The Global Discussion

Host Simon Hodgkins welcomes Aidan McCullen, a dynamic thought leader in innovation, reinvention, and organizational transformation, to The Global Discussion. McCullen's career is a testament to his ability to evolve and thrive in the face of change, from his early days as a professional rugby player to his influential work today as the co-founder of The Reinvention Summit, principal at Edge Behaviour, and host of The Innovation Show podcast.

A Journey of Reinvention

Aidan McCullen describes his career as a series of acts. "I've had multiple lives," he shared, recounting his first career in rugby, where he represented Ireland and played professionally in Europe. This experience taught him the importance of preparing for change, a lesson that would echo throughout his life. After his sports career, McCullen transitioned into the corporate world, finding his niche in digital transformation, innovation consulting, and organizational leadership.

Aidan is the author of Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations, and Life, which continues to be a resource for those navigating the rapid pace of change in today's world.

The Innovation Show: Learning in the Open

McCullen's passion for sharing knowledge comes alive through The Innovation Show, his podcast that has been running for nearly a decade.

Initially launched with the backing of Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, the show's format evolved over time. The addition of video during the pandemic significantly boosted engagement. Now a global phenomenon, The Innovation Show reaches a diverse audience of leaders and learners, capturing McCullen's commitment to exploring and sharing insights on innovation.

Looking Forward: The Reinvention Summit

One of McCullen's most ambitious projects to date is the upcoming Reinvention Summit, set to take place on April 29-30, 2025, at the Royal Dublin Convention Center. This event aims to rethink the traditional conference format, focusing on inspiration and actionable insights. Attendees will benefit from unique formats like interactive workshops led by industry giants, including keynote speaker Seth Godin, and group sessions that foster meaningful connections and real-world applications.

McCullen's vision for the Reinvention Summit goes beyond a typical summit experience. By collaborating with experiential event specialists Nine Yards and global innovation leader Nadia Jackson, he aims to create an "unconference" that breaks down barriers to learning and emphasizes active participation over passive listening. "We want people to leave not only inspired but equipped with the tools to implement change," McCullen explained.

Lessons in Adaptation and Growth

McCullen's story underscores a powerful message: success in any field hinges on a mindset of continuous reinvention. From the rigors of rugby to the demands of consulting and the innovation ecosystem, McCullen has developed a philosophy that stresses the importance of "doing the work" and staying curious, even—or especially—when times are good.

In his closing words, McCullen offered advice to those navigating a rapidly changing world: "Don't wait for a crisis to start building skills. The best time to prepare for change is when things are going well." This advice encapsulates his philosophy and serves as a reminder that growth is a continuous journey—one we can all take if we're willing to keep learning.

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Emmet O’Sullivan, is a remarkable individual, Founder of Policy Playground, and an inspiring advocate for those with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed with the condition at just 13, Emmet’s story is one of resilience, education, and empowerment—a journey he’s now sharing with others through his Amazon bestseller, Drew Discovers Diabetes.

From Diagnosis to Determination

Emmet’s life took a sudden turn in 2020 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For months, he had experienced symptoms like extreme fatigue and intense thirst. As he shared with Simon, it was his own research that led to a self-diagnosis of type 1 diabetes—an incredible step for a young teen with no family history of the condition. After confirming his diagnosis in the hospital, Emmet faced the realities of managing type 1 diabetes. Yet, instead of allowing the diagnosis to limit him, he saw it as an opportunity to help others better understand this condition. Emmet soon recognized that the biggest challenge facing people with type 1 diabetes wasn’t just treatment, but awareness and education. This realization sparked his journey into advocacy.

An Author on a Mission: Drew Discovers Diabetes

Driven by his passion for educating others, Emmet authored Drew Discovers Diabetes, a children’s book aimed at demystifying type 1 diabetes. Told through the story of Drew the Dinosaur, Emmet’s book helps families and young readers understand the symptoms, challenges, and resilience that come with managing diabetes. Emmet wrote the book with two primary goals: to spread awareness of diabetes symptoms and to empower kids with the condition. “I wanted anyone to be able to see themselves in Drew’s journey,” Emmet explained, emphasizing that the book is for all families, not just those directly affected by diabetes. With its approachable storytelling and vivid illustrations, Drew Discovers Diabetes has resonated with families across the country and has become an Amazon bestseller, offering a much-needed resource in schools, libraries, and hospitals.

Dispelling Myths and Building Community

Emmet’s advocacy extends beyond his book. As a teenager living with type 1 diabetes, he’s encountered a range of misconceptions—from assumptions about his diet to misunderstandings about physical limitations. Through speaking engagements and public appearances, Emmet works to challenge these myths and raise awareness of the realities of type 1 diabetes. Recently, he launched a teen support group in New York City, bringing together young people living with the condition.

Shaping the Future Through Policy and Education

Beyond community-building, Emmet has a clear vision for the future. In addition to his book and advocacy work, he’s actively involved in pushing for policy changes around diabetes care and prevention. Emmet passionately supports legislation to increase screening for type 1 diabetes, cap insulin costs, and make treatments more accessible. He’s also become a sought-after speaker, addressing audiences from college classes to healthcare fundraisers, sharing his journey and inspiring others to advocate for meaningful change.

Emmet’s Message: Educate, Empower, and Inspire

Emmet’s appearance on The Global Discussion is a reminder of the powerful impact that one person’s journey can have. He encourages everyone to learn the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, as early diagnosis can be lifesaving.

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The host of The Global Discussion, Simon Hodgkins, speaks with Antonio Vieira Santos, an industry veteran who advocates for accessibility, inclusivity, and innovative digital transformation. Antonio, currently serving as Senior Business Intelligence and Innovation Evangelist at Eviden and Co-Founder of AXSChat, shared insights from his extensive experience in tech, corporate strategy, and digital transformation, all through the lens of accessibility and inclusivity.

Antonio's career spans numerous roles and industries, including telecommunications, business intelligence, and workplace innovation. Now based in Cork, Ireland, he brings unique perspectives on the future of work, the transformative power of AI, and, most importantly, a commitment to accessibility-centric innovation.

His work has consistently advocated for a digital world that leaves no one behind. At Eviden, part of the Atos group, Antonio ensures that digital tools cater to everyone, especially those with disabilities—a mission he passionately elaborated on during his conversation with Simon.

Accessibility-Centric Innovation: A Key FocusFor Antonio, accessibility isn't just a checkbox in product development—it's the core of what true digital innovation should aim for. During the episode, he highlighted a pressing issue: around 80% of websites are still inaccessible to people with disabilities. "The web isn't new anymore," Antonio stated, "yet the tools we use still fall short for a large part of the population."Antonio argues that "being accessibility-centric" should mean involving people with disabilities from the outset. This proactive approach ensures that digital solutions are not only inclusive but also practical for diverse users. As he put it, prioritizing accessibility prevents "digital pollution," where innovations inadvertently create barriers instead of breaking them down.

Insights on AI: Enhancing Accessibility and Business IntelligenceAs an advocate for responsible AI, Antonio views artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for creating a more inclusive digital environment.

An Entrepreneurial Spirit: Building Community Through Innovation

Antonio has also been a dedicated entrepreneur, founding several companies and initiatives over the years, including a coworking startup in Cork. He shared that his ventures outside his corporate role have allowed him to experiment, connect with different generations, and gain insights that inform his work in innovation and digital transformation.

Championing Inclusivity in Tech and Workplaces

Antonio serves on the advisory board of Women in Tech and co-founded The Digital Transformation Lab at University College Cork. His work in these organizations focuses on increasing diversity in tech, fostering inclusive workplace policies, and building support networks for underrepresented groups.

The Future of Work: Flexibility and Inclusivity at the Core

Antonio believes hybrid and remote work setups can be powerful tools for inclusivity, enabling more diverse and flexible work environments. "Without proper onboarding and support," he warned, "we risk leaving young professionals feeling isolated." His recommendation? Companies should go beyond technical training to offer robust communication, collaboration, and mental health support programs.

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The Global Discussion Host, Simon Hodgkins, catches up with Steve Gee, Co-Founder and CEO of Blend, a cutting-edge executive membership community aimed at revolutionizing how senior leaders connect, learn, and grow. In this episode, we discuss Steve's vision for fostering cognitive diversity among leaders of the world's largest enterprises.

The Story Behind Blend: A Journey Rooted in Experience

Steve Gee has spent over two decades bringing senior leaders together, creating valuable networking opportunities, and curating impactful discussions. Starting his career by organizing major industry events like the Mobile World Congress, Steve's extensive experience has given him deep insights into the challenges executives face as they climb the corporate ladder.

"One of the biggest hurdles leaders face is moving beyond their functional expertise and understanding the bigger picture of the business. It's that lack of cross-functional knowledge that often leads to imposter syndrome among executives," Steve shared.

This realization led Steve and his co-founder to create Blend—an executive membership community transcending traditional networking. With hubs in major global cities like London, San Francisco, Toronto, and New York, Blend aims to break down silos within organizations and foster meaningful connections across industries and geographies.

Why Cognitive Diversity Matters

At the core of Blend's mission is the concept of cognitive diversity. Steve explains that when organizations embrace diverse ideas, experiences, and perspectives, they are better equipped to solve complex problems and innovate effectively. It's not just about diversity in appearance or background; it's about diversity in thought.

Blend's approach is a direct response to the well-known issue of organizational silos. Large enterprises, Steve argues, often separate teams into functional units, creating environments where leaders rarely interact with colleagues outside their immediate business areas. Blend aims to provide a platform where senior executives can break free from this isolation, gain new perspectives, and build long-lasting, valuable relationships.

More Than a Membership: The Blend Experience

Blend is not just another networking platform—it's a thoughtfully curated experience for senior executives. Steve emphasized that Blend offers a range of benefits to its members, including monthly in-person meetings in major cities, access to masterclasses, and exclusive events featuring renowned thought leaders and experts. Whether it's a discussion on AI ethics in London with Lord Tim Clement-Jones or an insightful session with a Wharton Business School professor in New York, Blend ensures that members are continuously challenged and engaged.

Inclusive Is The New Exclusive

One of Blend's most compelling taglines is, "Inclusive is the new exclusive." But what does that mean in practice? According to Steve, it's about creating a community that values inclusivity of thought, not exclusivity based on titles or financial contributions.

Balancing Physical and Digital: The Blend App

While Blend emphasizes the importance of in-person connections, it also integrates technology to keep members connected between events. The Blend app offers executives access to valuable resources, including book clubs, masterclasses, and virtual discussions on trending business topics.

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The Global Discussion Host, Simon Hodgkins, is joined by the remarkable world record holder and business owner Jenn Drummond.

A car accident left Jenn Drummond awestruck and emboldened. Rescue workers couldn't imagine any scenario in which she came out of it alive, but she did. That's when she realized that you don't get to choose when you leave this life…but you sure can choose how you live it. Strengthened by this awareness, she set out to live more authentically and adventurously.

Inspired to climb a mountain for her birthday, her son raised the stakes by suggesting Mount Everest. Not one to back down from a challenge, she accepted the pursuit. During her training, her coach upped the ante and proposed that she go for a Guinness World Record and become the first woman to climb the seven second summits. The pursuit matched her desire to live a life of significance, not just success.

Today, Jenn is a world record holder who elevates others to master their own summit in life. She's a successful business owner and Mom of seven remarkable children. Jenn is also an international speaker, author, and Host of the Seek Your Next Summit podcast.

A Turning Point: The Car Accident That Changed Everything

Jenn's story begins with a pivotal moment in 2018—a car accident that could have taken her life. This life-changing event became a catalyst, pushing her to reassess her goals and redefine her path.

Climbing for a Cause: The Seven Second Summits

Inspired by her surroundings in Park City, home to North America's largest ski resort, Jenn initially planned to climb a mountain for her 40th birthday. However, when COVID-19 interrupted her plans, an unexpected challenge from one of her sons set her on a new path. After he questioned why she wasn't climbing something "real" like Everest, Jenn felt motivated to take on the iconic peak and prove that "we could climb our Everest, no matter where we were."

This led to her embarking on an even greater mission: to become the first woman to summit the second-highest peak on each of the seven continents. Known as the Seven Second Summits, this monumental challenge had only been completed by one male climber before her.

Break Proof: Building Resilience

Jenn's philosophy extends beyond climbing. As an author, her book Break Proof dives into the lessons learned from her experiences. The book's central theme is that life will inevitably present challenges that may seem like breaking points. Jenn believes it's not about avoiding these breaks but understanding that they provide "proof" of what's working, what's not, and what needs to change to move forward. It's a message that resonates deeply with high achievers, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to overcome obstacles.

From Climber to Podcaster: Seek Your Summit

Jenn's storytelling doesn't end with her book. Her podcast, Seek Your Summit, is another platform where she engages with inspiring individuals who have faced challenges and emerged stronger!

In all her ventures, the number seven remains a guiding theme for Jenn. Whether it's her seven children, seven mountains, or the seven-step guides featured on her blog, this number symbolizes balance and completeness.

"The world is hard enough. The climb is hard enough. You being hard on yourself doesn't help," Jenn explains.

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