The Gulf Equation: Balancing Tradition and Transformation

The Gulf Equation: Balancing Tradition and Transformation

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2060092/open_sms] In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Emilie Rutledge—Senior Lecturer in Economics and Head of Discipline at The Open University—shares her fascinating, unconventional career journey from the Midlands to the Middle East and back again. With decades of experience across academia, government, and industry, Emilie opens up about her deep interest in Gulf economies, economic diversification, and the often invisible forces shaping policy and people's lives. She discusses what it means to be an applied economist, the socio-political structures of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and how living and working across diverse cultures has shaped her outlook. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in global economics, policy, resilience, and pursuing a meaningful academic life. About Dr. Emilie Rutledge Dr. Emilie Rutledge is an applied economist specialising in the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). She serves as Head of Economics at The Open University and has previously held roles in the UK Civil Service, energy consultancy, and investment banking. Emilie’s academic work explores themes like economic diversification, labour market policy, and regional integration. She is also deeply engaged in widening participation in higher education and supporting the next generation of economists. Learn more: https://www.erutledge.com/about/ [https://www.erutledge.com/about/] Key Takeaways: * The integration of cultural understanding with economic analysis is critical in studying Gulf economies * Understanding the unique characteristics of expatriate-majority workforces can lead to breakthroughs in labor policy * The transition to post-oil economies offers promising avenues for sustainable regional development * Embrace non-linear career paths and develop transferable skills across sectors Resources and Links: * Contributor to The Conversation [https://theconversation.com/profiles/emilie-rutledge-1334671] (republished in National Geographic and The Hindu) * Oil and gas markets in the UK: Evidence from a cointegrating approach  [https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/eneeco/v29y2007i2p329-347.html] * Monetary Union in the Gulf: Prospects for a Single Currency in the Arabian Peninsula: 13 (Durham Modern Middle East and Islamic World Series) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Monetary-Union-Gulf-Prospects-Peninsula/dp/0415459427] * Memory of Professor Rodney Wilson [https://www.islamicfinancenews.com/rodney-wilson-passes-away.html?__cf_chl_tk=HGHNSRcsmlkDdGuC80qAV6KgFtGoNk9wkKvuPacbQnA-1752436259-1.0.1.1-62yLPrfka1ZSwjYp18fZL6kg6_DGzRBf55Wcxf9Xbik]: Durham University's Institute for Middle Eastern Islamic studies If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review to help us bring more expert insights #GulfEconomics #MiddleEastStudies #EconomicDiversification #PostOilTransition #LaborMarkets #SocialContracts #RegionalEconomics #OpenUniversity #GCCEconomies #EconomicPolicy #WelfareStates #ExpatriateWorkers #ClimateEconomics #FutureofGulf #EconomicResearch #Dr Emilie Rutledge Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com

Powering the Future: Breakthroughs in Energy Storage and Material Science with Dr. Sam Cooper

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2060092/open_sms] In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sam Cooper, a leading researcher at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London. Dr. Cooper shares his journey from studying mechanical engineering to focusing on material science and energy storage technologies. We dive deep into his research, exploring next-generation energy solutions, computational methods for material design, and the exciting future of battery and fuel cell technologies. Key Takeaways: * The integration of computational methods with material design is critical in solving energy storage challenges. * Understanding the microstructure of materials can lead to breakthroughs in battery and fuel cell performance. * The transition to hydrogen fuel cells offers promising avenues for sustainable energy solutions. Resources and Links: * Dr. Sam Cooper’s Profile at Imperial College London * https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/samuel.cooper [https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/samuel.cooper] * An Introduction to Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials, Technology and Applications -  * https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317507256_An_Introduction_to_Solid_Oxide_Fuel_Cell_Materials_Technology_and_Applications [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317507256_An_Introduction_to_Solid_Oxide_Fuel_Cell_Materials_Technology_and_Applications] * Github - * https://tldr-group.github.io/#/  [https://tldr-group.github.io/#/ ] * https://github.com/samocooper [https://github.com/samocooper] * Coursera - Mathematics for Machine Learning Specialization * https://www.coursera.org/specializations/mathematics-machine-learning [https://www.coursera.org/specializations/mathematics-machine-learning] * Imperial College London – Dyson School of Design Engineering- * https://www.imperial.ac.uk/design-engineering/ [https://www.imperial.ac.uk/design-engineering/] @mentioned: * Dr. Sam Cooper: Leading researcher at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London. * Dyson School of Design Engineering: Part of Imperial College, focusing on interdisciplinary research in design and engineering. * Fred Marquis: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fred-Marquis [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fred-Marquis] * Mary Ryan: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ryan-63980926b/?originalSubdomain=uk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ryan-63980926b/?originalSubdomain=uk] * https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/m.p.ryan [https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/m.p.ryan] Call to Action: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us bring more expert insights from the world of science and technology.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com

Calming the Storm: Mindfulness for a More Human Leadership

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2060092/open_sms] Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock, a renowned researcher in mindfulness, leadership, and decision-making from City, University of London. With a fascinating journey from IT consulting to academia, Dr Tobias Mortlock explores how mindfulness can transform individual and team performance, especially in high-stress environments. We delve into the science of mindfulness, its practical applications in leadership, and the importance of collective mindfulness in creating resilient teams. Key Quotes: * “Mindfulness is not just an individual practice; it’s a social practice that becomes even more powerful in teams.” * “In today’s complex world, performance isn’t just about individual resilience. It’s about creating psychologically safe environments where teams can collectively thrive.” Resources Mentioned: * Research on collective mindfulness and psychological safety : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9282162/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9282162/] * City, University of London’s programs on leadership and well-being: https://www.city.ac.uk/prospective-students/courses/short-courses/leadership-and-management-an-introduction [https://www.city.ac.uk/prospective-students/courses/short-courses/leadership-and-management-an-introduction] * The Routledge Companion to Leadership and Change : https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003147305/routledge-companion-leadership-change-satinder-dhiman [https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003147305/routledge-companion-leadership-change-satinder-dhiman] * Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock’s studies with the British Royal Navy on team resilience: https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/10/mindfulness-armed-services-strengthening-resilience [https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2022/10/mindfulness-armed-services-strengthening-resilience] Connect with Dr Jutta Tobias Mortlock: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jutta-tobias-mortlock-759373/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jutta-tobias-mortlock-759373/] * City, University of London: https://www.city.ac.uk/about [https://www.city.ac.uk/about] Mentions * Karol Boudreaux - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-boudreaux-552b6517/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-boudreaux-552b6517/] * Professor Michael Bourne * https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/people/professor-michael-bourne-334715 [https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/people/professor-michael-bourne-334715] * https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebourne1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebourne1/] * Andy Cree CBE : https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cree [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cree] * Professor Loredana Padurean : https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-loredana-padurean/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-loredana-padurean/] * Professor Rafael Calvo : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-a-calvo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-a-calvo/] #mindfulness #meditation #mentalhealth #wellbeing #selfcare #leadership #business #management #executives #corporatewellness #mindfulleadership #decisionmaking #teameffectiveness #resilience Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com

Can Technology Make Us Happier? Exploring Positive Computing with Professor Rafael Calvo

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2060092/open_sms] In today’s episode, we dive deep into the world of affective computing, learning technologies, and positive computing with Professor Rafael Calvo, a distinguished academic currently based at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London. Professor Calvo discusses his impressive journey across various disciplines and countries, the integration of technology with mental well-being, and how his work aims to improve human lives. Introduction: Professor Rafael Calvo, a leading expert in affective computing and positive computing, has made substantial contributions to human-computer interaction, well-being technology, and design engineering. Based at Imperial College London, Professor Calvo is pioneering research that explores how technology can support well-being and enhance mental health. Key Quotes: * “Design engineering isn’t about having technical solutions but understanding people’s needs and designing with empathy.” * “To be impactful, research must have a social purpose—it's about the real-world applications and the human benefit.” Resources Mentioned: * Professor Calvo’s book on positive computing [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Positive-Computing-Technology-Wellbeing-Potential/dp/0262533707] * Research on self-determination theory [https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/authors/8525/] * Imperial College’s work on social impact and interdisciplinary research [https://www.imperial.ac.uk/institute-of-infection/publications-and-outputs/communicators-in-residence/interdisciplinarity-and-research-culture/] Connect with Professor Rafael Calvo: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-a-calvo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-a-calvo/] * Imperial College London: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/r.calvo [https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/r.calvo] * https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/128397/pdf/ [https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/128397/pdf/] #selfdeterminationtheory #dementiacare #smarttechnology #interdisciplinaryresearch #socialimpact #learningtechnologies #futureoftech #techforgood #techsolutions #makeadifference #learnsomethingnew #rafaelcalvo #imperialcollegelondon #leveragecentre Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com

Pixels, Neurons, and Caffeine: The Life of a Computer Vision Wizard

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2060092/open_sms] Guests: * Dr. Tolga Birdal, Assistant Professor at Imperial College London * Hosts: Alex, Shirosh Episode Summary: This episode dives into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence with Dr. Tolga Birdal, a leading researcher in computer vision, 3D geometry, and machine learning. Dr. Birdal shares his inspiring journey from engineer to academic, exploring his groundbreaking research in 3D object recognition, neural networks, and the emerging field of topological deep learning. Dr Birdal recently won the prestigious UKRI Future Leaders fellowship. Listeners will learn about: * Dr. Birdal's research in 3D vision, geometry, and machine learning (#computer vision, #3Dgeometry, #machinelearning) * The challenges of data representation and collection in AI (#datarepresentation, #AI) * Topological deep learning and its potential to unlock new discoveries (#topologicaldeeplearning, #artificialintelligence) * Ethical considerations in AI, particularly regarding medical data and privacy (#ethicsinAI, #AIandprivacy) * Balancing theoretical research with practical applications in AI (#research, #AIapplications) * The power of interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovation in AI (#collaboration, #AIresearch) * Dr. Birdal's path from tech startups to leading academic research (#entrepreneurship, #academia) Memorable Quotes: * "Don't let go of what you love because that's where you'll be the most innovative." - Dr. Tolga Birdal * "The best discoveries are made by looking at what's hidden in plain sight." - Dr. Tolga Birdal * "Topological deep learning allows us to model complexities in data that traditional methods can’t capture." - Dr. Tolga Birdal Resources Mentioned: * Topological Deep Learning: Learn more at TDLBook.org [http://TDLBook.org] * Imperial College London: Explore Dr. Tolga Birdal's work at Imperial College London [https://www.imperial.ac.uk/] Connect with Us: * Follow the podcast for more discussions with AI and tech leaders. * Stay up-to-date with Dr. Birdal's latest research on topological deep learning. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in: * The future of artificial intelligence * Machine learning and computer vision * The impact of AI on various fields * The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research * Inspiring stories of career transitions Useful Links * Dr Tolga Birdal : https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.birdal [https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/t.birdal] * UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/future-leaders-fellowships/ [https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/future-leaders-fellowships/] * South Kensington: https://www.discoversouthken.com/ [https://www.discoversouthken.com/] * Science Museum: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home [https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home] * Natural History Museum: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/ [https://www.nhm.ac.uk/] * Imperial College London: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/ [https://www.imperial.ac.uk/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060092/support] Do you want to contribute to the podcast? The best way to get in touch with us is via our website. You can contact us via: email - alex@thehyvv.com website - www.thehyvv.com