What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw

Mike Irwin & Simon Daw
  • 5.0 (28)
  • BUSINESS

Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. Self-aware people learn from those trials. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by everyone, including academics, athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, writers, and difference makers. They have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share those lessons with you.

  1. AI: Is it the answer, or is it just fueling Global inequality?

    05/30/2025

    AI: Is it the answer, or is it just fueling Global inequality?

    As a true serial tech disruptor, Ken Charman successfully built software startups, which Deloitte, IBM, Oracle, and SAP acquired over many decades. He also served as CEO of uFlex Reward, a cutting-edge HR company that creates real-time employee costs and modelling for Unilever Group, which employs over 128,000 people worldwide. Well-versed in AI and as a highly articulate thought provoker on many influential topics - reminding us that he began using AI 15 years ago - Charman has a unique perspective, even more flavoured by the privileged position of his recent retirement. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin and Simon Daw, Ken is a hard-hitting 'spectator/outsider’ who points out the positives, risks, and even more significant challenges we should consider about AI.

    57 min
  2. The Origins of AI with Industry Expert Jason Thomson of Mintel

    01/30/2025

    The Origins of AI with Industry Expert Jason Thomson of Mintel

    Our usual podcast guests talk about journeys that they chose to embark on: starting a company, solving a problem, creating opportunities, or navigating life and career. In our current series, we’re probing into a trip that none of us opted into but we’re all on board anyway…and that is artificial intelligence. AI influences what we see, hear, buy, and think, how we navigate the world, and how we navigate daily life. We wanted to start the AI series with the basics to help our listeners to understand what it is, where it came from, how it’s used, and the differences between AI, machine learning, and algorithms. Jason Thomson is Senior Vice President of Innovation for Mintel Group, a global market intelligence and research firm based in London. Mintel are experts in helping brands and businesses understand consumers: who they are, what they see, what they do, what they buy, and why. Jason has led technology at Mintel for the past 25 years. His role at the intersection of technology and consumer insight affords perhaps the ideal perch from which to consider the implications of AI on real people…and that’s exactly why we wanted to speak with him. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw, Jason covers where AI came from, how it evolved, and the risks and rewards of the technology.

    51 min
  3. Unpacking the influence of AI on Marketing with anthropologist Bob Morais

    12/19/2024

    Unpacking the influence of AI on Marketing with anthropologist Bob Morais

    Our usual guests talk about journeys that they chose to embark on: starting a company, solving a problem, creating opportunities, or navigating life and career. In our current series, we’re probing into a trip that none of us opted into but we’re all aboard anyway…and that is artificial intelligence. AI influences what we see, hear, buy, and think, how we navigate the world, and how we navigate daily life. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Bob Morais, a business anthropologist and expert in human behavior, particularly in the realm of marketing. Dr. Morais had a 35+ year career in advertising and market research and is a Lecturer at Columbia Business School. Morais digs into how AI is used today, the opportunities and pitfalls, how AI stretches the range of possibilities, AI "hallucinations" and why it's best utilized as a partner and collaborator rather than a substitute. Morais was a Principal/Co-owner of a market research firm and spent years with advertising agencies rising to the role of Chief Strategic Officer. He has worked with Coca Cola, Danone, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Post Foods, Proctor & Gamble, Safeway, WD-40, Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel, and many others. His books include Advertising and Anthropology; Ethics in the Anthropology of Business; and The Language of Branding. His articles have appeared in Forbes, Advertising Age, Huffington Post, American Anthropologist, Human Organization, Culture and Organization, and Medium. Find all of our prior episodes at whatiwishiknewshow.com We welcome your questions and ideas. Send us at email at hello@whatiwishiknewshow.com

    53 min
  4. What I Wish I Knew about AI

    12/16/2024

    What I Wish I Knew about AI

    We’ve produced more than 40 episodes of What I Wish I Knew. Our prior guests talked about journeys that they chose to embark on: starting a company, solving a problem, building organizations, creating opportunities, or navigating life and career. In our current series, we’re probing into a trip that none of us opted into but we’re all on board anyway…and that is artificial intelligence. AI influences what we see, hear, buy, and think, how we navigate the world, and how we navigate daily life. In this introductory segment, we discuss lessons from the first episodes of the show and shift gears into an exploration of AI and the everyday implications for all of us. This is the first in a series we hope will result in gaining a better understanding of AI and the responsibility each of us has in building AI savvy going forward. Please like, share, and subscribe to What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw wherever you find your favorite podcasts. You can find all of our episodes on our website, What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw. We welcome your comments, questions, and ideas. Send us an email at hello@whatiwishiknewshow.com

    29 min
  5. The Voice of Endurance Sport with broadcaster Steve Fleck

    07/20/2022

    The Voice of Endurance Sport with broadcaster Steve Fleck

    Steve Fleck is the voice many people hear in their hardest moments, when their heart is jumping out of their chest, their mind is crushed, and the finish line is in sight. Fleck is a broadcast commentator for athletics, cycling, endurance, and running competitions. He’s the familiar soundtrack to events streamed on media like CBC, FLOBIKES, Ironman Live, and others. But how does one become the voice of sport, or anything else, for that matter? It starts by knowing your stuff. And, in Steve’s case, doing it. He was an early competitor in triathlon. He’s a 9-time Ironman finisher with a best time of 9:04 and competed in the Ironman World Championships. In addition to broadcasting, Steve has coached elite athletes and is a founding board member of the Canadian Endurance Sports Alliance. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin and Simon Daw, Steve shares how his athletic career influenced his business career, how he transitioned from corporate work to a broadcasting career, and how he delivers a sense of the moment to his audience. He also offers a point of view on what event organizers should learn from the pandemic era. It’s a story of expertise, resourcefulness, resilience, and, yes, endurance too. And it applies to anyone trying to turn a passion into a profession. What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw... Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by leading athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference makers. They all have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share their lessons with you. Visit us at http://www.whatiwishiknewshow.com or email to hello@whatiwishiknewshow.com Please like, share, and subscribe to What I Wish I Knew wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

    51 min
  6. Lifting Them Up: The Magic of Mentoring with Bert Thornton, former Waffle House president and COO

    05/10/2022

    Lifting Them Up: The Magic of Mentoring with Bert Thornton, former Waffle House president and COO

    Is there a secret to success? Absolutely. And it's probably not what you may think.  Bert Thornton spent 40 years shaping careers (including his own) as Waffle House grew from a few restaurants in the American south to become a pillar of communities around the country. As president and chief operations officer, he believed that the growth of the company relied upon the development of its people. Building leadership skills throughout an organization is both an obligation and an opportunity. Now, there’s a gap between emerging leaders and those who can help guide them along the way. Mentoring can help bridge that gap…and, when done well, it can transform lives and organizations.  In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin and Simon Daw, Bert shares why mentoring can matter so much, the elements of an effective mentor/mentee relationship, and how to get started. He also covers how to foster creativity within systems…in a way that led to a product that Waffle House sells 11 million times a year.  Bert is author of Find An Old Gorilla: Pathways Through the Jungle of Business and Life. The book is an essential guide for rising high achievers. He collaborated with Dr. Sherry Hartnett to write High-Impact Mentoring: A Practical Guide to Creating Value in Other People’s Lives. Available here: https://highimpactmentoringbook.com/ Bert currently serves as vice chairman emeritus of Waffle House, the largest full-service, 24-hour, sit-down restaurant in the world. He has served on the boards of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association, the Georgia Tech Foundation, the Studer Community Institute, and the Museum School of Avondale Estates. He was a college football player at Georgia Tech and served in the US Army.  “Ships don’t drift into port. And good people don’t drift into important positions. Both require guidance and support.”  “See my friends, see my future. One of the most common questions I’m asked is this: is there one thing to do, a silver bullet for success? The answer is yes, surround yourself with successful people. The most important thing, though, the gold bullet for success, is to find a good mentor.”  “My happiest friends aren’t the ones who play the most golf. They’re the ones who live a life of gratitude and reciprocation. Appreciating what they have and committed to helping others get to where they want to go.”  “Two kinds of people in the world: a sink and a source. A sink absorbs energy and brings things down. A source radiates energy and brings people up.”  What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw...  Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by leading athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference makers. They all have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share their lessons with you. http://www.whatiwishiknewshow.com  Please like, share, and subscribe to What I Wish I Knew wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

    48 min
  7. Solve Your Story Not Your Problem with JUNO founder Josh Hotsenpiller

    03/21/2022

    Solve Your Story Not Your Problem with JUNO founder Josh Hotsenpiller

    Josh Hotsenpiller is one of those people you wish you’d known your entire life. And when you meet him, you’ll feel like you did. You see, Josh, devotes a big chunk of his time to building community and he does it with a goal to have a positive impact for all.    He’s done it in as an entrepreneur, leader, and pastor. He’s founder & CEO of JUNO, a rapidly scaling online events platform that delivers connection, education, and engagement. He founded Wisdom Capture which helps organizations share the collective insights of experience across geography and time. He founded Profits 4 Purpose to help companies and their employees support their most passionate causes with charitable giving. He founded Crowd Hub which helps organizations and brands build ongoing connection and engagement with their most important audiences. His companies have served clients ranging from Apple, Google, and Unilever to the United Nations.    In this episode of What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin and Simon Daw, Josh shares principles and lessons he collected along the way that have fueled the growth of his teams, companies, and even his own sense of happiness. “People get stuck in their competency…there is a way out and it involves being confident in your ability to solve problems, not in having all the answers.” “Give yourself the freedom to be the one to not solve the problem. Give yourself the community to solve it.” “If your identity is wrapped up in your job, you’re destined for an unhappy life.” “You are the greatest variable to your success.” “Nobody speaks to you more than you do.” “If you can get you under control then there are no limits to what you can accomplish.” “Solve your story…not your problem…go find your own way of doing it.” “Don’t meet people in their crazy.”  What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw...   Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by leading athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference makers. They all have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share their lessons with you. http://www.whatiwishiknewshow.com    Please like, share, and subscribe to What I Wish I Knew on Anchor, Apple, Google, Spotify, and wherever you find your favorite podcasts.   Get in touch with Josh Hotsenpiller: https://www.junolive.com/

    41 min
  8. 4 Secrets to Turning Ambition into Reality: from Starting Out to Starting Up to Reaching the Top

    01/26/2022

    4 Secrets to Turning Ambition into Reality: from Starting Out to Starting Up to Reaching the Top

    Ambition is defined as a strong desire to achieve. But what does it really mean, in real life? And how do you turn your ambitions into reality? In this mini episode from What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw, we talk with four people who absolutely can offer insights on how to achieve your ambition. Ann Hiatt was an executive partner to Jeff Bezos during the formative years at Amazon and to Eric Schmidt at Google. Her new book Bet On Yourself is available now. Bob Rief was CEO of Merrell Footwear, Reef Sandals, and Sanuk. As head of Nike Golf, he hired a young player named Tiger Woods. Cody Horton had a distinguished career in the US Navy before leading roles at Walmart, Microsoft, and Deloitte. He now runs Diversity Recruiters and has hired thousands of people. Hannah Ingram-Moore started a company in Spain that she sold to Motorola and held leading roles with Swatch, Mulberry Group, and The Gap. She founded the Maytrix Group in the UK as well as the Captain Tom Foundation. In 13 minutes, they share 4 secrets to turn your ambitions into reality. It’s the sort of advice that anyone pursuing higher goals can readily apply to their daily work. What I Wish I Knew with Mike Irwin & Simon Daw Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by leading athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference makers. They all have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share their lessons with you. Please subscribe, follow, and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. And join our community at WhatIWishIKnewShow.com

    13 min
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Life and career rarely go to plan. Breakthroughs happen on the ragged edge when things aren't quite going as expected. Self-aware people learn from those trials. What I Wish I Knew podcast hosts Mike Irwin and Simon Daw explore lessons learned by everyone, including academics, athletes, creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, writers, and difference makers. They have three things in common: none are perfect, all are humble, and they've learned a few things along the way. In What I Wish I Knew, they share those lessons with you.

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