045: Beyond ESG: Why IMPACT INVESTING needs to be the NEXT BIG THING
Release Date: 07/11/2022
062: TELCO'S FUTURE? Look to the Middle East, Not the West
TechBurst Talks
Middle East’s Tech Revolution: From Regional Ambitions to Global Leadership In this episode of TechBurst Talks, Charles sits down with Danial Mausoof, Vice President of Mobile Networks for the Middle East & Africa at Nokia, to explore how the region is transforming into a global tech powerhouse. From government-driven infrastructure investments to next-gen telecom innovation, the Middle East is no longer playing catch-up — it’s leapfrogging the rest of the world. We dive into: Why the Middle East is attracting global talent and tech capital The rise of private 5G networks in...
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061: CORPORATE CROSSFIRE: Navigating the New Global Order
TechBurst Talks
In this explosive Tech Burst Talks episode, host Charles sits down with , a battle-tested geopolitical expert who made the leap from to founding his own advisory firm, . Together, they dissect how corporations across Asia are caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions, tariff wars, and supply chain disruptions. This isn't just academic analysis - it's corporate survival intelligence from the trenches. Staples reveals how multinationals are paralysed by uncertainty, with investment plans on hold whilst executives scramble to navigate everything from Vietnam's tariff...
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060: SMARTPHONES DISRUPTED: Tariffs, Trends & Turmoil
TechBurst Talks
In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, Bryan Ma joins Charles to unpack the shifting landscape of the global smartphone and device industry. From the US–China tariff shake-up to Apple’s manufacturing pivot toward India and Vietnam, they break down how supply chains are being reengineered in real time. They also dig into the latest AI integrations—from smartphones to PCs—and what Computex 2025 revealed about the future of consumer tech. Expect insights on Samsung, Google, OpenAI, and what might finally follow the smartphone era. Tariffs, AI, and tech power plays—this is the episode that...
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059: AI & Advertising: From MAD MEN to MACHINE LEARNING
TechBurst Talks
🚀 AI is transforming advertising, and in this episode, we dive deep into how digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising is changing the game. My guest, Dagny Lacka, founder of Flow City, explains how her company is using AI, foot traffic analytics, and real-time bidding to make billboard advertising as dynamic and targeted as online ads. No more two-week static campaigns—now brands can target the right people, at the right time, in the right place. 🎯 What You’ll Learn: ✅ How AI is revolutionising outdoor advertising ✅ The power of real-time ad buying & precision targeting ✅ How...
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058: The ART & SCIENCE of B2B Marketing: Delivering what Buyers VALUE
TechBurst Talks
🚀 Tech, Marketing, and a Football Obsession—What Could Go Wrong? In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with my old mate Jon Buckthorp—Commercial Director of Differentiated, founder of Jon B Studios, and the kind of guy who juggles marketing, content, board advisory roles, and a questionable football allegiance (looking at you, Lincoln City). We cut through the noise of B2B marketing, diving into: 🔥 Why creativity is the secret weapon in tech marketing 🔥 The brutal truth about building a personal brand 🔥 How to stay authentic in a world of corporate BS...
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057: SAMSUNG'S GALAXY AI: Exploring Innovation, Security and Real-World Applications for AI on the Smartphone
TechBurst Talks
In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to talk about his work on the mobile B2B team and the cutting-edge advancements Samsung is making, particularly in AI technology for smartphones. We dive into the new Galaxy AI capabilities, including features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Ian shares why on-device AI is critical for ensuring both security and speed and discusses Samsung’s collaborations with major tech players. We also explore how AI is being implemented in industries like law enforcement and finance. On a...
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056: DEMYSTIFYING AI: The NO BULLSHIT Guide
TechBurst Talks
In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re cutting through the AI hype and making sense of the endless buzzwords flooding the industry. You’ve heard them before—AI, ML, DL, LLM, SLM, RAG, ChatGPT, Custom GPT, NLP—but what do they actually mean? Joining me is Bernard Leong, host of the Analyse Asia podcast, founder of Dorje.ai, and a leading expert in AI. Together, we break down these terms in a way that’s accessible, practical, and bullshit-free—no matter your background. What makes this episode different? Bernard and I learn in completely different ways: 🔹 Bernard,...
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055: TELCO TRENDS 2024: The 5G Profit Puzzle & Telco Transformation
TechBurst Talks
In this episode of the Techburst Talks podcast, we delve deep into the current challenges and future prospects of the telecom industry. I'm joined by industry veterans from and , CEO of , the discussion spans a wide array of topics including: the financial viability of 5G - is anyone actually making $$$? the adaptation of telcos to new technologies like IoT - can telcos deliver complex solutions? and the increasing importance of customer-centric business models. The conversation also examines the role of #AI in transforming the industry, the impact of global markets, and the structural...
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054: IoT REIMAGINED: Practicality over Promises
TechBurst Talks
TechBurst Talks Season 4 Episode 2 IoT Re-Imagined: Practicality over Promises In this episode of the Tech Burst Talks podcast, host Charles interviews Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr. Gerhard discusses his transition from running the IoT business at Telstra, Australia’s largest telecoms operator, to a startup environment, his current role at and the company's innovative IoT solutions. He elaborates on Kallipr’s unique approaches to sensor technology, total cost of ownership, and real-world applications in industries like rail and water management. The conversation also touches...
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053: The NO BULLSHIT Journey: Discovering Your True Self
TechBurst Talks
The tech industry loves to talk about disruption, innovation, and the next big thing—but what about the one algorithm we still struggle to solve? Ourselves. In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re shifting gears. No hype, no buzzwords—just a raw, honest conversation about life, purpose, and what truly matters beyond the boardroom. Joining me is Uma Thana Balasingham, a former tech leader turned purpose-driven entrepreneur. She’s navigated massive career shifts, personal reinvention, and the kind of introspection that most of us avoid. We dive into the Hoffman Process, a...
info_outlineJust 10 years ago, today's guest (Rafael Aldon) worked in telecoms in the UK. But over the past decade, he moved to Singapore as he first transitioned to Private Equity, then early stage Venture Capital, and finally into Impact Investing. It's been quite a journey!
He’s also the co-host of 2 podcasts (Investing for Impact and Disruptors for Good) on Cause Artist, which is a discovery hub for conscious consumers, social entrepreneurs and impact investors.
If you don’t know what impact investing is, you’ll love this episode because it will give you a solid understanding not only of what it is, but why it is so desperately needed. And if you already do know about it, you’ll still enjoy hearing about his amazing journey.
Show Notes:
01:30 Rafael’s journey from Telecoms to Private Equity to Early Stage VC to Impact Investing
10:00 What led you to narrow your investment focus to Impact Investing?
12:00 Difference between ESG Investing & Impact Investing
15:00 Raf’s focus on regenerative businesses - and what does regenerative mean?
18:00 What is Regenr8?
22:00 The value you get from angel investing
24:00 What is the current state of Impact Investing in Asia & globally? Is it still niche?
26:30 What needs to be done to drive more Impact investing
29:00 Can we get enough momentum going to help us address the global climate challenges before it’s too late?
31:00 What are the biggest risks we face that will prevent us from making progress towards addressing those issues?
33:30 What advice do you have for start-ups that are playing in the Impact space?
37:30 You can do your career all over again. What would you rather be - an Impact Investor or a Rockstar?