Walkabout Elevations Podcast

What does luxury hospitality really mean in 2026?In this episode of Walkabout Elevations, recorded at HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 in Da Nang, I sit down with Neha Pandey, Vice President of Branding at PN Consulting in Singapore, to explore how branding, artificial intelligence, personalization, and guest expectations are reshaping the hospitality industry.For decades, hotel brands were built around standardization. Travelers knew what to expect because brands created consistent rooms, service standards, and operating procedures across their properties.But luxury hospitality is moving in a very different direction.Today’s guests are more informed, more discerning, and increasingly expect experiences designed around who they are rather than what is easiest for the hotel to deliver.Neha and I discuss the shift from cookie-cutter hospitality toward locally authentic and highly personalized experiences, and how AI can help hotel operators remove repetitive back-office work while improving their ability to understand and respond to guests.We also explore an important tension: how do hotels embrace AI and technology without removing the human connection that makes hospitality special in the first place?Neha shares a fascinating example from her own luxury travel experiences, where a casual conversation about enjoying picnics ultimately became a personalized experience in a forest treehouse. Even more interestingly, another luxury property achieved an extraordinary level of personalization not through sophisticated technology, but through old-fashioned communication, observation, and service.We also discuss:• The evolution of luxury hotel branding• Why storytelling matters in building strong hospitality brands• AI and automation in hotel operations• Guest-generated content and online visibility• Personalization versus privacy• Why listening remains one of hospitality’s most important skills• Locally authentic guest experiences• The difference between technology-enabled hospitality and truly human hospitalityRecorded live at HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 in Da Nang.Walkabout Elevations is presented by Walkabout Pathways.

At the Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Shimna Chandan, Managing Director and Head of Private Assets at Vantage Point Asset Management in Singapore, to discuss why international investors are increasingly looking at Vietnam, and why Da Nang may have a particularly interesting role in what comes next.Shimna and her firm have been actively investing in Vietnam for several years. What makes her perspective particularly interesting is that she isn't simply talking about Vietnam's potential from the sidelines. She is looking at where capital can actually be deployed.We discuss:• Why foreign institutional investors are increasingly interested in Vietnam• Whether Da Nang could become a major regional technology and fintech hub• How Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang could develop different roles within Vietnam's International Financial Center• The emerging opportunity around carbon markets and climate technology• What international investors need from Vietnam's regulatory environment• Why execution and follow-through now matter more than promises• Vietnam's talent advantage and remaining language challenges• Why entrepreneurs may increasingly look beyond Singapore• The combination of lifestyle, affordability and business opportunity that makes Da Nang unusual• Why Shimna believes the timing for Vietnam may finally be rightShimna also shares a fascinating vision of Da Nang developing around fintech, climate technology, carbon markets, AI and blockchain while Ho Chi Minh City continues to grow as Vietnam's primary commercial and institutional financial center.The question is shifting from Does Vietnam have potential? to How quickly can that potential become reality?Recorded at the Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Vietnam is creating wealth at remarkable speed. But creating wealth and preserving it across generations are two very different challenges.At the Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Lu Zhou, CEO of Vanquour Wealth Management in New York, for a conversation that moved from Vietnam's financial ambitions to China, Wall Street, family offices, women in finance and the surprisingly difficult question of how "new money" becomes "old money."Lu Zhou brings an unusual perspective. Originally from Beijing, she moved to the United States 26 years ago and spent two decades working on Wall Street, where she witnessed the rapid creation of Chinese wealth and the movement of Chinese investors into American markets.We discuss why she believes Vietnam could develop into a major Asian financial center, what Vietnam can learn from China's extraordinary growth, and why talent, legal institutions, capital markets and international expertise will matter as the country enters its next phase.But economic growth is only part of the story. What happens after wealth is created?Lu Zhou explains why generations of Chinese investors looked to American family offices to understand how wealthy families preserve capital across generations. We also explore financial literacy, teaching children about money, women's confidence as investors, the coming generational wealth transfer, and why more women are needed in wealth management.Finally, we return to Vietnam and a larger question: can the country build the institutions required to turn today's economic momentum into enduring prosperity?Recorded at the Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Can Vietnam build an international financial center capable of competing in one of the most competitive regions in the global economy?At the Vietnam Financial Forum, I sat down with Jochen Biedermann, Managing Director of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers and a member of the advisory council supporting Vietnam's International Financial Center.Jochen brings a rare global perspective. The World Alliance represents 27 financial centers across five continents, giving him firsthand insight into what makes financial hubs succeed, why some struggle, and what Vietnam must get right.We discuss the different models behind financial centers such as London, Dubai, Hong Kong and emerging fintech hubs; the importance of talent, regulation, infrastructure and international connectivity; and the challenges Vietnam still needs to address as it builds its own financial ecosystem.We also explore the unusual dual-city model between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, why a little competition between the two cities might actually be healthy, and how Da Nang could combine fintech, technology, sustainable finance and quality of life to create something distinctly its own.Perhaps most importantly, this conversation moves beyond the question of whether Vietnam has potential. The more interesting question now is how that potential gets converted into institutions, talent, investment and businesses.Recorded at the Vietnam Financial Forum in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Why do so many successful people still feel like they're not enough?In this episode of Walkabout Elevations, I sit down with entrepreneur and leadership coach Joel Rickard to explore imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, men's mental health, childhood programming, comparison, self-worth, and the psychology behind lasting success.Joel shares how he went from studying aerospace engineering to coaching ambitious entrepreneurs, helping them overcome fear, procrastination, limiting beliefs, and the internal stories that quietly shape their decisions.We discuss:• What imposter syndrome really is• Why successful people still struggle with self-doubt• Childhood programming and limiting beliefs• Why entrepreneurs undercharge for their work• The pressure men face balancing business and family• Self-awareness versus action• Why fulfillment matters more than success• Morning and evening routines that shape your mindsetGuest: Joel RickardIf you enjoy conversations about leadership, psychology, mindfulness, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, subscribe to Walkabout Elevations for more interviews like this.

Can Vietnam produce world-class whisky?According to the World Whisky Awards, the answer is yes.At Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Mikey Brenker, co-founder of Ve De Di Spirits, Vietnam's first single malt whisky producer and Southeast Asia's first craft whisky distillery.In this conversation we discuss:• Why Vietnam is surprisingly well-suited for whisky production• The science behind tropical whisky maturation• How Vietnam won recognition at the World Whisky Awards• Building a premium global brand from Vietnam• Entrepreneurship and manufacturing in emerging markets• Exporting Vietnamese products to the world• Why authenticity matters when building an international brandRecorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Vietnam continues to attract investors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators from around the world. But what is driving that growth, and what challenges still remain?At Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with market analyst and senior customer consultant Ho Le Khanh Uyen (Ami Benavides) to discuss Vietnam's rapid transformation and the opportunities emerging across the country.In this conversation we explore:• Why Vietnam is attracting record levels of foreign investment• The growth of AI, technology, logistics, energy, and semiconductor industries• Government reforms supporting economic development• The importance of communication and English skills in attracting international business• Why Da Nang remains one of Vietnam's most exciting cities• The unique combination of business opportunity and quality of life that keeps people staying in VietnamRecorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

As Vietnam attracts more international investment, technology, and global business, one critical question remains:Can people communicate clearly across cultures, industries, and borders?At Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Merianne Sontillanosa Nosa, founder of Speak Better and Connect Better, to discuss communication, networking, business relationships, and the human skills that remain essential in an increasingly digital world.In this conversation we discuss:• Why communication skills remain critical in the age of AI• The importance of pronunciation, articulation, and clarity• Challenges facing Vietnamese professionals in global business• Building stronger cross-cultural relationships• Why networking still matters• The future of digital business cards and event technology• How Connect Better is changing professional networkingA fascinating discussion about the human side of economic development.Recorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

What does the future of Da Nang look like?At Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Chris Vanloon, Chairman of AmCham Central Vietnam, real estate developer, investor, and one of the longest-serving foreign business leaders in Vietnam.Having lived in Vietnam for nearly three decades, Chris has witnessed the transformation of Da Nang from a small coastal city into one of Southeast Asia's most promising growth markets.In this conversation we discuss:• Why Da Nang is positioned to attract the next wave of foreign investment• The future of Vietnam's International Financial Center (IFC)• Manufacturing, semiconductors, and high-tech development• Energy infrastructure and the challenge of powering future growth• Talent retention and creating opportunities for young professionals• Why job hopping may be hurting long-term career development• The opportunities emerging across Central VietnamChris also shares a powerful message about moving beyond endless planning and focusing on execution.The future is being built now.Recorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

What happens when the world becomes cashless?How do we teach children about money when they rarely touch cash, use piggy banks, or visit a bank branch?At Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sat down with Jamie Wellstern, Director of Saigon Fintech Capital, Galaxy Holdings executive, and founding member of Vietnam's International Financial Center initiative.In this fascinating conversation we explore:• Why financial literacy is becoming one of the most important skills for the next generation• The future of fintech and digital banking• Raising children in a cashless society• Why parents should involve children in business and professional life• The challenge of balancing family and career• Why Vietnam is becoming a major player in global finance• The vision behind Vietnam's International Financial CenterJamie also shares her experience working across global financial centers including London, Singapore, Luxembourg, Moscow, and Dubai before returning to Vietnam to help shape the country's financial future.Recorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

What does it take to bring more than 300 international finance leaders, investors, economists, and business professionals together in Vietnam?In this episode recorded at the Vietnam Financial Forum 2026, I sit down with Alex Castaneda, founder of Da Nang 365 and one of the driving forces behind many of the city's largest international events.We discuss:• The vision behind Vietnam Financial Forum 2026• Why Da Nang is emerging as a future fintech and innovation hub• The challenges of organizing large-scale international events• Vietnam's growing role in global finance• How COVID forced entrepreneurs to pivot and reinvent themselves• Da Nang 365's upcoming Summer Festival and Da Nang's Got TalentAlex also shares his personal journey from arriving in Vietnam in 2016 to becoming one of the most recognized community builders in Central Vietnam.Guest: Alex Castaneda | Da Nang 365Recorded at Vietnam Financial Forum 2026

What if overthinking isn't the problem?In this episode of Walkabout Elevations, I sit down with author, coach, and former Google and Uber executive Alex Ostergaard to explore the deeper causes of overthinking, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the constant search for validation.Alex shares his journey from growing up between three cultures, to working at some of the world's most prestigious technology companies, to experiencing burnout that ultimately changed the direction of his life.We discuss:• Why overthinking is often a protection mechanism• The hidden connection between achievement and self-worth• Burnout, anxiety, and imposter syndrome• Why success doesn't always bring fulfillment• The role of AI, social media, and modern technology in overthinking• Self-awareness, healing, and personal growth• The philosophy behind his book, Dissolving OverthinkingThis conversation goes far beyond productivity and mindset hacks. It's a deep exploration of identity, self-worth, and what it means to live a meaningful life.Guest: Alex OstergaardBook: Dissolving OverthinkingIf you enjoy thoughtful conversations about personal growth, psychology, mindfulness, and human potential, consider subscribing to Walkabout Elevations.

What happens when childhood trauma, foster care, addiction, fame, self-sabotage, and heartbreak collide?In this episode of Walkabout Elevations, I sit down with James, founder of Rise Above The Journey, for one of the most honest and vulnerable conversations we've had on the show.James shares his journey from an angry and deeply troubled young man growing up in foster care in Liverpool, to experiencing reality TV fame, addiction, self-destruction, and ultimately finding peace and purpose.We discuss:• Childhood trauma and foster care• The masks we wear to survive• Reality TV fame and the addiction to validation• Self-sabotage and why intelligent people often struggle most• Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life from rock bottom• The difference between healing and acceptance• Why safety may be what we're all searching for• The RISE framework: Recognize, Integrate, Shift, EmbodyThis is a conversation about transformation, resilience, and the possibility of becoming someone entirely different from the person you once were.If you've ever struggled with self-worth, identity, relationships, or feeling stuck in old patterns, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Ed Ryotatsu Barton, social confidence coach, former British diplomat, entrepreneur, and former Zen Buddhist monk.Ed's story is unlike any I've heard.From working inside the British Embassy in Beijing and struggling with severe anxiety, to building a successful online business, traveling the world, and eventually spending more than three years living as a Zen monk in Japan, his journey has been one of transformation, discipline, and self-discovery.One moment in particular changed everything.While driving through Sri Lanka with what seemed like the perfect life, Ed realized he had become someone he no longer liked. That realization set him on a path that would ultimately lead him to a Buddhist monastery in Japan and a completely different understanding of success, happiness, fear, and human potential.In this conversation we discuss:• Social anxiety and self-esteem• Life as a British diplomat in Beijing• Entrepreneurship and the digital nomad lifestyle• Buddhism, Zen, and meditation• The psychology of fear• Self-acceptance and self-love• Monastic training in Japan• Focus, concentration, and mental resilience• Exposure therapy and confidence building• The modern loneliness epidemic• What it means to live a meaningful lifeA fascinating conversation about transformation, courage, and what happens when we finally stop running from ourselves.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastExploring leadership, mindfulness, communication, performance, culture, entrepreneurship, and the human experience.#WalkaboutElevations #EdBarton #SocialAnxiety #ZenBuddhism #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with organizational psychologist, researcher, consultant, and entrepreneur Dr. Anna Wolf for a fascinating discussion on teamwork, leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.Why do smart teams fail?Why do employees stay silent when they see problems?And why, despite having more technology than ever before, are so many people feeling disconnected at work?Drawing from years of research in team science, organizational psychology, healthcare teams, leadership development, and remote work, Dr. Wolf explains what separates healthy, high-performing teams from dysfunctional ones and why psychological safety may be one of the most important factors in modern organizations.We discuss:• Why humans struggle to work together• The science of teamwork• Psychological safety and leadership• Why employees stop speaking up• Technology, AI, and human connection• Remote work and digital collaboration• Building trust in organizations• The loneliness problem in modern workplaces• Meaningful work and belonging• The future of leadership and organizational cultureWe also explore Dr. Wolf's new venture, Wavelength, an AI-powered platform designed to help teams measure and strengthen psychological safety in remote and hybrid work environments.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about leadership, mindset, performance, communication, and modern life.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with career coach, LinkedIn strategist, community builder, and Da Nang Nomad Festival co-founder Markos Korvesis.What started as a conversation about careers and remote work quickly evolved into something much deeper: freedom, belonging, community, and the search for a meaningful life.Markos shares his journey from Greece to Southeast Asia, how he reinvented his career, built communities across continents, and became one of the driving forces behind Da Nang’s thriving digital nomad ecosystem.We discuss:• The reality of digital nomad life• Why so many people are leaving traditional careers• Building community around the world• Why Da Nang has become a global hub for entrepreneurs and remote workers• The hidden job market most people never see• LinkedIn, personal branding, and career growth• Freedom, purpose, and belonging• Entrepreneurship and remote work• The truth about finding meaningful work• How community can transform your lifeWe also conduct a live LinkedIn audit and discuss practical ways professionals can improve their visibility, build stronger networks, and create new opportunities in an increasingly digital world.A fascinating conversation about work, identity, freedom, and what happens when you intentionally design your life instead of simply following the default path.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about mindset, performance, identity, travel, and modern life.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Sam Gute Rogers for one of the most honest and thought-provoking conversations we’ve had on the show so far.Sam shares his journey growing up between the United States and China, struggling with addiction and direction during college, getting arrested at 19, and eventually rebuilding his life through discipline, reflection, physical training, and radical honesty. We also explore:why so many people feel disconnected from themselvesthe difference between “mental health” and “mental fitness”victim mentality and personal responsibilitysocial conditioning and identitythe psychology of self-improvementbuilding community and belonging in Da Nangbody awareness, nervous systems, and emotional regulationwhy action matters more than endless self-analysisthe courage to completely reinvent yourselfOne of the strongest themes throughout this episode is the idea that growth isn’t about becoming perfect.It’s about becoming honest.A deeply human conversation on modern life, self-worth, discipline, purpose, and the long process of learning how to trust yourself again.🎥 Watch now and let us know what resonated most with you.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about identity, mindset, performance, and modern life.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Ondra Němčík, better known online as “RoboHumanist”: lifestyle engineer, coach, creator, and founder of a philosophy centered around optimizing human performance without losing our humanity in the process.We explore what modern technology, algorithms, AI, and constant stimulation are doing to the human nervous system… and why so many people feel anxious, distracted, disconnected, and mentally exhausted despite living in the most convenient era in human history.Ondra shares his journey through social anxiety, depression, content creation, community-building, and personal transformation and how he developed the RoboHumanist framework to merge neuroscience, philosophy, technology, and intentional living.We discuss:Anxiety, attention, and modern overstimulationThe psychology of social media and content addictionAI, creativity, and the future of human cognitionWhy hustle culture quietly destroys peopleContent creation as personal transformationCommunity, loneliness, and human connectionConsciousness, identity, and self-awarenessThe balance between high performance and inner peaceWhat it actually means to remain “Team Human” in the AI ageWalkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about mindset, identity, performance, and modern life.The Modern Human Is Overstimulated | Ondra Nemcik - RoboHumanist

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Jeremy Greene: public speaker, community builder, digital nomad, and creator behind @jeremytalkstostrangers.Jeremy openly shares his journey from social anxiety and depression into a life centered around confidence, human connection, and meaningful community. After traveling through more than 60 countries and spending years building relationships around the world, he’s developed a unique perspective on what modern people are truly missing.We explore: Why so many people struggle with loneliness and social anxietyThe psychology of confidence and connectionWhy talking to strangers can completely change your lifeThe hidden emotional cost of digital lifeCommunity, belonging, and modern isolationThe realities of long-term travel and digital nomad cultureContent creation as personal transformationWhat Jeremy learned working with travel YouTuber Drew BinskyThe difference between online visibility and real human connectionThis is a conversation about fear, identity, vulnerability, and what it means to remain deeply human in an increasingly disconnected world.Small production note: There’s a minor autofocus issue during the opening portion of the episode that gets resolved shortly after. Appreciate your patience; the conversation was absolutely worth keeping intact.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Toby Johnson, Founder and Director of Education at USA English, whose work spans over 16 years building English learning systems across China and now Vietnam.But this conversation is about what actually happens when people try to learn.Toby spent over a decade in Beijing working inside one of the most competitive private education markets in the world. What he saw there (and what most people miss) is a fundamental gap in how reading is taught.We break down why so many students spend years studying English but never become confident readers… and what actually needs to change.We also explore:The reality of building an education business in China vs VietnamWhy “easy words” aren’t actually easy for most learnersThe phonics gap and what it means for second-language learnersThe Science of Reading movement and why it matters nowHow Toby built Phunics and why decodable books change everythingThe role of technology, data, and phoneme tracking in modern learningWhat parents should really look for when choosing English programs for their kidsThis is a conversation about systems, not shortcuts.If you’re a parent, educator, or someone interested in how people actually learn, this one will shift how you think.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations PodcastReal conversations about performance, mindset, and growth.

In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with my friend Scott Robinson and this conversation goes far deeper than cycling. Scott’s story is one of transformation, discipline, and raw reinvention. We talk about a period of his life that most people would rather forget; being arrested and spending time in jail in the United States . And how that experience became a turning point rather than an endingFrom there, Scott rebuilt himself. He rose to become one of the top spinning instructors in America, developing a reputation for intensity, focus, and presence that few could match. And then… he took things even further.Scott went on to set a Guinness World Record for the fastest human-powered crossing of Africa: pushing through extreme conditions, physical exhaustion, and mental limits that most people will never come close to experiencing.We explore:How discipline can reshape a lifeThe psychology of extreme challengeLeadership, pressure, and personal responsibilityWhat Scott learned crossing one of the toughest environments on EarthIf you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or in need of a reset… this conversation will stay with you.🎙️ Walkabout Elevations Podcast: Real conversations about performance, mindset, and growth.

Working across cultures sounds simple, until you actually do it.In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Ibrahima Seck (Ibo), a cross-cultural communication and leadership expert who has worked in over 35 countries.We talk about:Why communication breaks down across culturesThe mistakes people make when working internationallyHow culture impacts leadership, sales, and trustReal stories of things going wrong (and what they teach us)How to adapt without losing yourselfIt’s a practical look beyond the theory at how people actually think, behave, and misunderstand each other across borders.If you'd like to get in touch with Ibrahima Seck, you can reach him here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimaseckhttps://thestrideco.comRecorded at Walkabout Studio in Da Nang, Vietnam.What People Get Wrong About Culture | Ibrahima Seck

AI is moving fast, but most people still don’t understand what’s actually changing.In this episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast, I sit down with Taj Sarin—AI strategist, educator, and futurist—to explore what the next 5–10 years might really look like.We talk about:The difference between using AI… and becoming dependent on itThe Human-AI loop and how it changes the way we thinkWhat people are getting wrong about AI right nowRecorded at Walkabout Studio in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The first episode of the Walkabout Elevations Podcast… and we start at the source.In this conversation, I sit down with Payman Lorenzo, podcast host and coach, to explore what podcasting really does beyond content.We talk about presence, listening, and how meaningful conversations shape the way we think and communicate. It’s what happens when you actually pay attention.