TechBurst Talks

In this explosive Tech Burst Talks episode, host Charles sits down with Andrew Staples [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystaples/], a battle-tested geopolitical expert who made the leap from The Economist [https://www.economist.com/] to founding his own advisory firm, GeoPol Asia [https://geopolasia.com/]. Together, they dissect how corporations across Asia are caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions, tariff wars, and supply chain disruptions. This isn't just academic analysis - it's corporate survival intelligence from the trenches.  Staples reveals how multinationals are paralysed by uncertainty, with investment plans on hold whilst executives scramble to navigate everything from Vietnam's tariff backlash to China's strategic overseas expansion. The conversation exposes the volatile landscape where Singapore battles the Middle East for innovation talent, venture capital dries up across Southeast Asia, and Western MNCs find themselves demoted to third-tier priorities by nervous headquarters. From the miscalculation risks that keep geopolitical experts awake at night to Japan's demographic time bomb spurring unprecedented innovation, this episode delivers the tactical insights C-suite leaders need to thrive when caught between superpowers. Whether you're repositioning supply chains or managing expat teams in Asia's dynamic markets, Staples provides the intelligence needed to survive the corporate crossfire of our fractured global order.   SHOW NOTES: 00:08 Introduction and Guest Background 04:17 Geopolitical Climate and Business Impact 06:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Asia 11:02 China's Strategy and Global Influence 13:57 Challenges for Western MNCs in Asia 15:54 Middle East vs. Asia: Innovation and Investment 20:05 VC Slowdown and Future Strategies 22:09 Advice for Western Expats in Asia 23:31 Networking and Curiosity in Asia 24:52 Geopolitical Risks in Asia 26:22 Future Prospects and Global Order 29:58 Personal Reflections and Predictions 37:27 The Allure of Japan 39:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, Bryan Ma joins Charles to unpack the shifting landscape of the global smartphone and device industry. From the US–China tariff shake-up to Apple’s manufacturing pivot toward India and Vietnam, they break down how supply chains are being reengineered in real time. They also dig into the latest AI integrations—from smartphones to PCs—and what Computex 2025 revealed about the future of consumer tech. Expect insights on Samsung, Google, OpenAI, and what might finally follow the smartphone era. Tariffs, AI, and tech power plays—this is the episode that connects the dots. SHOW NOTES 00:10 Introduction and Greetings 00:23 Annual Update on Smartphones and Devices 00:41 Impact of Tariffs on the Tech Industry 04:03 Apple's Strategy to Navigate Tariffs 05:31 Samsung and Other OEMs' Responses 11:56 PC Industry and Tariff Implications 14:13 Shifts in Global Manufacturing 16:33 AI PCs: Hype or Reality? 20:28 AI on Smartphones: The Evolution 21:21 Samsung's AI Innovations 21:48 The Search for AI Use Cases 24:30 OpenAI's Big Move 25:30 Future of AI Hardware 27:13 AI's Rapid Adoption 28:o0 Challenges in AI Deployment 29:18 Foldable Phones and Future Trends 31:12 Wearables: The Next Frontier 35:40 Computex Highlights 38:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🚀 AI is transforming advertising, and in this episode, we dive deep into how digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is changing the game. My guest, Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City, explains how her company is using AI, foot traffic analytics, and real-time bidding to make billboard advertising as dynamic and targeted as online ads. No more two-week static campaigns—now brands can target the right people, at the right time, in the right place. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How AI is revolutionising outdoor advertising ✅ The power of real-time ad buying & precision targeting ✅ How challenger brands are using AI to take on big advertisers ✅ The future of DOOH advertising—from 3D billboards to hyperlocal campaigns 🔥 Whether you’re in marketing, AI, or just curious about how technology is reshaping the industry, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now!   SHOW NOTES: ⏳ [00:00] Introduction • Charles welcomes Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City. • Today’s topic: How AI is transforming the digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising industry.   ⏳ [01:30] What is Digital Out-of-Home Advertising? • DOOH is modern outdoor advertising using digital billboards instead of static posters. • Ads can now be traded in real time, rather than booked in weeks-long slots. • More flexibility and precision targeting for advertisers.   ⏳ [04:15] How Flow City is Changing the Game • Flow City connects AI, foot traffic data, and ad space to help brands buy smarter and target better. • Real-time audience insights: Ads are served when the right people are present. • Example: A tech brand targeting London professionals can buy space at peak commute hours in key locations.   ⏳ [08:30] Dagny’s Journey: From Journalism to AI & Advertising • Started in TV advertising, later shifted into digital outdoor advertising. • Founded Flow City to make advertising more data-driven and accessible. • Early challenges: Moving from retail analytics to smart city-driven ad placements.   ⏳ [12:00] AI & Footfall Analytics in Advertising • Predicting audience movement in cities using AI. • Why traditional retail analytics didn’t work, but DOOH was a perfect match. • Dynamic content: Tailoring ads in real-time based on location and audience type.   ⏳ [16:30] The Pandemic Pivot: Turning Crisis into Growth • COVID-19 shut down outdoor advertising, leaving Flow City in crisis. • The tech team used the downtime to develop better automation. • Breakthrough moment: Secured direct access to premium ad networks, unlocking major growth. • New model: Clients only pay for ads when they are actually seen, reducing risk.   ⏳ [21:00] AI’s Role in Pricing & Campaign Optimization • AI helps brands find the best locations at the best prices. • Avoiding high-cost ad slots by identifying when advertising competition is lower. • Strategic ad buying: Instead of running for two weeks, brands can spread ads over months for better impact.   ⏳ [25:15] Challenger Brands vs. Big Advertisers • Big brands are slow to adopt change, while small brands use AI to disrupt the market. • Case study: A challenger brand outperformed an industry leader, which eventually went into administration. • Startups and new brands can now compete with industry giants using targeted, affordable ad placements.   ⏳ [30:00] How Flow City Works for Clients • AI analyzes audience behavior and suggests optimal ad placements. • Example: Instead of random billboards across London, the system targets a specific group repeatedly for higher impact. • Smart pricing: Ads are placed where they cost less but still reach the right people.   ⏳ [34:00] The Future of Digital Out-of-Home Advertising • 3D digital ads & transparent screens are the next big innovations. • Hyperlocal targeting: Global brands are now customizing ads per city and even per neighborhood. • AI is improving real-time engagement in advertising, making campaigns more interactive.   ⏳ [37:30] Startup Challenges & The London VC Scene • London’s VC market is risk-averse, making it harder for startups to secure funding. • Many European startups end up raising money in the US or Asia. • Flow City grew by focusing on profitability instead of chasing VC funding.   ⏳ [40:00] Final Thoughts & Closing • Flow City’s mission: Help challenger brands take market share from incumbents. • The future: Expanding to more markets, helping millions of businesses run smarter ad campaigns.

🚀 Tech, Marketing, and a Football Obsession—What Could Go Wrong?   In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with my old mate Jon Buckthorp—Commercial Director of Differentiated, founder of Jon B Studios, and the kind of guy who juggles marketing, content, board advisory roles, and a questionable football allegiance (looking at you, Lincoln City).   We cut through the noise of B2B marketing, diving into: 🔥 Why creativity is the secret weapon in tech marketing 🔥 The brutal truth about building a personal brand 🔥 How to stay authentic in a world of corporate BS   Plus, we chat about Jon’s journey from Vodafone to his portfolio career, the future of B2B marketing, and—because he can’t help himself—football.   This one’s raw, insightful, and packed with no-BS lessons on career, creativity, and making an impact. Tune in, laugh a little, and maybe even learn something.   01:15 Welcome to TechBurst Talks with Jon Buckthorp 02:05 Jon's Journey in Tech and Marketing 04:00 The Birth of a Portfolio Career 05:10 Inside Differentiated: Creativity in B2B Marketing 06:36 Jon B Studios: Influencer Marketing Redefined 08:15 Challenges and Triumphs of Personal Branding 17:40 The Women's Sports Alliance: Promoting Women in Sports 19:45 Future Goals and Aspirations 21:30 B2B Tech Marketing: The Good, The Bad, and The Creative 22:50 Deliberate Marketing Strategies 23:33 B2B Marketing Success Stories 26:35 Challenges in 5G Marketing 28:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches 33:25 Personal Reflections and Career Advice 36:05 Fun and Personal Questions 41:40 Closing Remarks   Find out more:  Differentiated  Web Site [https://www.differentiated.co.uk/]  Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/differentiated/?viewAsMember=true] Women's Sports Alliance  Web Site [https://www.wsportsalliance.com/]   Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsportsalliance/posts/?feedView=all] Follow Jon on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbuckthorp/]  X [https://x.com/Buckee]  BlueSky [http://buckee.bsky.social/]   Download Differentiated’s “Art and Science Research Report”  here [https://documents.differentiated.co.uk/art-and-science/2024/]

In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to talk about his work on the mobile B2B team and the cutting-edge advancements Samsung is making, particularly in AI technology for smartphones. We dive into the new Galaxy AI capabilities, including features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Ian shares why on-device AI is critical for ensuring both security and speed and discusses Samsung’s collaborations with major tech players. We also explore how AI is being implemented in industries like law enforcement and finance. On a lighter note, Ian opens up about his passion for coffee and his quirky sock collection. To wrap up, we talk about the future of AI and its transformative potential across different sectors. Show Notes: 00:45 Welcome to Tech Burst Talks 01:00 Introducing Ian Chong and His Role at Samsung 01:35 AI Innovations in Samsung Smartphones 02:13 Galaxy AI Features in Action 04:25 Live Translate and Business Features 08:00 Samsung’s Security Measures 10:49 Rugged Devices for Various Industries 13:27 Customer Insights on AI 16:58 Samsung’s Open Ecosystem and Partnerships 21:45 Enhancing Experiences with AI 22:21 Addressing AI Skepticism 24:25 The Power of Hyper-Connected Devices 25:38 Future of AI and Gen AI 26:44 AI in Retail and B2B Applications 29:36 Transformative AI in Healthcare 31:20 Personal Addictions: Coffee and Crazy Socks 36:18 Reflections and Future Aspirations 38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell