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AI is moving faster than almost any technology we've seen before. But are businesses actually getting the value they were promised? In this special crossover episode of Leadership Learns and X4 Talks, Peter Rabey and Johann Nathanielz interview Kieran Cornwall, AI Transformation Lead at WPP, to explore the gap between AI ambition and business reality. Drawing on experience across software engineering, cloud infrastructure, consulting and large-scale transformation, Kieran shares a refreshingly pragmatic view of AI adoption. The conversation looks beyond the hype to examine why the biggest barriers to successful transformation are often human rather than technical. Together they discuss trust in AI, change fatigue, leadership during uncertainty, the rise of AI agents and why organisations should focus on solving real problems before searching for AI-powered solutions. The episode also explores the growing importance of experimentation, education and creating environments where teams can learn, adapt and thrive as technology continues to evolve. Topics discussed: Why AI adoption remains lower than many organisations expectedThe difference between AI interaction, augmentation and true autonomyBuilding trust in AI without overestimating its capabilitiesHow leaders can prevent change fatigue during transformationWhy solving the right problem matters more than implementing new technologyThe role of experimentation and continuous learning in modern organisationsThe balance between human expertise and AI assistanceWhy education may be the biggest challenge in the AI eraAbout Kieran Cornwall Kieran Cornwall is an AI Transformation Lead at WPP with a background spanning quality assurance, software engineering, cloud infrastructure, consultancy and enterprise transformation. His experience across startups, consulting and global organisations gives him a unique perspective on how businesses can navigate technology change while keeping people at the centre of transformation. Hosted by Peter Rabey, Co-Founder and CEO of the X4 Group and Johann Nathanielsz Principal Consultant – Data & Artificial Intelligence at X4 Technology and featuring Kieran Cornwall, AI Transformation Lead at WPP. Connect with Leadership Learns & X4 Talks Enjoyed the episode? Follow The Leadership Learns Podcast and X4 Talks for more conversations with industry leaders across the STEM sectors.

In this episode of the Leadership Learns Podcast, host Peter Rabey interviews Christiaan Carstens of Leogistics. From the German Air Force to SAP to scaling an already founded small logistics tech startup, Christiaan has lived a leadership journey defined by bold decisions, transformation and focus. Here he shares how Leogistics grew from a boutique startup into a major player in supply chain technology and why a pivotal 2022 company split became the catalyst for renewed clarity and momentum. Christiaan and Peter explore: • The moment he realised the true weight of leadership • Why two competing business models couldn’t coexist • How to execute a major organisational carve‑out without losing people • The future of consulting in an AI‑driven world • Humanoid robotics, agentic AI and the next wave of logistics innovation • Why trust and human connection still matter more than ever A candid, insightful conversation for leaders navigating change, uncertainty and the accelerating impact of AI.

In this episode of The Leadership Learns Podcast, Peter Rabey sits down with Angela Johnson-Walia, Program Planning & Controls Head at Ares Corporation, a key partner supporting NASA’s most ambitious missions. Angela shares her extraordinary journey from leading complex ERP transformations across global platforms like SAP and Oracle to operating at the heart of NASA’s Artemis programme, helping drive humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead in one of the most high-stakes, precision-driven environments on the planet. Discussions in this episode: Purpose as the Ultimate Talent MagnetBuilding the Future WorkforceLeadership in High-Stakes EnvironmentsAI, Automation & the Rise of Hybrid ThinkersWhat Separates Top CandidatesLessons from Enterprise to AerospaceA fascinating look at leadership, innovation and the future of space careers.

In this episode, hear from Professor Hanns-Christian Mahler, a visionary in pharmaceutical innovation and culture building. As CEO, Chief Enablement Officer, and Board Member of ten23 health, he’s redefining what it means to lead with purpose in the life sciences sector. With a career spanning Merck KGaA, Roche, and Lonza, alongside academic roles at the University of Basel and Frankfurt am Main, Dr. Mahler brings a rare blend of scientific rigour, entrepreneurial drive, and human-centred leadership. At ten23 health, the mission goes beyond developing pharmaceutical solutions; it’s about building a company where sustainability, culture, and mindset are as integral as technical excellence. Discussions in the episode: The inspiration behind founding ten23 health and the standout chapters of growth so farEmbedding sustainability as a core mindset, not just a checkboxLessons learned and challenges navigating acquisitionsBalancing human creativity with technology to shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation. Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

In this episode, Peter Rabey sits down with Michelle Beyo, CEO and Founder of Finavator, an award-winning payments and future-of-finance consultancy. With more than 20 years of experience across payments, loyalty, telco, digital identity and open data, Michelle is a global thought leader who has spoken on stages worldwide, including TEDx and is a Money20/20 RiseUp Alumna, Mentor and trusted advisor to multiple FinTechs. Together, Peter and Michelle dive into a wide-ranging discussion on the future of finance, from consumer‑first innovation to AI, digital identity and open data, Michelle shares how trust, inclusion and collaboration are reshaping the way we all experience money. Discussions in the episode: What “consumer‑first finance” really meansThe breakthrough shifts transforming financial servicesHow leaders can scale trust as quickly as technologyAdvice for the next generation of fintech innovatorsTune in for a masterclass on innovation, inclusion and leadership in finance. Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey directly Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps!

Hear from Kieran Draper, CEO of B4B Payments in the USA, as he reflects on the opportunities and challenges of entering new markets, what it takes to build teams with an international mindset, and where he sees the future of payments headed. With over 25 years of experience driving business and technology transformation across banking and capital markets, Kieran brings a global perspective shaped by leadership roles across the US, Europe and Asia. Since joining B4B Payments in 2019, he has been instrumental in building a strong US team, scaling the business with precision, and navigating the complexities of regulation and innovation in the payments landscape.  Discussions in the episode: Key drivers behind B4B Payments’ US expansion strategyNavigating regulatory challenges and the importance of local expertiseBuilding teams with global vision and regional focusLeveraging AI and digital transformation to scale with agilityThe biggest challenges and opportunities facing B4B PaymentsClick here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

Hear from Chris Watts, CEO and Co-Founder of The Tonic Consultancy, a firm reshaping expectations of what a consultancy can be. Starting his career in collateral consulting at Deutsche Bank and Rule Financial, Chris went on to launch Margin Tonic in 2018, a business that has since evolved into Tonic, expanding far beyond collateral to cover the full front-to-back trade lifecycle, digital assets, sustainability and more.  In this episode, Chris reflects on the evolution of the capital markets space, what it takes to scale in a fast-changing environment, and what it means to be an “anti-consultancy consultancy”. Discussions in the episode: The biggest challenges and phases of growth when scaling Building a culture of reflection while staying future-focusedLessons learned in hiring and building high-performance teamsRedefining consulting excellence in a rapidly evolving tech landscapeWhere AI fits into capital markets consulting, and where the risks lie Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

In this episode, hear from Ranjan Singh, Co-founder & CEO of HealthHero, Europe’s leading digital telehealth platform, as he shares insights from his journey as a serial entrepreneur to leading one of the fastest-growing digital health companies. From the evolution of telehealth to the leadership principles driving meaningful change, Ranjan reflects on what it takes to transform healthcare through technology. Under his leadership, HealthHero was featured in the inaugural Sunday Times 100 list of the UK’s fastest growing tech companies, and recognised as one of the top businesses of scale within that ranking. With over 20 years of experience in digital innovation and private equity, Ranjan has been at the forefront of reimagining healthcare for the digital age. Discussions in the episode: The importance of resourcefulness and strategic disciplineNavigating early growth and the impact of COVID-19 on the businessAcquisitions as a scaling strategyThe future of AI in healthcareHealthHero’s long-term vision and the systems they’re building for tomorrow Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

In this episode, we’re joined by Stephen Critchlow, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Evergreen Life. Stephen began his career as a clinical pharmacist before founding Ascribe, a health IT company that was later successfully sold to EMIS in 2013. Following his exit, he went on to launch Evergreen Life, a company that is reshaping healthcare through digital innovation. Under his leadership, Evergreen has grown rapidly, standing at the forefront of healthcare transformation with the use of AI, machine learning, and personal health records, revolutionising NHS services and being ranked #1 on the Sunday Times Top 100 Fastest Growing Tech Companies list. Discussions in the episode: From Ascribe to Evergreen: Leadership lessons from two healthcare venturesHow AI and personal health data are reshaping NHS servicesRisks and barriers to AI adoption in healthcareManaging fast growth and building leadership that scalesWhy constant disruption is at the heart of meaningful innovation Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

Hear from Felix Hughes, Co-Founder and Director of GetBueno.com, as he shares the story behind building an award-winning fintech platform that simplifies life for foreign property owners in Spain. From navigating complex cross-border banking issues to launching a customer-obsessed subscription model, Felix offers a behind-the-scenes look at Bueno’s growth journey and the future of tech-enabled property finance. Bueno, recently named 2025 Property Finance Platform of the Year, consolidates banking, insurance, tax, utilities and more, into one app, offering multilingual support and trusted by users across 26+ countries. Prior to co-founding Bueno, Felix played a key role in scaling wellness and nutrition brands like Nuzest and NASDAQ-listed Natrol Inc. and now sits on the board of BIOVIT Ltd., a sustainability-focused health tech company. Discussions in the episode: Building a financial ecosystem for foreign homeownersStrategic thinking behind Bueno’s subscription modelHow customer focus drives product investmentAI opportunities and threats in cross-border financeFrameworks for sustainable growth and profitabilityExpanding market share efficiently across regionsClick here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

In this episode hear from Nikola Mrkšić, a pioneer in conversational AI and the driving force behind PolyAI, a London-based startup revolutionising conversational AI for customer support.  As Co-Founder and CEO, Nikola and his co-founders started PolyAI in 2017 as a spinout from the University of Cambridge, where they developed state-of-the-art conversational AI technology. Their mission was to create AI-powered customer support agents that offer seamless, natural interactions.  Under his leadership, PolyAI has raised millions in funding and partnered with major brands like Starling Bank and Landry’s Entertainment, achieving numerous accolades along the way, including from the likes of Forbes, The Financial and Sunday Times. In this episode, Nikola shares insights on scaling AI startups, the future of customer experience, and how AI can work alongside human agents - not replace them.  Discussions in the episode: Evolving the vision: pivoting to B2B and measuring successBuilding the right leadership team from 20 employees to scaleFounder mindset: balancing growth with personal focus and time managementAI adoption across industries and geographiesStrategies for attracting and nurturing AI talent in a competitive marketScaling in the UK vs US: cultural and operational differences Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

Hear from Neil Evans, Head of Credit Risk at OakNorth Bank as he shares his journey from the established world of traditional banking to the agile, fast-scaling environment of OakNorth. Since joining in 2014, he’s helped shape one of the UK’s most resilient and data-driven lending models designed specifically for SMEs. Discussions in this episode: Background to OakNorth Bank, founded by Rishi Khosla and Joel Perlman Neil's journey from a long career at RBS to shaping credit strategy at a fast‑growing bankHow OakNorth built a billion-pound loan book in just 18 monthsThe role of stress testing and proactive credit policy during economic shocksOakNorth’s strategic U.S. expansion, including its recent acquisition of Community Unity BankThis conversation is packed with practical leadership insights, bold decision-making and lessons on scaling without compromising on risk. It's a wonderfully inspiring conversation, full of great insights - Neil tells OakNorth's story beautifully. Click here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

In this episode, we welcome back Maren Schlieper, an experienced startup and scaleup executive, for her second appearance on the podcast. Maren dives deeper into the realities of sustainable growth, the future of leadership and how founders and executives can build companies that scale effectively. With over 14 years of experience in the European startup and scaleup space, Maren has achieved major milestones including a successful exit at DeinDeal and helping to build unicorn company wefox in senior roles such as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff. She currently serves as Head of Strategy at HudsonGoodman, holds a board seat at medudoc, and advises startups across industries as a coach and mentor. Discussions in the episode: Key lessons from scaling wefox and building high-growth teamsThe paradigm shift toward healthy scaling (and what it really looks like!)Building internal alignment: how to make strategy understandable at every levelExecution done right: bottom-up feedback, prioritisation, and accountabilityThe human cost of hypergrowth, and how leaders can build resilient teamsClick here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

Hear from Romi Savova, a trailblazer in fintech and one of the most influential voices in modern pension reform. As the founder and CEO of PensionBee, Romi has transformed the way people save for retirement by making pensions accessible, transparent and easy to manage online. With a background in finance and a passion for solving complex problems, Romi shares her journey from a personal frustration with pension transfers to building a publicly listed company that now serves hundreds of thousands of customers. Her story offers a masterclass in mission-driven leadership, scaling with purpose and driving innovation in a highly regulated sector. Discussions in the episode: Key milestones, from the first seed round to IPOWhy going public made sense, and what it took to get thereBalancing growth with staying true to mission and valuesExpanding from the UK into the US marketCultural and behavioural differences in consumer financial habitsFuture trends shaping pension management in the UK and USClick here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.

Hear from Joy Adams, Chief Operating Officer at Deutsche Bank, as she shares her journey into the digital asset space, offers insights on the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, and reflects on leadership, innovation, and diversity within financial services. Joy is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and holds an executive education certificate from the Oxford University Fintech Programme. She was also selected as a Rise Up Fellow for the annual Money 20/20 Conference, which recognises up-and-coming leaders in the payments industry. Discussions in the episode: Key trends reshaping the digital asset landscapeRegulation challenges amid rapid tech innovationDiversity, inclusion, and representation in digital assets and financeStrategies for advancing Black women in leadership positionsClick here to reach out to Peter Rabey direct  Like this show? Please leave us a review. Every review helps.