PODCAST · business
Common Ground
by Jonathan Hirasawa Ashton
Navigating business, law, innovation and reputation in the GCC and beyond
Episodes
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The Second Wheat Decision
Saudi Arabia once gave up a harvest it could grow in order to keep its water. The next decision of that kind will not be taken in a field. It will be taken on the factory floor, and once the Kingdom’s water rules begin allocating footprints to industrial products, they may reach a food...
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The Licence You Can Still Write
In the space of a week, the COP31 presidency asked AI companies to disclose their energy use and Brussels adopted a label for data centres. In market after market, the public turned first and the rules followed as a concession. The Gulf still has that order the other way round, and it will not…
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The Author Nobody Asked For
India's Copyright Office has just said what the United States refused to say: a picture generated by a machine, with no human choosing its final form, can be original and can have an author. Stephen Thaler says that is half right. The half he calls wrong is the half your business needs.
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AI copyright is not most likely to get you sued, and that should worry you
In a landscape where generative AI is reshaping creative industries, the legal implications surrounding copyright are more complex than ever. This episode delves into the surprising reality that while lawsuits are primarily targeting AI toolmakers, agencies and creators may be underestimating…
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Transparency Is Now a Record, Not a Value
In a world where transparency is becoming a non-negotiable standard, this episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of corporate accountability. Join us as we unpack the recent shift where transparency is no longer just a value but a record that organizations must uphold. We’ll explore six...
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You've Been Reading, Now Time To Help Me Write
You've Been Reading, Now Time To Help Me Write
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Choosing Your Own Scoreboard
In this captivating episode, we tackle the intriguing question of how to define success in a world filled with external pressures and expectations. With a story that includes a five million-pound dilemma and a man in a bin, we explore the complexities of governance and the pitfalls of…
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Born and Bred
In this thought-provoking episode, we celebrate Yorkshire Day by exploring the profound concept of integrity as wholeness. Join us as we delve into the importance of boundaries in both personal and professional realms, and uncover why the community that supports your people often extends beyond…
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Who Owns the Machine's Version of You?
In a world where artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping our identities, who truly owns the digital version of you? This episode dives deep into the complex interplay between technology, governance, and personal identity in the age of AI. We explore the implications of generative AI on...
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When the Whole World Is Watching
Sport, politics, and the governance of being seen.
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Left Off the Chart
In this eye-opening episode, we confront a startling oversight: the Gulf region is on the brink of establishing the largest AI campus outside of America, yet a pivotal report on the future of AI development has completely overlooked it. Join us as we explore the implications of this omission and...
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The AI That "Won" in Court Did Not Replace a Lawyer
In a groundbreaking legal case that has captured headlines worldwide, the narrative around artificial intelligence in the courtroom is more nuanced than it seems. This episode delves into the fascinating story of how AI played a pivotal role in a recent court victory—without replacing the human...
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More Stick, Less Carrot
In a world where intentions often clash with actions, this episode dives deep into the dynamics of accountability in business and environmental practices. Join us as we dissect the concept of "More Stick, Less Carrot," exploring how a shift towards stricter regulations and enforcement can drive...
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The Court Will See Your Climate Plan Now
In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, the courtroom is becoming a pivotal arena for environmental governance. In this enlightening episode, we unpack the transformative role of litigation in shaping climate policy, drawing insights from the recent London Climate Week. Join us as we...
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A Week in Paris, and What It Left Me Thinking About
Some weeks quietly rearrange the furniture in your head.
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Out Of Office
In a world where the lines between work and personal life blur, what does it truly mean when you hit "out of office"? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the implications of constant connectivity and the cultural shift surrounding work-life balance. Join us as we explore the…
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Weekend Edition: The World Cup Starts Friday. Come Play My Homemade Fantasy XI Game for Free.
Weekend Edition: The World Cup Starts Friday. Come Play My Homemade Fantasy XI Game for Free.
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The Law That Made People Property
The Law That Made People Property
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New post
Common Ground | Eid al-Adha Edition | May 2026
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Your AI Has Never Heard of Eid
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, how well do these systems understand cultural nuances? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating disconnect between AI and the rich traditions of Eid, exploring how technology often overlooks the significance of cultural…
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For the Benefit of Humanity (Terms Apply)
The verdict says OpenAI won. It doesn't say the misson did. Jonathan Ashton examines what the Musk v. Alman ruling means for brand governance, mission-led oganisations, and the unwritten contracts that hold te tech industry together.
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When You Create the Crowd, You Own the Risk
In a striking examination of governance and public perception, this episode dives into the controversial cancellation of the Royal Pop event in Dubai, revealing how a decision framed as a safety measure may actually reflect deeper governance failures. Join us as we unpack the implications of...
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When Regulators Give Up On Reputation
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. regulators have stepped back from defining reputational risk, raising critical questions for businesses everywhere. In this episode, we dissect the implications of this decision and what it means for corporate governance in the GCC and beyond. Join us as we...
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The Blueprint for Belonging
In a world where belonging is paramount, this episode uncovers the transformative power of community in the Emirates. Join us as we explore the ambitious initiative, "Make It In The Emirates 2026," and its profound implications for fostering inclusivity and innovation. We’ll discuss how genuine...
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Three Jurisdictions, One Expensive Mistake
In the fast-paced world of business, navigating trademark laws can be a minefield, especially when dealing with multiple jurisdictions. In this episode, we delve into the costly pitfalls of DIY trademark filing in 2026, highlighting real-life examples from three distinct legal landscapes.…
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When the Deadline Blinks
The UAE's flagship climate law deadline has been delayed with no replacement date and no explanation. What does that mean for sustainability leadership, governance, and the gap between what companies market and what they can prove?
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The Governance Gap at the Edge of AI Power
How Anthropic's Mythos exposes the limits of self-regulated frontier AI — and what proper insight-driven governance could look like instead.
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The 92% Rule: Why Gulf Innovation Now Lives or Dies on Legal and Marketing
How the UAE AI Act, EU AI Act, and Vision 2030 just made your General Counsel and your CMO the same job.
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When Greenwashing Meets the Gavel
In a world where sustainability claims are under intense scrutiny, this episode dives deep into the intersection of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and legal accountability. Join us as we explore the rising tide of greenwashing and its implications for businesses in the GCC...
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The Gap Between Words And Actions
In a world where promises often clash with reality, this episode dives deep into the critical disconnect between words and actions in geopolitics, trust, and governance. Join us as we explore how this gap impacts international relations and business practices, revealing the underlying factors…
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Clarity in Crisis: Why the UAE Sets the Standard
In a world where uncertainty reigns, how does the UAE emerge as a beacon of clarity and governance? In this episode, we delve into the unique communication strategies and robust governance frameworks that position the UAE as a global standard-bearer during crises. Discover how trust is cultivated...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Navigating business, law, innovation and reputation in the GCC and beyond
HOSTED BY
Jonathan Hirasawa Ashton
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Common Ground have?
Common Ground currently has 31 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Common Ground about?
Navigating business, law, innovation and reputation in the GCC and beyond
How often does Common Ground release new episodes?
Common Ground has 31 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Common Ground?
You can listen to Common Ground on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Common Ground?
Common Ground is created and hosted by Jonathan Hirasawa Ashton.
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