connecting for FUTURE

**Episode #6 from the OMR 2023 with Erick Ocasio** This year’s mega-event attracted more than** 1,000 exhibitors**, **over 800 speakers** **and 70,000 visitors to keynotes, panels and live concerts on seven stages and 240 master classes focusing on AI**. From the **OMR 2023** in Hamburg with Erick Ocasio, CEO & Founder Leadership is Tricky LLC, Podcast Host of Leadership is Tricky, Harvard Senior Executive Fellow, Director - Programs, Policy & Projects at USAREUR-AF G6 US Army, VP Professional Development @ AUSA.

In this episode, we talk with Vinod Kumar (CEO of Vodafone Business and ex-CEO of Tata Communications - Vinod was appointed CEO, Vodafone Business and member of the Executive Committee on 8 July 2019 with effect from 2 September 2019. He is responsible for Vodafone’s business to business operations globally. Vinod brings over 30 years of telecommunications experience to Vodafone, gained in a wide variety of global roles spanning Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas. Most recently, Vinod was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Communications, where he first joined as its Chief Operations Officer in 2004. Prior to Tata Communications Vinod was Senior Vice President at Asia Netcom, where he was actively involved in the asset sale of Asia Global Crossing to China Netcom, resulting in the formation of Asia Netcom.Vinod holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and throughout his career has had a passion for creating and developing high performance teams. As CEO of Vodafone Business, he is responsible for leading one of the world's largest telecommunications providers, with the unique needs of enterprise customers across the globe. Under his guidance, Vodafone Business has continually evolved to meet the rapidly changing demands of the digital age, empowering businesses to navigate and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

#7 CEO No Isolation Karen Dolva. She has been named amongst the "100 most inspiring women in the world" by the BCC, as well as one of the "Top 50 Women in Tech" by Forbes.

When two podcast hosts, old friends, and leaders from very different worlds come together — you get more than conversation. You get soul. In this high-energy episode of Connecting For Future, host Christian from Vodafone Business sits down with Erick Ocasio and Sarah from US Army Europe and Africa to explore the powerful intersection of leadership, military strategy, and future-ready technology. Set against a nostalgic soundtrack (yes, we’re talking Boyz II Men), this episode dives deep into experience, trust, technology, and what it really means to lead through complexity — with a tie on and a story to tell. Whether you're in a boardroom or a briefing room, this episode is for leaders who know that strategy and soul go hand in hand.

In this special episode recorded live at the OMR Festival in Hamburg, we sit down with Marika Auramo, CEO of Vodafone Business, for a powerful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of B2B. From her unique leadership mindset to the transformative trends shaping how businesses connect, Marika shares hard-earned insights, fresh perspectives, and practical advice for future leaders navigating a world in flux. We explore the electrifying energy of OMR, the shift toward more human, creative B2B experiences — and the habits that keep Marika grounded at the top. Plus: a rapid-fire round where we get personal — from favorite cities to leadership quotes to AI in one word. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, aspiring leader, or just curious about where tech and business are headed next, this episode is for you.

Connecting for Future – Featuring Benoît Koenig, Co-Founder of Veesion In this exciting episode of Connecting for Future, we welcome Benoît Koenig, the visionary co-founder of Veesion 🚀, a cutting-edge AI video surveillance solution. Benoît shares his unbelievable journey: how his family had to close several stores in Paris due to shoplifting 🏪💔 and how this inspired him to create a technology that helps retailers tackle theft with intelligence and efficiency. But that’s not all! Benoît dives deep into: ✨ Practical tips for companies and start-ups on thriving in today’s competitive landscape. 🌍 What Europe needs to do to better support innovation and entrepreneurs. 💡 How resilience and creativity can transform challenges into groundbreaking solutions. This episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and a vision for a smarter, safer future 🔑. Don’t miss it! 🎧

**Episode #17** In this episode we speak with **Anna-Lena von Hodenburg**, CEO HateAid. In this episode of Connecting for Future, we dive into the critical intersection of human rights and the digital world. Our guest, Anna-Lena von Hodenburg, CEO of HateAid, sheds light on the growing challenges of online abuse, the erosion of digital rights, and how HateAid is empowering individuals to stand up against hate speech and digital violence.

**Episode #16** In this episode we speak with **Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Gerhard Fettweis**, a distinguished figure in the field of telecommunications. ow innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping the future of technology. Prof. Fettweis shared his insights on the evolution of mobile networks, covering the advancements from 5G to the anticipated 6G and even 7G technologies. He offered a fascinating glimpse into the future, highlighting how these advancements will revolutionize communication, connectivity, and the digital landscape as a whole.

**Episode #15** In this episode we speak with **Johannes Kliesch**, co-founder and CEO of **SNOCKS** WHY NOT Growth, Business and Mindset, what is really important? WHY NOT - listen in.

**Episode #14** In this episode we speak with **Danijel Stanic**, Senior Business Development Manager, Samsung.

**Episode #13** In this episode we speak with **Jon Buckthorp**, Commercial Director Differentiated.

In this episode we speak with Hartmut U. Mueller, Chief Transformation Officer at ServiceNow, a leading provider of cloud-based platform solutions for digital workflows. With over 20 years of experience in leading mid to large scale transformations, he leverages his transformation leadership skills to connect with executives and stakeholders around vision, strategy, consensus, and action. He has a proven track record of delivering value and results in different industries, working at consultancies, systems integrators, and product companies. He is an expert in IT Software Development and IT Infrastructure, as well as cyber security, data strategy & management, dynamic platforms, enterprise architecture, and IT sourcing and supplier management. He is certified in agile and systems thinking methodologies, and is passionate about driving digital innovation and growth with cyber resilience. He is also a member of the EMEA Regional Advisory Board at Technology Business Management (TBM) Council, a global network of technology and business leaders.

In this episode we speak with Dan Swift, CEO numentum. "Companies need to rethink everything when it comes to Go-to-Market strategies. The world has moved so significantly in the last three, four, five years that everything needs to change."

In this episode we speak with Uli Irnich, CIO Vodafone Germany & Markus Kuckertz, Head of IT Strategy and Innovation.

Philipp Westermeyer is founder and CEO of OMR - the leading platform for the global digital economy, content, events and technology. The annual OMR Festival is one of the world's largest digital industry events. The OMR subsidiary "Podstars" produces over 100 podcast formats

AST SpaceMobile has a bold plan to use space-based cellular broadband networks to directly connect smartphones to the web.

In this episode, we talk with Shameel Joosub, who is a prominent business executive known for his role as the CEO of Vodacom Group, a leading telecommunications company in Africa. Under his leadership, Vodacom has experienced significant growth and expansion, particularly in the realm of financial technology, with the introduction of innovative services like M-Pesa. One of Joosub's notable achievements is his recognition of the immense potential of fintech in Africa. M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer and payment service, was introduced by Vodacom under Joosub's tenure. M-Pesa revolutionized the way financial transactions were conducted, especially in countries with limited access to traditional banking infrastructure. It enabled users to send and receive money, pay bills, and access other financial services through their mobile phones. The service proved to be immensely popular and successful, transforming the financial landscape across the continent. Joosub's leadership style has been instrumental in Vodacom's success in the fintech space. He has displayed a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the need for technological innovation to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa. Joosub's strategic vision has helped Vodacom leverage its extensive telecommunications network to offer financial services that address the financial inclusion gap prevalent in many African countries. Under Joosub's guidance, Vodacom has also forged strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including financial institutions and governments, to further strengthen the reach and impact of its fintech initiatives. These collaborations have facilitated the expansion of M-Pesa and other financial services, making them more accessible to a wider population. As a leader, Joosub has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and adapt to changing market dynamics. He has emphasized the importance of creating sustainable business models that not only drive profitability but also contribute to socio-economic development in the communities Vodacom serves. In summary, Shameel Joosub's leadership as the CEO of Vodacom Group has been instrumental in leveraging the power of fintech, particularly through the introduction of M-Pesa. His strategic vision, emphasis on collaboration, and ability to adapt have positioned Vodacom as a key player in the African fintech landscape, enabling greater financial inclusion and transforming the way people access and manage their money across the continent.

Episode #3 is about ChatGPT and Media... with Dr. Christian Sellmann, Chief Sales Officer, Handelsblatt Media Group

Episode #2 is about Kieler Week, Data and the CIO Job.. with Dirk Ramhorst CIO Evonik.