🚀 Tech, Marketing, and a Football Obsession—What Could Go Wrong?

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, I sit down with my old mate Jon Buckthorp—Commercial Director of Differentiated, founder of Jon B Studios, and the kind of guy who juggles marketing, content, board advisory roles, and a questionable football allegiance (looking at you, Lincoln City).

We cut through the noise of B2B marketing, diving into:

🔥 Why creativity is the secret weapon in tech marketing

🔥 The brutal truth about building a personal brand

🔥 How to stay authentic in a world of corporate BS

Plus, we chat about Jon’s journey from Vodafone to his portfolio career, the future of B2B marketing, and—because he can’t help himself—football.

This one’s raw, insightful, and packed with no-BS lessons on career, creativity, and making an impact. Tune in, laugh a little, and maybe even learn something.

01:15 Welcome to TechBurst Talks with Jon Buckthorp

02:05 Jon's Journey in Tech and Marketing

04:00 The Birth of a Portfolio Career

05:10 Inside Differentiated: Creativity in B2B Marketing

06:36 Jon B Studios: Influencer Marketing Redefined

08:15 Challenges and Triumphs of Personal Branding

17:40 The Women's Sports Alliance: Promoting Women in Sports

19:45 Future Goals and Aspirations

21:30 B2B Tech Marketing: The Good, The Bad, and The Creative

22:50 Deliberate Marketing Strategies

23:33 B2B Marketing Success Stories

26:35 Challenges in 5G Marketing

28:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches

33:25 Personal Reflections and Career Advice

36:05 Fun and Personal Questions

41:40 Closing Remarks

Find out more:

Differentiated Web Site Linkedin

Women's Sports Alliance Web Site Linkedin

Follow Jon on LinkedIn X BlueSky

Download Differentiated’s “Art and Science Research Report” here

In this episode of Tech Burst Talks, I sit down with Ian Chong from Samsung Electronics to talk about his work on the mobile B2B team and the cutting-edge advancements Samsung is making, particularly in AI technology for smartphones.

We dive into the new Galaxy AI capabilities, including features like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Transcript Assist. Ian shares why on-device AI is critical for ensuring both security and speed and discusses Samsung’s collaborations with major tech players.

We also explore how AI is being implemented in industries like law enforcement and finance. On a lighter note, Ian opens up about his passion for coffee and his quirky sock collection. To wrap up, we talk about the future of AI and its transformative potential across different sectors.

Show Notes:

00:45 Welcome to Tech Burst Talks

01:00 Introducing Ian Chong and His Role at Samsung

01:35 AI Innovations in Samsung Smartphones

02:13 Galaxy AI Features in Action

04:25 Live Translate and Business Features

08:00 Samsung’s Security Measures

10:49 Rugged Devices for Various Industries

13:27 Customer Insights on AI

16:58 Samsung’s Open Ecosystem and Partnerships

21:45 Enhancing Experiences with AI

22:21 Addressing AI Skepticism

24:25 The Power of Hyper-Connected Devices

25:38 Future of AI and Gen AI

26:44 AI in Retail and B2B Applications

29:36 Transformative AI in Healthcare

31:20 Personal Addictions: Coffee and Crazy Socks

36:18 Reflections and Future Aspirations

38:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re cutting through the AI hype and making sense of the endless buzzwords flooding the industry. You’ve heard them before—AI, ML, DL, LLM, SLM, RAG, ChatGPT, Custom GPT, NLP—but what do they actually mean?

Joining me is Bernard Leong, host of the Analyse Asia podcast, founder of Dorje.ai, and a leading expert in AI. Together, we break down these terms in a way that’s accessible, practical, and bullshit-free—no matter your background.

What makes this episode different? Bernard and I learn in completely different ways:

🔹 Bernard, a theoretical expert, dives deep into concepts.

🔹 I, a hands-on learner, need to see how AI applies in the real world.

By blending these perspectives, we’ll bring clarity to the chaos of AI jargon—whether you’re an industry pro or just trying to keep up.

01:00 Welcome and Introduction to AI

01:26 Bernard Leon's Background and Expertise

04:30 Understanding Artificial Intelligence

05:10 Big Data vs. Artificial Intelligence

06:29 Machine Learning and Deep Learning Explained

10:23 Generative AI: The Game Changer

17:30 Real-World Applications of AI

21:56 AI in Everyday Life and Business

31:14 The Evolution of Wind Turbine Maintenance

32:50 ChatGPT Revolutionizes Data Cleaning

34:21 Ethical Considerations in AI

37:09 Federated Learning and Privacy

38:47 AI's Impact on Jobs and Productivity

44:49 Future Trends in AI

49:48 Challenges in AI Adoption

51:57 Introducing Dorje.ai

55:24 Final Thoughts and Advice on AI

In this episode of the Techburst Talks podcast, we delve deep into the current challenges and future prospects of the telecom industry.

I'm joined by industry veterans Chris Lewis from Lewis Insight and Rob Jones, CEO of Bluefire, the discussion spans a wide array of topics including:

• the financial viability of 5G - is anyone actually making $$$?
• the adaptation of telcos to new technologies like IoT - can telcos deliver complex solutions?
• and the increasing importance of customer-centric business models.

The conversation also examines the role of #AI in transforming the industry, the impact of global markets, and the structural changes needed to stay competitive.

The trio emphasizes the necessity of partnerships, the limitations of current business models, and the importance of personalized services in the evolving telecom landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Telecom Industry Challenges

00:13 Meet the Experts: Chris Lewis and Rob Jones

01:07 Chris Lewis: Insights on Telecom Dynamics

02:02 Rob Jones: Global Telecom Experience

02:49 Current Trends in the Telecom Industry

06:46 Challenges in Telecom Pricing and Competition

10:32 Strategies for Telecom Operators

13:14 The Role of Connectivity in Telecom Services

15:52 Telcos and the Competitive Landscape

28:26 The Future of IoT in Telecom

31:12 Learning from Other Industries

31:54 Economic Evolution and Partnering

33:29 Structural Changes in Telecom

35:28 Impact of AI on Telecom

37:41 Challenges and Opportunities with AI

49:24 Future of Telecom: 6G and Beyond

58:15 Collaboration and Personalization in Telecom

01:02:58 Concluding Thoughts

TechBurst Talks Season 4 Episode 2

IoT Re-Imagined: Practicality over Promises

In this episode of the Tech Burst Talks podcast, host Charles interviews Gerhard Loots, CEO of Kallipr.

Gerhard discusses his transition from running the IoT business at Telstra, Australia’s largest telecoms operator, to a startup environment, his current role at Kallipr and the company's innovative IoT solutions. He elaborates on Kallipr’s unique approaches to sensor technology, total cost of ownership, and real-world applications in industries like rail and water management.

The conversation also touches on global IoT market trends, including the rise of India as a tech superpower and the impact of satellite connectivity. Gerhard shares personal anecdotes and offers a glimpse into his future vision for Kallipr, emphasising digitising infrastructure and leveraging AI for efficient data management.

00:40 Welcome Back, Gerhard Loots!

00:48 Career Transition: From Telstra to Kallipr

02:40 Introducing Kallipr

03:51 Competing in the Global Market

04:52 Focus on Total Cost of Ownership

06:35 Real-World Use Cases and Success Stories

11:00 Fun with B2B Marketing

13:30 Future Plans for Kallipr

19:00 Industry Insights and Market Trends

32:40 Personal Stories and Fun Questions

38:00 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Follow Kallipr:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kallipr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kallipr

Kallipr’s entertaining B2B videos (about time someone made tech fun!)

Edge Battery Change video

https://youtube.com/shorts/oMDikM3Wi24?si=cglkUMVEoHYsU5hC

Radar Tech Demo: Scientific Beer Evaluation

https://youtu.be/PE_QsYIxy18?si=Gu7KJDBNSLmkD1rz

How we IP68 Test Our IoT Devices

https://youtu.be/xj5NWMu9D0g?si=JQn_ocLXD29YoUmH

20 Year Battery Life

https://youtu.be/Jybt_4eC91M?si=JVCK1l94MYf1GsUm

The tech industry loves to talk about disruption, innovation, and the next big thing—but what about the one algorithm we still struggle to solve? Ourselves.

In this episode of TechBurst Talks, we’re shifting gears. No hype, no buzzwords—just a raw, honest conversation about life, purpose, and what truly matters beyond the boardroom.

Joining me is Uma Thana Balasingham, a former tech leader turned purpose-driven entrepreneur. She’s navigated massive career shifts, personal reinvention, and the kind of introspection that most of us avoid.

We dive into the Hoffman Process, a transformative experience that forces you to look inward, break old patterns, and unlock what’s truly holding you back.

Why do high achievers—people who seem to have it all—feel stuck? And more importantly, how do we get unstuck? Let’s get into it.

01:15 Uma’s journey of Self Discovery through the Hoffman Process

07:56 Introducing solitude in your life

11:40 The Corporate Perception of Self Help: “Are you OK” versus “Investing in yourself”

14:30 Uma’s new venture ELEVATE - and her first three startups

21:40 Why Now? What led Uma down the path of Self Discovery?

25:00 How this journey helped ease her transition from tech industry leader to purpose-driven entrepreneur

40:40 Uma’s journey to financial stability and independence

45:00 Five Year Outlook: What will success look like?

49:30 Why “How are you?” is now one of the most interesting questions someone can ask

Find out more about Uma:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/

Instagram: @rawwithuma @umathana1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RawWithUma

Find out more about ELEVATE:

https://www.elevateasia.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevateasia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-the-business

Instagram: @elevateasiaorg

Find out more about the Hoffman Process

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoffmanCentre/

If you keep up to date with the latest technology news, you know that the momentum and investment has shifted from Asia to the Middle East. But gone are the days where countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE just import technology and talent - the new trend across the Middle East is how to create a home-grown technology startup ecosystem - and this is what we are going to cover in today’s podcast.

Let’s face it - money is not going to be an issue - but as we have seen from other countries, just throwing money at the startup ecosystem is no guarantee that it will be successful.

To help us go through this topic, we are joined by the Partner & Co-Founder of SparkLabs Group, Bernard Moon. SparkLabs has made a name for itself by launching accelerators and VC funds in Asia, Australia and the US, but now they are entering the Middle East market, so let’s see what has drawn SparkLabs to that region - and what Bernard thinks will be the critical success factors to making sure they get a return on their investments.

Show Notes:

00:00 Intro to Bernard Moon and SparkLabs Group

02:30 SparkLabs new accelerator programs in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi

06:00 How does SparkLabs plan to find the “best of the best” startups in the Middle East

08:45 Do you see any similarities between the Middle East markets and other countries where you have had success with your accelerators (e.g. Korea, Taiwan)? And are there any specific opportunities and / or risks compared to the other markets you operate in?

14:30 What are the critical success factors for the Middle East markets to develop a home grown startup ecosystem? And what is the role of academia in creating this?

20:30 What does SparkLabs look for in startups that they want to invest in? And are there any red flags that you watch out for?

24:00 What will it take for SparkLabs to view their entry into the Middle East accelerator market a success?

26:00 What can countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE learn from other markets, like Singapore, that haven’t made the most of their investment / funding of their local startup ecosystem?

30:00 Why are startups keen to be involved with SparkLabs versus the many other accelerator programs in the market?

33:00 Last week, SparkLabs listed it’s USD 100m SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) on Nasdaq. Can you give us an overview of how this came about and what your strategy for the SPAC is?

More information on SparkLabs can be found here:

Contact Bernard directly: bernard@sparklabsglobal.com

SparkLabs Saudi Arabia

SparkLabs Korea

SparkLabs Taiwan

SparkLabs Cultiv8

SparkLabs Group