<![CDATA[The Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture Capital]]>c563f566-82a7-5519-bd86-77672885cc3dWed, 08 Apr 2026 05:04:05 +0000Captivate.fmCategoricalhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/09edcd99-df06-44f2-b18f-419d324414fc/nw6XJFFTgr5G-Ogmp3RSfoIL.pngThe Difference Engine | B2B Category Design | Private Equity | Venture CapitalCategoricalCategoricalThe Difference Engine helps founders and funders maximise business growth through category design. Hosted by two British northerners with decades of experience in launching, managing, and marketing disruptive tech companies. Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett have been there, done it and thrown away the slogan t-shirts - now they'll help you become a category king. The Difference Engine - Disrupting Tech Strategy https://www.becategorical.com/https://www.becategorical.com/falseepisodicnopodcast74. David Friend: From Synth Legend to Cloud Storage King74. David Friend: From Synth Legend to Cloud Storage KingWe’re joined by David Friend, co-founder and CEO of Wasabi, for a deep dive into building category-defining tech companies. A six-time founder alongside Jeff Flowers, David’s journey spans pioneering synthesisers at ARP Instruments, whose sounds were used by Pete Townsend, David Bowie, and even R2D2, to leadership roles at Carbonite and beyond. We explore his impact across music, data, and cloud innovation. From shaping soundtracks to shaping storage, David shares lessons from decades as a groundbreaking innovator at the forefront of technology.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>We’re joined by David Friend, co-founder and CEO of Wasabi, for a deep dive into building category-defining tech companies. A six-time founder alongside Jeff Flowers, David’s journey spans pioneering synthesisers at ARP Instruments, whose sounds were used by Pete Townsend, David Bowie, and even R2D2, to leadership roles at Carbonite and beyond. We explore his impact across music, data, and cloud innovation. From shaping soundtracks to shaping storage, David shares lessons from decades as a groundbreaking innovator at the forefront of technology.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>ac06d97a-1f17-442c-af48-95acffefb5d0Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:04:00 +010035:09falsefull73. The AI Impact Episode73. The AI Impact EpisodeTactics don’t last forever. We’re seeing it right now in the Premier League. The era of Pep Guardiola’s possession dominance is coming under pressure, as teams like Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal gain an edge through set-piece mastery.

We’re seeing tactic shifts in the tech, as the old blueprint for category dominance, the SaaS Playbook, loses its edge in the age of AI.

But AI hasn’t just changed the game, it’s reshaped the field it’s played on. So how should today’s gaffers rethink their tactics to create the next generation of category leaders?

Also in this episode: we’ll be digging into some AI paradoxes and

What to look forward to:

00:37 The Great Software Switcheroo

14:17 Two Paradoxes and a Law

33:49 ‘Double your PR budget now’, says Gartner

]]>Tactics don’t last forever. We’re seeing it right now in the Premier League. The era of Pep Guardiola’s possession dominance is coming under pressure, as teams like Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal gain an edge through set-piece mastery.

We’re seeing tactic shifts in the tech, as the old blueprint for category dominance, the SaaS Playbook, loses its edge in the age of AI.

But AI hasn’t just changed the game, it’s reshaped the field it’s played on. So how should today’s gaffers rethink their tactics to create the next generation of category leaders?

Also in this episode: we’ll be digging into some AI paradoxes and

What to look forward to:

00:37 The Great Software Switcheroo

14:17 Two Paradoxes and a Law

33:49 ‘Double your PR budget now’, says Gartner

]]>7a8fee79-90a5-457d-a2a7-c932453b15c0Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:04:00 +010054:29falsefull72. OpenClaw: Analysing the hype72. OpenClaw: Analysing the hypeOpenClaw is making waves as an open-source, self-hosted AI agent platform. But is it a true breakthrough, a passing fad, or simply another feature dressed up as a revolution? With a reported 2 million weekly users, its momentum is hard to ignore.

Founders are rapidly deploying agents, investing in hardware, and experimenting at full speed. Even Jason Lemkin of SaaStr has integrated 20 AI agents into his team. Yet his hands-on trials have also surfaced some messy limitations.

So what’s the verdict? In the latest episode of The Difference Engine tech strategy podcast, Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett show whether AI agents outperforming human workers, or are they in fact more similar than we expect?

Also in this episode: We’re going to highlight the Europeans leading the AI charge and sift through the debris of the so-called Saaspocalypse

What to look forward to:

00:33 Is OpenClaw a fashion, fad or now just a feature?

16:39 Who are the Europeans who are challenging in AI?

27:05 What does digital sovereignty mean across the continent?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>OpenClaw is making waves as an open-source, self-hosted AI agent platform. But is it a true breakthrough, a passing fad, or simply another feature dressed up as a revolution? With a reported 2 million weekly users, its momentum is hard to ignore.

Founders are rapidly deploying agents, investing in hardware, and experimenting at full speed. Even Jason Lemkin of SaaStr has integrated 20 AI agents into his team. Yet his hands-on trials have also surfaced some messy limitations.

So what’s the verdict? In the latest episode of The Difference Engine tech strategy podcast, Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett show whether AI agents outperforming human workers, or are they in fact more similar than we expect?

Also in this episode: We’re going to highlight the Europeans leading the AI charge and sift through the debris of the so-called Saaspocalypse

What to look forward to:

00:33 Is OpenClaw a fashion, fad or now just a feature?

16:39 Who are the Europeans who are challenging in AI?

27:05 What does digital sovereignty mean across the continent?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>2df78b5f-cead-4e0f-9395-9e2f31332d68Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:04:00 +010043:23falsefull71. How Europe can fight back!71. How Europe can fight back!You would be forgiven for thinking that Europe has missed tech. As the US and China become global tech powerhouses, it’s easy to think that Europe is simply waving from the shoreline as the tech boat sails away.

However, there's another way to look at this. Instead of dominating it’s specialising. From pioneering commercial computing to building systems for complexity, regulation, and the physical world, Europe builds the tech that societies run on

Also in this episode: We’ll explore where Europe can truly lead over the next five years, and bring some clarity to the blurry lines of digital sovereignty across the continent.

What to look forward to:

00:37 Why Europe hasn’t missed tech

10:00 Where can Europe lead in tech over the next five years?

20:57 What does digital sovereignty mean across the continent?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

To find out more about Element, click here

]]>You would be forgiven for thinking that Europe has missed tech. As the US and China become global tech powerhouses, it’s easy to think that Europe is simply waving from the shoreline as the tech boat sails away.

However, there's another way to look at this. Instead of dominating it’s specialising. From pioneering commercial computing to building systems for complexity, regulation, and the physical world, Europe builds the tech that societies run on

Also in this episode: We’ll explore where Europe can truly lead over the next five years, and bring some clarity to the blurry lines of digital sovereignty across the continent.

What to look forward to:

00:37 Why Europe hasn’t missed tech

10:00 Where can Europe lead in tech over the next five years?

20:57 What does digital sovereignty mean across the continent?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

To find out more about Element, click here

]]>8ea5a525-1be9-44da-a32c-afbf9018eb5eWed, 25 Feb 2026 06:04:00 +010033:19falsefull70. Why is Freemium Back in Fashion?70. Why is Freemium Back in Fashion?People say that style moves in cycles. From skinny jeans to mullets to Northern Soul, everything waits in the wings before returning to centre stage. So, is it freemium’s time to take the spotlight?

With AI companies increasingly choosing open access over strict paywalls, we explore why freemium is back in fashion—and what this resurgence reveals about winning in today’s market.

Also in this episode: we’ll assess the new reality of Category power, and ask how do you beat a 40-year-old tech incumbent at its own game

What to look forward to:

00:35 Freemium as a route to AI category domination

09:49 The New Reality of Category Power

17:48 How do you beat a 40-year-old tech incumbent at its own game?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>People say that style moves in cycles. From skinny jeans to mullets to Northern Soul, everything waits in the wings before returning to centre stage. So, is it freemium’s time to take the spotlight?

With AI companies increasingly choosing open access over strict paywalls, we explore why freemium is back in fashion—and what this resurgence reveals about winning in today’s market.

Also in this episode: we’ll assess the new reality of Category power, and ask how do you beat a 40-year-old tech incumbent at its own game

What to look forward to:

00:35 Freemium as a route to AI category domination

09:49 The New Reality of Category Power

17:48 How do you beat a 40-year-old tech incumbent at its own game?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>a126636d-5cdb-4691-bf29-62533263c670Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:04:00 +010029:56falsefull69. Christina Caffarra: The biggest issue facing European tech69. Christina Caffarra: The biggest issue facing European techIn this episode, we’re joined by Cristina Caffarra, one of Europe’s most respected voices on competition, regulation and the digital economy, to unpack what European tech really needs to succeed. A leading economist educated at the University of Oxford, Cristina brings decades of experience advising companies and governments across Europe. She previously led the European competition practice at a top global consultancy and has been at the centre of many of the debates shaping today’s tech policy. More recently, she is the prominent voice behind EuroStack, an initiative advocating for a more competitive and resilient European digital ecosystem - challenging Europe to think bigger about its technological future.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In this episode, we’re joined by Cristina Caffarra, one of Europe’s most respected voices on competition, regulation and the digital economy, to unpack what European tech really needs to succeed. A leading economist educated at the University of Oxford, Cristina brings decades of experience advising companies and governments across Europe. She previously led the European competition practice at a top global consultancy and has been at the centre of many of the debates shaping today’s tech policy. More recently, she is the prominent voice behind EuroStack, an initiative advocating for a more competitive and resilient European digital ecosystem - challenging Europe to think bigger about its technological future.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>d6ef3db7-edeb-4c79-ae91-d34c2e41095dWed, 28 Jan 2026 06:04:00 +010042:52falsefull68. The Definitive Guide to Category Leadership in 202668. The Definitive Guide to Category Leadership in 2026In the early 2020s, it was easy to mistake category design for a marketing exercise. A new name, a sharper narrative, a brand refresh, and job done.

But as we enter a post-SaaS world, that thinking no longer holds. Category leadership isn’t built by fast-following or ripping off existing winners. It’s earned by defining the future problem space before competitors even realise it’s emerging.

Today, we explore what it really takes to lead a category in 2026.

Also in this episode: We’ll dig down into all the things that can go wrong on your category journey, and we’ll be reviewing the relationship status of Category creation and VCs

What to look forward to:

00:33 Category creation in a post-SaaS, post-SEO tech world

17:51 So you’re on a category journey - what can possibly go wrong?

43:30 The “Dead in the Water” Trap - the new relationship between VC and Category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In the early 2020s, it was easy to mistake category design for a marketing exercise. A new name, a sharper narrative, a brand refresh, and job done.

But as we enter a post-SaaS world, that thinking no longer holds. Category leadership isn’t built by fast-following or ripping off existing winners. It’s earned by defining the future problem space before competitors even realise it’s emerging.

Today, we explore what it really takes to lead a category in 2026.

Also in this episode: We’ll dig down into all the things that can go wrong on your category journey, and we’ll be reviewing the relationship status of Category creation and VCs

What to look forward to:

00:33 Category creation in a post-SaaS, post-SEO tech world

17:51 So you’re on a category journey - what can possibly go wrong?

43:30 The “Dead in the Water” Trap - the new relationship between VC and Category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8249db51-8536-4ec0-a0e9-a4deb6c73ce1Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:04:00 +010001:01:07falsefull67. Top 10 Category Predictions for 202667. Top 10 Category Predictions for 2026It’s time to dust off our crystal balls as we conjure our Top 10 tech predictions for 2026. 

In this episode, we take a look into the year ahead and unpack a bumper crop of new tech ideas and category acronyms from AWO and ANAA to EIG and beyond. 

AI is firmly in the driving seat for 2026. It’s racing us towards real paradigm shifts in how businesses operate, how value is created, and how entirely new categories are born. 

So buckle your seat belts. This is going to be a fun ride.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>It’s time to dust off our crystal balls as we conjure our Top 10 tech predictions for 2026. 

In this episode, we take a look into the year ahead and unpack a bumper crop of new tech ideas and category acronyms from AWO and ANAA to EIG and beyond. 

AI is firmly in the driving seat for 2026. It’s racing us towards real paradigm shifts in how businesses operate, how value is created, and how entirely new categories are born. 

So buckle your seat belts. This is going to be a fun ride.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>da68985b-3660-4f6f-970d-99f6b2271158Fri, 02 Jan 2026 06:04:00 +010025:39falsefull66. The Rise of Europe’s Deep Tech Spinouts66. The Rise of Europe’s Deep Tech SpinoutsIn 1990, while working at CERN, Tim Berners-Lee proposed and developed what would become one of the most influential spinouts in history: the World Wide Web. The Web was opened to the public in 1991, and in 1993 CERN released the software into the public domain - enabling its rapid global spread and laying the foundation for today’s modern Internet.

In Episode 66 of The Difference Engine tech strategy podcast, Paul Maher and I explore a new report that shows European spinouts are emerging as a deep-tech powerhouse. Since 2019, they’ve accounted for 40% of all new startups in these fields - an 80% increase compared with the previous decade.  But the US is still using M&A to capture most of the value from European innovation. 

So the question is: how does Europe manage this momentum and build future global category leaders?

Also in this episode: we unpack the UK’s contentious Digital ID debate and explore the signs that Salesforce is entering the twilight of its era of uncontested category dominance.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In 1990, while working at CERN, Tim Berners-Lee proposed and developed what would become one of the most influential spinouts in history: the World Wide Web. The Web was opened to the public in 1991, and in 1993 CERN released the software into the public domain - enabling its rapid global spread and laying the foundation for today’s modern Internet.

In Episode 66 of The Difference Engine tech strategy podcast, Paul Maher and I explore a new report that shows European spinouts are emerging as a deep-tech powerhouse. Since 2019, they’ve accounted for 40% of all new startups in these fields - an 80% increase compared with the previous decade.  But the US is still using M&A to capture most of the value from European innovation. 

So the question is: how does Europe manage this momentum and build future global category leaders?

Also in this episode: we unpack the UK’s contentious Digital ID debate and explore the signs that Salesforce is entering the twilight of its era of uncontested category dominance.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>ad6736be-d26b-49e8-8790-27575ac043eeWed, 17 Dec 2025 06:04:00 +010026:53falsefull65. Colin Tenwick: Mastering the Art of Reinvention65. Colin Tenwick: Mastering the Art of ReinventionRecorded in partnership with Boardwave, this episode of The Difference Engine features Colin Tenwick - a leader whose career tracks the evolution of modern tech.

Colin began in the early enterprise software era with Ingres, later leading Sybase and driving Red Hat’s European expansion long before open-source and SaaS were mainstream. 

Colin’s career is one of constant reinvention. He scaled StepStone into one of Europe’s first major digital recruitment platforms, steered BookaTable as it brought online reservations to the masses, and chaired hybrid-cloud provider Control Circle through to a successful exit.

Today, Colin serves as a non-executive chair and investor across private-equity and venture-backed companies, from cybersecurity and marketplaces to consumer platforms and education.

In this episode, we explore how Colin maintains consistency and strength within an ever-changing tech industry and how his people-first approach has made him a trusted mentor to founders and boards alike.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Recorded in partnership with Boardwave, this episode of The Difference Engine features Colin Tenwick - a leader whose career tracks the evolution of modern tech.

Colin began in the early enterprise software era with Ingres, later leading Sybase and driving Red Hat’s European expansion long before open-source and SaaS were mainstream. 

Colin’s career is one of constant reinvention. He scaled StepStone into one of Europe’s first major digital recruitment platforms, steered BookaTable as it brought online reservations to the masses, and chaired hybrid-cloud provider Control Circle through to a successful exit.

Today, Colin serves as a non-executive chair and investor across private-equity and venture-backed companies, from cybersecurity and marketplaces to consumer platforms and education.

In this episode, we explore how Colin maintains consistency and strength within an ever-changing tech industry and how his people-first approach has made him a trusted mentor to founders and boards alike.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>c84de09a-3365-4129-b44b-b3a52032bf54Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:04:00 +010042:33falsefull64. The Hidden Power Behind the AI Boom64. The Hidden Power Behind the AI BoomIt’s easy to be captivated by the dazzling glow of AI. Sky-high valuations, relentless acquisitions, and the promise of investor cash are drawing in a swarm of hungry tech moths. But what’s really fueling this blaze? What forms the wax that keeps this light alive, and are we overlooking the real AI winners?

Today, we uncover the hidden power behind the AI boom.

Also in this episode: we’ll look to the past to uncover what the future holds for Category Design, and we’ll take a sharp look at Europe’s unicorns to explore what they reveal about exclusion in tech.

What to look forward to:

00:33 The Quiet Category Power Beneath the AI Boom

11:08 Unicorns and the Glass Ceiling – Europe’s 2025 Tech Reality Check

17:17 Category Design's future

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>It’s easy to be captivated by the dazzling glow of AI. Sky-high valuations, relentless acquisitions, and the promise of investor cash are drawing in a swarm of hungry tech moths. But what’s really fueling this blaze? What forms the wax that keeps this light alive, and are we overlooking the real AI winners?

Today, we uncover the hidden power behind the AI boom.

Also in this episode: we’ll look to the past to uncover what the future holds for Category Design, and we’ll take a sharp look at Europe’s unicorns to explore what they reveal about exclusion in tech.

What to look forward to:

00:33 The Quiet Category Power Beneath the AI Boom

11:08 Unicorns and the Glass Ceiling – Europe’s 2025 Tech Reality Check

17:17 Category Design's future

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>d6923c26-a6c4-41e4-9248-2d7295a20b8dWed, 19 Nov 2025 06:04:00 +010030:55falsefull63. What does the MIT report actually tell us about the AI industry?63. What does the MIT report actually tell us about the AI industry?MIT’s State of AI in Business 2025 report found that 95% of generative AI pilot projects fail to deliver a measurable return on investment. When findings like this drop, they spread fast - sparking debate, reshaping narratives, and influencing how companies, investors, and even public policymakers think about AI’s real-world impact.

So what does MIT’s and other recent reports actually tell us about the position of the AI industry and tech sovereignty? Is it a sobering reality check, meaningless noise, or something else entirely?

Also on today’s episode: We’ll be backing our brothers and sisters in Europe, asking if ChatGPT has reached its category peak and talking about a man of many tech and finance moments, Hermann Hauser

What to look forward to:

00:33 Reviewing recent AI reports

11:22 Taylor Swift nah, meet fast Hermann

19:16 ShatGPT? Let’s talk crap…  

32:29 Enough of the EU bashing

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>MIT’s State of AI in Business 2025 report found that 95% of generative AI pilot projects fail to deliver a measurable return on investment. When findings like this drop, they spread fast - sparking debate, reshaping narratives, and influencing how companies, investors, and even public policymakers think about AI’s real-world impact.

So what does MIT’s and other recent reports actually tell us about the position of the AI industry and tech sovereignty? Is it a sobering reality check, meaningless noise, or something else entirely?

Also on today’s episode: We’ll be backing our brothers and sisters in Europe, asking if ChatGPT has reached its category peak and talking about a man of many tech and finance moments, Hermann Hauser

What to look forward to:

00:33 Reviewing recent AI reports

11:22 Taylor Swift nah, meet fast Hermann

19:16 ShatGPT? Let’s talk crap…  

32:29 Enough of the EU bashing

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8da4a9dc-cde5-4dae-91ec-dbfb16e3c67bWed, 05 Nov 2025 06:04:00 +010040:28falsefull62. A Founder's Journey: From Cornish Roots to Global RegTech Rockstar | Ben Richmond62. A Founder's Journey: From Cornish Roots to Global RegTech Rockstar | Ben RichmondCornwall, in England’s far southwest, is known for its rugged coastline and mining heritage. Home to just over 600,000 people, it’s produced cultural icons from author William Golding to Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood - and now, CUBE’s Founder & CEO, Ben Richmond.

In 2008, as the world reeled from the fallout of the financial crisis, Ben saw an opportunity in the wreckage. Predicting a tidal wave of regulatory complexity, he set out to bring clarity to the chaos - creating a platform that could turn regulatory noise into actionable intelligence. That vision became CUBE, now a global leader in RegTech.

Recorded live at Boardwave Live, this conversation explores Ben’s journey from a working-class Cornish town to building a brand-new category, redefining compliance as not just a necessity but a strategic advantage and building one of the world’s leading RegTech firms.

Ben Richmond isn’t just navigating the future of compliance; he’s defining it. That's why they call him the Rockstar of RegTech.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Cornwall, in England’s far southwest, is known for its rugged coastline and mining heritage. Home to just over 600,000 people, it’s produced cultural icons from author William Golding to Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood - and now, CUBE’s Founder & CEO, Ben Richmond.

In 2008, as the world reeled from the fallout of the financial crisis, Ben saw an opportunity in the wreckage. Predicting a tidal wave of regulatory complexity, he set out to bring clarity to the chaos - creating a platform that could turn regulatory noise into actionable intelligence. That vision became CUBE, now a global leader in RegTech.

Recorded live at Boardwave Live, this conversation explores Ben’s journey from a working-class Cornish town to building a brand-new category, redefining compliance as not just a necessity but a strategic advantage and building one of the world’s leading RegTech firms.

Ben Richmond isn’t just navigating the future of compliance; he’s defining it. That's why they call him the Rockstar of RegTech.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>1bd2fb82-e80f-4fc5-b262-1f5ba25cda94Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:04:00 +010038:08falsefull61. Rupert Jones: A Major General's guide to Defence Tech61. Rupert Jones: A Major General's guide to Defence TechRecorded at Boardwave Live, this episode of The Difference Engine features former British Army Major General Rupert Jones. With three decades of service, from commanding 5,000 troops in Afghanistan to leading the liberation of Mosul and Raqqah, he brings unparalleled knowledge of strategic leadership. Now advising startups, Rupert guides us through the rapidly relevant world of Defence Tech. We’ll explore how technology and government intersect, the distinctive challenges of defence investing, and why the military might be an unexpected yet rewarding place to take your business. Truly, the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Recorded at Boardwave Live, this episode of The Difference Engine features former British Army Major General Rupert Jones. With three decades of service, from commanding 5,000 troops in Afghanistan to leading the liberation of Mosul and Raqqah, he brings unparalleled knowledge of strategic leadership. Now advising startups, Rupert guides us through the rapidly relevant world of Defence Tech. We’ll explore how technology and government intersect, the distinctive challenges of defence investing, and why the military might be an unexpected yet rewarding place to take your business. Truly, the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>34362c0a-b93a-4ecf-8002-4cd6f9835d5eWed, 22 Oct 2025 06:04:00 +010037:06falsefull60. Boardwave Live 2025 Review60. Boardwave Live 2025 ReviewThis week, the Difference Engine is stepping out of the office and heading to one of the most exciting tech events of the year - Boardwave Live 2025. The Boardwave network brings together a powerful community of founders, CEOs, chairs, independent NEDs, and investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of growth.

At their flagship live event in the heart of London, we had the privilege of learning from some of the brightest minds in European tech. It’s an inspiring gathering that gives us at the Difference Engine great optimism for the future of the industry.

In this episode, we share our key takeaways from the standout talks, on-the-ground interviews with attendees, and our reflections on the evolving direction, ambition, and next steps for European software.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>This week, the Difference Engine is stepping out of the office and heading to one of the most exciting tech events of the year - Boardwave Live 2025. The Boardwave network brings together a powerful community of founders, CEOs, chairs, independent NEDs, and investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of growth.

At their flagship live event in the heart of London, we had the privilege of learning from some of the brightest minds in European tech. It’s an inspiring gathering that gives us at the Difference Engine great optimism for the future of the industry.

In this episode, we share our key takeaways from the standout talks, on-the-ground interviews with attendees, and our reflections on the evolving direction, ambition, and next steps for European software.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>1fad08a7-a2ae-45c5-84ce-8576fdb6244aWed, 15 Oct 2025 06:04:00 +010021:08falsefull59. Can Klarna convince Wall Street?59. Can Klarna convince Wall Street?Klarna has been through the wringer. Once Europe’s most valuable fintech, it’s endured a sharp valuation drop, a tough round of layoffs, and endless questions about the sustainability of ‘buy now, pay later.’ However, with profitability back on the books, Klarna is pushing ahead with its long-awaited IPO. 

So, does sheer staying power translate into success on the public markets, and does it have that vital Category angle?

Also on today’s episode: European fintech takes aim at US incumbents, and AI makes bold moves in banking

What to look forward to:

01:01 Klarna going for IPO

09:26 AI waits for no government - and banking isn’t waiting either

19:51 Can European fintech redefine US retail banking

27:50 AI Assurance - category or claptrap?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Klarna has been through the wringer. Once Europe’s most valuable fintech, it’s endured a sharp valuation drop, a tough round of layoffs, and endless questions about the sustainability of ‘buy now, pay later.’ However, with profitability back on the books, Klarna is pushing ahead with its long-awaited IPO. 

So, does sheer staying power translate into success on the public markets, and does it have that vital Category angle?

Also on today’s episode: European fintech takes aim at US incumbents, and AI makes bold moves in banking

What to look forward to:

01:01 Klarna going for IPO

09:26 AI waits for no government - and banking isn’t waiting either

19:51 Can European fintech redefine US retail banking

27:50 AI Assurance - category or claptrap?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>19e7a25a-9e0c-473b-86b7-6d1994ce6249Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:04:00 +010034:40falsefull58. Texas bets big on tech. Will it steal the pot?58. Texas bets big on tech. Will it steal the pot?As the sun sinks over the faltering London Stock Exchange, a new frontier is emerging. Not in Silicon Valley or Wall Street, but deep in the heart of Texas. There, a sharp-shooting newcomer is stepping through the salon doors with a bold dual-listing strategy.

Could the Wild West be quietly transforming into the best place to do business?

Also on today’s episode, the misunderstanding of the impact of AI and what the first quarter numbers reveal about the SaaS software market.

What to look forward to:

00:36 Y’all Street

12:42 How we’re misunderstanding the impact of LLMs and AI

20:25 What Q1 Numbers Reveal About the SaaS Software Market

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>As the sun sinks over the faltering London Stock Exchange, a new frontier is emerging. Not in Silicon Valley or Wall Street, but deep in the heart of Texas. There, a sharp-shooting newcomer is stepping through the salon doors with a bold dual-listing strategy.

Could the Wild West be quietly transforming into the best place to do business?

Also on today’s episode, the misunderstanding of the impact of AI and what the first quarter numbers reveal about the SaaS software market.

What to look forward to:

00:36 Y’all Street

12:42 How we’re misunderstanding the impact of LLMs and AI

20:25 What Q1 Numbers Reveal About the SaaS Software Market

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>37b08bd1-cc12-4c0d-9e3a-1d0cd793d051Wed, 17 Sep 2025 06:04:00 +010029:53falsefull57. GEO vs AIO. Who will win the title fight?57. GEO vs AIO. Who will win the title fight?“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. This might’ve been true for a couple of love birds in the 15th century, but in the battle for supremacy in today’s AI war, a name (and who controls it) means everything. 

So who will win the right to claim the name of this new AI category?

Also on today’s episode, we’ll ask where all the Quango bosses are going and denounce corporate greed on the anniversary of Mike Lynch’s death.

What to look forward to:

00:39 The fight to name the new adtech category of AIO vs GEO

11:33 Corporate greed on the anniversary of Mike Lynch’s death

19:04 Where are all the Quango bosses going?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. This might’ve been true for a couple of love birds in the 15th century, but in the battle for supremacy in today’s AI war, a name (and who controls it) means everything. 

So who will win the right to claim the name of this new AI category?

Also on today’s episode, we’ll ask where all the Quango bosses are going and denounce corporate greed on the anniversary of Mike Lynch’s death.

What to look forward to:

00:39 The fight to name the new adtech category of AIO vs GEO

11:33 Corporate greed on the anniversary of Mike Lynch’s death

19:04 Where are all the Quango bosses going?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>20482ed3-c320-4eb7-b72d-3b673a4a67ebWed, 03 Sep 2025 06:04:00 +010033:26falsefull56. Interview with Sean Williams: How I built a new AI category56. Interview with Sean Williams: How I built a new AI categoryWelcome to the fifth in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by tech entrepreneur Sean Williams. A Philosophy graduate from Cambridge University, Sean brings a sharp strategic mind to solving some of the toughest business challenges with AI. As the Founder and CEO of AutogenAI, a fast-growing scaleup backed by investors like Blossom Capital, Spark Capital, and Salesforce Ventures, Sean is helping companies write smarter, faster, and more persuasive bids for public sector and corporate contracts. Before AutogenAI, Sean founded Corndel Ltd, a workforce development company helping teams make meaningful use of the Apprenticeship Levy. He scaled Corndel to a 350-person team before exiting in a $60 million deal in 2020. In this episode, we dig into his entrepreneurial journey, the future of AI in enterprise, and why it ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome to the fifth in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by tech entrepreneur Sean Williams. A Philosophy graduate from Cambridge University, Sean brings a sharp strategic mind to solving some of the toughest business challenges with AI. As the Founder and CEO of AutogenAI, a fast-growing scaleup backed by investors like Blossom Capital, Spark Capital, and Salesforce Ventures, Sean is helping companies write smarter, faster, and more persuasive bids for public sector and corporate contracts. Before AutogenAI, Sean founded Corndel Ltd, a workforce development company helping teams make meaningful use of the Apprenticeship Levy. He scaled Corndel to a 350-person team before exiting in a $60 million deal in 2020. In this episode, we dig into his entrepreneurial journey, the future of AI in enterprise, and why it ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>ae8a5f8b-7470-4c20-8609-197fdaf011ddWed, 20 Aug 2025 06:04:00 +010042:25falsefull55. Interview with Bill Conner: Lessons from a serial value creator55. Interview with Bill Conner: Lessons from a serial value creatorA seasoned technology executive with an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades, Bill Conner is the real deal. 

From leading companies through high-stakes turnarounds to creating category-defining tech products, Bill has done it all. He’s been a four-time CEO, a trusted partner to Private Equity and Venture Capital, and a go-to expert for driving both top and bottom line growth in complex technology businesses.

In this episode, we sit down with Bill to trace his remarkable journey from early engineering roles at AT&T to reshaping the future of cybersecurity at SonicWall and now leading innovation at Jitterbit, where he’s leading their AI-infused low-code platform. We dive deep into AI’s inflection point, his time advising global cybersecurity policy, and the leadership principles that have powered decades of success.

Bill's story is a masterclass in resilience, strategic vision, and value creation. If you're building, investing in, or leading a tech company, this episode is not to be missed.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>A seasoned technology executive with an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades, Bill Conner is the real deal. 

From leading companies through high-stakes turnarounds to creating category-defining tech products, Bill has done it all. He’s been a four-time CEO, a trusted partner to Private Equity and Venture Capital, and a go-to expert for driving both top and bottom line growth in complex technology businesses.

In this episode, we sit down with Bill to trace his remarkable journey from early engineering roles at AT&T to reshaping the future of cybersecurity at SonicWall and now leading innovation at Jitterbit, where he’s leading their AI-infused low-code platform. We dive deep into AI’s inflection point, his time advising global cybersecurity policy, and the leadership principles that have powered decades of success.

Bill's story is a masterclass in resilience, strategic vision, and value creation. If you're building, investing in, or leading a tech company, this episode is not to be missed.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>54a74978-ebea-4a77-a898-3acf972ad676Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:04:00 +010056:34falsefull54. What everyone is missing about Grok54. What everyone is missing about GrokWhat do we know about Grok? We know it’s Elon Musk’s latest so-called free speech machine and that it has drawn heavy criticism for spreading hate, earning the disturbing nickname ‘Mecha Hitler.’ With headlines dominated by non-stop controversy, it's no surprise that the broader public knows little about Grok’s technological potential.

So are we missing something? Has all the outrage obscured a significant breakthrough?

Also on today’s episode: we continue our assessment of the mad mad world of AI right now and take on the future of consulting.

What to look forward to:

00:26 What the Grok is Going On?

06:53 It’s a Mad Mad AI World

24:24 Big Flaw in the Big Four? The Future of Consulting

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>What do we know about Grok? We know it’s Elon Musk’s latest so-called free speech machine and that it has drawn heavy criticism for spreading hate, earning the disturbing nickname ‘Mecha Hitler.’ With headlines dominated by non-stop controversy, it's no surprise that the broader public knows little about Grok’s technological potential.

So are we missing something? Has all the outrage obscured a significant breakthrough?

Also on today’s episode: we continue our assessment of the mad mad world of AI right now and take on the future of consulting.

What to look forward to:

00:26 What the Grok is Going On?

06:53 It’s a Mad Mad AI World

24:24 Big Flaw in the Big Four? The Future of Consulting

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>edf08697-c13b-4253-85f1-746a187a3c77Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:04:00 +010034:11falsefull53. Is the UK keeping up with Quantum?53. Is the UK keeping up with Quantum?The UK government has pledged £550 million towards quantum technologies. At first glance, that might sound like a hefty sum—enough to buy Chelsea a striker or two. But when you stack it against Amazon’s £40 billion investment in the UK, it raises a serious question:

Is the UK taking quantum seriously?

Also on today’s episode: we take a look at how Swedish startup Lovable stacks up in the crowded AI arena, and explore why, when the going gets tough, the tough choose to think differently.

What to look forward to:

00:30 £550m for Quantum, £40bn from Amazon

09:46 When the going gets tough, the tough think different 

21:10 Lovable - Europe’s new category leader?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>The UK government has pledged £550 million towards quantum technologies. At first glance, that might sound like a hefty sum—enough to buy Chelsea a striker or two. But when you stack it against Amazon’s £40 billion investment in the UK, it raises a serious question:

Is the UK taking quantum seriously?

Also on today’s episode: we take a look at how Swedish startup Lovable stacks up in the crowded AI arena, and explore why, when the going gets tough, the tough choose to think differently.

What to look forward to:

00:30 £550m for Quantum, £40bn from Amazon

09:46 When the going gets tough, the tough think different 

21:10 Lovable - Europe’s new category leader?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>e772fce3-556e-4037-89d1-27982680b502Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:04:00 +010033:25falsefull52. Do we need to get ready for the age of algorithmic investing?52. Do we need to get ready for the age of algorithmic investing?‘A gut feeling.' It's a fairly common answer from many VCs when asked why they backed a particular startup over another. When all the numbers have been crunched and the data deliberated, the final decision often bypasses the brain and falls on the gut. However, is the human gut about to be out of a job?

Nik Storonsky, co-founder of Revolut, is betting on it. Will his new venture, QuantumLight, usher in a new era of algorithmic investing? And if so, are you ready?

Also on today's episode, a word from the Wise to the London Stock Exchange andn we wade through all the noise coming out of London Tech Week 

What to look forward to:

00:30 Has the age of algorithmic investing begun?

11:48 London tech listings - Wise, the overdue wake-up call

21:33 London Tech Week or London Tech Weak?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>‘A gut feeling.' It's a fairly common answer from many VCs when asked why they backed a particular startup over another. When all the numbers have been crunched and the data deliberated, the final decision often bypasses the brain and falls on the gut. However, is the human gut about to be out of a job?

Nik Storonsky, co-founder of Revolut, is betting on it. Will his new venture, QuantumLight, usher in a new era of algorithmic investing? And if so, are you ready?

Also on today's episode, a word from the Wise to the London Stock Exchange andn we wade through all the noise coming out of London Tech Week 

What to look forward to:

00:30 Has the age of algorithmic investing begun?

11:48 London tech listings - Wise, the overdue wake-up call

21:33 London Tech Week or London Tech Weak?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>25ddbb3f-8c32-4964-a5f9-c957df5f521dWed, 09 Jul 2025 06:04:00 +010032:44falsefull51. Has the £300 million M&S cyberattack created a major category opportunity?51. Has the £300 million M&S cyberattack created a major category opportunity?Every crisis hides an opportunity. That might be cold comfort for M&S execs staring down a £300 million profit hit after a shelf shattering cyberattack. However, here at The Difference Engine, we prefer to see the positive.

With cybersecurity now front and centre, and traditional defences clearly falling short, the question is: how can you seize the moment?

Also in today’s episode, how Builder.ai rose fast and stumbled hard, and whether Intel can hold it together after going under the knife.

What to look forward to:

00:32 The £300m lessons from the Marks & Spencer hack 

10:41 Builder.ai - Dotcom time again?

20:22 Intel: The surgery is underway, but will a dissection begin?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Every crisis hides an opportunity. That might be cold comfort for M&S execs staring down a £300 million profit hit after a shelf shattering cyberattack. However, here at The Difference Engine, we prefer to see the positive.

With cybersecurity now front and centre, and traditional defences clearly falling short, the question is: how can you seize the moment?

Also in today’s episode, how Builder.ai rose fast and stumbled hard, and whether Intel can hold it together after going under the knife.

What to look forward to:

00:32 The £300m lessons from the Marks & Spencer hack 

10:41 Builder.ai - Dotcom time again?

20:22 Intel: The surgery is underway, but will a dissection begin?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>a2bab128-58e0-41fd-bd61-a59bcbd5a822Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:04:00 +010032:27falsefull50. Interview with Amber Vodegel: Designing the new category of Ethical AI50. Interview with Amber Vodegel: Designing the new category of Ethical AIWelcome to the fourth in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by tech entrepreneur Amber Vodegel. Born in the Netherlands and now based in the UK, Amber has built a career at the cutting edge of healthtech, creating tools that directly improve lives. As the founder of Pregnancy+, the world’s leading pregnancy app with over 150 million users, she bootstrapped her way to a successful acquisition by Philips. Today, Amber is leading 28X, a groundbreaking femtech initiative using AI to close the gaps in women’s health through inclusive, privacy-first education and care. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, she also serves as a Non-Executive Director at MyHealthChecked PLC, continuing her mission to drive ethical, sustainable innovation in digital health.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome to the fourth in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by tech entrepreneur Amber Vodegel. Born in the Netherlands and now based in the UK, Amber has built a career at the cutting edge of healthtech, creating tools that directly improve lives. As the founder of Pregnancy+, the world’s leading pregnancy app with over 150 million users, she bootstrapped her way to a successful acquisition by Philips. Today, Amber is leading 28X, a groundbreaking femtech initiative using AI to close the gaps in women’s health through inclusive, privacy-first education and care. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, she also serves as a Non-Executive Director at MyHealthChecked PLC, continuing her mission to drive ethical, sustainable innovation in digital health.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>3bb06528-a99a-45b9-b6f2-70a3a214cb6fWed, 11 Jun 2025 06:04:00 +010052:13falsefull49. What EVERY startup needs to know: Wisdom from Y Combinator49. What EVERY startup needs to know: Wisdom from Y CombinatorY Combinator is widely regarded as the world’s leading startup accelerator, having helped launch companies now worth a combined $800 billion! So when they speak, it’s worth paying close attention. Today, we’re diving into some timeless wisdom from Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham.

Could a couple of key insights change your chance of success?

Also in today’s episode, we'll take a look at the launch of a new Big 4 spin-out consulting firm, Unity. They are backed by $300 million of PE money.  But are they different enough to cut the mustard?

What to look forward to:

00:35 Growth lessons from Y Combinator

18:11 Where’s The Difference? The Cobbler’s Children Run Barefoot at Unity

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Y Combinator is widely regarded as the world’s leading startup accelerator, having helped launch companies now worth a combined $800 billion! So when they speak, it’s worth paying close attention. Today, we’re diving into some timeless wisdom from Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham.

Could a couple of key insights change your chance of success?

Also in today’s episode, we'll take a look at the launch of a new Big 4 spin-out consulting firm, Unity. They are backed by $300 million of PE money.  But are they different enough to cut the mustard?

What to look forward to:

00:35 Growth lessons from Y Combinator

18:11 Where’s The Difference? The Cobbler’s Children Run Barefoot at Unity

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>cffdcdaf-c27c-4a65-adc4-8c776427f011Wed, 28 May 2025 06:04:00 +010030:50falsefull48. Interview with Rich Waterworth: Building the tech that defines modern culture (YouTube, Tik Tok, ITV)48. Interview with Rich Waterworth: Building the tech that defines modern culture (YouTube, Tik Tok, ITV)Welcome to the third in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, This week we are joined by Boardwave patron and mentor Rich Waterworth. Rich has spent his career at the intersection of media and technology, shaping the future of how we create, consume, and connect. From 2019 to 2024, he served as General Manager of TikTok across Europe and EMEA, steering the platform’s explosive growth and building a brand that sits at the heart of modern culture. Before that, he spent nearly ten years at YouTube leading Marketing for EMEA, where he played a pivotal role in launching the ‘Creator’ movement which fueled the platform’s meteoric rise. Earlier in his journey, Rich helped pioneer the UK's shift to on-demand viewing by launching ITV Player and co-creating the connected TV service YouView. Today, he's diving deep into the social impact of digital life at the Oxford Internet Institute, and giving back as a Trustee for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome to the third in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, This week we are joined by Boardwave patron and mentor Rich Waterworth. Rich has spent his career at the intersection of media and technology, shaping the future of how we create, consume, and connect. From 2019 to 2024, he served as General Manager of TikTok across Europe and EMEA, steering the platform’s explosive growth and building a brand that sits at the heart of modern culture. Before that, he spent nearly ten years at YouTube leading Marketing for EMEA, where he played a pivotal role in launching the ‘Creator’ movement which fueled the platform’s meteoric rise. Earlier in his journey, Rich helped pioneer the UK's shift to on-demand viewing by launching ITV Player and co-creating the connected TV service YouView. Today, he's diving deep into the social impact of digital life at the Oxford Internet Institute, and giving back as a Trustee for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>56c763e0-6332-4a08-b2d3-553965adb18bWed, 14 May 2025 06:04:00 +010056:21falsefull47. Tariff Tech: Breakthrough tools for turbulent times47. Tariff Tech: Breakthrough tools for turbulent timesWhen global trade becomes chaotic, tech steps up to create order. In today’s episode, we explore the idea of ‘Tariff Tech’. Born from disruption, driven by necessity, and poised to reshape supply chains, resilience, and trust in an uncertain world.

Is there a golden opportunity hidden within Trump’s tariff turmoil?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask how AI can downsize your team while dialling up your productivity, and we’ll continue to be Europe’s loudest cheerleaders by speculating how the dumping of Chinese electronics could give the continent a competitive edge.

What to look forward to:

00:35 Market uncertainty and new category definition 

13:49 What could the dumping of electronics mean for European inflation and investment?

26:23 Smaller marketing teams and AI

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>When global trade becomes chaotic, tech steps up to create order. In today’s episode, we explore the idea of ‘Tariff Tech’. Born from disruption, driven by necessity, and poised to reshape supply chains, resilience, and trust in an uncertain world.

Is there a golden opportunity hidden within Trump’s tariff turmoil?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask how AI can downsize your team while dialling up your productivity, and we’ll continue to be Europe’s loudest cheerleaders by speculating how the dumping of Chinese electronics could give the continent a competitive edge.

What to look forward to:

00:35 Market uncertainty and new category definition 

13:49 What could the dumping of electronics mean for European inflation and investment?

26:23 Smaller marketing teams and AI

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8dbdecb7-d8a2-45b1-a0db-9a6e2dcfd4a8Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:04:00 +010041:39falsefull46. Interview with Steve Garnett: A lifetime building software giants (Oracle, Siebel, Salesforce)46. Interview with Steve Garnett: A lifetime building software giants (Oracle, Siebel, Salesforce)Welcome to the second in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by Boardwave member and patron, Steve Garnett. A man of many accomplishments, Steve is best known as the former Chair of Salesforce in Europe, having built Category leader Salesforce’s operations in EMEA from scratch, a leadership challenge he’d previously risen to with both Siebel and Oracle. He is now a prolific SaaS tech investor and board member. From a council estate in Liverpool to the top of the enterprise software industry, Steve’s journey is both remarkable and inspiring. We’ll explore his path to success and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome to the second in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by Boardwave member and patron, Steve Garnett. A man of many accomplishments, Steve is best known as the former Chair of Salesforce in Europe, having built Category leader Salesforce’s operations in EMEA from scratch, a leadership challenge he’d previously risen to with both Siebel and Oracle. He is now a prolific SaaS tech investor and board member. From a council estate in Liverpool to the top of the enterprise software industry, Steve’s journey is both remarkable and inspiring. We’ll explore his path to success and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>6eee9d6b-84c6-44d7-b111-80e41a8eb554Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:04:00 +010059:14falsefull45. Trump’s impact on the tech market45. Trump’s impact on the tech marketWhy would someone buy a stock? It’s a good question - one whose answer has changed in recent times. Stock markets are struggling to keep up with the chaos of a new world order.

So in a market where a single Trump tweet can trigger massive, unpredictable swings where do tech investors turn and what impact will this have on the tech sector? Could it spell a Category opportunity?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask if Salesforce is making a new case for Category leadership and are static workforces a sign of the times?

What to look forward to:

00:29 The Trump Put = Tech Correction = Category Opportunity

10:37 Salesforce makes its new case for Category leadership 

21:51 Static workforces - sign o’ the times

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Why would someone buy a stock? It’s a good question - one whose answer has changed in recent times. Stock markets are struggling to keep up with the chaos of a new world order.

So in a market where a single Trump tweet can trigger massive, unpredictable swings where do tech investors turn and what impact will this have on the tech sector? Could it spell a Category opportunity?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll ask if Salesforce is making a new case for Category leadership and are static workforces a sign of the times?

What to look forward to:

00:29 The Trump Put = Tech Correction = Category Opportunity

10:37 Salesforce makes its new case for Category leadership 

21:51 Static workforces - sign o’ the times

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>be468e33-1987-44f8-9a83-cf9b8f87ac2bWed, 02 Apr 2025 06:04:00 +010031:05falsefull44. Interview with Stephane Kurgan: From Candy Crush to a $5.9 billion cash out44. Interview with Stephane Kurgan: From Candy Crush to a $5.9 billion cash outWelcome to the first in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by Boardwave member Stephane Kurgan. A man of many accomplishments in the IT and associated investment industries, Stephane is best known for being the COO of European Category leader, King Digital Entertainment. During Stephane’s tenure, King made social gaming their own, listing on NASDAQ and growing to become a multi-billion dollar turnover organisation before an eventual $5.9 bn exit to Activision Blizzard in 2015.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome to the first in a series of interviews with European tech leaders brought to you in association with Boardwave. The Boardwave network is a powerful community of Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs & their Investors from across Europe, representing companies at every stage of development.

This week, we are joined by Boardwave member Stephane Kurgan. A man of many accomplishments in the IT and associated investment industries, Stephane is best known for being the COO of European Category leader, King Digital Entertainment. During Stephane’s tenure, King made social gaming their own, listing on NASDAQ and growing to become a multi-billion dollar turnover organisation before an eventual $5.9 bn exit to Activision Blizzard in 2015.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>6f444f0f-34e6-4262-a516-30861ef9827eWed, 19 Mar 2025 06:04:00 +010041:13falsefull43. Is NVIDIA on track to 'do a Cisco'?43. Is NVIDIA on track to 'do a Cisco'?It’s becoming increasingly clear that, despite our admiration for Nvidia, its future may not be as assured as it seemed just a few months ago. A striking graph from New Normal Consulting compares Cisco’s meteoric rise and sharp decline from 1990 to 2002 with Nvidia’s trajectory from 2014 to the present. The correlation is almost 100%. Spooky.

Do stock market bubbles always follow the same pattern? What forces could be pushing Nvidia towards a similar fate? And, what can Nvidea do to avoid ‘doing a Cisco’?

Also in today’s episode: Are we waving goodbye to SaaS and welcoming the era of AaaS? Plus, we take a trip across the Channel to unpack what the Paris AI Summit reveals about the shifting relationship between politicians and the tech industry.

What to look forward to:

00:40 Will Nvidia `do a Cisco`?

20:57 Who does the EU think it is? Or the UK for that matter

28:57 Is SaaS a Dead Man Walking?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>It’s becoming increasingly clear that, despite our admiration for Nvidia, its future may not be as assured as it seemed just a few months ago. A striking graph from New Normal Consulting compares Cisco’s meteoric rise and sharp decline from 1990 to 2002 with Nvidia’s trajectory from 2014 to the present. The correlation is almost 100%. Spooky.

Do stock market bubbles always follow the same pattern? What forces could be pushing Nvidia towards a similar fate? And, what can Nvidea do to avoid ‘doing a Cisco’?

Also in today’s episode: Are we waving goodbye to SaaS and welcoming the era of AaaS? Plus, we take a trip across the Channel to unpack what the Paris AI Summit reveals about the shifting relationship between politicians and the tech industry.

What to look forward to:

00:40 Will Nvidia `do a Cisco`?

20:57 Who does the EU think it is? Or the UK for that matter

28:57 Is SaaS a Dead Man Walking?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8abecd14-fc63-4657-b596-ee8ef1d086f5Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:04:00 +010042:14falsefull42. The visionary behind the UK's biggest AI exit ($650 million): Interview with Husayn Kassai42. The visionary behind the UK's biggest AI exit ($650 million): Interview with Husayn KassaiThis week, we’re joined by one of Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs, Husayn Kassai. Born in Iran, Husayn moved to Manchester at the age of 10, where his occupied with playing video games and selling Iranian music CDs online.

Husayn later attended Oxford University, where he secured £12,000 in funding to launch his AI start-up, Onfido. What started as a bold idea became a groundbreaking company, culminating in the UK’s largest AI exit to date with a $650M deal. Rather than stepping away after this milestone, Husayn has returned to the industry with fresh perspectives, renewed ambition and a new company called Quench.

A key to Husayn’s success has been his ability to anticipate the societies and demands of the future. In this episode, we explore his journey up to now and discuss where he and the wider tech industry are heading next.

https://quench.ai/

https://www.londonaihub.co.uk/

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>This week, we’re joined by one of Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs, Husayn Kassai. Born in Iran, Husayn moved to Manchester at the age of 10, where his occupied with playing video games and selling Iranian music CDs online.

Husayn later attended Oxford University, where he secured £12,000 in funding to launch his AI start-up, Onfido. What started as a bold idea became a groundbreaking company, culminating in the UK’s largest AI exit to date with a $650M deal. Rather than stepping away after this milestone, Husayn has returned to the industry with fresh perspectives, renewed ambition and a new company called Quench.

A key to Husayn’s success has been his ability to anticipate the societies and demands of the future. In this episode, we explore his journey up to now and discuss where he and the wider tech industry are heading next.

https://quench.ai/

https://www.londonaihub.co.uk/

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>7db8d37a-81d2-4386-bf25-1b701588587aWed, 19 Feb 2025 06:04:00 +010040:55falsefull41. AI PCs: Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo fight for the future of computing41. AI PCs: Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo fight for the future of computingNVIDIA's groundbreaking Personal AI Supercomputer has shaken the PC industry, leaving giants like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo scrambling to find their footing. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Los Angeles, these manufacturers seized the opportunity to prove they belong in the emerging AI PC market. 

So, let's see what they’ve got to offer.

Also in today’s episode, we’ll be asking if the EU’s tech police are losing control of the streets and be giving you a hands on guide on how to carve out your own category niche

What to look forward to:

00:29 Desktop AI category wars hot up 

09:11 How to carve out a sub-category from an established niche

27:09 Is it all over for the EU as tech’s police?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>NVIDIA's groundbreaking Personal AI Supercomputer has shaken the PC industry, leaving giants like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo scrambling to find their footing. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Los Angeles, these manufacturers seized the opportunity to prove they belong in the emerging AI PC market. 

So, let's see what they’ve got to offer.

Also in today’s episode, we’ll be asking if the EU’s tech police are losing control of the streets and be giving you a hands on guide on how to carve out your own category niche

What to look forward to:

00:29 Desktop AI category wars hot up 

09:11 How to carve out a sub-category from an established niche

27:09 Is it all over for the EU as tech’s police?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>f71194bd-6d19-4974-97c4-a21113ca6381Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:04:00 +010038:40falsefull40. Personal AI supercomputer: How NVIDIA created a new category40. Personal AI supercomputer: How NVIDIA created a new categoryIn tech, it often feels like innovation is reserved for the big players - those with the money and means to lead the way. But this can change in an instant. Just look at cloud computing, 3D printing, and the internet. These technologies democratised the ability for people to explore and push the cutting edge. Now, it seems the wall around AI is poised to be shattered with NVIDIA’s personal AI supercomputer.

So what happens when the full power of AI is placed in the hands of the masses?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll dive into the history books to extract valuable lessons from past category blunders and analyse Europe’s prospects for tech success.

What to look forward to:

00:23 Personal AI supercomputer - A new era of innovation

09:08 Category clangers 

34:59 Which way for EMEA’s Category leaders?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In tech, it often feels like innovation is reserved for the big players - those with the money and means to lead the way. But this can change in an instant. Just look at cloud computing, 3D printing, and the internet. These technologies democratised the ability for people to explore and push the cutting edge. Now, it seems the wall around AI is poised to be shattered with NVIDIA’s personal AI supercomputer.

So what happens when the full power of AI is placed in the hands of the masses?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll dive into the history books to extract valuable lessons from past category blunders and analyse Europe’s prospects for tech success.

What to look forward to:

00:23 Personal AI supercomputer - A new era of innovation

09:08 Category clangers 

34:59 Which way for EMEA’s Category leaders?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>07a115e7-a7f7-4eb7-911c-03b2894689a4Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:04:00 +010043:51falsefull39. The breakdown and break up of Intel39. The breakdown and break up of IntelWhat happens if you fail to adapt to the age of AI? Intel's decline offers us a compelling insight into this question. They failed to keep up with the pack in 2024 and on the first of December CEO Pat Gelsinger was forced into an early resignation.

So, what does 2025 hold for Intel? Is there a pathway back to industry leadership, or will this former giant be chipped away into obscurity?

Also in today’s episode, we ask if our obsession with AI is distracting us from developing critical tech, and what has happened to the category plays of the past? Are they losing, schmoozing or simply snoozing? 

What to look forward to:

00:37 Something had to give at Intel

07:33 AI’s Category cloak

15:45 Losers, Snoozers, and Schmoozers

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>What happens if you fail to adapt to the age of AI? Intel's decline offers us a compelling insight into this question. They failed to keep up with the pack in 2024 and on the first of December CEO Pat Gelsinger was forced into an early resignation.

So, what does 2025 hold for Intel? Is there a pathway back to industry leadership, or will this former giant be chipped away into obscurity?

Also in today’s episode, we ask if our obsession with AI is distracting us from developing critical tech, and what has happened to the category plays of the past? Are they losing, schmoozing or simply snoozing? 

What to look forward to:

00:37 Something had to give at Intel

07:33 AI’s Category cloak

15:45 Losers, Snoozers, and Schmoozers

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>98ba5b41-5d1f-4fbd-88d1-6827ede9326fWed, 08 Jan 2025 06:04:00 +010033:41falsefull38. Top takeaways from 2024 and what lies ahead in 202538. Top takeaways from 2024 and what lies ahead in 2025The world of tech never stands still.

2024 has been another year of breakthroughs, challenges, and trends. In this episode, we reflect on the most significant tech stories of the year, from AI's rapid evolution to blockchain's unprecedented expansion. Looking ahead, we share our predictions for 2025, highlighting the areas of tech that will redefine industries and reshape society.

What to look forward to:

00:40 The magnificent seven that defined the IT industry in 2024/2025

20:11 Lynch’s legacy

26:47 The state of EMEA startup categories

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>The world of tech never stands still.

2024 has been another year of breakthroughs, challenges, and trends. In this episode, we reflect on the most significant tech stories of the year, from AI's rapid evolution to blockchain's unprecedented expansion. Looking ahead, we share our predictions for 2025, highlighting the areas of tech that will redefine industries and reshape society.

What to look forward to:

00:40 The magnificent seven that defined the IT industry in 2024/2025

20:11 Lynch’s legacy

26:47 The state of EMEA startup categories

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>48aba537-ba43-46b1-ae22-8a3e8d72b7fcWed, 18 Dec 2024 06:04:00 +010037:26falsefull37. Interview with Ben Marrel: How VCs can fix the world37. Interview with Ben Marrel: How VCs can fix the worldToday, we’re talking to Ben Marrel, co-founder of Breega, a fast-growing European VC firm that is on a mission to lead categories with its mission driven investments.

Based in London, with offices in Paris and Barcelona, Breega has supported high-potential companies like Curve, Cuvva, Exotech, and Moneybox - recently valued at £550 million. 

In this conversation, we’ll explore Ben’s insights on the European startup ecosystem, the data driven link between diversity and profitability, and why he believes Africa will emerge as the next major hub for opportunity in the global economy.

What to look forward to:

00:10 Ben Marrel introduction

01:18 Breega and the state of early stage start-ups in Europe

22:02 Diversity as a differentiator

31:26 Will Africa be the next tech hub?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Today, we’re talking to Ben Marrel, co-founder of Breega, a fast-growing European VC firm that is on a mission to lead categories with its mission driven investments.

Based in London, with offices in Paris and Barcelona, Breega has supported high-potential companies like Curve, Cuvva, Exotech, and Moneybox - recently valued at £550 million. 

In this conversation, we’ll explore Ben’s insights on the European startup ecosystem, the data driven link between diversity and profitability, and why he believes Africa will emerge as the next major hub for opportunity in the global economy.

What to look forward to:

00:10 Ben Marrel introduction

01:18 Breega and the state of early stage start-ups in Europe

22:02 Diversity as a differentiator

31:26 Will Africa be the next tech hub?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>840fc5d2-dcea-4394-a4c6-ba608d109549Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:04:00 +010040:02falsefull36. Google vs the DOJ: The showdown of the century36. Google vs the DOJ: The showdown of the centuryDing, ding! The bell has rung for the showdown of the century as the Department of Justice steps into the ring against Google. The DOJ throws a hefty hook in the form of a 23 page document which aims to chip and chisel away at Google’s monopoly. 

Could this blow crush Google’s category lead? Will Chrome be dislodged like a loose tooth? Or are we in for a gruelling twelve round slugfest?

Also in today’s episode, we react to that Jaguar advert and ask if Stablecoin could be the category leader that crypto currency has been searching for.

What to look forward to:

00:35 Google - Breaking up is hard to do

09:49 Jaguar - breakdown of a brand blunder

26:34 The Stablecoin Revolut-ion

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Ding, ding! The bell has rung for the showdown of the century as the Department of Justice steps into the ring against Google. The DOJ throws a hefty hook in the form of a 23 page document which aims to chip and chisel away at Google’s monopoly. 

Could this blow crush Google’s category lead? Will Chrome be dislodged like a loose tooth? Or are we in for a gruelling twelve round slugfest?

Also in today’s episode, we react to that Jaguar advert and ask if Stablecoin could be the category leader that crypto currency has been searching for.

What to look forward to:

00:35 Google - Breaking up is hard to do

09:49 Jaguar - breakdown of a brand blunder

26:34 The Stablecoin Revolut-ion

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>ef40031b-a9a4-4577-896e-31bce27f03dcWed, 04 Dec 2024 06:04:00 +010028:12falsefull35. Interview with Nigel Verdon: Fintech innovation is dead. So what next?35. Interview with Nigel Verdon: Fintech innovation is dead. So what next?Today, we have the privilege of speaking with someone who has a proven track record of founding and exiting category-defining companies.

Nigel Verdon, born in Germany, began his journey studying Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University. After a brief stint in the automotive industry with EBS, he transitioned into financial services, carving out an impressive career. His roles include working at Swiss Bank Corporation, serving on the board of LCJ, and holding a director position at Dresdner Kleinwort Investment Bank.

Nigel has made a particularly significant impact on the world of Fintech, founding three companies, including Currency Cloud - a unicorn that has revolutionised the way businesses manage international payments.

 In this discussion, we’ll dive into Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership, explore the future of Fintech, and uncover why the next wave of technological innovation feels decidedly artisanal.

What to look forward to:

00:16 Introduction to Nigel Verdon 

01:45 Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership

25:48 Where does Fintech go from here?

35:26 Tech’s artisanal future

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Today, we have the privilege of speaking with someone who has a proven track record of founding and exiting category-defining companies.

Nigel Verdon, born in Germany, began his journey studying Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University. After a brief stint in the automotive industry with EBS, he transitioned into financial services, carving out an impressive career. His roles include working at Swiss Bank Corporation, serving on the board of LCJ, and holding a director position at Dresdner Kleinwort Investment Bank.

Nigel has made a particularly significant impact on the world of Fintech, founding three companies, including Currency Cloud - a unicorn that has revolutionised the way businesses manage international payments.

 In this discussion, we’ll dive into Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership, explore the future of Fintech, and uncover why the next wave of technological innovation feels decidedly artisanal.

What to look forward to:

00:16 Introduction to Nigel Verdon 

01:45 Nigel’s unique path to tech leadership

25:48 Where does Fintech go from here?

35:26 Tech’s artisanal future

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>d973a7b2-a8cf-468e-8162-f4e18d265a10Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:04:00 +010042:29falsefull34. Why did Stripe spend $1.1 Billion on a crypto startup?34. Why did Stripe spend $1.1 Billion on a crypto startup?Europe's favourite unicorn, Stripe, has announced that it is picking up crypto Stablecoin player, Bridge, for $1.1 billion. But why is the fintech powerhouse spending nearly two percent of its valuation on the roll of a crypto dice?

Could it be an ingenious category play?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll be flicking through the history books to try and predict Apple’s future, and tackle the age-old question; what is the right amount of tech branding?

What to look forward to:

00:35 Can Europe’s biggest unicorn change its Stripes?

07:20 Is Europe’s home of tech now struggling? 

11:18 History repeats itself - Is Apple becoming the new Sony? 

27:51 What’s the right amount of tech branding?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Europe's favourite unicorn, Stripe, has announced that it is picking up crypto Stablecoin player, Bridge, for $1.1 billion. But why is the fintech powerhouse spending nearly two percent of its valuation on the roll of a crypto dice?

Could it be an ingenious category play?

Also in today’s episode, we’ll be flicking through the history books to try and predict Apple’s future, and tackle the age-old question; what is the right amount of tech branding?

What to look forward to:

00:35 Can Europe’s biggest unicorn change its Stripes?

07:20 Is Europe’s home of tech now struggling? 

11:18 History repeats itself - Is Apple becoming the new Sony? 

27:51 What’s the right amount of tech branding?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>633ef73a-604e-482f-829a-b935ef4dc069Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:04:00 +010036:13falsefull33. Creating the world's first green software | Sumir Karayi33. Creating the world's first green software | Sumir KarayiToday, we explore the remarkable career of Sumir Karayi, whose journey took him from one of the UK's worst schools to becoming one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

As the founder and CEO of 1E, Karayi grew his company organically over 20 years, serving 1,700 organisations across 42 countries with 26 million licenses deployed. 1E is now ranked in the Sunday Times International Track 100 league of top private companies and is recognised as one of the top 20 companies for CIOs.

In this discussion, we’ll cover how Karayi developed the world’s first green software, why regulations can be a positive force in tech, and why he believes you shouldn’t start a start-up.

What to look forward to:

00:09 Sumir Karayi introduction

01:45 The green challenge for tech

08:20 The Crowdstrike debacle

18:44 Why is Government not liked in tech

25:43 Sumir’s path to success & founder advice

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Today, we explore the remarkable career of Sumir Karayi, whose journey took him from one of the UK's worst schools to becoming one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs.

As the founder and CEO of 1E, Karayi grew his company organically over 20 years, serving 1,700 organisations across 42 countries with 26 million licenses deployed. 1E is now ranked in the Sunday Times International Track 100 league of top private companies and is recognised as one of the top 20 companies for CIOs.

In this discussion, we’ll cover how Karayi developed the world’s first green software, why regulations can be a positive force in tech, and why he believes you shouldn’t start a start-up.

What to look forward to:

00:09 Sumir Karayi introduction

01:45 The green challenge for tech

08:20 The Crowdstrike debacle

18:44 Why is Government not liked in tech

25:43 Sumir’s path to success & founder advice

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>b543b8d3-b290-4572-997e-47160ff9996fWed, 30 Oct 2024 06:04:00 +010044:00falsefull32. Could the budget kill the UK tech scene?32. Could the budget kill the UK tech scene?The Labour Party is about to unveil its first budget in over 14 years. This is a huge moment for the country as the foundations for its economic future are put in place. But the budget doesn’t only affect the UK’s bank balance, it also influences the behaviour and values of its citizens.

So, will the red briefcase promote entrepreneurship and the category leaders of tomorrow or will it suffocate the UK’s promising tech scene? 

Also in today’s episode, we bring you the lessons from two of the UK’s most fascinating meetings of minds; DigiGov and the Sifted Summit

What to look forward to:

00:42 The UK budget. Are we killing the golden goose

13:24 DigiGov Expo review

26:34 Sifted Summit review

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>The Labour Party is about to unveil its first budget in over 14 years. This is a huge moment for the country as the foundations for its economic future are put in place. But the budget doesn’t only affect the UK’s bank balance, it also influences the behaviour and values of its citizens.

So, will the red briefcase promote entrepreneurship and the category leaders of tomorrow or will it suffocate the UK’s promising tech scene? 

Also in today’s episode, we bring you the lessons from two of the UK’s most fascinating meetings of minds; DigiGov and the Sifted Summit

What to look forward to:

00:42 The UK budget. Are we killing the golden goose

13:24 DigiGov Expo review

26:34 Sifted Summit review

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Jonathan Simnett

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]]>e989501a-5502-47d4-8f69-b414b1aeac3fWed, 16 Oct 2024 06:04:00 +010038:31falsefull31. What’s going on at the CMA?31. What’s going on at the CMA?How did Microsoft’s controversial ‘partnership’ with UK AI firm Inflection slip through the CMA's (Competition and Markets Authority) net, while Adobe’s multi-billion-dollar Figma acquisition got blocked? In this episode, we dive deep into the paperwork to uncover the methods and motivations behind the CMA’s puzzling ruling on the Inflection deal. 

Is the regulator inconsistent, misunderstood, or simply out of its depth?

Also in today’s episode, we share the intellectual spoils from this year's Boardwave event and discuss Intel’s uncertain future. 

What to look forward to:

00:30 Is the CSA’s clearing of the Inflection deal an inflection point or just a mistake

09:27 Intel’s crossroad

22:42 Broadwave review

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>How did Microsoft’s controversial ‘partnership’ with UK AI firm Inflection slip through the CMA's (Competition and Markets Authority) net, while Adobe’s multi-billion-dollar Figma acquisition got blocked? In this episode, we dive deep into the paperwork to uncover the methods and motivations behind the CMA’s puzzling ruling on the Inflection deal. 

Is the regulator inconsistent, misunderstood, or simply out of its depth?

Also in today’s episode, we share the intellectual spoils from this year's Boardwave event and discuss Intel’s uncertain future. 

What to look forward to:

00:30 Is the CSA’s clearing of the Inflection deal an inflection point or just a mistake

09:27 Intel’s crossroad

22:42 Broadwave review

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>4d63b7f5-254f-4476-8869-274f150c0e5dWed, 09 Oct 2024 06:04:00 +010035:10falsefull30. The secrets to scaling your business | Phill Robinson30. The secrets to scaling your business | Phill RobinsonIn this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a major figure in the global software industry - Phill Robinson. With a career spanning multiple continents and as the CEO of Velocix, IRIS, and Exact, Phil's contributions to the tech world has been monumental. 

Today, he’ll share what he learnt from working in the heart of industry giants including Oracle, Sybase, Siebel, and Salesforce. 

We’ll also delve into his latest venture: Boardwave. A unique community aimed at helping Europe compete with Silicon Valley and create the next generation of tech category leaders.

What to look forward to:

00:10 Phill Robinson introduction

01:22 Boardwave: addressing Europe’s category creation deficit

18:28 The lessons of serial category leadership

29:37 Grinds my gears - unicorns

33:33 Why authenticity matters if you want to be different

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a major figure in the global software industry - Phill Robinson. With a career spanning multiple continents and as the CEO of Velocix, IRIS, and Exact, Phil's contributions to the tech world has been monumental. 

Today, he’ll share what he learnt from working in the heart of industry giants including Oracle, Sybase, Siebel, and Salesforce. 

We’ll also delve into his latest venture: Boardwave. A unique community aimed at helping Europe compete with Silicon Valley and create the next generation of tech category leaders.

What to look forward to:

00:10 Phill Robinson introduction

01:22 Boardwave: addressing Europe’s category creation deficit

18:28 The lessons of serial category leadership

29:37 Grinds my gears - unicorns

33:33 Why authenticity matters if you want to be different

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>55b45691-8edd-4d63-ad70-0b76a000098eWed, 25 Sep 2024 06:04:00 +010041:54falsefull29. Has Musk gone mad?29. Has Musk gone mad?We like Elon Musk's style. In previous episodes, we’ve championed him as a visionary innovator and category king. One of the things we’ve always admired is his bold approach to business. But, his recent posts on X seem less bold, and more barmy. Is Musk’s free speech starting to backfire?

Will he be the engineer of his own downfall? 

Also in today’s episode, We’ll be looking at the love affair between politicians and tech jobs, asking if the SaaS playbook is the road to category leadership and analysing the aftermath of when Cisco and Linksys collided.

What to look forward to:

00:34 Has Musk gone mad?

15:03 Why Tech jobs are not as helpful for politicians as they hope

20:32 When categories collide: Cisco and Linksys

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>We like Elon Musk's style. In previous episodes, we’ve championed him as a visionary innovator and category king. One of the things we’ve always admired is his bold approach to business. But, his recent posts on X seem less bold, and more barmy. Is Musk’s free speech starting to backfire?

Will he be the engineer of his own downfall? 

Also in today’s episode, We’ll be looking at the love affair between politicians and tech jobs, asking if the SaaS playbook is the road to category leadership and analysing the aftermath of when Cisco and Linksys collided.

What to look forward to:

00:34 Has Musk gone mad?

15:03 Why Tech jobs are not as helpful for politicians as they hope

20:32 When categories collide: Cisco and Linksys

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>f527ecb0-23c8-4b45-afeb-0a56bc085d26Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:04:00 +010025:31falsefull28. Have we found Europe's AI category leader?28. Have we found Europe's AI category leader?If you’re a regular listener of the show then you’ll know that we’re always banging on about two things: European category leaders and AI. Well, while sniffing around this year's SaaStr event, our dreams came true. We think we found a potential AI category leader based in Cologne, Germany.

Could Jaroslaw Kutylowski’s translation service, DeepL, be the golden goose?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll take a look at how Apple is redefining privacy and why London Tech Week needs a big rethink.

What to look forward to:

01:24 Can Europe create an AI category leader?

12:41 Apple will redefine the meaning of AI privacy.

17:54 What is the point of London Tech Week?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>If you’re a regular listener of the show then you’ll know that we’re always banging on about two things: European category leaders and AI. Well, while sniffing around this year's SaaStr event, our dreams came true. We think we found a potential AI category leader based in Cologne, Germany.

Could Jaroslaw Kutylowski’s translation service, DeepL, be the golden goose?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll take a look at how Apple is redefining privacy and why London Tech Week needs a big rethink.

What to look forward to:

01:24 Can Europe create an AI category leader?

12:41 Apple will redefine the meaning of AI privacy.

17:54 What is the point of London Tech Week?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>2cc3dde7-5f34-4c15-88b1-45e4c2eb127cWed, 28 Aug 2024 06:04:00 +010026:33falsefull27. Putting the SDV in SUV27. Putting the SDV in SUVNissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. Three of the greats, and sometimes under-rated manufacturers of automobile. From Honda’s engines revolutionising motorsport to Nissan making the iconic British Austin 7 cars under license, they’ve got a rich history. But where will the future take them? How will their new joint research venture create fundamental software for the next generation of SDVs? 

It’s clear that not only are manufacturers seeing a shift in value from parts to software, but that consumers are too. Mainly, we just want Apple CarPlay…

Also in today’s episode, we’ll look at whether it was Crowdstrike’s desire to pursue commercial hegemony that put the globe’s IT systems into disarray, why analysts are predicting that Apple will lose 4-5% of profits after the Google court ruling, and we’re not sure what this says about the UK’s tech industry but only six people are actually entrepreneurs in Computer Weekly’s list of UKTech50…

What to look forward to:

0134 - Putting the SDV in SUV

1733 - What CrowdStrike teaches us about the wisdom of creating ‘platforms’.

2816 - The Sage of Omaha-ha isn’t funny over in Cupertino

3319 - The UKtech50 2024 - APPARENTLY the most influential people in UK technology

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

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]]>Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi. Three of the greats, and sometimes under-rated manufacturers of automobile. From Honda’s engines revolutionising motorsport to Nissan making the iconic British Austin 7 cars under license, they’ve got a rich history. But where will the future take them? How will their new joint research venture create fundamental software for the next generation of SDVs? 

It’s clear that not only are manufacturers seeing a shift in value from parts to software, but that consumers are too. Mainly, we just want Apple CarPlay…

Also in today’s episode, we’ll look at whether it was Crowdstrike’s desire to pursue commercial hegemony that put the globe’s IT systems into disarray, why analysts are predicting that Apple will lose 4-5% of profits after the Google court ruling, and we’re not sure what this says about the UK’s tech industry but only six people are actually entrepreneurs in Computer Weekly’s list of UKTech50…

What to look forward to:

0134 - Putting the SDV in SUV

1733 - What CrowdStrike teaches us about the wisdom of creating ‘platforms’.

2816 - The Sage of Omaha-ha isn’t funny over in Cupertino

3319 - The UKtech50 2024 - APPARENTLY the most influential people in UK technology

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>46284d81-3da8-47c8-aef5-cc6dbe039023Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:04:00 +010038:16falsefull26. The top 5 greatest tech acquisitions of all time26. The top 5 greatest tech acquisitions of all timeIn the last episode, we began our exploration of the greatest tech acquisitions of all time, concluding with Booking.com at number six. Their purchase of Priceline returned an impressive $46.6 billion. Now, we move into the top five. These acquisitions dwarf what has come before, each one generating returns of over $100 billion.

So, who is going to be number one? (It’s probably not who you think.)

Also in today’s episode, We’ll ask who are the best people to lead a Category Design project and what can be learnt from when Dell and EMC collided. 

What to look forward to:

00:33 The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 2)

15:26 How to set up the ultimate category design team

25:54 When categories collide - Dell and EMC  

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In the last episode, we began our exploration of the greatest tech acquisitions of all time, concluding with Booking.com at number six. Their purchase of Priceline returned an impressive $46.6 billion. Now, we move into the top five. These acquisitions dwarf what has come before, each one generating returns of over $100 billion.

So, who is going to be number one? (It’s probably not who you think.)

Also in today’s episode, We’ll ask who are the best people to lead a Category Design project and what can be learnt from when Dell and EMC collided. 

What to look forward to:

00:33 The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 2)

15:26 How to set up the ultimate category design team

25:54 When categories collide - Dell and EMC  

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>a40f270e-4b93-46d3-8d76-0dcad3439bdcWed, 14 Aug 2024 06:04:00 +010037:04falsefull25. Lessons from the greatest tech acquisitions of all time25. Lessons from the greatest tech acquisitions of all timeDecisions, decisions, decisions. Every workday is just a collection of decisions. Who to hire, when to sell, what shirt goes with this tie. We take a punt and hope it pays off. But what about the decisions with the biggest payoffs? What are the best business decisions of all time? In today’s episode we uncover the stories behind the greatest tech acquisitions ever.

Were category leaders created or bought?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is reframing the employee experience and what happened when Elon Musk and Twitter collided. 

What to look forward to:

00:37    The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 1)

18:22    How is AI re-framing the employee experience?

25:54    When Categories Collide - Elon Musk & Twitter

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Decisions, decisions, decisions. Every workday is just a collection of decisions. Who to hire, when to sell, what shirt goes with this tie. We take a punt and hope it pays off. But what about the decisions with the biggest payoffs? What are the best business decisions of all time? In today’s episode we uncover the stories behind the greatest tech acquisitions ever.

Were category leaders created or bought?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is reframing the employee experience and what happened when Elon Musk and Twitter collided. 

What to look forward to:

00:37    The greatest tech acquisitions of all time (part 1)

18:22    How is AI re-framing the employee experience?

25:54    When Categories Collide - Elon Musk & Twitter

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>7c288efb-08cc-4a53-8060-4188652592a8Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:04:00 +010030:19falsefull24. Which European fintechs have a shot at category leadership?24. Which European fintechs have a shot at category leadership?Last month the start-up news publication Sifted introduced us to Europe's fastest growing fintechs. The 10 listed companies are successfully bucking the trend and managing to raise capital in these difficult times. Congratulations to them. However, today on the Difference Engine, we take it one step further. We find out which of these fintechs are not just better, but different.

Do any have a shot at becoming a category leader?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is promoting the proliferation sloppiness and learn from the chaos that arose from Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

What to look forward to:

00:36    Will Europe produce new fintech Category leaders?

14:47    Is AI creating sloppiness?

23:12    When Categories Collide - Microsoft & Activision Blizzard

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Last month the start-up news publication Sifted introduced us to Europe's fastest growing fintechs. The 10 listed companies are successfully bucking the trend and managing to raise capital in these difficult times. Congratulations to them. However, today on the Difference Engine, we take it one step further. We find out which of these fintechs are not just better, but different.

Do any have a shot at becoming a category leader?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll find out how AI is promoting the proliferation sloppiness and learn from the chaos that arose from Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

What to look forward to:

00:36    Will Europe produce new fintech Category leaders?

14:47    Is AI creating sloppiness?

23:12    When Categories Collide - Microsoft & Activision Blizzard

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>1201a947-7c8f-4066-aa5a-21ed7441ff48Wed, 17 Jul 2024 06:04:00 +010030:15falsefull23. The secrets to shaping Apple and beyond | Andy Cunningham23. The secrets to shaping Apple and beyond | Andy CunninghamIn this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a pivotal figure in the tech world who helped shape one of the most iconic brands in history. Apple.

Andy Cunningham had a seat at the table for one of the most exciting periods in the tech industry’s history. The birth of Silicon Valley, The emergence of the groundbreaking Macintosh in 1984 and the rise, fall and rise again of Steve Jobs. If it was happening, Andy was there.

During this time she worked closely with Steve and other industry heavyweights, developing her skills and becoming one of the world leaders in tech positioning. As the founder of Cunningham Communications Inc. she has been influential in the success of numerous high-tech companies in Silicon Valley.

In 2017 she released Get to Aha! Discover Your Positioning DNA and Dominate Your Competition, a book that shares the winning framework she uses to transform markets and industries. Her expertise has been a guiding force for many businesses looking to carve out their unique space in competitive markets.

In our conversation today, we explore Andy's journey in the tech industry, her experiences working at Apple and her insights into effective brand positioning. We'll discuss the pivotal moments in her career and the invaluable lessons she's learned about category and beyond. 

What to look forward to:

00:13 Andy Cunningham Introduction

01:40 What makes Silicon Valley special?

05:54 Apple, the Macintosh and Steve Jobs 

17:20 Tech positioning today

23:07 Utilising the DNA of your business

34:24 Andy’s category philosophy

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In this episode of The Difference Engine, we sit down with a pivotal figure in the tech world who helped shape one of the most iconic brands in history. Apple.

Andy Cunningham had a seat at the table for one of the most exciting periods in the tech industry’s history. The birth of Silicon Valley, The emergence of the groundbreaking Macintosh in 1984 and the rise, fall and rise again of Steve Jobs. If it was happening, Andy was there.

During this time she worked closely with Steve and other industry heavyweights, developing her skills and becoming one of the world leaders in tech positioning. As the founder of Cunningham Communications Inc. she has been influential in the success of numerous high-tech companies in Silicon Valley.

In 2017 she released Get to Aha! Discover Your Positioning DNA and Dominate Your Competition, a book that shares the winning framework she uses to transform markets and industries. Her expertise has been a guiding force for many businesses looking to carve out their unique space in competitive markets.

In our conversation today, we explore Andy's journey in the tech industry, her experiences working at Apple and her insights into effective brand positioning. We'll discuss the pivotal moments in her career and the invaluable lessons she's learned about category and beyond. 

What to look forward to:

00:13 Andy Cunningham Introduction

01:40 What makes Silicon Valley special?

05:54 Apple, the Macintosh and Steve Jobs 

17:20 Tech positioning today

23:07 Utilising the DNA of your business

34:24 Andy’s category philosophy

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8c794d87-534e-4796-b06c-fabed504e2efWed, 03 Jul 2024 06:04:00 +010046:13falsefull22. Top 10 go-to-market mistakes: Lessons from SaaStr 202422. Top 10 go-to-market mistakes: Lessons from SaaStr 2024Jason Lemkin is not afraid to admit to his errors. In fact, a few weeks ago he eagerly shared them with a room full of people in East London. The founder of SaaStr revealed his top 10 go-to-market mistakes at this year’s SaaStr conference. So, who should you avoid hiring? Which cuts should you steer clear of? And what single word on someone's LinkedIn profile should raise a red flag?

In addition, we'll delve into the recent acquittal of long-suffering tech tycoon Mike Lynch and analyze the repercussions of eBay's acquisition of Skype.

What to look forward to:

00:35 A conclusion to the Mike Lynch saga

06:45 Top ten go-to-market mistakes according to SaaStr

22:37 When Categories Collide - eBay and Skype 

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Jason Lemkin is not afraid to admit to his errors. In fact, a few weeks ago he eagerly shared them with a room full of people in East London. The founder of SaaStr revealed his top 10 go-to-market mistakes at this year’s SaaStr conference. So, who should you avoid hiring? Which cuts should you steer clear of? And what single word on someone's LinkedIn profile should raise a red flag?

In addition, we'll delve into the recent acquittal of long-suffering tech tycoon Mike Lynch and analyze the repercussions of eBay's acquisition of Skype.

What to look forward to:

00:35 A conclusion to the Mike Lynch saga

06:45 Top ten go-to-market mistakes according to SaaStr

22:37 When Categories Collide - eBay and Skype 

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>419abcb9-c679-4173-95ea-bc0479a6d3d9Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:04:00 +010029:00falsefull21. Will France’s €15 billion investment propel it to category leadership?21. Will France’s €15 billion investment propel it to category leadership?All eyes will be on Paris next month as they welcome athletes and fans from all over the world for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the international sports day isn’t the only event drawing significant foreign investment into France. The 7th Choose France showcase announced €15 billion of industry investments, promising an estimated 10,000 jobs.

Could this influx of capital be the driving force behind France’s sprint to category gold?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the failed Apple advert. Are they losing touch with their audience? We’ll show you how a decent Category strategy can improve your chances of securing funding and we’ll go back in time to see what we can learn when categories collide.

What to look forward to:

00:33    Is France heading for tech Category leadership?

10:02    Apple apologises for ad that ‘missed the mark’

16:55    How does a decent Category strategy improve your chances of securing funding?

28:11    When categories collide: Avago & Broadcom

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>All eyes will be on Paris next month as they welcome athletes and fans from all over the world for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the international sports day isn’t the only event drawing significant foreign investment into France. The 7th Choose France showcase announced €15 billion of industry investments, promising an estimated 10,000 jobs.

Could this influx of capital be the driving force behind France’s sprint to category gold?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the failed Apple advert. Are they losing touch with their audience? We’ll show you how a decent Category strategy can improve your chances of securing funding and we’ll go back in time to see what we can learn when categories collide.

What to look forward to:

00:33    Is France heading for tech Category leadership?

10:02    Apple apologises for ad that ‘missed the mark’

16:55    How does a decent Category strategy improve your chances of securing funding?

28:11    When categories collide: Avago & Broadcom

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>32174671-828e-4f83-b28d-5e4f80814861Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:04:00 +010032:14falsefull20. The age of regulation: Turning rules to your advantage20. The age of regulation: Turning rules to your advantageWe are living in the age of regulation. Going forward, category creators will have to dance to the tune of the CRA, NIRS2, GDPR and numerous other weighty rulebooks. But, can we learn to love the music? Embrace the constraints? Turn the rules to our advantage and waltz our way to success.

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the emergence of `Storytelling` as, apparently, a new tech marketing discipline and look into our crystal ball to see how the line between VCs and PEs will become increasingly blurred.

What to look forward to:

00:30    Governments demand WhatsApp enforce age restrictions. 

08:57    The emergence of `Storytelling` 

12:41    What rules should you follow?

20:48    The age of casino PE

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>We are living in the age of regulation. Going forward, category creators will have to dance to the tune of the CRA, NIRS2, GDPR and numerous other weighty rulebooks. But, can we learn to love the music? Embrace the constraints? Turn the rules to our advantage and waltz our way to success.

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the emergence of `Storytelling` as, apparently, a new tech marketing discipline and look into our crystal ball to see how the line between VCs and PEs will become increasingly blurred.

What to look forward to:

00:30    Governments demand WhatsApp enforce age restrictions. 

08:57    The emergence of `Storytelling` 

12:41    What rules should you follow?

20:48    The age of casino PE

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>89757c65-d3ad-4ecc-be39-1730cc3f1940Wed, 22 May 2024 06:04:00 +010030:51falsefull19. Electric vehicles: An automotive upgrade or brand new category?19. Electric vehicles: An automotive upgrade or brand new category?Electric vehicles are expected to make up 25% of all new passenger car registrations this year, with projections indicating that by 2030, EVs will capture two thirds of the market share. As consumer choices change, so does the whole transport ecosystem. This technological shift demands new fueling stations, tyres, job roles and even road design. 

So, are electric vehicles just an automotive upgrade or a whole new category?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the aftermath of when categories collide, peer down our microscope to discover the unintended consequences of thinking small and learn how AI changing the design of every category blueprint?

What to look forward to:

00:30    How is AI changing the design of every category blueprint?

12:03    What does the rollout of EVs tell us about building Categories?

21:21    The unintended consequences of thinking small

27:04    When categories collide - Microsoft & Nokia

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

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Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Electric vehicles are expected to make up 25% of all new passenger car registrations this year, with projections indicating that by 2030, EVs will capture two thirds of the market share. As consumer choices change, so does the whole transport ecosystem. This technological shift demands new fueling stations, tyres, job roles and even road design. 

So, are electric vehicles just an automotive upgrade or a whole new category?

Also in today’s episode, We’ll analyse the aftermath of when categories collide, peer down our microscope to discover the unintended consequences of thinking small and learn how AI changing the design of every category blueprint?

What to look forward to:

00:30    How is AI changing the design of every category blueprint?

12:03    What does the rollout of EVs tell us about building Categories?

21:21    The unintended consequences of thinking small

27:04    When categories collide - Microsoft & Nokia

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>63bbdb3f-aab0-4849-910c-ae1b89e84030Wed, 08 May 2024 06:04:00 +010034:27falsefull18. Pain & Suffering! A lesson in resilience from Jensen Huang and James Dyson18. Pain & Suffering! A lesson in resilience from Jensen Huang and James Dyson“I wish upon you ample doses of pain and suffering”

These are the encouraging words of Nvidia founder Jensen Huang. For Jensen, suffering is the whetstone on which one sharpens their character. It is the shaper of greatness. But, what about the lucky ones? The painless people whose lives have avoided such sore turns. Can they achieve such heights? One of the UK’s greatest entrepreneurs, James Dyson, shows us how we can invite agony into our lives.

Also in today’s episode, we’ll have an intimate look at Tory flasher William Wragg and the political Luddites, before turning away from tech and looking to art for a lesson in category design.

What to look forward to:

00:42    Pain and Suffering Part 1 - Huang-ing in there

07:49    Pain and Suffering Part 2 - Rolling the Dyson

15:38    William Wragg and the political Luddites

19:31    The rise of impressionism is a masterclass in category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>“I wish upon you ample doses of pain and suffering”

These are the encouraging words of Nvidia founder Jensen Huang. For Jensen, suffering is the whetstone on which one sharpens their character. It is the shaper of greatness. But, what about the lucky ones? The painless people whose lives have avoided such sore turns. Can they achieve such heights? One of the UK’s greatest entrepreneurs, James Dyson, shows us how we can invite agony into our lives.

Also in today’s episode, we’ll have an intimate look at Tory flasher William Wragg and the political Luddites, before turning away from tech and looking to art for a lesson in category design.

What to look forward to:

00:42    Pain and Suffering Part 1 - Huang-ing in there

07:49    Pain and Suffering Part 2 - Rolling the Dyson

15:38    William Wragg and the political Luddites

19:31    The rise of impressionism is a masterclass in category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>59c33be4-77cc-446d-887f-d4455146a294Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:04:00 +010026:10falsefull17. Who just won the second battle of the AI war?17. Who just won the second battle of the AI war?Throughout this series, we have been surveying the battlefield of the AI war. From an elevated outpost, we have analysed and reported on the tactical moves of both Microsoft and Google. Data centres, acquisitions, and an arms race of innovation have all weaponised in their attempts to wrestle control of tech’s future. 

But who just won the latest battle? 

As Winston Churchill said "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." 

Stick with the Difference Engine to find out exactly how the AI war is unfolding, as it happens.

Also in today’s episode, we look at the attention economy and the rise of the SuperApp. And, EU lawyers fire their first shots in the AI war.

What to look forward to:

00:49    Who won the second battle of the AI war?

08:05    The attention economy and the rise of the Super-app.

16:15    EU lawyers enter the AI battlefield.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Throughout this series, we have been surveying the battlefield of the AI war. From an elevated outpost, we have analysed and reported on the tactical moves of both Microsoft and Google. Data centres, acquisitions, and an arms race of innovation have all weaponised in their attempts to wrestle control of tech’s future. 

But who just won the latest battle? 

As Winston Churchill said "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." 

Stick with the Difference Engine to find out exactly how the AI war is unfolding, as it happens.

Also in today’s episode, we look at the attention economy and the rise of the SuperApp. And, EU lawyers fire their first shots in the AI war.

What to look forward to:

00:49    Who won the second battle of the AI war?

08:05    The attention economy and the rise of the Super-app.

16:15    EU lawyers enter the AI battlefield.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>2b211130-d804-42c8-84c4-0a56e20e8091Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:04:00 +010023:28falsefull16. The reality of a category journey | Vincent Peters16. The reality of a category journey | Vincent PetersIn this episode of The Difference Engine we talk to a captain at the helm of the category ship. 

Vincent Peters brings a wealth of experience to the table, having held prominent leadership positions at renowned companies such as TIBCO, Qlik, Siebel Systems, and Oracle. Not only has he navigated the global landscape of tech leadership, but he's also delved into entrepreneurship, co-founding Curo Technologies, which was later acquired by Adobe.

At Productsup, Vincent spearheads a category-leading Product to Consumer (P2C) commerce platform that revolutionizes product content management and fosters crucial connections between brands, retailers, marketplaces, and consumers. 

In our conversation today, we'll delve into Vincent's motivations for category design, his experiences leading a category-defining company, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>In this episode of The Difference Engine we talk to a captain at the helm of the category ship. 

Vincent Peters brings a wealth of experience to the table, having held prominent leadership positions at renowned companies such as TIBCO, Qlik, Siebel Systems, and Oracle. Not only has he navigated the global landscape of tech leadership, but he's also delved into entrepreneurship, co-founding Curo Technologies, which was later acquired by Adobe.

At Productsup, Vincent spearheads a category-leading Product to Consumer (P2C) commerce platform that revolutionizes product content management and fosters crucial connections between brands, retailers, marketplaces, and consumers. 

In our conversation today, we'll delve into Vincent's motivations for category design, his experiences leading a category-defining company, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>b2ddf479-06a0-4001-8f71-524153bd8b73Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:04:00 +010036:49falsefull15. How digital transformation is transforming the world | Anuj Nayar15. How digital transformation is transforming the world | Anuj NayarThroughout history, certain inventions have reorganised the world. From the printing press to the steam engine, these technologies have triggered paradigm shifts that alter the fundamental structure of societies. Anuj Nayar believes that we are right at the beginning of another global transformation. One that will recategorise every industry in the world.

Anuj Nayar has over twenty-five years of global expertise in media, payments, and consumer technology. He has cultivated a distinguished career at industry-leading companies such as Apple, PayPal, and LendingClub—innovators that reshaped entire industries. 

In this episode we discuss the shifting sands of digital transformation and how AI will impact democracy. We’ll ask if San Francisco still has what it takes to be the globe’s innovation powerhouse and find out why Anuj has a burner phone.

What to look forward to:

00:28 Introduction to Anuj Nayar

01:40 Digital transformation. A golden opportunity for category creation?

09:31 Has Silicon Valley still got it?

13:02 Grind my gears! The rise of spam texts

16:30 Crystal ball. AI’s next step and political predictions

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Throughout history, certain inventions have reorganised the world. From the printing press to the steam engine, these technologies have triggered paradigm shifts that alter the fundamental structure of societies. Anuj Nayar believes that we are right at the beginning of another global transformation. One that will recategorise every industry in the world.

Anuj Nayar has over twenty-five years of global expertise in media, payments, and consumer technology. He has cultivated a distinguished career at industry-leading companies such as Apple, PayPal, and LendingClub—innovators that reshaped entire industries. 

In this episode we discuss the shifting sands of digital transformation and how AI will impact democracy. We’ll ask if San Francisco still has what it takes to be the globe’s innovation powerhouse and find out why Anuj has a burner phone.

What to look forward to:

00:28 Introduction to Anuj Nayar

01:40 Digital transformation. A golden opportunity for category creation?

09:31 Has Silicon Valley still got it?

13:02 Grind my gears! The rise of spam texts

16:30 Crystal ball. AI’s next step and political predictions

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>b219936f-64f1-455a-911c-390015cc7f7dWed, 21 Feb 2024 06:04:00 +010024:02falsefull14. Google vs Microsoft. Whose London data centre is a missed opportunity?14. Google vs Microsoft. Whose London data centre is a missed opportunity?Let’s play a game of spot the Difference. 

In episode 10 we sang the category praises of Microsoft after learning about their £2.5 billion data centre building project in West London. Now, we’re turning our attention to Google. They have announced a similarly large data centre project on a 33 acre site just north of London. However, our praise for Google is much less forthcoming. Instead, the move has left us asking: Does Google actually get category?

So, what’s the difference? Why is Microsoft’s UK data centre a great category play? While Google’s represents a big missed opportunity.

In today's episode, we review Google’s latest category misstep and teach you how to land the perfect first lightning strike. We’ll also shine a light on LinkedIn’s descent into drivel and take a trip to an orchard to learn about the difference between branding and category design.

What to look forward to:

00:55    Google misses another opportunity to make a category play

06:57    LinkedIn’s descent into drivel

12:08    The 7 components of a successful first strike

22:58    Never confuse category with bloody branding

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Let’s play a game of spot the Difference. 

In episode 10 we sang the category praises of Microsoft after learning about their £2.5 billion data centre building project in West London. Now, we’re turning our attention to Google. They have announced a similarly large data centre project on a 33 acre site just north of London. However, our praise for Google is much less forthcoming. Instead, the move has left us asking: Does Google actually get category?

So, what’s the difference? Why is Microsoft’s UK data centre a great category play? While Google’s represents a big missed opportunity.

In today's episode, we review Google’s latest category misstep and teach you how to land the perfect first lightning strike. We’ll also shine a light on LinkedIn’s descent into drivel and take a trip to an orchard to learn about the difference between branding and category design.

What to look forward to:

00:55    Google misses another opportunity to make a category play

06:57    LinkedIn’s descent into drivel

12:08    The 7 components of a successful first strike

22:58    Never confuse category with bloody branding

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>faa173bc-3897-479b-96b2-9421a9983c09Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:04:00 +010027:53falsefull13. The Post Office Scandal: Fijitsu's fall from grace13. The Post Office Scandal: Fijitsu's fall from grace‘The UK’s biggest miscarridge of justice’. This is what the The Criminal Cases Review Commission called the Post Office Horizon scandal. But who is to blame? Is it Fujitsu’s fault? Or do the rotten roots of run deeper? In this episode we look into the distribution of UK tech contracts and the consequences sector stragulation. 

We also look into our crystal ball to predict Google’s massive category pivot. Are they moving away from the voice assistant market and instead incorporating it into Bard. We’ll also be teaching you how to successfully steer your own pivot by implementing a FroTo. 

What to look forward to:

00:53: The lessons from Fujistu and the Post Office

06:46: Are Google undertaking a massive category pivot?

11:04: What is a FroTo?

17:12: The UK tech exodus

21:17: Keeping your team with you on a category journey

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>‘The UK’s biggest miscarridge of justice’. This is what the The Criminal Cases Review Commission called the Post Office Horizon scandal. But who is to blame? Is it Fujitsu’s fault? Or do the rotten roots of run deeper? In this episode we look into the distribution of UK tech contracts and the consequences sector stragulation. 

We also look into our crystal ball to predict Google’s massive category pivot. Are they moving away from the voice assistant market and instead incorporating it into Bard. We’ll also be teaching you how to successfully steer your own pivot by implementing a FroTo. 

What to look forward to:

00:53: The lessons from Fujistu and the Post Office

06:46: Are Google undertaking a massive category pivot?

11:04: What is a FroTo?

17:12: The UK tech exodus

21:17: Keeping your team with you on a category journey

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>a13a1fd7-6699-4fa7-9216-ee990d5f4346Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:04:00 +010028:40falsefull12. How you should (and shouldn’t) use AI12. How you should (and shouldn’t) use AI‘If you haven’t got an AI component in your offer, we ain’t gonna fund you’. 

This is what we heard at the most recent Saastr conference. AI is undoubtedly the new hot ticket with 83% of company executives claiming that AI is a strategic priority for their business. So is it; go AI or go home? 

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a look at how you should (and shouldn’t) use AI. We’ll also be breaking down remote working and its influence on category, what people really mean when they talk about the year of efficiency and how you can build a strong ecosystem to maximise your company's growth.

What to look forward to:

00:51 How to incorporate AI into your category

06:07 How do you build an ecosystem? 

12:00 Remote working. Is it your friend or foe?

16:43 What does the year of efficiency really mean?

20:45 iPhone 15 and Apple’s dying category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>‘If you haven’t got an AI component in your offer, we ain’t gonna fund you’. 

This is what we heard at the most recent Saastr conference. AI is undoubtedly the new hot ticket with 83% of company executives claiming that AI is a strategic priority for their business. So is it; go AI or go home? 

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a look at how you should (and shouldn’t) use AI. We’ll also be breaking down remote working and its influence on category, what people really mean when they talk about the year of efficiency and how you can build a strong ecosystem to maximise your company's growth.

What to look forward to:

00:51 How to incorporate AI into your category

06:07 How do you build an ecosystem? 

12:00 Remote working. Is it your friend or foe?

16:43 What does the year of efficiency really mean?

20:45 iPhone 15 and Apple’s dying category

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>f284f268-ebdc-42c5-872e-21de002a29d2Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:04:00 +010022:24falsefull11. Insider secrets to Saleforce’s success | Pat Morrissey11. Insider secrets to Saleforce’s success | Pat MorrisseyPat Morrissey has been at the epicentre of category creation throughout his career. His impressive curriculum includes industry heavyweights Salesforce, Simpplr and Business Objects. Currently, he is the Chief Customer Office at Hirevue, a game changing AI hiring platform that owns the category of Human Potential Intelligence. Over 1,150 companies are currently using Hirevue’s game-changing platform to get the best people into their perfect job roles. 

In this episode, we talk about why AI is revolutionising how companies hire, the secrets behind Salesforce’s double-digit growth, and top tips for people embarking on their category journey. 

What to look forward to:

00:28 Introduction to the legend that is Pat Morrissey

01:39 How did Salesforce become a category leader?

12:53 How can AI help you hire/ get hired?

19:59 Learn and Earn! Pat Morrissey’s top category design tips

26:12 Tech VCs. Category friend or Category foe?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Pat Morrissey has been at the epicentre of category creation throughout his career. His impressive curriculum includes industry heavyweights Salesforce, Simpplr and Business Objects. Currently, he is the Chief Customer Office at Hirevue, a game changing AI hiring platform that owns the category of Human Potential Intelligence. Over 1,150 companies are currently using Hirevue’s game-changing platform to get the best people into their perfect job roles. 

In this episode, we talk about why AI is revolutionising how companies hire, the secrets behind Salesforce’s double-digit growth, and top tips for people embarking on their category journey. 

What to look forward to:

00:28 Introduction to the legend that is Pat Morrissey

01:39 How did Salesforce become a category leader?

12:53 How can AI help you hire/ get hired?

19:59 Learn and Earn! Pat Morrissey’s top category design tips

26:12 Tech VCs. Category friend or Category foe?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>78bf68ad-068e-434c-b9eb-1ec442235988Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:04:00 +010032:52falsefull10. Ocado & Starling: Changing course to a category lead10. Ocado & Starling: Changing course to a category leadWhy did Starling Bank decide to switch its concentration from consumer banking to B2B? We talk about the bold choices that led to this change and the comparable action taken by industry titans Ocado.

If you want to play with the big boys you need to be able to adapt. Just look at Starling bank. CEO Anne Boden is overseeing their pivot from from B2C to B2B. So what are the bold choices that led to this change and what can we learn from the comparable action taken by industry titans Ocado.

Could your category lead be just a pivot away?

In today's episode, we address the significance of changing the language used when talking about AI and the need for businesses to stand apart from the competition, especially in light of the possible saturation of the AI market. We also look at the value of creating strong ecosystems and the methods and tactics used by Mark Benioff's Salesforce to create successful businesses.

What to look forward to:

00:00    Starling's Evolution

06:57    Microsoft's Investment in Data Centres

11:33    Why are ecosystems so important?

20:15    AI Explosion and Categorisation

26:15    Analysing category leaders like Mark Benioff

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Why did Starling Bank decide to switch its concentration from consumer banking to B2B? We talk about the bold choices that led to this change and the comparable action taken by industry titans Ocado.

If you want to play with the big boys you need to be able to adapt. Just look at Starling bank. CEO Anne Boden is overseeing their pivot from from B2C to B2B. So what are the bold choices that led to this change and what can we learn from the comparable action taken by industry titans Ocado.

Could your category lead be just a pivot away?

In today's episode, we address the significance of changing the language used when talking about AI and the need for businesses to stand apart from the competition, especially in light of the possible saturation of the AI market. We also look at the value of creating strong ecosystems and the methods and tactics used by Mark Benioff's Salesforce to create successful businesses.

What to look forward to:

00:00    Starling's Evolution

06:57    Microsoft's Investment in Data Centres

11:33    Why are ecosystems so important?

20:15    AI Explosion and Categorisation

26:15    Analysing category leaders like Mark Benioff

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>6c7c294e-6554-4ffc-9bff-d18e66e677e0Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:04:00 +010032:11falsefull9. A European category king9. A European category king‘Europeans can’t do category design.’ We hear this a lot, particularly from our friends across the pond. However, the company behind London’s record breaking $11 billion IPO might disagree. Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) has successfully built and dominated a category within the retail banking space. And, they’re from the UK.

So what’s their secret? Why has Wise succeeded where so many other Europeans have failed?

In today’s episode, we take a look at what we can learn from Wise. We’ll also be checking the tech recession’s temperature and asking what options are available to your business. Could it be time for a new category?

What to look forward to:

00:50 Wise words - What can we learn from a European category king

06:20 The techcession rages on… to the techpocalypse 

10:25 SaaS - Time for recategorisation?

14:25 How to pull off the perfect ‘lightning strike’

22:45 Is it the year of increasing efficiency? Or just the year of increasing margin?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>‘Europeans can’t do category design.’ We hear this a lot, particularly from our friends across the pond. However, the company behind London’s record breaking $11 billion IPO might disagree. Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) has successfully built and dominated a category within the retail banking space. And, they’re from the UK.

So what’s their secret? Why has Wise succeeded where so many other Europeans have failed?

In today’s episode, we take a look at what we can learn from Wise. We’ll also be checking the tech recession’s temperature and asking what options are available to your business. Could it be time for a new category?

What to look forward to:

00:50 Wise words - What can we learn from a European category king

06:20 The techcession rages on… to the techpocalypse 

10:25 SaaS - Time for recategorisation?

14:25 How to pull off the perfect ‘lightning strike’

22:45 Is it the year of increasing efficiency? Or just the year of increasing margin?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>d4f929ac-8f6e-40ea-9c8a-23cd884e4d08Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:04:00 +010026:42falsefull8. The real reason WeWork didn't work8. The real reason WeWork didn't workWeWork founder Adam Neumann was never short of ambition. He set his sights on becoming the world’s first trillionaire and expanding his desk rental business to Mars. However, earlier this month Adam came crashing back down to Earth. Nearly $40 billion of value floated away into the stratosphere as WeWork entered chapter 11.

So what was behind WeWork’s spectacular meltdown?

In today’s episode, we take a look at the real reason WeWork didn’t work and why Zoom is telling its staff to return to the office. We’ll also be sharing one of the secrets to Elon Musk’s success. Blueprints. Listen to find out exactly how you can write one.

What to look forward to:

00:58 The real reason WeWork didn’t work

04:14 Is Elon Musk is bothered by Tesla’s latest quarterly results?

07:40 What is a Blueprint?

13:19 Is the drought in IPOs a good thing?

18:20 Do Microsoft and Oracle have a shared destiny?

22:50 Zoom demands its staff return to the office.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>WeWork founder Adam Neumann was never short of ambition. He set his sights on becoming the world’s first trillionaire and expanding his desk rental business to Mars. However, earlier this month Adam came crashing back down to Earth. Nearly $40 billion of value floated away into the stratosphere as WeWork entered chapter 11.

So what was behind WeWork’s spectacular meltdown?

In today’s episode, we take a look at the real reason WeWork didn’t work and why Zoom is telling its staff to return to the office. We’ll also be sharing one of the secrets to Elon Musk’s success. Blueprints. Listen to find out exactly how you can write one.

What to look forward to:

00:58 The real reason WeWork didn’t work

04:14 Is Elon Musk is bothered by Tesla’s latest quarterly results?

07:40 What is a Blueprint?

13:19 Is the drought in IPOs a good thing?

18:20 Do Microsoft and Oracle have a shared destiny?

22:50 Zoom demands its staff return to the office.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>15176013-32d1-4813-9eaf-f6078faa7cadWed, 29 Nov 2023 06:04:00 +010027:29falsefull7. ARM's IPO: An American hustle7. ARM's IPO: An American hustleI reckon you’re using some of ARM’s technology right now. Their designs are found in 95% of the world's smartphones including Apple, Android and Samsung. But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re in an electric car, using your passport, or even walking under a streetlight you’re likely benefitting from ARM’s product - a best in class semiconductor chip. To put it frankly, ARM is everywhere. And now they’re even on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. 

So what does ARM's listing say about the current IPO landscape?

In today’s episode, we tell you why the US is strong arming European tech, who is unfit for their new quantum office, and how can you profit from the death of SaaS. We also review the latest Sifted Summit and the state of big tech’s people shakeout.

What to look forward to:

00:50 US strong ARMs European tech

05:37 Unfit for office - Who is leading the UK’s quantum strategy?

10:57 SaaS is dead. How do you profit?

17:39 The Sifited Summit - What did we learn?

20:10 Apple takeover embedded finance

25:10 How long will Big Tech’s people shakeout rumble on for?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>I reckon you’re using some of ARM’s technology right now. Their designs are found in 95% of the world's smartphones including Apple, Android and Samsung. But it doesn’t stop there. If you’re in an electric car, using your passport, or even walking under a streetlight you’re likely benefitting from ARM’s product - a best in class semiconductor chip. To put it frankly, ARM is everywhere. And now they’re even on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. 

So what does ARM's listing say about the current IPO landscape?

In today’s episode, we tell you why the US is strong arming European tech, who is unfit for their new quantum office, and how can you profit from the death of SaaS. We also review the latest Sifted Summit and the state of big tech’s people shakeout.

What to look forward to:

00:50 US strong ARMs European tech

05:37 Unfit for office - Who is leading the UK’s quantum strategy?

10:57 SaaS is dead. How do you profit?

17:39 The Sifited Summit - What did we learn?

20:10 Apple takeover embedded finance

25:10 How long will Big Tech’s people shakeout rumble on for?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>422e65a4-6303-42dc-a815-ba7d4a9972d0Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:04:00 +010028:10falsefull6. The high speed fail6. The high speed failWelcome aboard project HS2. Calling at broken promises, lost billions and total political turmoil. Ever since its announcement in 2009 HS2 has been pummeled by a litany of set backs, protests and management disasters. The knockout blow came in July of this year when the government’s infrastructure watchdog labelled HS2 “unachievable” citing “major issues with project definition”.

So was HS2 doomed before it even left the station? And was definition really its downfall?

In today’s episode, we look at why HS2 was a high speed fail and tell Air BnB to keep an eye out for leaches. We review the latest CogX conference, Microsofts deal with OpenAI and the birth (and death) of Meta’s Twitter competitor, Threads.

What to look forward to:

00:54 Why was HS2 a high speed fail?

03:58 How to write a POV

08:01 The Air BnB copycat

10:35 CogX festival - London’s biggest echo chamber

13:41 Will Microsoft blow its chance for category leadership

16:11 The birth (and death) of Threads

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Welcome aboard project HS2. Calling at broken promises, lost billions and total political turmoil. Ever since its announcement in 2009 HS2 has been pummeled by a litany of set backs, protests and management disasters. The knockout blow came in July of this year when the government’s infrastructure watchdog labelled HS2 “unachievable” citing “major issues with project definition”.

So was HS2 doomed before it even left the station? And was definition really its downfall?

In today’s episode, we look at why HS2 was a high speed fail and tell Air BnB to keep an eye out for leaches. We review the latest CogX conference, Microsofts deal with OpenAI and the birth (and death) of Meta’s Twitter competitor, Threads.

What to look forward to:

00:54 Why was HS2 a high speed fail?

03:58 How to write a POV

08:01 The Air BnB copycat

10:35 CogX festival - London’s biggest echo chamber

13:41 Will Microsoft blow its chance for category leadership

16:11 The birth (and death) of Threads

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>2775d99a-9cbe-4e8a-bf56-17db495e2b2bWed, 01 Nov 2023 06:45:00 +010020:06falsefull5. Has Microsoft made the right bet?5. Has Microsoft made the right bet?Is Microsoft and OpenAI a marriage made in heaven?

Microsoft has its fair share of category leaders. Xbox, Azure, Teams, the list goes on. But for every win, there's a less successful skeleton lurking in their closet. Do you remember the Zune music player? Probably not. This was Microsoft's challenge to the iPod which had the questionable feature of being able to ‘squirt’ songs to other Zune devices… 

It didn't take off. 

But, which way will Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI go? Destined for success or another damp squib?

In today’s episode, we ask if Microsoft has made the right bet. We tell you why size matters in your category team. And, our crystal ball predicts big changes for the BBC. 

What to look forward to:

00:27 Has Microsoft made the right bet?

04:45 How big should category leadership teams be? And who do you need to kick out? 

10:18 Why marketing is still not category

15:20 Our prediction: Free-to-air BBC will disappear. But why?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Is Microsoft and OpenAI a marriage made in heaven?

Microsoft has its fair share of category leaders. Xbox, Azure, Teams, the list goes on. But for every win, there's a less successful skeleton lurking in their closet. Do you remember the Zune music player? Probably not. This was Microsoft's challenge to the iPod which had the questionable feature of being able to ‘squirt’ songs to other Zune devices… 

It didn't take off. 

But, which way will Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI go? Destined for success or another damp squib?

In today’s episode, we ask if Microsoft has made the right bet. We tell you why size matters in your category team. And, our crystal ball predicts big changes for the BBC. 

What to look forward to:

00:27 Has Microsoft made the right bet?

04:45 How big should category leadership teams be? And who do you need to kick out? 

10:18 Why marketing is still not category

15:20 Our prediction: Free-to-air BBC will disappear. But why?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>38e257b1-01b0-43ef-aa21-04e89a2d3dd3Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:45:00 +010018:07falsefull4. Apple Vision Pro: Genius or disaster?4. Apple Vision Pro: Genius or disaster?Are Apple going to change the world? Again?

Three months ago an iPhone 1 in its original packaging sold at auction for $145,416. A whopping 300 times its original price! That’s how much a moment of tech history (in its original packaging) is worth. This legendary device and its many iterations have changed the world. So, will Apple Vision Pro do the same? Should you keep one in its original packaging?

In today’s episode, we look at Apple’s next big step. We tell you how to unearth new talent in your organization. And, Captain Hindsight has a thing to say about flipping flip phones. 

What to look forward to:

00:27 The impact of Apple Vision Pro. 

05:40 Flip phones are back! But for how long?

10:18 How category can help you unearth new talent! 

16:10 Generative AI: Will it be creative arts’ worst nightmare?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Are Apple going to change the world? Again?

Three months ago an iPhone 1 in its original packaging sold at auction for $145,416. A whopping 300 times its original price! That’s how much a moment of tech history (in its original packaging) is worth. This legendary device and its many iterations have changed the world. So, will Apple Vision Pro do the same? Should you keep one in its original packaging?

In today’s episode, we look at Apple’s next big step. We tell you how to unearth new talent in your organization. And, Captain Hindsight has a thing to say about flipping flip phones. 

What to look forward to:

00:27 The impact of Apple Vision Pro. 

05:40 Flip phones are back! But for how long?

10:18 How category can help you unearth new talent! 

16:10 Generative AI: Will it be creative arts’ worst nightmare?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>e5b8fc1f-9993-485f-b05c-a770ef5af599Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:45:00 +010020:25falsefull3. Has Elon Musk done it again?3. Has Elon Musk done it again?The unstoppable rise of Elon Musk.

Whether you love him or loathe him there is definitely something you can learn from him. From electric cars to telecommunications and even space exploration. The serial category creator knows exactly how to create, define and dominate entire industries.

So what is Elon’s secret sauce? 

In today’s episode, we look at how Musk crushes the competition. We pinpoint the location of Europe’s Silicon Valley. And, we reveal what you can do to be a category leader too. 

What to look forward to:

00:50 Elon Musk’s telecommunication takeover.

03:50 Is category creation hard?

10:15 What are the redundant roles in your team?

18:30 Our crystal ball finds a Silicon Valley in Europe. But where?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>The unstoppable rise of Elon Musk.

Whether you love him or loathe him there is definitely something you can learn from him. From electric cars to telecommunications and even space exploration. The serial category creator knows exactly how to create, define and dominate entire industries.

So what is Elon’s secret sauce? 

In today’s episode, we look at how Musk crushes the competition. We pinpoint the location of Europe’s Silicon Valley. And, we reveal what you can do to be a category leader too. 

What to look forward to:

00:50 Elon Musk’s telecommunication takeover.

03:50 Is category creation hard?

10:15 What are the redundant roles in your team?

18:30 Our crystal ball finds a Silicon Valley in Europe. But where?

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>8bf225aa-2689-4be1-9e98-18483a1b4697Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:45:00 +010019:12falsefull2. What's AI got to do with category creation?2. What's AI got to do with category creation?AI has transformed every industry. Fact.

From Open AI's Chat GPT disrupting Google Search, to increased productivity in agriculture, AI is already impacting us on a global scale. But how can you take advantage of this mind bending technology? Should you be looking to do so? And How should you think about it as you build and grow your category?

To look forward to in this episode:

  • AI: Is it the ultimate category modifier?
  • Activision, Microsoft and regulators
  • Can you create a tech Category in a downturn?
  • The double-edged sword of category success

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>AI has transformed every industry. Fact.

From Open AI's Chat GPT disrupting Google Search, to increased productivity in agriculture, AI is already impacting us on a global scale. But how can you take advantage of this mind bending technology? Should you be looking to do so? And How should you think about it as you build and grow your category?

To look forward to in this episode:

  • AI: Is it the ultimate category modifier?
  • Activision, Microsoft and regulators
  • Can you create a tech Category in a downturn?
  • The double-edged sword of category success

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>174899e0-ba74-4b27-93ea-24979ae3d6fbThu, 07 Sep 2023 06:45:00 +010021:31falsefull1. What is category design?1. What is category design?Can you make a boat load of money by giving away your IP, for free?

Imagine you’ve spent years, decades even, developing a product. No competitor can touch you. You’d guard that advantage with your life, wouldn’t you? Anybody encouraging you to share your hard won secrets would be swiftly booted out the door.

Yet, they might just be on to something.

Releasing Tesla’s IP to the world was a stroke of genius, enabling the Electric Vehicle category to grow at an astonishing rate. Elon creates, then dominates new categories. He helps the category to explode, and his companies become unicorns.

Elon Musk is a category designer. Are you?

In today’s episode, you’ll learn that Apple’s dominance in the smartphone category is no fluke. Why Zoom made such bold moves. And you'll start to understand how category design can make your business soar. 

What to look forward to:

00:20 Who are Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett? And why you should care.

03:35 The difference between branding and category creation

10:10 Why timing is everything in category design

18:30 Captain hindsight tells us why Europe has an organic growth problem

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>Can you make a boat load of money by giving away your IP, for free?

Imagine you’ve spent years, decades even, developing a product. No competitor can touch you. You’d guard that advantage with your life, wouldn’t you? Anybody encouraging you to share your hard won secrets would be swiftly booted out the door.

Yet, they might just be on to something.

Releasing Tesla’s IP to the world was a stroke of genius, enabling the Electric Vehicle category to grow at an astonishing rate. Elon creates, then dominates new categories. He helps the category to explode, and his companies become unicorns.

Elon Musk is a category designer. Are you?

In today’s episode, you’ll learn that Apple’s dominance in the smartphone category is no fluke. Why Zoom made such bold moves. And you'll start to understand how category design can make your business soar. 

What to look forward to:

00:20 Who are Paul Maher and Jonathan Simnett? And why you should care.

03:35 The difference between branding and category creation

10:10 Why timing is everything in category design

18:30 Captain hindsight tells us why Europe has an organic growth problem

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>5e4cf906-7dde-4e9b-ae0a-b2c11416f55eWed, 06 Sep 2023 06:45:00 +010026:50falsefullIntroducing The Difference EngineIntroducing The Difference EngineA show for founders, funders and the category curious.

In the world of business and tech, people are always telling you to be original, different, think outside the box.

Not bad advice, but what about making your own box? You choose the wallpaper, the feng shui, and get the lighting spot on.

It's somewhere that everybody else wants to come and play.

Well, this is YOUR category.

But you can't just build it. You've got to nail every detail.

I'm Jonathan Simnett, and I'm Paul Maher. Together, we have decades of experience in launching, managing, and marketing disruptive tech companies.

And now, we're here to help you to become the king of your category.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>A show for founders, funders and the category curious.

In the world of business and tech, people are always telling you to be original, different, think outside the box.

Not bad advice, but what about making your own box? You choose the wallpaper, the feng shui, and get the lighting spot on.

It's somewhere that everybody else wants to come and play.

Well, this is YOUR category.

But you can't just build it. You've got to nail every detail.

I'm Jonathan Simnett, and I'm Paul Maher. Together, we have decades of experience in launching, managing, and marketing disruptive tech companies.

And now, we're here to help you to become the king of your category.

There is more information on how to design your category on our blog

Follow us on LinkedIn:

Paul Maher

Jonathan Simnett

Want to create a podcast for your business or brand? Contact Flamingo Media to make it happen.

]]>5e5cc7ce-f02e-4a1c-9fe9-2a0336630e57Wed, 06 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +010001:53falsefull