Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy, A Conversation with Bastian Bergmann.

December 12th, 2025 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL
In this interview, I speak to Bastian Bergmann, the author of "Press Play - Why Every Company Needs a Gaming Strategy." Bastian is cofounder and Chief Operating Officer of Solsten, a technology startup that empowers companies to create personalised content using AI and psychological data. Among its customers are globally…
12-12-2025 9:22:59
Thought Economics

 

A Conversation with Julian Metcalfe OBE, Founder of Pret a Manger & itsu

September 17th, 2025 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL
In this interview I speak to the Founder of Pret a Manger and itsu, Julian Metcalfe OBE, one of the UK’s most successful hospitality entrepreneurs. We discuss the realities of what it takes to build a scaling business together with his learnings on building some of the UK’s most successful…
17-09-2025 19:37:34
Thought Economics

 

A Conversation with Theo Paphitis, Serial Entrepreneur, Star of Dragon’s Den & Philanthropist

September 17th, 2025 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL
In this interview I speak to Theo Paphitis, Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist & Star of Dragon’s Den. We discuss his incredible career in entrepreneurship, his learnings on what it takes to build successful businesses & brands, the future of retail, and the realities of what entrepreneurial life is really like. 
17-09-2025 20:00:24
Thought Economics

 

A Conversation with UGG Founder, Brian Smith, on Building a Multi-Billion Dollar, Iconic Brand.

September 18th, 2025 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL
From the sandy beaches of Australia to the bustling walkways of international fashion, Brian Smith has masterfully navigated his entrepreneurial journey with audacity, resilience, and a surfer's spirit. Born with an insatiable passion for surfing, Brian has not only ridden waves but also the tides of the business world. A…
18-09-2025 15:21:04
Thought Economics

 

A Conversation with Jacqueline Gold CBE, Chief Executive of Ann Summers & Knickerbox.

October 4th, 2025 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL
Jacqueline Gold CBE is Chief Executive of Ann Summers and Knickerbox and is renowned for managing a business run by women, for women. Jacqueline is an activist for women in business, championing female entrepreneurs and, through sharing her own experiences, aims to better the working environment for women. Her attitude…
04-10-2025 16:18:36
Thought Economics

 

October 19th, 2023 · by Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL

An Interview with Interbrand Chairman, Rita Clifton In February 2012 in a paper titled, “The Role of Brands in Human Culture” I noted the significance of branding in our world.  To illustrate this, we should note that the top 10 global brands (as measured by the Interbrand index) have a…

19-10-2023 12:17:12
Thought Economics