challenges and thoughts that exist across varied sectors, all of which are united by a drive for change and to make an impact.
Cambridge Executive MBA alumni Rav Seeruthun(2013)talks about his career in the medical sector from the pharmaceutical industry through to rare diseases and respiratory medicine at Roche, the global pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, where he is now Medical Director. Rav also shares a view on the global pandemic Covid-19 from inside the industry. He covers a career in politics alongside medicine, as well as the key pivot points and changes in his extraordinary career journey.
Cambridge MBA Andreas Kitzing talks about the company Sponsoo, that he founded soon after completing his Cambridge MBA in 2013/14. Sponsoo is Europe's largest digital marketplace for sports sponsorship. From entrepreneurship to brand and marketing to fundraising, Andreas describes his start up journey, alongside his Cambridge MBA year.
The changing face of the workplace after the pandemic, how to manage and think about your mental health during a crisis, and how to build your resilience during a crisis, in order to start preparing to change your career - a personal perspective from Cambridge MBA Executive Director, Conrad Chua.
Cambridge MBA Executive Director gives a range of advice for conducting interviews remotely, either in the new virtual world under Covid-19 conditions in 2020 or indeed when the recruiter is half way across the globe. Putting your best self forward in every scenario.
Conrad Chua, Executive Director of the Cambridge MBA talks about how we can prepare for the future, how we can present and manage ourselves in the current climate of uncertainty, and how MBAs can still work on their career change and ambition.
Covering a career in conservation and the environment, bringing social innovation and entrepreneurship to the table after his MBA year for alumni Paul Herbertson (MBA 2010). Covering business skills in a larger NGO environment to a smaller start up: financial modelling and business strategy, innovation and scaling. Now Director of a tailored conservation focused travel agency, Paul talks about his career change from charity to startup. He tells the story of a career with global impact in the conservation community.
Career coach and talent acquisition consultant, Kate Harman, outlines the Case Interview process; she shares her tips and interview insights after over a decade recruiting talent at Boston Consulting Group, London, UK.
Serial entrepreneur Michael Birdsall (MBA 2012) talks about his rapid startup growth across Asia and North America, in the education and tutoring sector. From scaling up, client relations, tech platforms, to managing vastly different geographies and company culture through enormous growth. Now a startup sales success story - Michael talks about his exit strategy, stepping out of the Founder position in 2019.
Covering a career in leading technology companies across Europe, Asia and the UK, from Amazon, to Adstream to Jagex Games. Hamza Mudassir (MBA 2012) talks about digital transformation and the role storytelling might play in these large-scale digital transformation projects - from product management to corporate strategy. Hamza is now a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School in Strategy.
Dr. Ritika Dave talks about her career in medicine, via the Cambridge MBA(2012), through to the 'business' of science with such giant pharmaceuticals as Astra Zeneca; as well as covering her years of experience in the consultancy world, with consultants L.E.K. Consulting. Ritika covers her career changes and the lessons she has learnt on the way, from analytics to asking the right questions.
As we end 2019, we hear from the year's podcast host Conrad Chua about career tips, and an outlook for the future to de-clutter your life, to help you enter a new decade with a focus on what matters most.
Jon Kwan, global careers consultant and career coach talks about the power of informational interviews as well as using design thinking in your career; and more widely about the job search in Asia. With a background of his own career change, for example, from Canada to Singapore; Jon takes us beyond the 'coffee chat' and the steps to take to find the 'right fit' in your global job search.
Jen Murphy, independent Careers Consultant & Assistant Dean of Career Management and Student Success, Ohio University, talks about careers in the USA, as well as the approach to the job search in North America. Navigating the career journey with a targeted and intentional strategy across the disparate geography of the United States. She covers life choices, from family decisions to career change and work values. She covers mentoring, supporting women in work as well as finding your passion at work.
Career changing star Wee Lee Sim (MBA 2012) talks about his sector experience journey from tech sector start up at Groupon with very little sales experience through to his Cambridge MBA and beyond, to his ultimate pivot into the fast expanding retail and consumer goods sector. Now based at CAA-GBG, one of the world's largest brand management agencies, as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Wee Lee took a journey via the Li and Fung Leadership Programme.
Legend Don Leslie talks about careers in consultancy and the agency he runs advising MBAs and those aiming for this sector. Management Consultancy - How to apply, where to find the jobs, and what you’re letting yourself in for. Don also talks about his own career path and how this sector has developed across the last three decades.
Yuki Kishi (MBA 2016) Director of Fintech at Plug and Play Japan - the early stage investor, accelerator and corporate innovation platform headquartered in the USA, talks about innovation and investment across the VC and investor landscape.
Paul O'Keefe from YaleNUS College, Singapore explores our human motivations from our passions to our interests, our goals and our curiosities. Are interests inherent or can they be developed? Why do we look at change in our career path or our lives more widely? These are some of the questions discussed.
Armin Schriewer VP Finance & Strategy for Dahmakan, Malaysia's biggest food delivery app and service, talks about the business model of providing restaurant quality food with in house suppliers, chefs, delivery units, even packaging to optimise the food delivery industry in this highly successful Asian company.
From journalism to marketing, live events to broadcasting, and creating strategy for a range of broadcast platforms at BT. Kate Wendelboe (MBA 2011) explores the changes across the sector, looking at how people consume content, video and TV today. She also talks about the unique mentoring platform called RISE - for women in broadcasting, which she now sits on as an Advisory Board Member and Mentor.
Chris Maure talks about 'future proofing' your career targeting teenagers and those about to enter the employment field, using a relatively new tool 'My Careers Options' - an online assessment and psychometric testing tool that supports planning a career journey, as we face a future of jobs that as yet may not exist! Working with Dr David Stillwell at Cambridge Judge Business School.
Tania Villares Balsa (MBA 2014) talks about the seed funding and start up support available across the wider Cambridge eco-system, post MBA in her role at Cambridge Enterprise - a commercial arm attached to the University of Cambridge.
Using the power of storytelling to communicate your career aspirations more powerfully to recruiters. Robert Holtom, a professional narrative coach talks about using creative writing skills as a business tool, from refreshing your CV to pitching your idea in the workplace.
What skills are sought in the digital sector globally today? We hear from Jynn Goh the Executive Director of Russell Reynolds based in Singapore. An alumnus of Cambridge University, Jynn talks about agility, leadership, and C-suite recruitment as the technology sector evolves at great speed. She talks about the banking sector, the customer experience as well as the need for change and personal review during any career journey.
A start up story in the Indian logistics sector as Blowhorn was established by Mithun Srivatsa (MBA 2011). Starting out employed by a large shipping company and now running his own delivery and logistics enterprise, developing fast as India grows. From conflict management to crisis systems and the wide range of skills needed to be an entrepreneur in this fast paced sector.
Dickson Ma, Deputy Director of Business Development of AlipayHK, based in Hong Kong, talks about his career in the entertainment industry and how he has now transitioned to the FinTech sector in the cashless digitized payments industry. Dickson Ma also talks about his time and the connections he made on the Cambridge MBA 2011.
From call centre to apps, using an army of two wheeled SMEs across Indonesia and into SE Asia. Chief Human Resources Officer, Monica Oudang talks about her career journey and working with a staff of over 3500 at GOJEK. Social impact, technology and speed are the reason for the foundation of the IT, distribution and services company.
Nanna Saito Nielsen talks about her career journey from Cambridge MBA(MBA 2011) to Director of Banking Operations at GoCardless, as well as her start up journey with both drone technology and across the Fintech sector, travelling and transforming her career from the US to London,UK. Nanna also looks at the gender balance in the fintech and technology sectors, both traditionally less populated by women and the 'Growing Women Initiative' at GoCardless.
The joint Founders of the UK based Brand Experience Agency, Hot Pickle talk about their start up journey, entrepreneurship, user experiences, branding, and the retail experience, as well as Marmite and their favourite barbers! Rupert Pick and Patrick Hammond both Cambridge MBA(2008) take you on their career journey.
Smrithi Ravichandran talks about her leadership role at Flipkart, a fledgling e-commerce company that was then sold to Walmart for a staggering 22 billion dollars. From scaling and global expansion, Smrithi talks about market segmentation, customer and data knowledge and research, as well as development and innovation across the company as a whole; and the creation of the now extremely well established Big Billion Day across India.
Mat Mildenhall (MBA 1997)talks about leadership and strategy across the advertising and creative industries, tracking the advent and history of global marketing and brands through to today's specific data driven mass precision marketing and individual advertising targeting. Career advice and insights from a long personal history across this globally expanding and continually developing industry sector.
Per von Zelowitz (MBA 1991) shares his insights into the Venture Capital sector, the startup sector and working in wireless, across Sweden, New York and now based with PwC.
Ashwini Anburajan (MBA 2009) talks about raising capital and funding through ICOs and other crypto and non traditional mechanisms from her company 22xFund, a start up based in New York. Inclusion, collaboration and invention across the venture capital landscape, specifically from a female entrepreneur and founders perspective.
IBM iX, Managing Consultant Sarah Ishak talks about consultancy and the strategy around digital business. She talks about building your network and working your contacts as you step into a new role and new company, in order to hit the ground running and be as agile as you can.
Iman Karimi (MBA 2010)explores the innovative and disruptive consultancy practices changing the face of global consultancy, as Project Leader and Lead Data Scientist at The Boston Consulting Group and working within GAMMA BCG, London. Focusing on big data and advanced analytics, along with algorithms and data science, Iman shares insights into global recruitment practices, enhanced client relations and advanced consultancy methods to solve issues of big data and the increasing application of AI across the current global business climate.
How to identify and manage stress in the workplace for both managers, leaders and of course ourselves. External Faculty, Cambridge Judge Business School and Executive Coach Dr Helena Kim addresses ways to navigate and cope with stress in the workplace. Harnessing stress in your career journey.
We hear from Ambika Mamgain (MBA 2010) Strategic Programme Manager at YOOX Net A Porter, aka YNAP. Looking at the luxury fashion market and the user experience online, especially in the off-season marketplace. A global brand Ambika is based in London and talks about both brands, the user experience and the online and offline consumer journey, as well as being a working mother.
Entrepreneur Gordon Downes (MBA 2009) talks about the Nyshex shipping exchange based in New York. Applying digital contracting to bring about change in the international ocean shipping market; discussions cover blockchain to big data and minimising risk and waste as a startup operating in the global shipping market.
Priscilla Li shares her insights working at Capgemini as Head of Applied Innovation Exchange. Digital transformation and digital disruption are at the heart of her story as she explores rapid innovation in the consultancy sector with the advance of AI and new technology.
In this episode we hear from Damian Miller who talks about his journey from Cambridge PhD to Shell's Solar Division to CEO and Founder of Orb Energy. Based in Bangalore, we explore the opportunities and challenges that exist across India for an entrepreneur working in the renewable energy sector.
In this episode we hear from Priya Shah who shares her insights about social business and venture funding in India and beyond. Based at Yunus Social Business Fund in Bangalore, Priya explains how innovative funding strategies are used alongside commercial business modelling to address some of the biggest social problems and put an end to poverty.
Conrad meets Oremeyi Akah (MBA 2010) of African payment solutions company Interswitch at the recent Africa Business Conference held in Cambridge. Learn about the evolution and emergence of electronic payments across Africa in the last 15 years. Interswitch is now one of the largest African FinTech companies. Find out how the financial eco system was developed and built to ensure trust and take up amongst customers, institutions and individuals. Built on this infrastructure hear how Interswitch now develops new products for the African domestic market and further FinTech developing markets. Oremeyi gives her insight for those embarking on their MBA and in particular those with ambitions across the African continent.
Conrad meets with Hemant Mohapatra (MBA 2011) during his alumni visit in Bangalore to find out more about the experience that a venture capitalist needs in his/her career planing.
VC is often romanticized in the media. In this episode of the podcast, Carol Cheung (MBA 2012) from Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC), discusses the realities of the industry with Conrad.
Conrad is joined by Miguel Angel Negrete, from the Cambridge MBA Class of 2012, who provides insights in transitioning across geographies throughout the Finance industry.
In this episode, Conrad is joined by Ben Kingsmill from LinkedIn who highlights the use of LinkedIn profiles to differentiate yourself in the eyes of potential employers.
Conrad catches up with 2014 Cambridge MBA alumna Sasirat Kittichungchit to recount her transition from consulting and supply chain management into life insurance. Learn about how Sasirat built her expertise in data analytics which she has used very effectively in her career transitions.
In the final podcast of this South East Asia series, Conrad chats to Lim Teck Yong (TY) about Shopee, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in South East Asia.
Solving simple problems that are taken for granted in the West can lead to rapid growth in areas such as South East Asia. Ceasar Indra, Senior VP of Business Development at Traveloka, shares his insights with Conrad in the Jakarta head office.
Cambridge MBA Alumna Maija Hovila (MBA 2011) shares her insights on the importance of data analytics and how data can be viewed as "the new oil".
Dr David Stillwell, Lecturer in Big Data Analytics & Quantitative Social Science, joins Conrad to discuss the future of big data in this episode on the data analytics theme.
If you want to work where technology is exciting and making great impact, you need to listen to this interview with Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Product Officer of Agoda.com. Omri talks about how South East Asia is a great place for technology companies especially those that can learn and adapt quickly to both Western and Asian business models.
Conrad catches up with Alberto Facelli (MBA 2014), currently working on strategic analytics for Expedia's B2B business, to investigate the impact of data analytics on MBA Careers.
IBM Head of Blockchain for UK & Ireland, Richard Stockley (Cambridge MBA 2014) shares his insights on how MBAs can prepare for roles involving blockchain.
Naoki Kamimaeda (MBA 2012) talks about how he made his transition to VC by leveraging his technical knowledge in AI.
Conrad heads to the Facebook London office to chat to Louise Chow (2010) about her journey from the Cambridge MBA to her current role.
Cambridge MBA Class of 2011 alumnus Chris Kinne shares his post-MBA experiences with Conrad Chua.
Paul Hammer (MBA 1997)provides insight into what led him to the Cambridge MBA and beyond.
Alumna Suneira Rana from the Cambridge MBA Class of 2012 talks to Conrad Chua about her experiences during and after the programme.