In this episode of the Unless: The Podcast, host Dr. Hemma Lomax introduces Dean Elwood, founder and CEO of Umony, an AI-powered platform that helps financial firms automatically monitor their communications to ensure they comply with industry regulations.

Dean discusses his career focus on the importance of communications in building trust and accountability within organizations. He explains how capturing real-time data from communications can prevent large-scale fraud and ethical breaches. Dean also emphasizes the role of culture in compliance and the potential of AI to analyze communications data, uncovering insights that can improve both employee well-being and organizational integrity. Throughout the conversation, Dean shares his philosophy on leadership and the importance of empathy and care in building a sustainable and effective business culture.

Highlights include:

• Revealing the Truth in Communications

• Building a Culture of Care and Compliance

• The Role of AI in Early Detection

• Handling Challenges in Data Capture and Privacy

• Embedding Empathy in Technology as a Craft

Resources:

• Umony: https://umony.com

• Beyond Capture Podcast:

• • Description: The official podcast from Umony, hosted by CEO Dean Elwood. It explores how firms can leverage the vast amounts of data they capture and transform it into a powerful asset, featuring conversations with Chief Compliance Officers, regulatory experts, and industry leaders.

  • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-beyond-capture-podcast/id1808931470

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UmonyLimited

Biography

Dean Elwood is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Umony, an AI-powered platform for communications compliance in regulated industries.

He is a serial communications entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience building and leading teams at the intersection of telecoms, compliance, and AI. His career has spanned roles from hands-on engineering to corporate development, giving him a rare mix of deep technical knowledge and commercial strategy.

Prior to Umony, Dean founded Voxygen, a voice and communications innovation company. He successfully led Voxygen through a period of significant growth, culminating in its acquisition by the Lebara Group. Known for a pragmatic, customer-led approach, Dean works closely with financial services leaders and regulators to translate complex compliance requirements into clear, executable solutions.

He is also the host of the "Beyond Capture" podcast.

• A Life-Changing Accident
• The Journey to Recovery
• Understanding Neuroplasticity
• The Relationship between Well-being and Performance
• Building a Neuroplastician's Network
• The Future of Brain Science

As founder of npnHub and the Institute of Organisational Neuroscience, Dr. Kennedy has helped create a global community of "Neuroplasticians" dedicated to applying brain science in coaching, leadership, and organizational life. His work focuses on the "Performance-Wellness" model, helping individuals and organizations balance high output with sustainable well-being.

• Brain Reboot: A Change of Mind Will Change Your Brain – professorkennedy.com/brainreboot

• npnHub – npnhub.com

• Neuroplasticity News – NeuroplasticityNews.com

• Psychology Today articles – psychologytoday.com

In this episode of 'Unless the Podcast,' Dr. Hemma Lomax interviews the iconic John Graham, an adventurer turned global hero and leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project. Starting his journey at 16 with a trip to Asia on a freighter, Graham's life has been marked by outsized risks, bold actions, and daring adventure. Join John on this inspiring and nail-biting journey filled with bravado, humanity, and deep reflection.

Tune in to hear how John faced the first of several near-death experiences during the Algerian revolution, a treacherous climb on Mount Denali, encounters during the Vietnam War and the Foreign Service, and how he helped end apartheid at the United Nations. John shares his transformative journey from seeking adrenaline to finding profound meaning in service. He also discusses his latest venture as 'Badass Granddad' on TikTok, inspiring younger generations to take courageous actions.

Highlights:

• Climbing Denali and the Path to the Foreign Service and the United Nations

• The Giraffe Heroes Project: A Legacy of Courage

• Finding Meaning Through Service

• The Importance of Risk-Taking

• Reflecting on Legacy and Impact

Biography

John Graham is an adventurer, diplomat, and changemaker. After early exploits that took him from climbing the South Wall of Denali to serving in war zones as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, John shifted his life's mission after a near-death experience at sea. For the past 40 years, he has helped lead the Giraffe Heroes Project, honoring and supporting people who "stick their necks out" for the common good. Through Giraffe Heroes International, he has expanded this work globally, inspiring civic courage in countries from Nepal to Zimbabwe.

He is also the creator of the viral TikTok and YouTube series "Badass Granddad", where he shares short adventure stories paired with practical life lessons for the next generation. John is the author of multiple books, including Quest for the Meaning of Life, Stick Your Neck Out, and On the Edge: Stories of Adventure and Leadership.

Learn more and connect with John:

• 🌍 Giraffe Heroes Project: giraffe.org

• 🎥 Badass Granddad series: John Graham – Badass Granddad

• 📚 Books, bio & blogs: johngraham.org

• 📺 Sample interview: John Graham on YouTube