The Epicenter with Ronen Mense

Ronen Mense

Hosted by one of Asia-Pacific’s mobile pioneers, Ronen Mense, “Epicenter” is a series of in-depth interviews with renowned business leaders and industry influencers that are shaping today’s digital economy. Originally born at the ascend of pandemic marketing (the pilot episode aired on the first month of global lockdowns), “Epicenter” has become a go-to resource for executive insights on current events within the orbit of APAC’s tech ecosystem. The 20-minute show airs on LinkedIn Live and YouTube, with C-suite guests from some of the region’s most reputable and innovative companies such as YOOZOO Games, Tech in Asia, JD Central, Amanotes, Disney+ Hotstar, Times Internet, among others. Season 3 is ongoing.

  1. EP45: Alignment Is a Lie: How High-Performance Leadership Teams Are Actually Built with Bill Randall

    JAN 26

    EP45: Alignment Is a Lie: How High-Performance Leadership Teams Are Actually Built with Bill Randall

    Most leadership teams don’t fail from bad strategy they fail from avoided conversations, eroding trust, and “alignment” that really means silence. In this episode, Ronen Mense sits down with Bill Randall (Senior Partner at Korn Ferry) to unpack what high-performing leadership teams actually do when things get messy and how leaders can stop getting in their own way. 🧠 Key takeaways - Why “alignment” should look more like healthy disagreement (not polite agreement) - How trust breaks (and how to rebuild it with clearer intent + credibility) - The “maintenance cycle” that keeps teams stuck in avoidance and survival mode - How great teams focus on decision-making process — not just lagging results - The simple feedback loop leaders can use to spot performance cracks early Chapters 00:00 – Why “alignment” is a lie 06:10 – Trust, avoided conversations, and the maintenance cycle 17:10 – Leader self-awareness: hold up the mirror first 20:00 – Performance: behaviors vs. lagging results 40:50 – When a group becomes a real team (and what stays unsaid) Connect with Bill Randall - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-randall-60834b25/ - Korn Ferry profile: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/consultants/bill-randall 👉 Subscribe to our channel for more content: https://www.youtube.com/@UClZfLdfOiaFSERgnnZOckJA #Leadership #Management #ExecutiveLeadership #TeamPerformance #AppMarketing 🚀

    1 hr
  2. EP44: How Blockchain Can Actually Solve Real-World Problems with Shoeb Syed

    JAN 22

    EP44: How Blockchain Can Actually Solve Real-World Problems with Shoeb Syed

    In this episode, we separate signal from hype with Shoeb Syed, CEO and co-founder of Throughput. From “is blockchain a solution looking for a problem?” to the real-world moments it quietly powers, Shoeb lays out a simple litmus test for enterprise adoption: trust, ownership, and transparency - if your use case doesn’t need all three, you probably don’t need blockchain. Shoeb’s path is anything but typical - mechanical engineering grad turned marketer who stumbled into ICO research, then exchanges, then founding Throughput, an infra layer that helps builders spin up the right chain with the right performance (think “AWS for blockchains”). Now based between Riyadh and Dubai, he offers a front-row view of MENA’s surging tech scene. Key Takeaways: •⁠ ⁠Where blockchain fits: financial services, gaming assets, real-estate/RWA, and supply-chain authenticity; where it doesn’t: gimmicks and token-for-resume schemes. •⁠ ⁠Web3 in plain English: Web2 is renting; Web3 is owning your data, your assets, your history. •⁠ ⁠AI + blockchain: AI can predict capacity needs and optimize consensus useful when TPS spikes. •⁠ ⁠Adoption blocker: UX. When users don’t know they’re on-chain, Web3 wins. •⁠ ⁠Pragmatic checklist: trust, ownership, transparency—pass all three before you build.

    38 min
  3. EP43:Overcoming Fear of Failure and Escaping the 9-to-5 Treadmill with Simon Squibb

    07/30/2025

    EP43:Overcoming Fear of Failure and Escaping the 9-to-5 Treadmill with Simon Squibb

    What if the biggest risk is never taking one? In this episode of The Epicenter with Ronen Mense, entrepreneur and investor Simon Squibb, founder of HelpBnk, shares how he went from being homeless at 15 to selling his company to PwC, and why the real path to success isn’t a salary. It’s starting before you’re ready. You’ll hear how to start a business with no money, use AI tools to build faster and smarter, and overcome the fear that keeps most people stuck in the 9-to-5. Whether you’re planning a big leap or stuck at square one, this episode is your blueprint for starting over on your terms. What You’ll Learn: How to overcome fear of failure and survival-mode thinking Why job security is a myth, and what real freedom looks like How to start lean, build momentum, and create purpose-driven workWhich AI tools and platforms can accelerate your startupWhat legacy-driven entrepreneurship really means Links: Simon Squibb Official Website

    45 min
  4. EP42: Epicenter with GALIT GALPERIN, FOUNDER AT AI MINDSET

    01/14/2025

    EP42: Epicenter with GALIT GALPERIN, FOUNDER AT AI MINDSET

    In Episode 42 of The Epicenter, we’re joined by Galit Galperin, an AI product advisor helping organizations and their leaders adopt AI, to discuss why AI literacy is no longer optional for professionals and leaders. From mastering the art of prompting to reshaping workflows, Galit shares her expertise on how AI is transforming corporate ecosystems. Key Highlights: How to upskill in AI and use it as a thought partner. The importance of prompting techniques like zero-shot and few-shot prompting. Why leaders must embrace AI literacy for strategic advantage. Challenges of AI adoption in enterprises and tips for success. A responsible approach to AI integration in workflows. Tune in for practical advice and fresh perspectives on the AI revolution.

    54 min
  5. EP41: Epicenter with SOM PUANGLADDA, FOUNDER & MD OF NOMADIC GROWTH

    12/09/2024

    EP41: Epicenter with SOM PUANGLADDA, FOUNDER & MD OF NOMADIC GROWTH

    In this episode of The Epicenter, we’re joined by Som Puangladda, a seasoned fractional CMO and advocate for women in tech. Som breaks down the power of fractional leadership—combining high-impact strategy with flexibility—and shares how businesses can leverage it to build stronger alignment between marketing and sales. Ronen and Som cover crucial topics like sales-led marketing, data visualization, and the need to focus on customer happiness beyond lead generation. Som also compares the US and Southeast Asia tech scenes, offering practical tips for navigating both ecosystems rooted in understanding key behavioral nuances.  Som reflects on her journey as a woman in technology, offering advice on breaking barriers and creating impact. Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or tech enthusiast, this episode delivers fresh insights on leadership, alignment, and thriving in today’s AI-first landscape.

    54 min
  6. EP40: Epicenter with AYESHA KHANNA, AI THOUGHT LEADER, FUTURIST, CEO OF ADDO

    11/03/2024

    EP40: Epicenter with AYESHA KHANNA, AI THOUGHT LEADER, FUTURIST, CEO OF ADDO

    “AI heavily depends on how organizations have structured their data.”  “AI is about adoption, not just execution.” In this special episode of Ronen’s Epicenter, Dr. Ayesha Khanna, one of Asia’s top tech voices, dives into the “operationalization” of AI. She emphasizes AI’s real value in enhancing everyday processes over flashy innovations. This 45-minute remote episode, filmed in Singapore, also explores the ethical dimensions of big tech, the essence of modern data architecture, and how AI can create economic opportunities for all.

    47 min
  7. EP39: Epicenter with SHELLY PALMER, CEO OF THE PALMER GROUP

    09/30/2024

    EP39: Epicenter with SHELLY PALMER, CEO OF THE PALMER GROUP

    AI or Die with Shelly Palmer, CEO of The Palmer Group "AI is a Skills Amplifier, Not a Skills Democratizer." In this special episode of Ronen’s Epicenter, Shelly Palmer, a renowned AI authority and media visionary, makes his Asia audience debut. From his journey as an award-winning composer to a Fortune 500 consultant, Shelly, in conversation with Ronen Mense, explores how creativity, analytical skills, and expertise intersect in the AI-driven world. This 60+ minute episode dives deep into topics like entrepreneurship, government regulation, China,"data elite," social media, and personal productivity—making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the AI landscape.

    1h 4m
  8. EP38: Epicenter with DJOANN FAL, FOUNDER OF ATLAS CAPITAL

    07/25/2024

    EP38: Epicenter with DJOANN FAL, FOUNDER OF ATLAS CAPITAL

    “There’s too much $ in Climate Tech but not enough entrepreneurs with ideas.” We welcome Djoann Fal, co-founder of GetLinks, Asia's premier tech talent network. Through Atlas Capital, he is currently focused on funding vital sustainability tech innovations in the region.  Featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30, Djoann is a pioneer in linking tech professionals with prime opportunities. With a background in engineering and consulting, he has expanded GetLinks across multiple countries, achieving unprecedented scale for that industry. In an intimate conversation with Ronen, Djoann shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a tech startup, and Asia’s promising potential in climate tech. He also discusses working with conglomerates to shift towards green projects, dealing with “carbon credit bros,” and his efforts to help Asian cities adapt to climate change. This episode pairs perfectly with Djoann’s Substack, The Adaptive Economy.

    1h 1m
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About

Hosted by one of Asia-Pacific’s mobile pioneers, Ronen Mense, “Epicenter” is a series of in-depth interviews with renowned business leaders and industry influencers that are shaping today’s digital economy. Originally born at the ascend of pandemic marketing (the pilot episode aired on the first month of global lockdowns), “Epicenter” has become a go-to resource for executive insights on current events within the orbit of APAC’s tech ecosystem. The 20-minute show airs on LinkedIn Live and YouTube, with C-suite guests from some of the region’s most reputable and innovative companies such as YOOZOO Games, Tech in Asia, JD Central, Amanotes, Disney+ Hotstar, Times Internet, among others. Season 3 is ongoing.

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