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 to AI, rebranding to HumanSpark.ai, why he went all in

03:14 - Human-first AI, empower teams, from productivity gains to transformation and learning

07:38 - Case study, medical lab automation cuts processing from 90 minutes to two

14:02 - Accuracy and evals, error checking, and why the EU AI Act matters

17:22 - AGI outlook, the jagged edge of AI strengths and weaknesses

21:56 - Writing Use AI, Stay Human, developmental editor, and synthetic beta readers

32:48 - Free AI toolkits, adoption roadmap, where to find Alastair, closing remarks

Listen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

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 Albania to London: Jona’s Journey

02:20 - Starting as a Virtual Assistant

04:32 - Building Confidence and Helping Businesses

08:01 - The Social Media Landscape Today

15:19 - SEO vs AI Optimization

17:49 - Creating the Moving Women Forward Community

29:25 - Key Takeaway: “I Did It” Mindset

Listen to The Global Discussion

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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 of project work with a focus on prioritization

11:48 - From saying no to asking why, driving real prioritization decisions

13:34 - The SAVE technique, practical tactics to kick start any project

19:51 - Lean Coffee explained, surfacing issues and creating buy in

24:24 - Risk based contingency, replacing blanket 10 to 20 percent buffers

29:43 - Blending agile and waterfall, choosing what fits your team and context

Listen to The Global Discussion

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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’s background in advertising and early career journey

02:15 – Transition to freelancing in 2005 and early challenges

06:49 – Impact of COVID-19 and how The Indie List began

13:10 – How The Indie List is different from other freelance platforms

22:16 – Providing business and compliance support for freelancers

25:01 – The changing mindset of senior professionals post-COVID

33:02 – Future focus on skills development and education initiatives

Listen to The Global Discussion

• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n

• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠

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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 Herlihy

00:39 – Úna’s background in advertising and early career journey

02:15 – Transition to freelancing in 2005 and early challenges

06:27 – Impact of COVID-19 and how The Indie List began

13:14 – How The Indie List is different from other freelance platforms

25:05 – The changing mindset of senior professionals post-COVID

33:02 – Future focus on skills development and education initiatives

Listen to The Global Discussion

• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n

• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠

• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos

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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 communicating with purpose.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Andie Cooper of Beachhut PR

02:45 – Why Local PR Comes First for Startups

05:00 – Telling a Value-Driven Story, Not a Technical One

07:43 – The Importance of Translating Complexity

11:23 – Building Media Relationships That Last

15:17 – Helping Founders Become Confident Spokespeople

25:36 – How PR Has Evolved With Speed and New Channels

32:33 – Using PR to Amplify Women in Tech

Listen to The Global Discussion• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos• Others ► LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and FacebookJoin the newsletter via the website for updates on new episodes.

Jim Carlough, Chief Sales Officer at mPulse, is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in healthcare and technology. With a proven track record of empowering leaders and launching his new book, Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, Jim joins Simon Hodgkins to unpack how integrity, empathy, and laughter can define outstanding leadership in today's world.

00:00 – Introduction Jim Carlough

01:03 – From Healthcare & Tech to Mentoring

04:36 – Pillar 1: Integrity & Trust

05:00 – Authoritarian vs Human Leadership

06:29 – Compassion vs Empathy Defined

07:45 – Stability, Focus & the Bezos Example

08:27 – Humor as a Leadership Tool

13:32 – Lifelong Learning & Mentors

16:39 – Remote Leadership & Video Connection

20:00 – Burnout, Well‑Being & Duty of Care

21:59 – Coaching Program & Future Plans

24:40 – Connect with Jim & Book Info

25:44 – Closing Thoughts on Optimism

Listen to The Global Discussion

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If you've been wondering how SEO is evolving in the age of AI, this episode of The Global Discussion is one you'll want to spend time with. Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Maeva Cifuentes, Founder of Flying Cat Marketing, to discuss the shifting landscape of search, content, and digital strategy.

Maeva brings sharp insight, deep experience, and a clear voice to conversations that cut through the hype and get to what matters for businesses today.

00:40 – How SEO and Search Are Evolving with AI

01:10 – Why Ranking #1 Doesn’t Always Mean Clicks

03:05 – The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Technical SEO

05:00 – Rethinking SEO Metrics in the Age of AI Overviews

06:00 – Chasing LLM Visibility: What Actually Matters

08:15 – Why Domain Expertise Beats High-Volume Content

11:42 – How Brands Can Start Ranking in AI Results

22:02 – Empowering Ambitious Women Toward Leadership

Listen to The Global Discussion

• Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3QdMqfzyvca6EVlEJ80I4n

• Web ► https://www.theglobaldiscussion.com⁠

• YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@theglobaldiscussion/videos

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