How to build a culture of digital experimentation w/ Nima Yassini

In Episode Two of THE SHIFT, Danny Levy goes deep into one of the most important transformations unfolding in business today: the rise of the Agentic Enterprise.Joining him is Gavin Barfield, VP & CTO for Solutions in ASEAN at Salesforce - a technologist, strategist, and trusted advisor to some of the region’s most ambitious organisations. With decades of experience at the forefront of enterprise innovation, Gavin brings clarity, realism, and practical insight to a topic often clouded by hype.Together, they explore what it actually means to operationalise AI at scale. From autonomous agents that can sell, service, and support customers, to the organisational shifts required to unlock human creativity, this conversation moves beyond theory into tangible, real‑world impact.Gavin shares examples from across Singapore and ASEAN - including Salesforce’s own role as “customer zero” - revealing how AI agents are already handling millions of interactions, automating routine work, and redefining productivity, while still keeping humans firmly in the loop.The conversation also looks ahead:How AI will reshape jobs, skills, and leadershipWhy accessibility and localisation are critical to AI adoptionHow businesses of every size - from global enterprises to SMEs - can participate in the AI economyWhy the Agentic Enterprise may prove as foundational as electricity itselfGrounded, thoughtful, and forward‑looking, this episode is a must‑listen for leaders navigating the next era of business - where intelligence is embedded, work is reimagined, and technology truly works alongside people.This is AI in action. This is the next SHIFT.

THE SHIFT marks the evolution of Danny Levy’s long‑running exploration into digital transformation and leadership — expanding the conversation into the forces, decisions, and technologies redefining the future of business.In this debut episode of the next chapter, Danny sits down with Jen Taylor, CEO of Mixpanel and one of the most influential product and data leaders of her generation. With a career spanning pivotal roles at Salesforce, Cloudflare, and now Mixpanel, Jen brings a rare combination of product intuition, operational discipline, and transformational leadership.Together, they explore the shifting landscape of modern business: what it means to lead through uncertainty, how data and analytics are accelerating organisational change, and the mindset required to navigate — and shape — the next wave of innovation. Jen opens up about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and the future she sees unfolding across industries.For listeners who have followed Danny’s previous conversations on transformation and leadership, this episode represents the natural progression: a deeper, more inquisitive look into the ideas and people building what comes next.Welcome to the evolution. Welcome to THE SHIFT.

What does it take to make AI truly work for people — not just profits?In this episode, Rafael Frankel, Director of Public Policy for Asia-Pacific at Meta, joins Danny Levy to share how one of the world’s most influential technology companies is driving responsible, transparent, and scalable AI adoption across the region.A former journalist turned policy leader, Rafael brings a rare blend of storytelling, diplomacy, and innovation insight from over a decade shaping tech policy and trust frameworks across APAC.You’ll learn:How Meta defines its role in the AI ecosystem — and how it’s applying AI to create real-world impact for businesses and communitiesThe truth behind Generative, Predictive, and General AI — what’s hype, what’s here, and what’s nextHow partnerships with Deloitte SEA, AiSee, and Meta’s Llama program are accelerating accessible AI innovation in AsiaThe biggest barriers to AI adoption in APAC — and what forward-thinking leaders can do to overcome themRafael’s personal lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose from his journey across media, policy, and technologyIf you want to cut through the noise around AI, understand where the next decade is heading, and learn how to lead with clarity in an uncertain world — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

This week, Camilla Bullock, CEO of the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), joins Danny for a wide-ranging, no-BS conversation that cuts through the noise.The Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) is the peak industry body representing and supporting the APAC payments ecosystem.Danny and Camilla get into:Why true leadership isn’t about being a “thought leader” (and why Camilla refuses the label).The hidden superpower that drives change: spotting the right people and sparking the right discussions.Quantum-safe cryptography—why it’s not just a “future problem” and why starting now could be the smartest move you’ll ever make.The storytelling gap in cybersecurity—and how to make resilience resonate across an industry that usually drowns in jargon.Why recognising excellence through initiatives like the Money Awards creates real momentum.And much more...!If you care about the future of payments, fintech, or just want to know how the right idea at the right time can reshape an industry - this is your episode.It’s 45 minutes packed with sharp insights, no fluff, and lessons you can actually use.Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

Danny sits down with Philip Davies—brand builder, simplicity evangelist, and President EMEA at Siegel+Gale - for a powerful conversation on how simplicity can be a strategic superpower in the age of AI.Philip brings over two decades of experience leading global brand transformations across industries—from financial services and aviation to luxury and tech. His career spans journalism, advertising, and strategic consulting, with clients including Barclays, British Airways, Fabergé, Saudi Aramco, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. As a frequent keynote speaker and thought leader, he’s known for helping organizations unlock clarity, trust, and competitive advantage through unexpectedly fresh brand strategies.Philip shares how leading brands are shifting from fear to fortune when it comes to AI adoption, and why the smartest organizations are doubling down on clarity, trust, and human creativity. From rethinking brand strategy to navigating fast-moving tech trends, this episode is packed with real-world insights and leadership lessons.What You’ll Learn:Why simplicity isn’t just a design principle - it’s a competitive advantageHow progressive brands are using AI to elevate - not replace - human creativityWhat leaders must do now to stay relevant and build resilient brand strategiesWhich industries are most in need of a simplicity overhaulHow to lead through uncertainty and make bold, clear decisions in complex timesPlus: rapid-fire reflections on mentorship, mindset-shifting books, and the simplest idea that changed everything.Tune in if you’re ready to rethink how simplicity and AI can unlock clarity, confidence, and competitive edge in a world that’s only getting faster and more complex.Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

AI is already reshaping financial services, but its power demands responsibility. This discussion introduces five essential principles for responsible AI—focusing on transparency, robustness, fairness, security, and real-world testing. You will learn how to detect bias, embed governance from the start, ensure explainability, create auditable frameworks, and collaborate securely. Feedzai CEO Nuno Sebastiao and AWS Banking Lead Michael Araneta share practical advice and real-world examples on how to build ethical, trustworthy AI and secure cloud environments that safeguard transactions from financial crime.The discussion is moderated by Nicole Bodack, Managing Director, Accenture. Today's episode is a special edition recorded live at Money20/20 Asia. Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

On todays episode Danny is joined by Chee Mun Foong the Chief Product Officer of YTL–Sea Digital Bank, where he leads the design and execution of next-generation financial products for Malaysia’s newest digital banking venture. A seasoned fintech leader, Chee Mun was previously the Co-Founder and CTO of MoneyLion, one of the first neobanks in the U.S., where he helped scale the platform to millions of users through innovative credit, investment, and personal finance tools. With deep expertise in digital banking, embedded finance, and product-led growth, Chee Mun brings a unique blend of technical vision and business acumen to every transformation challenge.In this podcast, Chee Mun shares his insights on building a digital bank from scratch. Including what’s been the most energizing and challenging part of designing a digital bank from the ground up...Plus:- Inclusion not as a feature, but as a core design principle- How to build scalable, modular products that can adapt to rapid changes in regulation, customer needs, and competition - without losing speed- How to balance sleek digital UX with the robustness and reassurance users expect from a bank- How to approach designing digital products that resonate with Malaysian users, while also meeting global benchmarks- How to build and lead product teams that can handle complexity, uncertainty, and a deeply collaborative environment- Looking back on your career - from early fintech to now - what are some product lessons that have stuck with Chee Mun?Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

On todays episode Danny is joined by David Hanna the CEO and co-founder of Finmo.David has over 20 years of expertise in the financial services and payments sector. Prior to founding Finmo, he held global leadership roles in Risk and Compliance for Financial Services companies headquartered in various locations globally.David has held senior roles across companies such as PayPal, Ernst & Young, Zurich, ING Bank, Banxa and others. He serves on several advisory boards and has invested in many startups around the world.Finmo is a global B2B treasury management platform that is focused on providing the necessary tools for the “CFO Office” including finance teams, CFOs, and treasurers. The business provides a single platform to enable the core elements of treasury to be managed from one place.Finmo does this by providing four core modules to its clients which are;Money movementCash management, including AR/AP modulesFX Hedging capabilitiesIntegrations into existing accounting and enterprise softwareFollowing 20+ years of working across the financial services industry with founders from organisations such as PayPal, Citi, and other big names, the Finmo exec team realized that everyone has a treasury problem!In identifying this problem, we believe there is a significant gap in the market for a solution that serves the end-to-end treasury management lifecycle.In this podcast, David shares his insights on what pushed him to not just shift gears - but start a company in the often overlooked world of treasury, plus:Treasury has become a top concern for many. Why is this problem so critical today? And why David thinks it’s been underserved for so long?How Finmo are making treasury “sexy”? What’s different about how Finmo approaches this space compared to traditional players or even newer fintechs?What does Finmo’s journey say about the next generation of fintech coming out of Asia? And what are the unique challenges and opportunities building here vs. elsewhere?Finmo recently raised their Series A with Insignia Ventures. What did David learn from the fundraising process - and how is he thinking about growth and scaling post-raise?Starting up is intense. What keeps David energized and focused as a founder, especially when solving a problem that’s massive but not always flashy?What excites David the most about the future of finance and treasury in this "borderless" business world?And much more...Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

On todays episode Danny is joined by Penny Chai Vice President of APAC at Sumsub.Penny Chai joined Sumsub as Vice President of Business Development, APAC in April 2023. She is a skilled sales and business development professional with a focus on building lasting partnerships and driving growth in the APAC region. Prior to her role at Sumsub, Penny was the Director of Global Partnerships at predictive cryptocurrency risks and intelligence platform Merkle Science, forming strategic partnerships and developing indirect business opportunities. Additionally, she was Channels Director, APAC at Jumio, and Head of Channel Management, SEA, Korea, and AEC at Micro Focus. She has also held several senior marketing roles, including APAC Marketing Director at McGraw-Hill Education, Marketing Director - APAC at both Zebra Technologies and Intermec Technologies and Regional Director at the Dell Global BV.In this podcast, Penny shares her insights on how to:1) Improving digital identity verification2) The founding vision behind Sumsub's approach to digital identity3) How to make reusable digital identity accessible to people across different socio-economic, geographic, and technological divides4) How to balances privacy, security, and user accessibility5) How to design identity products that can quickly adapt to different regulatory and compliance requirements6) The biggest UX design challenges, and how to ensure users feel safe and in control of their data7) Structure and lead teams that can innovate within a highly regulated, complex, and rapidly changing landscape8) The future of digital identity - Especially as AI, blockchain, and decentralized identity models mature9) One piece of advice to product leaders or entrepreneurs entering the digital identity space10) And more...Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.

On todays episode Danny is joined by David Mahdi, Chief Identity Officer (CIO) for Transmit Security. David is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity and digital identity, renowned for his pioneering work in establishing digital trust across complex enterprise ecosystems. With over two decades of experience, he has been instrumental in shaping the fields of identity-first security, cryptography, and machine identity management. As the CIO at Transmit Security and former Chief Strategy Officer and CISO Advisor at Sectigo, David has guided organizations through digital transformation initiatives, including the development of cryptography centers of excellence and the implementation of passwordless authentication systems. His tenure as a top-performing VP Analyst at Gartner solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, where he provided insights on cybersecurity, blockchain, PKI, and IoT security. David's thought leadership extends to his contributions to the Forbes Technology Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, where he continues to influence the discourse on digital trust and cybersecurity. His holistic approach, encompassing IT, engineering, business development, and marketing, positions him uniquely to address the multifaceted challenges of today's digital landscape. In this podcast, David shares his insights on the evolving landscape of digital identity, the importance of establishing digital trust, and the future of cybersecurity in an increasingly interconnected world:The most surprising challenge David has faced in leading innovation at scaleSomething David struggles with as a leader in the tech spaceHow to maintain peak performance and keep your team motivatedThe role AI plays in the evolution of digital identity and fraud preventionHow to manage energy and focusWhat excites David most about the future of digital security and identity managementAnd more...Are you getting every episode of Digital Transformation & Leadership in your favourite podcast player? You can find us Apple Podcasts and Spotify to subscribe.