Bridging Talks

Majid Hashmi

Bridging Talks is a cross-cultural business podcast hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd. We speak with global professionals and entrepreneurs bridging cultures, languages, and industries — from localisation to leadership, remote work to digital growth. 🎙️ Topics: cross-cultural business, global teams, AI, startups, localisation, and career pivots. 📺 Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. 🔗 bridgingconnect.com/podcast

Episodes

  1. Ep. 5 – Hierarchy, Networking, and Communication in Japan’s Business World | Lee Jean

    SEP 24

    Ep. 5 – Hierarchy, Networking, and Communication in Japan’s Business World | Lee Jean

    🎤 Introduction In this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks with Lee Jean, entrepreneur, founder of Omnielt English, and host of The Produck Podcast. Lee shares his journey as a global entrepreneur, diving into the challenges of networking in Japan, navigating cross-cultural communication, and the unique role of hierarchy in Japanese business. Together, we explore how founders and business leaders from the West and Japan can bridge communication gaps to build stronger relationships and successful ventures. 🎯 In This Episode 00:00:00 – Introduction & welcome00:02:00 – Lee’s entrepreneurial journey & global background00:07:00 – Networking in Japan: challenges & opportunities00:15:00 – Cross-cultural communication: Japan vs the West00:25:00 – The role of hierarchy in Japanese business culture00:35:00 – Advice for Japanese founders to connect globally00:42:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect 🌐 Guest Info 👤 Name: Lee Jean 💼 Role: Entrepreneur, Founder of Omnielt English, and Host of The Produck Podcast 🌍 Focus: Global entrepreneurship, cross-cultural business, networking 🔗 Links: Stan StoreThe Produck Podcast (YouTube)Omnielt WebsiteLinkedIn 📌 About Bridging TalksBridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI. 🔗 More Episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367 📦 Amazon Music – Podcasts: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingTalks 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com 🎵 Music / Audio DisclaimerThe music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #BridgingTalks #LeeJean #OmnieltEnglish #TheProduckPodcast #Entrepreneurship #CrossCulturalBusiness #Networking #JapanBusiness #HierarchyInJapan #GlobalStartups #Tokyo #BridgingConnect

    49 min
  2. Ep. 4 – Building a Global Freelance Career: Frontend, AI & Life Between Cultures | Joseph Allen

    AUG 25

    Ep. 4 – Building a Global Freelance Career: Frontend, AI & Life Between Cultures | Joseph Allen

    🎤 IntroductionIn this episode of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi sits down with Joseph Allen, a front-end developer and freelancer with 8+ years of experience. Joseph shares his journey from studying in Singapore to building a career in front-end development, diving into the AI & machine learning boom, and navigating the ups and downs of running a freelance studio. We also discuss his cross-cultural work with Japan, insights into freelancing globally, productivity hacks, and personal projects that keep creativity alive. 🎯 In This Episode: 00:00:00 – Introduction & welcome00:01:10 – Early life & education in Singapore00:02:01 – Portfolio & website beginnings00:02:14 – AI & machine learning boom: impact on front-end00:03:43 – First clients & early freelancing00:05:09 – Cross-cultural work & Japan experience00:07:31 – Networking & LinkedIn for developers00:23:56 – Advice for early-career devs & freelancers00:24:34 – React in the stack: practical choices00:35:37 – Freelancing business: pricing, proposals & scope00:41:21 – Tools & workflow: editor, versioning & automations00:59:28 – Portfolio strategy & side projects01:17:56 – Routines & productivity for solo developers01:24:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect 🌐 Guest Info 👤 Name: Joseph Allen💻 Role: Front-End Developer & Freelancer📍 Location: UK (working globally, including Japan)🔗 Website (Professional): joseph-allen.github.io🎨 Website (Creative): joe-memphis.netlify.app💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/josephrossallen 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI. 🔗 More episodes:bridgingconnect.com/podcast 💼 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/105206281 🎧 Listen on: SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicYouTube 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?→ podcast@bridgingconnect.com 🎵 Music/Audio Disclaimer:The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #BridgingTalks #JosephAllen #FrontendDeveloper #Freelancing #GlobalCareers #JapanLife #CrossCulturalWork #WebDevelopment #RemoteWork #DigitalNomad #TechCareers #Startups #BridgingConnect

    1h 27m
  3. Ep. 3 – From UK to South Korea: Using AI to Protect Women Safety | Safiyah Kilby

    AUG 18

    Ep. 3 – From UK to South Korea: Using AI to Protect Women Safety | Safiyah Kilby

    🎤 Introduction In Episode 3 of Bridging Talks, host Majid Hashmi speaks withSafiyah (Jia) Kilby, CEO & Founder of STREETWYSE Inc. —anAI-powered safety solutions company on a mission to protect women, youth, and vulnerable individuals around the world, starting in South Korea. From the UK to building a startup in South Korea, Safiyah shares her journey of turning personal conviction into a mission-driven tech company. We dive deep into how AI cansupport psychological and physical safety, her experience as a female founder in Seoul, the role of storytelling in entrepreneurship, and how martial arts has shaped her resilience. If you’re interested in tech for social impact, women’s safety, and global entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. 🎯 In This Episode: [00:00:05] Welcome and Guest Introduction [00:00:38] Introduction to Street Wise and Its Mission [00:01:34] Safiyah's Personal and Professional Journey [00:02:50] Transition from Film and Documentary to Tech [00:04:18] The Inception of the Street Wise Concept [00:07:08] The Pivot to Street Wise's Current Focus [00:08:57] The Impact of the MeToo Movement in Korea [00:10:48] Using Storytelling to Tackle Difficult Social Issues [00:14:15] The Business Model and App Development [00:18:00] Building a Team and Finding the Right Co-Founder [00:22:20] Cultural Differences in Business and Social Norms [00:26:40] The Role of Mentors and a Strong Support System [00:29:50] Navigating the Startup Scene as a Female Founder [00:32:00] Insights on the Korean Startup Ecosystem [00:35:10] The Importance of Resilience and Self-Care [00:38:00] Challenges with Government Grants and Language Barriers [00:41:20] The Difference Between Starting a Business in the UK vs. Korea [00:44:50] The Importance of Building Community and Networking [00:48:30] Future Plans for Street Wise [00:52:10] The Vision of Bridging Gaps Through Technology [00:55:40] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Korea [00:58:00] Personal Growth and Lessons Learned [01:02:25] Final Thoughts and Conclusion 🌐 Guest Info 👤 Name: Safiyah Kilby 🏢 Role: Founder/CEO – STREETWYSE Inc 📍 Location: Seoul, South Korea 🔗 Website: http://www.streetwyse.me/ 💼 LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetwyse-inc/ ---- 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West and East through digital, strategy, and AI.🔗 More episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105206281🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe?si=C3jWgQPgTXCZcM5o_gWy8Q&nd=1&dlsi=126d0061fe6441ca🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367📦 Amazon Music - Podcasts:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks📺 YouTube: /@bridgingtalks 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us?→ podcast@bridgingconnect.comMusic/Audio Disclaimer:The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #AIForGood #WomenSafety #FemaleFounder #TechForSocialImpact #GlobalEntrepreneurship #SouthKoreaStartups #StartupJourney #BridgingTalks #WomenInTech #SafetyTech #MartialArtsAndBusiness #SocialImpactTech #CrossCulturalBusiness #EmpowerWomen #AIStartup

    1h 7m
  4. Ep. 2 – From UK to Japan: Lessons in Global Hiring & Human Connection | Paul Roberts

    AUG 6

    Ep. 2 – From UK to Japan: Lessons in Global Hiring & Human Connection | Paul Roberts

    🎙️ Bridging Talks – Episode 2From UK to Japan: Lessons in Global Hiring & Human Connection Guest: Paul Roberts – Tokyo-based recruiter and blogger. In this episode, we dive into Paul’s unique global journey and his perspective on recruitment, business, and human connection between the West and East. 🎯 In This Episode: [00:00:05] Welcome and Guest Introduction [00:00:52] Paul Roberts' Personal and Professional Background [00:02:30] The Journey from London to Tokyo and Becoming a Recruiter [00:03:52] The Experience of Being a Foreigner Working in Japan [00:06:05] Transitioning to Tech Recruitment in Tokyo [00:08:44] The Evolving Tech and Recruitment Landscape in Japan [00:11:13] Key Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Tech Recruitment [00:15:08] The Importance of Soft Skills and Cultural Fit in Hiring [00:17:30] Insights on Japan's Talent Market and Hiring Trends [00:20:20] How COVID-19 Impacted the Japanese Job Market [00:23:08] Discussion on Relocating to Japan for Work [00:26:07] The Value of Work Experience and Specialization [00:28:40] Addressing the Japanese Language Barrier for Foreigners [00:31:05] Advice for Foreigners Seeking Jobs in Japan [00:35:54] Understanding the Hiring Process in Japan [00:39:10] The Role of Recruiters and How to Work with Them [00:43:30] The Importance of Networking and Building Connections [00:46:15] Personal Reflections on Living and Working in Tokyo [00:50:30] Future Predictions for the Japanese Job Market [00:52:19] Discussion on the Startup Scene in Japan [00:55:00] The Influence of AI on the Recruitment Industry [00:59:50] The "Recruitment Grind" and Market Demands [01:03:00] Final Thoughts on the Future of Tech and Recruitment [01:06:17] Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways [01:10:00] Closing Remarks and Thanks 📍 Learn more about Paul Roberts: Website: https://paulroberts.jp LinkedIn: /paulrobertstokyo 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI. 🔗 More episodes: 💼 LinkedIn: 🎧 Spotify: 🍎 Apple Podcasts: 📦 Amazon Music: 📺 YouTube: 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us? Email us at: podcast@bridgingconnect.com 🎵 Music/Audio Disclaimer: The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #BridgingTalks #PaulRoberts #Recruitment #HiringInJapan #JapanJobs #GlobalCareers #CrossCulturalCommunication #WorkInJapan #JapaneseBusiness #RemoteWork #JapanRecruitment #InternationalBusiness #CareerAdvice #StartupLife #ThoughtLeadership #CulturalDifferences #GlobalHiring #ExpatLife #ForeignersInJapan #BilingualCareers

    1h 16m
  5. Ep. 1: Culture, Localization, and Global Business with Eunnara Jo

    JUL 28

    Ep. 1: Culture, Localization, and Global Business with Eunnara Jo

    Welcome to Episode 1 of Bridging Talks — a cross-cultural business podcast by Bridging Connect. In this debut episode, host Majid Hashmi sits down with Eunnara Jo, founder of JOEL Localization & Trading, to explore the human side of localization, what it takes to navigate cultural complexity in business, and how global companies can localize beyond language. 🎙️ In this episode: [00:00:03] Welcome and Guest Introduction[00:01:12] Career Path from Interpreter to Entrepreneur[00:02:17] Founding and Mission of JOEL Localization and JOEL Trading[00:04:18] The Synergy Between Localization and Trading[00:06:51] Leveraging an Expert Network for Business[00:09:25] The Impact of Location: From Seoul to Tokyo[00:11:36] The Role of AI in Localization and Entrepreneurship[00:15:39] Overcoming Business Challenges: The Importance of a Supportive Network[00:17:39] Strategies for Building a Strong Business Ecosystem[00:20:25] Future Plans and Vision for the Companies[00:23:40] The Business Landscape in Seoul vs. Tokyo[00:27:08] Insights on Startup Culture and Entrepreneurial Mindset[00:30:30] Discussion on the Role of Co-Founders and Team Dynamics[00:35:10] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Career Changers[00:39:27] The Future of Globalization and Localization[00:43:08] Final Thoughts and Conclusion 🌐 Guest Info: Eunnara Jo – Founder, JOEL Localization & Trading Website: https://joelocalization.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunnara-jo/ — 📌 Bridging Talks is hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd, a London-based startup bridging the gap between West to East through digital, strategy, and AI. 🔗 More episodes: https://bridgingconnect.com/podcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/bridgingconnect 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LRstF8bZfzIPTbhcTlUGe 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/bridging-talks/id1829708367 📦 Amazon Music - Podcasts:https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/4cb8304d-d5db-44e6-8744-b6633af5290b/bridging-talks 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BridgingTalks 📩 Want to be a guest or partner with us? → podcast@bridgingconnect.com Music/Audio Disclaimer: The music used in this content is by Chill House, Oleksandr Stepanov, and penguinmusic. All rights belong to the respective artists. #bridgingtalks #localization #crosscultural #globalbusiness #podcast #startup #japanbusiness #interview #bridgingconnect

    45 min

About

Bridging Talks is a cross-cultural business podcast hosted by Majid Hashmi, founder of Bridging Connect Ltd. We speak with global professionals and entrepreneurs bridging cultures, languages, and industries — from localisation to leadership, remote work to digital growth. 🎙️ Topics: cross-cultural business, global teams, AI, startups, localisation, and career pivots. 📺 Watch & listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. 🔗 bridgingconnect.com/podcast