Personable – Details, episodes & analysis

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Stephen Shih joins Personable for a wide ranging conversation on consulting, academia, AI, leadership development, ethics, and preparing the next generation of executives for an increasingly complex world.

Stephen is the Associate Dean at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a former Bain partner, and former Executive Vice President of Learning and Development. He has lived and worked across Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, advising senior executives, building leadership pipelines, and now shaping one of Asia’s leading MBA programs.

He discusses:
 ◽️ What consultants really do and why perspective matters more than jargon
 ◽️ Leaving Bain for academia and returning twice
 ◽️ AI, automation, and the future of junior consulting roles
 ◽️ Why future professionals must think like executives earlier in their careers
 ◽️ The skills that matter most in an AI driven world

00:00 Stephen’s background and transition from Bain to academia
 02:15 Consulting across Asia and leadership development
 04:30 What consultants actually do
 07:05 Perspective, judgment, and choosing the right mountain to climb
 09:15 AI, consulting, and junior talent pipelines
 12:15 Preparing for jobs that do not yet exist
 13:30 Skills, mindsets, and executive thinking in the AI era
 17:50 MBA education and developing future leaders
 19:55 Differentiating HKUST and building a global class
 23:30 Ethics, values, and responsible leadership
 26:55 Making ethical decisions when no one is watching
 28:25 Hong Kong, China, and a multipolar world
 31:15 Listening, communication, and asking better questions
 34:25 Admissions, individuality, and holistic evaluation
 38:40 Discipline, values, and professional standards
 41:10 Rankings, numbers, and misleading metrics
 43:25 Traits of the most successful students
 45:05 Networks, trust, and long term relationships
 48:10 One key takeaway for listeners

Stephen Shih:

◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshih/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:

◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith

◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith

◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_

◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/

◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/

Personable Podcast:

◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast

◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast

◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips

◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:

◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donate

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. 

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

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Ismail Radwan returns to Personable for a wide ranging conversation on global economics, jobs, AI, geopolitics, and the future of growth.

Ismail is a Lead Economist at the World Bank focusing on the GCC and the broader MENAP region. He previously served as Senior Director for Economics and Investment Strategy at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and spent over two decades at the World Bank.

In this episode, Ismail explains why jobs are the single most powerful tool for eradicating poverty, how AI is likely to reshape work without replacing entire economies, and why entrepreneurship matters more than individual projects. He also shares candid views on market cycles, speculative bubbles, youth unemployment, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and how countries balance values, development, and geopolitics.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in economics, policy, investing, global development, and how decisions made today will shape the next generation.

He discusses:
◽️ Why jobs are the foundation of prosperity and social stability
◽️ How the World Bank gathers data in fragile and conflict affected countries
◽️ AI, productivity, and why this cycle feels similar to past bubbles
◽️ What Saudi Arabia and the GCC are getting right with diversification
◽️ Entrepreneurship as the true driver of long term economic value
◽️ Youth unemployment, education gaps, and private sector readiness
◽️ Why markets detach from reality and how individuals should prepare
◽️ The role of values, communication, and dialogue in development

00:00 Introduction and Ismail’s background
01:40 Returning to the World Bank and MENAP focus
04:30 Why jobs matter more than any single policy
07:00 Data challenges in fragile states
11:00 AI, automation, and the future of work
18:50 Market cycles, bubbles, and historical parallels
26:00 Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s transformation
31:00 Security, governance, and social stability
36:00 Entrepreneurship and economic ecosystems
42:30 GCC investment priorities and diversification
49:00 Youth unemployment and education reform
53:40 Personal finance, markets, and risk management
59:30 One key takeaway for listeners

Ismail Radwan:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismail-radwan2021/

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/
◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donate

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. 

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Personable Markets, host Harvey Bracken-Smith and Luke dive into surging global markets as the S&P 500 hits record highs. They explore international outperformance, Magnificent 7 earnings, gold and silver rallies, Fed rate cut expectations, and key geopolitical shifts like the Trump-Xi meeting and US-Canada tariffs.

Luke Sloman, a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, joins Personable for his fourth appearance while studying abroad at the University of Sydney. Originally from Tokyo until age 13, he moved to the UK for boarding school, focusing his studies on finance-related modules.

Luke shares sharp insights on real-time market trends, analyzing interconnected economies, AI-driven valuations, and trade policies. The duo discusses whether a market crash looms, balancing risks like overvaluation with opportunities in today’s volatile landscape.

In this episode, Luke Sloman discusses:
◽️ Global market rallies: S&P 500 vs. KOSPI, DAX, and Nikkei
◽️ AI and tech overvaluation: bubble risks in semiconductors
◽️ Commodity surges: gold at $4,500/oz, silver short squeezes
◽️ Fed rate cuts: employment focus, market impacts
◽️ US-China trade: tariff pauses, agricultural deals
◽️ Trump’s Asia strategy: ASEAN summit, Japan/South Korea talks

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Intro 
04:43 South Korean reforms: trading fee cuts, Lee Jae-myung
05:30 UK FTSE 100: overseas earnings, commodity tailwinds
06:45 Gold at $4,500/oz: hedging, historical highs
07:30 Silver short squeeze: mechanics, leverage impacts
20:00 Market liquidity: VC saturation, government incentives
23:14 Fed rate cut: 98% chance for 25 bps on October 29
26:00 Employment focus: labor softening, inflation trade-offs
27:06 Tariffs as bargaining: US worker benefits, Apple case
28:30 Job market struggles: AI displacing graduates
31:00 Human-AI synergies: workplace collaboration
43:47 Trump-Xi meeting: trade war de-escalation
45:00 Framework agreement: tariff pauses, ag purchases
1:00:00 Government shutdown: 24th day, data delays
1:04:49 JP Morgan study: missing best days cuts returns
1:05:19 Staying invested: long-term importance
1:07:39 Retail sources: X, YouTube, Reddit for edges
1:09:00 Closing: market accuracy, critical thinking

📌 Resources
Luke Sloman:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=uk

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/
◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. 

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before ma

Support the show

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Episode 13 of Personable features Geoff Riley, a titan in the field of education with a staggering 38 years of shaping young minds, as we trace his incredible journey from Yorkshire to international educational influence. Geoff isn't just a revered teacher; he's the entrepreneurial force behind Tutor2u, reaching over 30 million learners each year. We share his poignant story, from the personal loss that led to the birth of a groundbreaking educational resource to how he and his brother Jim have crafted an unparalleled learning platform that combines passion with innovation.

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

Daya Brown was accepted to 50 colleges and earned $1.3 Million in Scholarship money during her senior year of high school. Daya ended up choosing Duke University where she is now a freshman student. In episode 12 of Personable, we explore the journey of what led Daya to such an incredible accomplishment. If not obvious already the amazing feat is not the end result of the amount of money she received, the colleges she was accepted to and the university she ended up at but instead the incredible experiences, accomplishments and lessons that she had along the way. 

Background: Daya is the daughter of successful businessman Olu Brown. During her childhood, she was exposed to this lifestyle and it inspired her to think differently from a young age. In her early teenage years, Daya became one of the youngest interns for Warner Studios ever; was accepted as 1 of 25/1000 for a Harvard Debating project; created a podcast the Scholar Social; founded a Production Company called Elom & Co Productions + more! 

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

Leon Zhang, a Duke University freshman, entrepreneur, writer and researcher, shares his journey from childhood in China to becoming a research assistant at Columbia University at 14 years old! Leon is an expert on China and its relationship with the outside World. He discusses the benefits of research and knowledge in solving real-world issues and the importance of understanding China's perspective in global relations. Leon talks about his ventures in entrepreneurship, including helping to found Multum and raising $350,000 for his startup. He emphasises the value of building networks and the role of advisors in his success. Leon is the Founding Partner of Iuventus Capital which is raising $1m in capital. Additionally, Leon highlights the significance of education and his role as an advisor for Yuto, bridging the gap between American and Chinese businesses. In this conversation, Leon Zhang shares his experiences in building trust and facilitating investments, his future plans and mindset, advice for young entrepreneurs, the startup culture at elite universities, venture capital and entrepreneurship in China, and finding happiness and success. He emphasises the importance of trust, courage, and dedication in entrepreneurship and encourages listeners to pursue what makes them happy.

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

James Frost founded his first business at age 18 & has now scaled two businesses. He is a big fan of fashion having infiltrated the most exclusive fashion shows worldwide, from the prestigious Paris Fashion Week to the iconic Burberry showcase and the sensational London Fashion Show.

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

Episode 9 of Personable features Dr. Stuart Pimm who is the Doris Duke Chair of Conservation Ecology at Duke University and a globally recognized environmental scientist. 

Dr. Pimm, renowned for his insights into current-day extinctions and strategies to prevent them, emphasizes that everyone can contribute to the planet's survival. In 2019  he was awarded the Cosmos Prize, joining the ranks of prestigious environmentalists like Jane Goodall and David Attenborough. His accolades include the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Dr. A.H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Pimm actively advises U.S. House and Senate Committees and international governments on environmental and biodiversity issues. His work extends to National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and conservation projects in Africa, the Amazon, and China. Authoring over 300 papers and several influential books, Dr. Pimm is a notable educator and mentor.

This episode delves into the urgency of biodiversity conservation, highlighting the recent COP 15 convention's goal to protect 30% of land and ocean. It showcases how technology, like the iNaturalist app, and individual actions can contribute to sustainability. The discussion also covers ethical lifestyle choices and celebrates the strides in conservation science and protected areas. Dr. Pimm inspires collective action for environmental change particularly at a local level. 

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in making a positive difference on our planet. 

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

We're thrilled to welcome Guy Kinnings, the Deputy CEO of the DP World Tour and the Executive Director of the Ryder Cup. A titan in the world of golf, Guy shares his unique journey from a legal background to becoming an influential figure in the World of golf.

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show

Send us a text

Meet Nick Wheeler, the founder of one of the world’s most esteemed menswear brands. In this episode, we discuss his mastermind as we uncover the story behind Charles Tyrwhitt and what led Nick to where he is today. 

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

Connect with Harvey:
Harvey's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith/ 
Harvey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmith/
Personable Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveybsmithpodcast_/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api

My dad's startup: https://www.thedraft.io/
Donate to the charity we have founded in memory of my mum: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Support the show