Emerging Markets Today Ana Paula Picasso

This is an encore episode!
In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia.


Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:


Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments.
Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West.
China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses.
Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape.



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This episode is an encore!

The year was 2021, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, and he was the director of the GFT Group in Brazil. This episode captured all the changes the fintech sector was going through (and still is).

Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed:

The Brazilian Fintech Landscape: Brazil is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and interconnected individuals, making it an exciting environment for fintech. The pandemic has even accelerated digital transformation in the financial market, leading to the success of challenger banks and digital wallets.

The Power of PIX: We discussed the new instant payment solution, PIX, launched by the Brazilian central bank. It's revolutionizing payments in Brazil, with over 2 billion reais transferred in the first month alone!

The Rise of Digital Wallets: Digital wallets have thrived in Brazil as a cheaper way to handle digital money. They've become marketplaces where users can transact money between companies and access consumer financial services.

Banking the Unbanked: We touched on the issue of unbanked individuals in Brazil, and how digital wallets and light apps with financial services are reaching this population. The pandemic has even led to a surge in the number of people becoming banked overnight.

Open Banking Revolution: Carlos shared his insights on the importance of open banking regulation in Brazil, aiming to democratize access to financial services and create a more competitive environment.

Carlos believes that this is just the beginning for the fintech sector in Brazil. With the country's entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of technology, and supportive regulations, the future looks promising.



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This is an encore episode!

Last year, I had the pleasure of chatting Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group. We had a very insightful conversation about India's potential in the emerging markets, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you.


India's Golden Decade: Ian and I discussed the buzz around India's golden decade, highlighting the country's growing domestic market and its increasing importance in global supply chains. With a large consumer base and a growing middle class, India is attracting foreign investment and playing a key role in the diversification of supply chains away from China.


Semiconductors and the Digital Economy: We delved into the significance of semiconductors in the digital economy and the current tensions between China and the West. Ian highlighted India's role in securing the global supply of semiconductors, mentioning the partnership between the Vedanta Group and Foxconn to establish a mega factory in Gujarat, India.


India's "Make in India" Strategy: We touched upon India's "Make in India" strategy, which aims to attract foreign investors while promoting the use of Indian-manufactured products. We also discussed the need for infrastructure investment in India and the involvement of domestic and foreign companies in this sector.


Digital Innovation in India: Ian highlighted India's unique approach to digital payments, including the development of a national digital payments system. We also discussed the complexities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets, specifically focusing on India.


Political Stability and Economic Growth: We compared India to other emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, noting that India's political stability is a crucial factor for economic growth.



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I've got some news to share that's just too good to keep under wraps.

The podcast is turning three – can you believe it?

In these 3 years I spoke to some amazing founders and thought leaders from different countries and sectors and I decided that some of the past episodes deverse to be shared again.

So, I picked 5 of the past episodes, some of them were from the early days of the podcast where I still growing my audience, but they are still relevant. You will see that the audio quality wasn't the best at the begining but hey, we learn as we go along.

Having said that, from now until the end of the year I will be republishing these episodes, hopefully with an improved audio quality - you all can hear them again or for the first time.



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I had the pleasure of speaking with Aziz Musa, the founder of Cush Digital, a leading digital marketing agency in North Africa.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Navigating Challenges in Emerging Countries: Aziz highlighted the difficulties of working in a nascent market like Sudan, from infrastructure issues to talent gaps. It's not an easy feat, but it's fascinating to hear how businesses like Cush Digital are overcoming these obstacles and thriving in such environments.

2️⃣ The Power of Adaptability: Aziz's journey to Egypt was unexpected, driven by the war in Sudan. This highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Aziz's ability to pivot and make the best of the situation is truly inspiring.

3️⃣ North Africa's Untapped Potential: While sub-Saharan Africa often takes the spotlight, Aziz shed light on the opportunities and potential in North Africa. He emphasized the importance of exploring and understanding this region's unique market dynamics and consumer behavior for businesses looking to expand their presence.

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In this episode, I chat with Paul Breloff, co-founder of Shortlist, about the pivotal role of human capital in Africa's economic trajectory.

Shortlist provides executive search services and work force development for leading startups and impact organizations in Africa.

Here's a snapshot of our conversation:

1️⃣ The Power of People: While big ideas capture attention, it's the individuals behind them that truly make a difference. Discover how Shortlist is addressing the challenges of finding and developing the right talent in Africa.

2️⃣ Why Africa? Paul's journey from a small town in Western New York to working extensively in India and Africa offers a unique perspective on the booming startup and innovation economy in the continent.

3️⃣ Challenges & Opportunities: From data problems to experience gaps, Paul discusses the unique talent dynamics in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on approaches and the need for on-the-job training for young professionals.

4️⃣ Impact Organizations: Learn about businesses that address significant social problems while working with markets. Paul shares his experiences with companies that focus on renewable power, green growth, and more.


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