What's Next with Philip Meissner

Philip Meissner

What’s Next brings together builders, thinkers and leaders whose work matters. From Berlin to Bangalore, Lagos to San Francisco, the podcast explores how technology and thought leadership change how we  work, govern, and build.​ ​ Each episode focuses on one idea that matters. Clear enough to explain over dinner, solid enough to stand up in the boardroom. Global perspectives, sharp thinking, and insights designed to improve decision quality.​ ​ What’s next. Building the Future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Calm Down About Quantum: It’s Not What You Think

    4D AGO

    Calm Down About Quantum: It’s Not What You Think

    In this episode, Philip Meissner speaks with Marissa Giustina, a physicist working at the forefront of quantum technology and physical AI, to cut through the hype and explain what these breakthroughs really mean. Key takeaways from the conversation: Why quantum computers are powerful but highly specialized toolsThe real problems quantum is actually suited to solveHow leaders should prepare for quantum without chasing buzzwordsWhat physical AI can and can’t do in the human worldWhy curiosity and responsible stewardship matter more than speed This is a clear, grounded conversation about the future of technology without the science fiction. 👉 Watch the full episode and see what’s really coming next. Timestamps: 01:01 What quantum technology is 03:06 Why companies are racing into quantum 04:24 Quantum vs artificial intelligence 07:02 What quantum computers can solve 10:58 How to prepare for the quantum era 14:39 Will quantum impact AI 15:07 Quantum encryption and security 19:09 The biggest quantum myth 20:50 Why physical AI is exciting 22:58 Where physical AI comes first 27:21 Curiosity and pushing limits 29:04 Knowing when to quit 30:18 What’s next after quantum 31:21 What gives hope for the future Connect with Philip Meissner: linkedin.com/in/pmeissner    Connect with Marissa Giustina: linkedin.com/in/marissa-giustina-aa4376161 "What’s Next with Philip Meissner“ A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast! Join our mailing list: www.philipmeissner.com/whatsnext to stay updated on the latest trends #QuantumComputing #QuantumTechnology #QuantumAI #TechHype #FutureOfTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #PhysicalAI #PostQuantumSecurity #QuantumEncryption #TechLeadership #ResponsibleAI #EmergingTechnology #AITrends #DeepTech #TechnologyStrategy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  2. The Geothermal Bottleneck: Who Controls the Future of Energy?

    FEB 24

    The Geothermal Bottleneck: Who Controls the Future of Energy?

    Unlimited energy is just 10 kilometers away. So why don’t we have it? In this episode, deep-tech entrepreneur Max Werner, founder of Hades Mining, explains why geothermal could rival coal in power output and why it still isn’t commercially viable. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why the 10km barrier is holding geothermal backThe $500 million cost problem behind deep drillingWhy drilling speed determines everythingHow laser technology could change the gameWhy energy independence is now a geopolitical issue The world doesn’t lack energy. It lacks affordable access. If that changes, the global power balance changes with it. Watch the full episode to understand what’s blocking unlimited energy and who might break through first. Timestamps: 00:48 Why Geothermal Could Be a Game Changer 01:20 How Deep Drilling Unlocks Earth’s Heat 02:00 The Challenges of Going 10 Kilometers Down 03:34 The Full Vision of Scalable Geothermal Energy 04:50 Centralized or Decentralized Energy Model 05:41 Europe’s Critical Minerals Wake-Up Call 08:13 Why Drilling Costs Block Progress 09:29 Connecting Geothermal and Critical Minerals 10:47 How the Fiber Laser Drill Works 13:21 Best Geographies for Geothermal 14:54 When Geothermal Becomes Mainstream 16:00 The Biggest Myth About Geothermal 16:41 Germany’s Geothermal Acceleration Act 18:26 The Future of Surgical Mining 21:13 Europe’s Untapped Critical Minerals 22:53 Lessons from a Deep Tech Founder 25:07 Pain Tolerance in Entrepreneurship 27:25 The Reality of Building in Deep Tech 29:05 A Proud NATO Moment 30:23 Optimism for Europe’s Future   Connect with Philip Meissner: linkedin.com/in/pmeissner    Connect with Max Werner: linkedin.com/in/drwerner "What’s Next with Philip Meissner“ A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast! #GeothermalEnergy #UnlimitedEnergy #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #DeepTech #EnergyIndependence #DrillingTechnology #RenewableEnergy #CriticalMinerals #EnergyInnovation #ClimateTech #FutureOfEnergy #SustainableEnergy #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  3. Ian Bremmer: How Algorithms Reshape Global Power

    FEB 10

    Ian Bremmer: How Algorithms Reshape Global Power

    Power no longer starts with governments. It starts with algorithms. In this episode, Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group, explains how power in the 21st century is shifting away from states and toward the companies and systems that program human behavior. Drawing on decades of advising world leaders and CEOs, Bremmer argues this change is unprecedented in speed, scale, and impact on humanity. You’ll learn: Why tech companies now hold power once reserved for governmentsHow algorithms shape identity, behavior, and social orderWhat this shift means for global stability and leadershipThe biggest mistake leaders are making in today’s power transition If you want to understand who really controls power today — and where it’s headed next — this conversation is essential. Timestamps: 01:07 Do tech CEOs now rival state power 02:35 Digital sovereignty and algorithmic control 04:20 Why this power shift is unprecedented 06:03 Will governments regain control 08:00 Algorithms as the force reshaping power 11:11 Is the rules-based global order collapsing 14:57 Is US policy weakening America vs. China 17:52 India’s role in the emerging power balance 20:56 Leadership lessons from the Global Risk Report 27:27 Navigating power personally 30:19 Habits for surviving a chaotic world 34:14 Optimism about the future   Connect with Philip Meissner: linkedin.com/in/pmeissner  Connect with Ian Bremmer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbremmer/ "What’s Next with Philip Meissner“ A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast! #PowerShift #AlgorithmicPower #AIandSociety #TechPower #GlobalPower #Geopolitics #DigitalSovereignty #Algorithms #FutureOfPower #PoliticalRisk #AIInfluence #TechVsGovernment #GlobalOrder #HumanBehavior #IanBremmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  4. Using AI to Save Water: Why Farmers Matter Most

    JAN 27

    Using AI to Save Water: Why Farmers Matter Most

    We’re panicking about AI’s water use and missing the real problem. Jairo Trad, co-founder and CEO of Kilimo, explains why farmers sit at the center of the global water crisis, and how AI, used the right way, can dramatically reduce water waste at scale. Speaking with Philip Meissner, Jairo shares how Kilimo delivers AI-driven irrigation advice by simple text messages, without sensors or hardware, and why incentives matter more than regulation. In this episode, you’ll discover: - Why 70–90% of global water use happens in agriculture, not data centers - How AI without sensors helps farmers know exactly when to irrigate - Why paying farmers to save water finally makes large-scale change possible - How companies now invest in water security near their own facilities - What a future looks like where water is no longer the limiting factor This is a clear, pragmatic conversation about fixing water systems — not with guilt or panic, but with smarter incentives that actually work. 👉 Watch now to see why the path to water security starts on farms, not in server rooms.   Timestamps: 00:58 Why farmers drive climate impact 01:43 Agriculture vs AI water use 03:29 How much water farming really uses 04:09 The water problem no one fixes 06:351 How AI improves farm irrigation 07:51 What farmers gain from water tech 08:07 A farmer story: less water, better yields 09:45 Paying farmers to save water 13:12 Why climate must make business sense 15:01 How pricing fixes water problems 16:33 Where the biggest water savings are 18:07 What blocks water innovation 19:40 Rethinking the global water system 21:43 The thinker who inspired Jairo 23:51 Why entrepreneurs embrace pain 25:44 Scaling without losing judgment 28:04 Confidence vs ego in leadership 29:02 Building teams that challenge leaders 31:26 A future with water security 32:37 Why Jairo stays optimistic Connect with Philip Meissner: linkedin.com/in/pmeissner    Connect with Jairo Trad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingjairotrad/   Explore Kilimo: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agrokilimo Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/kilimo-agtech/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agrokilimo   "What’s Next with Philip Meissner“ A journey through our future life and work, and the place to discover your next favorite strategy and innovation. With global perspectives and fresh thinking, brought to you by some of the most exciting thinkers, builders, and leaders across the globe. Philip Meissner hosts fantastic guests and speakers, who share their journeys and knowledge in the most authentic and deep-dive style – to guide you through our world of tomorrow. From economy to science, from tech policy to AI in a fast-changing world. Subscribe right now wherever you get your podcast! #WaterCrisis #AgTech #AIForGood #SustainableAgriculture #WaterSecurity #ClimateTech #SmartIrrigation #FutureOfFarming #WaterInnovation #AIInAgriculture #ClimateSolutions #WaterManagement #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #ClimateAction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

What’s Next brings together builders, thinkers and leaders whose work matters. From Berlin to Bangalore, Lagos to San Francisco, the podcast explores how technology and thought leadership change how we  work, govern, and build.​ ​ Each episode focuses on one idea that matters. Clear enough to explain over dinner, solid enough to stand up in the boardroom. Global perspectives, sharp thinking, and insights designed to improve decision quality.​ ​ What’s next. Building the Future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.