unComplex

Adriaan van den Berg and Lionel Pastor
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unComplex is your go-to podcast for cutting through hype and untangling the buzzwords surrounding modern business and technology. Hosted by Adriaan van den Berg and Lionel Pastor, each episode goes beyond surface-level chatter to uncover real-world strategies and actionable insights. From nearshoring trends and emerging tech hubs in Central & Eastern Europe to broader shifts in innovation and entrepreneurship, unComplex brings you expert perspectives—including academics, industry veterans, and frontier thinkers—who share their on-the-ground experiences and future outlooks. If you want to turn complexity into clarity and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech and business landscape, unComplex is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

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  1. Propaganda Artist for the Machine - Agnieszka Pilat on Robots, Renaissance 2.0 & Authorship

    03.11.2025

    Propaganda Artist for the Machine - Agnieszka Pilat on Robots, Renaissance 2.0 & Authorship

    Painter of machines. Teacher of robots. “Propaganda artist for the machine.” In this episode of the unComplex Podcast, Agnieszka Pilat joins host Adriaan (Ian) van den Berg with Laurent Uhres (composer, essayist, and VP for Innovation & Digital Transformation at Webellian) for a frank, fast-moving conversation at the edge of art and technology. From embodied AI to authorship, from Renaissance 2.0 to today’s “cathedrals” of tech, we explore why Pilat paints machines as the new aristocracy, how her robots learn a tiny alphabet to write their first “cave paintings,” and what it means when tools become partners. What we cover - Tools → partners: when a robot stops being “a brush” and starts collaborating - “Propaganda artist for the machine,” power structures & portraiture - Large-scale robotic installations (NGV, Australia) & real-world audience reactions - Authorship, apprenticeships, and Sol LeWitt’s “instructions as art” - Creativity vs. meaning: Gödel, the missing “why,” and the cost of vision - Cathedrals of tech, thumbnails → monuments, and embodied AI in public space - Working with Boston Dynamics, SpaceX, Waymo, Agility (Digit) & engineers (not ads) - Street vs. social: what robots learn from our online behavior - Looms to LLMs: weaving, Jacquard, and Pilat’s new textile-robot experiments - A peek at an upcoming robotic installation in Washington, D.C. Why Agnieszka is so interesting: Pilat is a classically trained painter (Academy of Art, San Francisco) who treats advanced machines as dignified sitters - and increasingly as collaborators - guiding robots that paint in the physical world. Her work has appeared at the National Gallery of Victoria (Australia), Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, de Young Museum, and even in the Matrix film universe. Partnerships include SpaceX (artist-in-residence), Boston Dynamics, Waymo, and Agility Robotics. Media features span WIRED, The Guardian, Boston Globe, CNN, Forbes, and Artnet

    45 Min.
  2. The AI shift: Reinventing the Modern Agency

    21.07.2025

    The AI shift: Reinventing the Modern Agency

    In this episode of unComplex, co-host Adriaan van den Berg welcomes Martijn Wiktor-Wagemans, COO of The Agency, for a candid discussion on the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and business strategy. The conversation delves into the practical realities and emerging challenges faced by leaders typically in the e-commerce space navigating rapid technological change. Key themes include: How AI is reshaping decision-making and operational models in e-commerce, and why adaptability (not just technology adoption) is becoming the defining trait of resilient organizations. AI aided capabilities:: Martijn and Adriaan examine where human insight remains irreplaceable, especially in areas requiring nuanced judgment, creativity, and ethical consideration. The future of work in digital agencies, including the skills and mindsets that will matter most as AI tools become ubiquitous. Critical reflections on hype vs. substance: The episode unpacks common misconceptions about AI’s capabilities, offering a grounded perspective on what businesses can realistically expect from current and near-future technologies. Broader implications for entrepreneurship, innovation, and market competition and why smaller, agile teams may have unique advantages in a landscape dominated by rapid change. This episode is designed for listeners seeking thoughtful, experience-driven insights into the real-world impact of AI and digital transformation, moving beyond buzzwords to focus on what actually drives progress in today’s complex business environment

    30 Min.
  3. Ep. 5: Erik Drukker on Polish Real Estate : Inflation, REITS, Warsaw and Remote Work

    01.07.2025

    Ep. 5: Erik Drukker on Polish Real Estate : Inflation, REITS, Warsaw and Remote Work

    From post-communist plains to containing continental Europe's tallest tower, what's the story behind Warsaw's dramatic transformation? In this episode of unComplex, Lionel Pastor and Adriaan van den Berg sit down with Erik Drukker, CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate Poland, a true visionary who has witnessed and shaped the city's real estate landscape for nearly 30 years . Erik takes us through: The birth of a modern market: An inside look at Warsaw's real estate evolution, from a time when major companies had offices in the Palace of Culture to the development and even demolition of entire districts. Forces shaping the city: A deep dive into how foreign investment, the war in Ukraine, and remote work have impacted commercial and residential property prices, with some apartments nearly doubling in value. Architectural secrets & stories: Fascinating anecdotes behind Warsaw's landmarks, including the controversial Złote Tarasy mall, the unique design of the Intercontinental Hotel, and the hidden showroom for the Varso Tower. A controversial take: Erik's candid opinion on why allowing one of Warsaw's most famous shopping centers to be built was a "major mistake" that killed the city's high street. The future of real estate: An expert's forecast on the sectors poised for recovery, the slow adoption of AI in a traditional industry, and why Poland still lags in implementing Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). If you're fascinated by urban development, architecture, investment strategy, and the economic forces shaping one of Europe's most dynamic cities, this episode is a must-listen!

    39 Min.
  4. AI, Personal Stores & The Future of Shopping: A Deep Dive with Witold Ferenc

    03.06.2025

    AI, Personal Stores & The Future of Shopping: A Deep Dive with Witold Ferenc

    Ever wondered what's next for shopping? 🚀 In this episode of unComplex, hosts Lionel Pastor and Adriaan van den Berg speak with a true e-commerce pioneer, Witold Ferenc, the founder of Poland's leading online supermarket, Frisco. Witold takes us through: - The inspiring origin story of Frisco, its pure-play model, and its rise to market leadership. - The immense scaling challenges and operational intricacies of an online grocery business. - His radical vision for the future of shopping: AI-driven personal stores, autonomous commerce, and the unbreakable bond of trust. - An exclusive look into his new venture, OpenApp: a platform set to revolutionize how consumers discover, buy, and share (and even get rewarded!). - Crucially, learn how OpenApp empowers brands with direct customer engagement and personalized offers, and provides retailers with powerful tools for true omnichannel integration – turning every online or offline sale into a new opportunity for growth and deeper customer understanding. If you're fascinated by entrepreneurship, e-commerce innovation, AI, omnichannel strategies, and how technology is shaping our daily lives, this episode is a must-watch!

    45 Min.
  5. Tariffs, Trade Wars & the Future of Globalization: Marek Dietl Unpacks it All

    16.04.2025

    Tariffs, Trade Wars & the Future of Globalization: Marek Dietl Unpacks it All

    In this insightful episode of unComplex, host Adriaan van den Berg sits down with Marek Dietl, former President of the Warsaw Stock Exchange and economic advisor to the President of Poland as well as Assistant Professor at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics, to dissect the complex world of global trade wars and tariffs. Dietl offers a masterclass in understanding how current trade tensions between the US and China are reshaping the global economic landscape. Drawing on his extensive background in economics and capital markets, Dietl provides a fascinating historical perspective on how economic superpowers rise and fall, from the Dutch Empire to Britain, the United States, and now potentially China. He breaks down the microeconomic impacts of tariffs, explaining why they affect different industries in vastly different ways and why a one-size-fits-all analysis fails to capture economic reality. Listeners will gain valuable insights into: - How tariffs redistribute economic surpluses between producers, consumers, and governments - Why President Trump's tariff strategies represent a fundamental shift in global trade dynamics - The potential short-term recession risks and long-term structural changes in the global economy - How smaller economies like Poland and South Africa can navigate this new protectionist era - The interconnected geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Taiwan Dietl also shares the dramatic story behind the recent unprecedented suspension of trading at the Warsaw Stock Exchange and offers practical advice for business leaders operating in uncertain times. Whether you're an investor, policy maker, or business professional, this episode provides essential context for understanding how trade wars will reshape our economic future.

    51 Min.
  6. From Blackouts to Breakthroughs: How Poland's Renewables Journey Illuminates South Africa's Future

    06.03.2025

    From Blackouts to Breakthroughs: How Poland's Renewables Journey Illuminates South Africa's Future

    In this illuminating second episode of unComplex, host Adriaan van den Berg sits beneath Stellenbosch's beautiful oak trees with two legendary energy sector experts: Matthew Cruz, ex Eskom and leading voice in the media, now representing IMPOWER Pty. Ltd, and Marek Musiał, International Director of Poland's Green Capital S.A. The conversation reveals striking parallels between South Africa's current energy challenges and Poland's journey 20 years ago, offering valuable insights for Africa's renewable energy transition. Listeners will gain deep understanding of load shedding issues, grid capacity limitations, and the democratization of energy markets through international investment opportunities. The episode also highlights how innovative technologies like PV Copilot are revolutionizing solar farm management through AI-powered diagnostics, forecasting, and digital twin solutions – enabling more efficient commissioning, monitoring, and optimization of renewable assets. Whether you're an energy sector professional or simply interested in green investments and South Africa's sustainable future, this episode provides essential context for understanding the exciting transformations underway in the renewable energy landscape.

    1 Std. 3 Min.
  7. Nearshoring in Poland

    27.01.2025

    Nearshoring in Poland

    In this episode of UnComplex, hosts Adriaan van den Berg and Lionel Pastor dive deep into the world of nearshoring and Poland's rising prominence in the global tech landscape. Joined by special guest Marcel Hirsiger, Expert in Central and Eastern Europe, Business Administration, and Lecturer at the Hochschule für Wirtschaft FHNW / School of Business FHNW, Olten. In this episode they explore: - The fundamentals of nearshoring and its strategic advantages - Why Poland has become a hotspot for tech talent and innovation - Real-world success stories of companies leveraging Polish expertise - Cultural insights that make Poland an ideal nearshoring destination - Challenges and opportunities in cross-border collaborations - The human factor in building successful nearshoring partnerships Whether you're a startup founder, an executive considering nearshoring options, or simply curious about global tech trends, this episode offers valuable insights into tapping into Poland's thriving tech ecosystem. Tune in to discover how nearshoring in Poland could be the game-changer your business needs in today's competitive landscape. #Nearshoring #PolishTech #GlobalBusiness #TechTalent #InnovationStrategy

    41 Min.
  • 7 Folgen

Info

unComplex is your go-to podcast for cutting through hype and untangling the buzzwords surrounding modern business and technology. Hosted by Adriaan van den Berg and Lionel Pastor, each episode goes beyond surface-level chatter to uncover real-world strategies and actionable insights. From nearshoring trends and emerging tech hubs in Central & Eastern Europe to broader shifts in innovation and entrepreneurship, unComplex brings you expert perspectives—including academics, industry veterans, and frontier thinkers—who share their on-the-ground experiences and future outlooks. If you want to turn complexity into clarity and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech and business landscape, unComplex is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Adriaan van den Berg and Lionel Pastor
  • Jahre aktiv
    2025
  • Folgen
    7