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This episode of the DM-Mi Podcast takes an inside look at the recent Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack — one of the most disruptive and costly breaches in UK history.

Guest Chris Woods, Founder & CEO of CyberQ Group, explains how the attack unfolded, what made it so devastating, and why the UK Government’s £1.9 billion intervention marked a turning point in national cyber resilience.

The conversation explores the evolving tactics of hackers, the rise of AI-powered ransomware, and how IoT vulnerabilities — from smart devices to connected factories — create hidden risks for organisations. Chris also shares practical guidance on cyber readiness, from monitoring and multi-factor authentication to managing human error and insider threats.

The episode closes with a look at Birmingham’s growing tech scene and what the West Midlands can do to become a leading hub for cybersecurity innovation.

CyberQGroup: https://cyberqgroup.com/

Follow CyberQGroup

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyberqgroup/

https://x.com/CyberQ_Group

https://www.youtube.com/@CyberQGroup

Connect with Chris Wood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrwoods/

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, we speak with Professor Lincoln Allison, a political philosopher and academic specialising in the politics of sport. Over a career of more than 40 years, Prof Allison established the Centre for the Study of Sport at the University of Warwick and has authored books such as The Politics of Sport. He discusses the relationship between sport, power structures, historical developments, and international relations.

The conversation covers the historical foundations of modern sport, including influences from ancient Greek practices on events like the discus and javelin, and Roman uses of games for political purposes. Mr. Allison examines the distinction between amateurism and professionalism, with references to cricket's separation of "gentlemen" and "players" until 1963, rugby union's restrictions on compensation until the 1990s, and recent changes in U.S. collegiate athletics. The discussion also addresses the concept of sport's "purity" in the context of commercialization and the focus on individual athletes, while noting the continued role of amateur participation in community settings.

Further topics include the intersection of politics and sport, such as boycotts related to the Cold War and apartheid, the prohibition of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters at Aston Villa in light of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Russia's removal from international competitions following the invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Allison considers sport's independence from broader legal frameworks and the implications of increasing global divisions, including the development of cricket in Afghanistan and opportunities for cross-border participation in leagues like the IPL. The episode concludes with reflections on potential future dynamics between sport and geopolitics.

This discussion is relevant for those interested in philosophy, sports history, or international affairs, providing an examination of sport as both a cultural activity and a platform for political influence.

For more on Lincoln Allison's work, please visit https://www.lincolnallison.com/.

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In this episode, we sit down with Harris Beider, founder of the Forward Institute
and internationally recognised academic, to discuss how Birmingham can reinvent itself as a model city of renewal. From his personal journey growing up in Birmingham to teaching at Columbia University and Cambridge University, Harris shares powerful insights on leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

We explore the vision behind the Forward Institute—an “ideas factory” designed to tackle urban challenges, drive rapid prototyping, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Harris also reflects on Birmingham’s rich cultural heritage, from its industrial past to its diverse communities, and why embracing history, culture, and everyday people is key to shaping the city’s future.

If you’re interested in urban renewal, leadership, city innovation, and Birmingham’s future, this conversation offers practical ideas and inspiring perspectives.

👉 Learn more at the https://www.forwardinstitute.co.uk/

👉 Connect with Harris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/harris-beider-170abb11/

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Unicorns, AI, and Green Startups: The Future of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Joachim Timlon

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Joachim Timlon, senior lecturer at the University of Birmingham Business School, to explore the dynamic intersection of startups, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.

Dr. Timlon shares insights from his extensive experience in management consulting, startup leadership, and corporate strategy, explaining the differences between startups, unicorns, decacorns, and green unicorns. He discusses how AI is reshaping startup growth and business models, from the rise of generative AI and cognitive agents to the future of AI-powered factories.

We examine how venture capital fuels unicorn startups, how AI and machine learning are accelerating innovation, and the challenges of balancing AI’s energy demands with sustainability goals. Dr. Timlon also offers practical advice for startup founders on how to integrate AI responsibly while maintaining their unique value proposition in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven landscape.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, technologist, or curious about the future of business, this episode provides actionable insights on navigating the opportunities and risks of AI in the startup ecosystem.

Listeners can connect with Dr. Timlon on LinkedIn, explore his profile at the University of Birmingham, or visit his personal website at www.drtimlon.com.

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Our first episode!!!

An introduction into what you can look forward to over the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!!!

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Speaking Freely – Khadija Khan on Faith, Feminism, and Free Speech

In this thought-provoking episode, journalist and broadcaster Khadija Khan joins us to discuss her journey from Pakistan to the UK, her fight for free expression, and the challenges of speaking honestly in an era of cultural sensitivity and cancel culture.

We explore:

• Her personal experience with religious orthodoxy and women’s rights
• Why she believes freedom of speech is under threat—even in liberal democracies
• The grooming gang scandal and the risks of ignoring cultural and religious factors
• How social media is transforming the landscape of journalism and dissent

Khadija also shares her work as Cultural and Political Editor at A Further Enquiry and her role as co-host of their podcast. https://afurtherinquiry.substack.com/

🔗 Follow Khadija Khan on X: @KhadijaKhan__

This is a candid, fearless conversation that challenges comfortable narratives and defends the principle that no idea is above scrutiny.

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Leon Jackson, is the Founder & CEO of Touchtight Coaching, and in this episode we chart Leon's journey as a former semi-pro footballer, to teacher and UEFA A qualified youth football coach at Wolverhampton Wanders Academy.

Leon shares his journey from playing non-league football to coaching young talents like Morgan Gibbs-White, reflecting on the challenges of injuries, the unorthodox paths to success, and the passion that keeps players and coaches in the game.

We dive into the evolving world of youth football academies, the impact of education on coaching, and how technology and analytical thinking are shaping the future of the sport. Whether you're a football fan, a coach, or just love stories of grit and growth, this episode offers an inspiring look at the heart of the beautiful game.

Website: https://app.touchtight.com/ & https://club.touchtight.com/

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, we host journalist Hardeep Singh about his career path, from radio beginnings to writing for outlets like The Spectator and Spiked Online. He shares how a 2007 defamation lawsuit shaped his focus on free speech, contributing to UK libel law reforms. The discussion covers his work on cultural and political topics—such as grooming gangs and the 2022 Leicester unrest—and the challenges of freelancing in a changing media landscape, including the rise of platforms like Substack.

We also explore identity, debating Rishi Sunak’s "Englishness" (he suggests British Hindu heritage) and critiquing ethnic classifications in the census and justice system. He questions "non-crime hate incidents," and calls for their removal to protect free expression.

As deputy director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, he outlines its efforts to promote Sikh values and religious literacy, a key issue for the community.

Follow him on X at @singhtwo22 for more insights.
Network of Sikh Organisations https://nsouk.co.uk/

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