Best Adrian Branch Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep XTRA 10. Culture, Curiosity, and the Future of Universities : Dr Ranjan Banerjee on re-imagining education 1:15:50

Play Pause

4d ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Send us a text Dr Ranjan Banerjee brings a rare blend of empathy, intellect and visionary leadership to this XTRA episode of Money Majlis recorded in Mumbai. As founding Vice Chancellor of Nayanta University, he is pioneering an audacious experiment in Indian higher education—one that elevates inclusion, curiosity, and purpose above conventional me…

1
Ep 46. Beyond Apps: Why the Next Tech Revolution Must Tackle Energy, Food, and Poverty 1:23:15

11d ago1:23:15

1:23:15

Send us a text In this riveting new episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar welcomes Pablos Holman, the legendary hacker, inventor, and futurist whose creativity transforms science fiction into the fabric of our daily lives. Suvo engages Pablos in a conversation that reveals why the world’s biggest crises require not just incremental “apps,” but audac…

1
Ep 45. Zain Verjee: From CNN frontlines to amplifying Africa’s creative voice 1:15:41

25d ago1:15:41

1:15:41

Send us a text In this captivating episode of Money Majlis, the spotlight shines on Zain Verjee, a formidable journalist, entrepreneur, and global communicator whose inspiring journey bridges continents, cultures, and industries. From her early days as a radio DJ in Nairobi to becoming a respected CNN anchor covering some of the most consequential …

1
Ep XTRA9 : Money with Meaning: The story of purpose-driven leadership with Tariq Al Gurg, Dubai Cares 1:21:57

1M ago1:21:57

1:21:57

Send us a text Step into a masterclass on purpose-driven leadership and global impact with this XTRA episode of Money Majlis. Host Suvo Sarkar interviews Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, the dynamic CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, for a conversation that moves from boardroom ambition to classroom transformation on a worldwide scale. Tariq’s remarkable jour…

1
Ep 44. ESG is not enough: Rajeev Peshawaria on Doing Well by Doing Good 51:21

1M ago51:21

51:21

Send us a text In this illuminating episode of Money Majlis, visionary thinker Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of the Stewardship Asia Center, takes listeners on a powerful journey through the future of leadership, purpose, and the pursuit of good profit. Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Sustainable Sustainability, Rajeev argues that the global obsessi…

1
Sowing Seeds To Harvest with Jonathan Paul 33:21

2M ago33:21

33:21

Some stories challenge your definition of success. This one begins with humble origins and big dreams, then winds through boardrooms, hospital wards, and a quiet moment where a young man heard the words that changed everything: you’ve never enjoyed the harvest. Adrian sits down with longtime friend and corporate consultant leader Jonathan Paul to t…

1
Ep 43. Ahmed Bin Sulayem: Building Dubai’s Global Trade Powerhouse 1:39:57

2M ago1:39:57

1:39:57

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, for a rare, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From the 30th floor of Uptown Dubai’s gleaming new DMCC headquarters, Ahmed shares the inside story of how Dubai ha…

1
Winning Intangibles For Your Life with Michael Cooper 38:40

2M ago38:40

38:40

What if the thing that sets you apart isn’t your stat line but your courage to choose a role and master it? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with basketball Hall of Famer Michael Cooper—5x NBA champion, 1987 Defensive Player of the Year, and title-winning coach in the WNBA, G League, and Big 3—who turned blunt advice into a blueprint for wi…

1
Ep 42. Branch Today, Gone Tomorrow : futurist Brett King on the new economics of banking 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Send us a text In this electrifying episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar sits down with Brett King, the world’s most cited financial futurist, to unpack the seismic shifts reshaping global banking. Fresh from hosting the inaugural Dubai Futurists X Summit, Brett joins Suvo in the heart of Dubai to explore the end of physical branches, the rise of A…

1
Ep XTRA 8. Painting with Light: The bold cinematic journey of of Nayla Al Khaja 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

Send us a text Episode XTRA 8 of Money Majlis welcomes the trailblazing Nayla Al Khaja, the UAE’s first female film director, award-winning producer, and relentless advocate for women in the arts. In this raw and revelatory conversation, Nayla shares her groundbreaking journey from a fine arts aficionado and gallery owner to a cinematic visionary w…

1
Ep 41. Banking on Purpose & People: The Samit Ghosh playbook 1:11:01

3M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Send us a text Step into the heart of India’s banking revolution as Money Majlis welcomes Samit Ghosh, an iconic banker and the founder of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, whose name resonates with financial inclusion and the transformation of millions of lives. In this multi-layered episode, Suvo Sarkar journeys to Bangalore to sit down with his long-t…

1
Ep 40. Culture, Connection, and Change: Adrian Simpson’s guide to effective leadership 1:13:10

3M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

Send us a text In this fascinating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar discusses the world of leadership, innovation, and high-performing organizations with Adrian Simpson, founder and CEO of Wavelength. Adrian, renowned as the “Chief Connector,” shares his unique perspective shaped by decades spent inside boardrooms and on shop floors of som…

1
Ep XTRA 7 : Megacities, Migration, and Money: futurist Parag Khanna on what’s next 1:27:22

3M ago1:27:22

1:27:22

Send us a text In this XTRA edition of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Dr. Parag Khanna, best-selling author and celebrated geographer, futurist, and founder of AlphaGeo. Known for his provocative idea that “connectivity is destiny,” Dr. Khanna takes listeners on a journey across Asia and beyond to explore how networks of people, capi…

1
Ep 39. with Noor Sweid Conviction Capital: Lessons in grit, growth and globalisation 48:28

4M ago48:28

48:28

Send us a text In this scintillating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Noor Sweid, the trailblazing founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures. Known as one of the most influential voices in Middle Eastern venture capital, Noor brings a wealth of experience—from leading Asia’s first billion-dollar IPO to guiding startups…

1
From Quadriplegic to The Ambassador of Joy: Barry Shore's Remarkable Journey 43:00

4M ago43:00

43:00

From standing tall as a successful businessman to being completely paralyzed overnight, Barry Shore's life took a dramatic turn that would seem unfathomable for most people. Instead, it awakened an extraordinary mission that's inspired countless lives worldwide. Before becoming the "Ambassador of Joy," Shore's resilience was being forged through ea…

1
Ep 38. From Microcredit to Mainstream: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh and the Bandhan Bank Revolution 1:09:15

4M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, I have the privilege of sitting down with Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder and chairman of Bandhan Bank—a man whose journey from humble beginnings to the helm of one of India’s leading private banks is nothing short of inspirational. Our conversation traces the incredible evolution of Bandhan, from …

1
Ep 37. From Miles to Moments: The Skywards Revolution with Nejib Ben-Khedher 1:23:42

5M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar talks to Dr. Nejib Ben-Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, to explore the remarkable evolution of one of the world’s most ambitious loyalty programs. With over 35 years of global experience in the airline and travel industry, Dr. Ben-Khedher shares how he h…

1
Ep 36. Agents of Change, part 2 : Eran Agrios of Salesforce on how AI and humans will change tomorrow’s banks 1:10:27

5M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, the second of two episodes on agentic AI in financial services, host Suvo Sarkar meets Eran Agrios, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Financial Services at Salesforce, for a dynamic conversation about the state of AI-driven transformation in banking. With over 17 years of leadership experie…

1
Defining Your True Legacy: Dereck Whittenburg's Path to Greatness 38:57

5M ago38:57

38:57

What defines your true legacy? For former NC State standout Dereck Whittenburg, it's how many people you've helped along the way—not the trophies, accolades, or championships you've won. As a young boy driving with his father past the White House, Whittenburg wondered what it would be like to meet the president someday. That childhood dream became …

1
Ep 35. Agents of Change, part 1: Bill Borden of Microsoft on how agentic AI is reshaping global finance 1:16:28

6M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, first of two episodes on agentic AI in financial services, Suvo Sarkar sits down with Bill Borden, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Financial Services at Microsoft, for a sweeping conversation on the future of banking and leadership in an AI-driven world. Bill’s journey from working at top US ban…

1
Ep 34. Trust, Tech, and Transformation: Sopnendu Mohanty on Singapore’s Fintech Revolution 1:08:24

6M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis recorded on the sidelines of the Istanbul Fintech Week 2025, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of the Global Finance and Technology Network and former Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Together, they trace Singapore’s extraordinary journey from fint…

1
Resilient Ruthie: Overcoming Adversity with Faith and Grit 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

Ever questioned if you're truly meant for greatness? In this soul-stirring episode, Adrian Branch welcomes two-time Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton for a profound conversation about resilience, faith, and finding purpose through life's toughest challenges. Ruthie takes us back to her humble beginnings as the 16th child in a family of 20 in McLa…

1
Ep 33. Advertising Unplugged: Sasan Saeidi on leading brands in a changing world 1:33:31

6M ago1:33:31

1:33:31

Send us a text In this Advertising-special episode of Money Majlis, we sit down with Sasan Saeidi, global client lead at WPP & VML and the current world president of the International Advertising Association to understand the playbook of modern advertising. Sasan’s journey—from New York’s Madison Avenue to the vibrant streets of Dubai—reads like th…

1
Breaking the Jar: How a Former Dope-Smoking Hippie Became a Leader 36:35

7M ago36:35

36:35

When Dr. Joel Freeman left home at 17 with just $24 in his pocket, nobody could have predicted his extraordinary journey from self-described "long-haired, hippie, dope-smoking fool" to becoming a respected NBA chaplain, author of 24 books, historian, and mentor to countless individuals including Klimb host Adrian Branch. This powerful conversation …

1
Ep EXTRA 6 : Stepping Into Hope: The Jaipur Foot Story with D. R. Mehta 54:42

7M ago54:42

54:42

Send us a text This week on Money Majlis XTRA, we travel to Jaipur for a truly uplifting conversation with D. R. Mehta, the visionary founder of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti—better known as Jaipur Foot. Mr. Mehta’s life work has restored dignity and mobility to millions, offering hope where there was once despair. In this episode, you’l…

1
The Stand, Walk, & Run Journey with Seth Franco 37:55

7M ago37:55

37:55

Seth Franco's remarkable journey from basketball prodigy to physical rehabilitation warrior captivates in this deeply moving episode of The Klimb. Touring around the world as a member of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, Seth's meteoric rise in professional basketball came to an abrupt halt when doctors discovered he had been born with hip dysplasia…

1
Ep 32. Inside the Checkout Revolution: Justin Grooms on Payments, Crypto, & the Future of E-Commerce 1:14:54

7M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, recorded at the Dubai Fintech Summit 2025, you are invited into a dynamic conversation between host Suvo Sarkar and Justin Grooms, President of Bolt Financial. Justin Grooms, who has led Bolt’s global strategy since 2019, shares a front-row perspective on the seismic shifts happening in payments and e…

1
Gold Standard Mindset: Striving for Greatness 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Leah Amico reveals the surprising turning point that transformed her softball career and life trajectory. What looked like a demotion—being moved from pitcher to outfield during her sophomore year at the University of Arizona—became the very opportunity that unlocked her Olympic dreams. With remarkable candor, Leah …

1
Redefining Rejection: Turning Setbacks into Setup 38:39

7M ago38:39

38:39

What does it take to rise from sleeping on a chair in the Bridgeport, CT projects to becoming a three-time All-American, professional athlete, author, entrepreneur, and pastor? Chuck Hatchett's transformative journey reveals the power of resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Born to a teenage mother and raised in crowded pro…

1
Ep 31. Pivoting from a telco to a techco: A discussion with Khalifa Alshamsi on the ambitious transformation of e& 1:02:22

7M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, Suvo Sarkar goes on a journey with Khalifa Alshamsi, CEO of e& life and e& international, who explains the rationale and opportunity of e& expanding into financial services, lifestyle, entertainment and cybersecurity. Can a company be an incumbent and challenger at the same time? How do you diversify …

1
Living with No Limits: Transforming Hardship into Possibility 49:45

8M ago49:45

49:45

What happens when life's unexpected disasters become the very training ground that prepares you for championship glory? Nate Burkhalter's remarkable journey reveals exactly that transformative possibility. One moment, Nate was a college student with athletic dreams; the next, he was plunging into a concealed pit of boiling water, suffering second a…

1
Unlocking Potential Leaders: From Believing Lies to Finding Truth 38:06

8M ago38:06

38:06

What happens when you grow up believing lies about yourself, only to discover you have the potential for extraordinary leadership? Dr. Brian Williamson's compelling story reveals the transformative power of having someone believe in you when you don't believe in yourself. From navigating through college struggles to becoming a United States Marine,…

1
Ep 30. India: the start-up centre of the world? A debate with Mohandas Pai 1:15:08

8M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Send us a text In this riveting episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar travels to Bangalore for a debate with the legendary T.V. Mohandas Pai, a trailblazer in finance, technology, education, and philanthropy. Known for his transformative contributions as the former CFO of Infosys and as a venture capitalist and chairman of Manipal Global Educat…

1
The Klimb: Jack Easterby on Leadership, Resilience, and Finding Purpose 54:26

8M ago54:26

54:26

Jack Easterby's remarkable journey from small-college dual-sport athlete to NFL executive unveils powerful truths about resilience in the face of both extraordinary success and heartbreaking setbacks. With disarming honesty, Jack shares how his early foundation at Newberry College—where he balanced academic excellence with athletic achievement—prep…

1
Ep 29. Loyalty is dead. Long live loyalty. A discussion with Ajay Row, the guru of customer loyalty 1:25:13

8M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Send us a text Welcome to a special episode on customer loyalty where Suvo Sarkar is in deep discussion with Ajay Row, a globally acknowledged expert on loyalty programs and the founder & chairman of Customer Capital. Why is data the most valuable commodity but is freely given away? What are the 6 key assets of a loyalty program? Are points better …

1
Ep 28. Will our money think for us in the future? A conversation with Chris Skinner 1:23:57

9M ago1:23:57

1:23:57

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis, I sit down with Chris Skinner, renowned futurist and author, to explore the future of banking and finance. Skinner, known for his influential insights on fintech and digital transformation, shares his views on how technology is reshaping the financial landscape. We discuss his latest book, “Intelligen…

1
Ep 27. Is money rational or emotional? A debate with Ashok Vaswani 49:13

9M ago49:13

49:13

Send us a text In this episode, Ashok Vaswani, international banking veteran and CEO & MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank, explains why he believes money is more emotional than rational, how Indian banking is racing ahead and how his bank is transforming for scale to claim a space among the top 3 private lenders in India. What is the new “finternet”? Why is…

1
Ep XTRA 5. Will China lead the world in digital innovation and green energy? A conversation with China expert, Christina Boutrup 1:18:36

9M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

Send us a text In this XTRA episode of Money Majlis, I talk with Christina Boutrup, journalist, author and China analyst, about how the world’s biggest digital economy is transitioning from a low-cost manufacturing hub into a high-tech innovation centre. The recent launch of the Deep Seek AI platform makes you wonder whether the restriction of chip…

1
Ep 26. Breaking free of the money trap : a conversation with Alok Sama, former president & CFO of SoftBank 1:11:14

10M ago1:11:14

1:11:14

Send us a text In this exciting episode, listen to the former president and CFO of SoftBank Group International, Alok Sama, talk about the man behind the legend of Masayoshi Son. Is the iconic founder of SoftBank an iconic visionary who can predict the future or a lucky gambler who bets the house? Sama, the chief dealmaker of the most influential t…

1
Ep 25. The future of investing : a conversation with Mark Mobius 1:03:36

10M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Send us a text In this first episode of Season 2 of Money Majlis, we bring you a priceless conversation with Mark Mobius, the “Indiana Jones of emerging markets investing”. Is the asset management industry in decline? How have ETFs revolutionised investing? Why is active investing better than passive? What matters more for an asset manager - size o…

1
Ep 24. Can P2P platforms address the huge SME lending gap?: a discussion with Craig Moore of Beehive 1:27:16

11M ago1:27:16

1:27:16

Send us a text In this last episode of Season 1, Suvo Sarkar is in discussion with Craig Moore, founder and CEO of Beehive, the leading P2P platform in MENA. Does P2P lending have the potential to disrupt banks? Will open banking force banks to collaborate with fintechs? And can the USD 250 billion funding gap for SMEs in the region be solved by th…

1
Ep 23. Is brand marketing less relevant in the age of digital and AI? : A discussion with Bharat Puri 1:01:56

11M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Send us a text Welcome to another episode of Money Majlis focused on consumer marketing. Suvo Sarkar is in conversation with a doyen of the Indian business world, Bharat Puri, managing director of Pidilite Industries which owns the famous adhesive brand Fevicol, a case study on branding in many business schools. Why does a low-involvement brand lik…

1
Ep 22. Corporate Venture Capital : nothing ventured, nothing gained 1:28:28

11M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Send us a text In this insightful episode about the business of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC), Suvo Sarkar is in a deep discussion with Nicolas Sauvage, President of TDK Ventures, the much-awarded CVC arm of TDK. What are some of the factors that are driving legacy corporates to invest in start-ups? Why does innovation have to be external as oppo…

1
Ep 21. The rise and rise of the Indian opportunity : in conversation with Bharat Shah 1:42:12

11M ago1:42:12

1:42:12

Send us a text In this fascinating episode, Suvo Sarkar talks at length with a leading investment expert from India, Bharat Shah, executive director of ASK group, about the future of the Indian equity market. Is India over-valued compared to other global markets? Will it continue delivering double digit returns in the next 10 years? Which sectors w…

1
Ep XTRA 4. Consistency plus creativity - the formula for success in the restaurant business 58:19

12M ago58:19

58:19

Send us a text Welcome to this New Year 2025 special episode of Money Majlis XTRA, celebrating good food. Suvo Sarkar is in conversation in Mumbai with the talented young restauranteur Sameer Seth of Bombay Canteen fame. What inspired a young banker to move to the intensely competitive F&B industry? How are the trends of eating out changing with mi…

1
Ep 20. The Great Wealth Transfer : are banks ready? 1:19:45

12M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Send us a text Welcome to this episode of Money Majlis where Suvo Sarkar debates the impact of “The Great Wealth Transfer” with two leading professionals from the industry, one an incumbent and the other a challenger: Maurice Gravier, chief investment officer, Emirates NBD and Mark Chahwan, founder & CEO of Sarwa. Are millennials more interested in…

1
Ep XTRA 3. From a banker to a best-selling author : a tete-a-tete with Amish Tripathi 57:10

12M ago57:10

57:10

Send us a text Continuing on the XTRA series of non-banking topics, Suvo Sarkar interviews successful Indian author Amish Tripathi, of the Shiva trilogy fame, to talk about his professional transition from banking to writing. What prompted Amish to take up mythological fiction? What genre is he taking up next? Why do most authors not make money? An…

1
Ep 19. Middle East versus Asia: how are fintechs shaking up the ecosystem? 46:39

1y ago46:39

46:39

Send us a text In this episode of Money Majlis recorded in front of a live audience of CEOs and fintech leaders in Singapore, we look at the differences in the growth paths of fintechs in Asia versus the Middle East. In a debate with two senior leaders from Mastercard, J K Khalil, Division President of East Arabia and Yunsok Chang, EVP of Market De…

1
Ep 18. Innovation in action : how DBS earned the title of the world’s best digital bank 56:46

1y ago56:46

56:46

Send us a text In this episode, Piyush Gupta, the inspirational CEO of DBS Bank, tells us how a Singaporean bank raced ahead in innovation and digitisation to be crowned the world’s best digital bank. Is Technology the new “front office” of a bank? Will pure-play digital banks ever succeed against digitized incumbent banks with scale? How should a …

1
Ep 17. Profits are not everything : a discussion on development banks with Ahmed Al Naqbi 50:52

1y ago50:52

50:52

Send us a text In this episode, H. E. Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, explains the key differences between a commercial bank and a development bank, and argues that social objectives make a banker's life more enriching. How does a development bank carry out financial underwriting to optimize approval decisions? How are employees m…