What a privilege this was. On the show today we have none other than Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin. From New York Times Magazine to Wired and Newsweek Gary has covered a wide range of topics balancing deep research with ethical concern.

We discuss his new book AI Valley where he shadows the top thinkers in the field of Artificial Intelligence, introducing the breakthroughs and developments that will change the way we live and work.

In AI Valley, Gary brings us deep into the world of AI development in Silicon Valley. Rivlin closely follows founders and venture capitalists trying to capitalize on this AI moment.

AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence is essential reading for anyone interested in the explosive growth of generative AI.

It's a brilliant read, Rivlin introduces us to a raft of AI experts, including Reid Hoffman, of Manus AI and Inflection AI, American internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, OpenAI cofounder Sam Altman and Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind, an early AI startup that Google bought for $650 million in 2014. Rivlin also brings readers inside Microsoft, Meta, Google and other tech giants scrambling to keep pace.

We discuss:

• Comparison of AI Boom to Dot-Com Era
• Venture Capital's Role in AI Innovation
• AI Funding and the Role of Large Tech Companies
• Hidden Power Brokers in the AI Economy
• Geopolitics and AI Innovation
• Concerns about AI Deployment and Guardrails
• Limitations and Misconceptions of Autonomous AI
• Positive Applications and Deliberate Development of AI
• Historical Parallels: AI Winters and Overselling
• Advice for Building with AI in a Concentrated Market
• Talent War and Exorbitant Salaries in AI
• AI's Impact on Professions and Future Advice
• AI Proficiency and Discernment
• China's Energy Advantage and Future AI Development

Gary is a truth seeker who uses storytelling to make the hidden or ignored visible. He's somebody who believes stories matter: that telling them well can influence understanding, policy, culture. I applaud you for this, for AI Valley, everyone should go get a copy.

Follow Gary

Website: https://garyrivlin.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rivlin/

AI Valley: https://amzn.asia/d/hIj41qv

#ai #tech #agenticai

Follow Tim

Tim is recognised in the Worlds Top 30 Negotiation Professionals of 2025, an award winning best selling Author of 5 books and negotiation expert. His books are relied upon by Universities, Fortune 100 companies and prestigious startups as playbooks to influence, persuasion, sales and negotiation.

NEW BOOK: #1 on Amazon #startingabusiness - The First Domino, leverage your sales process, take more risk and win clients. Don't miss the Launch Promo https://a.co/d/jl1aYMQ

Free Sales Resources here https://www.thefirstdominobook.com/

Tims YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimCastle

Negotiation Expert Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timjscastle/?hl=en

The Highly Skilled Negotiator Short Course (80+ LESSONS + Bonus course Job Interview Mastery) - improve your negotiation skills. https://www.timjscastle.com/the-highly-skilled-negotiator

Tim's Website https://www.timjscastle.com/

Contact: tim@timjscastle.com

Today on the show we have a seasoned journalist I have long admired. Having met in Singapore over 5 years ago, I've seen Justin take on new challenges and counties, daring to tackle topics and go deep into the latest innovations and trends.

He's the type of reporter you want to read, giving you the no fluff insight you've been looking for and shining a light on power stories at the leading edge.

That's why this conversation goes deep, its a treasure trove of strategies and advice for entrepreneurs

What makes a great journalist in 2025? How should entrepreneurs really approach media if they want to get noticed? And is crypto still a wealth creation opportunity - or just noise?

I sat down with Justin Harper - award-winning journalist (BBC, FT, Daily Mail, Arabian Business, Campaign ME, Entrepreneur Middle East) and author of The Crypto Clear Newsletter — to unpack:

✅ Why storytelling is the secret weapon for entrepreneurs and startups
✅ The future of journalism in an AI-driven world
✅ How crypto is reshaping money and opportunity
✅ What it takes to stand out in business, media, and life

Justin’s sharp wit, global perspective, and integrity make this an unmissable conversation.

Justin dives deep into

• The most exciting trends shaping the GCC's startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem right now
• How Middle East founders differentiate themselves compared to Silicon Valley or Asia-based entrepreneurs
• What journalists look for in a story that makes them say: This is worth covering
• How founders should approach media if they want to get featured
• The qualities that consistently stand out among those who succeed
• What makes a great journalist
• How AI is changing journalism and the role of journalists is evolving

As a journalist for Entrepreneur Middle East, as well as Podcast Host, Former BBC, FT, Daily Mail, Arabian Business covering Business, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurs and Author of Crypto Clear newsletter Justin has seen it all, been their and got the t-shirt.

You'd be wise to tune in, listen up and take notes. This is episode delivers right the way through.

Follow Justin

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/harperjustin/?originalSubdomain=ae

Crypto Clear Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wtf-crypto-clear-justin-harper-uihgf/

Follow Tim

Tim is recognised in the Worlds Top 30 Negotiation Professionals of 2025, an award winning best selling Author of 5 books and negotiation expert. His books are relied upon by Universities, Fortune 100 companies and prestigious startups as playbooks to influence, persuasion, sales and negotiation.

Grab a copy of his new book The First Domino and leverage your sales process, take more risk and win clients. Get it here: https://a.co/d/jl1aYMQ

Get Free Sales Resources here https://www.thefirstdominobook.com/

Tims YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimCastle

Negotiation Expert Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timjscastle/?hl=en

The Highly Skilled Negotiator Short Course (80+ LESSONS + Bonus course Job Interview Mastery) - exactly what you need to learn to improve your negotiation skills. https://www.timjscastle.com/the-highly-skilled-negotiator

Tim's Website https://www.timjscastle.com/

Contact: tim@timjscastle.com

This is very special episode, one that everyone MUST listen to deeply - it could change your life!

Business leaders need to find inner peace if they are to create an inspiring and sustainable future.

Fabrice Desmarescaux former partner at McKinsey & Company, Fabrice has practiced meditation, taught yoga, and led spiritual retreats for two decades. Fabrice looks after leadership development at McKinsey & Company.

The first half of his life is a very classic business background, engineering, then to business school, to partner.

Externally Fabrice had all the markers of success, the position, the responsibility, a few thousand under his care, but he realized he was not really fulfilled - he was not enjoying himself. This triggered a point of reflection and a complete career change at 42.

He went from being a senior banker, to starting completely afresh as global executive search and then coaching. He understood what the drivers of great careers are. What separates people who make it to the top. What makes people feel fulfilled and what makes people run on empty. He had finally found something that made him feel very fulfilled.

His practice transformed to coaching. Now he works with executive leaders to develop the next generation of leaders.

His groundbreaking book The Art of Retreats: A leaders journey to clarity, balance and purpose, provides simple, practical advice for creating effective solo retreats, from the occasional hour carved into the day to profoundly insightful weekends and more. Drawing on a unique combination of business experience, science, philosophy, and ancient wisdom, it offers deep reflections, practices, and contemplations that will help leaders find peace, resolve, and wisdom in an otherwise hectic life.

In this episode we talk about:

• How do we enable organizations to flourish?
• The of damage of business
• What are the patterns for people who are driven, smart, conscientiousness and hungry who push and cut themselves no slack?
• How do you balance promotions and money with fulfillment?

I felt like I was guided into his work and Fabrice can help a lot of listeners manage this situation.

Follow Fabrice

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabrice-desmarescaux/?originalSubdomain=sg

The Art of Retreats Book https://www.amazon.sg/Art-Retreats-Leaders-Journey-Clarity/dp/1544526385

McKinsey & Company https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/fabrice-desmarescaux

Follow Tim

Tim is recognised in the Worlds Top 30 Negotiation Professionals of 2025, an award winning best selling Author of 5 books and negotiation expert. His books are relied upon by Universities, Fortune 100 companies and prestigious startups as playbooks to influence, persuasion, sales and negotiation.

Grab a copy of his new book The First Domino and leverage your sales process, take more risk and win clients. Get it here: https://a.co/d/jl1aYMQ

Get Free Sales Resources here https://www.thefirstdominobook.com/

Tims YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TimCastle

Negotiation Expert Instagram https://www.instagram.com/timjscastle/?hl=en

The Highly Skilled Negotiator Short Course (80+ LESSONS + Bonus course Job Interview Mastery) - exactly what you need to learn to improve your negotiation skills. https://www.timjscastle.com/the-highly-skilled-negotiator

Tim's Website https://www.timjscastle.com/

Contact: tim@timjscastle.com