In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast, host Edwin Frondozo interviews Tamara Steffens, managing director of Thomson Reuters Ventures, live from Web Summit Vancouver 2025. Steffens discusses her role in leading a $100 million strategic fund investing in early-stage companies, her extensive experience with successful tech startups, and her approach to venture investing.

The conversation highlights Thomson Reuters' investment strategies, her personal insights on startup success, and advice for founders on simplifying their message to attract investors. Steffens also touches on the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise tech and the importance of clear storytelling in driving innovation.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:38 Meet Tamara Steffens: A Powerhouse in Venture Capital
03:32 Tamara's Journey and Insights on Startups
05:56 The Art of Investing and Decision Making
14:13 Advice for Founders and Business Leaders
15:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast with Edwin, renowned digital marketing expert Neil Patel shares insights on how businesses can thrive in an era where attention is divided across multiple online platforms.

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver, the episode delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like AI and the importance of being found in various search engines.

Neil discusses the exponential growth in searches across platforms like Google, Instagram, Snapchat, and even the Apple App Store, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to remain visible and relevant.

Note: This is a partial interview due to technical issues.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:11 Controversy and Branding in Qatar
00:40 Travel Preferences and Conference Attendance
01:39 Introduction to Neil Patel
02:49 Challenges in Digital Marketing

Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver 2025, this episode of the Business Leadership Podcast hosted by Edwin Frondozo features Paul Newton, creative producer of the Future Narrator miniseries, interviewing Parag Parekh, the Chief Digital Officer at IKEA Retail.

Parag discusses IKEA's ambitious and human-centered digital transformation journey. He outlines the company’s three-tier transformation process: shifting from physical to omni retailing, moving from large store formats to smaller, city-center locations, and expanding services to meet broader customer needs like second-hand furniture and financial services, while also preparing for future AI advancements.

Parag shares insights from his extensive 20 years of global experience and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, responsibility, and adaptability in leadership. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19, the significance of sustainability, and the critical role of corporate responsibility in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to the Business Leadership Podcast
00:36 Meet Parag Parekh: IKEA's Chief Digital Officer
02:12 IKEA's Digital Transformation Journey
06:37 Personal Insights and Leadership Journey
14:11 Future of Retail and Digital Innovation
19:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Leaders
20:43 Conclusion and Farewell