The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza

MIRZA Productions
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#TheCloserCut is a one-to-one interview series hosted by Waseem Mirza, featuring world-class speakers on leadership, innovation, technology, culture, agility, future trends, mental toughness, and high performance. The show challenges guests and the audience to explore bold new ideas in life and work. The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

Episodes

  1. 17 Oct

    The Closer Cut x Andrew Bryant - Self-leadership Speaker 🎯- Ep8

    In the last episode of this series, Waseem Mirza sits down with Andrew Bryant - https://thecloser.consulting/andrew-bryant - self-leadership author and Certified Speaking Professional, for a conversation about why you can't lead others until you can lead yourself. Andrew has spent 25 years working across 40 countries. His first book has been cited in over 200 academic studies, and his new book, POTENTIAL-IZE, introduces the IGNITE Framework, a leadership approach built for the age of AI. In this episode: 🔹 From physiotherapy for athletes to self-leadership: what that early career taught Andrew about diagnosing leadership problems 🔹 The self-leadership gap vs the skills gap, and why organisations misdiagnose one as the other 🔹 The three drivers of human potential: self-awareness, self-regulation and self-learning 🔹 What the research on self-leadership and performance means in practice 🔹 Why self-leadership matters more, not less, as AI takes on more of our thinking 🔹 Working with executive leadership teams, and what leaders discover about themselves 🔹 One practical action every leader can take this month 🎙️ Book Andrew through The Closer Speakers Consultancy:🌐 https://thecloser.consulting/andrew-bryant 📚 Andrew's book - "Potential-ize" - is now available to buy:https://link.amazon/B0hKDruEO If you enjoyed the conversation, please like, subscribe, follow and share. It really helps the show grow! #TheCloserCut #SelfLeadership #Leadership #AI #FutureOfWork The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Andrew Bryant - Self-leadership Speaker 🎯- Ep8

  2. 12 Oct

    The Closer Cut x Sha Nacino - Human Connection Keynote Speaker 🗣️🤝 - Episode 7

    Waseem Mirza sits down with global human connection keynote speaker — Sha Nacino — to ask why great leaders don't just have vision. They see. Sha is the only speaker from the Philippines and Asia ever named to Global Gurus' World's Top 30 Motivational Speakers (#18, 2025), and the author of SEEN. She helps leaders close what she calls the Workplace Disconnection Gap, the quiet quitting, low engagement and stress that appear when people don't feel seen at work. She has also coached more than 250 non-writers into published authors and hosts the Fearless Possibilities leadership podcast. In this episode: 🔹 The four levels of human connection, from small talk to feeling truly seen 🔹 Why human presence matters more as AI gets better at sounding empathetic 🔹 The bank customer-service story that lifted service levels from 65% to as high as 98% 🔹 What it meant to represent Asia on a global stage 🔹 One simple action every leader can take this month to make their people feel seen 📖 Sha's latest book — "SEEN":https://amzn.to/4zxeyLL 🎙️ Book Sha through The Closer Speakers Consultancy:🌐 https://thecloser.consulting/sha-nacino/ 🌐 Sha's website:https://www.shanacino.com/ There's more about the host Waseem Mirza at:https://www.waseemmirza.tv If you enjoyed the conversation, like, subscribe, follow and share — it really helps the show grow! Thank you! #TheCloserCut #HumanConnection #Leadership #MotivationalSpeaker #FutureOfWork The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Sha Nacino - Human Connection Keynote Speaker 🗣️🤝 - Episode 7

  3. 18 Sept

    The Closer Cut x Jonathan Gabay 🧠·🤖·🗣️ Brand & AI Psychologist - Episode 6

    💡 If artificial intelligence can sound trustworthy, who do we actually believe? In Episode 6, Waseem Mirza sits down with Jonathan Gabay — https://thecloser.consulting/jonathan-gabay — brand and AI psychologist, author, academic and keynote speaker, to explore how trust, persuasion and human behaviour are changing in the age of artificial intelligence. 📖 Order his book "Brand Psychology" here:https://amzn.to/3UmHas8 🌐 Jonathan is available for speaking engagements through:https://thecloser.consulting/jonathan-gabay Jonathan explains why “the real story is the story”, how people curate versions of themselves that may not be entirely true, and why the psychology behind modern marketing is nothing new. From Edward Bernays and the famous “Torches of Liberty” campaign to today’s algorithms, influencers and AI-generated content, the methods may have evolved, but the battle for attention and belief remains remarkably familiar. He explores: 🔹 Why the story behind a brand matters more than the surface message 🔹 How people curate their identities online — and why Jonathan describes modern life as “very Matrixy” 🔹 What Edward Bernays can teach us about propaganda, persuasion and marketing today 🔹 Why artificial intelligence should be treated as a second head, not a replacement head 🔹 The difference between simply using AI and developing what Jonathan calls “actual intelligence” 🔹 Why “marketing slop” is the inevitable result of careless prompts and careless thinking 🔹 Why saying “no comment” during a crisis often creates an even bigger story 🔹 How silence feeds algorithms, and how algorithms feed advertising 🔹 Why perceptions of truth are becoming increasingly fluid, tribal and immediate 🔹 What smart glasses, digital identity and future wearable technology could mean for authenticity 🔹 Why leaders need to know when to speak — and when to shut up! 🔹 The case for leading from the back 🔹 Jonathan’s simplest advice for brands, leaders and individuals: tell the truth Jonathan also discusses the tension between AI-generated content and the growing demand for work that feels genuinely human. As younger audiences become more sceptical of polished claims and synthetic content, authenticity may become one of the most valuable assets a brand can possess. If you enjoyed the conversation, follow #TheCloserCut, leave a review, and share this episode with someone thinking about trust, technology, marketing or leadership. You can find more about the host at:https://www.waseemmirza.tv Follow on LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/waseemmirzaofficial #TheCloserCut #JonathanGabay #BrandPsychology #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Trust #Marketing #Leadership #Authenticity The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Jonathan Gabay 🧠·🤖·🗣️ Brand & AI Psychologist - Episode 6

  4. 11 Sept

    The Closer Cut x Andy Edwards 🤝·🫂·𖨆𖨆 Creator of "Relationomics" Episode 5

    What if the real currency of business isn't money — it's relationships? In this episode, Waseem Mirza sits down with Andy Edwards, creator of Relationomics, accredited behavioural psychologist and international keynote speaker. Andy reveals why getting the relationships right is the single biggest lever for performance, culture and leadership effectiveness — and what happens when organisations get it wrong. Drawing on personal lessons that reshaped his worldview, he explains how trust, communication and self-awareness drive better results than any strategy deck ever could. Andy is author of "LEADERSHT*" — order here:https://amzn.to/4jg0YaN Book Andy Edwards to speak through his agent:https://thecloser.consulting/andy-edwards Follow Waseem Mirza:https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseemmirzaofficial Bio:https://www.waseemmirza.tv #TheCloserCut #Relationomics #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #BehaviouralPsychology #Podcast #TheWaseemMirza The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Andy Edwards 🤝·🫂·𖨆𖨆 Creator of "Relationomics" Episode 5

  5. 28 Aug

    The Closer Cut x Jennifer Bryan 🎭🎤 RADA Actress-turned Business Change Speaker, Author, Leader

    The Closer Cut x Jennifer Bryan — Episode 4 From the stage to boardroom strategy, Jennifer Bryan brings all the drama — the good kind! Jennifer is a RADA-trained actress and turns emotional intelligence into boardroom advantage. In Episode 4, Jennifer sits down with host Waseem Mirza to discuss: 🔹 Emotion in change 🔹 Resilience 🔹 Leading transformation All without the corporate jargon! 📖 Order Jennifer Bryan's latest book, "The Emotional Side of Organisational Change", right here:https://amzn.to/47SKIW6 Book Jennifer Bryan for your next business event through The Closer Consulting:https://thecloser.consulting/jennifer-bryan More about the host at:https://www.waseemmirza.tv IMDb:https://imdb.me/WaseemMirza Get in touch with the show:theclosercut@mirzaproductions.com The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Jennifer Bryan 🎭🎤 RADA Actress-turned Business Change Speaker, Author, Leader

  6. 19 Aug

    The Closer Cut x 👑 Michael Jackson • Prolific Keynote Speaker • Business Change Specialist • Emcee

    👑🕺🏾🎤💫 No moonwalk required… this Michael Jackson still thrills! Meet the 'Other' Michael Jackson on The Closer Cut. This episode of The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza features the 'Other' Michael Jackson — prolific keynote king — dropping in to change the game! Michael has delivered more than 3,000 events across 46 countries, working with leading international organisations. He was featured at the Inner Circle showcase, hosted and moderated by Waseem, and prefers to be known as a "relevant speaker" rather than a purely motivational one — a distinction that shapes everything he does on stage. In this episode: 🔹 The story behind the name 🔹 Why relevance beats motivation 🔹 The funniest assumptions people make when they hear "Michael Jackson" 🔹 What he wants every audience to feel by the time they leave the room! 🎙️ Book Michael through The Closer — details below:🌐 https://thecloser.consulting/michael-jackson 👑 Follow him at:https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelJacksonspeaker/ There's more about the host Waseem Mirza at:https://imdb.me/WaseemMirza If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, follow and share #TheCloserCut — it really does help the show grow! Email the show:theclosercut@mirzaproductions.com #TheCloserCut #KeynoteSpeaker #ConferenceSpeaker #emcee #BusinessChange #EventProfs #TheCloserConsulting #Podcast #WaseemMirza #MichaelJackson The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x 👑 Michael Jackson • Prolific Keynote Speaker • Business Change Specialist • Emcee

  7. 9 Aug

    The Closer Cut x Cortney Harding •🥽ᯅ🎮• Spatial Tech Expert • Emmy-Nominated Producer • Author

    In this edition of The Closer Cut, Waseem Mirza sits down with a leading authority in spatial technologies - Cortney Harding - and finds out whether the future really is right in front of us… Cortney is the founder of Friends With Holograms, an Emmy-nominated producer, a Top 100 Global Woman in AI (Davos 2025), and the author of The Spatial Race. She’s built AI avatars and immersive training for Amazon, Walmart, Lowe’s, Target, Verizon and PwC - tackling the hardest workplace issues, from bias and exclusion to mental health. In this episode: 🔹 Why smart glasses need a “Blackberry Moment” before an iPhone one 🔹 Why the office - not the factory floor - could be where they go mainstream 🔹 How immersive tech can make work more human, not less 🔹 Why Waseem is still using the original TCL NXTWear glasses from CES for XR today - although with one big problem! 🎙️ Book Cortney Harding through The Closer Speakers Consultancy:https://thecloser.consulting/cortney-hardingbob@thecloser.consulting 📖 The Spatial Race - Cortney’s latest book is out now:🌐 https://amzn.to/4jOdcHO 🥽 Want your own next-gen smart glasses? Get your exclusive discount here:https://rayneo.pxf.io/rExdY5 If you enjoyed the conversation, like, subscribe, follow and share - it really helps the show grow! More about the host Waseem Mirza:https://thecloser.consulting/waseem-mirza Follow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/waseemmirzaofficial #TheCloserCut #Smartglasses #SpatialComputing #AI #FutureOfWork #WaseemMirza #TechPresenter The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza through ⁠⁠⁠Mirza Productions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.© 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ name, format, scripts, recordings, edits, artwork and promotional materials are owned or controlled by MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. Re-uploading, reproduction, or redistribution of any portion of this audio or video content without an explicit written licence is strictly prohibited. No part of this programme may be copied, reproduced, edited, republished, redistributed or commercially exploited without a license and prior written permission from MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. Distributed via YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn, and key podcast networks.

    The Closer Cut x Cortney Harding •🥽ᯅ🎮• Spatial Tech Expert • Emmy-Nominated Producer • Author

  8. 31 Jul

    The Closer Cut x Ritavan - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author

    Waseem Mirza sits down with "Ritavan" — https://thecloser.consulting/ritavan — a technology leader with over a decade of experience turning complex data challenges into scalable solutions. Together, they unpack leadership, innovation, and the real impact of data-driven thinking on growth and performance. 📖 Get Ritavan's latest book, "The System Gambit", featured in the episode, here:https://amzn.to/3U1IQan 🎤 Book Ritavan to speak at your next event:https://thecloser.consulting/ritavan 🎬 More about TV presenter and host Waseem Mirza:https://www.imdb.me/WaseemMirza 🌐 Waseem's website:https://www.waseemmirza.tv #TheCloserCut #Ritavan #TheSystemGambit #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Trust #Marketing #Leadership #Authenticity The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions.https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

    The Closer Cut x Ritavan - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author
  • 8 Episodes

About

#TheCloserCut is a one-to-one interview series hosted by Waseem Mirza, featuring world-class speakers on leadership, innovation, technology, culture, agility, future trends, mental toughness, and high performance. The show challenges guests and the audience to explore bold new ideas in life and work. The Closer Cut with Waseem Mirza™ is produced and presented by Waseem Mirza via MIRZA Productions https://go.mirzaproductions.com/contact © 2026 MIRZA Productions / Waseem Mirza. All rights reserved. No part may be copied, edited, re-uploaded or redistributed without prior written permission.

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