The Forward Podcast with SmartOSC SmartOSC

Mint Kaewmanorom lives a life filled with curiosity, consistently looking at the bigger picture she moves forward by wondering how she can tackle problems with new solutions. So it comes as no surprise that she finds herself in one of the most interesting areas for the future, the Internet of Things.

 As Asia embraces digitalization, IoT stands poised to transform industries, offering a glimpse into a future marked by enhanced efficiency and connectivity.

 In this episode, we’ll hear about the work that True Digital is doing with leveraging IoT technology in Thailand and how they plan to solve some of the pain points that people and businesses face.

Moving beyond the idea that IoT is gadgets and gizmos – Mint, the Head of Marketing and IoT Solutions at True Digital shines a light on how they are working with entire industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, city management, and entertainment. Described as being “limited only by the human imagination”, the rise of IoT technology presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and connectivity - at the center of bringing these to life in Thailand, is True Digital.

We're bidding farewell to our beloved Commerce Talk as we venture into

Over the past two years and 30 episodes, we've explored the depths of eCommerce with industry experts. But now, it's time to widen our horizons.

Join us on The Forward Podcast, where we delve into the ever-evolving intersection of technology and our world. From Generative AI to IoT devices and Quantum computing, we're embracing the changes shaping the future of how we will live, work, and lead.

As Peter Drucker said, "The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic." With that in mind, we're inspired by the Forward role in football, those who make bold moves and create pathways ahead.

We'll be speaking to those who are at the forefront of change and future-facing strategies.

With our guests we’ll look at tools, trends, behaviours and ideas that they are leaving behind, and the ones they are choosing to move forward with.

SmartOSC and The Forward Podcast is dedicated to delivering actionable insights, guiding you forward with purpose and precision.



Welcome to a new era!

How many of us really speak directly to our customers and when was the last time we went on their customer journey?

In this episode of Commerce Talk we are talking all about filtered-down insights, the need for psychological safety in innovation, and why it’s important to just be quiet in meetings every once in a while!

With agility in its DNA, across 60 years of business, GQ Thailand has been evolving and shedding its roots from being known as an apparel brand to a problem-solving tech brand that is there to help change your life by simply listening.

With a focus on insights-led product development, GQ's viral product launches have been successful because they resonate with consumers and address the real problems they face. From white shirts that get easily stained, to boxers that are really warm and uncomfortable, GQ Thailand takes pain-points and removes them for their customers.

From the GQWhite Shirt - the Ultimate White Shirt & GQWhite Masks - The #1 selling reusable face mask in the region, GQ Perfect Polo, GQ Perfect Pants, and GQ Cool Tech Underwear, and more, GQ Thailand has managed to sell without having to adhere to the time consumption that fashion-based retailers usually face. 

In this episode of Commerce Talk, we are sitting down with George Hartel,  the Chief Commercial Officer for Supara Group - GQ Thailand, Southeast Asia's Leading Technical Apparel Brand. Specializing in innovative apparel that solves everyday problems.

With over 20 years of transformation and multinational business experience, George brings a rare and refreshing outlook that challenges the status quo of traditional retail, advertising, marketing, and leadership.  From advocating for more “ugly advertising” to removing the filters on what it takes to really understand your customer's journey and needs.

We’ll chat about all of that and we’ll delve into… 

✅ The importance of reconnecting with consumers and understanding their challenges 

✅ Why authenticity and rawness in advertising can be more effective than polished and perfect content

✅How to create a safe and innovative culture within a company is essential for growth

✅Why leaders must actively listen and engage with their teams and consumers

✅GQ's focus on synthesizing innovation rather than predicting the future has been a successful approach

From life-changing devices to advancements in leadership, global logistics, secure payments, responsible AI in marketing, and more. In this episode of Commerce Talk, we get front-row seats to the forward-focused minds of some of the biggest global leaders so that we can keep you one step ahead!



You'll hear from...

🚚Herbert Vongpusanachai - Managing Director for DHL Thailand and Indochina
🖨️Siew Ting Foo - Global Head of Brand and Insights at HP
💳 Tee Chayakul - Country Director, Stripe Thailand
🧠Mei Lee- Partner at Boston Consulting Group
🔒 Jay Hira - Director, National Cyber Security Practice at MinterEllison




00:00  The Future of Marketing: AI, Subscription Models, and Cross-Border Payments04:05  The Intersection of Generative AI, Global Trends, and Leadership: Insights from Global Leaders07:52  The Future of Leadership, Marketing, and Cross-Border Activities14:33  The Future of Trading and Product Deliveries: Insights from Herbert Vongpusanachai18:29  Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity: Wearable Devices, AI, and Quantum Computing

Alin leads marketing solutions and partnerships across Southeast Asia for ZALORA - Asia’s leading online fashion destination. He is also responsible for the ZALORA advertising platform (ZAP), where his team helps leading brands orchestrate multi-channel campaigns to drive performance and connect with relevant audiences.


In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into Alin's journey from his time with M&S in London to the rapidly growing retail and technology sectors within the Southeast Asian landscape. We'll explore insights from both markets, predictions on emerging trends, and...

✅ Retail Media as the next wave of marketing and what brands can learn from this opportunity
✅ Customer experiences of the future and the emergence of Generative AI
✅ The power of ‘trusting the process’

And that's just the beginning!

Have you ever wondered why so many great strategies never get implemented? Or why a staggering 67% of implementations fail?

In this episode of Commerce Talk, we sit down with Robin Speculand, one of the world's most sought-after and respected experts in the realm of strategy implementation.

Robin, the former VP of Citibank Singapore,  has worked with some of the globe's top-performing organizations to help reshape how they think, act, and approach, implementing their strategies, using his ground-breaking frameworks, tools, and techniques. 

As a prolific writer in this field, we'll be delving into his Amazon number-one and international bestseller, 'World's Best Bank, a Strategic Guide to Digital Transformation,' now available in Vietnamese. The book showcases the remarkable journey of DBS Bank Singapore, named by Harvard as one of the top 10 digital transformations of all time.



 So what was the secret behind their success? 


Beyond uncovering why DBS Bank Singapore succeeded where many stumbled, we'll also explore: 

✅ How leaders are taught to craft strategies but not necessarily implement them

✅ The Implementation Compass, a framework for success

✅ The importance of discipline and action

✅ Robin's insights on why having a 'digital strategy' might be a warning sign for businesses

And so much more!