VistaTalks

Kate Irwin is the Managing Director for EMEA at Skift; in this episode, she discusses with Host Simon Hodgkins her thoughts on the evolution of one of the world's largest industries, travel. Kate shares an insightful, engaging, and informative discussion about the challenges, innovations, and opportunities facing the travel industry today and how Skift is helping leaders stay ahead of the curve. For anyone working in or fascinated by the travel sector, this episode of VistaTalks is a must-listen. 00:00 - Kate Irwin - VistaTalks Ep 174 01:38 - From Publishing to Travel Leadership 03:00 - What Makes Skift Different 04:39 - Travel Trends Across EMEA 07:42 - Skift’s Independence and Trust Strategy 16:45 - The Shift to Experience-Led Travel 20:00 - Mentorship, Purpose, and Industry Impact 25:53 - Predictive Intelligence and the Future of Travel About VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.com Social Media: X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Melanie O'Connor, Head of Marketing at BDO Ireland, speaks with Host Simon Hodgkins about her journey from elite swimming to strategic marketing leadership. Melanie brings a refreshing perspective to marketing, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and challenging the status quo. 00:00 - Melanie O’Connor - VistaTalks Ep 173 01:42 - Melanie’s approach to marketing: no one-size-fits-all 05:51 - Recognition as one of Ireland’s Top 100 CMOs 07:25 - The importance of brand and digital transformation 10:37 - Doubling brand awareness using paid social 14:24 - Aligning business strategy with marketing culture 19:55 - Balancing creativity and data in marketing 28:20 - Melanie’s journey from elite swimming to marketing leadership About VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.com Social Media: X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Tim Farmer, Founder and CEO of iSquared, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of VistaTalks. Tim, a seasoned technologist, strategist, and thought leader, shapes how organizations approach data-driven transformation, operational intelligence, and digital infrastructure. His work isn't just about building smarter systems; it's about creating intelligent, ethical, and scalable solutions that put people at the heart of technology.  00:00 - Tim Farmer - VistaTalks Ep 172 01:45 - The Challenge of Data Ethics & Trust 05:30 - Garbage In, Garbage Out: Data Quality Matters 07:21 - Global Data Challenges & Cultural Nuances 10:08 - Data Maturity & Organizational Silos 12:10 - iSquared’s Approach: Simplifying Complexity 18:45 - The Three Tiers of a Successful Data Strategy 24:56 - Building an Insights-Led Organization About VistaTalks:VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Tracy Hedrick, who has an impact that spans college athletics, live entertainment, global hospitality, and iconic brand storytelling, sits down with Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of VistaTalks. As the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director for Ohio State Athletics and Business Advancement and CMO for Columbus Arena Sports and Entertainment (CASE), Tracy brings decades of experience and an unwavering passion for people to everything she touches. 00:00 - Tracy Hedrick - VistaTalks Ep 171 01:25 - Tracy’s career journey: From mixtapes to live music 03:49 - Crafting a brand that wins loyalty and memories 06:38 - What makes a great brand story today? 10:08 - Lessons from working in live entertainment with Yanni 13:00 - Balancing commercial strategy with community connection 15:13 - Fostering innovation in large, traditional institutions 26:19 - Advice for emerging leaders & authentic leadership About VistaTalks:VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Denis Roche, Founder of eAltra, is in conversation with VistaTalks Host Simon Hodgkins. In this episode, Denis shares the evolving intersection of healthcare, artificial intelligence, and patient experience.Denis, an entrepreneur and innovator, brings a rich and varied background spanning clinical practice, academic research, and creative technology. He is rethinking how healthcare is delivered and pushing the boundaries of what it means to put patients at the center of care.00:00 - Denis Roche - VistaTalks Ep 17001:21 - From Harley Street to Startup: The Origins of eAltra04:54 - Conversational AI for Cancer Care08:00 - What Digital Transformation in Healthcare Should Look Like12:45 - Creative Innovation and Building with Clinicians16:32 - Global Challenges, Local Solutions in Healthcare20:39 - Ethics, Trust, and the Hype Around AI in Healthcare27:25 - Pushing the Envelope of Patient Care About VistaTalks:VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Adele Hartland brings a rare combination of real-world leadership experience, deep coaching expertise, and a fresh, holistic perspective on building better workplaces. Adele's philosophy? We are not just human doings, we are human beings. And in today's fast-paced, AI-driven world, that distinction matters more than ever. Adele is the Managing Director and Master Coach at Lacuna Coaching Ltd, and she joins VistaTalks Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode. 00:00 - Introduction to VistaTalks with Adele Hartland01:38 – From Red Bull to Lacuna Coaching02:29 – The Engagement Crisis & AI’s Impact05:43 – The Cost of Poor Culture07:46 – Why Leadership is the Breaking Point09:50 – Framework for Conscious Culture15:08 – Embracing Generational & Cultural Diversity24:44 – Slowing Down in a Fast WorldAbout VistaTalks:VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalksFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalksLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

In this episode, Caley Burton, Senior Technical Writing Manager at Cloudflare, shared a powerful perspective on the evolving role of content. With nearly a decade of experience in content strategy and user experience, Caley is driving AI-ready, scalable documentation practices that elevate customer engagement across Cloudflare’s global platform.00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to VistaTalks with Caley Burton01:20 – What Is a Holistic Content Strategy?04:30 – Documentation as Experience Content07:00 – Implementing a 360-Degree Content Plan14:10 – Common Content Strategy Challenges19:00 – Measuring Content Performance and ROI23:47 – The Strategic Role of Video Content32:00 – AI’s Impact on Content ManagementAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Jamie Whysall, Head of Health at Netcompany UK, brings a real-world perspective to one of healthcare’s biggest challenges: digital transformation. In this episode of the VistaTalks podcast, Jamie joined Host María Roa for a conversation about the present and future of healthcare innovation, from building digital bridges between siloed systems to reimagining how citizens interact with their personal health data.00:00 - Welcome to VistaTalks with Jamie Whysall01:10 - Jamie’s Role at Netcompany UK04:00 - From Digitization to Digitalization07:30 - Wearables and Preventive Healthcare13:40 - Denmark’s Digital Health Portal21:40 - The Role of AI and Data Analytics24:50 - Overcoming Cultural Resistance to Technology27:40 - Future Trends in Health TechAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

In this episode of VistaTalks, we explore the growing importance of sound in branding with Karsten Kjems, CEO of Sonic Minds. With deep expertise in sonic branding, Karsten shared why audio must be part of every brand's strategy in today's digital-first world.Karsten leads Sonic Minds, a global sonic branding agency helping brands develop powerful and consistent audio identities. His team's work ensures brands don't just sound good — they sound meaningful.For Karsten, sound is more than an add-on — it's a strategic asset brands cannot afford to overlook.00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to VistaTalks with Karsten Kjems01:08 - Why Every Brand Needs a Sonic Strategy04:15 - Audio Branding: Not Just for Big Brands Anymore08:32 - How to Avoid Audio Pollution and Design Meaningful Sound13:42 - Beyond the Jingle: Building a Cohesive Audio Identity17:44 - Cultural and Contextual Relevance in Sonic Branding21:12 - The Role of AI in Audio Branding and the Value of Human TouchAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Join Jennifer Vela Valido, Ph.D., the Localization Quality Program Manager at Spotify, in conversation with María Roa at VistaTalks. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in the localization industry. She has led innovative strategies in linguistic quality management, vendor operations, and academic research. Her expertise, combined with her passion for creating seamless, culturally relevant user experiences, has positioned her as a leading figure in the field. In this discussion, Jennifer shared her career journey, Spotify’s approach to localization, and the challenges of ensuring quality across 73+ languages.00:00 - Introduction to Jennifer Vela Valido and her role at Spotify01:37 - From Freelance Translation to Localization Leadership04:16 - How Spotify Ensures High-Quality Localization Across 73+ Languages06:49 - The Importance of Cultural Relevance and Localization Beyond Translation08:47 - Key Challenges in Localization: Low-Resource Languages and Generational Differences17:04 - The Role of Localization in Spotify’s User Experience and Global Reach23:00 - The Impact of AI on Localization and Translation Quality Management29:20 - Latest Research on AI vs. Neural Machine TranslationAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Nick Hill, Technical Writing Manager at HERE Technologies, joins VistaTalks Host Simon Hodgkins to discuss the evolving landscape of technical documentation, AI's impact, and the profession's future.With decades of experience in technical communications, Nick shared his insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry, the risks and opportunities that come with it, and why technical writers are essential now more than ever.Nick left the audience with a clear message: Technical writers must take ownership of AI's role in the industry. Rather than waiting to see how AI evolves, professionals should actively experiment, test, and define best practices for using AI effectively.He also raised an important question about entry-level opportunities in the field. As AI takes over simpler writing tasks, how will new professionals gain the experience they need to enter the industry? It's a challenge that organizations and educators must address to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled technical writers.00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to VistaTalks with Nick Hill01:29 - AI in Technical Writing: Opportunities and Challenges14:54 - The Risks of AI in Documentation22:50 - Fine-Tuning Content for AI29:53 - Balancing Speed and Quality in Documentation37:39 - Industry Trends and the Future of Technical Writing41:00 - Key Skills for Future Technical WritersAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Staying ahead in any global market is an essential factor. This focus is especially critical in the manufacturing sector. It requires more than expertise—it demands collaboration, innovation, and strategic vision. On this episode of VistaTalks, Host Simon Hodgkins is joined by Caitríona Mordan, Cluster Manager of atim (Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing) cluster, to explore how the organization is shaping the future of manufacturing. From digital transformation to sustainability and workforce development, Caitríona shared valuable insights into the critical role of clusters in fostering industry growth and global success.00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to VistaTalks with Caitríona Mordan01:48 - The Role of atim cluster in Irish Manufacturing05:40 - Collaboration and Industry Partnerships for Innovation11:36 - The Dream BIG Program: Bridging the Talent Gap13:57 - Sustainability in Manufacturing and Industry 5.020:10 - Connecting Industry Clusters for Growth and Success28:40 - Addressing the Skills Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling InitiativesAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate, but for many, the challenge is not just understanding AI—it's implementing it in a way that delivers real, measurable impact. On a recent episode of VistaTalks, Polly Barnfield OBE, Founder and CEO of Maybe*, shared her insights on how AI is helping businesses of all sizes, from global enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), embrace digital transformation. Looking ahead, Polly and her team at Maybe* are building a next-generation AI platform that blends multimodal AI, automation, and deep integrations with tools like Google Analytics, Facebook, and Adobe. Their vision? A world where AI acts as a digital assistant, streamlining workflows and helping businesses get more done with less effort.AI is not a futuristic concept—it's a powerful tool available today, and Maybe* is leading the charge in helping businesses harness AI for growth. Whether you're an SME looking to improve customer engagement or a global brand aiming to streamline content workflows, Polly Barnfield and her team are proving that AI can be a game-changer for all.00:00 - Introduction to Polly Barnfield OBE and Maybe*01:23 - How AI is Transforming Businesses at Every Level04:50 - AI in Multilingual Digital Transformation (Birmingham City Council Project)08:07 - How AI Boosts Local Businesses & Economic Growth13:19 - AI for Small vs. Global Brands: Lessons in Scaling AI Adoption19:38 - AI Security & Trust: Why Data Protection Matters24:20 - From Team GB Gold Medalist to OBE and Tech Innovation29:57 - Polly’s Advice for Businesses Starting with AIAbout VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

In this episode of VistaTalks, host María Roa takes us on an enlightening journey through the intersection of multiculturalism, intercultural collaboration, and technology with three exceptional guests: Paolo Ragone, Giuseppe Rodio, and Annelie Wambeek. Representing diverse professional backgrounds and global perspectives, they explore how embracing cultural differences fosters innovation, inclusivity, and growth in today’s interconnected world.Time Stamps:00:00 - VistaTalks Ep 161 Paolo Ragone, Giuseppe Rodio, and Annelie Wambeek02:15 - Multiculturalism in the Global Business Environment04:01 - Democratizing Learning Through Technology05:27 - Annelie’s Journey to Diversity and Inclusion08:29 - From Multicultural to Intercultural21:46 - How Technology Bridges Cultural Divides27:12 - The Power of a Shared Vocabulary33:35 - Difference as an Asset, Not an ObstacleThanks for watching! Stay tuned for more interesting discussions with interesting people from around the world. Don’t miss out on future episodes - Subscribe to our YouTube channel.About VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks

In the latest episode of VistaTalks, host Simon Hodgkins is in discussion with Alex Zekakis, Chief Customer Officer (CCO) at XTM International, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of localization. From AI's transformative role to the power of leadership principles like empathy, Alex shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face as they navigate the global marketplace. Alex brings a unique perspective with over 15 years of experience in localization, project management, and advanced technology. Time Stamps:00:00 - VistaTalks Ep 160 Alex Zekakis01:19 - The Biggest Challenges in Localization Today05:22 - The Role of Technology in Addressing Localization Challenges06:36 - AI in Localization: Beyond the Hype12:06 - Measuring Localization Success: Value Over Vanity17:15 - Leadership in Localization: The Role of Empathy21:33 - Integration and Automation as the Backbone of Localization26:45 - Preparing for the Future of LocalizationThanks for watching! Stay tuned for more interesting discussions with interesting people from around the world. Don’t miss out on future episodes - Subscribe to our YouTube channel.About VistaTalks: VistaTalks has an incredible lineup of guests from around the globe. We love to feature interesting discussions with interesting people from all around the world. Follow VistaTalks on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on Apple and Google podcasts. VistaTalks is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about VistaTalks, please visit https://www.vistatalks.comSocial Media:X - https://x.com/vistatalks Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VistaTalks Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vistatalks LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistatalks