Life as a..

EP30: Life as a Climate-Crisis Minded Venture Capitalist with guest Michael Smith

Join host Christopher Schoenwald of the Podcast, “LIFE AS A..” as he chats with Regeneration.VC General Partner, Michael Smith.
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Introducing
Michael Smith is a climate crisis minded venture capitalist and General Partner at Regeneration.VC, an early stage venture fund supercharging consumer-powered climate innovation. The firm focuses on seed and series A investments in circular and regenerative approaches to consumer industries.
Recent Buzz
You may have heard about his company recently in their successful closing of $45 million in funding to make sustainable consumer goods available across omnichannel.
The firm has also generated a certain buzz by attracting significant backing and advising from several high-profile individuals, including actor and film producer Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher, as well as renowned architect and circular economy pioneer William McDonough, of whom Michael and his partner Dan Fishman have known for quite some time.
Skills and Background
In addition to investing in over 30 companies prior to this role, Michael brings years of environmental organizing experience, having formed Ponvalley, an environmental initiative comprised of philanthropy, research and impact investments.
As an example of not only Michael’s reach but also vigour towards making positive environmental impacts, he assembled an emergency climate summit following the 2016 election, with Former VP Al Gore, Gen. Wesley Clark, of the Dept. of Energy, and Harvard leadership.
He currently serves on the boards of PVBLIC Foundation (a registered non-profit that mobilizes media, data, and technology for sustainable development and social impact), the American Renewable Energy Institute, and the Sustainable Change Alliance. He is also a founding advisor to Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative and served as a Venture Fellow at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School.
Fascinating Backstory
In addition to his environmentally minded passions and activities, his early experiences read off as somewhat of a magical ride seesawing between high level success within arts and entertainment, as well as that of media and real estate businesses.
Take his years of being a highly successful global touring DJ performing alongside the likes Guns N Roses, Rihanna, and Diplo.
Add in his launching and scaling “The Playlist Generation”, a leading background music provider to over 10,000 retail locations.
And finally throw in his entrepreneurial efforts in co-founding the company “Creative Space”, an adaptive reuse real estate firm responsible for 80 projects in LA & SF.
Reasons to Listen
First off, anyone who cares about the environment and advancing their own personal or institutional agenda towards affecting positive change, will appreciate this talk.
Aside from examining Michael's own career and life managing Regeneration.VC, we dive into discussions centred on concepts like circular economies, regenerative approaches and other critical matters which need to be understood in order for us to forge new and sustainably minded pathways forward.
It was a most enjoyable chat and I am confident that listeners will be able to glean a lot from all of the insights Michael so kindly shares.
Listen in for all this and more!
To learn more about Michael and his work, you can check him out here:
Website
LinkedIn
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
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To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP29: Life as a Climate Crisis Expert and Former UN Environment Programme Director with guest Svein Tveitdal

Join host Christopher Schoenwald of the Podcast, “LIFE AS A..” as he chats with renowned and widely respected climate crisis expert Svein Tveitdal.
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Introducing
Svein Tveitdal is a Norwegian based Climate Crisis Expert and Former UN Environment Programme Director as well as environmental ambassador to the Norwegian city of Arendal.
He is also the founder and CEO of Klima2020, an environmental consultancy based in Norway which is centred on lecturing and advising businesses and local authorities that want to position themselves alongside and within this Green Shift that is beginning to take shape.
His organization places a particular focus is on bridging the gap between climate science, policy makers and the general public.
Skills & Background
His background, experiences and professional engagement reads off much like a climate activist highlight reel. Let me bring you up to speed on some of those said activities.
*Owner and CEO of the aforementioned consultancy, Klima 2020
*Former Assistant Executive Director, (UNEP) United Nations Environment Program where he was responsible for the Division for Policy Implementation and the Division for Environmental Conventions including the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) secretariat. He was also the Polar advisor to the Executive Director.
*Former managing Director UNEP/GRID- (Global Resource Information Database) which the UN used to bridge the knowledge gap between climate scientists, policymakers and the public. Svein set up the fifth global center for GRID in Arendal, Norway
*Board Chairman and participation for the likes of the Norwegian Rainforest Foundation, Climate Point AS, Climate Compensation Fund, PurityIT (Green IT provider), The Energy Farm International Foundation, and NORFUND (Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries).
These are a mere sampling of his board level activities with truthfully too many others to list
Currently, his present activities include lecturing, writing and participation in the public debate on global climate where he has morphed into a true global social influencer on this issue.
Make no mistake though, all of this illustrates the passion, drive and determination he has had towards doing his part to ensure that we as planetary caretakers, are doing the right things to ensure a sustainable existence.
Global Social Influencer on Climate Change
In fact, he has amassed a base of over 320,000 faithful and engaged Twitter followers who look to Svein for the most up to date and relevant social commentary covering the climate crisis.
Published Works
Finally, Svein has authored respected publications centred on this notion of raising awareness and spurring action towards tackling climate change issues. These publications include “Climate in Peril” (2010) a Popular guide to the IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)and “Green Shift” (2013) A handbook for environmentally friendly regions in Europe.
Reasons to Listen
In Svein’s career and professional experiences, he has seen and heard it all when it comes to climate change discussion and discourse. Resultantly, his insights carry much weight when deciphering between the progress we have made and what we are still clearly failing at.
In this talk, Svein shares his deep concern about our current plight brought on by our outward prioritization of the now over the future when it comes to taking meaningful action and actually doing something meaningful to head off this crisis we are currently faced with.
That being said, he also shares many ideas about what can still be done if we can align our own values on micro scale and work them up to macro level actions and initiatives.
Svein’s blend of experience of data, insight and experiences hit hard and fast but that is exactly what we need as far facing the realities of climate change. I would encourage all listeners to tune in to this rich discussion.
To learn more about Svein and his work, you can check him out here:
Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP28: Life as a ”NFL Features Writer and Author with guest, Tyler Dunne

Introducing
Tyler Dunne is a long time NFL (National Football League) features writer and author based in Boston, NY. He is the founder of GoLongTD.com a daily newsletter publication dedicated to long form pro football journalism.
Skills & Background
He has covered the NFL since 2007 for various outlets, including Bleacher Report, the Buffalo News and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Tyler’s writing has been acknowledged by the Associated Press Sports Editors organization, as well as the Pro Football Writers of America organization.
His story on the Green Bay Packers in 2019 drew the most reads for any story for Bleacher Report—a major online sports outlet.
National Acclaim
Furthermore, Tyler’s work has been featured and covered in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Boston Herald and many other US and international outlets. His nearly 50,000 fans on Twitter could probably speak to the quality of his work too.
Buffalo Bills & Green Bay Packers
Not only that, he is often a go to source of coverage for fans of two iconic NFL franchises, the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers in relation to his years on the beat for both clubs.
Get the Scoop on Tylers upcoming book
Plus don't miss their talk covering Tyler's upcoming book coming out this fall, ‘The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Saved Football. We get a sneak peek of the book, which was built off the back of his cross-country travels interviewing NFL tight end legends Mike Ditka, Dallas Clarke, Jimmy Graham, Jackie Smith and many others. (Pre-Order Here)
Reasons to Listen
First off, for anyone interested in pursuing the profession of sports journalism, Tyler offers up a blueprint about how to do it. That alone is worth the price of admission.
We also discuss the trends and current state of sports journalism from several fascinating angles. Those conversations unto themselves offer compelling looks at not only the state of journalism but their linkage to present societal issues at large.
Aaron Rodgers | Green Bay Packers Saga REVISITED
Secondly, Tyler takes us behind the curtain relating to several topics. We dive into his infamous Bleacher Report story on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers back in 2019 which blew up and spread beyond the walls of sports journalism.
Sammy Watkins Story
Listeners will also be treated to a rather enlightening and interesting story about a sit down interview and conversation he had with Super Bowl winning receiver Sammy Watkins a couple years back.
Buffalo Bills Take on the 2022 Season
The chat also meanders into some Bills talk about their upcoming 2022 season and Tyler’s takes on the team including superstar QB Josh Allen, head coach Sean McDermott and of course the fans, Bills Mafia.
The chat will surely be a treat for fans of Tyler's work. For those stumbling across it for the first, I am certain you’ll enjoy all that is discussed and covered in this compelling talk. You won't want to miss this episode.
To learn more about Tyler and his work, you can check him out here:
Website
Twitter
LinkedIn
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP27: Life as a ”Japan Based Author” with guest, Amy Chavez

Introducing
Amy Chavez is an accomplished writer and former columnist for major news publications including The Japan Times (1997 to 2020), the Bali Times and The Huffington Post. In addition she is the author of several books, including Amy’s Guide to Best Behavior in Japan.
Skills & Background
With an undergraduate degree in creative writing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio as well as a double Masters in technical writing and teaching English as a second language (ESL), Amy set forth and started a new life in Japan nearly 25 years ago.
Her work has been published in such newspapers and magazines in Indonesia, Taiwan, New Zealand, U.K., Canada and the U.S. and she has been widely interviewed by the likes of outlets such as the BBC and NPR radio amongst others.
Japan
Amy has spent the last 25 years living on a tiny island of 430 people in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. For 23 of those years she penned a column for a major Japanese publication covering issues central to island life such as tourism, the environment, aging, and depopulation.
Latest Work
Her fourth book is an oral history of the residents of Shiraishi Island spanning the years from 1912 to 2022. The Widow, the Priest and the Octopus Hunter: Discovering a Lost Way of Life on a Secluded Japanese Island was released May 24, 2022.
Reasons to Listen
In this episode, you will be taken behind the curtain of authorship and what that profession truly entails. Prepare to discover some of the hidden sides to it all.
Additionally, we dive into Amy’s latest book. Listeners will be treated to deeper insights related to some of the content within the book, as well as new stories and commentary we explore pertaining to life on Shiraishi, an island found in the waters of the Japanese inland sea.
The chat will surely be a treat for fans of Amy’s work. For those stumbling across her work for the first time, I am certain you’ll enjoy all that is discussed and covered in this compelling talk.
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Finally, you can purchase her latest book here: 
Amazon
Connect with and follow Amy here:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Podcast
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
 
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP26: Life as the ”Owner of a Crowdfunded Island in Paradise” with guest, Marshall Mayer

Introducing
Marshall Mayer, is the NY based Founder and Co-Chairman, of IBG or “Island Buying Group, Inc.”. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, with a degree in History and Chinese.
Skills & Background
Mayer has more than 14 years of entrepreneurship, emerging markets business and finance experience, and has lived and worked in five countries on three continents, and done business in over a dozen more.
He was also founder and COO of a US and Philippines-based non-profit disaster response company, specialising in typhoon-resistant construction on remote islands. Mayer is a lifelong traveller and lover of new languages, of which he has studied six.
Now all of that is impressive unto itself however this is where things get really interesting.
A World’s First Endeavour
Mayer is co-founder of Let’s Buy an Island, a world’s first project of its kind which used crowdfunding to purchase an actual island.
In 2019, a group of investors lead by Marshall banded together to make the crowdfunded island purchase ($180,000 plus tax) of Coffee Caye, a 1.2- acre, uninhabited island off the coast of Belize.
Aside from the crowd funded purchase being unique, this project also represents an unusual nation-building project too with Coffee Caye being reconstituted as the “Principality of Islandia,” complete with its own national flag, anthem and government.
In fact, through a small donation, you too can become an official citizen of Islandia.
While Coffee Caye still remains under recognized laws, borders and restrictions of Belize, unofficially to some, it has become the world’s newest “micronation”.
Worldwide Media Coverage
To date, this venture and story has been covered and devoured by readers from major news outlets and publications, not limited to the likes of CNN, New York Magazine, Lonely Planet, Mirror and Telemundo amongst others.
Reasons to Listen
Marshall explains this crowdfunded island purchase in its entirety including the reasoning for this business venture, hopes and aspirations for the project moving forward, as well as what it all means to him on a personal level.
Not only that, Marshall accomplishes all of the above in a highly entertaining manner through the mixing in of story, humour and facts which will undoubtedly leave listeners in an island breezy relaxed state! 😉
For those who have ever dreamt about owning an island —and really, who hasn’t?!–this is an episode you will truly enjoy from start to finish.
Finally, you can connect with and follow Marshall here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
 
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP25: Life as a ”Japan Focussed Sustainability Expert and Talk Show Host” with guest, JJ Walsh

Introducing
Joy Jarman-Walsh or JJ as she has become to be known is a Japan Focussed Sustainability Expert and Talk Show Host of the program, Seek Sustainable Japan.
Joy is a long-time resident of Hiroshima Japan, who grew up in Hawaii. A graduate of Pitzer College in California, the University of Birmingham, UK and Arizona State University, she holds a BA in Psychology, MA in Applied Linguistics and a MA in Sustainable Tourism.
Skills & Background
She co-founded the website GetHiroshima in 2000 and taught marketing, travel, business, gender communication studies to university students for 21 years. In 2019, she launched InboundAmbassador – a consulting and travel guide training business.
In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Joy launched her own talk show, Seek Sustainable Japan series to connect with entrepreneurs, writers, artists, innovators and experts across Japan doing interesting and inspiring projects.
Most weekends you will find Joy organizing a river or beach cleanup, live streaming at an off-the-beaten path location, or seeking out great coffee and Japanese sweets.
Reasons to Listen
Joy is a treasure trove of sorts when it comes to Japan related sustainability issues. Through her own program, she has come across insightful guests from not only Japan but all reaches of the planet. The common thread that binds both Joy and her guests is this deep seated passion towards exposing ideas and topics that people should be aware of.
Not only that, Joy blends her natural enthusiasm and vigour for the topic matter in such a way that it’s nearly impossible to not come away both inspired and better learned after listening to her speak.
On this episode, Joy shares many idea and stories relating to sustainability minded initiatives that will may just inspire you too to consider what you can do moving forward!
Finally, you can connect with and follow JJ here:
YouTube
LinkedIn 
Twitter
Instagram
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
 
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP24: Life as a ”Corporate General Counsel and Executive Officer” with guest, Larry Bates

Introducing
Larry Bates has provided legal counsel for over three decades to some of the largest business entities in Japan. He has held executive level positions at General Electric and the Lixil Group Corp., over that time.
Most recently he served as managing executive officer, general counsel, chief risk management officer and chief compliance officer for Panasonic Corp. A position and role in which he was the first appointed non-Japanese board member in the company’s illustrious history.
Skills & Background
Laurence’s impressive communicative skills, that being fluency in both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese coupled with a stellar educational background with degrees from Yale University and Harvard Law School, set Laurence on a path not many have trail blazed through.
Accomplishments
Laurence’s deep knowledge, awareness and passion relating to legal and compliance issues has helped bring those issues to the forefront of the companies he has served within.
In fact, in one case, this recognition amounted to a rare act within a listed Japanese company, that being the establishment of a new executive position centred on legal and compliance issues, of which Larry was naturally appointed to.
Additional Professional Activity
Outside of his corporate career, Laurence has also been active in many other respects. He has taught International Economic Law on the Faculty of Law at Tokyo University and has been an active member of the Tokyo expat community, holding the presidency of the (ACCJ) American Chamber of Commerce of Japan in 2013.
Laurence has also engaged with the Japan-based Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network to promote marriage equality in Japan, the only country in the G7 that does not fully recognize same-sex partnerships.
Reasons to Listen
In Larry’s illustrious career spanning time within both global markets and inside major multinationals, his wisdom filled takes will be a treat for those wishing to learn more about the legal sector on such scale.
You’ll also hear about many of his other views and opinions on law as a whole, as well as the rising level of importance of legal and compliance matters moving forward. 
Additionally, Larry so kindly speaks about the intersection between the professional and personal side of life and living. He does so through the mentioning of his family, including his husband and kids. Larry also reveals what it was like coming out whilst managing his career.
That segment unto itself, may offer a certain level of inspiration for many.
It’s a wide ranging talk that will surely satisfy any curious minded listener.
Finally, you can connect with and follow Larry here:
LinkedIn 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
 
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP23: Life as a ”Head of Customer Success in a Climate Tech Startup” with guest, Lynn Petesch

Lynn Petesch is the Head of Customer Success at Overstory, a Climate Tech vegetation intelligence company that is using satellite imagery to analyse understand the world’s vegetation with a particular focus on mitigating wildfires.
Public Sector
Before launching herself into tech and companies focused on helping to solve the climate crisis, Lynn had actually started her career in the public sector working for the United Nations World Food Programme and then in the diplomatic service of her home country, Luxembourg.
Tech Start-up World
She quickly realised that, while intellectually stimulating, she was not going to be a public servant and decided to break into the fast-paced world of tech start-ups – specifically B2B Software-as-a-Service Companies.
She has been part of the tech start-up world for the past 10 years in London and currently New York.
Lynn built a successful career building customer facing teams (called customer success in start-up land) for multiple high growth companies across different industries.
Climate Tech
She worked across the Fintech and Marketing Tech world but then decided to marry her passion of solving important issues impacting humanity with her skillset in building teams in high growth companies and join the burgeoning world of Climate Tech.
Lynn realised that you don’t have to be a solar engineer to work at Climate Tech company. Anyone can turn their career into a climate positive one. Investment in the industry has tripled in recent years and a lot of different skillsets are needed in order to attack the problem from varying angles.
You can connect with and follow Lynn here:
LinkedIn 
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :)
I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
 
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP22: Life as a ”MIT Professor of Technology and Urban Planning” with guest, Sarah Williams

Introducing
Sarah Williams is an Associate Professor of Technology and Urban Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she is also Director of the Civic Data Design Lab and the Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism.
Williams’ combines her training in computation and design to create communication strategies that expose urban policy issues to broad audiences and create civic change. She calls the process Data Action, which is also the name of her recent book published by MIT Press.
Entreprenural Initiative
Williams is co-founder and developer of Envelope.city, a web-based software product that visualizes and allows users to modify zoning in New York City. 
Before coming to MIT, Williams was Co-Director of the Spatial Information Design Lab at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP).
Art X Design
Her design work has been widely exhibited including work in the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Venice Biennale, and the Cooper Hewitt Museum.
Acclaim and Recognition
Williams has won numerous awards including being named one of the top 25 technology planners and Game Changers by Metropolis Magazine.
Reasons to Listen
Listen in to hear Sarah share her wisdom and insights on how the combination of big data and urban planning are helping to shape the world around us.
You’ll also hear about many of her other fascinating projects, responsibilities, organizations she is part of, her business and her latest book. It’s a wide ranging talk that will surely satisfy any curious minded listener.
Plus you won’t want to miss the story Sarah shares about her one of her past projects. As a teaser, it does involve the Associated Press, the Dean of her university, the Chinese government and of course Sarah, herself. It may just be the top Water Cooler Segment story of all time here at LIFE AS A..!
You can connect and follow Sarah here:
Civic Design Data Lab
MIT Norman B. Leventhal Centre for Advanced Urbanism  
Envelope City
Twitter
Linkedin
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
*You can follow LIFE AS A.. on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast 

EP21: Life as a ”Serial Entrepreneur and Global Influencer” with guest, Alvin Foo

When you think of emerging technologies whether they be centred on AI, 5G, Fintech, blockchain, autonomous vehicles, smart cities or otherwise, it’s always exciting to let your mind wander and imagine what could be around the bend for you as a consumer or beneficiary to all of this technological progress.
However, have you considered what a wild ride it must be driving all of this? More succinctly, what would life be like as someone who helps shape, package and deliver such tech to market?
Well, in terms of our guest today, I could not imagine a better individual to help demystify many of these questions because well, he is one of very few entrepreneurial forces of nature driving much of this innovation around the world and has been doing so for years.
Introducing
Alvin Foo could best be described as a tech savant who has leveraged his exceptional abilities, experiences and intuitive thoughts to become a global social influencer when it comes to business and tech.
Hundreds of thousands of followers can attest to all of this.
Thinkers 360 -the world’s first, and largest premier marketplace for B2B thought leaders and influencers—has labelled Alvin as a top ten global thought leader relating to digital disruption.
Care to hear some of the reasoning for this esteemed status and label? Here are some highlights of his professional background for you to chew on.
Google — Head of Mobile China
First Mobile Head for China, led and transformed the mobile advertising business and helped make China the 3rd largest mobile ad market for Google.
Omnicom Media Group(OMG)— Head Of Mobility and Innovation China
Managed a team of more than 500 people covering all of China. Omnicom is one of the top 5 Advertising agencies in the world. Notable customers include Apple, Adidas, McDonald’s, Nissan, PepsiCo, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Exxon Mobil, Unilever, Mars, and Volkswagen.
China Accelerator — Mentor
Chinaccelerator is a mentorship-driven program assisting internet start- ups from around the world cross borders — from the world into China, and from China to the world. It is operated by the venture fund SOSV, which has $700M+ assets under management and operates 5 global accelerators.
SXSW — Board of Advisors
South by Southwest® dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. The annual event is attended by more than 200,000 attendees.
NASDEX — Advisor
A decentralized exchange enabling the trading of Asian stocks on-chain. Imagine Nasdaq on Blockchain.
DAOventures — Cofounder
An organization aimed at building decentralized finance (DeFI) through pooled asset management using blockchain technology. DAOventures is a smart money manager and robo-advisory on blockchain.
Globally recognized promoter of The UN’s SDGs —
As recognized by Rise Global.org, Alvin is Globally ranked 19th in the world as far as being a top social media influencer promoting Sustainable Development Goals through personal outreach and engagement.
 
You can connect and follow Alvin here:
Website
Twitter
Linkedin
Instagram
 
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
If you'd like, you can WATCH the full conversation on YouTube.
And hey! Why don't you subscribe on YouTube! As you'll see, our subscriber numbers are in need of a little boost! If you haven't done so already, help the program out by giving it some love.
*Hit the subscribe button on YouTube PLEASE. :) I'd appreciate it! 
-Christopher
*You can also follow the show on your favourite social platforms via these links:
Youtube
Instagram: 
Linkedin:
Twitter:
Facebook: 
To learn more about the program, visit the website www.life-as-a.com or https://linktr.ee/life_as_a_podcast